1

NEWSLETTER OF THE \VORLDWIDE CONGREGATION CHARLAP/YAHYA

Vol. 12, No. 2 Sivan 5761; June 2001

FROM LOMZA, POLAND TO MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA On June 30, 1998, Rabbi Shlomo Rudzki (600,Pl.153) was honored for 60 years ofservice to the Melbourne Jewish community. The following are excerpts from the testimonial program. We thank Eliezer (797) and Esther Rudzki (796) Prisman for submitting the program. Esther is Reb Shlomo 's daughter.

Rabbi Shlomo arrived in Australia in 1938 from his home town of Lomza in Poland. Within a year he was appointed as Chief Minister of Beth David Hebrew Congregation in Carleton, better knO\m as "Stone's Shul." He was subsequently appointed as Principal of the Hascola Talmud Torah which he served with distinction for over 20 years. In 1961 he became Chief Minister of South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and served there for 28 years. While in this position, he devoted much time to the Melbourne Beth Din and to those proceedings brought a dimension of compassion that elevates him above the ordinary. Rabbi Rudzki was a founding member of the Mizrachi Movement and is also a long time member of B 'nai Brith. A staunch Zionist, he has worked for both the Jewish National Fund and the United Israel Appeal, with love. An author and scholar, he has enhanced the Melbourne Jewish community during his many decades of public involvement. From Lomza to Melbourne is a long way - in geographical distance, in social contrast and in all aspects of a Jewish community. Though the le-wish community of prewar Lomza only traced its continuous history to the period immediately following the 1815 Congress of Vienna, there had been Jews in the town as far back as the mid 1500s. Once their presence was authorized, the Jewish population increased to 737 in 1826; 2,574in1852; 9,244in1897; and 11,088 in 1915. In 1929 Jews comprised 70.8% of the total population. Educational institutions such as Talmud Torahs and cheders had already been established in Lomza during the 19th century. In 1883 Reb Eliezer Szuliawicz established the Lomza Yeshiva, which lives on today in Petah Til·-vah, Israel. The 19th century saw Jews as playing a major role in the economic life of the town and surrounding region. They O\\ned factories and served as leading wholesalers in the grain and timber trades. The majority of Jews gravitated towards small businesses in the various shtetls ofLomza Gubemiya. In 1921 there were 498 Jewish workshops in Lomza, 295 of them \\ith salaried employees. Jews were engaged in various crafts, but were forced to abandon these businesses by anti-Semitic measures enacted by the Polish government. The resulting economic crisis aggravated by anti-Jewish boycotts imposed by trade unions, political parties, and the church and increasing violence directed against them, greatly impoverished the Jews and many left Lornza. It was into this intensely Jewish atmosphere of Lornza that Shlomo Rudzki was born in June 1910 to wheel manufacturer Aaron Joseph and his wife Rachel (nee Fridshtein). There were six children in the family, five brothers and one sister. The major (continued on page 4) 4

