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PAYMENT OPTIONS ON PAGE 6 OR CLICK HERE! 38 No 2 MARCH/APRIL 2021 Pesach 5781 www.cjc.org.za 2 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 No 5 JUNE 2016 VOLUME 38 No 2 PESACH 5781 MARCH/APRIL 2021

Regular contributors Features

Page 3 Lindy with a why Page 4 A tribute to Ettie Buch, z'l Page 4 Shabbat and Yom Tov times New acting editor for the Chronicle Subscriptions Submit memories of Maizels, z'l Page 8-15 Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Page 6-7 The past year at the Chronicle Page 16 Temple Page 22 Maintaining the history of Page 17 Telfed Page 32-33 Community reflections from Pesach-past Page 18-21 SA Zionist Federation (Cape Council) Page 22 Family Announcements Page 23 SA Jewish Museum Page 24 Israel in Page 25 Union of Jewish Women Page 26-27 Bnoth Zion WIZO Page 28-29 Chabad on Campus Page 30 United Jewish Campaign Page 31 Nechama Page 34 Ortjet Page 35 Page 36 Union of Orthodox Synagogues Page 37 Anton Katz on disability and discrimination Page 39 PJ Oranjia Page 40 Mensch Page 41 Mensch Changemaker Salisbury House Page 42-43 Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre 27 Page 44 Cape Town Torah High Page 45 Sinai Academy Page 46 Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre Page 48-49 The Highlands House Page 50 Cape Jewish Seniors Association Page 51 Jewish Community Services Page 52 Staffwise Astra Craig Nudelman on the importance of names Page 53 ORT SA Cape Page 54 Chronic ads Maccabi Page 55 Simcha page 42 48

CJC EDITORIAL BOARD Banking details: CSO emergency Chairman: Lester Hoffman. Ex-officio: Ben- SnapScan Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; Zapper number for security and Zion Surdut. Committee: Julie Berman, Branch code: 020 909; Acc no: 070 703 493; medical emergencies Geoff Cohen, Stuart Diamond, Kristy Evans, Acc name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Barbara Flax, Rael Kaimowitz, Myra Osrin, Acc type: Current 24 hours Jonathan Silke. Editor: Lindy Diamond, Secretary: Tessa Epstein, Layout: Desrae 086 18 911 18 Saacks, Digital coordinator: Lisa Shapiro

DISCLAIMERS ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND CORRECTIONS The Cape Jewish Chronicle regrets any errors or omissions that may occur in the paper and, where possible, will attempt to rectify these in a subsequent issue, should such a measure be deemed appropriate. No repeat advertisement or credits will be given for small typographical errors which do not appreciably lessen the value of the advertisement. The appearance of an advertisement or photograph does not necessarily indicate approval or endorsement by the Editorial Board for the product or service advertised or photograph reproduced, and it takes no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the reliance upon the information contained therein. LETTERS AND OPINIONS Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or its sponsoring bodies. Letters submitted anonymously will not be printed. However, by agreement, the writer’s name may be withheld in the publication. Letters are published subject to space being available. The Editor and the Editorial Board have the right to decide on the inclusion of any item submitted for publication. Letters may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. KASHRUT Unless otherwise stated, food and catering services advertised in this publication are not under the supervision of the Cape Beth Din. FINANCIAL You should always obtain independent expert advice prior to making any financial investment, commercial or other decisions. Do not enter into any transactions of the above nature, based partly or wholly on the content of any advertisements or articles published in the Cape Jewish Chronicle. Cape Jewish Chronicle Samson Centre 87 Hatfield Str Gardens 8001 