July 2013 Established 1923 Volume 17 No. 10

THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF THE KWAZULU-NATAL JEWISH COMMUNITY EDITORIAL Contents

Editorial page 2 In Perspective page 3 A NEW LIFE

ISRAEL Prof Antony Arkin Exporting Israel's 'help one another' attitude page 4 At the time of writing I am eagerly awaiting the birth of my The Region: The Israel card has been overplayed page 5 first South African-born grandchild. When my first Sabra Why are the Israelis so damn happy? page 6 granddaughter was born I analysed in this column the kind of society she would be born into. In Na'ama's World I looked JEWISH WORLD critically at Israel. The newest addition to my family will be a JWRP: Connecting Souls and Sisters page 7 fourth generation Durbanite living in a small, vibrant, warm Maccabi Games 5773/2013 page 7 community that is both ageing and diminishing. But it is not a Past Tense page 8 declining community. Resources are generously made available

COMMUNITY NEWS if one wishes to participate in a full Jewish life. All three Bubkes page 9 congregations, Chabad, the DUHC and the DPJC have offered to name and bless the baby. It is a community which is respectful Umhlanga Jewish Day School page 10 of differences and fully committed to democratic values and Durban United Hebrew Congregation page 11 human rights. Eden College page 12 The Durban Jewish community is socially and culturally Moriah page 12 integrated into the broader South African society. While Durban Kollel page 13 committed to halacha, it is fully a part of South African culture KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council page 14 and life. South Africa's robust ethos of anti-racialism continues DIVOTE page 15 to underpin our national culture. It is this culture, backed by Hebrew Order of David page 16 a broad constitutional democracy which enables us to live as Talmud Torah page 17 proud Jews with a bedrock commitment to Zionism and support Talmud Torah Generations page 17 of Israel as the national state of the Jewish people. But there Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation page 18 are real difficulties. Though South African Jewry makes up less than one percent of the total population, it is confronted by an Wotsup Wizo page 19 increasingly sophisticated, well-funded propaganda campaign of Union of Jewish Women page 20 the anti-Israel lobby. In its efforts to woo the large Moslem vote, Durban Holocaust Centre page 21 members of the ANC leadership have at times taken a vicious Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry page 22 anti-Semitic stance. Other structures of civil society, such as Above Board page 23 COSATU and the SA Council of Churches, have followed suit. Cooking with Judy & Linda page 23 This may well get worse, as the economy tanks. The African Social & Personal page 24 Development Bank and OECD rank South Africa a lowly 48th Diary of Events page 24 out of 52 African countries in term of its economic outlook. The sustained 5% growth rate that the government says is needed to cut unemployment and poverty is a world away. The Economist The views expressed in the pages of Hashalom are not necessarily argues that the alarming decline in the Rand will push up inflation, those of the Editorial Board or any other organisation or religious which is already at the top of the Reserve Bank target range of body unless otherwise stated. Hashalom merely reflects views of 3-6%. South Africa has a current account deficit of more than that particular organisation or individual. 6% of GDP and relies on foreign capital to bridge this gap. This Hashalom Editorial Board: makes it vulnerable to the mood of foreign investors. Recent Chairman: Prof Marcus Arkin Editor: Prof Antony Arkin labour unrest and wild cat strikes in the mines have scared many Commitee: Dr Issy Fisher, Ms Diane McColl, Mrs Lauren Shapiro. off. Unemployment is above 25% of the work force. If one Production Manager/Secretary: Mrs Mikki Norton includes those who want to work, but are too discouraged to Notice to Organisations/Contributors: look for it, this rate rises to 37%. Laws that make it costly to fire All material to be submitted by email to workers means that the bargaining of those with jobs is unaffected by the mass of jobless who might accept work that pays lower [email protected] wages. To make matters worse, regulations in SA to enable DEADLINE FOR THE AUGUST ISSUE: 8 July 2013 job-creating new enterprises to emerge are among the most Advertisements burdensome in the world. Of course these structural problems Contact: Mrs. Mikki Norton are known to the ANC government, which has endorsed the P.O. Box 10797 Marine Parade 4056 National Development Plan. Progress in implementing the plan Tel: (031) 335 4451 Fax: (031) 337 9600 Email: [email protected] has been "pitifully slow". Rather than muddling through like our Hashalom is published under the auspices of the Council of KwaZulu-Natal government, Judaism which emphasises that all of humanity Jewry, the KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council and the Durban Jewish Club. is in the image of the Divine, enables us to transcend political Typesetting Supplied. and denominational lines to shape the values of the Rainbow Designed by Flying Ant Designs, email: dtp@flyingant.co.za Nation. Maimonides posited more than 800 years ago we must Printed by Fishwick Printers be guided by the rational and reasonable, the core values of Visit our website: www.hashalom.co.za religious Zionism.

2 HASHALOM July 2013 IN PERSPECTIVE

THE KARAITES AND JUDAISM Prof Marcus Arkin

n its issue of May 18 2013 The Economist ran a report " Who's In 1939 the German Minitry of the Interior expressly stipulated a Jew? An old religious argument once again rears its angry that the Karaites did not belong to the Jewish religious community. Ihead". It concerned the Karaites, who go back more than Their "racial psychology" was considered non-Jewish. This 1300 years and comprise less than one percent of Israel's six decision was subsequently applied to France and Eastern million Jews. They recognized the Scriptures as the sole source Europe. The behaviour of the Karaites during the Holocaust of religious law to the exclusion of the Oral Law. period vacillated between indifference to the Jewish cause and This places them at odds with mainstream Orthodoxy. in some cases of actual collaboration with the Germans. Maimonides denounced them as heretics and in modern-day In the Arab states the persecution of Jews which followed the Israel the Chief Rabbi has slapped fines of a 1000 shekels on establishment of the Jewish state caused the Karaites (in Egypt, Karaite butchers for calling their meat kosher and is battling Iraq and elsewhere) to settle in Israel, where they were given with the Supreme Court over the validity of Karaite marriages. government assistance in establishing themselves economically, In the 9th and the beginning of the 10th centuries the Karaite and providing for their religious and educational needs. The movement was a conglomeration of various anti-Rabbanite Karaites are now recognized as a separate community where sects. Benjamin ben Moses Nahawenli (c.830 - 860) laid the they have their own Beth Din to administer marriage and groundwork for the development of Karaite doctrines by divorce. According to their own laws, they are not permitted to encouraging the individual study of the Scriptures into a basic intermarry with the rest of the Jewish population. principle of Karaism. The basic disagreement between the Karaites and the Rabbanites In the 10th century, when Karaism was already fairly consolidated, over the authority of the post-Biblical oral tradition, and the there was a considerable number of Karaite theologians, unshakeable conviction of the Karaites that their teachings religious teachers, grammarians and biblical exegetes. Rejection represented the pure original Mosaic faith, free of Rabbanite of secular sciences was discarded and Karaite scholars became distortion and corruption, continue to make attempts at active participants in the flourishing Arabic culture. Some Jewish reconciliation anything but hopeful. historians (Graetz for example) were of the opinion that the first And in modern times, Karaites disassociating themselves in Jewish grammarians and biblical scholars had been Karaites. Russia and Poland from the Rabbanites in order to escape the The first prominent Rabbanite to attack the Karaites was Saadiah crushing disabilities and persecutions imposed on Jews there, Gaon. On both sides the battle was waged with great ardour led to a quiet estrangement. Scholars however in both camps and often with a lack of objectivity. However it remained a war continue to maintain an amicable dialogue in the course of their of words and scarcely ever descended into physical violence. research into Karaite history and literature. At the end of the 11th century the centre of Karaite intellectual activity shifted to Europe where Judah Hadassi produced an encyclopaedic summary of Karaite theology, one of the most Troy Schonken important works on Karaite literature and undoubtedly the outstanding work in Hebrew. In the 17th and 18th centuries Karaite activity shifted to the www.djc.co.za Crimea and Lithuania, and Karaites in these areas assumed the leadership of the sect. A new epoch was opened by the incorporation of Lithuania and the Crimea (1793 and 1783 respectively) into Russia. Until then the external history of the Karaites had been similiar to that of the Rabbanite Jews. Both considered each other as Jews and regarded the most violent polemics between them as an internal Jewish quarrel. Wherever the Karaites had taken up residence, they had been treated as Jews. But inequality before the law was introduced in 1827 when the Crimea Karaites were exempted from military service, a privilege which was not extended to the ordinary Jews. In 1828 exemption from military service was also granted to the Karaites of Lithuania. The special legal status accorded the Karaites was also influenced by the difference in their social and economic situation. Whereas the Jews in the Crimea were mainly pedlars and artisans, the Karaites were wealthy landownwers, deriving their income from tobacco plantations, orchards and salt mines. In 1863 the Karaites were given rights equal to those of the native Russian population.