LOMZA TO MELBOURNE (cont. from p.1) his mind that the storm clouds were gathering. Nevertheless he did not realize the finality of his departure. Most of his family factor in the children's lives was daily attendance at cheder. he would never see again. One brother succeeded in escaping Studies were mainly in Chumash, Mishna, and Gemara. A to Israel while another followed him to Australia. The woman would come three times a week to teach Polish and remainder of his family, including his parents, shared the fate basic arithmetic. The rest of the time was spent helping parents of Am Yisrael during the Holocaust. Rivka had one brother in as Aaron Joseph o\vned two shops and unpaid family help was America, but her mother and a brother stayed in Poland where an essential feature of the operation. The cycle of the Jewish they suffered martyrdom. calendar predominated over all else. Shlomo's mother would *************************************************** rise early on a Friday to bake challah for Shabbat; as early as FROM THE ZAMBROW YISKOR BOOK Hanukkah geese were set aside and fattened for the following Zambrow is located between Ciechanowiec and Lomza, Pesach. The rituals and practical constituents of the Jewish life halfway along the road from Czyzewo. Representatives of cycle were impressed upon the young people in a natural way several branches of our family lived there including: and became an integral part of their beings. Charlap, Kopyto, Lew, Mankuta. Pakcziarz. and Ser. At age 18 Shlomo enrolled in the Lomza Yeshiva. While it had an excellent reputation, after some time he sought It began about the year 1863, when the Lomza-Suwalk to expand his horizons \\ith study at a more distant yeshiva. branch of the Warsaw Kollel in Jerusalem disassociated itself Consideration was given to three of the great yeshiva from the organization to become a separate unit. The city of institutions: Radin (home of the famed Chofetz Chaim), Kletzk Zambrow was then chosen as the center, representative of both (associated with Rav Aharon Kotler), and Mir, the largest of Suwalk and Lomza provinces. The first President of the new the three and the one finally chosen. If Lomza and his parental organization was the former Rabbi of Zambrow, Reb Lippe home were the primary influences on Rabbi Rudzki, the other Chaim. Among his tasks was the management and supervision most important influence was the formative period spent at the of the charity funds contributed by the Jewish population of great institution of prewar Lithuania, the Mirer Yeshiva. The both provinces; to grant aid and comfort to those, mostly outstanding personality in Mir was the spiritual advisor Reb elderly, Jews who strove to live or die in Erctz Yisrael; to Y erucham Leibovitz. Shlomo Rudzki absorbed the very determine who amongst them is worthy and deserving of such essence of Mussar derech (modem study combined with aid Successor to the presidency was Reb Lippe Chaim's son­ traditional Orthodoxy) from his exposure to Reb Yerucham in-law, Yehoshua Heschel, Rabbi of Szczuczyn. The third and the other great scholars of Mir. After four years at that President was a grandson ofReb Lippe Chaim, also Rabbi of venerable institution, Shlomo returned to Lomza, where he was Szczuczyn. The last to preside over the charitable institution of ordained. the Suwalk-Lomza provinces was the distinguished Rabbi of Despite his religious standing, he was forced into Zambrow, Reb Dov Menachem Regensberg, another son-in­ compulsory military service and served with distinction. law of Reb Lippe Chaim. The head of the Lomza-Suwalk Follo\\ing his release from military duty he returned to his Kolle! in Jerusalem was Reb Moshe Charlap, who had been parents' home in Lomza. In 1935 he married Rivka bat Shepsel close with all who hailed from these provinces. It was the Pasternak (599), granddaughter of Baruch Pasternak (504) and exclusive authority and right of the Rabbi of Zambrow to Kayla Kur (503) ofNur. Rivka's cousin Frumke (564,Pl.156) approve, recommend, or deny the granting of aid from the married HaRav Aharon Zlotowitz (565). Rav Aharon's text charity funds to Zambrow landsmen living in Jerusalem. Shailot U'Teshuvot Nachalat Aharon includes a response to Rabbi Rudzki regarding utilization of electric lights on Shabbat Mexico was never known as a country of concentrated and festivals. mass irnrnigration of Jews. Yet, there is now (ca 1960) a Rising anti-Semitism in Poland prompted Shlomo and flourishing Jewish community, among them quite a number of Rivka to emigrate to Eretz Yisrael where he could join the former residents of Zambrow. The first from Zambrow to Lomza Yeshiva in Petah Tikvah. However, he was unable to irnrnigrate to Mexico was Abraham Zaltzman, who landed obtain a visa to the British Mandate, or to the USA or Canada. there approximately in 1927. Soon afterwards other Zambrow The young couple decided to leave for Australia. In July 1938 landsmen made their appearance in Mexico. But they Shlomo left for Danzig. There he boarded a boat that took him considered the new country only as a spring-board to reach the to England. After a brief stay in London with Dayan Yehezkiel United States. Gradually, though, a number of them settled Abramsk.·y, he embarked on an Orient Line steamer for the six there to stay. Zambrow families living in Mexico include: week journey to Melbourne. Rivka would follow him the next Golombek, Gorodzinsk.)', Zaltzberg, Lavsk)', Slovik, year. She arrived in Australia just seven weeks before Germany Pekarevitch, and Rothberg (Czerwonagura). They associate and invaded Poland bringing on World War IL meet from time to time, remembering with nostalgia the old As Shlomo Rudzki left Europe there was no doubt in times in their home tO\m of Zarnbrow. 5

