KolKol KehillatKehillat KernowKernow

Voice of the Jewish Community in Cornwall Issue 23 kehillatkernow.com Av 5769, August 2009 The Jacobs reach out to Kehillat Kernow

Pat Lipert

A return visit from Hannah and David Jacobs to our community over the weekend of June 5-7, provided opportunities to exchange views, learn something new and to explore ways of reaching out to every member of our far-flung group. Each of the three events planned over the three-day period was unique, and gave everyone who attended a heartening lift and impetus for our future. The week­ end began at the home of Gloria FRIDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION. Members of KK with David and Hannah Jacobs after services Jacobson and Kiddush at Gloria Jacobson’s about to have Friday night dinner. From left to right: Pat who hosted Lipert, Gloria Jacobson, David Jacobs, Hannah Jacobs, Louise Garcia, Melanie Feldman, Gerry a dinner for Jevon, Jacqueline Kurzfield, Harvey Kurzfield, Margaret Cobble, Julie Patnick (hidden), Tony Patnick, and Gay Jewell. the Kehillat Kernow enjoyed a sumptuous festival meal but also a and level of commitment with Israel. The need Community moving, informative and song-filled Shabbat to listen to all voices coming out of Israel and following service. David and Hannah explained the back­ from the Diaspora was emphasized. As repre­ Shabbat KIDDISH GALORE! David Jacobs ground to the prayers and songs as we went sentatives of the Jewish community in Corn­ and Melanie Feldman after services. through the Friday night service. wall we were encouraged to learn to listen to Saturday services holding Those who On Saturday, at the Shabbat Service at TBC, one another and to communicate in language Melanie’s kosher gingerbread attended both Harvey Kurzfield and David Jacobs led which both the listener and speaker would people, talliot and all! not only the service. Questions, discussions, and pro­ understand. After Jacqueline and Harvey pro­ cedures, including the importance of the Torah vided a splendid communal breakfast/lunch. Service were emphasized. Everyone partici­ The only downside was that more members LotsLots moremore pated and learned. Another feast at Kiddush of KK did not attend. followed. David is RSGB Director of Synagogue Support, inside,inside, If this weren’t enough, on Sunday morning and Hannah is senior manager of Jewish Care. Lots more after David had done a live broadcast on BBC Both have devoted their lives to Jewish edu­ including...including... Radio Cornwall, both he and Hannah met cation, and the Reform Movement. They are inside, members of the community at the home of a lifeline to our community offering guidance, Harvey Kurzfield. Hannah moderated a lively support and hands-on help whenever we need including... discussion about Israel and our involvement it. Letter from Lanzarote...... 2 High holy days venue Poems for Shavuot...... 4 The venue for this year’s Days of Awe will be at Trelissick Gardens in Feock. Services for When a Jew Celebrates...... 5 the 1st day of Rosh Hashanah will be on the 19th September from 10.30am to 1.30pm approximately. Book Club Afloat...... 7 Kol Nidre will be at 6.30pm on the 27th September. Yom Kippur Services will be held Easy Tomato Tarts ...... 8 the next day and begin at 10.30am. A communal Breaking of the Fast supper will follow the close of the services in the early evening. Designed and printed by Noah Hearle. Members are asked to donate food for a light PESACH 2009. Harvey Kurzfield and Murray Phone: 01273 711117; Kiddush following the service. Non-members Brown sing a traditional Passover song at are asked to make a £15.00 donation to help web: www.designextreme.com. services and Seder held this year at Trelissick Need: newsletter/website/sudoku? Contact me. contribute to operating costs. Gardens. Event was organised by Anne Hearle.