July 2013 HASHALOM 3 ISRAEL

EXPORTING ISRAEL’S ‘HELP ONE ANOTHER’ ATTITUDE Sarah Carnvek

ritish Rabbi Yossi Ives is using expertise from Magen for Strategies of Peace and Development to provide a seminar David Adom (MADA, Israel’s national emergency on health and leadership development for 14 Bedouin women Bresponse network) to help the Myanmar Ministry of in Israel. Health upgrade its emergency medical services. Rabbi Ives is And in Azerbaijan, the Tag team has been teaching first aid, also teaching Kenyans how to create a bio-fuel system based on community building and special outdoor training to the local Israeli innovations. population affected by sniper fire and landmines. His pulpit may be in the UK, but Rabbi Ives has made it his Sharing, not fixing mission to help the developing world with Israeli know-how. Tag's premise is often likened to the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, "The expertise Israel has created is particularly relevant to or repairing the world. However, Ives doesn’t like that analogy. the countries we want to help," he says. "Israel has a uniquely high concentration of expertise in so many different fields. It "I don't see the world as broken and we needing to fix it. We can is the natural place to come to, to be able to draw innovative share. I can't give you what I don't have. I can share what I have," solutions." says Ives. "We can only give what we have and we're pleased to share it. Israel can share its knowledge." Ives set up the Tag Foundation for Social Development three years ago as his way of putting Jewish humanitarian values into Ives says that the people with whom Tag has worked hold Israel practice. It's UK-based, but it is centered on Israeli expertise. in the highest esteem. Tag is an acronym for the Hebrew words "Torah (the first five "People have fantastical ideas about Israel. There's tremendous books of the Bible) and Gedulah (greatness) ". respect of Israeli expertise," he says. "Israel gives people hope – The international NGO operates more than 20 projects in 12 if Israel can do it, why can't they? We have twice as many friends countries in South Asia, East Africa, the Middle East and the as enemies." former Soviet Union, focusing primarily on health, agriculture, Most of Tag's core staff is based in Israel, including Chief disaster preparedness and community development. Operations Officer Dr. Amos Avgar, past executive director of "We strongly believe that the experience that Israel has gained the international development program at the American Jewish over the past six decades, as it faced and overcame numerous Joint Distribution Committee. challenges, as well as its responses to the volatile situation it "Our operation staff is based here because we are an organization continues to address, can be immensely helpful to the developing whose focus is on sharing expertise - almost entirely Israeli and transitional world. An added benefit is the potential to expertise," says Ives. change attitudes toward Israel and build bridges," reads the As a British organization, Tag has been able to make global organization’s mission statement. connections regardless of politics. But Ives has a dream that Working together one day, "the world will recognize for non-political reasons that Ives and his Tag team identify development needs around the Israel should be the natural destination to come to for solving globe and assist in setting up programs with partners that have the world's problems." included MADA, MASHAV (Israel’s international aid agency), Acknow. Israel Diplomatic Network Israeli universities and local experts to improve health, first aid, water technology and education, among many other initiatives. "There are hundreds of organizations in Israel contributing to fellow citizens. We export this spirit for volunteerism," says Ives. "The culture of Israel is to help one another. That's a wonderful sentiment." Current projects include rejuvenating a sustainable local industry in Myanmar through beekeeping. Tag sent two Israeli beekeeping experts to Myanmar to jumpstart the industry in cooperation with the Myanmar Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. The experts brought a gift of 70 queen bees from Israel and provided a course in modern beekeeping methods. The trip has set the stage for continued collaboration in agricultural development. Tag is also working with the Myanmar Ministry of Health to provide expertise in emergency medical services geared to victims of the country’s numerous traffic accidents. In a project at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Tag brought together representatives of the Jordanian Red Crescent (Jordan's counterpart to the Red Cross), MADA and the Negev Institute

4 HASHALOM July 2013 ISRAEL

THE REGION: THE ISRAEL CARD HAS BEEN OVERPLAYED The fact is that Syria is wrecked for years to come; Iraq is not in good shape due to internal battles; and Egypt is on the verge of disaster. Barry Rubin

ashing Israel has become fashionable in many Western Hamas has not cracked down enough on the Salafists in Gaza circles, but in the Middle East it doesn’t work anymore. and the Sinai who want to attack it. BFor decades in the Middle East the most reliable political In addition, Egypt – busy with internal transformation, domestic tool often seemed to be the Israel card; condemning Israel, conflicts and economic problems – wants Hamas to keep things blaming it for the Arab world’s problems, and claiming that those quiet on its border with Egypt. who were insufficiently militant on the issue were traitors. Israeli officials describe current security cooperation with But the Israel card doesn’t work anymore, at least not in the way the Egyptian government, or at least the intelligence services it used to. True, the rise of revolutionary Islamism has focused and military, as being quite good. Disputes between Muslim more hatred against Israel. Yet at the same time – and this Brotherhood groups and even more radical Salafists are creating analogy is imperfect – it is less of a single-issue movement. As problems in Egypt and Syria. revolutionary Islamists seek to destroy their rivals (nationalist, Another factor is the economic catastrophe that is striking, or is moderates and each other) and fundamentally transform their about to strike, much of the Arab world. The incompetence and own societies, they are kept pretty busy. bad policies of the Islamists are making a mess. In Iran, of course, Jibril Rajoub, a senior Fatah official and supposed moderate, may this is heightened by international sanctions. The obsessively insist that Israel is the main enemy of the Arabs and Muslims, anti-Israel strategy of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad but the Arabs and Muslims aren’t paying much attention. The has become unpopular as being unnecessarily provocative. Palestinian Authority, which his group runs – and which rules only on the West Bank – has no Middle Eastern patron at all. The fact is that Syria is wrecked for many years to come; Iraq is not in good shape due to internal battles; and Egypt is on The Sunni-Shia conflict is deepening, with clashes already taking the verge of disaster. Obviously, to attempt to stir up hatred place in Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and above all Syria. against Israel as being responsible for these problems in order Indeed, the Syrian civil war is a full-scale contest between the two to mobilize popular support is tempting. blocs. Even Muslim Brotherhood think tanks have said that the Shia, and especially Iran, are a more dangerous threat than is Israel. But what can be done about it? Israeli flags can be burned in Cairo; tourism there may become impossible; and the embassy could The chance that these two blocs would cooperate against Israel be closed. Yet will Egypt court war, with a reluctant military, the is close to zero. It was different a few years ago. Before the need for international financial aid, and the possibility that the “Arab Spring,” Iran seemed set to become the region’s Muslim US could cut off the arms supply? Unlike the Arab nationalists, superpower. If Tehran obtained nuclear weapons (sometimes who could depend on the USSR, the Sunni Islamists have no big- referred to as the “Islamic bomb”) it was expected to wield money patron, at least outside Qatar. growing influence throughout the Arab world. Finally, something has been learned by the Arab masses and leaders Today, however, that situation has reversed itself. Sunni Arabs, over the past half-century. The old cries that Israel could easily be whether they are Islamists or anti-Islamists, openly hate and fear destroyed by cooperation and determination don’t seem quite as Iran. A nuclear weapon in Tehran’s hands would not increase its persuasive in the face of many Arab military defeats. There’s a lot strategic or political influence. Iran faces a Sunni wall against its more caution. Among the elites there’s even the idea that Israel ambitions and it is almost without Arab allies. can be an asset in their struggle against Iran. As for Hezbollah, Iran’s sole reliable ally, it is not able to attack I don’t want to overstate the case. Moves toward peace – with Israel from southern Lebanon. Thousands of its soldiers are Islamists in power or looking over the regime’s shoulders and tied up in Syria to keep an arms supply route open, help the eager to inveigh against treasonous moderation – are unlikely. Bashar Assad regime win, and protect Shia villagers. It also faces Vicious propaganda will continue unabated. Terrorism will be growing opposition from Sunni Muslims, financed by the Saudis launched at every opportunity. and stirred up by hatred over Hezbollah’s actions in Syria, within Lebanon itself. Plus the fact that the Lebanese don’t want to Ironically, this change coincides with a frenzied effort to reduce be victimized by Hezbollah going to war with Israel given the support for Israel in the West, including in Jewish communities damage suffered in the late round in 2006. through boycotts, sanctions, divestment, and massive This is not, of course, due only to the Sunni-Shia issue. There misinformation. One wonders at times whether this campaign is has also been a sharp revival of Arab identity against the Turks a substitute for relative disinterest in doing much in the Middle and Persians. The region’s history of such ethnic clashes has East itself. Perhaps this is taken as justifying inaction or perhaps it been revived. If the Syrian civil war ends in a rebel victory, the is seen as still another attempt to find a victorious strategy when winners will soon turn against their Turkish patrons. Indeed, so many others have failed. while the trade between the two countries is still growing, the Perhaps someday, if and when revolutionary Islamists have Syria issue has driven a deep rift between Turkey and Iran, who consolidated power in several countries, the situation will are supporting opposite sides. change again. But until then, yelling “Israel” at a crowded rally Even Muslim Brotherhood Egypt and Muslim Brotherhood – at least in the Middle East – will not prove a panacea for the Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, have fallen out, albeit political problems of Arab governments and politicians. Acknow. J. Post perhaps temporarily. The Egyptian government is unhappy that

