18 JT 23 July 2015 NEWS The future pays homage to the past

„ Elyokim Feder taking into consideration both the local environment IMAGINE a home built not and the needs of the Jewish only to the “ E co” specifications family. An ample kitchen with of modern environmental a BSD ‘Sukkah-roof’ covering regulations but also with the the eating area, can be requirements of the Orthodox opened into the living room Jewish family, both present and dining room to create one and anticipated. Multiply by large open-plan room when twelve – and you are looking necessary. The kitchen looks at Adler Close, the location out into a grassed garden with of Gateshead kehilla’s newest a shed. A water-butt collects neighbourhood, into which rainwater for watering the the first families have now garden and other household relocated. uses. Named as a tribute to the Uniquely, the houses have memory of Reb Eliezer Adler, been fitted with a modern heat credited as the founder of recovery system, whereby the the organised kehilla of the extractor fan removes warm Chevra Shomrei Shabbos of air from rooms such as the Gateshead-on-Tyne back in kitchen and bathroom, filters 1887, the development of this it in a special unit located in Housing Association estate the boarded out loft space, managed by ‘Adler Housing’, then sends it back through the has been previously reported vent system to help achieve by the Jewish Tribune. It the pre-programmed room is interesting to note that temperatures. Alongside the Elysium Lane, off which existing boiler system and houses – even the doorbell small lift could be attached as safe as possible. Adler Close has been built, excellent insulation, this has a switch to disable it which could carry a person Feedback from the residents was once home to the Adler greatly reduces the utility before Shabbos and an from the ground floor to of Adler Close has been family, possibly even on the costs of running the house. extended hallway allows for the upper storey, as well as excellent. It is envisioned that very spot now occupied by the Much thought has clearly comfortable buggy space. A wiring for a stair-lift. ‘Secure the remaining units available twelve three-storey houses. been put into the layout and hidden hoist mechanism is by Design’ features are in at the development will be The houses have been built other design features of the already in place whereby a place to ensure the homes are occupied very soon. Netzach joins Federation for frum communities in this who has been a member of country.” the shul since 2008, said: “In Netzach will now be able to the Federation, we have found access the wide range of central an organisation that shares services offered by the Federation our hashkofos and our view of to its member shuls. These authentic Orthodox Yiddishkeit. will include the new cemetery We are delighted to be nailing the in Edgwarebury Lane, due to KNY flag to the Federation mast be consecrated in 2016. The and look forward to a long and Federation itself is going through a successful relationship as part of an period of expansion and is in talks expanding vibrant organisation.” with several more communities in Rabbi Dovid Roberts concluded: growth communities like Edgware “I am delighted that we are joining and Manchester. The organisation the Federation at this exciting also recently launched a popular time and am confident that this shaila service, Ask the Federation, move will enhance our ability which is available to the entire to continue providing a quality community and has received kehillah experience for growing nearly 500 shailos since it began a families. I hope that we will, in little over a month ago. turn, be able to contribute to the Kehillas Netzach Yisroel renaissance of this professionally Chairman Mr Mark Hamburger, run, frum organisation.”

From l-r Rabbi Avi Lazarus, Mr Mark Hamburger, Rabbi Dovid Roberts and Mr Andrew Cohen

„ Libby Hart CORRECTIONS now has functioned as a fully organisation’s rabbinic liaison for ONE of Edgware’s many independent shul with busy daily the area. MR Jonathan Arkush the Board rather than risk thriving minyonim is joining the minyonim and popular davening The Federation’s President has asked us to correct a duplication.” Federation. Members of Kehillas on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Mr Andrew Cohen said: “The statement from him which was Netzach Yisroel approved the However, the shul has never had members of Netzach have misquoted in last week’s issue. *** move at their AGM last Sunday, a permanent home and currently demonstrated the formula We published the following: In our parsha column becoming a constituent member. operates out of Tashbar School for a successful community “Instead of the JLC planning last week by Rabbi Shimon It marks the first time it has joined on Shabbos and the Machzikei - the vibrancy that permeates to spend £500,000 a year Mordechai Cohen, he quoted a national synagogal body in its Hadass during the week. their wide range of activities appointing more highly paid a story, slightly abridged- by 16-year history. Netzach is renowned for encourages all ages to participate. executives, it should give the Rav Dwek, which was actually Netzach Yisroel began life as a its friendly and welcoming The leadership of Rabbi Roberts, money to Jewish organisations included with permission from Seed Shabbos morning minyan atmosphere, and in addition his engaging personality and his who are suffering from the publisher Artscroll. in 1999, and was led initially by to its minyonim, it offers a inspiring shiurim attract those Government cutbacks.” The book in question was Rabbi Yisroel Roll. Gateshead- dynamic programme of regular searching for guidance and thirst What he actually said was: Stories of Spirit and Faith born Rabbi Dovid Roberts took events, shiurim and learning for Torah. We are delighted to “If the JLC have such generous by Rabbi David Sutton. We over in 2001, and from an initial programmes. The kehillah is welcome such a kehillah who resources, let them be directed apologize for not mentioning core of 15 families, it grew to a also the base of the Ezra Youth will only enhance the Federation to the organisations already the name of the book and the thriving and motivated kehilla Movement in Edgware, with and contribute to our vision carrying out the work like publisher. with some 100 families that until Rabbi Roberts serving as the of providing the natural home NEWS 7 Av 5775 // July 23, 2015 Community 39 UOHC Election of Honorary Officers

