20 January 2012 / 25 Tevet, 5772 Volume 16 Number 1 12 of the Best for Our Benjy Pages 7-17

BOOKS: TINY SUNBIRDS FAR AWAY / 21 ‘A heartwrenching novel...’

www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 20 January 2012 / 25 Tevet, 5772 Volume 16 Number 1 12 of the best for our Benjy Pages 7-17

Crawford Sandton matriculant Benjy Levin, who achieved the most distinctions in the country (12), with the awards that he won during his last school year, including the Durbach Languages Trophy, the Van Wyk Official Languages Trophy, the David Gordon Trophy for Initiative and the Fisher Hoffman Stride Economics Trophy for Accounting, Business Studies and Information Technology. Benjy stresses that concentrating in class and understanding what you study, are some of the keys to his success. This bright young man even made time for extramural activities as well. Benjy plans to study at an Ivy League university. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER) - IN THIS EDITION -

6 FREUND: From Wannsee to Tehran 5 Former 20 South 18 Basil Jhb Africa’s Kransdorff mayor ‘Geliefde is building Issy Doortjie’ South Schlapobersky passes Africa with - ‘father of the away 2 Jewish couple with SA roots his e’Pap motorways’ survives cruiseship disaster 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 SHABBAT TIMES SPONSORED BY: PARSHA OF THE WEEK Prisoners of patience

PARSHAT VAEIRA Rabbi Yossy Goldman Sydenham Shul

WE KEEP hearing about tolerance. Be accepting of other people, of differences. Diverse cultures need to find ways of coexisting on a planet that keeps getting smaller. But there Arguably the largest luxury cruise ship in the world, on its side, just are times when too much tolerance can be detrimental. Like when the Jews were slaves in Egypt. 200m from the coast of Italy’s Giglio Island, shortly after it was holed by “And I shall take you out from under the burdens of rocks last Friday evening. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WWW.TOPUSPOST.NET) Egypt” is the promise the A-mighty told Moses to pass on to the Jewish people in this week’s parsha. One of my holy ancestors, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir of Gur (widely known by his work Chiddushei HaRim), once re-interpreted the Hebrew Davis couple survive word for “burdens” - sivlos - to mean patience, as in savlanut in modern Israeli Hebrew today. Costa Concordia disaster What he meant was that before the Children of Israel could be freed from Pharaoh, G-d had to first free them of ROBYN SASSEN their own inner bondage. Years of slavery and drudgery had left the Israelites so oppressed and so hopeless that they had GLENHAZEL resident Mau- sunk into a terrible tolerance, accepting their situation as reen Rubenstein told the SA January 20/25 Tevet final and unalterable. Jewish Report how her January 21/ 26 Tevet Depression had taken its toll on the Jewish psyche and nephew Laurance Davis and they were in no position to leave Egypt. They were so low, so his wife Andy were among the 18:15 19.38 Johannesburg downtrodden, that at that stage freedom was unimaginable. few to have miraculously sur- 18:31 20:36 Cape Town Some of us are too tolerant of intolerable situations and vived the crash of the Costa so long-suffering that we ourselves become insufferable. 18:15 19:35 Durban Concordia cruise ship off the Before G-d can take us out of our personal Egypts we need Italian coast last Friday. 18:20 19:52 Bloemfontein to banish the “suffering servant” mentality from our own The ship had its hull ripped 18:03 20:07 Port Elizabeth headspace. through when it hit rocks, 18:15 19:55 East London Some years ago I was doing marriage counselling for a hours after leaving the port of couple who were having domestic troubles. During one of Civitavecchia for a week- our sessions, the wife confided that she would never suspect long cruise. The captain had Laurance and Andy Davis, back home in her husband of being unfaithful. When I asked her why, she deliberately steered the ship Calgary. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WWW.CAL- said: “He’s too lazy, listless and lethargic. He would never toward Giglio Island, to GARYHERALD.COM) Published by have the energy to even attempt an affair. salute the family of a crew- S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, “He has no ambition. He never gets angry no matter what member who live there – and ven- swam to the shore. I was very PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 I do. I can scream and shout, abuse him, send him to the dog tured too close to the shore. scared. I swam backstroke and Tel: (011) 023-8160 house and he never says Boo! I can feed him bread and jam “Laurance Davis is my late broth- could see the ship leaning over. I Fax: (086) 634-7935 Printed by Caxton Ltd for dinner every night and he will never complain.” er’s son,” Rubenstein said. “He lives was terrified it would crush us. I It reminded me of the story of the shtetl shlemiel whose EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin in Calgary, Canada, with his wife told my wife to kick!” [email protected] wife had her girlfriends over and wanted to demonstrate to and their two children. They’d visit- Consular services put up all sur- COMMERCIAL MANAGER them how she was the master of her home. So she called ed South Africa during December, vivors in Rome before flying them Sue Morris over her husband and started giving him all sorts of little to see Laurance’s new granddaugh- home, first class, on Monday. There [email protected] chores around the house.“Shlemiel do this, shlemiel do that, ter, and were taking a detour weren’t enough life boats or life Sub-Editor - Paul Maree shlemiel come here, go there.” through London and Italy, to cele- jackets for all 4 200 souls on board. Ed Co-ordinator - Sharon Akum [email protected] The timid little man did everything as commanded. Then brate both their birthdays before Miraculously, Davis, who is short- for her grand finale, the shrew says: “Now shlemiel, I want Sports Editor - Jack Milner they went home. sighted, had the prescience to put his [email protected] you to go under the table and stay there until I call for you.” “And then suddenly I saw glasses in his pocket before jumping Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey So Shlemiel dutifully obeys. After 10 minutes, she calls for Laurance on the news! They into the sea; even more miraculous- Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen him to come out from under the table. At this point our jumped from the equivalent height ly, the glasses did not break! [email protected] shlemiel decides to assert his manhood and defiantly of four storeys into the sea and then At the time of going to press, 11 Cape Town correspondent declares: “I’m not coming out from under the table just swam about 200m to the shore, people are known to have died and Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 because you told me to. I will stay here as long as I please. I when the ship started keeling.” hopes are fading for the remaining Pretoria correspondent Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 will show you who is the boss in this house!” “‘We’re gone,’ I thought” Davis 23 passengers who have still not I remember when we were busy doing alterations on our Advertising - (011) 023-8160 (60), an insurance salesman, told been accounted for. The ship’s cap- [email protected] house and I was convinced that the new tiles in one of the international news media. “We tain, Captain Francesco Schettino Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 rooms didn’t look straight. When we had a site meeting with were in the ship’s dining room, and has been blamed for the accident, [email protected] the builder and the architect, I asked the architect to give us we heard a tremendous thud. Then and is currently being held on suspi- Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 his opinion. He said I was right but that, unfortunately, this the lights went out. Then they told cion of manslaughter and for aban- [email protected] was the standard of workmanship today and it was accept- us to come on deck. Then every- doning his vessel. As the rescue Freelance Advertising Executives able. thing started sloping and the water operation continues, a further oper- Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 [email protected] I couldn’t believe my ears. Why should I have to accept was up to our knees. ation is underway to pump out the inferior work? It was plain to see that the tiles and the ceil- Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 “It was then that I realised we had vessel’s fuel oil before it leaks out [email protected] ing were not lining up! Sadly, we live in a world of medioc- to jump or we would drown. We and damages a maritime reserve. Classified Sales rity where society - including the very professionals who Charissa Newman should be safeguarding those standards - has become toler- [email protected] ant of that mediocrity. KASHRUT ALERT Manager: Distribution Britt Landsman It pains me when I see many Jewish organisations in our TIM TAM BISCUITS IN SA ARE NOT KOSHER Design and layout community lowering the bar of professionalism and accept- Frankie Matthysen ing inferior standards on so many levels. We seem to be The kashrut department of the Union of Orthodox Synagogues Nicole Cook plagued by a morass of mediocrity. We should always strive advises that Tim Tam biscuits available in South Africa are not Website for excellence and insist on the highest standards - whether kosher, even when bearing the KA logo on the packaging. www.sajewishreport.co.za According to Kosher Australia, these are definitely not kosher Ilan Ossendryver at work or in the synagogue. Patience and tolerance are IC-Creations virtues but we have become too tolerant. unless there is a KA also by the use-by date. The non-kosher variety [email protected] In order to become truly free, we must first remove the will say “Not Kosher” by the use-by date. Subscription enquiries shackles of servitude from our own mentality. We must stop Bestnut Royal Mix and Bestnut Tokyo Snack are no longer certi- Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860-13-2652 fied by the Beth Din with or without the Beth Din Logo. BOARD OF DIRECTORS being so patient and accepting of all that is oppressive in our Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh lives - whether it be slavery, exile, discrimination, anti- Boudoir Biscuits produced in Portugal are kosher certified as (Deputy Chairman), Marlene Bethlehem, Semitism or mediocrity in general. parev, with or without the Beth Din logo. Norman Lowenthal, Bertie Lubner, Benjy There are some varieties of Nestle ice-cream that are not kosher Porter, Herby Rosenberg, Howard Sack- n. We can become masters of our own destiny if we want to. stein, Jason Valkin, Elton Bondi, Michael But the first step on the road to our own personal exodus is certified. All kosher certified products have a Beth Din logo. Sieff, Steven Krawitz and Denese Bloch. to lower our threshold for tolerance and break out of the If the product has a Beth Din logo and word milchik does not Advertisements and editorial copy from outside sources do prison of patience. appear under the Beth Din logo, the product is parev. not neccessarily reflect the views of the editors and staff. 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 Trevor Stamelman: 082-608-0168 Geoff Lees 082-923-8317 Tel: (011) 885-3742 [email protected] Our man in Mangaung www.stamelmanproperties.co.za ‘Extraordinary Service, Extraordinary Trust’ Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein reflects on the ANC’s Centenary celebrations, ROUXVILLE SYDENHAM SANDRINGHAM STUNNER SYDENHAM SENSATION interfaith dialogue and connections between religion and politics in South Africa.

STEVEN GRUZD fontein’s small but warm and welcoming Jewish community. Amazing home with studio flatlet: 4 3/4 recep, modern flowing, 4 bed, 3 bath, CHIEF RABBI Goldstein was invited to deliver In characterising interfaith dialogue in Modern simplex with garden: tiled recep, recep, eat-in kitchen, 5 bed, 3 bath, pool Modern flowing receptions, gourmet kitchen, chef’s kitchen, pool, deck, jacuzzi, garden an opening prayer on Sunday January 8, 2012, contemporary South Africa, Rabbi mod kitchen, 2 bed, 2 bath, secure park- & garden, double staff and income-pro- 3 beds, 2 baths, garden and pool with and much more. at the celebrations to commemorate 100 years Goldstein felt that multilateral relations, on ing, R1 050 000 ducing flatlet. From R2 999 000. exquisite entertainment area, R2 100 000 From R2 999 000 (asking more) since the founding of the African National the whole, were becoming healthier than HAPPY HIGHLANDS NORTH HIGHLANDS NORTH GLENHAZEL HIGHLANDS NORTH Congress in Mangaung (Bloemfontein). bilateral ones. In blazing sunshine before a packed Free “The interfaith concept is deeply rooted in State Stadium, he recited the Birkat the ‘New South Africa’”, he noted. HaKohanim (priestly blessing) from the He hoped that the newly-formed National Book of Numbers, explaining that it was one Inter-Faith Leaders Council of South Africa of humankind’s oldest blessings, having - uniting the previously squabbling National 3 recep, 3/4 bed, 2 bath, entertainer’s Cosy and comfortable, large recep, huge OFFICES - Main road: excellent position, 3 recep, overlooking gardens and pool, patio and enclosed garden, secure inside been said in Biblical times, in the Temple and Religious Leaders Forum and National eat-in kitchen, 3 bed, 2 bath, cottage or loads of secure parking, ideal for small modern kitchen, 3 bed, study, 2 bath, parking and more. Walk to Norwood Mall. still in the synagogue to this day. Inter-Faith Leadership Council - would work from home, staff accom, secure business owners, with all you need and staff accom, 2 cottages, secure parking Call Henry Goldschmidt to view 082- He shared the podium with a representa- finally move beyond the politicisation that parking, pool and more. R1 300 000 more. R1,9 mil (call to view) and more. R2,1 mil 347-8044. Asking mid-R1 mil tive of African traditional religion and the had hobbled the constituent formations to HAPPY 2012 STILL TIME TO SELL OR BUY WITH STAMELMAN PROPERTIES AND WIN AN ISLAND Reverend Jesse Jackson. Although some become a more effective moral voice in inter- HOLIDAY AND OTHER GREAT PRIZES SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AND CALL TREVOR TODAY TO JOIN! observers questioned why no Hindu or action with government. It’s been a turbu- Muslim religious leaders offered prayers, lent few years, which has been a pity. It’s Rabbi Goldstein said: “The ANC has such a time to settle down and get on with things.” strong tradition of diversity, of including all But should religion and politics mix? In a groups… so I would be very surprised if multi-ethnic, diverse democracy, with many other religious leaders were not invited.” different views and interpretations, Rabbi When asked why he’d chosen to attend Goldstein believes it is imperative the what was, after all, a political party’s Jewish community is part of national con- anniversary and not a state occasion, Rabbi versations: “In this country, religion is a Goldstein defended the ANC’s right to cele- major force in terms of numbers and brate its impressive achievements and did impact, and we look to religious leaders to not feel that his presence should be seen as play an important role in society. My own necessarily endorsing any political views. philosophy of Judaism is that involvement He said: “My position is that all major in the world is part and parcel of Hashem’s political parties are involved in constructing vision in our Torah. I don’t have to take off the future of South Africa and when a key my yarmulke, metaphorically,” he chuckles, organisation like the ANC requests a prayer, “to do things that matter to society.” it was only right to oblige. To have declined He explains that projects he’s championed would not have been proper. I would have - like CAP to provide better security in done the same had other parties invited me.” Johannesburg’s suburbs, the Sinai Indaba of He added that he’d enjoyed the atmosphere Jewish learning and the Bill of and the energy in the stadium, and was also Responsibilities – are all strongly grounded pleased to spend Shabbat with Bloem- in Jewish values. Absa reaffirms relationship with Jewish Achievers At a breakfast hosted by Absa Bank towards the end of last year, Bobby Malabie, chief executive of Absa Business Bank, and Howard Sackstein, chairman of the Jewish Achievers Committee and member of the board of directors of the SA Jewish Report, signed the agreement confirm- ing Absa’s sponsorship of awards at this year’s Jewish Achievers’ function later this year. In his talk to the guests at the breakfast, Malabie spoke about the positive relationship between Absa and the Jewish Report. Absa has been a major sponsor of the Jewish Achiever Awards since 2003. (PHOTO- GRAPH BY JOE YUDELOWITZ) 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 KING DAVID HIGH SCHOOL VICTORY PARK SOCIAL SCENE Ossac empowers through skills and knowledge RITA LEWIS Ossac’s high level of teaching Carol Moshuwe Ossac’s computer facili- HEBREW TEACHING POST – GRADE 8-10 PHOTOGRAPHS: has created a tremendous tator with Marc Lubner the CEO of MEIRA PUTERMAN improvement in the literacy, Afrika Tikkun. numeracy, cooking, baking and CRITERIA ONCE AGAIN the end-of-year computer skills of the students party for the many students of and the display of clothes which • Fluency in Hebrew Ossac (the Oxford Synagogue were all made by the students • Academic qualification Skills for Adults Centre) was the exemplified this. culmination of a year’s work. It Several of the students gave a • Ability to work with teenagers was also the opportunity for few touching words on how • Commitment to Jewish and Zionist values those who were part of the Ossac had impacted on their dressmaking group to display lives - for the better. some of the clothes they had Marc Lubner, CEO of out- Availability: Immediate made during the year. reach organisation Afrika Despite the fact that many of Tikkun, which funds Ossac, was the students have fulltime jobs, full of praise for the achieve- A letter of application, Curriculum Vitae and contact they had all made the time to ments of the group and high- information with referees, should be e-mailed to: attend regularly. lighted the need to prepare Oxford Shul’s Rabbi Yossi and Rivky [email protected] This was also a fitting tribute young people for South Africa’s Chaikin. to all the effort, time and caring job market. their teachers had expended, as Much of the success of the The school reserves the right not to make an appointment. well as the work done for them by project is due to the input of the Ossac executive. Beryl Unterhalter and her team Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. This had also assisted them in who work tirelessly. Unterhalter aspiring (and reaching) the level praised everyone including the of competence they had attained. volunteer teachers without Florence Melton Adult Mini-School - A Project of the Hebrew University In welcoming everyone to the whom this project would not be Is Coming to Johannesburg March 2012 function at Oxford Shul, Rabbi as successful as it is. Yossi Chaikin said how proud he, Shelia Kemp, chairman of the Two dress- and all the organisers were to see Ossac Executive Committee making the achievements of the students, thanked Rabbi Chaikin and students Lubner for their words and sin- which would go a long way in “model” enhancing their future lives. gled out Unterhalter “who had He was proud to come every worked tirelessly for years and their wed- year and each time to see their without whom there would be no ding progress and spirit of friendship. Ossac”. dresses.