July 2013 HASHALOM 5 ISRAEL

WHY ARE THE ISRAELIS SO DAMN HAPPY? A new study shows them to be among the most contented in the Western world. What gives? Tiffanie Wen

y now everyone in Israel has read the results of the study similar to New York immediately following the collapse of the published earlier this month that showed Israelis ranked Twin Towers. However, one and two months after the attack, Bamong the happiest people among the Western nations, PTSD was significantly higher in the U.S. than it was during the despite an extensive laundry list of problems in their country. Second Intifada. Israel ranked low in terms of income, housing, education and Several studies have repeatedly illustrated the rapid habituation security for example—all things we would typical associate to new conflicts by the Israeli public. And still other studies have with contentment. As an Asian-American who hails from San consistently shown that while the level of anxiety in Israel is typically Francisco, I could add a few of my own complaints to the list: higher than other Western nations, the level of clinical anxiety lack of ethnic food, the outrageous cost of imported goods, remains very low, even during periods of immense violence. the raging summer heat, the marginalization of minorities and So even though Israelis are painfully aware of the never-ending refugees, and the famous Israeli frankness that has me constantly threats, they're also braver because of them. By experiencing fielding questions about why I pay so much for my apartment and more anxiety on a daily basis, they've become inoculated against my (ever so subtle) fluctuation in weight (Up or down? Eating bad things when they do occur, and habituate to them rapidly. cakes or working out?), chief among them. They are able to function in spite of them. So then why—if they probably can't find a job or afford the And if they have learned how to get on with life despite a credible apartment that they live in—are Israelis so damn happy? threat of chemical warfare or irate threats coming out of Iran, it War has quite a bit to do with it. follows that they can probably deal well with housing and economic The fact is that Israel has been in a perpetual state of war—or woes. Everything here is simply small potatoes in comparison. under the threat of war—since David Ben-Gurion declared Daily life in Tel Aviv is rife with examples of this: A dog bites independence in May 1948, the only Western country in the another dog at the park. Maybe a little yelling ensues in the good world in which this is the case. Israeli way, but no one throws any punches or threatens to sue. Even during periods of "peace," there still seems to exist, at Someone cuts in front of you in line at a chaotic grocery store a minimum, a potential intifada brewing in the West Bank, or on Friday afternoon. You grumble but let it pass. Apartment chemical weapons making their way into the hands of Hezbollah, hunting on foot in 110 degrees all day? Should've worn layers. or rockets being lobbed into the country from Gaza. You can't get an office job out of the army so you wait tables for a few years? Nothing to be ashamed of. And this has created a fascinating psychological paradox, one that has been studied extensively by Professor Zahava Solomon These experiences, I'm embarrassed to admit, have the ability of Tel Aviv University. On one hand, as she told me in a recent to frustrate me to the point that my day (or week, or month) is phone interview, the culture of conflict has made Israelis ruined. And part of the struggle living here is that they often do. constantly aware of their potential demise; on the other it has But to an Israeli, my thinking about these things one minute after made them virtually fearless. they happen seems like overhyped drama. Think about it. How would you act if you woke up every And this tough Israeli psyche doesn't just manifest itself within morning thinking that this day could be your last? Or at least the die-hards who’ve lived here for decades, like my 86-year- took a moment to imagine how you would be eulogized at old ex-paratrooper neighbor Fishkay, who was born in Israel your funeral? (An exercise that Stephen Covey recommended and says, "Nothing scares me" with such a stone-cold expression in his wildly popular “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” on his weathered face that you truly believe him. although admittedly “live in a war zone” did not make the list.) Even young people who had never experienced conflict before The point is this: you'd enjoy the day you had. And if you continued this last scuffle in November handled it better than I did. to survive until the next morning, this daily exercise might develop I crumpled into a ball in the rocket-proof hallway of my Tel Aviv into a mantra for how you lived your life. And you might bother apartment building and sobbed into my dog’s fur. (Unfortunately to take that beach day, or spend more time with your family. You Fishkay was on hand to witness the whole humiliating display.) might grow a pair and launch that startup you've been thinking “Why aren’t they scared?” my American friends and I uttered to about (Boom: Silicon Wadi) or stop a beautiful woman on the each other in disbelief for the entire duration of Operation Pillar street and insist that she have lunch with you, or park on the of Defense. sidewalk if there was no other parking within a five-block radius. You might climb a mountain, or go scuba diving or backpack in Being raised in Israel lends to a unique mental capacity for South America for a year. All things that Israelis do in droves, and overcoming hardship that is unlike any other Western country in that, in my opinion, probably lead to a more fulfilling existence. the world, a mindset which, if you’re living in a place where it's tough to find a job or pay your rent and people regularly threaten Why—if they probably can't find a job or afford the apartment to wipe you off the map, could come in pretty darn handy. that they live in—are Israelis so damn happy? So where does that leave me? A non-Jew who doesn't identify This brings us to the second part of the paradox: Israelis have a with the historic narrative of persecution; a non-Israeli who is lot to fear. And so they've learned to fear nothing. unaccustomed to living under the threat of war; and an American A study published in the Journal of the American Medical that has come to “expect more and pay less” like the Target Association suggests that Israelis recover from post-traumatic slogan so succinctly proclaims? stress disorder (PTSD) more quickly than people of other Like everyone else in this country I’ll either have to adapt and be Western nations. The study compared people who experienced happy or get out. And in true Israeli fashion, I'm sure the locals 18 months of terror during the Second Intifada to New Yorkers will be cool with it either way. after 9/11 and found that the amount of PTSD in Israel was Acknow. thedailybeast.com

