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

DID YOU KNOW: % 5.3k 73 Cape Town 4980 3832 Website Visits 1st of Month Followers in October % Johannesburg 2020 22 65+ 23.5% 45-54 16% Email 1844 % Other 55-64 19% 35-44 16% Subscribers Mid Month 900 5 provinces 25-34 18% 18-24 7.5% www.cjc.org.za Followers To subscribe email: Readers by Region Readers by Age [email protected] 2 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 No 5 JUNE 2016 VOLUME 37 No 12 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

Regular contributors Features

Page 3 Lindy with a why Page 4 Cape Town Jewish Emergency Relief Scheme Page 6 Telfed Page 7 Ettie Buch turns 100 United Jewish Campaign Zac Abel awarded Rhodes Scholarship Page 8 SA Jewish Museum Page 28 Israeli single malt in SA Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute Page 29 Home is where the art is (continues from page 1) Page 9 Community Security Organisation Page 31 Food waste in (and ) Page 10-14 Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Page 32 Ottolenghi’s Flavour Page 16-21 SA Zionist Federation (Cape Council) American Summer Camps Page 22 Temple Israel Page 36-37 Your guide to Kosher Cape Town Page 23 Mensch Page 37 Shining Light Awards (continues from page 1) Melton Page 39 End of an era by Dominique Herman Page 24-25 Page 40 A tribute to Lord Jonathan Sacks, z”l Page 26 Cape Jewish Seniors Association by Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein Page 27 Jewish Community Services Wonderbag donation by EOLI cohort to JCS Page 28 ORT SA Cape Another lockdown possible for Israel Page 30 Cape Town High Page 42 Food writer reveals what she cooks at Chanukah Page 31 Maccabi Coffeetime Page 32 Eliot Osrin Leadership Institute Israeli Embassy Page 33 Gitlin Library Your guide to Kosher Cape Town Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School Page 34 Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre 36 - 37 Page 35 Anton Katz on Jewish judges Staffwise Page 38 Craig Nudelman on teaching Union of Jewish Women 25 20 6 CJC EDITORIAL BOARD CSO emergency Chairman: Lester Hoffman. Ex-officio: Ben- Banking details: Zapper SnapScan number for security and Surdut. Committee: Julie Berman, Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; medical emergencies Geoff Cohen, Stuart Diamond, Kristy Evans, Branch code: 020 909; Acc no: 070 703 493; Barbara Flax, Rael Kaimowitz, Myra Osrin, Acc name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; 24 hours Jonathan Silke. Editor: Lindy Diamond, Acc type: Current Secretary: Tessa Epstein, Layout: Desrae 086 18 911 18 Saacks, Digital coordinator: Lisa Shapiro

DISCLAIMERS ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND CORRECTIONS The Cape Jewish Chronicle regrets any errors or omissions that may occur in the paper and, where possible, will attempt to rectify these in a subsequent issue, should such a measure be deemed appropriate. No repeat advertisement or credits will be given for small typographical errors which do not appreciably lessen the value of the advertisement. The appearance of an advertisement or photograph does not necessarily indicate approval or endorsement by the Editorial Board for the product or service advertised or photograph reproduced, and it takes no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the reliance upon the information contained therein. LETTERS AND OPINIONS Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or its sponsoring bodies. Letters submitted anonymously will not be printed. However, by agreement, the writer’s name may be withheld in the publication. Letters are published subject to space being available. The Editor and the Editorial Board have the right to decide on the inclusion of any item submitted for publication. Letters may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. KASHRUT Unless otherwise stated, food and catering services advertised in this publication are not under the supervision of the Cape Beth Din. FINANCIAL You should always obtain independent expert advice prior to making any financial investment, commercial or other decisions. Do not enter into any transactions of the above nature, based partly or wholly on the content of any advertisements or articles published in the Cape Jewish Chronicle. Cape Jewish Chronicle Centre 87 Hatfield Str Gardens 8001 PO Box 4176 Cape Town 8000 phone 021 464 6736 [email protected] Editor Lindy Diamond Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 3 Lindy with a why Why Chanukah is such a special time for me

By Lindy Diamond, Editor Cape Jewish Chronicle It’s my 13th wedding was almost no room left, she poured anniversary in the second grains of sand into the cracks. When week of December and we the king came to see his daughter’s were married on the 6th day work, he was impressed. “You may of Chanukah, so this holiday yet take my throne,” proclaimed the king and he ordered the room to be of light and resilience and emptied for his second daughter. miracles is interwoven with our life story. The middle daughter, who was smart and quick, decided to use t took us five weeks after meeting paper. She found reams and reams Ito decide we wanted to get of paper. And piled the room high. married, and 13 years to get to the Then she crumpled sheets of paper point where we know each other into balls and pushed them into well enough to decide which points the spaces left behind. Tiny little are worth arguing vociferously and scrunched up pieces of paper filled which are better left with an eye- the gaps. When the king came to see roll and a deep breath. That’s a his daughter’s work he was doubly very special place, and a massive impressed. “Your sister still had little energy-saver, I think. holes between the rocks she chose The past 13 years have gifted us to fill the room — the paper you have three incredible daughters, (ptu, ptu, used has filled the room far better — ptu), two beautiful homes (one at a you may yet take my throne,” and he time) filled with a balance of quirky ordered the room to be emptied for knickknacks, paintings of boats and the third daughter. traditional Judaica, and one motto Being a gentle and kind person, the to practice and teach our children. youngest daughter was unsure of Love and Light. So, in honour of my how to proceed. She couldn’t use anniversary, and Chanukah, I gift rocks — that just wasn’t her style you the story my husband told our and she couldn’t use all that paper guests as part of his wedding speech — that wasn’t how she operated. 13 years ago, with a small tweak to The third daughter took a candle and the feminine, because I can. lit it and flooded the room with light. The story goes that there was a king The king, and even the older sisters, who had grown old and was looking could not deny that the room was to see which of his three daughters filled to capacity with warm, glowing should take over the throne. The candlelight, and the king had found eldest daughter was a natural his worthy successor. leader, strong and brave. The middle We have used the message of this daughter was really smart and great story, that Love and Light is always at arguing a point and the youngest the better choice, as a family daughter was kind and gentle. Who motto and as a raison d’etre in our would be the best suited to rule professional lives. This world, and the kingdom? our community, needs kindness The king decided that whichever and light far more than criticism, of his daughters could fill a small righteous indignation and loud room in the castle completely and shouty voices. utterly to capacity, would be worthy This is my message for a beautiful, of ruling. peace-filled Chanukah and holiday The oldest daughter went first. She season. Rocks and paper may feel chose to fill the room with rocks. She like a good way to fill a room. But carried huge boulders and threw nothing does it quite as well, and as them into the room. She shoved beautifully, as light. pebbles in between and when there Chag Urim Sameach!

back to contents 4 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Voluntary subscription now due for 2021 R350 We need your support to provide you with your monthly dose of all that’s been going on in Jewish Cape Town We accept payment by EFT, SnapScan and Zapper Banking details: Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; Branch code: 020 909; Account no: 070 703 493; Account name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Account type: Current **Please use your cellphone number as payment reference. Please email confirmation of payment to [email protected] It’s easy to pay with your phone Zapper SnapScan

Shabbat and Yom Tov Times Date Portion Candle lighting Ends Earliest Latest 4 Dec/18 Kislev 6.30pm 7.27pm 8.25pm 11 Dec/25 Kislev * 6.30pm 7.33pm 8.30pm 18 Dec/3 Tevet Mikketz 6.30pm 7.37pm 8.35pm 25 Dec/10 Tevet Vayiggash 6.30pm 7.41pm 8.38pm 1 Jan/17 Tevet Vaychi 6.45pm 7.15pm 8.40pm 8 Jan/24 Tevet 6.45pm 7.15pm 8.40pm 15 Jan/2 Shevat Vaera 6.45pm 7.15pm 8.38pm 22 Jan/9 Shevat 6.45pm 7.15pm 8.34pm 29 Jan/16 Shevat Beshallach Shirah6.45pm 7.145pm 8.29pm N.B. Please note that the times indicated are the earliest times for candle lighting. Please consult your Rabbi.*Light the Channukah candles before the candles

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Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 5

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back to contents 6 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 My story and an opportunity to give back

By Lili Goldberg

As the only child of a single during lockdowns, we will be hosting a rooftop braai and we have been mother, independence is my assisting Telfed’s Lone Soldier greatest aspiration. Committee with a project to send am not the typical South African gifts to Lone Soldiers across Israel. IOlah. For starters, I consider myself If you are prepared to work hard, an entrepreneur. I was raised in a Israel offers great opportunities. home with Jewish traditions by my I knew academia was not for me non-Jewish mother. After realising but that I could make my mark with that a BCom was not right for me, I hard work. I am a strong believer in decided on a gap year in Israel. With leading a healthy lifestyle and found a dream to convert, my gap year many opportunities in this field. I am would include learning in a midrasha currently selling sports equipment and studying giur. It was my paternal and offering personal training for grandfather, Solly Goldberg z”l, who women. During lockdowns, interest introduced me to Telfed and the in personal training spiked as gyms South African community in Israel. closed, and I am delighted to now have The support I received from Telfed assistants supporting my business. I motivated me to ‘pay it forward’. love that there are certain areas in Israel is my home and I want other Israel which seem underdeveloped, young, single Olim to feel the same offering great opportunities for small sense of “coming home” as I have business owners. experienced. Israel is a country of miracles and I When I first arrived in Jerusalem, I Telfed's Youth Committee delivered welcome baskets to young South African and am constantly inspired by Israelis’ Australian Olim who arrived in Israel in the summer had passed the age of eligibility for determination to flourish. I am national service. As I couldn’t serve, I could not see their families in South be a part of a young, dynamic team proud to be living in a country that decided to focus my efforts on those Africa or Australia were in need of Olim. My ‘team’ includes young is growing and prospering; a country who could, by packing food parcels of a strong social support system South African and Australian Olim that provides a sanctuary for Jews and hosting shabbat meals for Lone in Israel. Joining Telfed’s Youth with a shared love of Israel and an of all persuasions, a safe haven Soldiers. As COVID-19 hit, I decided Committee for South African and understanding that young Olim will and a home. We invite young Olim to make a change and move to Tel Australian under 35s was just the have an easier klita (absorption) with to join us and to get involved in a Aviv. During this time, I was looking opportunity I was looking for. I was a supportive network. unique community within Israel. You for new opportunities to volunteer elected as the Chairperson of the can follow the Youth Committee on Our team recently delivered welcome and realised that young Olim who Youth Committee and am excited to Instagram – @telfedyouth. baskets to new Olim who arrived

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 7 Cape Town legend Ettie Buch turns 100 Zac Abel selected as 2021 SACS and By Jaime Uranovsky Partner Schools Rhodes Scholar Elect The Jewish community and 13 great-grandchildren. By Jaime Uranovsky in would not Before settling in Cape Town, be the same without Ettie and her family had a Zac Abel, 23, of Cape applicants. Zac was one of its spunkiest successful outfitting business Town has recently selected as the recipient and most memorable in Strand for 35 years. been awarded the for SACS and its members, Ettie Buch, On turning 100, Ettie said, prestigious Rhodes Partner Schools. who celebrated her “Age comes to all. Life is not Scholarship for On his initial reaction 100th birthday on negotiable but, thank G-d, I 2021 and plans to hearing he had been 24 November. have been blessed with the to embark on his selected as a Rhodes merit of living and with my journey to Oxford Scholar Elect, Zac says, ttie, born in 1920 to Lithuanian memory”. She believes that, “If we knew in September next “I was just overwhelmed, Eparents, has always been the span of life, if we only knew when, and I think fairly passionate about assisting others we would forget the foibles, the pain, year, where he will be reading an MPhil shocked. For it to happen, looking and giving back, both to the Jewish the faribels, the nonsense; we would be back, it was just the kind of sudden community and beyond. more forgiving to people and also just in Economics. realisation of such a lifechanging Her involvement in charity work is look at the good in other people”. fter completing school at SACS experience knocking on the door”. immense. She first began when she Ettie has been staying with her Ain 2015, Zac obtained his Once he has earned his master’s was at school by helping her mother to daughter, Lynette, in Johannesburg undergraduate as well as his first- degree at Oxford, Zac hopes to collect JNF blue boxes from the Jewish for most of the year, as she could not class honours degrees in economics return to the African continent and congregants in the return to Cape Town because of the at UCT, while simultaneously implement the skills he has learnt. and Strand community. The women pandemic. However, she hopes to be volunteering at the NSRI He explains, “The big goal is to in their congregation then formed back by November’s end. While Ettie Station. He is presently employed work on development in Africa. the Somerset West/Strand branch of missed Sea Point and Marais Road at the Boston Consulting Group How exactly that happens and the Ladies Zionist Society, and Ettie Shul greatly, she relished being able which has taken him across Africa what shape and form that takes became their secretary. Ettie has also to spend her birthday with one of her to gain experience. During his I’m not entirely sure of yet but I do been very involved with the Union of daughters, her grandchildren, great- school career, Zac was also a have interests in health and green Jewish Women and has been an active grandchildren and some friends. skilled cyclist, cross country runner energy, and I think those are kind member of WIZO for 72 years. Indeed, and oarsman. of things that I’d like to infuse the Ettie refers to charities that support Ettie is excited to return to her The renowned scholarship, new knowledge with”. Israel as her “passion and priority”. congregation, the weekly and holiday services of which she diligently attends. established in 1903, is awarded to Zac is the son of Raella Abel and In 1944, Ettie married Buch She says, “I feel that if one belongs to a 100 individuals around the world Chris Purcell, and is the grandson and has two daughters, Lynette and community, one must be involved with every year, with just a handful of of Myrna Nel and David Abel. Beverly. Today, she has six grandchildren the community”. those available to South African

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back to contents 8 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 New SAJM exhibition highlights Progessive Judaism The Eliot Osrin The SA Jewish Museum will be hosting the first exhibition on Leadership Institute Progressive Judaism, Ground Breakers from 14 December until March 2021. has launched on n text, photographs and video, the exhibition demonstrates that no history Iof South African Jewry is complete without an understanding of how this minority community broke new ground and impacted upon the majority. social media The exhibition tells the story of a charismatic young rabbi, Weiler, who in 1933 defied expectations by building a movement under adverse conditions in a deeply conservative community, and then managed to spread Follow us to navigate your it from Cape Town to Salisbury. He pioneered many firsts that we now take for granted; the first bat- — held in near secrecy, the first Jewish outreach leadership journey to African townships, the first women on shul executives and the first interfaith dialogues. And more recently, the movement has gone places Orthodoxy can’t follow: women rabbis and same sex marriages. in 2021 Some interesting characters appear in the story: The movement’s founder in South Africa was Professor Avram Zvi Idelsohn, widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on Jewish liturgical music. He also happened to compose Hava Nagila. Rabbi David Sherman dominated the Cape Town progressive movement for half a century. So did his wife Bertha, the charming and vivacious ‘front of house’ to the movement, whom he married three months after hiring her as a Hebrew teacher. Rabbi Andre Ungar spent his childhood hiding from the Nazis in Budapest. When he arrived in South Africa ten years later, he said he saw similar things happening here. For which the government promptly deported him. The exhibition is based on the research of Irwin Manoim, from the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies at UCT, who has just published a book on the subject, Mavericks Inside the Tent. Ground Breakers: A History of Progressive Judaism in South Africa will be on display at the SA Jewish Museum from 14 December 2020. The book Mavericks Inside the Tent is available from the museum gift shop. For more information please go to www.sajewishmuseum.co.za

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 9

PROTECTING JEWISH LIFE & THE JEWISH WAY OF LIFE, NOW MORE THAN EVER CSO CAPE TOWN

Over these past months, the CSO Cape Town has continued to respond to the signicant increase in community medical calls while at the same time, dealing with periodic security and missing person’s incidents. Likewise, security coverage of community schools, Shuls and installations continues to be a key 414 974 task of the CSO. SECURITY CALL-OUTS MEDICAL CALL-OUTS IN 2020 (AS AT 1 DEC) IN 2020 (AS AT 1 DEC) The CSO Covid-19 Wellness Monitoring Programme, together with Hatzolah Medical Rescue in Johannesburg, was created to assist community members who have tested positive for Covid-19 or display symptoms of the virus. Daily tracking of temperature, heart rate and oxygen saturation TOO together with a list of health checks was implemented 209 to assist patients and their families. COMMUNITY MEMBERS MANY! MONITORED ON THE ZOOM MEETINGS AND CSO continues to work closely, wherever possible, with WELLNESS PROGRAMME WEBINARS ATTENDED other community organisations to broaden and (AS AT 1 DEC) strengthen the response needed by community members.