Find out why 30 000 graduates worldwide have committed themselves to the Melton way of driving through we spotted an become lost, we eventually arrived adult Jewish learning – a text based curriculum which is non-prescriptive and interactive. COMMUNITY BUZZ impressive looking shopping mall in Tzaneen, a very busy, bustling LIONEL SLIER reminiscent of those only found in town, evident as we drove through A Johannesburg team is working in collaboration with Cape Town’s Midrasha Adult Education the bigger cities and as the ‘inno- the town centre and at points where Institute, which has been driving Melton for 6 years, to bring this dynamic and exciting pro- 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, cently ignorant’ we would wonder as we asked directions, enquiries gramme to our community. [email protected] to whether or not Jews still reside about Jewish presence were met here in significant numbers. with blank unknowing stares. The MELTON CLASSIC CORE COURSE LIMPOPO PROVINCE “Indeed, and of course, I am well Beth Hatefutsoth Jewish Life aware that since 1885 the town boast- Volume, always at hand, informed Explore the philosophy, history, ethics and practice of Jewish life, moving through biblical texts to Marc Kopman (Krugersdorp): ed a most vibrant Jewish communi- us of the rest, no Jewish formal modern commentaries: Taught over 2 years spanning 60 lessons. ty in every sense of the word. In fact, congregation had existed. The “On my travel, again looking for the excellent Beth Hatefutsoth’s vol- Jewish residents had made use of Year 1 vanishing Jewish footprints in the ume lists almost 300 Jewish names Pietersburg’s fine facilities. A very country districts. bearing mute testimony to this fact! empty feeling when you realise that Rhythms of Jewish Living: Ideas, beliefs and practices which shape Jewish life and observanc- “Well, what with itchy feet and a “I have previously reported on my whatever Jewish life existed there es; Purpose of Jewish Living: Essential Jewish theological concepts as they unfold in biblical, 32nd wedding anniversary to go off trip there with fellow congregant, is no more. Talmudic and other sacred texts. and celebrate, my wife, Bev and I Harley Hirschmann (former Pieters- “Gravelotte: Eventually passed chose Ekhuleni Lodge in Limpopo burg) where we visited the immacu- through this hamlet and again, the Year 2 Province between Hoedspruit and lately kept Jewish cemetery, includ- same story repeats itself. The Phalaborwa. This is how it went; ing a tablet at the entrance depicting Jewish traders and hoteliers there Dramas of Jewish Living: Dramatic developments, experience and issues from sadly from leaving home in the history of the congregation as also once upon a time used the different periods in Jewish history Krugersdorp and travelling past well as the shul (now used as munic- Pietersburg facilities. Originally, Pretoria, these would be the only ipal offices) and where this family Jewish mining magnates Hersov, Ethics of Jewish Living: Ethical issues with case studies from Talmudic, rabbinic two places where Jewish life still lived. Menell and Erleigh had been firmly and contemporary literature. exists all the way to our destination, “We had met with Morris at the forefront of Gravelotte’s early however, mercifully not so the case Jedwood, one of the last few remain- economical activity and develop- Contact Ariella Milner Course Co-ordinator on 082 804 6113 on our way back: ing Jews in the town and spent time ment. Again, we could detect no cur- “Polokwane (Pietersburg): This with him. Nothing more to add this rent signs of any Jewish presence in or [email protected] town was the first major growth time around! the here and now.” Visit www.fmams.org.il for more details point which we encountered and “Tzaneen: Having temporarily To be continued.

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STAFF REPORTER Schlapobersky also served on the city’s Frankel, he started the Saturday morning management committee in the 1960s, and on services at the Lions Synagogue in FORMER Johannesburg mayor Israel (Issy) many other committees, including finance. Doornfontein over 40 years ago, and attend- Schlapobersky (pictured), who also played a During his tenure, he initiated many new ed regularly until about a year ago. He vital role in the running of the Lions Shul in developments in the city, including a world- served the Jewish community with dedica- Doornfontein, passed away at the age of 96. wide competition for the design of the Civic tion and was a member of the SA Jewish Schlapobersky dedicated his life to public Centre in Braamfontein. Board of Deputies. and community interests and he related to One of his most notable achievements was “His Lithuanian Jewish roots and humble people from all walks of life equally. the city’s motorway system. He was known as beginnings in Belgravia/Jeppe played a big He served as a city councillor for 38 years, the “father of the motorways”, which took 10 role in his unswerving integrity and moral first under the Progressive Federal Party, years to build. He obtained a huge subsidy standards. He was a true leader who led by which later became the Democratic Party from the national government for the example - a powerful man in an unassuming and then the DA. He was first elected coun- upgrade and extension of the motorway sys- way. cillor in 1957. From 1988 he represented the tem around the city. He had been refused the “He was a humanist right to the end, a wards of Observatory, Bez Valley, Linksfield subsidy five times. people’s person, charming and always and De Wetshof. Schlabobersky was the first graduate of endearing himself to anyone who met him.” In 1967 – ‘68 he was deputy mayor, and was the University of the Witwatersrand to he said. elected mayor the following year. The title become mayor of Johannesburg. Schlapobersky leaves three children and “alderman” was bestowed on him in 1983. According to his grandson Steven eight grandchildren. Louis Rimer – a dignified man of noble qualities

ROBYN SASSEN Indeed, last year sometime, Darren “Whackhead” Simp- CHAZZAN LOUIS Rimer son of 94.7 Highveld Stereo, (pictured), who started off played a telephone prank on as a boy soprano in Berele him, in his capacity as a tomb- Chaggy’s choir in the stone guy. Simpson was “com- 1930s, and rose to become missioning” a tombstone that one of the more popular told the truth, about a freelance chazzanim in maligned late relative. Johannesburg and the Rabbi Goldman fondly outlying districts during explained, “In his own way, the 1950s and 1960s, died Louis was so genuine, he frus- suddenly as a result of a trated Whackhead’s attempt at fall at the age of 83. making a mockery of him.” Said Rabbi Yossy Chazzan Rimer leaves his Goldman, of the Syden- wife Pearl, sons Jerome, ham-Highlands North Gavin and Jonathan, daugh- Shul, of which Chazzan ter-in-law Pam and a grand- Rimer had been a member daughter, born a few days

for 25 years: “Musically, ILAN OSSENDRYVER BY PHOTOGRAPH before he died. Chazzan Rimer was very talented; he composed a particular kedusha, often used by choirs in the community. He truly had a gutte neshomah.” Born on May 10, 1928 in Bertrams, Johannesburg, Chazzan Rimer was trained by opera tenor, Francis Russel and is fondly remembered as having a melodic sweet voice, tempered by his feeling for the music. He ELEGANT LADIES retired from chazzanut at the age of 65 and went into the tombstone industry in 1980. FASHIONWEAR Last May, Chazzan Rimer celebrated his second barmitzvah at the Sydenham Shul. Final two weeks of A dignified man of noble qualities, Rimer was described as a pillar of love, support and courage by his loved ones. “He had a very dif- SUMMER SALE ficult life,” added Rabbi Goldman. “At the age up to less 60% of six, he was involved in a car accident, which left him slightly handicapped, but did- on selected items. n’t compromise his ability to function, to joke and smile, readily. OPEN SUNDAY “He was self-taught in davening, from lis- tening and practising. He loved Sydenham 22 JANAUARY 10-1 Shul, best of all, and he had certainly been Closed Shabbos. around, in terms of shul experience,” said Rabbi Goldman. “Chazzan Rimer was well 9 Grafton Avenue, Craighall Park known and well loved in the shul family; his sweetness and sincerity were all pervading.” Tel: (011) 447-0337 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 OPINION AND ANALYSIS Congratulations FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS and good luck From Wannsee to Tehran CONSISTENT WITH the pattern of recent years, the 2011 matric results of the Jewish day schools are out- THIS MONTH marks the 70th anniversary of one of the standing. They – again - achieved 100 per cent pass most chilling events of the modern era. rates. This has almost become the benchmark and is On January 20, 1942, 15 senior Nazi officials headed by SS something of which we should be enormously proud. General Reinhard Heydrich, convened at a villa outside of FUNDAMENTALLY Jewish kids at other schools such as Crawford Berlin in the suburb of Wannsee, to discuss the “Final College, Eden and Pretoria Boys’ High, to name some, Solution of the Jewish Question”. also did very well. FREUND Though the Germans had already been busy murdering Without doubt, part of the learners’ success can be MICHAEL FREUND Jews en masse for some time, the Wannsee Conference, as attributed to solid, traditional Jewish family values, it came to be known, sought to co-ordinate efforts across where a drive for learning and excelling is inculcated the various arms of the Nazi regime with the aim of fully tional oil shipments, in retaliation for Western sanctions. from a very young age. implementing Hitler’s plan to eradicate the Jewish people. And the Iranians even went so far as to confirm reports Not enough credit can be given to the Jewish day It set in motion a full-fledged and synchronised bureau- that they have begun to enrich uranium at a second facility school system as a whole, where there is an ethos of cratic endeavour unprecedented in the history of in defiance of United Nations resolutions. dedicated teaching and learning. The schools hand- mankind, one which resulted in the systematic murder of They are openly thumbing their noses at the internation- pick the best teachers in every field. The aborted OBE six million Jews. al community, obviously calculating that they can get away system of recent years, which negatively affected so As we look back at that frightening event, and consider with doing so. many unfortunate learners in the country, did not just how close its participants came to achieving their If this is how Iran conducts itself before acquiring “the dent the exemplary results achieved at the Jewish monstrous goals, there are two words which inevitably Bomb”, can you imagine what they would do if they were schools, since steps had been taken to work around ring loudly in our minds: Never Again. actually to obtain a nuclear arsenal? the problems it created. After the Holocaust, with all the defiance and determina- The threat that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose to Israel Among the matriculants, there are also obviously tion that we could muster, the Jewish people made a vow and the entire Western world cannot and must not be youngsters who are comparatively less gifted. that we would not allow another genocidal fiend to threat- underestimated. On a visit to Venezuela on January 10, However, many of them, with the devoted help of par- en our existence. Ahmadinejad and his host Hugo Chavez joked before the ents, teachers and the school as a whole, also But the question we need to ask ourselves with utmost television cameras about having a “big atomic bomb” at achieved good results – thus the 100 per cent pass sincerity is: Do we really mean it? their disposal. rate. After all, there is a gathering storm over the horizon, as An atomic Iran would threaten its neighbours, under- We must not only applaud learners who obtained the Iranian regime drives relentlessly towards its goal of mine the stability of the region, and endanger the future of distinctions, but also those who may have to work developing a nuclear arsenal. Western civilisation. twice as hard because they are not naturally talented. Are we really prepared to take the steps necessary to Like it or not, 2012 is a year of decision. In the coming A learner who, through tenacious hard work, stop them? months, there will be no shying away from a momentous achieves a pass in a subject in which he or she strug- Make no mistake. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the would-be choice. Iran will either be stopped, or the ayatollahs will be gles, is just as worthy of praise as others. Hitler of Persia, has spoken openly of his ambition to wipe able to construct their own weapons of mass destruction. It is also to the credit of our Jewish matriculants Israel off the map, in effect promising to complete what the No one is itching to pull the trigger and to start bombing that a large percentage took “tough” subjects like plotters of Wannsee began. Iran. Such a course of action would have plenty of unin- maths and physical science, rather than “easier” On January 3, the tyrant of Tehran was quoted by tended consequences and would throw the Middle East into options to obtain more distinctions. Iranian television as saying once again that Israel will be turmoil. There is, of course, another side to the picture, destroyed. “Zionists, who have no faith in religion or even But several rounds of sanctions and attempts at diplo- which is tied up with the era we live in. While we are G-d, now claim piety and intend to take away the Islamic matic pressure have all failed to dissuade the Iranian justifiably more than satisfied with the excellent identity of Jerusalem,” he declared. regime. results, we need to be aware that kids today are sub- “This ridiculous move is in fact the continuation of the At this point, there is no choice left but for Israel or the jected to enormous pressures because of the range of colonialist policies of oppressors, which will not save the United States to resort to military force. Iran simply cannot subjects they have to take, the grades expected of Zionist regime, but also take the regime closer to the end- be allowed to go nuclear. them, as well as numerous extramural activities. point of its existence,” he vowed. Sure, the thought of attacking Iran is terrifying. But as There is, in fact, very little time left for them to be Indeed, Ahmadinejad’s rants about exterminating the alarming as the idea might seem, it pales in comparison “just kids”. Jewish people have become so routine that they no longer with the ayatollahs being able to threaten the world. In addition, they face the difficulties - particularly receive much attention in the Western press. As the events of seven decades ago at Wannsee demon- as white youngsters - of gaining entrance to a South But just because his threats have lost their news value strated, when someone says they plan to annihilate you, African university in certain fields, where their does not mean they pose any less of a danger. We would be you had best believe them. grades need to be truly phenomenal in order to making a fateful and perhaps existential error to think oth- Time is of the essence, and there is not a moment to lose. secure a place. In this country, which has shortages of erwise. We must prepare ourselves for what may lie ahead. skilled people in so many areas, tertiary education is Consider how belligerent Iran has been in just the past The US or Israel should take action against Iran now, not nearly as available as it ought to be. few weeks. Earlier this month, Iran’s Revolutionary Court before it proves too late. The recent stampede of matriculants trying to reg- had the audacity to sentence an Iranian-American to death ister at the University of Johannesburg, which result- on trumped up charges, accusing him of being a CIA spy. The writer serves as chairman of Shavei Israel ed in the death of a mother trying to enroll her child, The ayatollahs have also repeatedly threatened to close (www.shavei.org), which assists lost tribes and hidden is a sad metaphor for the plight of thousands of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for interna- Jewish communities to return to the Jewish people. young South Africans seeking to better their lives through education. The government school system, alas, leaves much to be desired, even though the pass rate this year has shot up to 70.2 per cent from 67.8 per cent last year. Government schools suffer from many obstacles, including being under-resourced, the absence of a learning or teaching ethos, poor-quality teachers and the stranglehold of the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) over the system. It is hardly surpris- ing that the children of many government ministers, top officials and “black diamonds” are sent to private schools, where they do exceptionally well. As South Africans, it is essential we do whatever we can to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Towards this end, Jewish schools have many outreach and “twinning” programmes with underprivi- leged schools, which have greatly benefited from them. In the process, Jewish learners have come to understand the importance of seeing beyond their own needs. These programmes are often conducted quietly, without fanfare. We extend our heartiest congratulations to all our Jewish matriculants on ending their 12 years of hard work in school on such a high note. We wish them success and fulfilment in everything they undertake in the future. The Wannsee villa outside Berlin where the “Final Solution of the Jewish Question” was discussed 70 years ago. 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 7

TTopopNational RResults Seniores Certificateult & Independents 220110 Examinations11 Boardard

A supplement compiled by Britt Landsman. Contact (011) 023-8160 or visit www.sajewishreport.co.za The cream of our exciting Jewish crop