The first meeting of the new Union Executive was held last Sunday when elections Education: Mr. Yiddel Baumgarten for new Honorary Officers were held. The results of the elections are as follows: External Affairs: Rabbi Avrohom Pinter Kedassia: Mr. Shlome Sinitsky Honorary Officers Housing: Mr. Aaron Goldman President: Rabbi Dovid Frand Publications and PR: Mr. Michoel Lobenstein Vice Presidents: Mr. Benzion Freshwater and Mr. Michoel Lobenstein Simchas Nissuin: Mr. Pinchos Moshe Grossnass Treasurers: Mr. Shlome Sinitsky and Mr. Shia Neumann Road Safety: Mr. Benzion Hackner Hon Secretaries: Mr. Yiddel Feldman and Mr. Avigdor Winegarten N.W. London Com: Dr. Perets Mett Mikvaos: Mr. Michoel Just, Mr. Shlomo Just Sub-Committee Chairmen Social Services: Mr. Michoel Posen Internal Affairs: Mr. Sender Heilpern Beis Brucha: Mr. Dovid Lobenstein All 115 members of the UOHC were given the opportunity at the last council meeting Complaints: Mr. Moishe Tuvia Bibelman to choose which of the sub-committees they would like to join.

Kehillas Netzach Yisroel Joins the Federation

Kehillas Netzach Yisroel in Edgware welcome this kehillah, which will only announced this week it will be joining enhance the Federation and contribute to the Federation as a constituent member, our vision of providing the natural home thus affiliating itself with a national for frum communities in this country.” synagogue body for the first time in its Kehillas Netzach Yisroel Chairman 16-year history. The move was approved Mr. Mark Hamburger, who has been a at the shul’s AGM on Sunday, following member of the shul since 2008, said, their presentation to the Federation’s “In the Federation, we have found an Council and acceptance of the shul into organisation that shares our hashkafos its ranks earlier in the month. and our view of authentic Orthodox Netzach Yisroel was first established Yiddishkeit. We are delighted to be as a SEED Shabbos morning minyan nailing the KNY flag to the Federation in 1999, and was led initially by Rabbi mast, and look forward to a long and Yisroel Roll, with the current Rabbi, (L to R) Federation CEO Rabbi Avi Lazarus; Mark Hamburger, chairman of Kehillas Netzach Yisroel successful relationship as part of an Gateshead-born Rabbi Dovid Roberts, which has just joined the Federation; Rabbi Dovid Roberts, Rav of Netzach Yisroel and Federation expanding vibrant organization.” taking over in 2001. From an initial President Andrew Cohen. Rabbi Dovid Roberts concluded, “I core of 15 families, it grew to a thriving am delighted that we are joining the and motivated kehillah with some 100 Federation at this exciting time and am families. Until now it has functioned as learning programs. The kehillah is also personality and his inspiring shiurim confident that this move will enhance our a fully independent shul with busy daily the base of the Ezra Youth Movement in attract those searching for guidance ability to continue providing a quality minyanim and popular davening on Edgware, with Rabbi Roberts serving as and thirst for Torah. We are delighted to kehillah experience for growing families.” Shabbos and Yom Tov. However, the shul the organisation’s Rabbinic liaison for has never had a permanent home and the area. currently operates out of Tashbar School Federation President Mr. Andrew on Shabbos and the Machzikei Hadass Cohen said, “The members of Netzach shtiebel premises during the week. have demonstrated the formula for a Netzach is renowned for its friendly successful community – the vibrancy that and welcoming atmosphere, and in permeates their wide range of activities addition to its minyanim offers a dynamic encourages all ages to participate. The program of regular events, shiurim and leadership of Rabbi Roberts, his engaging