CREATIVE ONSLAUGHT A SUPERB VIOLINIST

The following is drawn from an article by Meredith Born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1952, Yury Gezentsvey Broussard which originally appeared in an on-line (7 44 7,Pl.115) began his violin studies as a pupil of Prof. publication Philadelphia Citypaper.net. Aaron Levy Abram Stem, Concertmaster of the Kiev Opera Orchestra. (1350,Pl.l 20) is the originator of our family website Subsequently he pursued further studies at the Gniessin www.charlap.org. Aaron is in that branch ofthe family that Institute in Moscow under Prof. Peter Bondarenko. He is descended from Zebulon Ser (1285) and Chaya Kopyto graduated in 1974 with the multiple diploma in Solo (1286). Performance, Orchestra Soloist, Chamber Music, and Music Pedagogy. Yury began his professional career as a member When I first met Aaron Levy, chatting about John both of the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and the Kiev Chamber Cage, I was tempted to write him off as just another arty boy. Orchestra, and as Professor of Violin in both the Kiev Not so fast. Aaron Levy is no dilettante. He, s more like a Conservatory and the Kiev Music School - all concurrently. technology savvy Stephen Daedalus, and he's the head of one In April 1979, he emigrated from the USSR and of Philadelphia's freshest contemporary art initiatives, arrived in the United States in July of that year. By September, slought.net. Many of Slought's programs are held at Kelly as a result of competitive auditions, he was appointed Writer's House at the University of Pennsylvania, where Aaron Concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago with which he was a Junior Fellow upon graduation from the University in was featured as solo violinist. The Chicago Tribune reported 1999. Slought's a genre-blending, mind-bending whirl of that his playing was "equally animated and nicely intellectual activity that's bringing together writers and proportioned, and it soared serenely in the violinist's adroit thinkers from all over Philadelphia and the world. handling of the high-lying cantabile passages." As its name suggests, Slought includes a veritable In Feb. 1980, Yury was engaged as Concertmaster by onslaught of arts events. The site www.slought.net functions as the Philharmonic Orchestra of Caracas, Venezuela. As featured a metaphor, announcement list and umbrella organization for soloist he received consistent praise. One critic, describing his an arts community whose members are as far away as Japan. performance of Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen wrote, "The warm The various art initiatives include some created by Aaron and interpretation given by Gezentsvey, together with the others in which he is a participant. Current projects involve a excellence of his performance from a technical point of view, dialogue on experimental poetry and a release of electronic impressed the 2,000 persons congregated in the hall." music. Aaron's art is expressed primarily through photography. From 1980 to 1985 Yury formed a Chamber Ensemble He is meeting with potential investors with the aim of opening with renO\rned pianist Harriet Serr (1640). Of its first New a gallery. Meanwhile he's created an online version of the York recital in Sept. 1981, The New York Times stated, '"In gallery and launched it on his site. It features work by a number each case the performances were conscientious and of emerging photographers and digital artists. workmanlike. . .he invariably respected the score's poetic In his position at Kelly Writer's House Aaron was content and rarely failed to produce a sweet cultured tonal involved in community-building sessions among writers, be quality." Another recital brought this response from they UPenn undergrads, graduate students, alumni, publishing Venezuela's El Nacional, "He is a really special violinist. His industry professionals, or ordinary Philadelphians. These sound is different: the sweet tone cuts the air, turns around in meetings would unite practical knowledge and networking. For your soul, and those who want to cry may do it." struggling writers trying to get a book deal or break into In 1982 Yury was invited by Musica Antiqua to join publishing, the invitation to network with senior editors from them as Concertmaster. That same year he became Professor publishing houses or major magazines is indeed valuable. of Violin in the Emil Friedman Conservatory. In 1983 and Aaron's events at the Writer's House don't exclusively 1984 he was Chairman of the panel of judges of the National focus on the university community. They include a bewildering Conservatory of Music in Caracas. From 1981 to 19 85 he also array of free and open to the public performances. Given the was a member of the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra. prestige of the University and the Writer's House, the In April 1985 Yury became Principal Violinist and heavyweight academics and artists Aaron invites are unusually acting Concertmaster in the New Zealand S) mphony enthusiastic about cooperating with an initiative that's only a Orchestra. The following month Wellington's Evening Post year old. Slought audiences are composed of a diverse group of reported, " .. .Scheherazade with some attractive solo work, artists, students, and interested intelligentsia who go to hear especially from Concertmaster Yury Gezentsvey, who had the philosophers the way others might go to a rock club. Aaron important linking violin solo. It was superb playing." Another sums it all up this way, "We're trying to conceptualize in a way critic addressed Yury, "Your playing last night was absolutely people might not have embraced or approached otherwise, be superb." Joan Sutherland expressed her "appreciation and it theoretical, political, social, or whatnot." admiration" for Y ury' s playing. 6

BIRTHS Rabbi Reuven (4 739,Pl.325) and Shoshana ( 15504) Elitzur.