OWN CORRESPONDENT at tertiary level. The 98,15 per cent and to our loyal parents for endow- trances, allowing them to continue ment list”, namely Jordan Bortz, Jon- who passed showed a slight de- ing the right combination of genes. their studies at both university and ty Pincus and Galit Seligmann. Eleven EUPHORIA JUSTIFIABLY greeted crease of the 98,38 per cent pass “Such a tripartite combination of technical institutions of higher learn- learners were ranked in the top one the announcement of the 2011 mat- rate of 2010. forces must inevitably produce ex- ing. We are very proud of the com- per cent of all IEB candidates in one ric results – fi rst those of the Inde- Only half the pupils who started cellence. The statistics of the results bined class average being over 70 or more subjects. pendent Examinations Board and grade 1 in the government schools, make staggering reading: 221 learn- per cent.” King David High School, Linksfi eld, then a day later, that of the National however, made it through to grade ers wrote the examinations, and a to- He stresses that academic achieve- again excelled with a 100 per cent Senior Certifi cate – showing an in- 12. This a major worry tal of 562 distinctions were obtained ment is not the only measure of suc- pass rate. Among the many sporting crease in the 2010 pass rate of 67,8 King David Schools “maintain their with 95 per cent achieving university cess. “Our schools have recorded and cultural successes the school per cent up to a whopping 70,2 per reputation of excellence”, Rabbi degree exemption. Four King David outstanding results in every facet of has enjoyed in 2011, the matric recent. Just more than 600 000 learn- Craig Kacev, executive director of learners were placed among the IEB school life across a broad spectrum sults have provided the perfect con- ers sat for the NSC exams (govern- the King David Schools Foundation, ‘Outstanding’ Top 59 which requires of sporting and cultural activities and clusion to a wonderful school year. ment schools). writes. such learners to be in the top fi ve per are highly respected for their achieve- Of the 147 candidates who wrote Again the Jewish day schools ex- “It is frequently remarked that his- cent in six subjects. ments in these areas. these exams, 143 (all of those who celled and a 100 per cent pass rate tory repeats itself and King David “Three learners were placed among “Not to be overlooked is the very entered for university exemptions – has become the norm. Every year High School Linksfi eld and King the ‘commendable’ top 61 which re- commendable social awareness 97,2 per cent of the group) achieved the day schools exceed the ever- David High School Victory Park have quires such learners to be in the top programmes of all the King David their university admittance status. higher benchmark. The year 2011 once again proved the truth of this fi ve per cent in fi ve subjects. Thirty Schools and their considerable ef- Four candidates met the requirements was no exception adage in their magnifi cent matricula- fi ve learners achieved the proverbial forts to assist their disadvantaged for higher diploma or certifi cate study. A total of 8 281 private school tion results in the IEB system.” “full house”. Of equal importance is counterparts.” King David, Linksfi eld achieved a learners in 173 schools wrote the In- He says this is the result of “the the fact that many of those originally The 74 matriculants from King David staggering 400 distinctions in total dependent Examinations Board (IEB) magnifi cent teamwork of teachers assessed as learning-disadvantaged, High School Victory Park who wrote - an impressive 2,7 distinctions per exams, giving the Board an almost and learners over a number of years, proved the sceptics wrong by achiev- the IEB examinations again had a 100 candidate, in comparison with the perfect score for the second year and we pay tribute to the outstanding matriculation passes. The 100 per per cent pass rate and achieved 164 2,2 distinctions last year and the 1,9 in a row, with all those who passed ing efforts of our dedicated teaching cent pass rate thus included many distinctions. Three learners appear the year before. qualifying to be admitted to study staff, to the hard work of our learners learners who achieved diploma en- on the IEB “Outstanding Achieve- Continued on page 13 SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: TorahT Academy Boys NSC

FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS:

Yaakov Gralnik. English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Menachem Hecht. Mathe- Accounting, Business Studies, Chaim Chaikin. English, matical Literacy, Life Orienta- Physical Sciences, Mathemat- Mathematics, Life Orientation, tion, Business Studies, History ics: probability data handling. Business Studies, History. and Life Sciences. Torah Academy Girls NSC THREE DISTINCTIONS: Devorah Kazarnovsky. Life Tamar Kimberley. English, Jessica Vinokur. Life Orien- Orientation, History, Physical Afrikaans, Life Orientation tation, History, Life Sciences Science 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 TOP RESULTS 2011 TWELVE DISTINCTIONS: CrawfordSchoolsTM Sandton NSC

NINE DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS:

Benjamin Levin. Ac- counting, Advanced Maths, Afrikaans, Business Studies, English, Geography, Gabriella Gershoni. Eden Clingman. Afri- Saul Grossberg. Haidee Lyons. Account- David Torpey. Ariella Epstein. Savannah Lucas. Hebrew, Informa- Ad Maths, Afrikaans, kaans, Dramatic Arts, Afrikaans, English, ing, Afrikaans, Dramatic Afrikaans, English, Accounting, Afri- Business Studies, tion Technology, LO, English, Hebrew, History, English, History, LO, Hebrew, IT, LO, Arts, English, Geography, Geography, History, IT, kaans, Dramatic Arts, Dramatic Arts, English, Maths, Maths Paper LO, Maths, Maths Paper Maths, Maths Paper Maths, Music, Physi- LO, Maths, Maths Paper LO, Maths, Physical English, History, LO, History, LO, Maths, 3, Physical Science. 3, Physical Science. 3, Physical Science. cal Science, 3, Physical Science. Science. Maths. Physical Science SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS:

Jeffrey Bolon. Dra- Daniella Dinur. Chad Echakow- Stephanie Green- Luc Varejes. Ad- Jason Fleischer. Amy Gerson. Busi- Rikki Greenberg. matic Arts, English, Afrikaans, English, itz. Dramatic Arts, berg. English, History, vanced Mathematics, Business Studies, ness Studies, English, English, History, LO, History, LO, Life Hebrew, History, LO, English, History, LO, LO, Maths, Physical Afrikaans, Business English, Geography, History, LO, Maths Life Sciences, Visual Sciences, Physical Maths, Physical Sci- Maths, Physical Sci- Science, Visual Arts. Studies, LO, Maths, History, LO Arts Science. ence. ence. Physical Science.

FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: THREE DISTINCTIONS: Tamsyn Cohen. Dra- matic Arts, English, LO Peri Levin. Design, History, LO Chen Sasonof. Dra- matic Arts, LO, Maths Brent Machlup. Ad Blasie Selvan. Eng- Kira Louw. Dramatic Dean Lurie. Dramatic Lori Merdjan. Busi- Gabi Steiner. Dra- Kelsey Wishnuff. Literacy Maths, Dramatic Arts, lish, History, LO, Life Arts, Afrikaans, LO, Arts, History, LO, ness Studies, Dramatic matic Arts, English, English, History, Life IT, LO, Maths Sciences, Visual Arts, Physical Science Maths Literacy Arts, History, LO History, LO Orientation, Visual Arts 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 TOP RESULTS 2011 King David High CrawfordSchoolsTM School Victory Park IEB La Lucia’s proud crop

NINE DISTINCTIONS: NINE DISTINCTIONS: NINE DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: Crawford FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: College (NSC) in La Lucia in Durban, boasts some Jordan Bortz Jonty Pincus Galit Seligmann Romy Wulfsohn Joshua Muller. Aron Calo. Dramatic Leanne Murcia. Accounting, Ad- Accounting, Ad- Advanced Pro- Afrikaans 1st Addi- excellent Business Studies, Arts, English, Life English, History, Life vanced Programme vanced Programme gramme English, Af- tional Language, Eng- results English, Life Orienta- Orientation, Life Sci- Orientation, Visual Mathematics, Afri- Mathematics, Afri- rikaans 1st Additional lish Home Language, tion, Mathematics ences Arts kaans 1st Additional kaans 1st Additional Language, English French 2nd Additional among its Literacy, History Language, English Language, English Home Language, Language, Hebrew Home Language, He- Home Language, He- Hebrew 2nd Addi- 2nd Additional Lan- Jewish THREE DISTINCTIONS: brew 2nd Additional brew 2nd Additional tional Language, Life guage, Life Orienta- Language, Life Orien- Language, Life Orien- Orientation, Life Sci- tion, Mathematics, matriculants. Shahar Bar. Hebrew, Information Technology, Life Orientation tation, Mathematics, tation, Mathematics, ences, Mathematics, Physical Science Mathematics Paper Mathematics Paper Mathematics Paper 3, Physical Science 3, Physical Science 3, Physical Science Pretoria matriculant Crawford

SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: excels with four Pretoria NSC

DIANE WOLFSON - PRETORIA FOUR DISTINCTIONS: Ariel Yuter. Accounting, WITH ONLY one Jewish matriculant in 2011, Ariel Yuter cer- Hebrew, tainly held up Pretoria’s reputation for good results, having Information matriculated at Crawford College with four distinctions in Ac- Technology, counting, Life Orientation, Hebrew and Information Technol- Life Orien- ogy. Ariel will be going to Israel on a Bnei Akiva programme tation Geena Bennun Savanna Flax Vivienne Jonker Jake Nudelman and will be studying information technology on his return. English Home Lan- Afrikaans 1st Addi- Afrikaans 1st Addi- Dramatic Arts, English guage, History, Life tional Language, Eng- tional Language, Eng- Home Language, Life Orientation, Life Sci- lish Home Language, lish Home Language, Orientation, Math- ences, Mathematics, French 2nd Additional Life Orientation, Life ematics, Mathematics Physical Science Language, Hebrew Sciences, Mathemat- Paper 3, Music 2nd Additional Lan- ics, Physical Science guage, Life Orienta- tion, Mathematics

SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS:

Jason Perlow Dana Toerien Russel Ziman Gregory Hodes Advanced Pro- Advanced Pro- English Home Lan- Accounting, French gramme Mathemat- gramme English, Af- guage, Hebrew 2nd 2nd Additional Lan- ics, English Home rikaans 1st Additional Additional Language, guage, Life Orienta- Language, Life Orien- Language, English History, Mathematics, tion, Mathematics, tation, Mathematics, Home Language, Mathematics Paper Mathematics Paper 3 Mathematics Paper French 2nd Additional 3, Physical Science 3, Physical Science Language, Life Orien- tation, Life Sciences

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Marc Black Danielle Hertz Saul Moross Geography, Life English Home Lan- Dance Studies, Dra- Orientation, Math- guage, Life Orienta- matic Arts, English ematics, Mathematics tion, Mathematics, Home Language, Life Paper 3 Physical Science Orientation

THREE DISTINCTIONS: Noah Bamberger: English Home Language, Life Orientation, Mathematics Jessica Kaplan: Dramatic Arts, English Home Language, Life Orientation. Rebecca Pein: Dramatic Arts, English Home Language, Life Orientation Genna Price: English Home Language, Life Orientation, Mathematics Ryan Unterslak: Computer Applications Technology, English Home Language, Mathematics 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 TOP RESULTS 2011 NINE DISTINCTIONS: NINE DISTINCTIONS: Herzlia Schools - Cape Town NSC

EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS:

David Levin. Gabriella Stein. English, Afrikaans, English, Afrikaans, Cara Davidson. Eng- Michael Alhadeff. Ruth Urson. English, Rael Chapman. Alexander Cohen. Candice Linde. Eng- Hebrew, Maths, LO, Hebrew, Maths, LO, lish, Afrikaans, Hebrew, English, Afrikaans Afrikaans, Maths, LO, English, Afrikaans, English, Afrikaans, lish, Afrikaans, Hebrew, Accounting, Physical Life Sciences, Physi- Maths, LO, Account- Maths, LO, Account- History, Life Sciences, Maths, LO, Account- Maths, LO, Accounting, Maths, LO, Business Science, Maths 3, Ap cal Science, Maths 3, ing, Physical Science, ing, Economics, Physi- Physical Science, ing, Business Studies, IT, Physical Science Studies, History Maths Ap Maths Maths 3, Ap Maths cal Science, Maths 3 Maths 3 Economics SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Tal Aharanov. English, Saul Anstey. Maths, LO, Hebrew, Maths, LO, Accounting, IT, Physical Dramatic Arts, Maths 3 Science, Maths 3 SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Megan Davidson. Sarah Edelberg. English, Afrikaans, Afrikaans, Maths, LO, LO, Dramatic Arts, Accounting, Business Life Sciences, Physi- Studies, Computer Ap- cal Science plications Technology

SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Jonathan Glick. Dina Hammerschlag. English, Maths, LO, English, Maths, LO, Accounting, Econom- Business Studies, His- ics, History tory, Visual Arts

SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Steele Katzeff. English, Caitlin Le Roith. Eng- Maths, LO, Dramatic lish, Maths, LO, History, Arts, History, Visual Arts Life Sciences, Visual Arts

SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Janna Rubin. English, Shavit Sachs. English, Maths Lit., LO, Dramatic Afrikaans, Hebrew, Arts, History, Tourism Maths, LO, Life Sciences

SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Harrison Scherzer. Tegan Schultz. English, Maths, LO, Account- LO, Business Studies, ing, IT, Physical Sci- Consumer Studies, Dance ence, Maths 3 Studies, Economics 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 TOP RESULTS 2011

FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS:

Amy Alexander. Dalit Anstey. English, Dalit Blumenthal. Megan Bryer. Maths, Kyle Epstein. Maths, Mark Galante. Nicole Goldberg. Amy Hoffenberg. English, LO, Business Maths, LO, Dramatic Maths, LO, Account- LO, Business Studies, LO, Accounting, IT, Maths, Life Orienta- English, LO, Business Maths, LO, Dramatic Studies, Dramatic Arts, History ing, Life Sciences, Economics, Life Sci- Physical Science tion, Consumer Stud- Studies, Life Sci- Arts, Life Sciences, Arts, Life Sciences Physical Science ences ies, Life Sciences, ences, Visual Arts Tourism Physical Science

FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Steven Kimmel. Jonathan Levenson. Zachary Melnick. Louise Stoch. Keren Bauman. Jason Finkelstein. Jarred Freedberg. Romy Fur. Maths Lit, Maths, LO, Account- English, Maths, LO, IT, Maths, LO, IT, Life English, Maths, LO, IT, Maths Lit, LO, Dra- LO, Business Studies, Maths, LO, Econom- LO, Computer Ap- ing, IT, Physical Physical Science Sciences, Physical Physical Science matic Arts, Visual Arts Dramatic Arts, History ics, IT plications Technology, Science Science Visual Arts

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Philip Kolevsohn. Steven Korber. Eng- Raphael Mackin- Aaron Sarembock. Melody Schneider. Jemma Shargey. LO, Maths, LO, Business lish, Maths, LO, IT tosh. Maths, LO, Maths, LO, IT, Life Business Studies, Dance Business Studies, Eco- Studies, Physical Dramatic Arts, History Sciences Studies, Dramatic Arts, nomics, Life Sciences Science Life Sciences THREE DISTINCTIONS: Emily Alhadeff. LO, IT, Life Sciences Ryan Berelowitz. Accounting, Businress Studies, Economics Alon Bresler. Maths, IT, Physical Science Nathaniel Delit. Maths, IT, Physical Science Mikayla Gordon. LO, Accounting, Life Sciences Jenna Kassel. LO, Dramatic Arts, Life Sciences Jake Klass. Maths Lit, LO, Dramatic Arts Dara Kometz. English, LOI, Dramatic Arts Nicole Lee. LO, Business Studies, Life Sciences Gila Maizels. LO, Business Studies, Dramatic Arts Samantha Saacks. LO, Business Studies, Life Sciences Ilan Scher. LO, Accounting, Computer Applications Technology Jason Sher. LO, Business Studies, Economics Donovan Stefan. LO, Economics, History Asher Stern. LO, Accounting, IT Jaemi Widan. LO, Computer Applications Technology Hirsch Lyons Boys’ High School IEB

NINE DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Yair Katz. Afrikaans, Shmuel Bartkunsky. David Levin. English, Joshua Poyurs. Advanced Programme Accounting, Hebrew, Hebrew, Life Orienta- English, Hebrew, Life Mathematics, English, Life Orientation, Math- tion, Mathematics. Orientation, History. Hebrew, Life Ori- ematics, Mathematics entation, Life Sci- Paper III, Physical ences, Mathematics, Science Mathematics Paper III, Physical Science.