6 HASHALOM July 2013 JEWISH WORLD MACCABI JWRP: CONNECTING GAMES SOULS AND SISTERS 5773 / 2013 Terri Pillemer Grant Maserow he morning I left for Israel, a mom dropping her kids off at the school bus asked me “are you going to come back The 19th Maccabiah Games will be held in Israel from 18 – covering your collar-bones?”. I laughed, covering up the fact 30 July. Durban is very proud to see seven participants in SA T Maccabi’s teams, take part in the games this year: that I had no idea what I’d come back with. Despite the detailed itinerary emailed by organizers weeks before, I knew very little Rugby (Open) about the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP). Kym Hirshovitz. Kym started playing rugby at the age of JWRP was formed in 2008 when Lori Palatnik and seven other nine. From grade 10 he played for Clifton’s 1st team until he women, calling themselves the Utah 8, came together with a matriculated. After school Kym played for Rovers, Durban’s A common mission: to create a movement that would bring values side (lock). He currently plays for SAUJS, Jhb and will be playing back to the world. in the position of lock at this year’s Maccabiah. Now, in its fifth year, JWRP attracts more than one thousand Jason Hirshovitz. Since the age of 6, Jason has been playing Rugby. Jewish women a year from all over the world to Israel on the He attended Kearsney from grade 8 where he played throughout site-seeing trip with a difference. his high school career in all but one year (grade 11), finishing up One of our community alumni met Lori when she spoke in playing lock for their 1st team, in matric. For this Maccabi Games Durban in 2012. Seeing the value in her mission, he presented Jason is playing in the positions of flank and 8th man. ten lucky moms from the new Umhlanga Jewish Day School Futsal Soccer (Open) with the opportunity to be a part of it. Darren Smith. Darren attended Carmel College and For the dads, this was an opportunity to be entirely responsible Crawford-Carmel and was Captain of their 1st side. He has for the children and the home for two weeks (a challenge at also represented South Africa in their u19 soccer team (1998) which they excelled). For the moms, what started out as a and went on to play semi-professional soccer, signing a contract free trip to Israel, turned out to be a life-changing experience with Amazulu (Captain of the reserve team 2000-2002). Darren connecting us to our souls, our sisters and a social movement represented KZN in their u23 side (2000 – 2002). aiming to strengthen the fabric of the Jewish people. Eugene Lazarus. Attended Crawford College, Glenmore where So, what did we come back with aside from over-weight luggage he was a member of their 1st team soccer and also represented and hundreds of photos from the Kotel, the camels, the Dead Crawford, KZN 1st team. He represented SA Maccabi in the Pan Sea, Masada, Tiberius, Tsvat, the challah we baked, the people American Maccabi Games, Brazil (Dec 2011) in futsal soccer. we met and the amazing meals we ate? Golf (Open) Certainly we have a deeper appreciation for Israel, our David Shevil. David has been playing golf since 8 years of age. homeland. He represented the KZN Junior Team (1990, 1991, 1992), Moreover, we gained insights into the wisdoms of the Torah and the KZN Men’s Team (1993) and has participated in previous return inspired to bring G-dlinesss into our homes and, with Maccabi Games for SA (1993 and 2009). From 1999 -2004 he Hashem’s guidance, into the world. played professional golf. He has won over 35 amateur events in We also have places to stay if we ever visit Canada, the US or SA and has competed in the Israel Open on two occasions, as just about any Spanish-speaking country. well as having played on the local Sunshine Tour and the US Mini Tours. He also competed in the last 4 Maccabi Nationals and Feeling renewed after experiencing the brilliantly organized achieved excellent results. tour along with 200 Jewish women from different walks of life, it appears the dreams of the Utah 8 are not so far-fetched. Gary Bernstein. Gary attended Carmel College and Crawford- Carmel and captained the Crawford-Carmel Golf team. He To anyone wondering if they should go, if they can step away from also represented KZN u18 in the inter-provincial tournament, their families and lives for almost two weeks, I whole-heartedly which they won in 2003. Gary represented KZN in the u23 age recommend it- for you and for them. It’s so worthwhile in fact; category (2004). In March this year Gary finished 3rd in the I know a group of Durban women who’ll be first to reserve Maccabi Nationals, held in Mt Edgecombe, Durban. He is the spaces for their husbands on the JWRP men’s trip that is soon current champion at Houghton Golf Club, winning the Club to be launched! Championship in April. Swimming (Masters) David Letschert. David predominantly played waterpolo growing up. He captained the Natal u20 waterpolo side and represented SA at the 1993 Maccabi Games, in waterpolo. He currently holds the KZN Masters record for 50m butterfly and has also held the record for KZN Masters 50mm freestyle. He also held the SA record for 50m freestyle in the 35 – 39 age category. At this upcoming Maccabiah David will be participating in the following events: Breast Stroke (50m), Butterfly (50m) and l to r: Jacqui Burne, Sandra Pillemer, Janine Greenstone, Freestyle (50m, 100m and 200m). Sorah Garber, Maria Bronzin, Terri Pillemer, Joeleen Hermelin, We wish all the participants much luck and hatzlachah in their Dina Zekry, Sascha Keates, Natalie Kafel events and enjoy the games.

July 2013 HASHALOM 7 JEWISH WORLD

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DPOHSBUVMBUFE THEY SPEAK OF JEWRY Miss Julia Levison and Mr Benny Geshen on their engagement; “Among the Jews I have found more genuine loyalty, more understanding, more compassion and more generosity, than my Mr & Mrs Mervyn Gild on the birth of a bonny daughter; Jew-hating friends would ever believe could exist …. The Jew Mr Leslie Rubin on his election as Prime Minister of Durban must often be twice as good as the Gentile to get half as good an Parliament; opportunity. Realising that, he slaves, works, aspires, succeeds – Miss Rita Leibowitz on winning the Natal championship for and gets hated…..” Faith G Winthrop in “The Readers Digest”. professional operatic dancing and Miss Pearl Leibowitz for MR J.H. HOFMEYR AT THE KEREN HAYESOD being runner-up in the Natal championship for amateur operatic BANQUET dancing; At the recent Keren Hayesod banquet held in Johannesburg Mr & Mr Harry Kukle on the birth of a son; Mr Hofmeyr, speaking of the relations of the "Afrikander" (sic) Master Cecil Norton who celebrated his barmitzvah this stock from which he himself has sprung, to the Zionist cause, month. said “But we of the older stock in South Africa have also a special reason for sympathy with, and interest, in the Zionist EXTRACTS from HASHALOM July 1963 cause. To us, hardly less than for you, the Hebrew Prophets PROFILE described Mark Bernstein’s participation in the design have had a message and a meaning in many of our memories. development of the huge Orange River Project. The memories of our childhood are set in the hills and valleys of Judea. And so it would be strange indeed if we did not realise MEMBERS IN THE NEWS the significance of the return of the people of the Book to the t
DPOHSBUVMBUFE land of the Book…..” Mr & Mrs Aaron Cohen on the birth of their first great HEADLINE STORY grandchild; “Jewish Heroes and Heroines of Modern Times” introduced a Rosalind and Meyer Meyerowitz on the birth of their daughter; biography of Walter Rathenau, the Jewish Foreign Minister of Carol Tannenbaum and Philip Sherwin on their engagement; Germany under the Weimar Republic, who concluded the Rapallo Treaty with Russia in April 1922. His fame and success led to his Rita Rosenberg and Philip Baynash on their engagement assassination in June 1922 at the hands of Nazi Party thugs. t
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8 HASHALOM July 2013 BUBKES

HASHEM IS WHERE THE HEART IS Lauren Shapiro ou try explaining to a four-year-old the concept of an tech, and Hashem is riding the cyber wave (picture Him in floral omnipresent, invisible being. board shorts if it helps you). Y“He’s everywhere. Yes, at the same time. Yes, even in your As we mentioned before, Hashem has His own bachelor bedroom. Yes, even in your cupboard. No, you can’t see Him. pads strategically situated around town. If you’re really having Because He’s in the air. Yes, the same air that you breathe. Um, trouble letting Him into your space, go into His. Of course yes, I suppose He is in your nose right this very minute. Yeah, I everywhere is His space, but sometimes it helps our human guess that is pretty cool…” frame of reference to dedicate a place to a particular function, The conversation takes a new turn when he asks me where like praying and connecting to our Creator. We are as vital a part Hashem’s “house” is. “In the sky. Oh, that’s right and in shul. Yes, of this connection as He is – or, to put it another way, it takes there are lots of shuls. Hashem has lots of homes. No, He didn’t Jew to do the spiritual tango. win the lottery.” In fact, a synagogue is but a building unless there are Jews in it.