The community is reminded to COVID-19 WELLNESS only register for the community MONITORING Covid-19 Wellness Monitoring PROGRAMME CAPE TOWN Programme once you have tested positive, via WhatsApp or SMS to 072 037 8971. Or go to www.csocape.org.za/COVID-19 to ll in a registration form.

For serious life-threatening medical emergencies, continue to call the 24-hour Control Centre on 086 18 911 18.

WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE APPRECIATION TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED IN 2020, ENSURING THAT OUR VITAL WORK COULD CONTINUE.

www.csocape.org.za

back to contents 10 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

KEEPING IT REAL VIEW FROM THE CHAIR

By Stuart Diamond, Executive Director, Cape SAJBD By Tzvi Brivik December is a reflective time of its #wordsmatter At , we celebrate a full cycle year in the Diamond household programme of the reading of the Torah from the very as we start to gear down in 2021. It is a first parsha. terrible waste of towards our annual year-end n completing the reading, we start again — a fresh break and we take stock of the potential for us to divide ourselves Ostart and at each reading, an opportunity to learn year that was. when the sum something further, to expand our knowledge, to get a hile my children judge their of all our parts is better understanding of what drove our forefathers to do Wyear on school reports, I what makes us what they had and what we can learn from their actions. reflect personally, professionally what we are; a In Parshat Vayera we read about Avraham. Avraham and communally, asking myself if unique and special community. faced two major conflicts, first with his nephew Lot about how their respective I have played a role in making this I would also like to shine some light on employees the shepherds should carry out their work. To resolve this dispute, community better. It is not lost on me the Cape Council. To my professional Avraham first sought points of commonality. The second dispute was when that this time of reflection coincides team; Jodi, Gwynne, Tyla and Avraham was told that the city of Sodom would be destroyed. He then with Chanukah; in fact, it reminds me Mathilde, I am deeply thankful for appealed on behalf of the inhabitants of the city on the basis of their humanity. to light my candles every day through your commitment to ensuring that we the work that I do. There are lessons to be learned from Avraham and his reactions — seeking at the Cape SAJBD continue to serve first to determine that which makes us the same, what views we share, what The start of 2020 saw the Jewish our community with innovation, care values we hold in common, and then using that as a springboard to resolve community responding in a collective and passion. disputes. The second lesson provides a more high-level or broad approach. voice to a global pandemic. It brought May this be a year that we all light our out the best of what the Cape Jewish I mention this as I intend over the next couple of months to elucidate on the work candles and work harder to illuminate which the Cape SAJBD does, part of which includes ensuring harmonious community can be when we all align a positive future for our community. with a shared purpose. The challenge relations both within our community and on behalf of our community facing now is, how do we hold that shared out. That work continues all the time both behind the scenes and visibly purpose when the world throws through our various campaigns. divisive politics into the communal By creating an opportunity for pot? Over the last few months, I have parties to discuss openly — free witnessed debates and discussions of any concern of recrimination or among our community members on judgement — their commonalities social media platforms about a wide we hope the differences become variety of difficult topics. Some of resolved. these discussions were constructive CHAG and engaging, and some turned Promoting discussions and divisive and ugly. dialogues with outside bodies and political bodies secures our In 2020, I have seen cases of our community against community lifting each other higher SAMEACH! and hateful speech, and is essential than we ever thought possible, in fulfilling our primary mandate. and tearing each other down to new depths. My message to our We are fortunate in South Africa community stands firm. There is No and particularly in the Cape to be Place for Hate and Words Matter. able to practice our religion freely in the manner that we choose and in a Last year I wrote about how as Jews manner that expresses our Judaism of Cape Town when we continue to openly and publicly. To ensure choose to light our Chanukah candles that freedom, there is an open in our daily lives we go a long way dialogue between ourselves as a to fight back the divisive and hateful representative body and political rhetoric that surrounds us. Ella institutions and civil institutions Baker, one of the leading figures of — which include not-for-profit the civil rights movement of the 50s organisations and think-tanks both and 60s in the United States, said, in the Cape and around the world. “Give light and people will find the way”. In my personal life, my mother- I have mentioned these two in-law says; “Stu, give them light and objectives of the Cape SAJBD, love.” What Ella knew, and my mom- namely human relations and in-law knows, is that even a single protection against antisemitism, in candle has the power to destroy the one breath as we do not see these darkness. It is our responsibility as a as distinct and separate. Hateful community to stand up and light that speech and words create space candle, not to step back and accept for opportunistic antisemitism the dark the world so often throws and for more hate to seep in and at us. poison debate and relations, and the two cannot, and should not, It is in this spirit that the Cape SA be separated. Jewish Board of Deputies will launch

Cape Jewish Board of Deputies capesajbd www.capesajbd.org

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 11

The year that taught us Encountering antisemitism to invent what we need in the 21st Century

By Mathilde Myburgh By Tyla Dallas You don’t have to work in communications In the final year of my LLB at Stellenbosch to know that this year flipped the script as University, rushing to the local Spar to cure my far as ‘the typical’ parts of a job like mine are hunger, I see a middle-aged man holding a full- concerned. Since joining the board’s professional length banner, with the words “Heil Hitler!” and team in January, the title on my email signature a swastika on the front. —writer and content developer— has become y first thought is “I hope he can’t tell.” At 24, with a mere fraction of what working from home, Ma full understanding of my fundamental human going digital and managing this organisation’s rights —after 2 years of studying our Constitution— my communication strategy and its execution has response to this blatant act of antisemitism was to hope required of me. that this man couldn’t tell I was a Jew. Not to tell him to stop, or that he was infringing on my right to equality, or that his belief was wrong. Worse yet, I’m irstly, we now do everything online. I haven’t printed a single piece of unsure of who to report it to. Finformation on paper since 15 March (conservatively speaking, likely earlier for this eco-warrior). While that’s pleasing, it does mean that our largely The local authorities who had driven past and said nothing 15 minutes prior paper-based operation in the office was suddenly made unavailable in March. proved apathetic, and the manager of the Spar was unwilling to deal with a matter occurring in a public area. I left it alone. I moved on. I did nothing. We can’t refer to the past and thus have to invent the future based on current feelings and needs. While we work at home, we’ve learned to store our data UCT Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research conducted a survey in in the cloud, and we’ll be faced with the mammoth task of archiving All. That. 2019 on the Cape Town Jewish community, recording nearly 60% of respondents Paper. when we’re back in office. saying they believed antisemitism had increased over the last five years. Nearly 30% of respondents avoid wearing Jewish apparel in public for fear of their Secondly, we had to publish a not-nearly-ready website, and fast. safety, and around 40% avoid wearing Zionist apparel for the same reason. Truthfully, we were in the midst of a website redesign project when the office So many of us —whether it be in a classroom, the workplace or a local was closed, and suddenly, having some digital real estate that could host all our shopping mall — feel compelled to hide or minimise our Jewish identity and content and information was our topmost priority, entrusted to this newcomer. pride, as evidenced by the Kaplan Centre report, for fear of being victimised. I had to invent the tools my colleagues and the board members needed and develop new skills. Today, www.capesajbd.org is much more reflective of our I am telling you my story because I want you to know that when you experience work than it’s ever been, and I know this investment will continue to serve us an act of antisemitism, or another form of discrimination, or witness such an well beyond COVID-19. act — you are not alone, and the Cape SAJBD is here for you! Thirdly, ‘media relations’ has been its own contronym in 2020. Working at your The Cape SAJBD will step in to address the incident with the perpetrator, dining room table as part of the communal COVID-19 response team, then with the help of the Community Security Organisation (CSO), relevant becoming the media link for Highlands House, then hosting an election has authorities and our legal team. All you need to do is report the incident to us on meant we couldn’t abide various print standards and deadlines (for the most capesajbd.org/focus-areas/anti, by completing our form at part). Our digital presence was where we said it first, and I believe this is a https://cutt.ly/antisemitism and remember to always take photos and record forever change — a new normal. notes of what occurred. That said, we’ll always be here in the Chronicle, and we’re strategising further print presence for 2021. Growing minyans and An update on country respect for religious freedom at UCT communities: Uniondale By Grant Norrie As Jewish students on the UCT campus, we are very fortunate to have our By Gwynne Robins Jewish rights protected by an organisation like SAUJS and by extension, the Cape SAJBD. The Jewish community was well established in Uniondale during the late 1800s. ver the last couple of years, we have seen a burgeoning weekly minyan in one of Othe main buildings on the campus grow into a daily minyan in the Kaplan Centre’s srael Shear, who had emigrated from Russia with his large conference room. We have been blessed to turn it into a shul with an Ark, a Torah, Ifamily, was a storekeeper, bottle store owner and farmer. He Taleisim. We get to hand out hamantaschen and listen to Megilat Ester on campus in was the leader of the local community and was mainly responsible celebration of Purim. We get to shake Lulav and Esrog on Sukkot, as well as sit in a for founding the congregation and building the synagogue. sukkah on campus and enjoy some kosher food for lunch at Jean’s Kitchen. Although fairly plain on the outside, the interior is exquisite, with During my university career, I have had tests moved and assignments pushed because cast iron broekie lace pillars and a dramatic painted ceiling. they happen to fall on a Jewish holiday. Sometimes, these solutions require more than As Uniondale’s fortunes declined and the Jewish people left, the a single email but — in the end — our religious freedoms are always respected. To a building was given to the town on condition that it not be used as a Jewish student, UCT offers so much in terms of opportunities to grow one’s Judaism place of worship. The property was donated by Louis Linde. Today with continued respect for our practices and beliefs. it is the property of the local branch of Club International, SAUJS is the prime organisation to join if you’d like to have these experiences on who have restored the interior as a project among members. campus, or if you want to ensure the current vibe at UCT continues. The building is an asset to the social life of the community, used If you’re new to campus life next year, get in touch with [email protected] for exercise classes and functions.

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back to contents 12 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

Subcommittees share a vision for 2021

By Mathilde Myburgh

Before COVID-19, the Cape SAJBD visited some of these communities to Advocacy engage lay leadership with fellow Jews, keep abreast of communal issues and Chaired by Dawn -Jones discuss challenges faced. It has uplifted us to see solid bonds and neighbourly The Advocacy Subcommittee is guided by the love in these communities. Yiddishkeit is very much alive! following board objectives; Due to COVID-19, these shuls (engagement hubs) closed. We had to innovate • Acting on behalf of the and facilitate information sharing and conversation with community leadership Jewish community in all matters affecting via WhatsApp. We ran a Cape Country Communities ZOOM webinar and its relationship with the government and were joined by expats who grew up in the country. provincial, local and other authorities (whether We will continue to foster communication with leadership in these communities. statutory or non-governmental) A key focus remains cemetery maintenance and upkeep. Unfortunately, many • Promoting harmonious relations between the Western Cape Jewish cemeteries have recently been vandalised and desecrated. We’re actively community and all sections of the population in the Western Cape assisting with restoration and protection efforts as well. In time, we hope to set up a fund to ensure continued maintenance is no longer a problem. In our • Maintaining fraternal relations with Jewish communities and institutions work, Stuart Diamond’s ‘Let’s Do This’ attitude has stood us in good stead — internationally Thank you! • Furthering respect for and application of fundamental human rights for all sections of the South African population Generation Next Each member of the subcommittee choose a portfolio to champion (e.g. minority rights, political relations, economic empowerment, media relations) Chaired by Justin and may submit potential projects that attempt to address relevant issues. The Generation Next Subcommittee is setting out to reshape the interaction between the Advocacy demands creative input and operational participation from its Cape SAJBD and the Jewish young adults and members and has historically meant fortnightly. This subcommittee has a youth community. Through our work over the huge scope for volunteerism if the appropriate platforms are created. Our coming year, we aim to connect, engage and ‘advocates’ serve as ambassadors to the community, requiring professionalism empower young adults across the spectrum and a familiarity with the board position on a spectrum of issues. of diverse, existing and previously unengaged organisations, and to ensure that young adult Antisemitism & Legal leadership voices are heard and contributions to our Chaired by Simone Sulcas community are valued. We have a multifaceted approach, catering to unique core needs and issues across the different age-group categories and The antisemitism and legal subcommittee segments of the young adult spectrum. is the bastion of the Board’s constitution. Its mandate is to combat antisemitism and take a So, what does the year ahead entail? It’s hard to tell, given the uncertainty firm stance against any threat to the religious posed by COVID-19. A lot of what we might want to do in-person will have and civil rights of the community. This will be to happen online if the situation doesn’t improve, and that could pose some achieved by a variety of methods including legal critical challenges due to how reliant we are on engaging face-to-face rather action, education, political lobbying and media than virtually. While the virtual space offers major opportunities to reach activism. In addition, the members are skilled legal community members whom we may not come across along our typical paths, professionals who are able to weigh in and advise the it can also become overdone and lose its exciting lure as a unique approach. board on a variety of legal and compliance matters affecting the community. All things considered, we hope that over the forthcoming year we will be able The 2021 vision is for this committee is to be both reactive and proactive to emphasise the work done by the Cape SAJBD, engage the various youth within a legal and ethical framework whilst honouring the principles of justice and young adult organisations and unaffiliated members of our community, and equality. and become known as a space for the Jewish community (Generation Y & Z) through which one can tap into the resources we provide to ensure they feel a Country Communities part of the community and the future it holds. Chaired by David King If you’re reading this, you likely have easy Interfaith & Intercommunity access to a wholesome Jewish Way of Life. Rabbonim, kosher food and medical support Chaired by Ann Harris are just some of the resources easily accessible As we represent less than 0.4% of the Cape if you’re in Cape Town. Further outside the city, Town community, the chances are great that Jews have over years established livelihoods in most Capetonians have never met a Jew. One the greater Western Cape. For them, access to way to counter antisemitism is to get to know these same resources and ways to connect to “the other” so that they can learn to see us Jewish affairs is restricted. as individuals, people like them, like ordinary people. By removing ignorance, we help to The Cape SAJBD continually works to connect all Cape Jews in our community remove prejudice. The Interfaith and Intercommunity and maintain contact. Western Cape Jewish country communities comprise: Subcommittee would like to develop opportunities to • 6 communities with operational shuls that act as central hubs for community meet with people from other faiths and cultures, as friends and equals sharing engagement common concerns, and not at a distance as the rich handing out charity to • 12 communities of 10 or fewer Jews the poor. • 22 communities with some Jewish presence (museums, cemeteries, etc.)