Do you want to share your Kol Kehillat Kernow? Visit: kehillatkernow.com/newsletter for an online version of the newsletter! 2 August 2009Kol Kehillat Kernow Letter from After ten years: bigger and Lanzarote better than ever! Jef Harris Pat Lipert Sternberg to discuss our future development I write first to thank you for continuing to send when the Sternbergs were taking a holiday in KKK. It is most welcome and nurtures my nos­ Pardon me if I kvell a little. In anticipation of Cornwall (never one to miss a chance!); talgia for my oh-so-short time in Cornwall. The our 10-year anniversary Shabbat Celebration discussions groups were being held at Estelle’s. community seems to have thrived after my at TBC on the 24th of October, I am nostalgically Our newsletter changed its name to Kol Kehllat departure. No such thing as coincidence, eh? looking at some old newsletters, the first of Kernow.In the December issue, there appeared The latest Kol Kehillat Kernow was such a tonic. which appeared on the 17th of February 2000. an explanation of what Reform Judaism was. There was Pat, of course, indefatigable, by The newsletter originated with typed printouts. Bonnie held down the Cheder fort, and a book lining all over the place, Bonnie Rockley’s house was the focal point for club had been established. Ron and Brenda as well as editing the Purim, and Cheder, whilst Harvey Kurzfield Mason celebrated their Golden Wedding whole thing. Was it convened a meeting at his house to discuss “The Anniversary. Pat became Librarian as we had she who anony­ role of women in Jewish life.” Friday night and just established a library thanks to the mously penned festive dinners were organised at the houses of generosity of Mrs. Leatrice Levine; a member the ‘Editorial”? the Weinberg’s, the Hampshire's, the Jacobson’s donated RSGB prayerbooks, and a web-site was Is it really so and the Patnick’s. We were holding services at established. that we should TBC conducted by David Hampshire. The By 2002, the newsletter,editedby Kathleen not question or Hearles, Estelle Moses and the Liperts had Hampshire was still a typed printout, but be ambivalent already joined. By April, the newsletter editor getting longer! In Harvey’s ‘Chairman’s Report,’ about some ac­ was using a colour printer, and a communal he mused on MarcChagall’s lithograph, The tions of those we Seder was arranged. Farm, and the pioneering spirit in Israel. Recipes love or support? Our first AGM was held in September 2000. By were for Corn Bread and Sweet Potato That’s the value of that time, cheder had moved to TBC, Rosh Casserole. Our first Literary & Music Festival healthy debate. I Hashana services and dinner were at the Liperts, was held at the Liperts; Harvey had met The recall prompting a de­ Kol Nidre at the Patniks, and a monthly Queen at Truro Cathedral and Ant Fagin bate about the Lebanon incursion after a serv­ subscription of £5.00 per month was installed. delivered his brilliant Masada lecture. We had ice. I opened by saying, not to be blind in our Issues of concern were: affiliation/association, a Moshiach Seudah as well as first night Seder support of Israel, while fundamentally caring finance, and the future for KK. Some things that year. Seth Hampshire was our 1st Bar about her, and seeking from my wise and varied never change. Officers were duly elected. Mitzvah boy! friends in the congregation that day, clarity in Services for all the holidays were being In 2003, Exeter lent us a Torah scroll! The British my own views. Appropriately, in the lobby of conducted along with twice monthly Shabbat Board of Deputies was beginning to take an a church, it was a curate’s egg: some were pas­ Services. We were using the Singer Authorised interest in us. The Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan sionate and unhindered by any doubts about Daily Prayer Book. The Purim collection of £25 Sacks visited and gave a talk. Leslie designed any of Israel’s actions; some were, it seemed went to the Mozambique Flood Appeal. Harvey Mezzuzot for our Community and we were to me, as anxious as I to be clear and balanced, also was conducting services and holding getting more involved with inter-faith forums. and so even more proud and loud in our support discussion groups in Penponds on a regular basis. From 2004 to the present, Noah began and retorts to the critics. Leslie was getting press coverage for KK.By producing our colourful, more professional There too was the amazing story of Estelle so November, meetings were being held at the newsletter. Harvey, then Pat, took over the very well written by Anthony, and Gloria who Jacobson’s; David Jacobs visited to discuss how editorship. We have more than trebled our with Milton was so hospitable and loving. Gloria to plan our future; we were drafting a membership. Our newsletter is part of the Leo knows our thoughts are, were, and will remain constitution and deciding to affiliate with the Baeck Library Collection; people contact us with her and Milton. He is sorely missed. RSGB. We were one year old! from throughout the country, and in ten short Thank you for a lovely reminder of a lovely In 2001 Shavuot took place at The Liperts; the years, we have definitely arrived. place with lovely people and a reconnection Rockelys celebrated a double wedding blessing Happy Birthday Kehillat Kernow! At this with my Jewishness. under the Chuppah and KK joined the RSGB. anniversary Shabbat we will be privileged to Besides photography, painting, golf, reading, Harvey and Jacqueline met with Sir Sigmund have Elkan and Celia Levy attending. writing, golf, learning Spanish, golf, planning to learn German, exulting in my wonderful Chairman’s remarks daughter Melanie and unique grandson, Tao, Danielle and I travel. We just had five weeks Harvey Kurzfield and put right (if necessary) any perceived in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. wrongs. Our small organisation can ill afford to Beautiful people, astonishing temples and I like to think Kehillat Kernow is a small enough have members’ feelings put out in some way or scenery. Most dramatic of all was being at or group for us to all feel part of a family. We also another, and the best solution is to go right to near the sites of so much awful suffering seen have, probably, the smallest subscription per the top! The last thing any of us want is to lose as near-fiction on TV. family of any group in the country so we offer members because they feel they have a griev­ Love, Jef good value for such a small sub. Even so, from ance which is being ignored. PS It is alleged there are about 40 Jews on Lan­ time to time, I hear of some problem which sur­ You can also air any general views in this, your zarote. I’ve met eight. Is there a Shul? Is anyone faces in a roundabout way and which comes newsletter. We welcome your letters and pho­ interested in getting together socially or for across in a manner based on hearsay. If ever any tographs and wish to encourage healthy debate. services for Yom Kippur or even to say Kaddish? member of Kehillat Kernow has a genuine griev­ By the time this newsletter has been printed Well, no. One fascinating fellow who has es­ ance or problem may I please ask that you con­ we will have celebrated Gerry Jevon’s bar mitz­ caped from a Shanghai camp after 10 years tact me directly, either by mail at:18 Mill Road, vah. I congratulate him in the way he has em­ inside, tried to run a Friday evening service but Penponds, TR14 0QH or [email protected] braced our community and the Jewish religion foundered because people found him too en­ or 01209 719672. and proved himself a real ‘mensch’ in the proc­ thusiastic.” How about a delegation from Corn­ That way I can be sure with whom I am dealing, ess. This applies equally to all those who have wall coming over for a few months to get it how many people (if any) are involved and, if undertaken the RSGB conversion and joined the going here! possible, I can then do my best to investigate family of Cornish Jews. Shalom! Kol Kehillat Kernow August 20093 Cornwall’s wild west cowboys, indians and Tzedekah!