Shmuel Guttentag (16987,Pl.326) was born in Israel on Oct. Sarah Schwartz (15542,Pl.327) was wed to Elazar Gross 6, 2000. Shmuel is the first child for David (15524) and Chaya (16990) in Israel after Pesach of this year. Elazar is the son of (15527) and the fifth grandchild of Nachum (15514) and Rabbi Reuven Gross. Sarah is a sister of Moshe Schwartz (see Dvora Elitzur (15507) Guttentag. He is the 14th great­ above). grandchild of Rabbi Reuven (4739,Pl.325) and Shoshana ***************************************************** (15504) Elitzur. Reuven's mother was Shoshana Charlap OBITUARIES Weissfish (4702). Arnold Lapin (15250,Pl.321) died on May 9. He was born on Daniel Leshem (16968,Pl.39) was born in Israel on April 2, Feb. 6, 1929 in Chicago. In 1951 he married Ruth 2000. He is the second child of Roie (11186) and Hadar Sokol(l525 l). He is survived by his wife, his son Marc (11183) and fourth grandchild of the late Mordecai Zaretsk-y (15253) of San Bernadina, California, daughter Valerie Ganley (l 1179) and Roni Charlap (9894). Roni is the granddaughter (15254) of San Francisco, and five grandchildren. of Ephraim Zvi Charlap (3228). Maurice Harold (Moshe Chaim) Lappin (14694,Pl.3 l l ), Ruth Shapiro (16988,Pl.325) was born in Israel on Dec. 3, known as Mike, died on April 28. He was born in Liverpool, 2000. She is the seventh child of Shaul Yehezkiel (15520) and U.K. on Aug. 22, 1915. His parents were second cousins, Chana (15513). Chana's parents Rabbi Reuven (4739,Pl.325) Bernard Lappin (145 78) and Sally Lapin ( 14569). Louise and Shoshana (15504) Elitzur now have 60 grandchildren. Lapin Haines (14637,Pl.313) \\'Tites that "is a tradition of nearly 4,000 years since our patriarch Abraham married his Adam Moishe Shut (16957,Pl.305) was born in Sydney, cousin Sarah. It seems as though this commingling of genes has Australia on March 1, 2001. Adam is the second child of produced a nation of great intellect and talent. Maurice was a Daniel (16244) and Michele (16243) and the second talented and d~namic actor in movie roles and on stage and grandchild of Lionel (14737) and Pearl (16242) Robinson. television. He truly reveled in Shakespearean drama. He had Adam is descended from Moshe Shefte! Lapin (14422) and great charisma. His children were Louis Scott ( 14696) and \\ife Henia chana Lappin (14428). Patricia (14697) and grandson Jonathan (14698). His casket was draped in the American flag, our country's salute to an Elchanon (16985,Pl.326) and Yosef (16986) Tsheingel were Army Air Force veteran of the Pacific Theatre of World War born in Israel on July 13, 2000, the first two children of II. The Masonic Lodge performed a ritual as he was a 32nd Shimon (15525) and Hesia (15521). The t'.\ins are degree Mason, Scottish Rite, and provided an easel with the grandchildren of Nachum (15514) and Dvora (15507) Masonic symbol in flowers. Rabbi Sobel conducted the service Guttentag. See first birth announcement for other details. and a second rabbi and friend delivered a eulogy, as did actress Diana Darrin and his son Louis ... our genealogy indicates we Shai Yeger (16967,Pl.26) was born in Israel on Oct. 2, 2000, are descended from the Exilarchs and back to King Solomon the first child of Aryeh (11133) and Roni (l 1130) and second and King David. Therefore, as a direct descendant of these grandchild of Nahum (11128) and Nira (9897) Granot. Shai's kings, it seems apropos to refer to Maurice Lappin as a sweet great-great-grandfather was Ephraim Zvi Charlap (3228). prince. 'Good night sweet prince, for parting is such sweet ***************************************************** sorrow."' MARRIAGES Sidney Abraham (Avraham Zelig) Liben (1431,Pl.123) died Alan Sear (1322,Pl.126) was married to Anna Shevchenko on April 6. An accountant, he was born on Sept. 14, 1919. In Korshunova (16956) on April 5, 2000. Anna was born in 1952 he married Judith Dickstein (1430), granddaughter of Chelyabinsk, Russia and is a speech therapist and computer Harry Sir (1405) who was born in Nur, Poland. Sid is survived programmer. Alan is Professor of Public Health at Florida by his wife, son Eric, a physician in Connecticut, and two State University. He is the grandson of Samuel Sir ( 1298) and grandchildren. Rachel Tracz ( 1302) who were born in Zareby Koscielnie, ************************************************* Poland and settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee. NOTICE: Louise Lapin Haines (14637,Pl.313) is a proponent of family solidarity and has worked diligently in researching Moshe Schwartz (15540,Pl.327) was wed to Esther Isaacs our history. A regular communicant with relatives throughout (16989) in Israel on March 18, 2001. The bride is the daughter the world, she requested that her new e-mail address be of Rav Daniel Nahum Isaacs. Moshe's parents are Rabbi Dov published in B 'rayshit. So here it is: (15515) and Pua (15508) Schwartz. His grandparents are [email protected] 7