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 13

Relearning how to be neighbourly

By Glen Heneck Take any serious moral or so extraordinary about the current the right and ideological on the intemperate and political quandary, and think moment, however, and so frightening, left — and the situation is greatly acrimonious, about it for a minute or two. is how pervasive the divisions are, exacerbated by the rise in (entirely and that and how extreme. There have always unconstrained) social media. produces a lot o it alone and try your best to been zealots, more heat than This is the milieu be as rational, thorough and and always will light (as the saying goes). Everyone D in which we are dispassionate as possible. Maybe be, but it feels as The Board will be hosting acknowledges the importance of all living, and write down the arguments for and though the greater public debates on a range tolerance, in our globalised but it’s unsurprising against — the pros and cons, the majority of pundits, much-fractured world — but when it of important topics over that what goes in costs and benefits — attempting, in internationally, comes to real-life situations, we too the course of 2021. Israel, the macrocosm so doing, to honour truth and honesty are now in that readily betray this commitment and homelessness, minority applies also in the above loyalty and prejudice. category. Which get on our (various) high horses. microcosm that is doesn’t augur well rights, taxation policy; we’ll The place you end up will, inevitably, our community. We call what we’re doing “defence of for any of us. find the best advocates be shaped by your presuppositions, There are only 14 principle” or “holding the moral line” your habits of thought, your view of the Politicians have and encourage them to air 000 Jews in Cape or some variation on that theme, but world — but here’s the challenge: Are never been their views as robustly and Town (and maybe all too often what we’re really doing is you willing to allow that the matter is renowned for expertly as they can. 15 000 in the simple solidarity signalling. “I’m with complicated? Are you able to accept, high levels of Western Cape) but Israel,” “I’m for the poor,” “I’m against on the basis of your assessment, thoughtfulness we are divided by: Trump,” etc. that there are respectable counter- and common decency, but what is • religious affiliation Again, there’s nothing wrong with arguments and that it would be easily different today is that the supposed • class (in the Marxist sense) taking sides. Our genes predispose understandable were another person guardians of the public good have • political opinions (notably us to do so, and so do our with a different vantage point to reach also fallen prey to hyperbole and regarding Israeli politics) circumstances, often. What we need the opposite conclusion to yours? hysteria. • socio-cultural preferences to learn to do though, or maybe re- Now it goes without saying that some Objectivity and fair-mindedness There is no obvious reason why we learn, is how to express this reflex in choices really are ‘beyond the pale’ are no longer hallmarks of either shouldn’t be able to discuss all these a neighbourly way. How to practice and that virtually every thinking the media industry or, more issues respectfully and “for the sake Ubuntu. How to be a mensch. Just person would recoil from going along disconcertingly, of academia. of heaven”. As things stand though, that. We’re all entitled to our beliefs, with them. Hence the addition of the Partisanship appears to be the order there is a far greater likelihood that and preferences, but what we’ve word ‘serious’ as a qualifier. What is of the day - ethnic and religious on we’ll end up in debates that are got to stop doing is expressing contempt, or hostility, towards those who don’t share them. Over the last few months, the board has witnessed engaged debates and The Board will be hosting discussions among our community — public debates on a about COVID-19 and what we should WORDS MATTER range of important topics do about it, about PPE, about schools over the course of 2021. We align with the following values, We at the Cape SAJBD forward the and shuls, about devastating economic Israel, homelessness, which guide our activities and strategy: idea that our Cape Jewish community realities, and, well, just about people. minority rights, taxation integrity in our every action and take up the challenge of becoming We’ve seen our people lift each other up interaction; accountability to our practitioners of careful, thoughtful and policy; we’ll find the and tear each other down, and recent Western Cape Jewish community; deliberate positive communication. That best advocates and developments lead us to believe it is inclusivity of all members in our diverse we don’t fall for the ease of speaking encourage them to time to make a clear statement: There’s Western Cape Jewish community; without thinking. That we practice air their views as No Place for Hate, and Words Matter. a collective responsibility for the engaged listening and connect with robustly and expertly as continued advancement of the Western one another meaningfully despite our they can. Section 16 of the Constitution of Cape Jewish community; and justice for differences. Our frame of reference the Republic of South Africa gives all. We recognise there are often times every person the right to freedom of though — and no, this where our community fundamentally If what you want to talk about seems expression. This right is fundamental is not a fig-leaf for disagree on issues, and that the only untraversable, talk to us. We’ve to any democratic society, as it enables defending the status way to foster understanding is through championed the webinar space of late, citizens to engage in healthy debates on quo — is that these public debate and engagement. We and we’d be delighted to engage on issues of public importance, exchanging sessions should be implore each and every member of our your topic with volunteer speakers in a different ideas and information and pursued in a way that is community, when engaging in such spirited and respectful debate hosted as promoting tolerance for one another. conducive to increased debates, to remember these values, and an open forum. This right is not absolute and must be that words can hurt and have a lasting understanding, balanced against other fundamental tolerance and thoughtful impact on a person’s life and livelihood, Get in touch at [email protected] human rights- such as our right to long after the debate has ended. compromise. human dignity, equality, and freedom of religion, belief and opinion. This “free #WordsMatter As for how one gets to When a small community doesn’t have move from supporter to speech” right is never a justification for a kind word for one another, there’s #NoPlaceForHate the use of derogatory or hateful words, crusader, from partial to nothing to be proud of. Community fervent, from considered and where it incites harm or propagates disappears, and forums for change hatred, it will amount to hate speech. adherent to blind along with it. fanatic, that’s a matter for another day.

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back to contents 14 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

A history of the Malmesbury Jewish community

By Gwynne Robins Malmesbury is situated in an area Antisemitism did not leave Malmesbury known as the Swartland in the heart alone and Weichard and his Greyshirts of the country’s wheat farmland. held meetings there in 1935, attracting 400 people on at least three occasions ccording to the Beth Hatsfutsoth book in 1936, attracting 600 people at the last Aon South African Country Communities, one. Dr Donges (later state president) and Malmesbury held its first minyan in 1895, Dr Verwoerd (later Prime Minister) spoke meaning that it already had ten observant against Jewish immigration at a protest Jewish men living there. One was Israel meeting. In a 1943 election speech, Resnick, who moved to Malmesbury in 1896 National Party candidate for Malmesbury, — a speculator and dairy farmer. During M S Loubser, harangued about strangers the South African War, at least 15 Jewish from overseas who were making huge members of the Western Province Mounted profits and buying up fixed properties Rifles attended services in Malmesbury. while Afrikaner blood was flowing up Other early settlers were Dr R Rosenzweig, north. who arrived in 1900, as did Kleiman Horwitz, a general dealer, Tuvye Kretzmar who The former Malmesbury shul, now the site of the Malmesbury Museum However, by then Malmesbury was caught arrived in 1903, a general dealer on the Main up in the exodus of Jewish families from country communities, and by 1940, there Road, and Beyer, a produce buyer. local farmer Piet van der Westhuizen, land was was only one pupil in the cheder. The following acquired for a cemetery. He donated land on his The first Malmesbury Hebrew Congregation year it was still possible to get a minyan for chagim farm Rozenberg with a servitude stating that “this appears to have started around 1900, and by 1904 and, as realists, the Torah hall was sold land is always to remain for the Jews.” He also there were 246 Jews in Malmesbury, of whom to Mr Bloch. Even as late as 1977, arrangements paid towards the cost of the Taharah house and 114 were members of the congregation. It was were being made for their children to be taught, the wall around the cemetery and was a generous reorganised on 26 September 1904 — kol HaMoed but when there were only four families left in donor of cash and cattle to the Zionist bazaars. Sukkot — as Ohel Jacob Hebrew Congregation 1971, the synagogue was closed, being bought by An illuminated address of thanks and appreciation with B Krafchik, president of the Malmesbury Dr Goldman, the son of the original builder. The was presented to him by the community which he Zionist Association (established the year before, Malmesbury Hebrew Congregation was dissolved, proudly hung in the entrance to his farmhouse. in 1903) as its president and Kretzmar as its its assets were taken over by the Jewish Board honorary treasurer. Krafchik represented both The town was the regional centre for Jewish life of Deputies and the contents of the synagogue organisations in the delegation to petition against and provided kosher food to the surrounding areas, —including the bimah, four Sifrei Torah, Aron the 1903 Immigration Bill and was a delegate on including Piketberg. For the High Holy Days, the Kodesh, pulpit and benches— were transferred to 4 September 1904 at the inaugural meeting of the congregation would be augmented by Jews who Herzlia School’s synagogue Minyan Yosef through Jewish Board of Deputies, under Morris Alexander, travelled in from nearby villages such as , the efforts of Bennie Resnick. and Krafchik was elected a member of the Board Darling, Kalabaskraal and Piketberg. All Jewish On 29 April 1974, the Malmesbury synagogue in 1906. businesses closed for the Holy Days. Malmesbury was deconsecrated and transferred to the had a Jewish Burial Society, a Jewish Helping Hand In 1906, they decided to build a synagogue of local municipality. Since 1991, the Ohel Jacob Society, a Zionist Association, a Women’s Zionist their own and the following year, a Talmud Torah Synagogue at 1 Prospect Street, Malmesbury, has Society, a Jewish Ladies Benevolent Society, was founded. An illustrated booklet titled Floods been used as the town museum and Tuvye’s son, a Union of Jewish Women, a Junior Maccabean and Storms; a Pictorial Record of the Memorable Julius, who was then retired and living in Cape Society, a Maccabean Association which “fostered Storms in the Cape Colony issued by the Cape Town, was called in to help the curator with the the aims of Judaism and ”, and an Orphan Times Limited, Cape Town in September 1905 history of the Jewish community. The Malmesbury Aid Society to support Oranjia. (price 6d) describes unprecedented heavy rainfall Museum has been a heritage site since 1994 in the South West Cape on 28 September, when a Zionist bazaars were held in the Town Hall. Die and has been cared for and well maintained. tornado struck the village of Malmesbury removing Joodse Basaar with the unusual Joodse kos and The Museum contains a leaflet documenting the the roofs of over 75 buildings followed by floods delicatessen was well patronised by the gentile history of the Jews of the town and an explanation that overflowed its banks, causing widespread inhabitants. They sent five delegates to attend of various items, ceremonies and festivals. It destruction. It included a photo of the ruins in the the 1926 Zionist includes the story of Tobias Kretzmar and his shop Main Street, and another showing that almost all Congress in Cape in Main Street. the buildings in the Main Street, where the Jews Town. In 1931, By 1994, the Talmud Torah hall had become had their shops, had their roofs blown off. they opened a a supermarket and the cemetery was badly Talmud Torah It was not until 11 November 1911 that the vandalised. Some of the money from the sale of the with 28 pupils and of the beautiful Ohel Jacob Talmud Torah was used to restore the cemetery, in 1935, board Synagogue was laid by A Katz and B Alswang. repair sixty graves and the Taharah house. The chairperson It was designed and built by Max Goldman. ‘How cemetery was rededicated and descendants of Morris Alexander goodly are thy tents O Jacob’ can still be seen Piet van der Westhuizen attended the ceremony laid the inscribed in Hebrew on its entrance archway. It and offered to maintain the cemetery which was foundation stone was opened by the Rev A P Bender of the Cape on their farm. Town Hebrew Congregation on 16 May 1912, and for a Talmud the gilt key presented to him on the occasion is Torah hall that By 1996, there was only one Jewish family left now on display at the Cape SAJBD. could seat 400 in Malmesbury. people with a The Country Communities Subcommittee of the With a Jewish population of about 50 families in the stage. The hall Cape SAJBD looks after the cemeteries of the 1920s, they could enjoy a stable and rich Jewish was opened by defunct country communities. For queries, contact life. A mikvah was built behind the synagogue in The Malmesbury Jewish Cape Town mayor [email protected] the 1920s, and in 1922, through the generosity of Cemetery Louis Gradner.

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 15

back to contents 16 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

A tribute to Julie Berman

By Jonathan Silke, Hon Life President, SA Zionist Federation

Julie Berman, executive She worked with many of the and from all walks of life. She also director of the Cape Council prominent Zionist leaders in South assisted SAUJS in dealing effectively of the South African Zionist Africa including the late Mendel with IAW events on the campuses of Federation, retired from Kaplan who ‘seldom wrote a contract our universities. as he was so respected and trusted her position at the end of She chose to become a member of and his word was his bond.’ In Cape the CSO and did all her training and November after twenty-three Town she always greatly valued her weekends away as she felt it was her years of devoted service to the relationship with the UJC and learnt duty to show that no one was above federation in order to fulfil her much from Philip Krawitz and Ronnie serving the community. longstanding wish to make Stein, amongst others. Aliyah. Projects that were close to her heart Julie was involved in every facet of included Diller, SAFI and the various hen she joined the federation in Zionist endeavour and never knew pastors tours to Israel. W1997 she became the personal the meaning of the phrase ‘9 to 5’, as assistant to the then director, Izzy she was often seen in her office late She nurtured our friendship and Wolman, who was, as she describes into the evening holding meetings collaboration with Christian Zionists him, ‘a scholar and a gentleman’ and planning sessions. which started off in Cape Town in who taught her profound lessons the late 1970s when Izzy Wolman including the 3 ‘P’s’, Prepare Pal, formed a friendship with Basil Jacobs Prepare! Julie was involved in every and others including Frans Klopper supporters throughout the country and Johan Greeff who belonged and a branch was established in After occupying various positions facet of Zionist endeavour to Christian Action for Israel. This Cape Town. in the federation Julie became the and never knew the became the International Christian executive director and top official in meaning of the phrase Julie loved working with all our Embassy and today embraces 2008. She was not only the face of shlichim in the Israel Centre and, as ‘9 to 5’. Bridges for Peace’s Chris and Cecilia the organisation in the community she says, ‘threw myself into it lock Eden who, together with the SAZF, but was known as the passionate stock and barrel.’ Similarly, her close took three high ranking pastors tours spokesperson for Zionism. She was always an outstanding ties with Herzlia school were crucial to Israel from all over South Africa. hands-on administrator with a flair for Zionist education. She recalls with much affection and for initiating and planning existing Julie describes her involvement with respect the late Leon Wilder and Julie concludes on lessons learnt in and new projects. She planned the Diller as being ‘an eye-opener for me Eliot Osrin, who both played such a her career: ‘The terminology ‘young major community Yom Ha’atzmaut into the mind of our youth and into dominant role in communal affairs and dynamic’ that is bantered around functions at the new methods of education.’ In in those days. Eliot was one of her at every opportunity is dangerous. over many years where thousands this regard she travelled to the USA mentors who inspired her and taught I know that we have to have attended and celebrated. to conferences and learnt much from her how to raise money and to show succession planning, but you have her American counterparts. compassion for others and, in her Julie loved working with our youth to have an even distribution of young words, he ‘was a genuine, honest, movements, , Habonim SAFI, South African Friends of Israel, and older.’ inspirational loving soul whom I and Netzer and communicated very was established by the SAZF to We wish Julie every success and admired.’ effectively with people of all ages develop liaison with Christian Zionist happiness in her new life in Israel. elected head of World Zionist Organisation

The 38th World Zionist Congress was held online for the first on the topic ‘From Crisis to Opportunity’ which were then followed by a time ever from 20-22 October. ‘Security Overview and the IDF and the Coronavirus Challenges’. lot more people were able to participate because of the virtual platform,” The WZC is the only democratically elected global Jewish forum and is the “Asaid Herbert Block, spokesman for the American Zionist Movement. direct continuation of The First Zionist Congress, convened by Theodor Herzl “However, opportunities for direct interaction were limited because of all the in 1897. Today, the WZC, which now meets every five years, is the overall people and the different time zones. You missed the in-person relationship supreme ideological and policy-making body of the Zionist movement. The building.” delegates and the bodies they form at the WZC determine the leadership and influence the policies of Israel’s National Institutions: the World Zionist The congress was composed of 524 delegates: 199 from Israel, 152 from Organization (WZO), the (JAFI), Jewish National the United States and 173 from the rest of the Jewish diaspora. Fund-Keren Kayemet LeIsrael (JNF) and Keren Hayesod. The main themes of this year’s congress were Aliyah, the effect of COVID-19 The closing session of the congress was addressed by Mr. Yaakov Hagoel, on Jewish communities around the world and the battle against growing the elected chairman of the World Zionist Organization. In his speech Mr. antisemitism. Hagoel said that when Menachem Begin was asked how he will run the The Congress was opened with greetings from both the President of the government in 1977 when he was elected prime minister, he said, “In a fine State of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin and the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Jewish tradition”. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. The greetings were then followed by a beautiful “I am not Menachem Begin” said Mr. Hagoel, “but I will try to lead the World opening video clip: ‘The World Zionist Organisation in the Inter-Congress Zionist Organisation in a fine Jewish tradition”. Period’. The main theme of the first day was ‘Mutual Responsibility and Aliyah’, while on the second day of the congress there were two symposiums Hila Zetler

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South African Zionist Federation (Cape Council) Biennial Conference

The theme of our Conference during our virtual Conference. any sign of life for either of these Voting took place during the civilians. The SAZF fully endorses Conference to decide on the new this year was Winds of Change A special surprise video was played the aims and objectives of the Free Management Committee (Mancom) in The Middle East. for outgoing Executive Director, Julie Avera and Hisham campaign and for the 2020-2022 term. Mazel Tov Berman. It was an opportunity to he recent normalisation deals stands in solidarity with the families to those who will be serving on applaud, acknowledge and honour Tbetween Israel and the UAE of the hostages. our Mancom! and Bahrain, as well as just recently a very special lady in our community between Israel and Sudan, mark a The message of hope and a future watershed moment in the region and emerging from the Middle East is a beyond. The Abraham Accords have message that encourages us to keep seen us enter the dawn of a new working towards the great prize of Middle East and these exciting and peace and prosperity for Israel, and hopeful developments provided us for the region as a whole. with a most fascinating theme for our Thank you to all the delegates and Conference. observers for joining us today. We look forward to working with you We were treated to a stimulating who has invested 23 years into the Esta Levitas pre-recorded her as we advocate for Israel in South panel discussion that encompassed work of the SAZF Cape Council. Chairperson’s Report and it was Africa and work to build strong various themes and ideas, providing remarkable to hear how active During our Conference we highlighted support and love for the Land and all with a great deal of food for and effective the organization has the plight of two Israeli citizens who State of Israel. thought from the various insights that been, particularly during the difficult have been held captive by Hamas in the panelists shared. months of lockdown. Tribute was paid Thank you to the following sponsors the Gaza Strip. Both have a history to Esta Levitas for her outstanding whose generosity made our The SAZF Cape Council was of mental health problems. Avera term as Chairperson. Her support, Conference possible — The George delighted to present four very special Mengistu has been in captivity since guidance and commitment has been Elkin Charity Trust, The Cohen awards as part of the Conference. 2014 and Hisham al-Sayed since of tremendous benefit to the work of Charitable Trust, World Zionist These presentations were made 2015. Hamas has not complied with the SAZF CC and we commend her Organization and the Israel Centre beforehand and filmed so videos of the rule of law and has never provided each presentation could be shared for all she has given. South Africa.