Louise Garcia Kehillat Kernow members are scattered across costume needs to the constraints of riding a the county, so some may not know of the Flat horse all day, and last but not least our own Members of Kehillat Kernow were Lode Trail near Redruth. This area holds some Rachel Brown did a sterling job in collecting characteristically generous in giving tzedekah of Cornwall’s most interesting but little-known sponsorship. Many thanks. in support of The Searchers sponsored ride on beauty spots. A good parking area for access to May 16th, in which KK member Louise Garcia the Flat Lode Trail can be found at South Wheal participated. Frances, grid reference SW68078 39440 and The Searchers are an American Civil War and more information about Cornwall County Wild West re-enactment group, who perform Council’s Mineral Tramways Heritage Project, shows and events to raise money for local with links to trail maps and children’s activity charities. This year the sheets, can be found at proceeds of the annual 10- www.cornwall.gov.uk mile sponsored ride are /default.aspx?page=9906. going to Children’s Hospice Back on the ranch, there South-West, St. Julia’s were pasties in the saloon Hospice and Cornwall Air for the riders and other Ambulance. members of the Searchers, Seven riders in Wild West and a good feed of grass and costume set off from the complementary pony nuts stables at Wheal Buller, for trusty steeds Indiana, Redruth in the morning, Rodney, Tilda, Molly, Radjel, rode across the top of Carn Harvey and Lucy, before the Brea, enjoying spectacular posse set off back to Buller views of the North coast, Hill. It is rare to find an area FLOWERS FOR SHAVUOT. Hannah Feldman’s and faced the challenge of HAVE HORSE, WILL TRAVEL - Louise that combines so much off- Garcia waiting with her trusty vision of one bloom that might have adorned the steep rocky descent on companion waiting to hit the trail road riding and beautiful Mt. Sinai at the giving of the Torah. the Western side of the to help others in need. scenery with sites of world Carn. The route wound heritage status and historic along the Flat Lode trail to South Wheal interest. Even rarer to find stables with such Poem of Frances, on past Treskillard and Wheal Edward well-trained horses that are thoroughly mine, and eventually by highway and bridleway accustomed to following these trails and Shavout to the village of Troon. carrying novice and young riders in safety. Do The destination was Misty Ridge, a nineteenth- check out www.cornish-riding-holidays.co.uk century replica Western frontier town and for details of rides from Wheal Buller stables, Zev Cohen home of Cornwall’s other American West or speak to Louise for more details. Sun in the desert High in the sky Enthusiasts’ Society, the Rocky Mountain With the wonderful support of the members of A hunger in people’s bellies Villagers crying Rednecks. Misty Ridge is on a private farm but the Kehillat Kernow community and the staff unhappily there is a donations box on the wall for casual at Truro School, Louise hoped to raise a final Over comes some food of quail and seeds visitors with a love of cowboy films who would total of just over £300 for the three charities. Unhappy bellies are filled with joy The Torah like to inspect this little gem of creative She did. Joyce Trevail at Truro’s fancy dress has been given. endeavour. More details can be found at hire shop Clowning Around www.clowning www.misty-ridge.co.uk. around.co.uk was as helpful as ever in adjusting A song for Shavout

Murray Brown

Chorus: Milk, honey, cheesecake and ice cream Shavous! The laws from God

Moshe goes up Mt Sinai He got the 10 commandments When he sees all the jewels on a holy cow He gets mad Chorus

When they were in the desert They got grumbling hungry Then they got manna The food from heaven LEARNING BY DOING. Some of our youngsters who added to a recent Shabbat service by Chorus showing us their drawings and poems. From left to right: Sam Walters, Murray Brown, Zvi Cohen, Hannah and Isaac Feldman. Arranged and organised by Rachel Brown. 4 August 2009Kol Kehillat Kernow Editorial 110-year old wonder man