Rabbi Benzion Rakow, zt”l

Continued from page 33 Eretz Yisrael. Eventually, he chose to enter chinuch and went to the Rosh Yeshivah for for every talmid and for every person in his agreement. When the man reminded need. He was able to assess the hidden Rav Rakow of his statement that he would abilities dormant inside a talmid, and become a Rosh Yeshivah, Reb Benzion instinctively know how to bring out that laughed out loud. “I needed to encourage strength. A fifteen-year-old boy who did you with such a high aim,” he explained, not seem to have the ability to learn was on “Believe me, if I would have suggested the point of taking up menial employment that you become a melamed, you would in the manufacturing trade. Fortunately, not have even become a dustman!” Today, he was recommended to go to Yeshivas the yungerman is a greatly respected and Chayei Olom. On arrival in London, he was experienced mechanech, who benefitted interviewed by the Rosh Yeshivah. from the far-sighted wisdom of the Rosh Rav Rakow looked piercingly at the boy Yeshivah. and exclaimed, “You are definitely going The talmidim of the yeshivah were to become a Rosh Yeshivah!” Ignoring always lifelong talmidim. As one talmid the protestations of the boy, the Rosh explained, “It was not possible for you to Yeshivah proceeded to argue persuasively learn in Yeshivas Chayei Olom and not to with the boy for an hour and a half, until feel that you belonged to the Rosh Yeshivah!” the boy himself was convinced. Later, the This was the legacy of Rav Benzion Rakow. boy was surprised at his own abilities at He cared for Klal Yisrael in a manner that learning a blatt Gemara by himself and personally affected every individual who went to tell Rav Rakow. But the Rosh was connected with him, whether it was Yeshivah was unrelenting and told him, in the yeshivah, in Heichal Hatorah, or as “If you would know your true abilities you a casual acquaintance. Every person was a would be ashamed to tell me such a limited unique individual to him who had a unique achievement!” potential. In an emotional tribute to the When he returned home, the parents memory of his rebbi, a talmid admits that of the boy were no less amazed at his he cannot let go of the memories that still newfound determination. In fact, following persist after 30 years. “I can’t let go of his three and a half years of intensive learning memory — because he never let go of me!” in the yeshivah he graduated to learn in Yehi zichro baruch! THE JEWISH CHRONICLE 24 JULY 2015 thejc.com COMMUNITY 19

PHOTO: BARBARA SHERLING Little Bicks gets bigger

By JAY GRENBY

V Little Bicks will be running a fourth London area nursery from September, having taken over the premises of the nursery at Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue. The group — already oper- ating in Borehamwood, Mill Hill and Ilford — is promising reduced prices and a lower starting age of 18 months. There will also be extended hours. All the staff from the former Stan- The Israel more nursery, Little Gems, are being embassy’s Rony retained. “In fact,” said Stanmore Syna- Yedidia-Clein gogue’s Jo Briggs, “it will be very much with James business as usual, but better, as the Miller at the new nursery will reap the benefits of botanical being part of a larger group.” gardens display Little Bicks owner Rivka Bicks said “parents need affordable childcare that they can mix and match to meet their needs. We also provide a caring environment enriched with Judaism Ivy House regulars bemoan closure and excellent secular education.”