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The conference offered an array of engaging speakers

Dr. Glen Segell, from the Ezri Centre for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies at Haifa University, is an expert on the Persian Gulf and the Arab world. He has researched and written about several themes including regional and international security and geo-politics, and gave a strategic Israeli perspective on the Abraham Accords.

Prof. Hussein is the Senior Professor at the Department of Political Science at the University of the Free State. He gave an academic perspective on the current events unfolding in the Middle East.

Steven Gruzd is the Programme Head at the South African Institute of International Affairs. He provided local context and relevance by way of presenting a South African Foreign relations perspective.

Ross Kriel is the President of the Jewish Council of the Emirates. He gave a personal perspective from the UAE about the recent normalization deals and changes in the region.

Eyal Biram is the CEO and founder of an organization called ISRAEL-is. His organization works to build bridges by connecting young Israelis with millennials from around the world in order to communicate about Israel and fight antisemitism. Eyal shared a personal Israeli perspective on the changes occurring in the Middle East.

Moderator – Nastassia Arendse is a television anchor at the SABC. She has been in broadcasting for 11 years covering the world of business and finance. She is an experienced reporter and we were privileged to have her as our moderator for the panel discussion. The SAZF took the opportunity to recognise outstanding work done in the community Abe Buchman Award Jerusalem Award Herzl Award

This award is for a young This award is part of a longstanding tradition in adult in the Jewish community which the World Zionist Organization's Department who has strong Jewish and for Diaspora Activities selects a local figure who is Zionist values. Julie Berman constantly active and committed to empowering presented this award to the local Jewish community, strengthening Martine Kawalsky, the Cape the connection with the State of Israel and its Town Diller coordinator. capital Jerusalem. Martine rose to the challenge Gusti Yehoshua Braverman (World Zionist of working through a pandemic Organisation) presented this award posthumously and showed strong leadership to Pat Rolleston for his action and legacy and for skills, inspiring and motivating his commitment and his heart of service and love the members of her cohort. to Israel and the Jewish people. The award was accepted by his wife Elaine. SAFI Moses Moyo Award This award is designated for a Jewish person who has contributed significantly to the local Jewish Julie Berman presented this community and has strengthened its connection award to Pierre de Jager who with the State of Israel. It is a prestigious award has spent the last 13 years given by the World Zionist Organisation for standing outside Parliament dedication and exemplary service. Adv. Jonathan each week with placards and Silke presented this award to Julie Berman. Israeli flags showing his support Each of these awards carry much kavod and each for Israel and the Jewish people. recipient is most deserving of the honour. Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 19

back to contents 20 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

SAFI COVID relief continues Talking SA-ISRAEL ventures with Israeli Trade to touch lives Officer Amit Lev

By Trystan Tregenza Hall By Galya Tregenza Hall The COVID-19 response may now be Level One, but the economic pain continues to bite. hrough Tthe work of South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) Cape C o u n c i l , we are Hagai Golan, Brent Stein, Amit Lev, Chaya Singer, Karen Marsden and Leora Hessen continuing The newly elected South Africa Zionist positive impact that Israeli businesses have our outreach had here in South Africa. to the wider Federation Cape Council (SAZF CC) community Executive hosted an engaging and Attendees were able to hear first-hand from Trystan meets Mama Micky from Mama Micky's uplifting meeting with Amit Lev, the Mr Lev about the latest developments and here in the Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen in W e s t e r n Israeli Embassy’s Trade and Investment current trends taking place and were also Cape, giving something back to our friends who find Officer, on 20 November. able to open up a discussion about how the themselves in the grip of desperate needs. Thanks to your SAZF CC and the Jewish community can play r Lev addressed the new SAZF CC generosity and that of Angel Network, many families have a role in facilitating business, innovation and Management Committee and community received food vouchers in recent weeks. The vouchers M international developmental cooperation. leaders and highlighted the importance of represent an evolution of the food parcels previously engaging with Jewish leadership about Israeli The event marked a significant strategic distributed; restoring dignity to the recipients. Although use and South African trade ventures. direction for the SAZF CC as the new of the vouchers is restricted to food products in participating Management seek to prioritise the stores, the vouchers give the recipients the choice to During the meeting, Mr Lev elaborated involvement of the Jewish business buy those items they actually need. The vouchers have on several key points to do with SA-Israel community in developing and maximising the been distributed not only to families but to soup kitchens trade, his recent trade talks with the UAE trade relationship between South Africa and and churches, targeting the aid to the neediest. These Ambassador to SA, SA-Israel Chamber of Israel. Israel is at the forefront of cutting-edge simple vouchers are helping to engender an outpouring of Commerce, the Parmalat deal and the effects innovation and technology, making a positive gratitude towards the Jewish community. of BDS. global impact, and has much to offer South In October, representatives of SAFI visited Mama Micky’s He spoke about connecting South African Africa and Africa as a whole in the area of Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen in Khayelitsha. During the businesses to Israel and expounded on the international development. The SAZF CC is lockdown, Mama Micky (aged 65) was feeding around various opportunities and options in this committed to encouraging more local business 450 impoverished local residents daily, many of whom regard. It was also exciting to hear about involvement that will give South Africa access were children and elderly widows, and is attempting to different success stories highlighting the to Israel’s ground-breaking technology. grow some of her own vegetables to cope with demand. At another Khayelitsha outreach also supported by SAFI, Pastor Makili has been establishing a community Welcome to the new and dynamic SAZF CC vegetable garden to both feed the needy, as well as to provide a space for improving self-esteem through Executive Committee meaningful volunteering. The means of the community in Khayelitsha are pitifully meagre. However, through your The South African Zionist Federation Immediate Past Chair: Esta Levitas continued assistance, SAFI is working to deliver gardening (Cape Council) elected its new Honorary Life President: Adv. Jonathan Silke equipment to Mama Micky and Pastor Makili in order to Incoming Executive Director of the SAZF CC, help the community to help themselves. Executive Committee and a note of welcome and congratulations is Chaya Singer, said of the new Executive, ‘I Together, we are making an impact. One of SAFI’s extended to the following people: am excited to work with our dynamic new donors recently told us of how she decided to challenge leadership to create a forward thinking agenda her employer to match her contribution – which they Executive Director: Chaya Singer that enhances the relationship between South did. These acts of generosity are making an incredible Chairperson: Karen Marsden Sank Africa and Israel and a strategic vision that will difference in many lives, helping to restore both strength Vice Chairs: Leora Hessen and Daniel Levitt add value to our community’. and hope. Treasurers: Hagai Golan and Brent Stein Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 21

Diller announces Innovation was the key sixth Cape Town cohort to connecting in 2020 With a record number As we navigate inevitable As the end of the year approaches, so a new year of applicants, Diller challenges throughout the year, approaches too. we look forward to following out Teen Fellows is proud to think we can we can all agree it’s been a very unique and announce the members the program with this group of dedicated and dynamic teens. Iinteresting year, where we all had to adjust from our regular lives of its sixth Cape Town to our lives within the era of COVID-19. However, with change cohort. Program Coordinator: Martine comes new opportunities. Kawalsky he application and Though 2020 was, as most would agree, a difficult year, Bnei Tinterview process were Junior Counsellors: Julia Akiva South Africa found new and innovative ways to ensure comprehensive, and we were Kaimowitz and Rod education on Judaism and Zionism for the Jewish youth of South blown away by the outstanding Cohort 6 fellowship (in Africa. Whether it be a Webinar, Kahoot!, online quizzes, or social leadership potential within our community. alphabetical order): Aaron Schwartz, distanced events, we managed to stick to our roots and educate Twenty selected fellows will embark on Selikowitz, Benjamin Vogelman, the youth. a once-in-a-lifetime journey exploring Darren Greenspan, Doron Zinman, Elle And though there is no Machaneh happening in 2020, we would like their Jewish identity, and solidifying Franck, Ilan Meltz, Jade Rubin, Jared to wish all our chanichim an amazing December/January holiday! their personal value system through Daitsh, Schwartz, Katya Golan, participating in social action. Diller Teen Lilla Fleischmann, Michaela Perkel, Olivia We hope to see you all back at schools and events at the beginning Fellows is creating the next generation Diamond, Rachel Castle, Ruby Kurgan, of next year. of committed Jewish leaders, and we Sabrina Brivik, Silvie Richards, Yonatan Hayden Norrie, CT Chairman are very honoured to have twenty fellows Kuti-Alexander and representing the program for 2020/2021. Zoe Kaplan. Finding new ways to engage Join Habo for their communities December day camps 2020 has been a challenging year We are so proud of all of our leadership for us all. for adapting the way that they did in the Southern Africa is gearing up to give time that they had. e at Netzer really learnt a lot about our channichim the best time at our day camps that are Wexpanding and growing our skills as Below is a snapshot of some of our taking place this month! a movement and we are still finding new highlights from the year. While we are sad that we cannot come together at our beautiful site ways to bring Progressive Jewish Kef and La’asok Betzorchei Tzibur! in Onrus, we are making sure that our chaverim have an incredible Chinuch [fun and education] to our Global, To engaging in the needs of our December. We have been working tirelessly to make sure that our National and local Netzer communities. community! environment will be safe whilst simultaneously giving our channichim an amazing experience. Once our day camps end, we will be hitting the ground running to kick off 2021 in a memorable way and we’ll be ready to get back to our regular programming. Whether it be in person or online, HDSA will make sure there is plenty to keep our chaverim entertained throughout the year.

Shomrim Channichim at Machaneh'19

Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents 22 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

Consider This Sherman Shabbat Challah Bake

By Rabbi Emma Gottlieb This year our giant At the beginning of the eyes what we used egalitarian pandemic, when we first went to have a whole challah bake into lockdown; when there was range of facial had to go still so much we didn’t know expressions to online. convey. Our team at Temple Israel about the virus; when there How do you has the Zoom-funeral and shiva down translate the ruach was so much fear and anxiety; to a fine art — we have one rabbi in (spirit-energy) when we feared our medical the cemetery and one in Zoom. We that used to fill systems would be over-run and have someone at the cemetery with our shul hall every that bodies would pile up — a phone, streaming to Zoom. We’ve year into a Zoom back in those early days, Rabbis adapted. As rabbis and synagogue bake? Student had to ask morbid questions communities, we have adapted. Rabbi Andrea and try to prepare ourselves for This past week my great-uncle Monte Kuti stepped up what was coming. passed away at the impressive to bring the power ere we heading into a year of age of 98. As a mourner, I have not of our famous Wfar-too-many funerals? Would adapted. I am not used to not being event to the online we even be able to hold funerals? able to go home and be with my congregation. How would funeral-directors and family. I am not used to watching Please G-d, next cemetery-staff and rabbis protect my grandmother on a screen as she year we will be themselves? mourns her brother instead of being back in shul. at her side, holding her hand, as I did And then, once we knew we could at my grandfather’s funeral, and at have funerals, we had to adapt them my uncle’s. I am not used to not being – which rituals and prayers would able to see my father as he gives his High Holy Days online — be unchanged? Would we want to beautiful eulogies; Not being able to introduce new rituals? What does hug him afterward. I am not used to in your words a funeral look like on Zoom – and a knowing all my cousins are there, in shiva? I remember webinars where the inter-web somewhere, watching When we debated how to go online for the High Holy Days, one Progressive Rabbis discussed these along with me, but not being able to of the biggest fears was whether people would want to spend questions together. see their faces, since this service hours of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in front of a screen. Just before lockdown, we had was broadcast one-way and not in Would they come? Would they stay? Would anyone find it received guidelines for clergy who zoom, which, for the record, I really meaningful? The answer was yes to all — they came, they stayed qualified for the necessary paperwork don’t recommend. It didn’t feel like and we all were astounded by how powerful the services turned we were together. It felt lonely and to prove we were allowed out of our out to be. homes in order to officiate at funerals, disconnected. and my colleagues and I all had to I am grateful that the video and Here is a taste of some of the feedback we got from you: add a trip to the police station to our sound quality were excellent. That I “Thank you for the amazing services — they were inspiring, caring and lists of pre-lockdown preparations so could see my grandmother clearly. keeping a community together during this time.” (JA, Constantia) that we could get our official letters My mother and I watched together on stamped with official stamps. Facetime and played a game of trying “Something good has come from the disastrous Covid Pandemic” (ES, Observatory) I was the first one from our team to to guess who was who behind the officiate during lockdown. I drove masks. I am grateful that my father "Thank you so much — although we weren’t 'in' the shul, we certainly felt part through very empty streets, through was able to give his eulogy over of the community." (RS, Wynberg) a very quiet city. I counted the cars the phone, via a blue-tooth speaker I passed. There were less than held up to the microphone and that One of the of Zoom and Facebook was how families who usually 30 on my drive from Constantia to we could all hear him as clearly as if could not come to shul together could: Pinelands, and on the way I checked we were standing there, together. I “Even though we were all physically separated, the Ruach was definitely my glove compartment at least three am grateful, but I have not adapted. present throughout. Thank you so much again from my Mom and I. Truly times to make sure my documentation I do not want to adapt. We should not special... I’m so proud of being a Jew and being part of Temple Israel.” was there if I got stopped at a check- have to adapt. (KJ, Noordhoek) point. The funeral was quiet and As a rabbi, I innovate. As a member For more quotes, visit the Chronicle website and read our full article online. sad – more sad and more quiet than of a clergy team, I am proud of how funerals from ‘before’. I apologised we evolve as we must. As a Jew, I am that we couldn’t stand closer together. in awe of how we can bring ancient That we couldn’t hug. That they rituals and modern technologies Mazaltov to those who celebrated Bnei Mitzvah with us couldn’t see my face. Afterward, I together to keep our traditions alive. drove straight home. Took a scalding But as a mourner – as a mourner I am hot shower. Cried. sad and I am angry and I am bereft. Now, we’re used to it. Our I don’t want us to evolve and adapt. communities have adapted quickly. I want to get on a plane and wrap We have gotten used to having my arms around my loved ones and limited numbers at the cemetery, to comfort them and be comforted. wearing masks and gloves. We sadly As a rabbi, I don’t know how to fix remind one another that we can’t hug. this for those who are mourning loved We try to figure out who is behind Lupemba Fisher Ryan Barenblatt Benjamin Lazarus ones from afar. I only know how to 14 November 28 November 5 December each mask, and to convey with our pray that this is temporary. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 23 2020? Phew! What a year!