CALL FOR HELP wealth. Many have riches but miss happiness because they are always keeping up \\ith others. Of course, as the children grow We in this princely family descended from the great and become of marriageable age there are necessities. They Charlap and Y ahya personalities are justifiably proud of the have the bare minimum and when it comes to setting up their many accomplishments of our relatives. We have attained own home the basics like pots, pans, cutlery, and dishes seem prominence in many fields and in the process have been like luxuries to them. They don't ask for anything because they rewarded \\ith material comfort and wealth. But there are some know their parents' economic predicament. So what does this deserving relatives who have not been as fortunate. We know family do? They go deeper and deeper into debt. And it is easy of several \vho live close to poverty and yet continue to lead for them to get loans. They are of the highest integrity and dignified lives dedicated to Israel, our traditions, and our always meet the payments even if it means going with still less. people. One large family, in particular, needs our help. They And then there is the problem of health care. Need I say more? are near desperation but would never ask for help. We believe With poverty looming and \\ith so many mouths to feed, there it would be a mitzvah if someone or more could help these is nothing left for proper health care. When problems strike, wonderful people. We give so much to anonymous charities they get rudimentary help from the clinic but it is not the type where some of the contributions go to administrative expense. of care we want for ourselves. Despite it all, this family Here, we have an opportunity to help our own flesh and blood, continues to be model citizens and is beloved by their with every dollar going directly for this purpose. neighbors." \Ve are speaking about a family in Israel. They have The above description is of an extended Charlap been there for several generations and have contributed family numbering dozens. Surely there are some among us who enormously to the physical and spiritual well-being of the can help. Anything will be appreciated. Perhaps you can give nation. We received correspondence describing the kind of life some financial aid. Perhaps you can send over some clothes, they lead. "It is a family of several generations. They are furnishings, bedding, towels, any of the necessities of life. Then engaged in education and social welfare. They maintain the there are the luxuries - yes luxuries such as books, especially traditions and there are some rabbis and scholars in the family. religious texts such as siddurim, Torah, Tanach, etc. This Believing that children represent the future of the Jewish family is deeply in need and they don't know we are asking for nation, they have large families. You must come and see with this help. If they do receive any sustenance it will be like a gift your O\\TI eyes the happiness and good heart of the parents of from Heaven. You can help by contacting us through our these children. They give an enormous amount of attention and website or at kdpmai@,yahoo.com or at: so much love to each and every one. At the same time, the P.O. Box 108 children are trained to be good citizens. The mother sews the Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 clothes for the entire family. She accepts castoffs and old Tel: (631)754-1742 clothes and salvages what she can, creatively sewing parts ***************************************************** together to fashion new garments. So each child has something to wear and the clothes get passed down from older to younger. ORIGINS OF THE YAHYA NAME You must see their home with your own eyes. It is tiny for such a large family, but is spotlessly clean. A room which can barely This column continues a list of various individuals in the hold three beds, has three levels of bunks like on a ship. The Yahya family that began in B 'rayshit (vol. 10, no. 4 and children climb happily up to their assigned bunk. You should subsequent issues). The list was compiled from descriptions by see the joy on the faces of these children. They are full of life Abraham I. Laredo in Les Noms Des Juifs Du Maroc. Laredo and vitality despite their lack of material comfort. They learn points out that relatives from this family used many variations to share everything with their brothers and sisters. Including of the name, some that were phonetically quite distant from the food which is expensive for such a large group. Yet there is original. Note that we concluded the last issue \Vith those who never any complaining. Indeed, the children are taught that they used Benhayon as the family name. are fortunate and should help those who have less than they. It is amazing to see these little ones hurrying around the Ohavon. Ouhayon neighborhood to do mitzvot, helping out wherever they can. A The Hayon name seems an augmentative form of the sick child needs help with his schoolwork; one of them is there. Hebraic name for life or living, in the sense of ''so alive." A pregnant woman needs help carrying bundles; one of them Preceded by the Berber Ou or 0, the name means "son of the is there. A poor family lacks food; one of them is there to share living" or "son of life", the equivalent of Ben Chaim or Ibn what little he has. It is heart-rending and heart-warming at the Yahya. same time. Yes, these are special children. They are being well­ 128. Shalom Bar Mokhluf Ben Ohayon: He and his educated and trained by their parents and instilled with a sense descendants were a prominent family from the 1st through 8th of self-worth. This encourages them to never be jealous of (cont. on p. 8) 8