By Josh Jackman grounds at the Sternberg, but nothing “It’s a great shame they’re closing than JW3. I doubt the atmosphere will Joining the Fed like this. it down,” he said, “a great pity. I’m not be the same there.” V It is a week until the London Jew- “The people here are always warm. sure I’ll go with this class to the Stern- Volunteer photographer Adrian Dell, V Kehillas Netzach Yisroel in Edg- ish Cultural Centre closes its doors at They always say: ‘Where have you berg Centre. I am very sad to see Ivy who covered many of the LJCC’s celeb- ware is to join the Federation of Syna- Ivy House in Golders Green following been? I didn’t see you last week.’ And House close. I think it’s a big mistake.” rity events, believed that some regulars gogues as a constituent member after the merger with JW3, where some of there is the lovely café, so intimate and His favourite Ivy House memory would find the transition to JW3 difficult. 16 years as an independent congrega- its activities have transferred. And personal.” was giving a talk on his career in the “I think people are trying to embrace tion. regulars enjoying the final classes at ‘It’s very The café, where main hall in 2013. “It was completely it, but part of the problem is that it’s Established as a Seed Shabbat morn- Ivy House — and the farewell photo- sad that many locals popped packed,” he recalled. an unfriendly kind of building. It’s big, ing minyan in 1999, Netzach Yisroel graphic exhibition from the Friends it’s closing. in for a light lunch Working on her watercolour, June glass-walled, without much character.” has grown from 15 families to 100. of Jerusalem Botanical Gardens — are We’re all and a social, has Grossman, from Cricklewood, said she A sale has been agreed for Ivy House, Gateshead-born Rabbi Dovid Rob- already experiencing a sense of loss. very upset’ served its last meal. had sold a painting through one of the which was on the market for £6.25 mil- erts has been its spiritual leader since Linda Samuels has taught an art Among students at Ivy House exhibitions. lion. It will become a school. 2001. class for nine years which will continue her final class was Edgware resident “I’ve always found the staff helpful. Over in Finchley Road, a JW3 spokes- Netzach Yisroel chair Mark Ham- under her leadership at the Sternberg Walter Schneiderman, 92, whose own People know you around here. It’s a person pointed out that “virtually all burger said that “in the Federation, we Centre in Finchley. But she says it will artistic background was as a make-up family atmosphere. It’s really sad that LJCC events are already taking place at have found an organisation that shares not be the same. supervisor on movies including Fiddler it’s closing. We’re all very upset.” JW3 and we’re delighted that the aver- our hashkafos [ethos] and our view of “I’ll miss it here very much. We won’t on the Roof, Yentl and The Elephant Man Suzan Roth, from Mill Hill, said she age number of attendees has increased. authentic Orthodox Yiddishkeit. see the crocuses in Golders Hill Park and who also worked with Richard would miss the “lovely atmosphere. It’s The integration of staff, teachers and “We are delighted to be nailing the any more. There are some beautiful Gere and Vanessa Redgrave on Yanks. peaceful and friendly, more intimate students has been really successful.” KNY flag to the Federation mast.”