We can all agree that this has Mensch was invited to join OLAM’s annual Focal The first, in July, our International been a year of unprecedented global Point gathering, an exclusive conference for Jews Mandela Day Cook-Along raised R140,000 from suffering and increased poverty — that engaged in global service, development, and Jewish South Africans both local and abroad — continues to jeopardize the lives and relief work — to network, exchange ideas and with proceeds supporting the food relief efforts of livelihoods of so many across South Africa. best practices. We joined an esteemed line up of H18 Foundation (refugees), Souper Troopers (the practitioners, Jewish communal leaders, rabbis, homeless), UJW (children) and Envirochild (the nd yet with all this despair, Mensch has and CEOs from IsraAID, CARE USA, World elderly and disabled). And in November, the Mind, Aseen the unbelievable tenacity and acts of Jewish Relief UK, American Jewish World Service Body and Soul HEALTH Webinar raising R40 000 generosity that our community has afforded to (AJWS), amongst others. for Masks for Medics (PPE) and The Counselling those who have been hardest hit. We applaud and Hub (mental health). thank you all! In the area of Shelter, we ran online appeals and Our COVID-19 response made direct requests to donors for support to help communities living informally impacted by What we did in the first 90 days the elements at this difficult time during Covid. This was a time of immense insecurity; we were R138,000 has been raised enabling the re-building in lockdown — the future, unknown. To help our of 23 homes destroyed by fire in Atlantis and members gain an element of stability, we ran and an ECD center in Philippi severely workshops focusing on resilience, well-being, damaged in a spring storm. These funds were health, and personal and professional goalsetting. donated to Mensch’s technical partner on our joint initiative Project Bayit — Ikhayalami — who did In line with our vision of supporting our Jewish Our Work Now the building. community drive transformation, we hosted thought leadership webinars to explore solutions Out of the chaos of the first few months, reflecting Mensch has worked with several other Mensch for relief and recovery; and created the ‘Mensch on our learnings, we formalised our efforts into Network member’s and their organisations, raising Circle of Support’ WhatsApp Group for members the Mensch powered SA Jewish Response to collectively over R180,000, plus several in-kind to reach out to one another sharing advice, needs COVID-19 and Beyond Campaign — a platform donations for: aimed at raising awareness, educating our and gives. Through a series of social media and Anna Shevel’s The Good Food Network and the community and raising much needed money for emailer campaigns we brought awareness to the #OneLoveSA campaign, Dr Andrea Mendelsohn’s relief efforts. The campaign aims to guide the work of Jewish led NGOs responding to COVID-19. employer The Retreat Community Clinic, Olivia Jewish community response to areas of most Krok’s initiatives CoronaCare and LivCurious, International Connections need, based on the knowledge of our Network Jason Woolf’s SidebySide Township Development, Member’s grassroots work. Initially these areas We hosted trainings with our international the Scalabrini Centre for Refugees and more. network of change-makers to share, with our local have been: Food Relief, Health and Shelter. As we move Beyond 2020 and continue to work members, their expert knowledge in adaptive We have initiated two fun, interactive online with Jewish led NGOs in 2021 — we invite you to leadership, communications and storytelling. fundraisers in support of food relief and health: join this important journey with us.

MELTON 2020 VISION At the outbreak of Covid 19, Melton went online. We thank you all for your continued support and wish you all well. Our bumper year of local & international Melton & Midrasha courses included: Two 30 week Melton Core courses: Jewish Life Cycle & Philosophy (Yr 1); Jewish Ethics & History (Yr 2) Graduate courses: Holocaust Reflected through Diaries and Memoirs; Star and the Crescent; Jewish Mysticism; Jewish Medical Ethics; Genizah; 1; Yesod 2.0 (Jewish Leadership); Teens Ethics Midrasha home-grown courses: History of Text; Jews on Film; Oasis courses through the year; 3 public events for a wide audience.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR 2021 COURSES: Feast on Jewish thought the Melton way. Courses will include versions of Year 1&2 Core; Social Justice; Beyond Borders (The Arab-Israeli Conflict); SA Jewish History, and much more!

For more info: Lauren Snitcher [email protected] 0828802257 Viv Anstey, Director [email protected] 0828095414 www.meltoncapetown.org

back to contents 24 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 25

back to contents 26 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Cape Jewish Seniors Association DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Amanda 021 434 9691 [email protected] search CJSA on Facebook 2020: The year of developing resilience Resilience is the ‘rubber ball’ able to see the bigger picture than factor: the ability to bounce pessimists, both good and bad back in the event of adversity. events occurring in their life being temporary rather than permanent. t’s the ability to cope with and rise to Ithe inevitable challenges, problems • Being able to appreciate and use and set-backs and come out stronger humour appropriately. than before. • Being able to take care of yourself Resilience relies on different skills — diet, exercise and also being and draws on various sources of able to take care of others help, including rational thinking skills, physically and emotionally can also physical and mental health, and build resilience. your relationships with those around We are all capable of being resilient you. It is not necessarily about and 2020 is a year that has tried each overcoming huge challenges; each one of us to the fullest with many of of us faces plenty of challenges on us surprising not only ourselves, a daily basis for which we must draw but those around us with the ways on our reserves of resilience. Nor in which we have coped. Hopefully does it eliminate stress or erase life’s this document will assist those of you difficulties. CJSA Southern Suburbs and Bo-Kaap Ladies knitting for our outreach programme in February having difficulty to adjust and make People who possess this resilience the most of every day. No man is an island, entire of itself. and what might have happened. don’t see life through rose-coloured Special mention of our knitting Every man is a piece of the continent, Then think about the best possible lenses. They understand that ladies who have continued to as part of the main. outcomes and good it can get. setbacks happen and that sometimes produce wonderful beanies and Finally, think about the most likely life is hard and painful. They still John Donne (English poet). knitted articles throughout lockdown outcomes — probably somewhere experience the emotional pain, grief, which have been donated to the between the two and make a plan and sense of loss that comes after Being resilient through less fortunate during the cold winter how you would respond to that. a tragedy, but their mental outlook adversity months. Thank you ladies. Anyone allows them to work through such • Being self-confident and having is welcome to join this group of Every individual handles adversity feelings and recover. Resilience a positive self-image is critical if committed knitters. in different ways and different gives people the strength to tackle a person is able to confront and approaches and strategies have CJSA will be holding a special problems head-on, overcome manage fear and anxiety in his been learned and shaped by the AGM via Zoom on 3 December. adversity, and move on with their or her life, such as by helping culture, society and family systems All interested parties are invited to lives. someone else. we grew up in and are a part of. attend. Please contact our office During the past seven months we • Finding purpose and meaning on [email protected] for details of Some common skills and attitudes have had to cope with isolation, by making sense out of what is logging onto the Zoom link. emerge across the board: lockdown and a variety of personal happening . Spiritual and religious disappointments caused by the • Being connected to others. practices are often a component of restrictions placed on the community Relationships, both in and outside this factor, including acting on one’s by COVID-19. of the family that offer love, values. encouragement and assurance can The organisations under the Jewish • Being able to see the big picture. Diana Sochen. build and support and care are one Care Cape umbrella all work closely Optimists in general are better together to ensure that everyone of the primary factors in resilience. in our Cape Town community has • Being flexible in your thinking and access to assistance and advice actions — try something new, Social and Personal when and whenever needed. During showing emotional adjustment and the past seven months this has been maturity. Births Deaths even more evident and by working Judy Dadon — grandson Our condolences to those members together we have shown that we are • Making realistic plans and take Ruth Katzeff — great who have lost loved ones during the a cohesive community. actions to carry them out. Part of this skill is being able to see what granddaughter past month Barbara Kahn — grandson There are four basic is, rather than what you would like. Judy Galansky — mother, Dorothy ingredients for resilience: Being proactive is a component of Barmitzvah/ Batmitzvah Sam Goronovsky — sister, Janey this skill — take a courses such as Harry and Simone Friedland Casper • Reaching out — how we call CPR or First aid. — granddaughter Zelda Harris — mother upon others to help us meet the Prof Cyril and Jenny Karabus • Being able to communicate well Joyce and Lionel Hessen challenges that we face? Because — grandson with others. Taking care to be or — daughter resilience is also about knowing Gavin and Morris — son become a good communicator, Bess Lonstein — sister, Janey when to ask for help Mervyn and Arona Shrand listen and problem solving skills Casper — grandson • Self-awareness — noticing what while working as a team member Hillary Murcia — mother is going on around you and inside within the community. Special Birthdays and Lilian Sheldon — partner, Dodi your head Anniversary Davis • Being able to manage strong Maureen Helman — 80th Birthday Our condolences to family members • Mindfulness — being able to feelings — clear thinking and action Collette and Barry Levin — Golden of CJSA members who have passed interpret the events that are going is needed without being impulsive. Wedding Anniversary away during the last month on in a rational way If you are angry or hurt, think before Engagement action takes place. Imagine the Janey Casper, Dodi Davis, Lisa • Self-care — our mental and Dennis and Nesta Shorkend worst and let your imagination run Lerer, and Erica O’Riordan physical ability to cope with the — granddaughter riot. What could have gone wrong challenges without becoming ill PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Sea Point: 021 434 9691; : Hajiera Safidien–Maloon 021 555 1736; S/Suburbs: Monique Nieuwenhuys 021 761 7960; W/Coast: Stacey Melmed 074 405 5186 back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 27

back to contents 28 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Israeli single malt now in South Africa M&H (Milk & Honey) 2 2 in review Distillery is Israel’s first whisky distillery 788 producing one-of- ECD teachers trained via blended a-kind whisky and online and onsite learning spirits within the unique climate and atmosphere of . 25,375 children impacted aunched globally Learlier this year, M&H’s Classic Single Malt Whisky is the 460 teachers attended 4 world’s first commercial online webinars

Israeli single malt www.ortsacape.org.za whisky and has been as experimental as one can, already received accolades from the pushing the boundaries within a once industry winning Gold medals at The traditional industry. 180 International Spirits Challenge 2020 youth placed on ECD internships and Frankfurt International Trophy The label continues to innovate by 2020. testing new flavours and properties. One such experiment has brought 577 M&H was started by a group of Lego Playboxes & M&H Distillery to produce special Israel’s tech-savvy, innovative spirits in different climate zones thinkers who embarked into a new 7, 74 0 across Israel, including the Dead Sea sets of Lego Six Bricks distributed to realm of world-class whisky dilation. schools, ECD centres & parents and Negev Desert. Since its establishment in 2012, M&H Distillery has entered the circle of M&H’s Classic Single Malt Whisky is 190 distilleries experimenting with whisky 100% kosher and has been matured learners attended production in hot climates. in the finest ex-bourbon and special Robotic workshops red-wine STR casks, giving it a light M&H Distillery was developed and balanced character with notes of under the mentorship of late whisky 35,000 vanilla and light oak, alongside subtle meals provided to legend Dr Jim Swan to ensure top notes of black pepper. quality and cutting-edge innovation. 140 Working within Scottish whisky The Classic Edition of M&H Distillery education through lives Changing families every week guidelines, M&H Distillery has can be purchased in South Africa here.

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 29 From page 1 Home Is Where the Art Is – an exhibition by and for Capetonians at Zeitz MOCAA

By Jaime Uranovsky

For some, the experience of dropping off pieces was one of the artworks created by me. This artwork usually hangs in most meaningful parts of exhibiting. our dining room – so we spent much of lockdown looking at it! By The Waterfall is inspired by time spent with anet Kriseman, who chose to drop off her painting Christine at the Zeitz my daughter in the forests and gardens of Cape Town. Jitself, explained that the process took around two and a half hours with The image draws on magical and peaceful times we the line of contributors winding right around the museum. Each artwork was have spent with family and friends exploring Newlands inspected and insured in front of the entrant with a lot of care. Janet described Forest and surrounds. It is wonderful to be a part of this how the contributor in front of her began crying upon being told by a Zeitz incredible inclusive exhibition being hosted by Zeitz attendant that her piece (which included detachable elements) may not have MOCAA”. been able to be assembled in the way the artist had intended. However, after seeing the woman’s distress, the attendant sprang into action and fetched Shirley Musikanth-Zacks on behalf of herself, Bernice a curator who assured the artist, after listening, that her piece would be Musikanth, Kyle Zacks, Gareth Zacks, Maxine Zacks presented as she had envisioned. Janet explains, “To me it showed, firstly, and Dylan Zacks: Connect (2018); Proteas in Pastels how incredibly precious and important these pieces were to the people who (2020); Hermanus Tree (2015); Blue Bay (2019); Sunrise were bringing them and how important it was that they be displayed properly. (2020); Dreams (2015). “Art is, in our family, a passion and It makes you think about what everybody’s got at home in their hearts that they appreciation which started with my late Grandmother, care so much about; and secondly, the level of care that the Zeitz has brought Ida Atlas… and continued through my mother, Bernice to this thing. The way they went the extra mile to find a way to accommodate Musikanth… From an early age, I always loved being what this woman wanted and needed”. creative and immersed in the world of Art and studied at Michaelis. I decided to submit a wall-hanging ceramic What follows is just a taste, in the form of comments from piece, consisting of three discs with contemporary and some of the many Jewish contributors, of what awaits vintage 2-D and 3-D sculptured elements, reflecting and commenting on our connection and communication with viewers at the exhibition: Connect, Shirley one another and how it Musikanth-Zacks Patsy Groll: Neill (2020) “I submitted my painting is changing. The works I of my friend Neill Snape. He and his wife, Jos, have submitted on behalf of my been friends of mine since long before I met my children are all different, husband, Allan. We met in about 1977 and have from photographic (Kyle been friends ever since. Their children have been Zacks) to a water colour good friends with our children and they are my son’s boat (Gareth Zacks), to godparents and chose his Hebrew name. Neil is a a sunset acrylic (Maxine wonderful, exuberant character and I’m hoping my Zacks) and oil pastels painting shows that I didn’t plan to submit this when I (Dylan Zacks). My mom, painted it. I just painted it and then decided to submit Bernice Musikanth, it. It is oil on paper, which has a sense of freedom submitted a recent oil without the boundaries of canvas for me”. painting on canvas, titled Proteas in Pastels”. Janet Kriseman: Christine (1964) “I painted Christine when I was four years old in nursery Neill, Patsy Groll (2020) Desrae Saacks: View school. It was of my then nanny.... You can see from from a train (2017) the outfit it’s fully ‘60s with the afro, the bell-bottoms, the vest and the colours. is from a series of Christine actually stayed with our family for the next 30-plus years and she paintings I made, was a very important person to me. I had an aunt, Hilda Kriseman, who lived inspired by train travel. in London. She came to visit South Africa, and she loved the painting and I chose this painting View from a train, Desrae Saacks (2017) asked to have it and she took it back with her to England. She died about five for its simplicity and or six years ago and it came back here. So we’ve had this child’s painting for containment, and the way that the paint expresses the mood and 56 years in the family”. atmosphere of the moment, and the gesture of the brush. It is oil on canvas”. Lazarus: By The Waterfall (2017); From The Forest (2017); Changeling (2017). “My daughter, Sheryl Schkolne: Cape Floral Kingdom (2014) “I’m a graduate of Mila Jade Lazarus, eight years, Michaelis, and I majored in painting but I’ve been doing ceramics submitted By The Waterfall to the for probably over 20 years. The two ceramic vessels that are exhibition as it is one of her favourite included in the exhibition are part of a group of 11 that I did on the theme of South African flowers, fynbos and indigenous flowers, together with quotes that talked to me, that I worked on for quite a long time”. The exhibition opened on 22 October and runs until 10 January 2021, on Thursday to Sundays. Tickets can be purchased online, and are valid for multiple entries for the duration of the exhibition. The art has been categorised as follows: • ‘Homemade Gems’: For those who view their art as a hobby; • ‘Young Artist in Residence’: Art created by children; • ‘Professional Practise’ Reserved for full-time artists for whom art is a career; • 'With Love from Gogo’: Art received as a present from friends, family and loved ones; • ‘Local Loves’: For artists from Christine, Janet Kriseman (1964) Cape Floral Kingdom, By The Waterfall, Deborah Lazarus (2017) around the African continent. Sheryl Schkolne (2014) back to contents 30 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Cape Town Torah High is thinking out the box about 2021

By Mrs. Daniella Conibear, General Studies Principal

Thank you to everyone who played a part in the Cape Town Torah High annual Charidy fundraiser this year. Despite the immense challenges that this year has posed, with the support of the local and international community, we surpassed our goal. hank you for joining us in thinking out the Tbox about the future for Cape Town Torah High! Your generosity will help us continue to find new heights of what is possible for Jewish high school students and for the Cape Town Jewish Community. We could never have done it without you.