ORIGINS OF YAHYA (cont.) 144. Salomon hen Avraham Ibn Yaish: Rabbi and physician, died in Seville, 1345. Author of several works on science and centuries, as determined from tomb inscriptions in the ancient medicine. His tombstone is in the archaeological museum in cemetery of Oufran. Seville. 129. ltzhak Ohayon: Famous miracle rabbi in Portugal ca 145. Salomon ben Yaish el Joven: Resident of Guadalajara. 1497. Author of a commentary on Ibn Ezra's Torah commentaries. 130. Shmuel hen Avraham Ben Ohayon: Rabbi in Taza, 18th 146. Don Cag Abenaix: Senior tax collector of Queen Dona century. Maria of Castile in 14th century. 131. Mokhluf Ohayon: Noted rabbi in Safi, 18th-19th cent. 14 7. Y osef Ibn Alaish: Grand Rabbi of Alkali, 14th cent. 132. Yaacov Ohayon: Rabbi in Marakech, died in 1838. 148 and 149. Avraham Avinyesh and Naamen Benayg: 133. Yaacov Ohayon: Kabbalistic rabbi, originally from Amongst the leaders of the Aljama ofLerida. Names are on a Mogador, died in T angiers in 19th cent. Great-grandfather of contract concerning imported \\mes and sealed by King Don Abraham Laredo. Pedro IV in Valencia, Sept. 16, 1353. 134. Mussa ben Da\~d Ohayon: Rabbi and judge in Marakech, 150. Mair Abenien: Appears in the 1377 accounts of Ferrand died in 181 7. Garcia, Tax Collector of Seville. 135. Yosefben Mordecai Ohayon: Moroccan rabbi; author of 151. Don Culema Abenaex: Inhabitant of Avila; farmer and Sefer Abachat Rachel: Commentaries on the Midrashim, the principal tax collector of the saltworks of Atienza in 1439. Agadot, and Tanach (Casablanca, 5708). 152. Don Yuce Abenaex: Of Cordoba; in 1488 farmer of the 136. Shalom Ohayon: President of the Jewish community of "Moneda Forera" and of "Alcavala" of Alcantara, of Villena, Demnat in 1952. and of Requena. 137. Mimon Ohayon: Rabbi in Rabat in 1951. 153. Baruch hen Yitzhak Ibn Yaish: Philosopher and translator of Spanish in Italy in 15th cent. Author of Biur la-Sammim ha­ Ben Yaish (Beliash. Beniesh. Ben Yesh, Bennaish) Ibriyim, a commentary on Avicenna. At the demand of Samuel An Arabic name related to life, the equivalent of Ben Chaim or Zarfati, he translated from Latin the Metaphysics of Aristotle lbn Y ahya. Ben Yaish was the name used by the prominent under the title Ma She-Ahar ha-Teba. 12th century Portuguese family which became Ibn Y ahya. The 154. Baruch ben Yitzhak Ibn Yaish: Rabbi in Cordoba in 15th written form of the name in ancient Spanish documents also cent. Author of Meqor Baruch, commentaries on Psalms, appears as: Abingais, Ibn Yaish, Alaish, A vinayes, Ibn Alaish, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Job (Constantinople, 1576). Abenayes, Abenaix, Aben Jaes, Abenayex, Aben Ayish, 155. Avraham Ibn Yaish: Rabbi and physician in Abeniex, Abenaex, and Belais. Constantinople, 16th-17th cent. 156. Don Salomon Aben Ayish: (1520-1603); Portuguese 138. Don Yahya Ibn Yaich: 12th cent., Lisbon, Portugal. [see marrano under the name of Alvaro Mendes. He emigrated to Ancilla To Toledot Charlap, 77, p.9]. Constantinople where he publicly returned to Judaism. He 139. Mosse Abingahis: Was the object of an act by King Don succeeded Joseph Nass, Duke of N axos as Chief of State and Alfonso of Aragon dated April 19, 1283, Saragossa. was a great influence next to the "Sublime Fortress." He 140. David hen Avraham Ibn Yaish: Representative of the distinguished himself in international diplomacy and was one Aljama of Seville in 13th century. of the major instigators of the Anglo-Turkish alliance against 141. Don Cag (Yitzhak) Abenays: Almojarife of King Don Spain. Queen Elizabeth of England knighted him in Fernando IV; the only authority to judge and receive the recompense for his eminent service. The Sultan made him income of the throne and the King's mother, in the domains of Duke ofMytilene. He used his influence and his means to come Murcia; this authority delineated in a royal letter of March 4, to the aid of the Jewish community in Tiberius. 1307. 157. Samuel Beliash: Ambassador of Morocco in 1608 to 142. David ben Rabbi Avraham Aben Jaes: Rabbi of Toledo. Maurice of Nassau, Governor General of the Netherlands to Figured in the proceedings of 1313 against Shmuel hen Meir whom he delivered letters of credit from the Sultan of Morocco Halevi, who was accused of witholding the child care taxes of Moulay Zaidan attesting that Beliash was "our Sublime's the community. · Royal Minister." 143. Don Shmuel Abenyex: Son of Don David Abenyex and of 158 and 159. Yorn Tov Ben Yaish and his brother Yehoceph: Dona Clara, his wife, daughter of Don Salami Abenyex. Rabbis, sons of Avraham, and founder of a Talmudic academy Physician and member of the Aljama of Seville; sales in Constantinople, circa 1600. representative of diverse properties to Don Juan Alfonso of 160. Yisrael Ben Yaish: Prominent among the managers of the Albuquerque; "Arn e mayordomo major of the infant Don community in 18th century Jerusalem. Pedro and mayordomo to the Queen," following an act dated 161. Mordecai Ben Yaish: Rabbi in Jerusalem, 18th cent. June 6, 1344, Seville. **************************************************** 9