Every synagogue that exists is a miracle when dead in Sheffield you consider its component and often incongruent parts which make up this giant, Tony Patnik evolving, religious, social and political structure. I compare our own ten-year These were the headlines in the Sheffield community, like all other communities, to Independent on November 12th 1924. a fine, hoary, dignified old Tortoise. Its shell It referred to my paternal great-grandfather is scarred and dented by the ‘slings and Nathan (Reb Nochum) Lapatnick, a man I had arrows of outrageous fortune,” deftly not thought of for many years, when my Cheder administered more often than not from in- teachers had hoped I would turn out like him. house species from time to time, but the Unfortunately, life is full of disappointments. basic pattern still emerges: ordered, strong Then recently, my mother showed me some and sound as Torah itself upon which this family memorabilia, including a letter by Rabbi shell is based. When things get too tough it Charles D Lippman, a Reform Rabbi in New York, withdraws into its shell, a sort of spiritual to the Sheffield Reform Congregation. 16th retreat, and re-emerges to raise its tough September 1995. old head with wise, timeworn eyes, He wrote for details of his great-grandfather’s renewed, to take a few steps forward again. brother Nathan (Nochum) Lapatnick, who died Always forward, Always moving, Always in Sheffield at age 110 on November 11th 1924. purposeful, for its faith, its integrity, and its He taught Hebrew in Sheffield, and apparently unwillingness to compromise itself beyond acted as Rabbi (very Orthodox). Rabbi recognition keeps everything intact. More Lippman’s part of the family had lost contact or less. NACHOS FOR NOCHUM. One of the leaders of with us, but believed most of them had changed the Sheffield Congregation, Rabbi Nochum This complex structure called synagogue is their name to Patnick. LaPatnick, who lived well into his hundreds, truly the sum of its parts, a Bet Knesset His facts were basically correct, although there and was an inspiration not only to the (House of Prayer, House of Study, House of is some debate as to whether he was 112, 111, orthodox community at that time, but also, Social Congregation). And, dare I say one 110 or even 92, often the way with immigrants is a source of pride in the Patnick family. with political obligations supported by The from Russia. Bible itself. The article in the Sheffield Independent was all the Jews in Sheffield to have an opportunity Read Isaiah, Micah, Amos. For the Prophets, very empathetic. They said he was a wonderful to attend. whom we read in every Torah service, there man, and that a doctor told them a short time The Newspaper reported that the body was is no ‘separation between spiritual and before, Reb Nochum had the heart of a man of laid on the floor of his home, and all day people secular matters,’ to quote Faith and Practice, 40. He’d only lost his vitality in the last few sat in his house, and continually chanted A Guide to Reform Judaism Today, by R. weeks of his life. prayers. Six candles were placed around the Jonathan Romain. In his younger days, he was, in fact, Acting corpse, in a black shroud, and two people held “The moral foundations of Judaism must Rabbi in Sheffield, and taught Hebrew to the vigil all night. speak to all situations and a failure to do so young. He was a devout and temperate man. His body was taken to CampoLane Synagogue, challenges the very purpose of the faith,” A hard act to follow. and interred at Walkley Cemetery. said Romain. “Like it or not, Isaiah and Amos A doctor attributed is longevity to simple living Our name was changed to Patnick by my are as much a part of Judaism as Rashi and and a calm disposition – not a strong trait grandfather, but the legend of Reb Nochum Maimonides.” amongst the present Patnick family, I fear. Lapatnick lives on in Sheffield after all these Good examples of this are: Jews Against However, during his later years, he fell lure to years. Apartheid, Jewish Support for the Homeless, snuff, and had to rely on whisky as a stimulant. Incidentally, my great-aunt Annie Kitchener JONAH (Jews Organized for Nuclear Arms Not bad, but I won’t be following his own recipe from Cardiff, lived to 106, but this is properly Halt), Tzedek (Jewish Action for a Just for keeping up his strength, which was to bathe documented, and we have a copy of the World), JIA (Joint Israel Appeal), all his head in vinegar. Queen’s Telemessage on her 100th birthday, supported by the RSGB, and the more recent The funeral was apparently delayed to enable 23rd November 1990 to prove it. drive by the Board of Deputies to vote in the election for EU candidates to discourage fringe parties (like the BNP), from gaining a grip on power. The fact that these groups cross over into the political sphere is coincidental in pursuing Jewish ideas. We might differ in our opinions or ways of achieving our goals but that doesn’t relinquish our responsibility to raise issues and to formulate a Jewish response. This is considered part of our religious duty. And so, as we move on to the next challenging ten years, may Kehillat Kernow be up to the multi-layered tasks before her, and like the more experienced, slightly scarred tortoise, keep moving on, step by step.