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 31 What a waste! Training to resume early 2021

Volunteering at Leket Israel Logistics Center. Photo credit Leket Israel Archive It has been a challenging year adjust to the COVID-19 protocols. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Leket have released for all and as an organisation We aim to resume normal training the Fifth Annual Food Waste and Rescue Report for Israel. we have had to adapt with the from the beginning of 2021 across times and make big decisions. all our sports and step up our he report, which was written and edited by BDO, presents a detailed model accabi were inactive from March preparations for the Maccabi Games Testimating the environmental impact and the environmental costs of food in 2022. waste, as well as the effect on the Israeli economy. It also shows how Israel Muntil September, with numerous compares to other countries around the world on this issue. trials being postponed due to the We will overcome this virus and as pandemic. The majority of our sports an organization we will continue to “Food waste has cost Israel’s economy NIS 20.3 billion (ZAR 93 billion) in are still on hold, however we have put our players health first. We look 2019, on top of an environmental cost of NIS 3.2 billion (ZAR 14.7 billion). This resumed non contact training with the forward to what 2021 holds and we money could have financed one-fifth of the State’s COVID-19 aid budget. The U16 Futsal team. This has taken place wish everyone well over the new year. financial and environmental costs of food loss along the entire value chain end every Sunday at the urban park and up being paid directly out of the pockets of Israeli consumers and taxpayers, has been a great learning experience Saul Jackson and negatively affect the cost of living. Specifically, this year, considering the for myself and our coaches, having to WP Maccabi Sports Director COVID-19 pandemic, it is of paramount importance to formulate a national plan for food rescue” explains Chen Herzog, Chief Economist, BDO. Food waste is responsible for 6% of greenhouse gas emissions in Israel, which is equivalent to GHG emissions from 1.6 million cars per year – about half the number of cars in Israel. Minimising the extent of food waste in Israel will significantly help the national effort to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to which the Israeli government committed in the Paris Agreement, signed at the UN Climate Change Conference in December 2015. Food waste accounts for about one-third of all household waste in Israel. The total direct external economic cost for treating garbage originating from food waste in Israel in 2019 was approximately NIS 1.2 billion (ZAR 5.5 billion). Findings from the report reveal that an average Israeli family throws away NIS 3,300 (ZAR 15 000) worth of food per year, equivalent to a month and a half of household food expenditures. Food waste at the consumption stage is responsible for about 55% of the total environmental costs of food waste. The effects of food waste at all stages of the value chain increases food prices by 11%, and the loss of food impairs productivity in the economy due to production and labour loss. According to BDO estimates, COVID-19 will cause an additional 145 000 people to become food insecure. The crisis will also exacerbate food insecurity for the 1.87 million people who were already suffering before the pandemic. This emphasises the urgency of food rescue, which can help minimise the economic damage from the crisis and decrease the environmental costs imposed on the Israeli economy as a consequence of food produced, but not consumed. About Leket Israel: Serving as Israel’s largest food rescue organisation, in 2019, Leket Israel rescued 2.2 million cooked meals from IDF army bases, hotels catering companies, and restaurants and 15.7 thousand tons of agricultural produce worth NIS 209 million (US $61 million). All this rescued food was redistributed to 175 000+ needy people weekly through Leket Israel’s network of 200 non-profit agency partners throughout Israel. For more information, please visit: www.leket.org/en. For a local perspective, in South Africa, 10 million tonnes of food goes to waste every year. That’s a third of the 31 million tonnes produced annually in South Africa. The wasted embedded water would fill over 600 000 Olympic swimming pools — a massive waste for SA, the 30th driest country on the planet. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has valued this loss at R61.5 billion. back to contents 32 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Creating responsive and responsible leaders for the future

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (Z”L) has left us a profound treasure of Torah As Project Manager and part of the EOLI team, I have scholarship and a rich legacy of insights on Jewish leadership. an insider’s understanding of the intense planning His 7 leadership principles below reflect the vision of EOLI for a and attention to detail that goes into customising and leadership pipeline, framed by his quote: crafting the leadership development programme. As a “Leaders see the destination, begin the journey, and leave behind participant of the programme, I am now privleged to also them those who will continue it. That is enough to endow a life with have an outsider’s perspective of the significant value immortality.” of each module and what each faculty member brings in building the layers of our Cohort’s emerging leadership Principle 1: Leadership begins with taking responsibility: @EOLI we journey. value leaders who step up with self-activation and perseverance. Principle 2: No one can lead alone: @EOLI leaders work in teams, Each module arms us with a theoretical framework unlocking talent of lay and professionals as partners. as well as practical application. We are immersed in both a personal and communal think tank in which we Principle 3: Leadership is about the future: @EOLI we invest in are supported and encouraged to question, research, leaders for continuity of community. think out of the box and take action. Moving online as Principle 4: Leaders learn: @EOLI expert faculty curate immersive a result of Covid, has had its drawbacks in terms of our learning, framed by context, current theory and practice. bonding as a Cohort but, it has also presented us with Principle 5: Leadership means believing in the people you lead: @ an opportunity to embrace change in practice and to EOLI leadership is about deep compassion, respect and hope. continue to step up to the plate in our commitment to Principle 6: Leadership involves a sense of timing and pace: community succession. @EOLI the journey of leaders starts now and evolves and adapts. Over the past year, our Cohort has become acutely aware Principle 7: Leadership is stressful and emotionally demanding: of the magnitude of the needs within our community as @EOLI we understand complexity of community and organisations, well as the immeasurable work that is being done daily so we reach out to build resilience, containment and collaborations. to meet these needs and to envision and plan for the Viv Anstey, EOLI Director future in order to thrive and evolve in a continuously changing world. The programme is just the beginning EOLI plays a pivotal role in empowering and upskilling lay and of our involvement in the community. We all have a professional community leaders. role to play and immense value to add in building and We invite you to join us in 2021 to embark on and/or strengthen your shaping our community for our children and all future communal leadership path. generations of Cape Town Jewry. OPT IN: Please connect with us to include you on our database: Melissa Zolty, [email protected] EOLI Project Manager & 2020 LDP Cohort Member Israel Embassy provides a safe center for women and children The Embassy of Israel in n honor of International Day of provided is South Africa is sharing joint IEliminating Violence against based on the cooperation with Fight Back Women, and the start of the United principles of SA, a non-profit organisation Nations 16 Days of Activism against the Israeli focused on the empowerment Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in combat self- November, The Embassy donated defense of young women and children towards the establishment of a Safe style of by providing free self-defense Center for Women and Children KravMaga. classes to individuals living in in Lavender Hill with Fight Back Founding high risk and crime- SA, which provided a secure and Director of ridden areas. permanent space for Fight Fight Back Back SA self-defense classes. SA, Nicole Ambassador Lior Keinan said, Mirkin said, “The Embassy is committed to “Over the continue and empower women last two across SA, first for their own months, safety, and to increase their youth empowerment projects to Fight Back SA has been able to participation at all decision- communities across South Africa. reach more women than ever before, making levels, national and due to the help and funding we have For more information, please email international alike. We are received from the Embassy of Israel [email protected] happy our donation will create in South Africa. The Embassy’s a positive impact in the lives of generous donation towards the safe so many women and children center will ensure the best care of in South Africa.” victims of GBV, and will serve as a The Embassy’s donation safe space in which Fight Back SA allowed the existence of over can operate, to deliver permanent 25 workshops, providing free self-defense classes to women thousands of women across the living in the .” Western Cape (UCT, Lavender This project is a continuation of Hill, Cape Flats, Drakenstein various women empowerment District, , projects provided by the Embassy Smitsville, Blackheath, Bishop such as our sanitary towel initiative Lavis, and more) with vital that has reach most provinces tools to defend themselves, across South Africa. The Embassy disarm and immobilise an values the importance of promoting attacker. The type of training gender-based projects and back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 33 A celebration of everything vegetarian

The third installment in Yotam’s bestselling and multi- award-winning Plenty series (over 2 million copies sold). Flavour celebrates the limitless potential of vegetables and reveals how to transform them into magical dishes. lavour-forward, vegetable-based Frecipes are at the heart of Yotam Ottolenghi’s food. In this stunning cookbook Yotam and co-writer Ixta Belfrage break down the three factors that create flavour; Process, Pairing and Produce. They offer innovative vegetable dishes that deliver brand- new ingredient combinations to excite and inspire. Process explains cooking methods that elevate veg to mouthwatering photographs of great heights; Pairing identifies four nearly every one of the more than basic pairings that are fundamental 100 recipes, Ottolenghi Flavour is to great flavour; Produce offers the impactful, next-level approach impactful vegetables that do the work to vegetable cooking that Ottolenghi for you. fans and vegetable lovers everywhere have been craving. The book combines simple weeknight recipes with low-effort high-impact Packed with signature colourful dishes and standout meals for the photography, Flavour not only relaxed cook. inspires us with what to cook, but how flavour can be dialled up and why With surefire hits, such as Aubergine it works. Dumplings alla Parmigiana, Hasselback Beetroot with Lime Flavour is available at leading Leaf Butter, Miso Butter Onions, bookstores and online. Spicy Mushroom Lasagne and ISBN 9781785038938 Published Romano Pepper Schnitzels, plus September 2020.

18+

PHYLLIS JOWELL JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

LOCKDOWN 2020 Phyllis Jowell School has flown above the tumultuous waves of 2020. Mr Theodore Thomas, who started his tenure as principal of Phyllis Jowell in January, has proven to be the calm leader we needed to Enjoy your Chanukah looking forward to an American summer working at the best Jewish camps in the USA succeed during a chaotic year. Together with Rabbi Gavi Ziegler and the committed Staff, they have ensured that Phyllis Jowell students WWW.JEWISHCAMPSUSA.COM have been able to engage every school day with Torah and General Up to 30 days travelling after camp Studies. Phyllis Jowell School followed an adapted timetable for face Have the chance to go to camp with a friend to face lessons on Google Meet, with extra time set aside for one on one check-ins with each student. Following the hard lockdown most Over 500 global Jewish participants went to camp in Summer 2019 with students returned to a safe and loving school environment, with a few JCUSA students still learning remotely. • GUARANTEED A POSITION AT A • YOU WILL WORK AT THE BEST JEWISH CAMP ONCE YOU ARE CAMP IN THE RIGHT POSITION ON THE JCUSA PROGRAM SUITED TO YOU • CAMP WILL PAY BETWEEN $1800 • MEET FRIENDS FOR LIFE AND $2400 • GAIN A SECOND HOME SEE THE WEBSITE FOR MUCH MORE!

back to contents 34 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 An opportunity to engage with four dynamic exhibitions in one space

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 35 A view from the bar Looking at Jewish judges in the courts

By Anton Katz At the end of 2020 Judge that they had with the Presidents the process in a divisive US. Think that very policy. Dennis Davis, who has been who appointed them, and given of President Trump’s nominations of That would be unthinkable today. the Judge President of the the judges’ Jewish background, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney What is fascinating is how the justices Competition Appeal Court and investigates the anti-Semitism some Barret. would swap votes on particular issues of the justices encountered in their across cases. So, one justice would a judge of the High Court in Reading Rabbi Dalin’s book several ascent within the legal profession agree to set aside a death penalty things struck me. Cape Town since the late 1990s before their appointment. Rabbi Dalin and in return the other justice would will be retiring. in some detail considers the role that First, the path to appointing the first agree to rule in a particular manner he end of his distinguished judicial anti-Semitism played in the political Jewish justice was constructed over on a copyright or labour case. Tcareer brings to an and, at least debates and Senate confirmation a long period. It was built brick by Fourthly, the wide ranging and for a time, a Jewish judge in Cape battles. Other topics and themes brick by many and more and more different relationships each of the Town. It is worth recalling that the first include the changing role of Jews senior Jewish appointments in the eight justices had to Judaism and Constitutional Court of South Africa within the American legal profession US administration and judiciary Zionism. And how those relationships appointed by President Mandela in and the views and judicial opinions generally. That slow building lesson developed and morphed over 1994 included three Jewish justices of each of the justices on freedom applied to the appointment of the the years. of speech, freedom of religion, the first black (Thurgood Marshall) among its eleven members. As one reflects over the development death penalty, the right to privacy, and then first woman (Sandra of Jewish justices in the US and Arthur Chaskalson was the President gender equality and the rights of day O’Connor) appointments. Dennis Davis’s career as a judge of the Constitutional Court, and the criminal defendants. Secondly, once the barrier of a Jewish and those of the three founding other two were Richard Goldstone justice had been broken it became In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson Constitutional Court justices and Albie Sachs. They are the the norm that at least one of the 9 nominated Louis Brandeis as the first interesting ideas of when will another only Jewish justices in the twenty- justices would be Jewish; indeed, at Jewish justice. Brandeis’ nomination Jewish judge and/or judge president six years of the Constitutional some point 3 of the 9 were Jewish. was bitterly contested and denounced and/or justice of the Constitutional Court’s existence. Thirdly, the Jewish Justices judicial by conservative Republicans, Court be appointed in South Africa. contributions were a mixed bag. What The three’s relationship with Judaism, including former President William would be considered outrageous The ever-dwindling Jewish their Jewish identities and their broad Howard Taft; further opposition came conduct today was regarded as fine community and the emphasis on responses to Israel and Zionism from members of the legal profession, at times. So, some of the Justices new and different career (not law) may and probably had an important including former Attorney General while sitting as a judge would advise paths suggest that Jewish judging impact on how they decided cases. George W. Wickersham and former and assist the President, with whom in South Africa will at least for some Reading biographies and memoirs presidents of the American Bar they were close, on a policy issue and time be less prominent than in the by and about them gives interesting Association, such as former Senator then sit in judgment on challenges to recent past. and important insights into the role and Secretary of State Elihu Root Judaism played in their judicial lives. of New York, who claimed Brandeis Interestingly the Constitutional Court was “unfit” to serve on the Supreme regularly relied on judgments from Court According to legal historian courts around the world. Scott Powe, much of the opposition One of the first and important to Brandeis’s appointment stemmed quotes from a foreign court is that of from “blatant anti-semitism.” Taft Brandeis J, the first Jewish justice of would accuse Brandeis of using his the United States Supreme Court, Judaism to curry political favour, where he stated: “In a government and Wickersham would refer to of laws, existence of the government Brandeis’s supporters and Taft’s will be imperiled if it fails to observe critics as “a bunch of Hebrew the law scrupulously… Government uplifters.” Senator Henry Cabot is the potent, omnipresent teacher. Lodge privately complained, “If it For good or for ill, it teaches the were not that Brandeis is a Jew, and whole people by its example… If the a German Jew, he would never have government becomes a lawbreaker, it been appointed.” breeds contempt for the law; it invites What is interesting is that for every man to become a law unto about a century before Brandeis’s himself; it invites anarchy.” Turning appointment the groundwork had to the US Supreme Court: it was been laid. US presidents had established 231 years ago in March appointed Jews to diplomatic 1789. Of the 114 justices who have posts. For his first 50 years Justice served on the bench 108 have been Brandeis was highly assimilated white men, 6 of whom were Jewish. and celebrated Christmas, did not Two of four women US justices were/ practice Judaism and had almost are Jewish. nothing to do with organised Jewish In a wonderful 2017 book Jewish life. In ‘midlife’ Brandeis showed an Justices of the Supreme Court, interest in Zionism, and just prior to historian and rabbi David Dalin his appointment as a Supreme Court examines the lives, legal careers Justice assumed the leadership of and legacies of the eight Jewish men the American Zionist movement. and women who have served or who Before Brandeis’s nomination currently serve as justices of the by President Wilson the Senate United States Supreme Court: Louis appointed the nominated person D. Brandeis, Benjamin Cardozo, almost by simply rubber stamping Felix Frankfurter, Arthur Goldberg, the President’s choice. Brandeis was Abe Fortas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, different. The confirmation battle Stephen G. Breyer and Elena Kagan. in the Senate was unequaled until He analyses the relationship the 1987 Robert Bork saga. The confirmation wars are now part of back to contents 36 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 KOSHER CAPE TOWN Information correct as of December 2020