A MANCHESTER ISRAELI SONG OF A PALESTINIAN Jn the vol. 12, no. 1 issue ofB 'rayshit an article appeared on Beryl Cohen (4672,Pl.233) is the granddaughter of Velvel the proper use ofthe term "Palestinian. "A 19-18 poem, from Greenfield ( 4218) and great-granddaughter of Pesach an ad in the New York newspaper PM by Ben Hecht was Smolarczyk (2724). This commentary was recorded in mentioned in the article. Many readers have asked about this Borough Park. Brooklyn. New York on May 11, 1997. poem which expresses the anger and desperation ofHebrew soldiers in embattled Palestine and in holy Jernsalem, faced I was born in Hanley in Northern England. My parents with overwhelming odds while help is slow to arrive. were observant Jews and when the community began to dwindle they decided to move to Manchester which had a The strong of my tribe are flung vibrant Jewish community. I attended what might be Over all the face of the earth considered a finishing school. However, it was not parochial And they hymn in an alien tongue although about 90% of the students were Jewish. We wore The alien lands of their birth uniforms and were not allowed to appear without gloves which were regarded as necessary for a lady's attire. I had a very solid The strong of my tribe have fled Je\\ish upbringing. We were Shomer Shabbos and considered From the ancient tribal gate Judaism as central to our lives. My father was an optician and And their valorous blood runs red a very learned religious man. When not working, he was always In defense of their host's estate studying. With his time consumed in scholarship, he had few leisure hours for organizational work and did not get involved Oh high in the councils they are, in Zionist politics. But from the earliest years I had a Zionist Rich and fearless and strong fervor and longed to live in Eretz Yisrael. My mother kept a In all the lands that are far kosher home and was religious in the highest sense. She had a From the land in which they belong strong family commitment and cared for her parents and in­ laws in their old age. She inherited that from my grandmother And now that my tribe was slain Rasha ( 4219), who was the heart of the Jewish community. And its remnant stands once more Grandmother would sew burial shrouds, entertained the On its ancient tribal plain shochet when he was in our area, and participated actively in And lifts its standard of war the community. My grandfather was a successful tailor and well off financially. He was also very religious but had his Calling its heroes to come lapses when it came to money and he lost much of what he Begging its strong ones to aid - earned. There is an interesting tale of the early years of their Its strong ones and heroes are dumb marriage. They were childless for many years. After 8 years, Its mighty and rich are afraid Rasha's friend came to the house with her baby. Rasha played with the child, kissed it, and lavished attention on the tot. That High in the councils they stay night at 3 a.m. there was furious banging on my grandparents' Of lands that betray their o\\n door. Her friend and a crowd of people were screaming that she Mighty - but far away was a childless witch who had cast an evil eye on the child. From their tribal flesh and bone Apparently the baby had come down with a childhood disease and was covered with red spots. Everyone agreed that The strong of my tribe are proud Grandmother should be brought before the Bet Din of In their alien uniforms Manchester. The rabbis decreed the proof that my grandmother And their voices are fierce and loud meant no harm would be if she herself became pregnant. In the In a thousand alien storms 9th year of their marriage, Rasha gave birth to her first child. About 15 years ago my Zionist dreams were realized Bravely in battle they die when we made aliyah. My son Warren (4674) had studied at For battle cries far and wide the Beth El Yeshiva in Samaria and we decided to join him in But the flag of their tribe raised high Israel. Warren met his spouse in Jerusalem and they continue Brings none of the strong to its side to be observant Jews, as does my daughter Yael (4676) and her husband. My other son Robert (4675) is a captain in the army. The strong of my tribe are brave [ed. Major Robert Cohen is now engaged and Warren and Yael All causes have known them thus have given Beryl and her husband David ( 4673) five Covered with honors all - save grandchildren. That their strength is not for us. 10