PO Box 4176 Cape Town 8000 phone 021 464 6736 [email protected] Editor Lindy Diamond Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 3 Lindy with a why Why there is good in goodbye SOMETIMES By Lindy Diamond, Editor Cape Jewish Chronicle In my very first Lindy with professional home for all this time. I FREEDOM a why, writing about my also learned that you can’t die from role, I said that the CJC is a a typo — although they have been IS A LONG WALK, cornerstone of our community, known to cause severe indigestion. creating a wonderful I found out that if you want to be a opportunity for both unity and writer, you should just write. I don’t BUT WE’LL GET diversity every month. stare at the empty page in horror on deadline day anymore. I just THERE, TOGETHER. ix years later, a little more start writing! (still on deadline day). Sexperienced, a little wiser and a And that is directly because my job little more tongue in cheek, I would expected me to write a column every CHAG SAMEACH say of my role that I haven’t done my month. It didn’t matter if I thought I job properly if I haven’t inadvertently had nothing to say. I had to write. And upset someone each month… And that has made all the difference to my isn’t that the joy and privilege of taking personal discipline and my work. a community as diverse as ours and trying to create something of interest Six years ago, I was gifted the for everyone, in every issue? chairman of a lifetime and I have grown profoundly and immeasurably I like to joke that most publications under his guidance. I am grateful that have a demographic, ‘men over 30’ or he saw my leadership potential, before ‘young women 18-24’. My demographic even I had seen it. I have watched his has been ‘’ and it has been both hand fall lighter and lighter upon my totally daunting and marvelous fun work — and like a child learning to to try to speak to that demographic ride a bicycle, hardly knew he wasn’t every month. I also had the privilege holding me until I saw that I was flying. of representing all Jews, however they identify, however they practice, and I’ve been helping my eldest daughter that has been a gift to me too. with her Dvar Torah for her Bat Mitzvah these past few weeks and one of the 021 405 8500 • www.bassgordon.co.za 021 419 2277 • www.portfoliobureau.com Sixty-eight Lindy with a why’s later lessons in it springs to mind as I type I feel so lucky to have grown up my last paragraphs as the editor of professionally in this community. The the Chronicle. There are no small night that the first issue went to print, I moments, only moments in which we lay awake in bed, a knot in my tummy. fail to recognise the incredible things I was so worried that everyone would happening around us every day. Coming to Cape Town in 2022 hate my column, hate my style and turn up with pitchforks at my door I’d like to believe that I, along with the the day their Chronicles arrived in CJC team, have made as much as we New direct neighbour to their postboxes. could with every story that was gifted to us to chronicle in my time as editor. Claremont Wynberg Hebrew Congregation I have since learned a far more And so, in parting, I say a deep and nuanced truth. You can’t be for sincere thank you to you — our CJC everyone, and that’s ok. What a readers — for supporting us as we Luxury Lifestyle Residential wonderful blessed relief it was to recorded our Cape Town communal learn that here, between the pages history for generations to come. Development for over 50s of the newspaper that has been my CHAG KASHER V'SAMEACH! Lindy Diamond has resigned as editor of the CJC and will be immigrating with her family in the near future. We are excited to annnounce that we have appointedLK- Desrae advert2 Saackscopy.pdf as 1 acting 2021/02/11 editor and 16:37 wish her all the best as she takes on her new role.