THREE DISTINCTIONS: Elad Jacobs. Hebrew, Life Orientation, Mathematics 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 TOP RESULTS 2011 Maths still remains the matric Achilles heel Three experts on education have commented on the matric pass rate, warning that the focus is too narrow.

IN AN op-ed piece in the Sunday Times of Janu- ment Management. Glennie is executive director ary 15, Mary Metcalfe, Mark Orkin and Jenny of the SA Institute for Distance Education. Glennie said three issues dominated the debate The ﬁ rst of the three issues, according to them, around the matric results, “but they do not illumi- is to see matric results as an evaluation of the nate our challenges”. strength of the educational system; the second Metcalfe is a sector specialist at the Develop- ranks provinces in a “pass-rate race”; the third ment Bank of Southern Africa. With Mark Orkin evaluates schools based on their pass rates. This she is a visiting professor at the University of the simple comparison across provinces or schools Witwatersrand School of Public and Develop- is not a valid indicator of performance and may

undermine other essential indicators. In addition to the pass rate, they say, an effective education system should also satisfy other criteria such as “retention”, “quality” and improving equity across, for example, gender and race. “Retention” pertains to high proportions of learners proceeding to a credible exit point. “Quality” is necessary for innovation and for societies to ﬂ ourish. “If the matric pass rate is taken as the key performance target without an emphasis on retention, quality and equity, educational leaders are pressured to focus on it with damaging consequences.” They mention the “push-out” of weaker learners to secure a better matric pass rate for the whole school. The other is the encouragement of subject choices, for instance life sciences over physical science, because the former requires less maths and will yield higher pass rates. In maths, which they call the “litmus test” of system quality for the needs of a modern economy, pass rates have remained unchanged, so the decline in candidates has resulted in a decline in passes. “Maths passes at the 40 per cent-plus level are down from 85 000 to 67 000 for the period 2009 – 2011.” This means 18 000 fewer matriculants able to enter university programmes requir- ing this level. Department of Basic Education Director-Gen- eral Bobby Soobrayan also expressed concern over a decrease in the maths and physical science pass rate. In 2010 the maths pass rate was 47,4 per cent and in 2011 this dropped to 46,3 per cent. The pass rate in physical science increased from 47,8 per cent in 2010 to 53,4 per cent. Education expert Graeme Bloch also expressed his concern about maths performance and those who fall by the wayside before reaching grade 12. “There are still a lot of challenges. South Africa needs to keep up with the rest of the world and the tech age. That is why the decline in maths is a real concern. Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga attributed the poor performance in maths largely to “inadequate foundational competences”. Her department is now focusing on the earlier years of schooling. • Educationist Prof Jonathan Jansen, now vice-chancellor of the University of the Free State, has expressed concern that the current focus in schools on preparing children for exams instead of learning, “has demonstrated the sad demise of education in our society”. He mentions “this obsession with writing tests”. He says there are enormous pressure on learners to do well “in these often mindless tests”. He adds that “...this pressure on children to do well in school examinations is good for the school. Principals obsess with looking good in the eyes of their peers, the parents and their province.” Learning is not possible by selecting things to study because you try to anticipate what will be in the exam. “The point of learning complex subject matter is to understand the subject deeply, to probe, to inquire and to unsettle... At its best, learning is transformation.” 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 TOP RESULTS 2011

part of the class of 2011 a hearty mazeltov and The cream of our exciting Jewish crop look forward to watching their future progress. We know that they are well prepared for what- Continued from page 7 5 distinctions. learners achieved a distinction. ever paths they may choose.” The Yeshiva College learners achieved re- These results refl ect the fact that both the The Hirsch Lyons matric class of 2011 has For the fi fth consecutive year KDL’s overall ag- markable success in the 2011 matric exams. student body and the staff applied themselves achieved fantastic results for such a small gregate has risen, to 74,7 in 2011 from 71,1 in A total of 43 wrote matric and between them to the preparations for the fi nal exams with school - 31 distinctions from eight learners. 2010. The school had four candidates in the they achieved 132 distinctions - an incredible commitment, professionalism and total dedi- Says Rabbi Steven Krawitz, headmaster of the top “National Achievers” listings: average of 3,07 distinctions per candidate. cation. school: “ A well deserved mazeltov to the teach- Commendable Achievers - in the top fi ve per Furthermore, 42 per cent of all exams writ- “We are enormously proud of the learning staff and the matriculants themselves on cent of the IEB national averages in fi ve sub- ten achieved a distinction and 53 per cent of all ers and thankful to the staff who are always these achievements.” jects – are Ashleigh Forman, Natalie Shemesh learners achieved three or more distinctions. willing to go way beyond the bounds of their Particular mention must be made of Yair Katz and Lior Sinai. Michael Levin is an “Outstand- English is one of the key matric subjects which professional responsibility in order to ensure who achieved nine distinctions, of which four ing Achiever” - in the top fi ve per cent of the is afforded an extra two points for university that each learner is given the opportunity to were in the nineties; Shmuel Bartkunsky who IEB national averages in six subjects. application. No less than 65 per cent achieved achieve the best possible result,” said Principal achieved six and David Levin and Joshua Poy- Three candidates received nine distinctions, an A in English. Hebrew refl ects one of the core Denese Bloch. urs who achieved four each. Elad Jacobs re- six had eight and eight had seven, seven had six, values of Yeshiva College; 77 per cent of the “We would like to wish all those who were ceived three. eight had fi ve, 14 candidates had four, 19 candidates had three, 25 had two and 22 had one. Sixteen candidates were placed in the top one per cent for subject achievements nation- ally. “These results are inspirational and promise to generate future success for the candidates who are to come after and for the group of 2011 in their tertiary studies. These results affi rm intelligence, effort, teaching and self- sacrifi ce.” Torah Academy has maintained its unbroken record of a 100 per cent pass rate, with 60 per cent of all the papers written achieving a 70 per cent or higher average in the 2011 NSC exams. The learners attained distinctions in 30 per cent of all exam papers and a third of candidates received three or more distinctions. Dean of Torah Academy Rabbi Dovid Hazdan told the Jewish Report: “I am delighted with the tremendous achievements of the Torah Acade- my matric class of 2011. The matrics’ success is due to their hard work throughout the year and the support of their dedicated educators and principals Rabbi Motti Hadar (Boys’ High School) and Rebecca Sarchi (Girls’ High). “At Torah Academy, we strive for a holistic education, pursuing excellence in Limudei Kodesh and secular studies and most impor- tantly learning to be a mensch and a G-d-fear- ing Jew. “True success is not measured by grades and distinctions, but by the quality of the individuals graduating from school. In this case, we are extremely proud and confi dent that each and every one of these learners will make positive contributions to society and continue to bring joy and nachas to their families, the school and the Jewish community.” Highest achiever at the school was, Yaakov Gralnik (seven distinctions), obtaining 79 per cent for his eighth subject, which is likely to be raised to an A on re-marking. “Thanks and congratulations go to the teachers who have cultivated and educated these boys and girls throughout their school career. They have extended themselves far beyond the call of duty, caring to bring out the best in each learner in and out of the class- room,” Rabbi Hazdan said. Geoff Cohen, director of education at Herzlia Schools in Cape Town, expressed his pride in the matric class of 2011. Herzlia was placed fourth of all schools in the Western Cape. He said the 2011 matrics “have risen to the occasion with diligence, confi dence and enthusiasm. Mazeltov to all of them and to their parents. Mazaltov also to Mrs Marianne Marks and the teaching staff of the High School.” The class of 112 boasted a 100 per cent pass rate. There were 108 admissions to higher education – 98,2 per cent received matric exemptions. There were 331 distinctions. In 17 out of 22 subjects offered, the 2011 year group achieved an average of 70 per cent or more. Two candidates achieved 9 out of 9 distinctions; one achieved 8 out of 9; two achieved 8 out of 8; two achieved 7 out of 8; one achieved 7 out of 7; 12 achieved 6 distinctions and 12 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 TOP RESULTS 2011 King David Linksfield IEB

NINE DISTINCTIONS: NINE DISTINCTIONS: NINE DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS:

Ariel Polakow. Ap Natalie Shemesh. Nicole Smith. Ac- Jonathon Ferrer. Ac- Benjamin Goldberg. Michael Levin. Ac- Leon Richman. Lior Sinai. Account- Maths, Afrikaans, Ap Maths, Afrikaans, countancy, Ap Maths, countancy, Ap Maths, Ap Maths, English, countancy, Ap Maths, Afrikaans, English, ancy, Ap Maths, English, Hebrew, IT, English, Hebrew, LO, Afrikaans, English, Afrikaans, English, Hebrew, LO, Life Sci- English, History, LO, Hebrew, History, LO, English, History, LO, LO, Maths, Maths Life Science, Maths, Hebrew, LO, Maths, Hebrew, LO, Maths, ence, Maths, Maths Maths, Maths P3, Maths, Maths P3, Maths, Maths P3, Paper3, Physical Sci- Maths P3, Physical Maths P3, Physical Physical Science P3, Physical Science Physical Science Physical Science Physical Science ence Science Science

EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS:

Hillel Tradonsky. Ac- Kate Berkenfeld. Jason Brener. Ac- David Cohen. Ac- Amy Samson. Ashleigh Forman. Ryan Frame. Ac- Benjamin Kollen- countancy, Afrikaans, Afrikaans, English, countancy, English, countancy, English, Drama, English, LO, Accountancy, English, countancy, English, berg. English, History, English, History, LO, Hebrew, History, LO, LO, Life Science, Geography, LO, Life Science, Maths, Geography, LO, History, LO, Maths, LO, Maths, Maths Maths, Maths P3, Maths, Maths P3 Maths, Maths P3, Maths, Maths P3, Maths P3, Physical Maths, Maths P3, Maths P3, Physical P3, Physical Science, Physical Science Physical Science Physical Science Science Physical Science Science Visual Arts 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 15

TOP RESULTSFIVE DISTINCTIONS: 2011

SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS:

Jonathan Sinai. Stacy Barkunsky. Farra Green. Ricky Kadish. Ac- Tanna Michel. Con- Danielle Pantano- Danielle Rachman. Yarin Weltsman. Accountancy, English, Accountancy, LO, Afrikaans, English, countancy, Hebrew, sumer Studies, LO, witz. Afrikaans, Hebrew, LO, Life Sci- English, Hebrew, LO, LO, Maths, Maths P3, Life Science, Maths, Hebrew, LO, Life Sci- LO, Maths, Maths P3, Life Science, Maths, English, Hebrew, LO, ence, Maths, Maths Life Science, Maths, Physical Science, AP Maths P3, Physical ence, Maths Physical Science Maths P3, Physical Maths, Physical Sci- P3, Physical Science Visual Arts English Science Science ence

FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS:

Jonathan Berkowitz. Nicholas Bernstein. Joshua Clacher. Gemma Hurwitz. Adam Kowal. Ac- Joshua Miltz. IT, LO, Nathan Sklair. Eng- Adam Zar. Account- Business Studies, Accountancy, Busi- Geography, LO, Life Hebrew, LO, Life Sci- countancy, Business Maths, Maths P3, lish, Hebrew, IT, LO, ancy, LO, Maths, English, Geography, ness Studies, English, Science, Maths, ence, Maths, Physical Studies, History, LO, Physical Science Maths Maths P3, Physical LO, Maths Literacy LO, Maths Physical Science Science Maths Science

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Jay Baum. Business Ryan Berrel. English, Natasha Brainin. Ilan Carno. Business Kim Gohari. Sasha Goldstein. Rebecca Gore. Kim Kantor. English, Studies, Consumer LO, Maths, Maths P3 Drama, English, His- Studies, English, His- Consumer Studies, Drama, English, LO, English, Hebrew, His- LO, Maths, Maths P3 Studies, LO, Maths tory, LO tory, LO English, Hebrew, LO Maths Literacy tory, LO Literacy

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: THREE DISTINCTIONS:

Ilan Aronstam. History, LO, Maths Greg Cook. Business Studies, Geogra- Benjy - bright as a pin, phy, Maths Literacy Chelsey Dribbin. Drama, LO, Maths Literacy but no nerd Gina Fainman. English, Hebrew, LO Shani Feller. Hebrew, LO, Maths ALISON GOLDBERG Lorine Rosenberg. Dean Shmeizer. Ac- Kira Genende. Business Studies, LO, PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER English, Hebrew, LO, countancy, Business Maths Literacy Maths P3 Studies, LO, Maths Bianca Holthuis. LO, Maths, Maths P3 WITH 12 DISTINCTIONS in the 2011 matric ex- Alex Isakow. Drama, LO, Maths Lit- FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS: amination, Benjy Levin, a former Crawford Sandton eracy learner, boasts the highest number of distinctions Adam Israelsohn. Business Studies, in the country. He recalled at his home near Craw- History, LO ford, that half-way through his matric year, when he Talia Nasatyr. English, LO, Maths looked at the number of learners with 11 distinc- Literacy tions on the honours board at school, he decided Ashleigh Nestadt. Accountancy, LO, he wanted to be the fi rst to achieve 12 and took Visual Arts up Business Studies, catching up fairly quickly. With Ryan Nestadt. LO, Maths, Business that many subjects, though, emphasis had to be on Jaime Trope. Ryan Sonik. Ac- Studies understanding the subjects, as opposed to learning English, LO, Maths countancy, Business Craig Portnoy. Business Studies, LO, parrot-fashion - for which there was no time. phphysicalysical sscience.cience Literacy, Visual Arts Studies, English, LO Maths The fi rst question for learners with seven distinc- He wants to study actuarial science, like Discov- Ryan Ritz. Business Studies, LO, tions in grade 11 - Benjy got 11 in grade 11 - is FOUR DISTINCTIONS: ery’s CEO Adrian Gore, and has been accepted at Maths Literacy where he found the time for 12. “It is about manag- the University of Cape Town. But he would ideally Adam Ross. Accountancy, Hebrew, ing your time properly; not wasting time which is like to study at an Ivy League university in the US, LO easy to do; balancing it with a social life; splitting up where in addition to core courses in the subject, he Evan Rubin. IT, Maths, Maths P3 the work, juggling and scheduling; setting goals. I can do a minor in Mandarin and other “random” Alexa Seligman. Drama, English, LO learnt 70 per cent of my work in class, hated home- subjects that interest him. Greg Sher. Geography, LO, Maths work, so I did it during lessons. “I’m a ‘day-before’ Benjy has had interviews with Ivy League alumni Saul Nossel. Drama, Dylan Silver. Drama, Geography, LO learner, working best under pressure.” and did not have much of a holiday in December in English, LO, Music Aron Sutner. English, LO, Maths After a typical eight hour day at school, Benjy Cape Town or Plett, writing instead in his hotel room would come home, make lunch for himself - his a myriad motivations for each application. He had mother works fulltime as a pharmacist in Ben- EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: Ben Sapo: to do applications while writing his matric exams Eden English, Afri- more - relax until 18:00 and work for another three too. He’s applying for fi nancial aid: the cost of these kaans, Hebrew, hours, interspersed with hour-long breaks. The “off universities is around US$55 000 per year. Mathematics, Life times” he would use to either play strategy games An only child of divorced parents, Benjy, contrary Orientation, Ac- on a computer he built himself three years ago, or to some reports on radio, has many friends. He was College watching programmes like Dexter, Doctor Who or off to a club called Manhattan at the time of the in- counting, Phys- ics, Mathematics Supernatural - “series that have witty and intricate terview. Until a couple of years ago, he played ten- Paper 3. plots that arc over multiple seasons”. Or reading: nis on the school team, was on Crawfordís public Durban currently George R R Martin’s A Clash of Kings, speaking team and found time even in his matric which followed Martin’s A Game of Thrones. year to design and teach a maths literacy course for His favourite subject is maths - achieving 98 per disadvantaged young black adults. NSC cent and in the nineties for maths paper 3 and ad- He hopes to return from his studies in the US with vanced mathematics. He scored the same mark in something he can use to advance South Africa. 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 TOP RESULTS 2011 Education in SA in dire straits - Jansen