Note: The views expressed are strictly those WELL-MET BY MOONLIGHT. Members of the Rosh Chodesh Society meet at the beach to celebrate the new moon of Tammuz. Cheers! From left to right are: Karen Meyers, Jenny of the editor and may not reflect all KK Cohen, Stephanie Berry, Louise Garcia, Jacquie Ricketts, Margaret Cobble and Gloria Jacobson. members’ opinions - PL Melanie Feldman took the snap. Kol Kehillat Kernow August 20095 Reasoning behind destruction of the two temples

Vera Collins to uphold the sacred covenant. Prophet after prophet warned of the Traditionally observed by keeping three weeks consequences of neglecting the ethical of strict self-denial culminating in a day of standards set out in Torah and of the folly of fasting, mourning and lamentation, Tishah b’Av depending upon political alliances instead of commemorates the destruction of both the following divine guidance to ensure Jewish First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. survival in times of hazardous conflict. Perhaps Such disaster is understood, not as the backsliders of the times complacently demonstrating the power of the conquering imagined that the existence of their Temple nations, but rather, as a justifiable divine could protect them; the destruction of the response to the failure of Jews of those times temple was unthinkable; nevertheless, it was When a Jew celebrates! JOY IN COMPANY. When Vera is not writing frenzy of exciting melodies, improvisation and seasonal messages in the newsletter, she can Jonathan Poznansky be found attending the Rosh Chodesh Society. passion. Anyone who has experienced Klezmer Here she is relaxing in Louise Garcia’s back This year, members of Kehillat Kernow will be knows that one can’t resist getting onto the garden enjoying the first day of the new moon taking part in the national celebration of Euro­ dance floor. “Before you know it, you may be and gaining inspiration from others. pean Jewish Heritage that runs through the first balancing bottles of wine on your head while destroyed. weeks of September by holding a musical pretending to be a mad Cossack dancer!” Pozn­ It was the custom of conquerors in ancient evening on Sunday 6th of September at Trelis­ ansky said. times to capture, in image, the god of the sick Gardens, Feock, Truro starting at 6.30 pm. To kick off the musical evening, “Levow an defeated and to either publicly destroy it, or It is requested by Anne Hearle and Jonathan Bys,” a local Penzance community choir, under acquire it for themselves making it subservient Poznansky, the organizers of the event, that the musical directorship of “Pip” Wright will to their own deity. This practice added to the people arrive between 6.00 and 6.30 so that sing a selection of folk and spiritual songs. Their demoralisation of the defeated people. tickets may be collected. The concert will begin theme is “Songs of the World.” When the invaders stormed the Temple of the promptly at 6.30pm. The night would not be complete without food Jews, no such item could be found. True there Entitled "When a Jew Celebrates!" you can ex­ and we have a Falafel Bar on wheels in attend­ were treasures to be stolen, priests and officials pect music, singing, dancing and stories. ance. Soft drinks and coffee/tea will be avail­ to slay, sacred edifices to demolish and "Azoy" a recently formed local Klezmer band able. worshippers to be taken captive and enslaved, led by musical director and clarinetist Jacque­ This event is open to everyone in and outside but no deity could be found. The invaders must line Kurzfield and her four gypsy kings: Guy the community. This special concert is promot­ have assumed that it had been well hidden or Chalker-Howells, Drummer; Tim Dufeu, violin; ing some of the most joyful aspects of our her­ smuggled away to safety. Amidst all the Robin Holmes, accordion/mandolin, and Ste­ itage. Bring along your friends and neighbors. devastation the God of the Jews remained ven Burley, Double bass. This versatile band Tickets for entrance cost £10 for adults and £5 elusive and inviolate. provides the heart warming Jewish dance music for children (less than 16 years) and conces­ One wonders if those early desecrators sensed where Eastern European folk tunes and Hebrew sions. They will be available from Anne Hearle anything of the numinous attendant upon the songs with a Gypsy style are whipped up to a (01736 731686) and at the door. indwelling of the Sheckinah in this sacred place. In doing their worst, the destroyers could only operate within the boundary of human existence. That which they sought to destroy operated in dimensions beyond their imagining and was of a divine nature beyond comprehension. The Jews did not go alone into exile, nor were those who were left among the ruins abandoned. Ha-Shem was with The con- them in the querors sought to harsh conditions destroy the created by temples in dimen- the destruction sions beyond their of their imagining Temple. Under divine guidance they learned to keep faith, though dispersed among foreign nations, making the Jewish home ‘the small sanctuary’ YIDDISH MUSIC AT ITS BEST! Azoy, The Klezmer-Celtic band is seen playing its heart out in and by gathering together for worship and the sunshine. Members of the group include: Jacqueline Kurzfield on clarinet; Tim Dufeu on violin; Robin Holmes on accordion and mandolin; Steven Burley on double bass, and Guy celebration creating the ‘sacred assembly’ in Chalker-Howells on African drum. honour of Ha-Shem. 6 August 2009Kol Kehillat Kernow Profile: Gerry Jevon