It’s a difficult concept. But the untiste shurer – as I tried to explain But not just inside the physical structure. We have to really be in to my son – is that Hashem is everywhere and in every aspect it (or into it, as the cool kids say). Immerse yourself in His ways, of our lives. and you’ll see Him in all your days. Some people contest this, but I firmly believe Hashem is in every room in“ Yes, even when you’re elbowing out the competition over the sale table at Nine that the only reason Hashem may not be every minute (yes, Ariel, even present in our lives is if we don’t let Him in. West. I did promise I’d tell you how to “ under the bed) bring Hashem into the process of shoe It can be a challenge to bring Hashem into such a secular shopping. Well, if Hashem is where the world. We’re all very busy with not-particularly-spiritual things heart is, and you put your heart and sole into everything you do, like work and lift schemes and the sale at Nine West. But I’m then you need shoes. That’s just simple logic. here to show you that we can bring Hashem into every facet of our daily lives, even shoe shopping! What it really comes down to, I explained to my wide-eyed child, is that Hashem really is everywhere your heart is. We need Let’s start with the morning rush hour. Think you can’t combine only bring Him into our lives. Beckon Him, welcome Him, and Torah and traffic jams? Keep a stack of inspirational CDs in He’ll be there. Until next time. your cubbyhole or some shiurim on your MP3 player. Or plan ahead and organize to share lifts with a group of friends and use Sidebar: Durban resources for bringing Hashem into your rush hour for pious discussing, not irreverent cussing. Call it a daily life: Kabbalah carpool, if you like. Tzion Study Centre, Great Synagogue, 75 Silverton Road, 031 Once you get to work, don’t leave Hashem in the lobby. The 201 5177 – books, regular classes, and an electronic shiurim Talmud dedicates a large amount of space to business ethics, so database. He’s quite at home in the boardroom. Put Him on your agenda. Multimedia Centre, Chabad House, 11 Flamingo Lane, Keep your corner office kosher with a regular business lunch shiur, 031 561 2487 – computers, books and DVDs plus refreshments. or make your desk into a miniature altar with a pile of holy books Also offers group and one-on-one classes. next to your mouse pad. Then make time to actually read them. Rabbi Isaac Richards Memorial Library, Temple David, 69 Ridge When you knock off for the day, you can combine leisure time Road, 031 208 6105 – over 2500 books and a coffee shop on with learning time. How about a round of Gemorah golf, where Thursday mornings. stimulating religious discussions are par for the course? Or what The Durban Kollel at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre, 81 Campbell about a Midrash Mani? Discuss Rabbinic stories whilst having your Drive, 031 566 3005 – offers a wide range of group and one-on- nails done. Take up Jewish Jogging, or have a parsha playdate, one learning opportunities. talking about Hashem and His ways, whatever you’re doing with your time. Expand your circle of friends: invite a friend to lunch with the Chafetz Chaim; bring Maimonides to your book club. Back home, fill your space with the physical manifestations of Hashem’s glory. Mezuzot, Judaica and Jewish art will remind you that He is in every room in every minute (yes, Ariel, even under the bed). Use brachot to bring Him into your kitchen, and even the bathroom. No Jewish home is complete without bookshelves of spiritual books. Surrounding yourself with Jewish books will prompt you to pray or debate – both worthy ways of acknowledging and interacting with Hashem on a daily basis. If you’re of the Kindle persuasion, thousands of traditional texts are now available electronically, as well as kosher i-pad apps, Skype shiurim, and mobi sites for your smart phone. Yes, folks, the Torah has gone

July 2013 HASHALOM 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

UMHLANGA JEWISH DAY SCHOOL Robert Sussman

10 HASHALOM July 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

Michael Greenbaum Shavuot: Tikkun Leil Dinner we read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot because it contains many examples of acts of love and kindness as it relates the poignant First night Shavuot began with over 100 guests attending the story of Ruth and Naomi, and the lesson it teaches us of loyalty Tikkun Leil dinner at the Great Synagogue’s Perling Hall. The to family and faith, and compassion for others. theme of the evening was “Eat, Pray, Love” and accordingly, after the festival Maariv service prayers in Shul, families and Friday Night Live: “Sushi and Shooters” friends gathered together for the evening’s events with great Another “Friday Night Live” event at the Great Synagogue was communal spirit enjoying the superb dinner catered by Selma once again a great success with over 300 people attending the Lurie who served the traditional rich foods of Shavuot. Shabbat evening service. Special guests for the evening were the The programme for the night began with the opening welcome outstanding Waverley Shul Chazan Elton Krawitz accompanied address by Rabbi Zekry. With a series of speakers during the by the acclaimed Waverley Shul Choir which has received many dinner, Rabbi Zekry started with “Stories of Converts” followed honours under the leadership of Choir Master and Musical Director by Rabbi Friedman’s presentation of “The Importance of Joel Sacher. Our guests created a wonderful festive atmosphere in Torah”. In keeping with the theme of acts of loving kindness the Great Synagogue with their strong voices, beautiful harmonies for the evening, Dr. Issy Fisher then spoke on “Megillat Ruth” and musical arrangements at both Shabbat Maariv and morning which is read on Shavuot, giving us a meaningful insight into the services. After the evening service, the Kiddush L'Chaim featured characters and message of love and devotion in the Megillah. “Sushi and Shooters” in the Perling Hall which was decorated in After dinner, Rabbi Friedman and Orli-Shein Essers conducted a colourful Oriental theme. The main table was lavishly prepared the traditional Shavuot adult quiz and our knowledgeable with large platters of colourful Sushi and “Friday-Night-Live congregants were suitably rewarded with chocolates as prizes. Fortune Cookies” enjoyed by all. The DUHC thanks Aubrey and Michelle Nathan for organizing the evening and a very big thank- After dinner, the study session began in accordance with the you to the evening’s generous anonymous sponsors who made custom of staying up as late as possible to study topics and this Friday Night Live a memorable event. themes relating to the festival. Rabbi Zekry began the session with an informative Talmud Daf shiur. As the night progressed with a With special guests, delicious food and a special youth series of presentations and shiurim, the enthusiastic participants entertainment program, the concept of “Friday Night Live” has experienced the unique atmosphere and spirit of Shavuot in proven very popular at congregations in South Africa and abroad, anticipation of marking the day the Torah was given to the Jewish encouraging members to attend services to share the spiritual and nation. Special thanks must be given to Rabbi Friedman, Aubrey social communal warmth of the Shabbat experience. There is no Nathan, Bradley Meltz, and Itai Mizrachi who presented the charge for the event which is generously subsidised by individual various items on the programme, and also to the members of the sponsors. The DUHC looks forward to seeing everyone joining CSO who provided security throughout the night. in at many more "Friday Night Live" evenings to come. On first day Shavuot, the younger children participated in the Bikkurim ceremony and in Rabbi Zekry’s popular Shavuot youth quiz. This was followed by a delicious ice-cream bar for the kids. On the second day of Shavuot, we celebrated the end of the Chag with Rabbi Zekry reading the inspirational Megillat Ruth. Before the reading, Rabbi Zekry said that, Hashem, in His kindness, gave us the Torah, and so Waverley Shul Choir

July 2013 HASHALOM 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

Norma Bloch Shelli Strous Shalom, The Moriah children enjoy their fun exercise routine in the It is astonishing to think that we are already half way through the garden. We have focused on healthy eating and healthy year. However, as we look back we do so with a sense of pride bodies,with a variety of musical exercise and dance programmes and achievement, and realise that there is never a dull moment which they love to do! We have also stopped serving any drink in our department. besides water to our little learners. Last month was no exception. Prior to our Shavuot celebrations For more information about Moriah, kindly contact Shelli Strous the pupils participated in the annual “Generation Sinai” 0312017439 mornings programme. This encompassed a half hour Torah debate session which the pupils thoroughly enjoyed. Shlomo from Chabad provided much excitement when he visited Eden for our first “Rap with the Rabbi” session. It was a resounding success, and we plan to follow it up with many other lively and animated discussions. Shavuot delights then presented themselves. We all agree, what would Shavuot be without cheese cake? Sharon Levitan’s scrumptious cake was a huge treat and much appreciated by the pupils and teachers alike. We were also privileged and very pleased to have Rabbi Vegoda address the pupils. His knowledge and sincerity are an inspiration to us all. As exams draw near, we wish our pupils “Behatzlecha” . We Shai Shapiro, Emma van de Weg, Mikaela Pilemer, David Friedman know they will each do their very best and we are very proud of them. Lehitra’ot until next term.

Raphael Moshal, Slade Stark and Joshua McFarlane riding their scooters

12 HASHALOM July 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

Robert Sussman, Executive Director

July 2013 HASHALOM 13 COMMUNITY NEWS

Kendyll Jacobson

Visit from Joburg Shaliach The weekend of the 7th to the 9th of June proved to be a jam packed weekend of fun! Yuval Berger, who is a Shaliach with the Israel Centre based in Johannesburg, came down for a visit to Durban and to run fun activities for the kids. Yuval had been down previously with the Zionist Caravan in April and had since wanted to come back to run some Israel based activities for the kids on a more one-on-one basis. On Friday the 7th, Yuval assisted me with my Talmud Torah lesson at Durban Girls’ College. We ran a mini shook visit and for the girls to have an Israeli be there certainly added to the atmosphere. At the end of the lesson, every girl was beaming after having had a great lesson. On Friday night, Yuval and I assisted at the kids’ activity centre for Friday Night Live at the Great Synagogue. This proved to be very successful with many kids participating. Sunday was a very busy day where we managed to hold three different events. The kids who potentially would like to go on Israel Encounter in January had a breakfast with Yuval at the Circle Café. Here they were able to ask any questions that they had relating to Israel and the programme as well as watch the Encounter 2012 video. This proved to be promising for the future trip. On Sunday afternoon we had Israeli Monopoly for the younger children, with a twist! The twist being that the game was life-size. The kids absolutely loved throwing the giant dice and moving along the board to the different cities in Israel. Finally, later that afternoon at the Young Israel Centre we had a movie screening for the high school kids complete with hot chocolate and cookies. While there was only a small crowd, I think the atmosphere suited the movie well and we all had an enlightening hour. Yuval’s visit proved to be successful, not necessarily in the number of kids who attended but in the impact that he left with every child who attended. Durban certainly has a great generation of children and this was reiterated to me by Yuval. I can only hope that we can continue correspondence like this!