STAFF REPORTER a failure in the economy, democracy and hu- learners and it is not easy to raise expecta- the system, not being able to pass woodwork. man decency, he said. The school system only tions,” he said. But he had no father to look up to,” Jansen THE EDUCATION system in South Africa, with worked for one quarter of pupils - those in pri- If pupils were told that they could not achieve, said. its low academic standards, is in serious trou- vate schools - the rest was chaos. they would not do so. Jansen grew up on the Cape Flats where ble and does not augur well for the future of The teachers, he said, had reached the The message Jansen put out to his 33 000 his parents taught their children to always be the country. height of callousness with their constant deci- students when he took over at UFS, is that they decent, honourable and to be themselves. The So said Professor Jonathan Jansen, vice sions to go on strike. must be decent, honourable, and respectful, Hebrew infl uence in his life was strong. His fa- chancellor of the University of the Free State, “Government has lowered the bar in educa- irrespective of what they look like. ther’s name was Abraham and, coincidentally addressing the Union of Jewish Women to- tion and made it very easy to pass grade 12. “But this is not the message which is com- his mother’s was Sara. He was brought up with wards the end of last year. Basically what all learners have to do is just ing from politicians; in fact, the opposite is good basic values in work and family life. The very low academic standards set by show up and they will be passed. The biggest happening. (ANCYL suspended leader) Julius “My parents experienced great loss and pain government was “scary” and would lead to problem is that not much is expected from Malema is an example. He is a bad product of during apartheid but taught us that, despite this, we could all still be decent human beings,” he said. Jansen says when he took over at Free State Boston – a reputation for quality education University, the fi rst thing he told his students was that they were expected to attend classes and lectures. “This shocked them - they were Boston has been providing tuition towards degrees and encouraging success- used to not going to class and just waiting for ful learners for over 20 years. Established over 20 years ago, we have been notes to be handed out. “I got a letter from the Black Law Students’ lauded by CompTia as not only certifying the most individuals in the sub- Association, which was full of grammatical and spelling errors, asking why they had to attend Saharan Africa region, but, according to CompTia, “individuals training classes. I told them in no uncertain terms that if they wanted to study by correspondence, they and testing with this CompTiapartner are showing a signifi cantly higher should go to Unisa. They now attend classes pass rate than other training providers”. and we are monitoring their attendance on a daily basis. The marks went up overnight,” he Providing tuition in the Unisa We have invested heavily in learning, and we invest time and an outstanding throughput rate said. degrees, Boston has built an academic quality assurers, tech- money in career consultation. of successful learners and has Jansen says the maths literacy subject is a education brand that prides nology-based training that assists We offer one-on-one career resulted in Boston being voted “crime”. Any child can pass maths if he or she itself on quality education and everyone as it allows learners consultation. Having such the Best College in Gauteng is taught well. job direction and assistance. to self-direct the pace of their successful training produces for three years in a row. He cites an example of a disadvantaged Boston provides a great school in KwaZulu-Natal, where dedicated varsity experience. The Unisa teachers taught their pupils before and after degrees including the B Com school hours and where there was a 100 per and BA Psych degrees, cent pass rate in maths. among others that are offered “It is not about having resources - it is about at Boston, enjoy a good repu- proper teaching and dedication of teachers tation internationally. and learners,” he stressed. Comprehensive course Pupils had to be taught that they were not notes and fi les, tut packs, dumb and that they could do it. If they had a and loads of examples in the mindset which said they could not do maths, numerate subjects, provide they would not be able to do so, he said. our degree students with eve- “In this country non-performance has become rything they need to succeed a virtue, as has ignorance. There is little respect in their exams. Our degree for the education system, as has been seen with department has the most the vandalising of educational institutions.” outstanding fulltime lecturers Another lesson which has to be taught to available to assist on campus. students is how to be decent to themselves The Experience it! pro- and to other humans. Jansen said this was gramme with nearly 100 important when he took over at UFS after the corporate partners on board, Reitz incident in which cleaners were humili- is a recent project set up to ated by some Afrikaans students. accommodate our learners “Today, we have taught our students the within corporate environments value of respect. At one rugby match we got and give them work experi- photos of a black female student running onto ence after their qualifi cations the fi eld and hugging a victorious team. This to enhance their CVs. This picture paints a thousand words about the serves as an added incentive, transformation at the university. We worked especially to those committed hard at brining students together as human to building their CVs. beings,” he said. If you have not decided what Jansen says he constantly gets calls from you want to do, or perhaps friends, parents and outsiders expressing appre- wish to study overseas towards ciation at the transformation of the university. the end of this year, enrol for “Our work must be deepened and we must a course that makes it possible learn to live and love together,” he empha- for you to exit with a qualifi ca- sised. tion at each level of study. Courses that offer a qualifi cation at the end of each King Edward level of study, include the national diploma in offi ce management; the certifi ed ac- VII School NSC counting technician course; and the HR management FOUR DISTINCTIONS: skills programmes. • Contact Boston on (011) 883-0933, e-mail Dean Snoyman. [email protected], visit English Home www.boston.co.za, or Language, History, catch up with Boston Physical Science, students on Facebook. Life Orientation. 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 TOP RESULTS 2011 Yeshiva College IEB

EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: EIGHT DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SEVEN DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: SIX DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FIVE DISTINCTIONS:

Shira Amar. English, Zara Sidney. Shira Bartkunsky. Shira Gerson. Afri- Kayla Helfer. Drama, Naomi Shear. Shani Gordon. Sarah Levin. English, Afrikaans, Hebrew, Afrikaans, Drama, Afrikaans, English, kaans, English, IT, LO, English, Hebrew, LO, Afrikaans, English, English, Hebrew, LO, Hebrew, History, LO, LO, Life Science, English, Hebrew, LO, Hebrew, LO, Life Sci- Life Science, Maths, Maths, Maths paper 3 Hebrew, LO, Life Sci- Maths, Maths paper 3 Life Science Maths, Maths paper Maths, Maths paper ence, Maths, Maths 3 Maths 3 ence, Maths 3, Physical Science 3, Physical Science

FIVE DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Dani Winer. Drama, Karli Anavi. English, English, IT, LO, Maths IT, LO, Maths

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Traci Bloch. English, Avigal Cutler. Afri- LO, Life Science, Art kaans, English, LO, Life Science

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Leah Heilbrunn. Daniella Hovsha. Afrikaans, English, Drama, English, His- Hebrew, LO tory, LO

FOUR DISTINCTIONS: FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Yehudit Leibovitz. Raﬁ Menachemson. Bus Studies, English, Accounts, English, LO, Life Science Hebrew, LO

FOUR DISTINCTIONS:

Jethro Polliack. English, History, LO, Life Science

THREE DISTINCTIONS:

Meagan Atcheson. English, LO, Life Science Daniella Cohen. English, Hebrew, LO Zackary Feldman. English, Hebrew, LO Ryan Kruger. English, LO, Life Science Chen Smadja. English, Hebrew, LO Aron Soffer. English, Hebrew, LO 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 BUILDING SOUTH AFRICA People doing remarkable things

Rabbi Dovid Hazdan (centre) dancing with soldiers of the IDF at their base outside Jerusalem. On the extreme left is Shaun Zagnoev, a parent at the Torah Academy, and standing next to Rabbi Hazdan (in civilian clothes) is Ariel Nachum, who co-ordinated branches of LIBI in a number of countries. Cementing bonds between religious leaders and IDF SUZANNE BELLING assisting the “lone soldier”, and improving PHOTOGRAPHS BY SHNEOR SCHIFF the quality of life of the soldiers. The partnership began with the celebra- Basil Kransdorff receiving an Ashoka fellow award from Ashoka director, Valeria Merino, RABBI DOVID Hazdan, spiritual leader of tion of the barmitzvah of Jonathan Werner in Kenya. (PHOTO SUPPLIED) the Great Park Synagogue and dean of The which was celebrated at the Kotel in July Torah Academy, returned recently to last year. His parents, Paul (honorary treas- Johannesburg from Israel after represent- urer of Great Park) and Lisa decided to host ing LIBI South Africa (Friends of the Israel 200 soldiers at the reception which was held Basil Kransdorff - is a true Defence Forces) - an organisation dedicated in an army base through the assistance of to enhancing the quality of life of soldiers in Ariel Nachum. the IDF. “The dancing and celebration was inde- change-maker par excellence “We are highlighting the potential to scribable and unforgettable and left a huge develop trust and a productive working rela- impact on the chayalim (soldiers) as well as ALISON GOLDBERG anced diet in an affordable single meal por- tionship between religious leaders and the on the Werner family. The Werner family tion. IDF,” he told Jewish Report. “It is so impor- together with other families from FOR MOST of his working life, industrial The objective: address the “hidden hunger” tant to establish warm bonds of communi- Johannesburg and Pretoria, made a mean- chemist Basil Kransdorff has been at the cut- and achieve nutrient repleteness. Today the cation and co-operation between the ingful contribution to the IDF which pro- ting-edge of new processes. He is father of the price of e’Pap varies between R1 and R2 per Diaspora and Israel and among various sec- cured thousands of winter jackets for the revolutionary, micronutrient-fortified e’Pap meal portion, depending on the area and tors of the Jewish community, particularly soldiers and will result in the establishment porridge, which earned him an Ashoka social mechanism to market. at a time when one is feeling the pain of divi- of a magnificent gym in an army base on entrepreneur award in April last year. Prices are kept at the low end for outreach sion and intolerance.” the outskirts of Jerusalem,” said Rabbi This drive for social change, he comments, organisations and NGOs working in the poor- Rabbi Hazdan met with Minister of Hazdan. is a feature of Ashoka’s 3 000 Ashoka fellows est communities. In South Africa, the United Finance Yuval Shteinitz and Minister of The bridgehead of co-operation is now around the world, half of whom have been Sisterhood is using the product in its commu- Information and Diaspora Yuli Edelstein, as being extended into the establishment of a responsible for policy changes in their home nity outreach programmes, as is Sand- well as high-ranking representatives of the South African office for LIBI. Lieutenant- countries. The Washington-based NGO des- ringham Gardens Medical Centre and Our IDF. Colonel Raanan Simchi will visit the South cribes its fellows as being the “one in 10 mil- Parents Home. Discussions with Lieutenant-Colonel African Jewish community in the near lion” real change-makers in society. e’Pap, is a pre-cooked, whole-grain maize, Raanan Simchi and Asher Goldshlager, who future in this regard. Kransdorff has a number of other credits fortified with whole grain soya and 28 miner- heads LIBI and reports directly to the prime • For further information regarding to his name. Foremost, in 2000, as a result of als and vitamins in a form chosen for its ready minister, resulted in the establishment of LIBI visit www.libi-fund.org.il or contact his “fight for pension fund justice” in the absorption. Flavour options and line exten- LIBI South Africa which will work to assist Rabbi Hazdan at the Great Park office Adjudicators Court (Kransdorff vs sions include e’Soup , e’Drink and e’Spread. with specific projects in the IDF such as edu- (011) 728-8152 or at The Torah Academy on Sentrachem), legislation was implemented to e’Pap is gluten and lactose free and carries a cation, spiritual programmes, recreation, (011) 640-7561. force pension funds to distribute “members Beth Din hechsher. reserves” assigned as “surpluses” back to It is best eaten with cold or hot (but not boil- employees. ing) water, milk, or maas, fermented milk. After leaving his former employer Kransdorff and his family eat it every day Sentrachem, he applied his specialist skills to for breakfast; it can be made into a “nutrition the mining industry with technologies for smoothy” or into bread, crumpets and mine dump rehabilitation, backfill and muffins. slimes dam settlement. “In the past 12 years we have distributed “The development of e’Pap arose curious- over 120 million food portions to 15 African ly,” he says. “It was at the start of the Aids countries. The product is used in different pandemic in 2000. CARE (Community Aids programmes which include TB/HIV patients, Response) founder Jenny Marcus, for whom early child development, old age, corporate my wife Rose was a volunteer, successfully wellness, and sport. We have just sent 110 tons raised donations from former South African to Kenya for Somali refugees.” anti-apartheid legal activist-turned UK In response to international demand for insurance businessman Joel Joffe, and the e’Pap, Kransdorff is now creating the technol- Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, spiritual leader of the Great Park Synagogue and dean of The Elton John Foundation. ogy to manufacture it in countries that have Torah Academy, lighting a Chanukah candle on his recent visit to Israel where he re- “Jenny asked me ‘to apply some science’ to different taste preferences. presented LIBI South Africa (Friends of the Israel Defence Forces). On the extreme left food packs for HIV/Aids patients queuing Gaining support from the medical fraterni- outside the hospitals. Most had lost their jobs ty has been difficult since the “waters were is Yossi Kochavi, deputy mayor of Kiryat Ono, and on the right are Finance Minister and been alienated by their families. muddied” by the dysfunctional nutrition Yuval Shteinitz and Minister of Information and Diaspora Yuli Edelstein. “As a social responsibility project, we debate around pronouncements by late accessed the best brains in the world on food Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. fortification. We understood that nutrient “In our view, she could have been lauded for AROUND THE WORLD form, nutrient interactions and bioavailabili- having the guts to raise the nutrition agenda, ty (absorption by the body) to achieve nutri- but the dunce for defining it as only ‘garlic NEWS IN BRIEF ent repleteness, were key.” and beetroot’. The media frenzy around the Kransdorff remembers with special grati- Minister’s pronouncements on nutrition ISRAELI HACKERS BRING DOWN ARAB WEBSITES tude the contribution of the late Professor polarised the medical and nutrition indus- JERUSALEM - Israeli hackers said they mation of thousands of Israelis. Oscar Penado of the Guatemalan Institute of tries. It resulted in doctors refusing to engage brought down the websites of the Saudi Also on Tuesday, the pro-Israel hacker Biochemistry for sharing his understanding and investigate effective nutrition as a sup- Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Hannibal published a list of e-mail of nutrition. port tool for fear of giving Tshabalala- Securities Exchange. addresses and Facebook passwords for “In the early stages of the HIV pandemic Msimang any credence. The hackers, who call themselves IDF- some 30 000 users from Arab countries, anti-retrovirals were not yet available, so doc- Attitudes, however, are changing, with Team, said in a post on the PasteBin web- Haaretz reported. He also claims to have tors advised their patients to ‘eat a well-bal- recognition at an international level of the site that Tuesday's attacks were in retalia- information to allow access to 10 million anced diet’, something which was unafford- importance of nutrient repleteness as part of tion for the cyber attack the previous day Iranian and Saudi bank accounts. able to most. a holistic medical treatment versus a drugs- on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and El Al Meanwhile, a different group of Israeli “Most were advised to return to their only approach for malnourished people. website, adding: "This is only the begin- hackers posted the details of e-mail ancestral homes to die so that the transport Kransdorff, ever the change-maker, has his ning." accounts belonging to dozens of Saudi costs would not be a burden on their families. eye on the whole food chain. It is acknowl- The Israeli hackers also threatened to medical students. Because most people were succumbing to edged that over the past 40 years, up to 75 per paralyse websites for up to a month if The Saudi hacker 0xOmar said he would opportunistic diseases, we concluded, nutri- cent of nutrients have been lost in many veg- attacks on Israeli sites continue. continue to attack Israeli websites until ent status was important.” etables and fruits. The fault lies with modern Saudi hackers used the PasteBin website Israeli officials asked for forgiveness from The e’Pap formulation approach was agriculture approaches and food processing last week to publish the credit card infor- the people of Gaza for "genocide". (JTA) designed to deliver many of the important that is focused only on yield/taste and ignores micronutrients found in a healthy, well-bal- the nutrient content of food. 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 LETTERS COMMUNITY COLUMNS