Anthony Fagin succeed. He defines success as financial success, not solely for its own sake but because On 30 May 2009, in the beautiful National Trust achieving it confers self-confidence, self- gardens of Trelissick, 55-year old Gerry Jevon reliance and emotional independence. But how celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. But why did Gerry was he to achieve it? “I was carrying too much wait 42 years before undergoing this rite of emotional baggage to want to go on studying. passage that traditionally takes place at the I’d always been interested in mechanical age of 13? His early life may offer some clues. engineering, so I got a job in the local quarry He was born in the small Leicestershire village driving huge vehicles,” he said. In opening a of Thurmaston in the East Midlands, the middle new area of the quarry to get at the pink granite child of three. The Fosse Way runs through the to be used for road stone, they first had to centre of the village. That fact, and his remove the overburden of soil. Gerry mother’s encouragement, stimulated in Gerry remembers being fascinated by the volcanic SIMCHAH TIME! Wearing his tallit and thinking a long-standing interest in history, archaeology lava that his mechanical shovel uncovered, by about his Bar Mitzvah, Gerry is in a jubilant and geology.The Jewry Wall Museum set in the the geological strata, the ripple marks of a mood. What a long and eventful journey it’s remains of the Roman city’s public bath house, prehistoric lakebed, the fossil leaves. been getting to this place, a place where he is meant to be. is the second largest surviving remnant of His entrepreneurial instincts developed. He Roman civic masonry in the country; although was increasingly impelled by the notion of doing with my father. He was a Victorian born in 1898 the derivation of the name is obscure, it deals, of buying a product, selling it on and and was 56 by the time I was born. suggests the existence of an historic Jewish making a profit. He ventured into market Unfortunately he was a racist, a bigot and an community. trading, dealing in wallpaper. He met his first anti-Semite. It troubles me to say this. I have When Gerry was ten, the family moved to wife, Denise. They moved to Essex and Gerry no desire to be disloyal, but it’s the truth. My another Leicestershire village, Mountsorrel. continued trading in the local markets. They father instilled two opposing principles in me. Gerry wasn’t happy at school. He found it too had two children. They returned to As an authoritarian, he expected me to obey restrictive. He had difficulty relating to other Leicestershire and Gerry took out an HGV him and to accept his point of view. He also children and from an early age wanted to get licence; he drove heavy goods vehicles around insisted as an individual I should always make out into the world. In his early 20s he was the country. The owner of the company up my own mind on important questions on the diagnosed as bi-polar. Managing his condition promoted him to sales representative. He basis of evidence. He told me that he’d had by being aware of it and learning how to deal enjoyed selling and did well. He went on to some bad experiences doing business with Jews with its periodic manifestations has been establish a variety of dealerships with mixed and that Jews were bad. I didn’t know any central to his adult life. “I’m not embarrassed success. Then he met Wendy, his present wife. Jews, but what my father was saying didn’t to talk about it; it’s part of who I am,” he said. They decided to go into business together and seem right. If Jews were bad, how come they Gerry always was driven by the desire to establish a residential care home for people succeeded in so many different fields?” with mental disabilities. That entailed the My father’s prejudice turned me in the opposite acquisition and conversion of a large Victorian direction. Although I felt I was betraying him, Something for house. Gerry worked on the house during the I have my father to thank for teaching me to day and drove trucks at think for myself. All my life night. When the house was As an individ­ I’ve had an empathy towards everyone! complete they shared living Jews, even feeling myself in arrangements with four ual, I should al­ some inexplicable way to be Anne Hearle residents. After three and a ways make up my Jewish. half years, during which time In seeking to understand Lavow an Bys, the Penzance-based community their two children were own mind on im­ nature, the human spirit and choir which is featured at the Festival for born, they decided to sell up. portant questions who or what God is, Gerry European Jewry in September, includes the They considered moving to on the basis of ev­ required scientific rather world in its repertoire. Its accent is on ‘Songs a better climate, either the than emotional or intuitive of the World,’ and Hebrew melodies appear in Canary Islands or Florida. idence answers. Influenced by many of its programmes. Just before they left to check Einstein’s thinking, he Established about seven years ago under the out the Canaries, a business opportunity in believes the theory of relativity provides an directorship of Michelle Brown, the choir is Cornwall came up. They invested everything understanding of science and religion. Three composed of about twenty people and is open they had, and moved the family to Cornwall in years ago, his ongoing fascination with Judaism to anyone who wants to sing. 1988. Sadly, the business didn’t do well and led him to contact Kehillat Kernow. Harvey “We are a non-audition community choir and Gerry withdrew after five tough years. Next Kurzfield invited him to a Shavuoth service: “I you don’t have to be a singer to join,” said Anne he sold giftware and souvenirs which led him went to that service and I immediately felt at Hearle, a member of Kehillat Kernow. into reproduction John Speed antique maps. home - I had come home at last.” He decided “Members learn to sing in two, three, and four- He went to the USA to promote the maps at a to commit himself to learning as much as he part harmony and everything is taught by ear; trade fair in Philadelphia: “I quickly saw that could about Judaism. For two years he reading music is not necessary.” it wasn’t going to work in the USA. I came back attended services and studied intensively under Among the Hebrew songs included in their to the UK and built up the business from home. Pat Lipert’s guidance. Rabbi Helen Freeman programmes are the familiar “Heenay Mahtov,” For four years we did well. With the outbreak of the West London RSGB oversaw his formal “Hashivaynu,” and “Ateh Malkut.” of Foot and Mouth in 2000 tourism took a heavy conversion to Judaism, confirmed by a board Choir members meet every Wednesday from hit. We’d relied on that trade.” To make ends of four reform rabbis of the Reform Beth Din. 7:00-8:30pm at the Community Hall in meet, Gerry started a taxi business which he “Something that Rabbi Jonathan Romain once Penzance, at the right-hand entrance to the ran in parallel with the antique map publishing. said has stayed with me.” he said. ‘To be a good Humphrey Davy School. Subscription fees cost Running two businesses became too demanding Jew you don’t have to believe in God. You just from £2.50-£3.50. Present director of the choir and he sold the publishing firm. He still operates have to do what God says.’ If an eminent Rabbi is “Pip” Wright. his taxi business from St Buryan. could say that, it proved to me just how much For more information contact Anne Hearle at None of this explains his decision to have a Bar space there is in Judaism to deal with one’s 01736 731686. Mitzvah: “It all goes back to my relationship own understanding or interpretation.” Kol Kehillat Kernow August 20097 Book review: “Schlepping Through the Alps” by Sam Apple