14 HASHALOM July 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

A Trip around Israel at the Young Israel Centre On Sunday the 26th of May, I had a function for all the kids at the Young Israel Centre. It was titled ‘A Trip Around Israel’. The invitation was an aeroplane ticket which had a great response and everyone was very excited about it. We had 6 different stations as six different places in Israel and at each station they learnt something about the area as well as did Cheryl Unterslak an activity. The two teams were sent on different routes with Liam Shapira as one tour guide and Jordan Shapira as the other. DIVOTE has distributed numerous DIVOTE backpacks filled with The kids explored places like Tel Aviv – where they had a light lots of love and happiness this year and we still continue to receive snack and some juice - , Tiberias – a great place to go fishing, many more for a large number of children affected by terrorism in they fished using magnets – and Masada - where they climbed Israel. Currently there are many bags already packed into boxes ready for distribution on my next trip to Israel. A few people have and climbed up the jungle gym then slid down the ‘cable car’- asked me if children ever receive bags a second time and the as well as sipped on bitter tea in the Bedouins and made their answer is NO. Children only receive backpacks from DIVOTE own Dead Sea Salt bath crystals. The station which proved to be once and there are a number of families that will receive Yomtov the most popular was a rather surprising one, Jerusalem. Here, clothing in our Rosh Hashanah appeal for a few years. the kids wrote letters and drew pictures which they wanted to place into our mini Kotel. Every child wrote at least two letters These backpacks filled with lots of love and support are guaranteed to Hashem and I will be making a plan on sending them to Israel to bring the child happiness, comfort and it is wonderful to know to be put in the wall as I feel they are all so special. that there are people in South Africa who care about them. If anyone would like to fill a bag, (as an individual, a group of friends I think this event was a brilliant way to spend a Sunday afternoon or an organization), please contact me. and it is only up from here. Our kids are becoming greater to In the first photo you can see Yiska with her gifts from King David work with and with every event that passes by, I grow to love Linksfieds School. Her father has been injured twice. these kids more and more. In the second photo you can see Odel whose father was killed when he went to daven at Kever Yosef. In the third photo you can see Mor whose mother was seriously injured.

July 2013 HASHALOM 15 COMMUNITY NEWS

to organise this outing with the help of Ronnie and Margaret Spector. Our grateful thanks to Jack Puterman for sponsoring the tea, scones and crumpets which were enjoyed by all. We are looking for other senior citizens from outside Beth Shalom who would like to attend our tea outings. Please contact Gary Budlender at tel. 0312614222 if you are keen to attend, Gary Budlender and we will notify you of the next tea, and organise a lift for you. The joint installation of officers for two of the Lodges in Johannesburg on 17th March was attended by Lodge Jaffa Donations from funds raised last year have been finalised, and members, Barry Alice and Eddie Cohen. A meeting was also held will be made available to local organisations in the near future. in Johannesburg to set up a governing lodge for South Africa. The HOD ran a stall selling hot dogs at the KNZC Yom Ha'atzmaut function on 15th April. Kol Hakavod to Glen Sol who took over the running of the stall, and thanks to others who also helped at the event. The unveiling of the tombstone for the late Cyril Mann on 14th April was well attended by members of the HOD. A braai for Jewel house residents was organised by Laurence Levy and held at the home of Les and Zelda Levin in April. Kosher hamburgers and salads were served, and an enjoyable evening was had by those who attended. The annual HOD Haskarah memorial service was conducted by Josh Oshry at Open Lodge on 22nd April. Candles were lit by appointed brethren in memory of deceased brethren from Members of the HOD and wives enjoy the function at the DPJC hall. Durban Lodges. Bro Frankie Melman assisted with the singing of memorial prayers, and Rabbi Mark Friedman also recited a prayer in memory of the deceased. The installation of officers for Lodge Jaffa for 2013/2014 was held on the weekend of 18th/19th May. Visiting brethren from Lodges in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and East London attended. On Friday evening brethren attended the shul service in Silverton Road, and visitors were hosted by local brethren for Shabbat dinner. On Saturday night, at the conclusion of Shabbat, a braai was held at the hall of the Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation. Entertainment was provided by Stanley Lipschitz and Stephen Abrahams, who played some well-known music. Thereafter, Stanley Lipschitz, Elion Levitan, Bradley Meltz and Stephen Levin Frankie Melman displayed his singing talent, and others present entertain guests were also invited to take a turn at the mike. On Sunday morning 19th May, the installation ceremony took Hebrew Order of David place at the Durban Jewish Centre. This was followed by an ‘’ORDER OF MERIT’’ award. excellent lunch, with catering by Sharon Levitan. Gary Budlender, who received the Les Levin was installed for a consecutive term as President, and Hebrew Order of David ‘’ORDER OF Josh Oshry was installed into office as Vice President. There are MERIT’’ award. a few new faces on the management committee and we look This was presented to him by the forward to their new ideas and active involvement this coming Worthy Brother Grand President of year. the order, for meritorious service The Grand President, Stan Klaff paid tribute to Lodge Jaffa for rendered in furthering the objectives of its contribution to the community and its commitment to the the Order. It was a unanimous decision principles of the order. He also gave a summary of the progress by all those present that this award was of other lodges overseas, after his recent visit to some of these well and truly deserved. Gary, is also a lodges. past president of the Lodge. A tea for residents from Beth Shalom was hosted by the HOD The award took place during the recent at Botanic Gardens on Sunday 25th May. Bernard Rosen helped installation of the new President

16 HASHALOM July 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

delighted to be working for Talmud Torah, the brainchild of John Moshal, providing Hebrew and Jewish Studies to pupils at all schools in Durban. I teach mainly at Crawford LaLucia which Talmud Torah since last year has included Hebrew as an option (which is fully integrated as part of the school curriculum) for all Primary School pupils. I also teach Hebrew and Jewish Studies at Durban Girls’ College. I treasure the memory of each and every child that I have had the honour to teach. PROFILES In the words of Rabbi Chanina: Jessica Stout: “I have learnt much from my teachers. I started teaching informal Jewish More from my colleagues education from a very young age, But most of all – from my students” when I took children’s services at my Babylonian Talmud, Ta’anit 7a Shul in Cape Town. At age 16 I spent 4 months in Israel with Bnei Akiva’s Kfar HaRoeh programme where I attended numerous seminars on being a madricha and running children’s Talmud Torah activities. After I matriculated in 2004 I moved to Durban in order to study. Generations During my years of university study I carried on being involved both with children’s services at the Jessica Stout DUHC and Bnei Akiva. In 2008, I took over the position of On Sunday 2 June, Talmud Torah: Generations participants wrote Youth Director for the Shul and became the head of Bnei Akiva the end of term quiz for term 2! 11 children and their parents in Durban. In 2009 I moved from informal Jewish education to took part in the quiz that was based on the Naso and Behaalotcha taking a few Jewish Studies classes at Eden College, as well as booklets put together by Rabbi Vegoda! At the end of the quiz starting davening (prayers) for the primary school. When asked each child got a beautiful pen with Teffilat Haderech (the Travellers to take up a position in Talmud Torah in 2011, newly formed by Prayer) on it, which came all the way from Israel – a huge thank John Moshal and run by Cheryl Unterslak, I very gladly accepted. you to Cheryl Unterslak for getting these! Each child who gets I currently teach both Jewish Studies and Hebrew for junior 100% will also get a toy voucher at the beginning of term 3! primary in Clifton and Durban Girls College, as well as running davening at Eden College. Term 3 will start again on Sunday 4 August, and we look forward to I believe that there is no greater satisfaction then watching your having all of our regulars back as well as many more participants! pupils enjoying learning, and cherish every moment that I am For more information about this fun and rewarding programme able to do so. please contact either Cheryl on [email protected] or Jess on [email protected]. Helene Cohen: As I was born and grew up in Durban, I had the privilege of attending first Sharona and then Carmel College. It was under the tutelage of superb teachers, such as Issy Fisher, Suzanne White and Chanoch Evian z”l, that my love for the Hebrew language was cultivated. After matriculating in 1985, I furthered my studies at the University of Natal, Durban where I attained a BA degree majoring in Hebrew, Jewish studies and geography. I then went on to complete an honours degree in Hebrew under the valuable The Dogan family writing their quiz guidance once again of Issy Fisher. I was asked to start teaching immediately at Carmel Pretoria. After moving to Pretoria, I studied towards a HDE through Unisa. At Carmel Pretoria, I taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies to pupils ranging from Grade 3 through to matric, as well as geography, physical education and was in charge of running the library. After two terms, I was requested to return to Durban as there was a post for me to teach Hebrew and Jewish Studies at Carmel. For the next twenty years I taught at Carmel, which later became Crawford Durban and then Eden. I have also had the pleasure of being involved with the Umhlanga Cheder, created by Penny Toubkin, which was extremely successful. I also ran the Durban Cheder together with Bev Cohen for many years, as well as offering private Hebrew lessons for adults and children. Currently, I am The Burnes and Meltz’s writing their quiz’s