THE BOOK OF DESTINY & ANCILLA TO TOLEDOT CHARLAP

ANCILLA TO TOLEDOT CHARLAP continues the stoi;.· that is told in THE BOOK OF DESTINY. But in the new rnlume \Ve have 337 charts shO\\iog eve!)' branch of the family, evei;.· knO\m member of the family, and their exact relationships. It also e:...."Pands on the historical documentation of the relationship of the Charlap family to that of King David. New details of the Ibo Yahya f arnily and the Lapin and Grapa branches are presented for the first time. And the ancient family crest, recently discovered in a medieval Portuguese document, has been recreated and is included. ANCILLA TO TOLEDOT CHARLAP is still available in limited quantities. After the fust printing is distributed there is no guarantee that the book \\ill be reproduced. It is strongly suggested that you fill out the accompanying order form and submit it now. A form is also included should you want to order THE BOOK OF DESTINY: TOLEDOT CHARLAP. "Arthur Menton is doing on a family level what I attempted in my book A History of the Jews. He is personalizing our story and. in so doing, is giving a very human perspective to our people's history. " - Abram Leon Sachar ··1 have been ordering copies as gifisfor friends and as Bar Mitzvah presents. I can think ofno present more appropriate than a gift ofone ·s heritage. And everyone tells me how much they appreciate this beautiful book." - Tillie Sier "A magnificent achievement . .. a testament to the immortality of our people. " - Irving Greenberg *********************************************************************************************************** Please send __ copies of THE BOOK OF DESTINY at the Please send __ copies of A.t~CILLA TO TOLEDOT special rate of $49.99 ($74.99 list price) plus $5.00 ($7.00 CHARLAP at the special rate of $49.99 ($74.99 list price) foreign) shipping and handling. plus $5.00 ($7.00 foreign) shipping and handling.

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