Pat Lipert according to Apple. These ‘most people,’ however, tend to live in the hinterlands; it’s This has to be one of the oddest books you will much more subtle in places like Vienna. Poem: The ever read; it had to be nonfiction because no Is this book a funny story of a ‘fish out of water’ one could have invented it. New Yorker learning how to be a shepherd? Is Apple The narrator, a young, naïve, university it a treatise on Hans (his father is Jewish), who graduate from New York through his songs is trying Harvey Kurzfield attends a Klezmer/Yiddish to get fellow Austrians to Folk concert given by one come to terms with their Forbidden fruit Hans Breuer at New York Nazi past and their ‘lost’ Of Eve and Adam University. Breuer is Jewish heritage? Is it a Taken from the probably Austria’s only documentary on the state Tree of Knowledge Jewish wandering shepherd of anti-Semitism in Austria Hidden from the who roams the Alps singing today? World outside Yiddish lullabies to his 625 You decide. But clearly on view in sheep under his care. In One thing seems clear, Paradise. between ‘seasons,’ he gives much uncomfortable but The Serpent came concerts in the rural, more heart-warming information And licked the fruit anti-Semitic towns of is revealed despite the Then passed its tongue Austria while showing slides narrator’s lack of substance Over Eve... of his sheep. Once in a and deep understanding. She felt the spit while, he gives concerts But then, his self- Move within her abroad; ergo, the chance deprecating manner And desired more meeting between Apple and “BAA-ELAH,BAA-ELAH!” – Austrian excuses that. The trouble Of the juicy pith Breuer. sheep with a Yiddisher voice. is, the reader is frustrated Tempting Adam So intrigued by this at times because he never In her own sweet time. phenomena, Apple goes to Austria to discover goes further with the interviews and the hard They both learned what makes Hans tick and to find out if Anti- questions are never asked, nor the answers The Truth Semitism is till alive and kicking in Austria. Quel given. Apple’s concentration level is woefully Of the World to come. surprise. It is. Anti-Semitism seems to be a challenged. On the other hand, it is a singularly Out there natural background to most people’ lives, intriguing short read. They huddled naked And were ashamed For misplacing trust. Book club afloat! This valuable lesson Has passed to us People who came to the Seriously Funny Pigeon and a Boy” by Amos Elon (short read Yet we too make the same mistakes. Jewish Book Club enjoyed an evening of some and unforgettable), and Maureen Lipman’s. Nothing, therefore, literary chat, laughter and nostalgic “The Gibbon’s in Decline but the Horse is Should be forbidden reminders of times gone by discussing the Stable”. Except to follow blindly.... first book, “Inside, Outside” by Herman Those who missed the first meeting are very The apple still “Wouk” and Jonny Geller’s, “Yes, But Is It welcome to try out the new selections. Tastes just as sweet Good for the Jews?”. Next meeting is Monday, 14th September, And we must ask Members selected the next two choices: “A 7.30pm at Gloria Jacobson’s house. ‘Would we too have failed? and ‘Where we would be if Eve Hadn’t?’ Summer Music & Literary Festival

This year’s 7th annual Summer Music and Literary Festival was held on Sunday, the 19th of July from 2-4 pm at the home of Harvey and Jacqueline Kurzfield. The festival is a long-standing tradition now with KK and it never fails to be a warm, congenial afternoon. Music, food for thought, and all A GATHERING OF KINDRED SPIRITS. Some of the people who attended the first meeting of the new book club hosted by Gloria Jacobson. From left to right are: Tony Patnick, Gloria Jacobson, types of literary presentations made up this Jacqueline Ricketts and Leslie Lipert. popular venue. 8 August 2009Kol Kehillat Kernow Notices and diary Joke: Watch