Meat — All meat is Glatt Milchik — Not Chalav Yisrael Due to COVID-19 restrictions some establishments may not be open or may be operating in a limited fashion. It is advisable to phone the individual establishments directly

SUPERMARKETS AND SHOPS WITH KOSHER FACILITIES

SEA POINT

CHECKERS The Point, 76 Regent Road 021 430 4680 Chickens: Frozen; Grilled (grilled must have signed BD sticker) Kosher Bakery: All bakery goods sold over the counter are Parev and Patt Kosher Deli: Meat and Parev (there is also a non-kosher deli — look for the Yisrael BD sign) NB: Bakery goods on the shelves in the bakery area or anywhere in the store Kosher Meat: Prepacked fresh meat (with BD sign) Meat orders accepted MUST have BD sign, as non-kosher bakery goods are also brought in from Fish: Fresh; Minced; Fried other bakeries Kosher wines and grape juice Chickens: Frozen; Fresh; Grilled (grilled must have signed BD sticker) Section of imported kosher products Kosher Deli: Meat and Parev SUPER SPAR 94 Regent Road, Sea Point. 021 439 0913/4 Kosher Meat: Prepacked fresh meat with BD sign. (orders accepted) Kosher Bakery: (2 bakeries in shop — look for kosher bakery) Parev and Patt Fish: Fresh; Minced; Fried fish Yisrael Kosher wines and grape juice Chickens: Frozen; Fresh free-range; Roasted. MUST have BD sign Section of imported kosher products Kosher Deli: Meat and Parev GOLDIES DELI 176 Main Road, Sea Point. 021 434 1116 Kosher Meat: Prepacked fresh meat (with BD sign); frozen meat (with BD Bakery: Parev and Patt Yisrael sign) Deli: Meat and Parev Fish: fresh and minced at general fish counter. Fried fish at Kosher Deli Chickens: Roasted Kosher wines and grape juice PICK n PAY Artem Centre 127 Main Road Sea Point. 021 434 8987/8 Section of imported kosher products Kosher Bakery: All bakery goods sold over the counter are Parev (NOT Patt SHOPRITE 365 Main Road, Sea Point. 021 430 3360 Yisrael) Berkies baked goods: taiglach, kichel, meringues etc NB: Bakery goods on the shelves in the bakery area or anywhere in the store Deli items: Small selection of prepacked fresh meat, cold meats, fish cakes, MUST have BD sign, as non-kosher bakery goods are also brought in from schmaltz, chrain etc. other bakeries

SOUTHERN SUBURBS

CHECKERS Park ‘n Shop Centre, Cnr Firgrove and PICK n PAY CONSTANTIA The Constantia Village Cnr Constantia Main Howard Drive Meadowridge 021 710 5160 and Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia. 021 794 5031 Berkies taigelach and chocolates Chickens: Frozen Kosher Meat: Prepacked fresh meat (with BD sign), cold meats, fresh Kosher Meat: Fresh meat (orders accepted). Prepacked fresh meat chicken packs (with BD sign) Prepared foods: Norries prepared meals, pizzas and biscuits Kosher fridge: cold meats, schmaltz, chrain etc, (cheeses at regular cheese PICK ‘n PAY CLAREMONT Cnr Main and Campground Roads, counter) Claremont (The Kosher shop is at the back of the store) Kosher Kosher wines and grape juice Butchery 087 750 6052, Kosher Bakery 087 750 6051, Kosher Deli PICK ‘n PAY FAMILY STORE PLUMSTEAD 29 Rd, Plumstead 087 750 6053 021 762 1124 Kosher Bakery: Parev and Patt Yisrael (there are 2 bakeries in shop — Chickens: Frozen kosher bakery in kosher shop at back of store) Chickens: Frozen, Roasted; Fish: Fresh; Minced Grilled (grilled must have signed BD sticker) Kosher wines and grape juice Kosher Deli: Meat and Parev Bakery Goods (from Pick ‘n Pay Claremont Kosher Store — Parev and Patt Kosher Meat: Fresh meat (orders accepted), prepacked fresh meat (with Yisrael — must have BD sign): Challahs, challah rolls and bagels received BD sign) Fridays and pre Yom Tov. Other bakery goods brought on request. Kosher Fish: fresh and minced at general fish counter. Fried fish at kosher deli bakery goods are in a trolley on Fridays outside the office up until 5pm. Kosher wines and grape juice Berkie’s sponge cakes Section of imported and local kosher products SEA HARVEST FISH SHOP Access Park Kenilworth Tel: 021 060 0602 Coffee shop (in front of store): hot drinks — coffee; tea; hot chocolate — Fresh fish. (Check UOS website for list of kosher frozen fish) must use disposable cups

NORTHERN SUBURBS

NORRIES BUTCHERY to order: www.norriesbutchery.co.za 021 510 5882 Kosher wines and grape juice PICK ‘n PAY CENTRE POINT Cnr Koeberg Rd and Loxton Rd, Section of imported kosher products at back of shop Milnerton. 021 552 2057 SHOPRITE MILNERTON Cnr Koeberg Rd and De Grendel Roads, Kosher Bakery — Parev (NOT Patt Yisrael) Milnerton 021 528 1680 Chickens — frozen and grilled (grilled must have signed BD sticker) Bakery Goods (from Checkers Sea Point — order by Tuesday): challahs, Kosher Deli — Meat: (there is also a non-kosher deli — look for the BD challah rolls and babkes received Fridays and pre Yom Tov. Parev and Patt sign) Yisrael (Must have BD sign) Berkies taigelach etc Kosher Meat — Fresh prepacked meat and cold meats — at back of shop. Kosher fridge: Selection of kosher prepacked goods including prepacked Must have BD sign meats (fresh and cold), prepacked fish etc. (Must have BD sign) Fish — fresh and minced — Parev. (Kosher fried fish only at salad bar) Kosher grape juice Salad bar — Parev

continues on the next page back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 37 KOSHER CAPE TOWN Information correct as of December 2020

Meat — All meat is Glatt Milchik — Not Chalav Yisrael Due to COVID-19 restrictions some establishments may not be open or may be operating in a limited fashion. It is advisable to phone the individual establishments directly

BREAD Beth Din certified, NOT Patt Yisrael CATERERS/ TAKE-AWAYS Under Beth Din supervision

Albany: All bread (including sliced) MUST have BD sign. Parev AVRON’S PLACE: Meat and Parev 082 577 4890 Anat: Pita range. Parev. MUST have BD sign 021 552 8649 BERKIES: Meat and Parev 082 854 1865 Bakery 9 Atlantic Road, Tel: 021 780 1339 Artisan and CAFÉ RITEVE: Milk 021 465 1594 sourdough breads CAROLYN’S CATERING: Milk and Meat 021 461 9900 (Available also at Goldies Deli in Sea Point) NOT Patt Yisrael CLAREMONT WYNBERG SHUL: Milk and Parev Duens: All bread (including sliced). Parev 021 671 9007 Sasko: All bread (including sliced) and rolls. Parev COFFEERIGHT Mobile coffee bar: Milk and Parev Woolworths: Bread and rolls. MUST have BD sign. Parev 082 859 2960 / 021 439 3862 This is the South African Beth Din COFFEETIME@ASTRA: Milk 021 461 8414 RESTAURANTS Kosher mark GOLDIES DELI: Meat and Parev 021 434 1116 Under Beth Din supervision For a complete list of Beth Din HADASSAH FRIEDMAN: Milk and Parev 083 346 1795 certified kosher products MERLE RUBIN: Meat, Milk and Parev 021 439 1322 AVRON’S PLACE 267 Main Road, produced in South Africa, consult NORRIE CATERERS: Milk, Meat and Parev Sea Point) 082 577 4890 Restaurant the UOS website www.uos.co.za 021 510 5882 and take-aways. Meat and Parev. For more information: PREMIER HOTEL: Groups (by arrangement) and avronsplace@.co.za KASHRUT DEPARTMENT functions, Meat, Milk and Parev 021 430 3400 CAFÉ B’TAYAVON @HIGHLANDS HOUSE Cape Beth Din 021 461 6310 SUIKERBOSSIE: Functions only Meat and Parev 9 Gorge Rd, Highlands Estate 021 461 1100 [email protected] 021 790 1450 Snacks and Light Meals. Milchik. KOCOSA Cape Kosher Consumers THE PRESS BAR AND GRILL: Meat 021 434 7724 CAFÉ RITEVE 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens Kelly (office hours) 021 461 6310; YUM YALLA Pizza truck: Wood fired artisan pizzas, Mac 021 465 1594 / 078 801 9057 Esther Maizels 021 439 4430 and cheese, chips etc. Milk (Chalav Yisrael). To order Restaurant and take-aways Milchik. Email: [email protected] 072 529 7999 Available for events and functions [email protected] wwwcaferiteve.co.za COFFEE TIME 20 Breda Street, Gardens OTHER OUTLETS Under Beth Din supervision 021 461 8414 Breakfast, teas and light lunches Milchik. [email protected] COFFEERIGHT DRIVE-THRU 345 Main Road, Biscuits and ice creams — Milchik; vegan ice cream Functions: Steven Miller Sea Point (old Total garage) Milchik. The following and vegan biscuits — Parev JEAN’S KITCHEN @THE KAPLAN products ONLY are kosher: Coffee; hot chocolate; GOLDIES DELI 176 Main Road, Sea Point CENTRE, chai latte; red cappuccino; iced coffee and baked 021 434 1116 Take-aways Meat and Parev. 021 650 3064 Tea, coffee, sandwiches, goods with BD logo ONLY [email protected] gourmet salads, falafel etc. Milchik. CRUMBS AND CREAM 16 Regent Rd, Sea Point. SUN LIFE JUICERY (formerly trading as THE DAILY [email protected] 081 343 2761 PRESS) Shop 2, Ocean Breeze, Cnr St Johns and THE PRESS BAR AND GRILL 176 Main Rd, All products sold in the shop are kosher, including Regent Rds, Sea Point Cold and fresh pressed juices, Sea Point 021 434 7724 Restaurant and Bar. tea, coffee, waffles etc herb elixirs — Parev; Smoothies — Milchik Meat. [email protected]

Continues from page 1 Shining a light in a time of crisis

fter reviewing all the the top 10, Sisters Act, said: “Thank you so much take off. “There is definitely opportunity to create Ainspiring entries, the top 10 for the amazing news — we are just honoured something similar going forward to shine the light were selected: Ajay Apparel, to have made the top 10 and are grateful for the on entrepreneurial businesses” said Liat. “In fact, Coffeeright, Gorgeous Gourmet, opportunity we have been given to be a part of this in a conversation with our panel of judges, this was Health Island, Noapop, Petals great competition.” discussed. This could be the seed for many future Group, Platinum Promotions, initiatives”, added ORT Jet’s Brenna Frankel. Platinum Promotions said: “Thank you. I’m Repatriation Flight Specialists overwhelmed and honoured. It feels incredible to With Chanukah just around the corner, honouring — We get you there, Ruby be acknowledged and to truly allow me to see the the hard-fought victory of the Maccabees over Accessories cc, and Sisters Act, Shining Light. Even if I don’t make it further than the the bigger Syrian army, it is fitting that The and invited to attended a 'Pitch- top 10, this has facilitated me to finally ask for help.” Shining Light Award honours these businesses to-Win session' coached by in our community and celebrates their courage, Mandi Dicks — well-known entrepreneur, coach The build-up to the final awards ceremony was AJay Apparel resilience and success, in what’s otherwise been and TV personality thrilling. It began with the top-10 pitching in front of a very challenging year. Justin Cohen. a live panel of judges including social and business entrepreneurs, Lara Rosmarin, Richard Goldstein, On making it into Avi Levy and Dawn Nathan-Jones. The finals took place at the end of November at an intimate, yet buzzing event. All top 10 were given a final opportunity to showcase their businesses to a live Zoom audience and face a question by the judges. At the time of finalising the Chronicle, the winners had not yet been announced, therefore to find out who won this incredible award visit www.cjc.org.za

Tamsyn Dixon and Monique Sarit Werb — Sisters Both organisations agree that COVID-19 Philip Rubin — Health Island, Terri Frankental — Bermeister — Noapop Act presented a unique opportunity for this award to Platinum Promotions, and Ilana Kahn — Coffeeright back to contents 38 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Using my Nudel School’s out for summer!

By Craig Nudelman And then it was over! On a that teachers just stand in front of Holocaust was not just the mass that teachers are not Friday afternoon in the middle the class lecturing their pupils in the killing of six million Jewish lives, but seen in the light that of November, I held a bag same fashion that they were taught in also a process of dehumanisation they deserve. My of my possessions and I left school or later in university. However, of Jews, you start to gain empathy colleagues at Herzlia Herzlia’s campus as a teacher. it is so much more than that. Teachers and respect for issues happening in work bloody hard. Although school are there to be facilitators. Using the real life. hours may be from 07:45 to 15:00, t was a strange feeling. I was theoretical pedagogical concepts there is lesson prep, extra murals, Life Skills/Life Orientation is not really happy that the retrenchment from experts in education, teachers marking, report writing, schedule I seen as a critical or core subject, process (which I ironically oversaw, are there to scaffold learning and meetings, extra lessons, tutorials, and many do not think it is important. due to my chairmanship of the assist pupils in gaining information and so much more. Teachers also This is the view of pupils, who see it Teachers’ Union) was over. However, themselves. It is no longer ‘chalk and have private lives, where they have as a joke; parents, who don’t know I felt a sense of unease; would I know talk’ (although that is necessary from to juggle all of this with looking after what it is about; and even teachers, what to do come Monday, when I time to time). Rather, teachers allow their homes, spouses or partners, who don’t see it as necessary when would start my new career at the pupils to learn from each other and children, and parents. Yes, there is compared to their more ‘academic’ Valenture Institute? Instead of going use other amazing tools to gain all the the benefit of holidays, but they are subjects. Having taught it these to school to make the morning staff information that they can. However, so well deserved after the stress of past few years, I tend to differ. The briefing at 7:45, walking/running to being a teacher comes with issues, the term. skills you learn in the curriculum my classes, and having a cup of tea whether it is from the way subjects range from self-awareness and And so, as I leave from one teaching every now and then, I was going to are viewed, the attitude of pupils, and looking at people non-judgmentally role to another, I have some requests. have to keep my own hours and work the attitude of parents (which is the to understanding diseases, including Be kind and patient — teachers are remotely. It’s interesting how you most difficult to manage!). STIs. It also looks at governance in people too. Respect the teacher’s can become so comfortable in your I taught History and Life Skills/Life South Africa, which is so important decisions — they have experience position and that a shift can be so Orientation. Now History is seen as to teach to our youth who just don’t in teaching and the knowledge of discombobulating. But I don’t want a key subject; people hold it in high give a shit about the country and how to teach. Tell your children to to speak about change. I actually regard. Some think it is a subject how its political system works. How be courteous to their teachers — want to reflect on what it is like to be where you just memorise dates off can you think that going to Langa the classroom is a place to learn; a teacher/educator/facilitator in the by heart, but it is so much more than to learn about cultural awareness is discipline should not be an issue. many facets of my life. that. History teaches you critical useless? Do you think work-shadow Finally, appreciate your children’s Being a teacher is fascinating thinking skills, comprehension, and, is unhelpful? Peoples’ mindset about teachers — they deserve it! and should be the subject of a more importantly, empathy. When the subject needs to change. Good luck for 2021. May it be better sociological thesis. Most people think you see what slavery was like, what But the most serious issue for me is than 2020!! colonialism created, and how the