July 2013 HASHALOM 17 COMMUNITY NEWS

Diane McColl Shavuot at Temple David, Durban South Africa As Rabbi Avidan is away on extended leave, the Shavuot evening service was led by Stephen Abrahams. Harold Shapiro, a congregant and leading Durban attorney gave a talk and managed to bring humour to the rather frightening topic of home invasions. Harold’s talk entitled, ‘The thief in the night: A comparison of Hebraic and South African Law relating to the killing of an intruder after dark’, gave everyone a good idea of the rights and responsibilities of the home owner in this all too familiar situation. After the service congregants enjoyed a Shavuot supper comprising a variety of dairy and vegetarian dishes. The much anticipated Annual Cheesecake Competition was this year won by Louise Sinclair, a worthy recipient who now has bragging rights as ‘Cheesecake Champion’.

Congregants enjoying Shavuot treats Children’s Activity Centre The Children’s Activity Centre at Temple David is held once a month under the watchful eyes of Tracy Droyman and Kendyll Jacobson. This important service to the community is aimed at integrating children from a young age into Shul life. As well as having a good time with friends and doing art projects, these young congregants get to hear Bible stories, Hebrew songs and learn that Shul is an exciting place to be.

The panel of highly qualified and impartial judges; Antony Arkin and Paddy Meskin sampling the entries in the Cheesecake Competition

Even some of the older “children” enjoy their time at Temple David.

From left; Milan Harris, Gemma Krausey and Worthy winner, Louise Sinclair – Cheesecake Champion 2013 Kendyll Jacobson

18 HASHALOM July 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

19 HASHALOM July 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

75th Annual General Meeting When a lady has a 75th birthday, family and friends gather round to extend good wishes and express their admiration and those not able to attend send greetings. It was no different for the Union of Jewish Women’s 75th AGM. Our thanks to all who showed their support by being present or sending good wishes. Natalie Baitz completed her outstanding term of office by presenting an “illustrated” report about the Union’s activities. Highlighting projects within our own Community and the broader Durban community. The business part of the meeting was followed by Yael Sapo’s very interesting report of her experiences at the Herzceg Seminar on Jewish Education held in Jerusalem where she and 5 other delegates represented the Union of Jewish Women of South Africa. Bev Levy, incoming Chair, introduced her Executive Committee and expressed her thanks for the faith placed in her to lead our illustrious organization. She then presented and Operation Jonathan certificate to Natalie and brought a very emotional meeting to a close.

20 HASHALOM July 2013 In 1943, while the Allies are bombing Berlin and the Gestapo is purging the capital of Jews, a dangerous love affair blossoms between two women. The film explores the lives of the characters Felice Schragenheim, a Jewish woman who assumed a false name and who belongs to an underground organization and Lilly Wust, a married mother of four children, unsatisfied with her philandering Nazi officer husband.

Alana Baranov Corporate Groups at the DHC The Durban Holocaust Centre is fast becoming an important Aimee and Jaguar fixture in various corporate diversity workshops and programs. In May, we once again hosted participants from Investec’s ‘Diversity Training’ week. The engaging group spent a powerful morning at our Centre, where they not only familiarized themselves with our exhibition of the Holocaust and took part in our challenging workshops, but also heard a variety of speakers address issues of tolerance and multiculturalism in South Africa. July Events – ‘Children of Chabannes’ screening The DHC, together with the Sisterhood of Temple David, the Victor Daitz Foundation and Alliance Francaise de Durban, showcased the film ‘Children of Chabannes’, which explores the untold story of how the people in a tiny village in unoccupied France chose action over indifference and saved the lives of 400 Jewish children.

Aimée & Jaguar was screened at the Centre on the evening of May 22nd as part of an ancillary program for the "In Whom Can I Still Trust" exhibition - a powerful exposition of the persecution of homosexuals during the Nazi era and the prejudices faced by this community to this very day. This acclaimed exhibition left the DHC at the end of May 2013 but the issues that it raised, and the influence that it had on all our visitors, will be sure to leave a lasting impact. Aimée & Jaguar is a 1999 German drama set in Berlin during The DHC has social media covered! World War II. Written and directed by Max Färberböck, and based on Erica Fischer's book of the same name, the film ‘Like’ us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dbnholocentre), chronicles the actual lives of Lilly Wust and Felice Schragenheim follow us on Twitter @DbnHoloCentre or log onto our website during that time period. at www.holocaust.org.za.

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Community members who attended Gross’s presentations, which took place at the Durban Holocaust Centre, learned skills that will assist them in not only detecting abuse amongst our children but also methods to empower children to protect them from harm and avert the cycle of violence exploitation. By creating strong and secure young people who have the ability to defend themselves against predators, our community can go a long way towards Alana Baranov ensuring that the scourge of rape and molestation does not inflict damage on the next generation. ‘Silence and denial are not going to protect our community’ The CKNJ would like to thank the following trusts for their very generous and on-going sponsorship: JAKAMAR, The Victor Daitz Debbie Gross Visits Durban Foundation and the Aaron Beare Foundation. We would also like The Council of KwaZulu-Natal Jewry hosted renowned to thank Gaynor and Sidney Lazarus for their warm hospitality international guest speaker Debbie Gross in Durban last month. and support. Gross is the founder and director of the Crisis Centre for Religious Women in Israel and Board Chairman of the Israeli Coalition of Rape Crisis. She made aliya in 1978 after having completed her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Barnard College. Gross did her graduate studies in Developmental Psychology in Hebrew University, Jerusalem and following this developed an educational workshop program to give children and teenagers the skills to recognize and prevent sexual abuse and domestic violence. She has trained hundreds of volunteers in the areas of crisis intervention and recently returned from training volunteers and setting up a hotline in Belgium which will serve all of Europe, and a hotline in Melbourne, Australia. Gross has received the Jerusalem Professionals Workshop Foundation Teddy Kollek Award for Community Leadership and Excellence in 2003. She received the Jerusalem Mayor's Volunteer Award from Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. “We have a responsibility to ensure the safety our community and need to be proactive”, said CKNJ President Linda Nathan. It was to this end that the CKNJ hosted Debbie Gross an outstanding expert on rape and abuse. She presented in Durban both a professional’s workshop in the afternoon of June 11th 2013, with an open community forum held later that evening. The initiative, which gave participants insight into how abuse works and what can be done to prevent and stop the cycle of violence and molestation, was endorsed by Chief Rabbi Goldstein. As well as in our province, Gross also spoke to various Jewish groups in Gaynor Lazarus, Debbie Gross, Yael Sapo, all major centres around South Africa. CKNJ President Linda Nathan Roseanne Rosanne

staff who enjoyed and had fun in an learning experience. The staff who attended will be given certificates by the Training Academy. Lots of information was obtained at this workshop and lots of practical experience was demonstrated.