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Please support By Desrae Saacks the Chronicle! or many years I contribution, and to Fhave worked on the reach as many as sidelines of the Cape possible of the Jewish VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS Jewish Chronicle, Cape Town community, laying out and in all its expressions FOR 2021 NOW DUE proofing the pages, of religious, social sharing thoughts and political leanings. and opinions on its I would like to offer content, direction and us all a window on Help us continue to format, and building the many remarkable bring you news from an understanding organisations and the Cape Town and appreciation for individuals that what a truly precious make up this vibrant, Jewish Community resource it is. I am active and diverse finally putting my money where my community. mouth is and stepping up to the role R350 In the absence of the many physical of editor. gatherings that were available to PAYMENT OPTIONS ON I look forward to the task at hand, us all in previous years, let the PAGE 6 OR CLICK HERE! made more challenging by the Chronicle be our meeting place. somewhat dystopian reality in which This is where we can share our we have all lived the past year. thoughts, achievements, news and company with each other; and with With COVID negatively impacting posterity by way of the rich archive the budgets of both our commercial In memory of Ettie Buch z’l that past issues comprise, and that and organisational contributors, the we continue to grow. 24 Nov 1920 – 9 March 2021 Chronicle too has been impacted. (read more on page 7). Looking forward to your engagement and support. Our beloved I really hope to make a constructive Ettie Buch, passed away in the early hours of the morning on 9 March 2021. Call for anecdotes and memories of he was our longest standing Rabbi Desmond Maizels Sactive member and incredibly — at 100 years old — still raised funds for BZA WIZO until the very end. Rabbi Desmond Maizels served as the community Rabbi of Hebrew Congregation from shortly before Shavuot in Ettie became involved while she 1984 until 2013 and thereafter as the Rabbi Emeritus, remaining was still at school. There followed 72 years of work for our organisation inextricably entrenched in the lives of all our members, both past as Chairman of BZA WIZO’s Strand, and present. Fresnaye and Tikva branches over he Camps Bay Shul community is deeply indebted to Rabbi Maizels for the years. Tgoing above and beyond and we wish to pay tribute to his memory by Twinkling eyes, a marvellous sense compiling a for the Maizels family which will be shared online with all of humour and a sharp wit that wonderful woman, who will be sorely he touched and inspired, not only in Camps Bay but throughout Cape Town, never dulled over time, were her missed by us all. We wish her family South Africa, Israel and worldwide. trademarks. A true Eishet Chayil, long life. We all have our special anecdotes and treasured memories of this remarkable Ettie was an exceptional woman with Baruch Dayan haEmet man, so we would like to invite you to join us in contributing to this memorial a huge zest for life, her love for Israel tribute. While all would like to mention his extraordinary virtues and the extent and wholehearted involvement in that The Chairman, Honorary Officers, of the roles he fulfilled, we would prefer to focus on the personal stories and calling was complete. Executive, Members and Staff of experiences that, in themselves, will illustrate the depth of his character, be it Bnoth Zion WIZO. It was such a privilege to know this in a serious or humorous vein. While we will endeavour to include extracts from all written contributions, we might not be able to include all the photographs, yet will try to use as many as possible. So please send us your special photos and also please supply a Shabbat and Yom Tov Times date and context for your story and/or photos with names. Date Portion Candle lighting Ends Emails to be sent to Judy Kaplan: [email protected] or Melanie Earliest Latest Schneider: [email protected] 5 March/21 Adar Ki Tissa/Parah 6.15pm 6.59pm 7.50pm 12 March/28 Adar Vayakahel/Pekude/Hachodesh 6.15pm 6.50pm 7.41pm 19 March/6 Nisan Vayikra 6.15pm 6.41pm 7.31pm 26 March/13 Nisan Tzav/Hagadol 6.15pm 6.31pm 27 March/14 Nisan Pesach 1st day 7.22pm Follow the Chronicle online 28 March/15 Nisan Pesach 2nd day 7.20pm 7.19pm 2 April/20 Nisan Pesach 7th day 6.22pm 3 April/21 Nisan Pesach 8th day 7.12pm 7.11pm 9 April/27 Nisan Shemini 6.13pm 7.03pm 16 April/4 Iyar Tazria/Metzora 6.4pm 6.55pm 23 April/11 Iyar Achre/Kedoshim 5.56pm 6.47pm 30 April/18 Iyar Emor 5.48pm 6.40pm N.B. Please note that the times indicated are the earliest times for candle Click on your favourite social media site & visit our website. lighting. Please consult your Rabbi. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 5