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 39 End of an era: Herzlia Constantia (1973 – 2020)

By Dominique Herman (Herzlia Constantia 1983 – 1989) When I visited Herzlia of the place don’t feature him in Constantia a few months a starring role. ago for the first time in My most vivid Jim memory more than 30 years, there was the time he made one of was a hip-hop class and his customary class pop-ins. piano lesson happening, He asked one of us to come up and a soccer game on the and draw on the board a small quad’s football pitch. letter i with a dot on top. Then In my day, I recall having he showed us how the ‘i’ should to rely largely on our have had two dots on top if one conversational skills for was to answer the question correctly. As someone who entertainment. has gone on to write and copy he principal, Jos Horwitz, edit as a career, I’ve never Ttook me on a walkabout, forgotten that. made all the more memorable I also had the supreme by the fact that Jos and her pleasure of visiting my Sub A husband used to look after my teacher, Hazel Darlow, who sister, brother and me when returned to live in Scotland our parents went out of town. five years ago but happened At the time, I was in primary serendipitously to be stuck in school at Herzlia Constantia Cape Town during lockdown at with Jos supervising my her daughter Fiona’s house. homework and having to The author on the first day of 'big school' at Herzlia Constantia in 1983 endure the not terribly dulcet Hazel started her 22-year He proceeded to tick Jos off for the confidence to engage with tones of my violin practice. Herzlia Constantia career in 1979. disregarding the school rules authority figures like that, largely ‘It was a lovely school,’ she said. ‘So by walking down what had been attributable to how warmly figures of Coming to the end of our stroll when I had to leave when I reached earmarked for the Covid era as an authority engage with them. around the campus, we walked down 65, I was very unhappy. I would do it a staircase that had definitely shrunk ‘up-only staircase’. Witnessing Jos The closure of the school galvanised all over again.’ since I last traversed it. Waiting apologising and telling Adam that me into getting in touch with my- at the bottom was eight-year-old he was absolutely right was not only Judging from the overwhelmingly then principal, Jim Goodacre. There Adam Rabinowitz who was not an enchanting scene, but reinforced passionate response to news of isn’t one person I know who went to best pleased. for me part of what makes a Herzlia the school’s closure, clearly many Herzlia Constantia whose memories education unique: that pupils have people feel the same way.

back to contents 40 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, ‘Prince of G-d’

By Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein I have felt the loss of Rabbi The Talmud says that the crown of issues facing the world – religious he showed the world Lord Jonathan Sacks zt’l in a Torah is the greatest of all crowns. intolerance, antisemitism, secularism in the most powerful deeply personal way. The crown of Torah is greater than and materialism, faith and science, way the majesty of the crown the ‘crown of kingship’, and even the the politics of anger. He was able of Torah. have lost a friend and a mentor; ‘crown of the priesthood’, because to access the wisdom of Torah and Rabbi Sacks was truly a prince of someone I looked up to, who it is the source of all majesty in this use it to illuminate these intractable I G-d. He carried the name of G-d high guided and supported me from my world, as the Talmud demonstrates problems with the majesty of Divine in this world – and he uplifted all of early days as Chief Rabbi of South by citing this verse: us. The word ‘nasi’, ‘prince’, comes Africa. I will never forget that he was “Through Me kings shall from the root of the word ‘to carry’. one of the first people to call me when reign.” When one wears This is the true meaning of royalty I took up the position seventeen the crown of Torah, one from a Torah perspective; we don’t years ago. From that moment, he carries the royalty of G-d, carry the king, the king carries us. was there for me, guiding me with the ‘King of all kings’. wisdom, kindness and compassion. Rabbi Sacks taught us and led us And I wasn’t the only one; there are Rabbi Lord Jonathan and inspired us. He carried us on the many people around the globe who Sacks carried the crown majesty of the Torah he taught. of Torah in such a way benefited from his wise counsel and Let us all continue the holy work of that its light shone across compassionate care and support. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, prince the globe. Through his of G-d. Let us extend his legacy, There is a phrase which comes eloquence, his genius, by carrying the crown of Torah with to mind when thinking of Rabbi his profound wisdom, he pride and dignity, and by illuminating Sacks, and it is used by the Torah was able to unlock and our lives and our world with its to describe Abraham, our forefather: unleash the Divine light Divine light. I can think of no more Nesi Elokim, a ‘prince of G-d’. Rabbi that lies within our Torah. fitting tribute to his kindness, his Sacks was a prince of G-d. A prince Rabbi Sacks was well- wisdom. Rabbi Sacks demonstrated dignity, his empathy, his brilliance, of dignity. A prince of kindness. A versed in all of the wisdoms of the that the Torah contains the wisdom his eloquence, his wisdom – and his prince of eloquence. A prince of world. He understood sociology and that is indeed the blueprint for all deep love for us all. wisdom. His presence, his speeches, psychology, politics and philosophy, of creation and every dimension his articles, shone with royalty and science and literature. And yet Our hearts and prayers go out to Lady of human experience. Through brilliance. It is that sense of lost he showed us that all wisdom is Elaine Sacks and to her children and his speeches and his writings, he majesty that we are all feeling at subservient to – and sourced in – the grandchildren. Your loss is one we demonstrated how everything we this time. He was a prince amongst ultimate wisdom, the ultimate crown, cannot understand – but know that need to know about life and society is the Jewish people and a prince the wisdom of Torah. we share your grief and are with you contained within the Divine wisdom among the nations, celebrated for in your pain. his leadership, his intellect, his ideas. In this way, he was the ultimate of Torah, as the mishna in Pirkei Rabbi Sacks wasn’t just a source of kiddush Hashem; he sanctified G-d’s Avot says, “Turn it over and over, for Yehi zichro baruch. May his memory guidance to queens and princes and name every time he wore the crown everything is in it.” And in so doing, be a . prime ministers – he, himself, was a of Torah, and everyone who heard noble soul. him or read his writings, gained renewed appreciation and reverence Israel’s Health Ministry says lockdown And he carried with him the source of for the Divine wisdom of the Torah. all royalty. He carried the keter Torah, Over the course of decades, he possible over Chanukah the ‘crown of Torah’, and he carried brought its light to bear on some it with such dignity and authority. of the most difficult and complex By Assaf Golan, Maytal Yasur Beit-Or & Eran Itzkovitch for Israel Hayom via JNS.org In late November, Israeli Health any sharp increases or decreases,” Ministry Director General Hezi he said. Community collaboration Levy said that he doesn’t know Levy said that “absent a catastrophe,” if there will be a lockdown fifth- and sixth-grade students would The participants of the EOLI Cohort 2020 recently sponsored the over Chanukah, “but we are be allowed to return to in-person purchase of 54 Wonderbags which were distributed to families identifying an increase in learning as planned. He called on supported by JCS Tikvah Foodbank. morbidity, and it could lead to the teachers of those students to be tested for the coronavirus before his collaboration was made possible with thanks to the current EOLI 2020 new restrictions.” returning to school. Tparticipants, Karen Tollman of Constantia CAN and Lauren Cohn of JCS evy made the remarks at a Tikvah Foodbank under the leadership of EOLI Director, Viv Anstey. special press conference Meanwhile, the World Health L Organisation Regional Director for “Thank you for the Wonderbag! As an environmentalist, I love them and wish following the decision by the so- Europe Hans Kluge claimed that everyone used them! Mine is so old and tatty that it’s a treat to get a new called ‘Coronavirus Cabinet’ to allow states could avoid a lockdown if one. This is a great initiative and wonderful to be able to share with Tikvah for Eilat and the Dead Sea to be their citizens adhered to Coronavirus Foodbank recipients.” Tikvah Foodbank Recipient designated as ‘tourism islands,’ in addition to an easing of restrictions guidelines. Lockdowns should be a on the number of customers allowed “last resort,” he said. “There would be inside stores and an opening of zoos. no need for lockdowns if 95 percent of people wore masks, instead of the “Today, 780 verified patients have [current] 60 percent,” he said. been identified out of around 50 000 tests. There is a slight increase in While Kluge said that progress on morbidity,” he said, noting that the developing a vaccine for the virus number had remained stable among was encouraging, the world must not younger members of the population. become complacent, as the vaccines would not be available over the “The rate of reproduction is now winter, and as result, many countries hovering around 1.08, a higher value could still see their healthcare than the target we set out for moving systems collapse under the pressure forward with the framework for easing of a sharp spike in infections. restrictions. As for hospitalised [patients], there is a plateau in the This article first appeared in number of serious patients, without Israel Hayom. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 41

back to contents 42 Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 Just not doughnuts! Food writer reveals what she cooks at Chanukah

By Abigail Klein Leichman for Israel21c via JNS.org As a child in the former Soviet Union, upgrade to the traditional Ashkenazi potato Janna Gur knew little about Jewish pancake, beets were my solution,” she writes in holidays. It wasn’t until her family the recipe intro. emigrated to Israel when she was a “Unlike potatoes, beets don’t start turning black teenager that she learned about the the moment you grate them, and they preserve eight-day winter Festival of Lights known their crispiness a bit longer, so it’s easier to pace as Chanukah. their preparation and serving. These crunchy- chewy latkes have just the right hint of sweetness ’ve always loved Chanukah,” says the Tel Aviv- to offset the bright dressing.” “Ibased food journalist and cookbook author. “I love Israeli winter, and I love the songs, and the The following recipes are excerpted with candle lighting is beautiful. It reminds me of the permission from Shuk by Einat Admony and Janna Russian New Year [Novy God] of my youth.” Gur (Artisan Books), copyright © 2019. But she is not fond of sufganiyot, the deep-fried, Beet Latkes With Preserved Lemon and Preserved Lemon and Yogurt Dressing jelly-filled doughnuts that reign supreme in Israeli Yogurt Dressing (Pareve) (Dairy) Chanukah food culture. Makes 10 to 12 latkes This vibrant yellow, citrusy dressing is a wonderful “As time goes by, people are buying rather than match to subtly sweet beet latkes, but that’s just making sufganiyot, and bakeries are getting crazy 1 medium russet potato (270g), peeled the beginning. Serve it on roasted vegetables or with outrageous toppings and not even frying 1 large or 2 small beets, peeled pan fried or grilled fish, or as a dipping sauce for them, which is the whole point,” Gur says. 1 medium yellow onion any deep-fried snack (the acidity cuts right through 1 large egg If we take donuts off the table, what’s left? After the fat). It can keep for up to two weeks in the 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme all, Gur points out, “There’s no such thing as a fridge, though it will probably be gone sooner. 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary Chanukah meal like you have on or Rosh ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour Makes about 3 cups (720ml) Hashanah.” Freshly ground black pepper 8 wedges preserved lemon, store-bought or Her preference is savoury latkes (levivot in Vegetable oil, for frying homemade (see below) Hebrew), the potato pancakes that American 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 jalapeño chili, cored, seeded and coarsely Ashkenazi Jews associate most with the holiday. Preserved Lemon and Yogurt Dressing (see chopped below) or plain yogurt, for serving On her website are recipes for Ashkenazi Potato ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice Latkes, Chanukah Balkan Potato and Leek ¼ cup (60ml) water Pancakes, and Orna and Ella’s Sweet Potato 2 tablespoons honey Latkes. The latter is a rare vegan latke; usually, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric potato pancakes are bound with eggs. 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil There’s a recipe for Syrian ejjeh fried vegetable 2 cups (480 ml) whole-milk Greek yogurt and meat patties in her 2014 cookbook Jewish Soul Food: From Minsk to Marrakesh, an interesting Rinse the preserved lemon wedges and remove main-dish alternative for Chanukah. the seeds. Combine the preserved lemon, jalapeño (if using), lemon juice, water, honey, turmeric, salt Two lovely latke variations appear in Gur’s and oil in a food processor and puree until you cookbook, Shuk: from Market to Table, The Heart have a completely smooth mixture—this may take of Israeli Home Cooking, coauthored with Israeli- a couple of minutes, so be patient. American chef Einat Admony. Grate the potato coarsely on the large holes of a Add the yogurt and pulse a few times, until the One is aruk, a patty made of herbs and mashed box grater or in a food processor using the grating sauce is smooth and lemony yellow. If not using at potatoes, traditionally served for Friday lunch in blade. Wrap the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen once, store in an airtight container in the fridge for Iraqi Jewish households. towel (no fabric softener, please!) and squeeze up to one week. The other is more evocative of Gur’s Soviet vigorously to get rid of any excess liquid. Transfer Variation: Keep the sauce chunky. Instead of childhood, jazzing up plain potato pancakes with to a large bowl. Do the same with the onion. If you mixing everything in a food processor, finely the addition of beets. (See recipe below.) don’t care about staining your dish towel, do the dice the preserved lemon and jalapeño and fold same with the beets. Otherwise, grate the beets “I’m a beet freak, so when I wanted to give an together with the rest of the ingredients. and squeeze out the moisture by hand; add to the bowl with the potatoes and onion. Quick Preserved Lemons (Pareve)

Add the egg, thyme, rosemary, flour, and several Makes about 2 cups (500 g) twists of pepper and mix thoroughly — your hands 5 lemons, washed and quartered lengthwise are good for this. 3 tablespoons kosher salt Line a plate or tray with paper towels. Fill a large ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric nonstick skillet with vegetable oil to a depth of ¼ 3 tablespoons sugar inch (6 mm) and heat the oil over medium-high Extra-virgin olive oil, for storing heat. When the oil is hot, stir the salt into the latke Combine the lemons, salt, turmeric, sugar, and 3 mixture, pick up a small handful, and squeeze out cups (720 ml) water in a medium saucepan and even more liquid (depending on the potato and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low onion you use, you might have quite a lot of liquid). and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about one Shape the mixture into a round, flat patty about hour, until the lemons’ flesh has broken down and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and carefully add it the rinds are very soft. to the hot oil. Repeat until you have a panful of Drain thoroughly and transfer to a clean, dry jar patties, but with plenty of room between them to with a lid. Pour in just enough oil to cover the flip the latkes. Fry until the latkes are crunchy and lemons. Seal the jar and store in the fridge for up slightly browned, about 3 minutes on each side. to 1 month. Use a clean, dry spoon or fork (never Transfer to the paper towels to drain. Repeat to your fingers) to remove the lemons from the jar as form and fry the remaining potato mixture. needed. Give them a quick rinse and remove any Serve at once, with the preserved lemon and seeds before using. yogurt dressing or plain yogurt alongside. This article was first published by Israel21c. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle December 2020/January 2021 43 SEND US YOUR SIMCHA SNAPS! Have you recently celebrated the birth of a baby, a birthday, barmitzvah, batmitzvah, anniversary, an engagement, wedding or any simcha or achievement? Send us a photo and share your simcha with the community! Wedding pictures can be submitted at no charge. For other simchas we charge R285 per picture. Email [email protected] or call office: 021 464 6736. 9am — 1pm Elegant 3 bedroom apartment with garage on the border of Fresnaye — popular block Aigab — R3.95M Wonderful 1 bedroom property in WE WANT TO BUY Sea Point with lock-up garage, a few metres from St John’s road — SILVER JEWELLERY perfect for young professionals or CHINA GLASSWARE investment property — possible to Airbnb and pets allowed — R2.33M ART SCULPTURE HOUSEHOLD GOODS, etc Email: [email protected] / 072 650 7123

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