Sylvia Collins Beth Shalom have been very honoured and blessed to have had the Durban United Hebrew Congregation Choir coming to our Shul Services. This has been such enjoyment for our Residents. I would also like to thank the children from Izinga School coming on Shabbat to spoil our residents. It really does make their day as the residents love seeing children and their enthusiasm is contagious. The staff at Beth Shalom were treated to an intensive workshop updating skills in basic CPR. This was a wonderful day for the

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Above Board Mary Kluk, National Chairman A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies SHABBAT

Sinai Indaba SHALOM The third Sinai Indaba has just taken place in Durban, Johan- nesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Once again, it was a resounding success, with speakers of the highest calibre and at- BEAN AND BARLEY SOUP tracting capacity attendances from across the spectrum of our 500g dry beans 4 ribs of celery, chopped community. This demonstrated how for Jews, Torah learning has 1 large onion, chopped 200g fresh tomato, chopped never been regarded as the preserve of a few elite scholars. 3 cloves garlic, crushed ½ cup barley Rather, it has always been an eternally relevant spiritual heritage 2 carrots, peeled and chopped salt and black pepper in which everyone is encouraged, indeed is duty-bound, to share Soak the beans in some water overnight. Drain. Place beans in a pot in. I commend Chief Rabbi Goldstein and his office on this won- and cover with boiling water. Bring to boil and cook until beans are soft! derful initiative. It brings our community together for a festival Pour beans into a strainer and RESERVE the rest of the liquid in the pot! of Jewish learning that is both intellectually challenging and cel- In a saucepan, fry the onion, garlic, carrot and celery in a little oil ebratory. The Chief Rabbi is therefore to be further congratu- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. Now add the bean mixture. Process all the ingredients, gradually adding some of the lated on the appearance of his new book, The Legacy: Teachings reserved bean stock. Return to saucepan. Add the barley and salt and for Life from the Great Lithuanian Rabbis. Co-written with the slowly add enough reserved liquid from the beans to form a thick soup. world-renowned historian and speaker Rabbi Berel Wein, it was Simmer for another 35 - 40 minutes. Season to taste. launched at the Sinai Indaba, in the presence of both authors. Nelson Mandela – Everyone’s President SHABBOS ONE DISH ROAST CHICKEN This recipe can easily be doubled! At the time of writing, our beloved former President Nelson 1 whole chicken 2 teaspoons onion stock powder Mandela is still in hospital following a serious downturn in his ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon origanum state of health. It can safely be asserted that South Africans 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon salt across the board are feeling the same sense of concern over the 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground black pepper situation. It is a testimony to Mandela’s generosity of spirit and Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. In a small bowl mix the full-hearted outreach to all the peoples of this country that each oil and spices. Rub on the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for a few and every one of us, regardless of race, creed or ethnicity, genu- hours or overnight. Wash and cut the vegetables (you can use baby inely feels that he belongs to them. He was able to transcend all onions, whole baby marrows, baby carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, these differences to become a leader loved, trusted and revered garlic cloves etc). Whatever you like! Place the vegetables around the by all. We pray for his recovery while accepting that the day chicken, rubbing both the chicken and vegetables with the marinade. must come when he is no longer with us. Our great challenge as Cover roasting pan and place in 190degC oven for 1 hour. Uncover and roast for a further 30 minutes until chicken is golden. the South African nation is ultimately to strive to live up to the example he set. POTATO KUGEL - Serves 6 The International Jewish Scene 4 large potatoes, grated 1 teaspoon sugar 2 medium onions, finely chopped 3 eggs, beaten The past month been an unusually busy one for Board lay lead- ½ Tablespoon salt 2 Tablespoons oil ers and professional staff in terms of participating in interna- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper tional Jewish events. To list just some of these, National Presi- dent Zev Krengel and senior professional staff attended the Peel and place the potatoes in ice water, to prevent them from browning. Grate the potatoes either by hand or on the food processor. American Jewish Committee Global Forum in Washington DC, Place grated potato in a clean tea towel and squeeze out the excess Cape Executive Director David Jacobson attended the Founda- liquid. Mix potatoes and onions. Add the salt, pepper and sugar. Add tion for Ethnic Understanding’s 3rd Delegation of Muslim and the eggs and combine till well mixed. Place the oil in the baking pan or Jewish Leaders from Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand ovenproof dish in the oven. When oil is sizzling, carefully remove from and Steve Gruzd from our Johannesburg staff team represented oven and spoon some of it into the potato mixture. Mix well. Pour the us at the Global Forum for Combating Antisemitism in Israel. potatoes into the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Most recently, along with our National Director Wendy Kahn, I attended the President’s Conference in Israel, a gathering of PARAVE MANGO GRANADILLA ICE CREAM world leaders, celebrities and leading thinkers hosted by Israeli 3 eggs, separated ¼ cup fresh granadilla pulp President Shimon Peres. ½ cup castor sugar 1 box Orly Whip 1 tin mango, drained & pureed The Board’s participation in forums like these provides us with important insights with regard to the thinking and strategizing Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. In another bowl beat of world Jewry. In addition, it has been gratifying to note the the egg yolks and castor sugar until thick. Add the mango pulp and pulp increasing extent to which the value of our own contribution, from 3 granadillas. Using a whisk, gently fold in the Orly Whip and then the egg whites. Place in a mould or in a dish and freeze. as South African Jewry, is being acknowledged. Despite the rela- tively small size of our community, it is recognised that we have a meaningful and distinctive contribution to make in terms of our own experiences.

July 2013 HASHALOM 23 COMMUNITY NEWS Social & Personal Diary of Events

BIRTHS Mazaltov to Joan Burke on the birth of a great grandson and to Alan July 2013 Burke on the birth of a grandson; to Glenda Bernstein on the birth 2 7p.m. Maccabi Participants Farewell DJ Centre of a great granddaughter, a daughter for Joel and Sarah Gamsu; to Ray Chudy and to Valerie Driman on the birth of a great grandson 3 9.30a.m. UJW Friendship Club Beth Shalom in Canada; to Talia and Clive Feigenbaum on the birth of a daughter 7.30p.m. "The Children of Chabannes" Durban and to Marion and Antony Arkin, Enid Feigenbaum, Marcus Arkin Holocaust Centre on the birth of a granddaughter/great granddaughter. 8 10a.m. UJW Rod Smith, writer of DJ Centre BAR/BATMITZVAH The Mercury column "You and I" Mazaltov to Carryn and Bradley Meltz, Sandra and Frank Meltz, Brenda and Stan Liansky, Jean Gold, on the barmitzvah of their 9 7.30.p.m. KNZC Is Lit DJ Centre son/grandson/great grandson Daniel; to David and Leigh Morgan 15 7.30p.m. HOD Lodge Jaffa DJ Centre on the batmitzvah of their daughterJenna; to Sharon and Mike 17 9.30a.m. Sisterhood Friendship Club Beth Shalom Levitan on the batmitzvah of their twin granddaughters, Leah and Batya. 24 7.30p.m. KNZC Israel Film Club DJ Centre ENGAGEMENT 25 6p.m. WIZO Happy Hour DJ Centre Mazaltov to Max Nathan on the engagement of his son Bryan to Leanne Berger; to Jeanine and Stan Nadel on the engagement of August 2013 their daughter Carmit to Nicholas Engel. 5 4pm-10pm. Limmud DJ Centre MARRIAGES 6 4pm-10pm. Limmud DJ Centre Mazaltov to Lela Barnett on the marriage of her son Lewis to 7 9.30a.m. UJW Friendship Club Beth Shalom Miriam Goldblatt in USA. 15 7p.m. KNZC - Kasim Hafeez DJ Centre BIRTHDAYS "Israel Hater to Israel Supporter" Mazaltov to Les Levin on his 80th birthday; to Graham Kluk on his 60th birthday; to Max Nathan on his 75th birthday; to Elisha Puterman on his 80th birthday; to Abe Baitz on his 100th All times and venues correct at time of going to press birthday. MAZALTOV Mazaltov to Dennis and Eleanor Port whose granddaughter Jade Wunder (aged 14) has been selected as Vice-Captain of the Maccabi Netball Team. CONDOLENCES Deepest sympathy to John Patlansky on the passing of his sister Mary Silverman; to the family of Dr Leonard Sagorin.

THANK YOU Issy Fisher and family would like to thank their friends for the messages of sympathy received on the passing of Judy and for their many acts of kindness to the family.

Hashalom is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please submit your information in writing to The Editor, PO Box 10797, Marine Parade 4056 or fax to (031) 3379600 or email [email protected].

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