The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: [email protected] PESLA LIS MAY BE OLDEST SA HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR A time of new IN YOUR edition of June 9, 2006, there is an hood in Poland and about her experiences ABOVE article written by David Saks, headlined “SA’s growing up. She is featured in the Holocaust oldest Holocaust survivor passes on”. It is an Museum in Cape Town. BOARD beginnings inspiring article about a clearly wonderful It was distressing to see her presence wiped Mary Kluk, woman, but she is not the oldest survivor. away in your article. I am sure that there are National Chairman continued commitment and enthusiasm My mother, Pesla Lis, turned 96 on other survivors, too, who had similar reac- of our youth that our community’s December 5, 2011. Until July last year, she tions. Just in Sea Point, I know of others - A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies future success will be assured. lived in her own flat and regularly went to the Miriam Lichtenstein and Ella Blumenthal, *** Marais Road Shul in Sea Point, Cape Town. for starters. To my knowledge, they are both THE START of the secular new year is a For Durban Jewry, an exciting new Due to her increased lack of mobility, she was still alert, alive and active. time of new beginnings and in particular chapter has commenced with the open- moved to a facility in Wynberg six months ago. for our school leavers now taking their ing of a Jewish day school in Umhlanga. Although, sadly, her memory has largely Rena Lis first steps in forging their own life’s path- The school caters for pre-school through failed, she is still able to talk about her child- New York ways as independent adults. Once again, to grade five and will offer the best of all our Jewish day schools produced con- both Kodesh and secular education. PROGRESSIVES NEGLECTED ON PAGES OF JEWISH REPORT sistently outstanding results, and Jewish Umhlanga now also has a Kollel, I FULLY agree with what Saul Schlesinger given to various organisations. We do not candidates figured prominently among whose initial five families will no doubt had to write. I think Samuel Kornblum is read about the late Rabbi Dr David Sherman the country’s top achievers. be very much involved in the school and out of line. He wants proof, well here we z”l who led his congregation to anti- I congratulate all concerned, and wish in the activities of the broader commu- have it. We all know that there is not a apartheid fame. He was a great leader. all matriculants every success in their nity. It has been a real privilege for me Progressive on your Board and that is We need to read more about the future endeavours. For many, this to have been involved in this whole ini- because the Chief Rabbi will not tolerate it. Progressive Movement in South Africa. We involves further study, whether at uni- tiative, one that marks a resounding vote Another proof is that we hear not a word are all over the country. We only do good versity, Technicon or some other institu- of confidence by the Durban community of what is going on in the Progressive shuls. things. tion. With the university term about to in the future. In Milnerton a new Progressive shul was Don’t forget we are Jews. start, the SA Union of Jewish Students *** built - no pictures of this beautiful shul, nor (SAUJS) is hard at work preparing for Just as we look to imbue our youth an article. Cedric Braudo orientation week, where it is hoped that with a knowledge of and commitment to We do not read about the money that is Green Point, Cape Town as many Jewish students as possible will their Jewish heritage, so can we also sign up as members. look back on what past Jewish leaders SAUL SCHLESINGER SHOULD HEED QUOTE ON SCRIPTURES SAUJS provides a crucial bridge have achieved. This year, as well as between Jewish school and home life and being the 100th anniversary of the THE LETTER by Saul Schlesinger which their arguments. the senior Jewish establishment. It cre- African National Congress, also marks appeared in the SAJR (December 9) refers. Without debating the merits of ates forums where students can continue the centenary of the united SA Jewish His letter remind me of a quote by a good Schlesinger’s viewpoints (sufficient corre- to build on their Jewish identity while at Board of Deputies. friend of mine: “When my neighbour spondents have been published) the above the same time preparing them for future It was in August 1912 that the various quoteth the scriptures I counteth my quote immediately enters my thoughts. leadership roles within the community. provincial branches of the Board came sheep”, when responding to holier than The SAJBD works closely with together to form a national body, which thou persons who repeatedly quote sources Myron Robinson SAUJS, helping to address problems of ever since has served as the umbrella (scriptures, religion or others) to support East London anti-Semitism or anti-Zionism on cam- representative body for the entire pus, resolving problems of examina- Jewish community. We are currently FOR THE RECORD tions being scheduled on Yomtov, considering various ways in which we arranging on-campus events or in other can best celebrate this important mile- MILLER IS CHAIRMAN AND NOT FREEDMAN areas. stone, both for our organisation and for IN OUR report in the paper of December 2, man of the UHI of Oudtshoorn. This is incor- I strongly urge Jewish students to join those whom we represent. 2011, “GRJA gives Jews a sense of community” rect; Clifford Miller has been the chairman for SAUJS and involve themselves in its it is stated that Marc Freedman is the chair- the last seven years. We regret the error. multi-faceted activities. It is through the This column is paid for by the SAJBD 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012 ARTS MATTERS TAPESTRY COMPILED BY ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE ROBYN SASSEN Call 084-319-7844 or [email protected] at least one week prior to publication SA’s ‘Geliefde Doortjie’ passes on Johannesburg Art Afrikaans music. Mahler and Strauss, which always remained an Gallery, Joubert Park: She enjoyed her first professional break at the important part of my repertoire,” she told the “A Fragile Archive”, work age of 27, when she was a soloist with the London Afrikaans press in 2004. by pioneer painters Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jascha Radio was the medium that earned Brasch her Gladys Mgudlandlu and Horenstein in Mahler’s Second Symphony. status to a broad audience; her first audition was Valerie Desmore, curated Brasch’s first collaboration with Bob Borowsky with the SAUK, at the age of 18. She undertook by Nontobeko Ntombela, - who now lives in Australia - in the 1950s, was the frequent tours and appeared under the mantle of January 29 - April 8, (011) start of 22 years of duets earning standing ova- the national arts councils, with the national sym- 725-3130. tions. It was also their first meeting, Borowsky phony orchestras as well as many commercial recalls: “We did the duet from I Pagliacci and recordings of conventional classics and chil- Linder Auditorium, some others. We felt our voices blended well and dren’s songs in English and Afrikaans, many Parktown: The 4th we started doing some of the lighter stuff – composed by children’s story writer Betty Johannesburg Doris Brasch with actor/singer Casper de Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddie – translat- Misheiker. International Mozart Vries, singing to a rag doll. (PHOTOGRAPH ed into Afrikaans. We pioneered the whole area “Afrikaans music lovers made me who and Festival, directed by COURTESY WWW.CASPERDEVRIES.TRIPOD.COM) and struck our first record in 1960.” what I am,” this Jewish girl from the North West Florian Uhlig, at this and But it is for her work with young people that she commented. “We had a great love affair.” related venues, January 27 ROBYN SASSEN will always be remembered – songs like Operatic roles she reprised include Adele in - February 19. See Pollywiggle, Die Lappop and Die Dapper Muis, are Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, Musetta in Puccini’s La http://www.join-mozart- WELL-LOVED South African lyrical soprano, the ones for which she earned the fond nickname, Bohème, Papagena in Mozart’s Magic Flute and festival.org/ for details, Doris Brasch, known for her fresh interpretations Geliefde Doortjie, from her Afrikaans audiences. the witch in Engelberg Humperdinck’s Hansel (011) 447-9264. of children’s songs in English and Afrikaans, Born on September 19, 1929, she was schooled in and Gretel. lieder recitals and duets with baritone Bob Newcastle’s convent, St Dominic’s where she got “Every evening I thank G-d for blessing me with Market Theatre, Borowsky, died on January 12 at the age of 82. her first taste of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. a voice with which I was able to live all my Newtown: In the Laager, Born in the farm village of Rysmierbult, near When she was 14, her family moved to dreams,” she said. “Yellow Man” with Potchefstroom, she was bilingual from the get-go, Johannesburg, and she began formal opera train- Brasch retired from operatic work at 50. A lover Mwenya Kabwe and David and warmly embraced by the small Jewish coming, under Sophie Gimkewitz and later Lili of tennis and water aerobics, she was married to Johnson until February 5; munity there. As a tot she became known as the Lehmann. Nathan Cooperman for 55 years, until his death in in the Main Theatre, “Shirley Temple” of the district. As she grew, her “Sophie enabled me to fall in love with the 2005. She leaves two children, Janine and Michael, Anthony Akerman’s name became synonymous with popular German lieder of Schubert, Wolf, Schumann, and seven grandchildren. “Somewhere on the Border” until February 12; in the Barney Simon, “Woza Albert”, with Diversity of styles at Mozart Festival Mncedisi Shabangu and Hamilton Dlamini, direct- PAUL BOEKKOOI the 1970s, will perform on February 9 and 10 in the UJ Arts ed by Prince Lamla - writ- Centre in respectively a solo concert as well as an ensemble ten by Barney Simon, “QUASI IMPROVISANDO” is the overarching theme of this one with members of the JFO. Percy Mtwa and year’s edition of the Johannesburg International Mozart The German-Japanese violinist Mirijam Contzen will play Mbongeni Ngema (1981), Festival (JIMF). There is quite a change of direction which is chamber music with Uhlig on piano and the Stellenbosch- until February 5, (011) 832- reflected in the theme: jazz will feature quite strongly. based ‘cellist, Peter Martens, on February 4. 1641. The festival runs for three and a half weeks, from January The following evening, the winner of this year’s Unisa 27, it will present an enormous diversity in musical styles, International Piano Competition will give a recital in the same Maynardville Theatre, ranging from symphony concerts to choral concerts and venue, while on February 15, Uhlig will perform there with Cape Town: many top-class chamber music programmes by a well-select- flautist Massimo Mercelli and violinist Misha Simonyan. Shakespeare’s “Comedy of ed range of overseas and local musicians. On January 29, Cock, soloists, the JFO and the Chanticleer Errors”, directed by As always, Richard Cock, the founder of this festival, will Singers will present Mozart’s unique arrangement of Matthew Wild, until conduct his own Johannesburg Festival Orchestra (JFO) as Handel’s Messiah in the Linder, while two days later the con- February 18, (021) 421- well as the immensely popular chamber choir, the ductor and his choir will present a jazz-inspired concert with 7595. Chanticleer Singers. saxophonist Shannon Mowday. Florian Uhlig, the German pianist, is once again the artistic The festival features a new venue in Parktown: Villa Arcadia. Montecasino, Fourways: director of the festival. The composer in residence for 2012 is On St Valentine’s Day Rosemary Nalden conducts her Buskaid In the Pieter Toerien a pianist as well: our own Paul Hamner who will perform his Soweto String Project there; Maurice Steger (recorder) and latest works and join jazz musos for concerts on February 2 James Grace (guitar) perform there two days later. Theatre, Agatha Christie’s Left: Pianist Florian Uhlig, whodunnit, “The and 3 in The Bioscope at Arts on Main. Two jazz highlights are the opening concert on January 27 artistic director of the Mousetrap” directed by Among the greatest overseas drawcards, is Kristjan Järvi, in the UJ Arts Centre, featuring the Quattro Fusion ensemble Alan Swerdlow, until of the internationally known Järvi family who will conduct with Melanie Scholtz (voice). She will also sing in the final jazz Johannesburg International February 26, (011) 511- the JFO in the final concert of the festival, on February 19 in concert of the festival, on February 13 at Baseline. Mozart Festival. (PHOTO- 1988. the Linder Auditorium. For more details, visit www.richardck.co.za. and click on GRAPH COURTESY WWW.BACH- The Brazilian pianist Cristina Ortiz, who last visited us in the JIMF link, or call (011) 447 9264. CANTATAS.COM) Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Sandton: “Body Language”, with World is so much poorer without Gisèle’s pictures Gaëtan Schmidt until February 4, (011) 883-8606. ROBYN SASSEN Wulfsohn was universally loved. She was an important, talented voice in South African photo-journalism. Stevenson Gallery, Cape ON DECEMBER 27, critically renowned portrait pho- When she was diagnosed with cancer, she wrote: Town: “The Unspoken” by tographer and Aids-awareness advocate, Gisèle “Photographing HIV-positive children was traumatic; Nandipha Mntambo and Wulfsohn died. A remembrance picnic will be held in particularly as I was the mother of two healthy chil- “Parasomnia” by Viviane her honour on January 28, at the Emmarentia Rose dren. At first, I put my cameras down and sobbed. But Sassen, until February 25, Garden, from 13:00. Friends and associates are intimat- despite the sadness, there are so many brave people. (021) 462-1500. ed to read poems, say words, or just share the day “So, when I, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with lung together. cancer, I was greatly inspired by those I had met on the UJ Art Gallery, Born in 1957, Wulfsohn went to school in Rustenburg. HIV/Aids journey. I could choose not to talk about it at Auckland Park: Diane She studied graphics at the then Johannesburg College all, or to find out as much about it as I could. I chose to Victor’s “Ashes to Ashes of Art; her photo-journalistic skills were self-taught. She do just that.” and Smoke to Dust”, until was a staffer for several national publications before Wulfsohn leaves her husband, Mark Turpin, twin January 25, (011) 559-2099. (PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY WULFSON, going freelance in 1987, when she joined Afrapix, which sons of 16, Joseph and Samuel; her mother Perla, two TURPIN FAMILY ARCHIVES) focused on documenting the anti-apartheid struggle. sisters, Diane and Susan and a brother Philip.

issues and violence and, yet, it challenges requires three things: no scruples, an accom- What he creates, in the end, is Vera, a more FELDMAN the viewer on both intellectual and ethical plice and a human guinea pig. glamorous version of the Frankenstein con- levels. It deals with crime and punishment, Scruples were never a problem. Second, cept, seductively played by Elena Anaya. ON FILM guilt and madness, all of which are moulded his faithful housekeeper Marilia (Marisa Vera flirts with the doctor with “I’m made Peter Feldman into a moody, perverse, science-fiction Paredes), the woman who looked after him to measure for you”, while his housekeeper tragedy. from the day he was born, is his willing offers a dark warning: “If you don’t kill her, Antonio Banderas, still looking slickly accomplice. And, third, his human guinea pig she will kill you.” PICK OF THE WEEK appealing in his well-cut threads, portrays is an arrogant individual who had been It is clear that there is a strong sexual Dr Robert Ledgard. He is an eminent plastic responsible for the rape of his naïve young attraction between the doctor and his beauti- The Skin I Live In surgeon and scientist who has been experi- daughter. ful creation. menting with the possibility of creating a Loosely based on Thierry Jonquet’s 1995 Wildly original in concept, “The Skin I Live Cast: Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, new kind of skin which would protect peo- novel “Mygale”, Almodóvar manages to In” peppers the viewer with a multitude of Marisa Paredes ple, an exploration triggered by the fate of paint his picture on a broad canvas, one that responses and asks questions about appear- Director: Pedro Almodóvar his wife who was badly burnt and disfigured can best be described as the mixing of ele- ances and whether deep down, do we really in a motor accident and who later died in ments from a melodramatic thriller with know who we truly are? Of all the films Spanish master Pedro what looked like a suicide. those of a medical horror show. Almodóvar is a master manipulator, a gift- Almodóvar has made during his distin- After 12 years, the good doctor manages to His relentless obsession to achieve a med- ed artist who cunningly draws you into his guished career, “The Skin I Live In” is unlike cultivate a skin that is a real shield against ical breakthrough is driven by grief over his dark, diabolical web. And with his final shots anything he has ever attempted before. every assault. late wife and the satisfaction at extracting he reveals in a sharp, painful, exposé every- It’s bold, it’s creepy, it involves gender To execute a successful experiment, he revenge over his daughter’s sexual assault. thing that had gone before. 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 TAPESTRY ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE

the region, she does the lion’s ions, intimidated by her new hus- share of the work on the com- band’s formidable senior wife and Despite structural flaws, a pound, faces down the periodic given to hysteria, she instantly incursions of “Kill and Go” police becomes the family laughing (who do precisely that, and are stock. paid by the oil company to ter- But when Ezekiel is shot by the heart-wrenching novel rorise the locals into subjugation) local “area boys” (young hood- and clothes and nurtures her kin. lums), then drops out of school, Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by poverty. Hunger, continual Forming an almost preternatu- and brings calamity down on the Christie Watson (Quercus, R120) noise, extreme heat, dust, lack of ral bond with Blessing, and recog- family by organising the abduc- privacy and endless physically nising the girl’s innate compas- tion of his mother’s new boy- REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY taxing domestic chores bear sion and practicality, she begins friend, it is Alhaji and Celestine down on Blessing. taking her as an attendant to who emerge as the strongest, OCCASIONALLY a writer pro- The author’s eye for the pitiful deliver babies. Later, tending her most courageous and most digni- duces a work which is riddled minutiae of life within a thread- wounded brother, the girl reflects fied individuals. with structural flaws, over- bare dwelling is extraordinary on what she has learnt: “I looked As still further tragedy engulfs lengthy or a little self-indulgent, and brings the extent of the fam- closely at the bandage. I could not Ezekiel, Blessing - having devel- but whose central truth is so com- ily’s predicament into almost see any blood at all. There had oped from an insecure child to a pelling that one is seduced, unbearable clarity. been a lot of blood. Almost as deeply self-assured, resourceful despite oneself. This novel is one Being forced to attend the only much as a woman giving birth. I young woman - finds she cannot of them. school in the region - under- wondered which thing hurt only shoulder grief and cope with For 12-year-old Blessing, life in equipped, overcrowded and em- more, giving life or having it crisis, but also celebrate Nigeria Lagos in a large, well-appointed ploying brutal corporal punish- taken.” in all its squalor, bloodlust, apartment overlooking the cen- ment as a matter of policy - is Slowly and painfully, but colours, vibrancy, external gaudi- tral market, is one of privilege, another trauma. Even more steadily, Blessing learns that ness and spiritual greatness. pleasure and - crucially - pre- frightening is the fact that the while life in the Warri com- “We looked at Dan as one of dictability. Her over-loud, gregar- severely asthmatic Ezekiel is pound is harsh and filled with us,” she says of her white British ious father is drunk too often, and now far removed from the med- privations, it has its compensa- stepfather. “He had earned his her mother Timi is emotionally ications he needs. tions - and its own, unique Nigerian-ness by surviving. Ijaw cold, but Blessing’s elder brother Allergic to nuts, he cannot eat beauty. people are survivors.” Ezekiel - academically gifted, what little food there is, since it is One of the author’s strengths Watson’s novel could do with a ambitious and protective - is all fried in groundnut oil, so he supply. is her ability to turn satire to judicious re-edit, particularly in always there to look out for her. subsists on scraps. Timi, humili- “I wondered if Mama was about sobriety. Several of the charac- its habitual usage of supposedly So when the father runs off ated and despondent, is com- to say: ‘I love you.’ I held my ters in the novel begin as ludi- sagacious (but, in fact, obscure) with another woman, forcing his pelled to seek work as an escort at breath. I had never heard those crous caricatures: the children’s ethnic proverbs. However, the nominally Christian family to the local hotel, where white men words before, and wanted to hear grandfather, Alhaji, for example, coming of age of Blessing, her resettle in Warri, in the Niger employed by the “Western (read: the exact way she said them... who claims to have been an engi- deepening prism into the events Delta, in a compound belonging to Shell) Oil Company” spend their (But she) did not say: ‘I love you.’ neer, bullies the family to attend and individuals around her and Timi’s Muslim parents, the shock leisure hours. She turned away from the win- mosque every dawn and smears her gradual awareness that, dev- and upheaval are enormous. Blessing, frightened and side- dow and looked through me, past Marmite - which he believes to be astation and danger notwith- For one thing, adjusting to life lined by both her distraught me. ‘I hate this f—-ing place,’ she a universal elixir - on anyone who standing, Nigeria pumps her life in near-primitive conditions, with mother and her ailing brother, said.” falls ill. blood are beautifully realised. neither water nor electricity, and seeks reassurance - but does not It is the grandmother who man- His second, younger wife As a celebration of peoples a score of squatters milling in and receive it. In rooms filled with ages the family, both nuclear and Celestine - an illiterate, over- finding meaning and affirmation out of the house, is a violent empty, cockroach-infested mat- extended. A self-trained herbalist weight hoyden - is another carica- in shared pain and defiant pride, introduction to the reality of tresses, tenderness is in short and midwife to all the women in ture. Obsessed with lycra fash- the book wrenches the heart. 22 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012

WHAT’S ON Sharon Akum [email protected]

DEADLINE PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday prior to publication, without exception.

Organisations, venues, contact details, St Glenhazel, (011) 887-2910. “Lessons of our Room D106, 1st Floor, Hospital Wing, St, Raedene. Contact Leanne (011) 645 2553, e- Contact Marian (011) 646-2409. Website: costs Lives” course on Wednesdays at 10:00. R350 Sandringham Gardens, 85 George Ave, mail: [email protected] • Tiyulim (Jewish Outdoor Club). Contact Martin for the course or R50 per shiur. Sandringham. Contact (011) 640-1322. • South African Jewish Board of Deputies 082-965-7419 or Greg 082-959-9026. • Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue, 38 • FFHS - Friendship Forum for Holocaust • ORT and ORT JET South Africa - 44 Central (Johannesburg) - Beyachad, 2 Elray St, • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Jhb, 1 Oak Oxford Road, Parktown. Survivors, Second Generation and Members of Street, Cnr 10th Ave, Houghton, contact (011) Raedene. Contact (011) 645-2500 or (011) 645- Street Houghton. Contact (011) 648-1053, fax • JJRC - Johannesburg Jewish Resource Centre the Community Affected by the Holocaust. 728-7154. 2523. 086 273-3044. Cost R15 for the Friendship (Formerly Beyachad Resource Centre/Library), Presentations held at the Gerald Horwitz • Preview Theatre - 9 Valerie Crescent, • SA Zionist Federation (SAZF), Johannesburg - Luncheon Club and a R20 donation for lectures 2 Elray St, Raedene. Norma Shulman, (011) Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 George Ave, Bagleyston, (011) 640-1061. Beyachad, 2 Elray St, Raedene. Contact Froma, unless otherwise stated. 645-2567, e-mail: [email protected] Sandringham. • Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC) (011) 645-2505. • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), CT, e-mail • Bikkur Cholim - Jewish Society for Visiting the • HOD - Hebrew Order of David International, and Great Park Shul, Oaklands, Jhb. Contact • Israel Centre. Contact Debbie (011) 645-2560. [email protected] or (021) 434-9555. Sick, 7A Chester Road, Greenside East, Jhb. Joy HOD Centre Oaklands Road, Orchards. Office, Hazel, (011) 728-8088 or Rene Sidley (011) • Jewish National Fund (JNF), Beyachad, 2 Elray • UJW CT AED Programme at Stonehaven, Gafin (011) 447-6689. (011) 640 3017 or [email protected] • JAFFA - 728-8378. Cost usually R50, including refresh- St, Raedene. Contact Crystal Kaplan, 083-376- Albany Road, Sea Point, 10:00 for 10:30. • CAJE - College of Adult Jewish Education, Jewish Accommodation for Fellow Aged, tel ments. 5999. Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). Sydenham Highlands North Shul, (011) 640- (012) 346-2007/8, 42 Mackie St, Bailey’s • Second Innings, Jhb - Jewish Community • Jewish Outlook. Contact Ryan Cane, e-mail • United Zionist Luncheon Club (UZLC), Jhb - Our 5021. Muckleneuck. Services - Donald Gordon Centre, 85 George [email protected]. Support line: 27 76 Parents Home. Contact Gloria, (011) 485-4851 • CARE (Chabad Addiction Rehabilitation Centre) • Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre Ave Sandringham. At the Gerald Horwitz 215 8600, website www.jewishoutlook.org.za. or 072-127-9421. Cell: 079-882-6776. Fax: 086 551 4485, e-mail: (JHGC), tel (011) 640-3100, e-mail: info@jhb- Lounge, Golden Acres, every Sunday morning • Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society (JWBS) - • UOS - Union of Orthodox Synagogues, (011) [email protected], hotline: 0861 111 770. holocaust.co.za • KDSF - King David Schools’ for tea at 10:00, followed by the meeting at Sandringham Gardens, 85 George Ave 010-2142600, e-mail: [email protected], fax 086- • CSO - Emergency phone number 086 18 000 Foundation. King David Alumni [email protected], 10:30. Contact Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Sandringham. Contact Carolyn Sabbagh, (011) 610-3442. 18. (011) 480-4723. Cost: R20 members, R40 non-members. 485-5232. • WIZO Jhb - Beyachad, 2 Elray St Raedene, • ELBM - Emunah Ladies Beit Midrash, 60 Mejon • Nechama Bereavement Counselling Centre - • SA Friends of Beit Halochem: Beyachad, 2 Elray • United Sisterhood, 38 Oxford Rd Parktown. Contact Joyce Chodos-Kruger (011) 645-2548