VSEPHARDIM SUPPORT SHABBAT UK NHS backs survey on photo: blaKE EZRA PHOTOGRAPHY Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis hears the senior Sephardi Charedi health needs rabbi, Joseph Dweck, address a conference of Sephardi rabbis, which devoted special By Josh Jackman SALFORD of provision on Shabbat. This study is focus to Shabbat UK about getting the correct interpreta- V The NHS is funding a comprehen- tion of all of these issues.” sive study of the health needs of the The study was at the second of three large strictly Orthodox community in stages, “a questionnaire in English and Salford. Yiddish. We’ve already got 200 back Manchester Jewish Care Forum chair but we need to double that.” Jonny Wineberg and psychologist Dr Dr Mann said that “in some sectors Sandi Mann are heading the £10,000 of the community, there is a strong project. They will use questionnaires reliance on rabbinical input in medi- and focus groups to examine how the cal decisions, so that might require NHS can better serve the Charedi popu- provisions for those rabbis so they can lation. advise people properly. We’ve been Mr Wineberg, who is also vice-presi- really impressed by how people have dent of Manchester Jewish Representa- got on board.” tive Council, said that by supporting At Salford’s Hershel Weiss Children’s the research, the Salford NHS Clinical Centre, manager Michelle Ciffer said Commissioning Group had recog- the survey would help its planning. nised that “this is a growing commu- “It’s really important that the local nity with particular needs. Orthodox community gets a voice. “There’s quite a lot of poverty in the They’re very vocal to us, to people they community. Plus there are cultural trust, on medical topics, but they never issues, particularly for more Orthodox seem to get a voice when there’s some- people needing a nurse or doctor of thing more national.” The findings will the same gender and the right kind be published in the autumn. 10 The Jewish News 23 July 2015 www.jewishnews.co.uk ISRAELUK NEWS NEWS Fenster co-chairs Masorti Dena honoured at Israel ceremony A MEMBER OF Kol Nefesh COMMUNITY LEADERS SPEAK UP FOR QUEEN STUDENTS FROM Yavneh “Dena’s greatest gift was Masorti synagogue has become HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS and “heroes” of the Second World College in Borehamwood to bring out the best in each the first woman to be elected to Jewish community leaders War. But it said it was a matter joined a ceremony in Israel student, helping each and head the movement for a decade. have defended the Queen of “national historical signifi- to dedicate a new every one of them Shirley Fenster, who will co- after photos appeared this cance” to explore that era. gym in memory of shine,” said JNF chair Masorti Judaism, and weekend of her giving a Nazi The palace said this week it the school’s for- UK’s Yonatan Richard Wolfe, the new vice-chair- salute as a child. was “disappointing that film, mer headteacher, Galon. “It is for man, join Nick Gendler on the top The black and white images shot eight decades ago... has Dena Coleman, this reason that team. from 17 seconds of camera been obtained and exploited,” who died suddenly we chose this The multilingual trainer and footage from 1933 shows the amid calls from some historians in 2013. building to be her facilitator said: “I want to create a Queen Mother raising her arm for greater access to the royal The group of legacy.” better understanding of Masorti in the style of a Nazi salute be- archives to shed light on to more than 100 Mother-of-two Judaism in the wider Anglo-Jew- fore the future monarch, then suggestions of links between pupils took their Dena built Yavneh ish community and support the aged seven, mimics the ges- some members of the Royal places at Gevhim School in into one of the country’s development of our youth move- ture. Prince Edward, who family and the Third Reich. Beersheba for the ceremony most successful schools, hav- ment and young adult provision.” would become Edward VIII, Mark Almond, professor of to unveil the facility, part of ing earlier served as head- Her predecessor, Clive Sheldon and sister modern history at Oxford a JNF UK-funded centre for teacher at Hasmonean. She QC, recently took up the chair- Margaret, do likewise. University, is quoted in The the promotion of sporting died aged 60, one month manship of the New Israel Fund. Among those defending Guardian as saying: “Opening and academic excellence. before she was due to retire. Her Majesty this week was up aspects of the Queen’s early Federation welcome Jonathan Arkush, president of years is not going to damage the Board of Deputies, who respect for the monarchy. It can Decorator gets surprise barmitzvah AN ORTHODOX shul in Edg- said “criticism of a seven-year- only reinforce her standing with ware has become the latest old child would not be re- the public. A DECORATOR AT a hotel room, where he wore tefillin member of the Federation of motely appropriate... It is Film footage shows Princess Elizabeth’s salute “This film reminds us of how hosting the Chabad Lubav- for the first time and said Synagogues. important for us not to judge many challenges this country itch conference became the the Shema. Rabbi Shmuel Netzach Yisroel, led by this event with hindsight”. she was a child. The Queen has has overcome in the eight decades surprise focus of the event of Chabad Leicester said Gateshead-born Rabbi Dovid He added: “Obviously the Nazi a marvellous reputation among sur- under the Windsors.” after his Jewish roots were Robinson had been in con- Roberts, joined as a constituent salute now carries horrible memo- vivors.” But historian Andrew Roberts revealed and he was given tact since the barmitzvah. member after a vote at the shul’s ries and bitterness for us, but it The footage was published by told Jewish News: “The Queen’s an impromptu barmitzvah. AGM on Sunday. would not be appropriate to sug- The Sun newspaper only weeks privacy rights trump the public’s Steve Robinson was Kehillas Netzach Yisroel was gest that the full horror of Nazi Ger- after the Queen made an historic right to see all her parents’ letters working at Bosworth Hall first established as a Seed Shab- many was known at that point.” visit to Bergen Belsen, 70 years after and cinefilms.” Hotel in Warwickshire dur- bos morning minyan in 1999. It is Commentators also reflected on its liberation by British forces. David Cesarani, of Royal Hol- ing the annual gathering known for its family atmosphere, the fact the gesture had yet to take Edward VIII, who met Hitler in loway University, said: “I think the re- when he asked one of the and was praised by the Federa- on the full connotations it has today. Germany following his abdication, action to the photos is grossly guests about the event. The tion for showing “the formula for Holocaust survivor Ben Helfgott has faced accusations of being a exaggerated and ill-informed, and decorator from Leicester ex- a successful community”. said: “I don’t think [the Royals] knew Nazi sympathiser. The Sun made it there are issues of privacy about plained how his mother was Shul chairman Mark Ham- what they were doing, I don’t think clear that it was not suggesting any opening the entire archive while Jewish but he had never had burger said: “We are delighted they knew what that salute would impropriety on the part of the members of the royal family whose a barmitzvah or worn tefillin. to be nailing the KNY flag to the come to mean.” Queen or Queen Mother and correspondence it contains are still He was immediately Federation mast.” He added: “It was wrong, but stressed both went on to become alive.” invited into the conference Steve Robinson wears tefillin