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CSO needs your help to make a difference CSO needs your help to make a difference as a community organisation. as a community organisation. www.csocape.org.za www.csocape.org.za We are grateful for your continuous support We are grateful for your continuous support VOLUME 37 No 3 Pesach APRIL 2020 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 37 No 4 MAY 2020 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 37 No 5 JUNE 2020 www.cjc.org.za Krawitz awarded for decades of Local entrepreneurs make Fundraising for food parcels Creating a platform of giving From photojournalist WIZO Century City branch launches feeding As the concept The ‘Good Food service to community a business of saving lives of lockdown Network’ was due to to fundraiser scheme in accelerated into an launch this year. Anna nited Jewish Campaign imminent reality, had been working If you’ve come WIZO recently Cohen, as well as UChairperson Alison Katzeff Anna Shevel on it for two years. It across footage of a announced the launch Vaughan Butler, packed presents Philip Krawitz with was to be an online locked down Cape of a feeding scheme over 1000 items into 100 realised what this marketplace giving the Gerald Kleinman Award for Town circulating by its Century City parcels, each filled to the outstanding service to the UJC would mean for small businesses social media in the branch, which is brim with food staples, at the Top Donors event held at South Africa. and producers their hygiene products, fresh last few weeks, you working to assist in The Lookout in March. Philip is ow it would impact own affordable, easy vegetables and bread. currently the Chair of the UJC Lizo Madinga of Afrika Tikkun and Brad Stern elbow-bump in during the the 11 to 14 million to set up, easy to may have been the region of 1000 H “Sue is working closely Board of Trustees and sits on first week of lockdown South Africans already manage online micro watching Chad people living in with CAN’s Janine many other communal bodies. (such as Microsoft, DSTV ad Telkom stores. As COVID-19 Nathan’s content. the , Like many South Africans, Brad experiencing extreme McEvoy to ensure that He has been volunteering Mobile), and which is dedicated to approached she was Phoenix, Summer Celebrating the official ribbon cutting for their office opening in Austin, Texas in Stern of Cape Town tuned into hunger. She was had, better known the food parcels actually in Jewish communal January are RapidDeploy co-founder and CEO Steve Raucher, SA Ambassador to youth empowerment. The company devastated that her Greens and Brooklyn President Ramaphosa’s first immediately gripped as Ginger with a reach the families who organisations for over 35 years. the US Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and RapidDeploy works with the Department of Basic big dream and all her C COVID-19 related address to by an urgent call to do something to Gopro on Instagram areas, via the need them. This is the co-founder and CTO Brett Meyerowitz. Education and has completed more work and investment would now be the nation on 15 March. mitigate what was coming. and Facebook, is Milnerton Community WIZO way, and although than 600 activations at schools, meaningless. See pages 24 and 25 for more on the Top Donors event In an emergency, every second counts. Born out of the emergency also the owner and Action Network (CAN). our primary focus is to e was particularly struck by the reaching 400 000 learners throughout Anna is, at heart, a food activist. first responder community in Cape Town, local technology She soon realised, however, that founder of Wild Ginga, raise funds for our WIZO following words of the President’s South Africa. She is passionate about reinventing he initiative supports company RapidDeploy has captured the world’s attention with H there would be an opportunity to a content creation projects in Israel, we will speech: “Those who have resources, the food system and using food as vulnerable families Sue Lipschitz packing food parcels its vision to reduce response times in an emergency and improve As a result of this work, Brad was reinvent her work if she looked agency that tells T always reach out when World WIZO turns 100 those who are healthy, need to assist a superpower to change the world. who find themselves in already familiar with the government’s for the opportunity. Incredibly, the stories through social there is such an enormous need locally, as responder safety and situational awareness. those who are in need and who are For the last few years, she’s been dire circumstances due to the impact of the school feeding scheme (the National focused on creating the ‘Good Food experience and technology platform media. Since the beginning of South Africa’s lockdown, Chad there is right now,” added Currie. n 2012 Cape Town native Brett Meyerowitz, co-Founder and RapidDeploy vulnerable.” COVID-19 lockdown. School Nutrition Programme) which Network’. A mapped online national she had built to map the food system has also acted as one of the Cape Jewish Chronicle’s two CTO, returned from building his career in the UK, where he was the CTO The food