Today Friday (January 20) survivor Elly Gotz, “A Return To Dachau After 65 Golden Acres. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Cost: R20 Wednesday (February 22) Years”, at Liliesleaf, 7 George Avenue, Rivonia, start- members, R40 non-members. Contact Grecia Gabriel • Second Innings hosts Gerald Zwirn (known as “Mr • Chevrah Kadisha Marriage Preparation Programme ing at 19:30. Booking is essential: Thuli (011) 640- (011) 532-9718. Opera”), who will talk on “Be My Love - A Tribute to is offering an exciting course for volunteer counsel- 3100 or [email protected]. No admission Monday (February 6) Mario Lanza”. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, lors, focusing on skills in counselling, personal charge. Golden Acres. Time 10:00 for 10:30. Cost: R20 mem- growth and development, Jewish marriage education • UJW adult education division hosts Denis Beckett, Sunday January 29) bers, R40 non-members. Contact Grecia Gabriel and preparation, and working with couples. Training journalist, editor, TV personality and author, who will (011) 532-9718. begins in February. For more information call Chevrah • Second Innings hosts Mandy Ramsden (who has speak on “Seatbelts & Skidmarks - Where is Africa Kadisha Community Social Services on (011) 532- climbed all the highest mountain peaks on all conti- Going?” Time: 09:30. Cost R25. Sunday (February 26) 9616. nents) as guest speaker on “Feeding the Rat”. Time: Tuesday (February 7) • Second Innings presents Prof John Lubbe (retired • The United Zionist Association hosts Isaac Reznik 10:00 for 10:30. Venue: Gerald Horwitz Lounge, professor of Semitics) who will talk on “The Dead Sea who will speak on "Those Were the Days My Friend" Golden Acres. Cost 20 for members, R40 for non- • The Morris Rutstein-SAZF evening Hebrew ulpan Scrolls; Qumran, its Writings, Caves, Ruins and at a luncheon. Venue: Our Parents Home. Contact members. Contact Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718. course starts. It terminates on Tuesday, May 29. Graves”. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Times: Every Tuesday night from 19:00 to 21:15. Gloria on (011) 485-4851 or 072-127-9421. Monday (January 30) Acres. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Contact Grecia Gabriel Venue: Yeshiva College (in the classrooms) cnr Long (011) 532-9718. Sunday (January 22) • UJW House & Garden Circle meets at 09:30 for Ave & Ridge Road, Glenhazel. Secure parking. • Second Innings hosts Tony De King (an Elvis 10:00. Phone (011) 648-1053 for further information Registration: Monday February 6, at 18:30. Enquiries: • WIZO Elise Gift Shop in the Genesis Shopping Centre, Impersonator) in “The Elvis Show”, 10:00 for 10:30. SAZF, tel (011) 645-2531 (office hours). Fairmount, entrance from Bradfield Drive opposite • UJW adult education division hosts freelance jour- Shula’s Bakery. Exciting range of baby gifts and gifts Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres. nalist and writer Heidi Holland on “100 Years of the • ORT JET in conjunction with Sasfin Bank introduces Cost: R20 for members, R40 for non-members. for all occasions available at reasonable prices. Hours: ANC”. Time: 09:30. Cost R25. the breakfast launch of the “Sasfin Financial Mon - Thurs 09:00 - 17:00, Friday 09:00 - 13:30, Contact Grecia Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Independence Course for Women”, with Natasja Hart Tuesday (January 31) Sunday 10:00 - 13:00. (011) 640-2760. Wednesday (January 25) and David Shapiro, where an outline of the course will • UJW adult education division hosts Estelle Sher at be given. Time 08:00 – 10:00. Venue: Sasfin Bank, • WIZO’s Wize Buys in Raedene, requires nearly-new • Balfour Park Parkinson's Disease Support Group’s 09:30, who will speak on “Mozart’s Symphony no 38- Scott Street Waverley. No charge – place is limited. clothes, shoes, kitchenware (pots and pans, cutlery, first meeting of 2012 will be held at 10:00 in the One of His Greatest”. Cost R25. RSVP: [email protected] crockery) bric-a-brac, etc. Phone Sandy (011) 645- Boardroom of Randjes Estate. Lyn Pearson, a neuro- 2515 for goods to be collected, or deliver to WIZO physiotherapist, will speak on the importance of exer- Wednesday (February 1) Sunday (February 12) office at Beyachad, Raedene. cise in Parkinson's Disease. Anyone with Parkinson's • Second Innings hosts Bonita de Klerk and Christine • UJW adult education division hosts Arlene • Bnoth Zion Association WIZO is collecting anything Disease, their families, friends and caregivers, are Steininger (senior members of Dept of Bernstein, former head of Lifeline, who will head a of value for its store. Contact (021) 464-6729 or welcome. For further information, contact Rosemary Palaeantology, Wits) who will speak on discussion group. Time: 09:30. Cost R25. Linda Saban 072-245-3225 or Cherna Kredo 084- Burke on (011) 640-3919. “Australopethicus Sediba: Pushing the Boundaries of Sunday (February 5) 589-8588. Thursday (January 26) Human Evolution”. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz • Second Innings hosts Clem Sunter, future scenario Lounge, Golden Acres. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Cost: • Johannesburg Children’s Home is appealing for • JHGC, the United Nations Information Centre and presenter, on “The World and South Africa in 2012 R20 members, R40 non-members. Contact Grecia shoes and takkies for children and teenagers. Contact The Liliesleaf Trust invite you to a talk by Holocaust and Beyond”. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Edna or Hylton Segal (011) 970-4266. THE BRIDGE LOUNGE by Jeff Sapire CROSSWORD NO 1 IN SUIT play, keeping trump control is trick to West’s king of trumps at a BY LEAH SIMON all-important. This hand, written up by moment when he can do no damage. He the Australian expert, Tim Bourke, in should lead the queen of trumps at trick the IBPA, is an excellent example. two. If West wins with the king, the ACROSS: 15. I am one at the gallery, and copy it (7) defenders can score only two diamond 1. Do as a revision for cold drink (4) 16. Anger management for hidden Teuton (6) North dealer, both vul tricks because you still have trumps in 3. Give dangerous accounts of US soccer 18. Angel enables Russian woman to hide NORTH the dummy. team (3, 5) inside (6) 75 If West realises this and allows the 8. Return to you and me inside – but then 19. Thus, above, find the broth (4) 953 trump queen to win, declarer continues expel (4) Q8 with the jack of trumps. Again West 9. Sailor not very exciting – ah, for the Arab SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 236 KQJ742 will be powerless if he takes the king. boy! (8) WEST EAST What if West holds up the trump king 11. An escape just in time for the barber? (1, 5, ACROSS: 1. Inch; 3. Studious; 8. Pine; 9. QJ10 98632 again? Declarer will cash the king of 5) Presages; 11. Safe and sound; 13. Neruda; 14. K876 4 spades and ruff a spade. He then comes 13. Artist returning to French bank will Insane; 17. Run of the mill; 20. Crackpot; 21. KJ43 A1076 back to hand with the ace of clubs and reach destination (6) Soho; 22. Overdose; 23. Cede. 105 863 cashes the ace of hearts before playing 14. Do come back to tidy it up for the curiosi- SOUTH two more rounds of clubs (to avoid a ty (6) DOWN: 1. Imposing; 2. Conifer; 4. Tirade 5. AK4 trump promotion), throwing a dia- 17. They prevent us having a cup of tea – it’s Disjointed; 6. Organ; 7. Sash; 10. Land locked; AQJ102 mond. The defenders will score one a real predicament! (6, 2, 4) 12. Well done; 15. Adipose; 16. Stoops; 18. 952 trump trick and two diamonds but 20. Gradually working beyond normal hours Usage; 19. Echo. A9 declarer has 10 tricks.” (4, 4) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Experts will generally see this line of 21. Hot alcohol conceals the North South play very quickly – it’s a standard safe- powder (4) P 1H ty play. But in a world where most peo- 22. Quietly growing, and 2H 4H Opening lead: SQ exalting (8) ple are fed a heavy diet of Pairs bridge, 8 9 where the overtrick is paramount, 23. You Scots will shout shortly! (4) Before you touch a card from the there is no room for stuff like this. 10 dummy, you would need to know The correct play in Pairs would be to DOWN: whether you are playing Pairs or ruff a spade in dummy and lead the 11 Teams. There is a world of difference in nine of hearts for a finesse. If the king 1. Wow – stay a new way for illegal passenger (8) the approach to this hand, as you will of hearts is onside (Kx or Kxx) you will 12 see. make 13 tricks. Sadly, I think, there are 2. Hopelessness, as pride is ruined (7) Playing Teams, Tim explains, many fairly good bridge players, who 13 14 15 “Declarer should win the spade lead because they play very little teams 4. The French return to make ribbons for the joints (6) with the ace and then attack trumps. bridge, would go down in this makeable 16 Clearly he should play trumps from contract. 5. Dismissed lightly by the hairdresser? (7, 3) hand. If he does so by banging out the 17 18 ace and queen of trumps, West will Every Tuesday (Intermediate) and Wed 6. Kulula voucher contains ritual branch for Succoth refuse to win the second round of (Advanced) I run bridge workshops from 19 trumps and there will be no way to 10:00 – 12:00 at the Great Park Shul; (5) 7. Also horrible – and hides make the contract. If another trump is Corner Glenhove Road and 4th Avenue, 20 21 played the defenders can win and score Houghton – alternating with play hands London district (4) three diamond tricks. If instead declar- one week and a bidding lecture on the 10. Is attracted to a vast tiger, er plays on clubs West will score two other. For more information, call me on somehow (10) 12. May itch, left with what’s trumps and the two diamonds. 082-551-2526 or e-mail me at 22 23 Instead declarer must aim to lose a [email protected]. fabulous! (8) 20 - 27 January 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 23 HOME SERVICES ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE GENERAL TO LET APPLIANCE REPAIRS GLENHAZEL ON-SITE VIEW NEWLY-BUILT Classifieds Stoves, washing-machines, 4 BEDS EN-SUITE To book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 023-8160, tumbledriers, dishwashers & BALCONY WITH Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] fridges. Free quotations! STUNNING VIEWS, KOSHER KITCHEN, IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs adverts in the Classified section in good faith, Call Jason 082-401-8239 however we cannot be responsible for the quality of services offered and claims made MAID/GRANNY PROPERTY TO LET COTTAGE, DOGS HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: ALLOWED. 16K/pm 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE 082-309-3907 on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. Our banking details: SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405 GLENHAZEL Townhouse to let HAZELWOOD DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12 pm. Newly renovated, secure with (If deadline is missed the advert will appear (when payment is received) in the next edition) A CAP ICCC controller radioing-in an instruction to a tactical 3 bedrooms, 2,5 bathrooms, Two-bedroom, two- modern kitchen, unit on the ground. (PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER) NOTICES COMMUNITY NOTICES PERSONAL maids room + 3 parkings bathroom top floor ANNIVERSARY Hayley 082-855-8135 unit available to rent SOULMATES from this month. Capping a myriad successful IT’S A GIRL! Queen Alexandra COTTAGE TO LET COUNTRYWIDE Rental R6 500/month ANGEL JAYE Retirement Home MEET YOUR HIGHLANDS NORTH ex-electricity. Please Gavin and Jocelyn are thrilled to BESHERT! RENOVATED PRIVATE crime-fighting stories at 31 16th St Orange & SECURE announce the safe arrival of MEET BEAUTIFUL/ contact Ryan on OWN CORRESPONDENT was spotted by CAP personnel their precious daughter Alexia Grove, provides (011) 440-0169 HANDSOME SINGLES 082-416-6821 or within minutes. He divulged Jade Angel on January 9, 2012. 076-686-8259 exceptional nursing (Ages 19-75) COMMUNITY ACTIVE Pro- information on the other two Sister to Danni and Jesse. [email protected] tection (CAP), established five suspects; within 10 minutes, all Grandparents Vivienne, Serwyn, care and very good ENGAGED: JOE & DI, PROPERTY FOR RENT years ago, continues to enjoy three suspects had been found. Judy and Melvyn are ecstatic. food in a homely KIM & ROB MAZELTOV! Troon Village, Sandringham great success with keeping With the help of the SAPS, these Grateful thanks to Hakadosh Call 082-357-3616 Available February 1, 2O12 FOR SALE crime away from the suburbs. criminals are now behind bars. Baruch Hu, and to Doctors atmosphere with 2-bed, 2-bath, garden town- ROYAL LINKSFIELD / The organisation currently pro- “Also in December, a male was Apostoleris, Hay and staff at lovely gardens. Also SERVICES house situated in a secure com- SANDRINGHAM plex. Shade parking for 2 cars, tects some 150 000 people in 16 reported to have been robbing Morningside Clinic. weekly doctor`s visits, LIFTS On the golf-course, free- designated CAP areas. members of the public of their Baruch Hashem good security. R7 000pm excl. standing unit, 3 beds W/L. Viewing strictly by appoint- “Crime does not stop over the jewellery in a shopping centre in daily activities & BEST SERVICE (mes), 2 full baths, study ment only. holiday season,” a CAP spokes- an area supported by CAP. Our IT’S A GIRL! Modern spacious monthly outings. Jeanette or 4th bed, open plan tiled man told the SAJR. “We contin- debriefing department, a divi- LEVYJAYE Vehicle, pax 7 + luggage Cecil, Tamara and Rachel are Residential, frail, (011) 864-7625 (o/h) lounge and kitchen, sep ue to be very vigilant over these sion of CAP ICCC focusing PIP FRIEDMAN thrilled to announce the safe Shimon Botbol dining (sits 12), double times. Our vehicles patrol 24- specifically on the collection of step-down and 083-267-3281 arrival of their precious daughter 082-452-3575 (a/h) garage, 2 gardens, pool. hours a day, and we’ve main- information, was deployed to [email protected] and sister Rebecca Mia Levy on holiday care Asking R2.4 million tained an overall decrease in collect information on the trend December 7, 2011. GRESSWOLD VAUDE Maids available crime of between 80 and 90 per of the incidents. available. Grandparents Rene, Leon, Judy AIRPORT TO LET Call June cent.” “A pre-emptive plan was put 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, and Melvyn are ecstatic. Manager 083-226-3741or Over the December period into place with the deployment Grateful thanks to Hakadosh n/facing flat. SHUTTLE (011) 640-4967 alone, CAP was party to six of personnel in the area where Baruch Hu, and to Doctors Joan Buchanan. Contact Rasheel arrests, bringing the total of the robberies were taking place. Moore, Davies and staff at (011) -640-5826 G’hazel to 073- 216-1212 This plan included a detailed arrests accomplished in 2011 to Parklane Clinic. 079-529-6714 Tambo R140 TO LET 137. The spokesman recounted a description of the suspect. With- Baruch Hashem ROYAL LINKSFIELD Reasonable rates from FLATS TO LET few of the “many stories that in a day he was caught in posses- / SANDRINGHAM illustrate the CAP system coming sion of stolen goods. all other areas CYRILDENE Upstairs unit with view, together successfully through “In November, a call was 2-bed apartment, SAM plus garden and bal- different parties involved. placed by a witness to a hijack- available Feb. (011) 728-5219 “We rely on the residents in ing. A description of the vehicle Rent R3 800 per cony, 2 x lounges, 2 x 083-627-8516 beds, 2 x baths, open CAP areas to be our eyes and and number plate was relayed month. plan kosher kitchen + ears, the tactical officers on the and immediately an instruction Phone Stella ground to remain vigilant; with- was communicated to tactical IVAN WANTS dining area, 1x garage, (011) 786-1119 out the close relationship and vehicles to block streets around TO LIFT YOU! 1 carport. hard work of the SAPS, we could the area. The vehicle was soon R8 500pm + deposit. not achieve the result of crimi- located, but the suspects had Punctual, reliable, GREENSTONE Available February 1 nals being put behind bars. exited the vehicle and were now trustworthy. HILL : Call June “On December 13, three indi- on foot. Lovely 2-bedroom 083-226-3741 or viduals were apprehended in the “A separate phone-call was JHB/Sandton/ apartment incl (011) 640-4967 Strathavon area in connection placed by a resident in close OR Tambo/ with a home invasion that took proximity, reporting two tres- kitchen appliances, place when the homeowner was passers on her property. Tactical Lanseria/Pretoria good security, pool, VACANCIES present. She called the CAP con- officers were dispatched to her outings for retirees gym, etc. R6 000 + EMPLOYMENT WANTED trol room as soon as the suspects premises and with the help of services. left her house and a ‘lookout the SAPS, one of the criminals Cell: Immediate was found and arrested. BOOKKEEPER brief’ was initiated by the CAP occupation. ICCC (Incident Command and “We urge residents in CAP 082-962-5007 REQUIRED Contact Control Centre). areas to ‘call-in’ suspicious Mature male or “The ICCC is CAP’s security activity to 086-18-000-18,” he Stella/Helen backbone and is the centre of all added, quoting the CAP website (011) 786-1119 female of CAP’s security analysis, man- which lists further information, (part-time). agement and procedural proto- as well as details of the 16 areas Must be computer- col. One of the individuals it protects: http://www.c-a- HOUSES FOR SALE matching the description given p.org.za/pages/areas.asp LINKSFIELD JHB. literate Large family home on CV MUST BE CAP currently operates in Glenhazel; Sydenham; Rouxville; 1 983m2. Property FAXED TO Orange Grove; Sandringham; Highlands North; and 540m2 undercover. 086-648-4568 Savoy/Waverley; Oaklands/Orchards; Senderwood/Linksfield; Home is 4 houses away Houghton; Saxonwold; Melrose/Birdhaven; Victory Park; from King David School EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE Sandown/Strathavon; Gresswold; Norwood. and comprises large TUITION & EDUCATION sparkling pool in GOING AWAY FOR park-like garden. SHORT/LONG-/ AROUND THE WORLD Accommodation compris- SHORT-TERM. NEWS IN BRIEF es lounge, dining, break- Excellent security background fast room and family room Good with pets ‘CONDEMN LIBYA FOR SUDANESE LEADER’S VISIT,’ REAL ESTATE Contacts or refs with 2 studies as well as 5 OBAMA TOLD Call Wayne BUSINESS bedrooms (2 en-suite) 083-351-1225 WASHINGTON - Eighty Holo- join us in treating perpetrators Private sale. Realistically caust and genocide scholars of genocide as pariahs." SCHOOL priced at R2.4 million. DRIVER have signed a petition calling on The petition, which was Call: Cecil Lewus Reliable gent 43 President Barack Obama to con- spearheaded by the David S www.rebs.co.za 083-629-4090 seeks driving post demn Libya's new government Wyman Institute for Holocaust Code 8 with pdp for hosting a visit by Sudanese Studies, urges Obama to "speak Contactable refs President Omar Bashir. out publicly against Libya's Wayne Bashir has been indicted by embrace of Bashir and to make Micro finance 083-351-1225 the International Criminal it clear to the international Court for his role in the Darfur community that the US Need pamphlets distributed? genocide. regards the hosting of visits by company Young Jewish gent to "Especially in view of the Bashir as unacceptable." Its is looking for a manager / consultant with deliver them in all areas role the United States played in signatories - from the United at a nominal fee bringing about the overthrow States, Europe and Israel - call maths & acc, must be computer-literate. David 073-345-4077 of the Gaddafi regime," the for "a firmer policy by the US E-mail CV to: petition says, "the US has a toward perpetrators of geno- [email protected] Looking for position in a shop right, and a moral obligation, cide and those who coddle or in telesales to demand that the new Libya them." (JTA) or fax to: 086 564 4611 (have previous exp) David 073-345-4077 24 SA JEWISH REPORT 20 - 27 January 2012

Barit siblings win at table Maccabi Football prepares tennis championships for Maccabiah 2013 JACK MILNER JACK MILNER boys team (born 1997-1998), under-18 boys (born 1995-1996), under-18 girls (born 1995- WHILE SOME learners spent their sum- IT IS hard to believe that it is just around a 1998), open men’s (under-35), open ladies mer holidays basking on the beaches of year and a half to the start of the 19th (under-35), masters men (over-35) and grand KwaZulu-Natal, brother and sister combi- Maccabiah. With that in minds Maccabi masters (over-45). nation of Avi and Gila Barit spent much of South Africa is already looking at the selec- Maccabi is one of the biggest Zionist their vacation time in the table tennis halls tion of the teams to represent the country in organisations in the world and the goal of of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 2013. Maccabi Football is to ensure that as many Gila and Avi took part in the South The Maccabi Games were first held in 1932 deserving participants as possible are given African Universities Table Tennis Cham- when 390 athletes and 14 nations competed, the opportunity to experience the Games. pionship, which featured virtually every figures similar to the participation in the The team of conveners, including Daniel South African university and Technicon. very first Olympic Games 36 years before. Witz, Debbie Ilouze, Sandra Brookstone, The Barit siblings represented the The Maccabiah is now the third largest Ryan Kalk, Allan Nossel and Clive Bedell, as University of Pretoria. sporting event in the world, after the well as the junior convener, Mannie Witz, By the end of the tournament Gila came Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, and ladies sports co-ordinator Lisa Hack. away with two gold and two silver medals and take place every four years in Israel. They have already begun setting out the while Avi won a gold and three silvers. The The 19th Games will see almost 60 coun- processes and procedures for ensuring that University of Pretoria won the team com- tries participate in some 30 sports, with an these goals are achieved. petition and in doing so gave Gila and Avi expected 10 000 participants. All those interested in participating in the a gold medal. Maccabi SA is expecting to send their trials or interested in managing or coaching The format of the team event was based largest ever delegation of over 360 competi- one of the teams are to send their details to on the best of five games, with four singles tors, managers, coaches, medical staff and [email protected] with their full name, matches and one doubles rubber. management team. cell number, e-mail address and date of In the individual section Gila, who was Football will constitute close to half of the birth, so that they can be kept updated with the previous year’s gold medallist, reached entire South African delegation for the the relevant information for the various tri- the final but lost a hard-fought match. Games, to take place from July 17 to 31, 2013. als that will take place. However, she made up for it in the girls To ensure that the teams are well prepared Guidelines for all trials have been put in doubles when teaming up with Kanyasele for the Games and for the experience of a place, which will be strictly adhered to. Madlala they won the title and earned Gila lifetime, trials for the various football teams These have been accepted by all football con- her second gold medal. will take place from March 2012. veners, including the use of external selec- In the mixed doubles Gila teamed up South Africa will be sending an under-16 tors. with Avi and they once again made it through to the final but had to settle for the runners-up spot. In the men’s doubles Avi and his part- ner, Luke Abrahams, reached the finals where they were beaten. Avi Barit at the awards dinner after Both Gila and Avi are students at receiving his gold medal for the team Tukkies, Gila in the sport science faculty event at the South African Universities and Avi in the medical faculty. Both are Table Tennis Championships in Durban. former King David Linksfield learners. Two young YC sports stars get awards Two young girls came out with awards at the 2011 valedictory ceremony at Yeshiva College in Johannesburg. Carmella Illos received the sports girl of the year trophy while Sera Shor was honoured as the top netball player of the year.

Carmella Illos. Sera Shor