Mazel Tov: 8th Tishri. 10.30am, TBC that door! • To the Feldman family for Jemima Tamar’s Sept 27th: Eve of Yom Kippur. Kol Nidre. 9th baby blessing in April and to Adam for com­ Tishri. Services at Trelissick, Leslie Lipert pleting his first year at the U. of Exeter & 6.30pm Ezra, a wealthy American, retires to Cornwall Cambourne School of Mines with honours. Sept 28th: Yom Kippur. 10th Tishri. Services and buys a fabulous country home with over • To Bonnie Rockley for obtaining a grant for at Trelissick, 10.30 am to 7.30pm. 20 rooms. He brings in a local workman to Cheder Communal Breaking of Fast to fol­ decorate the place. When the job is finished • Welcome home Estelle Moses from the Pa­ low. Ezra is delighted but soon after realises that cific Northwest. Aloha Nui Loa. Oct 3rd: Pat. 1st Day of Sukkot. 15 Tishri. he’s forgotten something. There are no • To Harvey Kurzfield and his book soon to be 10.30am, TBC mezzuzot on the doors. published Oct 10th: Harvey/ Shemini Azeret. Yizkor. He immediately goes out and buys 20 kosher 22nd Tishri. 10.30am, TBC Kehillat Kernow mezuzot and asks the Get Well Soon: Oct 11th: Simhat Torah. 23rd Tishri. No serv­ decorator to place them on the right hand side • Brenda and Ron Mason ice scheduled. of each door except on the bathrooms. He’s • Joy Dunn Oct 24th: Louise. No’ah. 6th Hesvan. 10th worried that the decorator won’t put them up Anniversary Shabbat for Kehillat correctly. Many Thanks: Kernow, 10.30am, TBC However, the job is carried out entirely to his • Mrs Katherine Whayman of St Ives, 92 this Nov 7th: Pat. Vayera. 20th Heshvan. satisfaction and so he gives the decorator an month, for her donation of books for the 10.30am, TBC extra bonus. As the decorator is walking out of library. Nov 21st: Harvey. Hayyei Sarah. Shabbat Me­ the door he says “Glad you’re happy with the varekhim. 27th Heshvan. 10.30am, job mate. By the way, I took out all the Diary: TBC guarantees that were in those little boxes and th Dec 5th: Louise. Vayishlah. 19th Kislev. Aug 8 : Pat. Ekev. Av 18 10.30am, TBC left them on the table for you.” Aug 21st: First of Elul. Beginning of the Days 10.30am, TBC of Awe. Dec 11th: Erev Hanukkah. Lighting of the 1st Do you want a Mezzuzah? Aug 22nd: Harvey. Shofetim. 2 Elul. 10.30am, candles. TBC Dec 19th: Pat. Mikez. 8th Day of Hanukkah. Don’t forget we have our own Sept 5th: Louise. Ki Tavo. 16th Elul. Venue 2 Tevet. 10.30am, TBC Cornish Mezzuzot for sale! to be determined. No services at Case: £20, Scroll: £25 TBC. Contacts: th For details, please contact Leslie Lipert Sept 6 : Music Festival (European Day of Kol Kehillat Kernow editor: Pat Lipert, 01736 on 01736 762675. Jewish Heritage), Trelissick, 6- 762675 or [email protected]; Chair­ 9pm. man: Harvey Kurzfield, 01209 719672; Co- Sept 19th: 1st Day of Rosh Hashanah. 1st Chairman: Bonnie Rockley, 01209-714555; Sec­ Special Shabbos coming10 10 . Tishri, 5770 CE. Services at Trelis­ retary: Rachel Brown, 01872 862665; Treasurer: up on the 24 th October to sick, 10.30 am. Anne Hearle, 01736 731686.Registered Charity celebrate the 10th anniversary Sept 26th: Pat. Shabbat Shuvah. Ha’azinu. No 1090562. 10 of the establishment of Recipe: Easy Tomato Tarts Kehillat Kernow! Be there!

Melanie Feldman 1 packet ready pre­ pared puff pastry These went down so well at shul, and are so 1 jar pesto (I used easy to do, that they seem the obvious recipe red pesto with How to play: Complete the grid so the numbers to share. You can either cut them up into little sundried toma­ 1 to 9 appear only once in each row, each portions as I did or serve a single large circular to) column and 3×3 box. Don’t worry; no maths is or rectangular tart for a group. Slicing toma­ involved. Only logic is required to solve the toes, about 6- puzzle. Have fun! 10 IT’S MODERATELY HARD Grated cheese of your choice (a 81 3 sprinkling only, not too much) 3 29 7 Seasoning – pinch of salt, 95 ground white pepper, and sugar. Garnish – chopped basil or chives 7 6 Heat the oven to around 220°C. Roll out the pastry to ¼ inch thickness. Smear 26 89 the pesto over virtually to the edge. Scatter over the cheese. For lots of individual portions, 1 2 cut the pastry at this stage. Top up with one or two slices of tomato per portion for individual 96 portions, or arrange in an artistic (overlapping) 9 42 7 fashion for a single large tart. Sprinkle over the seasoning (the sugar is important and not to 7 36 QUICK, EASY, and DELISH! -No time? Company be left out). Bake for 10-15 mins and cool on a coming? Want a scrumptious pick-me-up? This wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms! Scatter over For the solution and more free puzzles, have a is perfect. the herbs once its all cool and eat up ASAP. look at the Sudoku website: sudokusolver.com.