is purchased via the in-house store I Brad founded and owns Superiate, provides almost 10 million children resource for connecting the entire for ‘Good Food Network’ led to the official photojournalists, documenting this unprecedented Janene Currie, Chairman of BZA WIZO for one of the world’s largest online casinos, to build Africa’s first cloud-native at Oasis Retirement Resort using funds that a two-year-old marketing agency with a daily school meal. For many, local, organic and ethical food synchronous creation of mapping time through videos and photographs. What Chad saw during Cape Town, said the feeding scheme is the retail bank. In 2013 Brett became a volunteer paramedic for the Community are donated either in a lump sum, or weekly. that specialises in nationwide youth this is the only source of food received system for suppliers and consumers. care to needs for the #OneloveSA the first two weeks inspired him to start an initiative titled brainchild of Sue Lipschitz, Chairman of Security Organisation (CSO) in Cape Town. Brett became increasingly marketing for numerous brands for the whole day. Campaign. Raising Hope. WIZO’s Century City branch. In the first week For more information contact frustrated with the poor emergency response times due to either antiquated or of May, Sue, with the help of two branch The day before lockdown commenced, Chad, a self-taught [email protected]. nonexistent dispatch systems. Brett developed the RapidDeploy platform to Click to read more on page 26 Click to read more on page 20 members Rochelle Bloomberg and Daphne serve the local emergency service community. photographer and cinematographer since 2013, was looking for a legal way to capture the city on film and, to his delight, April At2020 the same time that Brett was building his career in the UK, fellow Capetonian May 2020 obtained the media pass he had been seeking and began June 2020 Steve Raucher followed a similar path by moving to the UK in 1995, spending Creating toolkits and Serving 30 000 meals a week documenting for the CJC. Chad recounts, “The editor said, Protecting the protectors during COVID-19 the next 20 years of his career in the banking sector; he began in technology, ‘Chad, you have our blessing; be safe, stay out of trouble and then to the trading floors of UBS in New York and Credit Suisse and ICAP in posters to assist the Ladles of Love (Ladles) started as a single soup we can’t wait to see your work.’ I feel blessed to be able to Over the last few weeks, a group If you’re a carer looking after an old person London. Steve suffered a personal tragedy in 2006 when his older brother, kitchen in 2014 by Daniele (Danny) Diliberto. document a time like this… I knew it was going to be history of GPs based around the Atlantic or an doctor doing emergency calls. [We Robert ‘Bobby’ Raucher, drowned off the shores of the Cape Town Peninsula. See page 44 for more from BZA WIZO community Today, it has rapidly extended its reach and, in the making.” Seaboard and the CBD have come want to] provide the doctors with instruments Upon returning to Cape Town in 2015 for a sabbatical, Steve decided to ‘pay and protective gear to be able to help in the during the lockdown, provides food for For Chad, the most memorable part of capturing the lockdown together to form Masks for Medics. it forward’ and started volunteering at the National Sea Rescue Institute’s care of patients in our communities.” The Cape SAJBD has been involved in numerous feeding schemes all over the Cape. on film was seeing the way in which communities rallied to (NSRI) Station 2 in that had recovered his brother’s body almost he project was first envisioned by Chabad on Campus various initiatives leading up to and help and care for those who so desperately need assistance. nine years prior. Please support the Chronicle anny explains, “It started on the basis of the Please support the Chronicle Dr Anthony Smith, who is now joined The idea first came about in anticipation of during the national lockdown, including Indeed, he experienced, first-hand, the efforts of individuals T the surge of cases that is expected in the Continues on page 5 ancient Sanskrit word seva, meaning ‘giving of by fellow healthcare professionals, Sonia brings students together helping a team of experts and communal D such as Lucinda Evans, who is feeding 5500 people in the by paying your voluntary yourself and wanting nothing in return.’ And when I by paying your voluntary Hough, Sarahan Brophy, Lauren Lee, Julie next few months. Dr Smith explains, “We leaders draft and distribute safety through Breadline Africa; David Froman who is subscription learnt of that word back then, I was on a meditation subscription Ettelin and Natalia Novikova. were given the advantage of time to organise guidelines tailored to the local Jewish providing food to residents via Courage Africa; by virtue of the pretty hard lockdown. And we COVID-19 in our community course and it very much resonated with me. Long story BRINGING community. short, our seva that day was to go out and make and and Danny Diliberto of the ever-growing Ladles of Love. It was Masks for Medics wants to provide Personal saw from experiences overseas the degree serve the homeless a cup of tea. I decided to arrange through observing these acts that Chad was inspired to begin Protective Equipment (PPE) to healthcare toHIGH which patientsHOLY struggled DAYS 5781and hospitals OVID-19 is fast-moving and our community needs to be responsive During this trying time, a big focus has been a pot of soup because my restaurant at the time was his own initiative, Raising Hope. workers across Cape Town and beyond wereTO overwhelmed.EVERYONE - ONLINE and responsible without being alarmist. “our legal research with Tyla Dallas and the — so that they can continue to provide C around the corner from where I was doing this course After taking images and videos of Cape Town’s usually- legal subcommittee, whose work has helped the efficient and safe care to patients during the “Out of that came the understanding that By the time you read this, any information we would have wanted to and it just all clicked for me. The learning of the word bustling-but-now-empty city streets during the early days powerful - musical - spiritual board break down various legislation that came Coronavirus pandemic. The group of doctors hospitals were probably going to procure share with you in print may be outdated. We have therefore created an seva, how easy it was to cook a pot of soup; I had the of lockdown, he began entering areas where the country’s into play during the lockdown for the community’s aims to cover Cape Town and it’s surrounds PPE and various other items which would information hub on our website, whichSnapScan is being updatedZapper as information staff, I had the kitchen space and I thought, let me just SnapScan Zapper inequality is the most visible. Chad explains, “I went to go and education and information. We’ve made various including the Cape Flats, and be used for monitoringfind out more patients and that they that affects the Cape Town Jewish community comes to us. start, and I never looked back.” document what was happening in Culemborg, at the homeless toolkits and posters available on our website and other areas within a thirty to forty-minute would www.templeisrael.co.zabe looking after doctors in ICU wards. Please visit the hub often, to stay abreast R350of how our community is our social media platforms, and provided the Before the onset of the pandemic, Ladles had four R350 shelter there, and I went into Khayelitsha. I started going into But who was going to look after the people out VOLUME 37 No 6 JULY 2020 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 37 No 7 AUGUST 2020 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 37 No 8 Rosh Hashanah 5781 driveSEPTEMBER of the CBD. 2020 www.cjc.org.za 021 762 1745 adjusting to best practice, under both the mandate of the government and community with regular COVID-19 updates as kitchens around Cape Town serving soup to homeless the more volatile areas. What about the less fortunate people? in the community, whether they be doctors, suggestion of our communal leadership. Everyone has it in their power to the local situation progressed. Our digital Food people. Additionally, it partnered with four schools and I started documenting that. And that’s when I saw how South Anthony Smith explains that this project is care workers, palliative care workers, wound do something to flatten the curve. Do your bit to minimise the effect this Bank campaign in support of JCS has raised over with four other feeding schemes and supplied them with Africa, and especially the Western Cape, was going to have about “protecting the protectors. There’s no sisters, emergency personnel or carers for Ladles of Love smashes sandwich-making worldDanny with record Thandie Matikinca, Provincial Site such a problem. I wanted to document it and hear their stories.” discrimination between health-care workers. old people in old aged homes?” Telling South African stories #ReinventyourROAR:has on all South Africans. a tribute to the R67 000 towards care packages for vulnerable food parcels so that they could continue to feed needy Coordinator for Hope World Wide, Africa members of the Jewish community.” said Board children and keep their own soup kitchens running. See pages 48 – 49 for more Chabad on Campus entertainmentRead more at www.cjc.org.za. industry Director, Stuart Diamond OverClick theto read last more three-and-a-half on page 30 WishingContinues all our on page 6readers a healthy, happyContinues and on pageprosperous 6 5781 Josh Rubin, one of the Cape months, Ladles of Love has Jewish Chronicle’s two official Almost every industry has been extended its work into photojournalists during our making sandwiches. national lockdown has always affected by the coronavirus, and the been devoted to photography. entertainment and live events industry ithin a couple of weeks of starting, has been no exception. Wthe organisation was supplying ow, as a full-time photographer communities with between 10 000 and ith many actors, technicians, decorators, Nand short-documentary maker, 15 000 sandwiches a week. To cope with producers, directors and other role players Josh is dedicated to telling stories that W the influx of support, Ladles automated being left stranded during this time, successful often go untold. the sandwich drive system and introduced executive show producer, creative director and depots around the city to further its reach. He has enjoyed his work for the stage director David Bloch, sought to lift the Today, the organisation makes around Chronicle. “Since I left school I’ve spirits of and pay tribute to those in this line of 28 000 sandwiches a week from its hub been slightly out of touch with the work with a video titled #ReinventYourROAR. Jewish community, so it was really nice to work within the Jewish community at the Greek Club. Another hub will be and to meet people within the community.” David lives in Johannesburg, but was born opening at Grand West. and bred in Cape Town and is a proud Herzlia With Mandela Day approaching, Ladles During lockdown, Josh covered many areas, such as the CBD as well as alumnus. He has been in the entertainment aimed to break the world record for townships and the Cape Flats. He has been doing work with gangs since industry for 21 years. He explains how he came how many sandwiches could be made around the age of 17/18, so, when he read about the gang truce in , up with the concept: he jumped at the opportunity to cover stories in that sphere. He was then in an hour. Initially, it was believed that approached by Sky News Italy, who wanted footage regarding gangs on the “Our industry was the first to go and it will be the last to come back and I was the record was set at about 57 000 Cape Flats. To Josh, sharing stories about gangs gives an opportunity to feeling particularly down and demotivated. sandwiches, so Ladles aimed to produce 100 000. However, with a week to go represent gang members in a way that is different to how they tend to be I was very overwhelmed by how many people were in distress both financially before the big day, it was discovered that portrayed in the media. and mentally. I was talking to a friend of mine from overseas, and she was the real record was 107 418 sandwiches. saying she really misses being able to work with me and it organically grew Josh notes, “This is a passion of mine. I like to do things that other people don’t So, much like leavened bread, Ladles out of a conversation. generally do. Most people think very badly about the gangs and I want to tell rose to the challenge by aiming for the story of why these guys are the way they are, and what brought them to “I came across my track for Roar which I had produced for a show back in 125 000 sandwiches. this point. I’ve met many gangsters, and I’ve spent hours with them without 2014, and it suddenly resonated with me. I thought, let me reach out to all my Marc Lottering, Brendan van Rhyn, Jenny Morris, Abigail Donnelly, Thabiso Makhubela and Siba Mtongana in The Kitchen my camera just building up relationships. I see people who have been brought friends and colleagues who I have worked with over the years. I wanted this to Collective studio during the live stream of the event. Continues on page 4 up in a system that is completely broken, they’re not just ‘bad guys’; they’re be something personal for myself as well, so I reached out.” complex human beings in a complicated situation. Continues on page 4 July 2020 Continues on page 4 Educare centre closes August 2020Lockdown graduation September 2020 One of the Union of Jewish a little each month while the centre This month, Diller’s Cohort 5 was welcomed into the Diller A new way for volunteers to distribute food parcels Women’s longest running has been closed but unfortunately Alumni Network. projects, Kensington Educare that money is running out and joined forces with many more organisations with a new We are so proud to welcome this generation of Jewish Leaders into our Alumni, Hagai, a volunteer food delivery application Centre has closed its doors. teachers can no longer claim UIF. that was started in Israel, has just made its way mission: to deliver food to individuals monthly or even The committee of Kensington and and into our Cape Town Jewish community,” said Cape Town Diller Coordinator, to South African shores. weekly and not just on holidays. In February this year, he centre, specifically targeted the Executive of the UJW have Martine Kawalsky. Hagai successfully made 2500 deliveries — the most it Tat working mothers in the therefore decided to give each staff he app, created by Israeli Noam Honig facilitates the had made in a month with no holidays. Then COVID-19 Kensington and Windermere member a retrenchment package Tdelivering of food parcels and other goods from food hit and the app became more important than ever. areas, was opened in 1942. It from funds that were put aside banks to those in need. Subscribe to the Chronicle’s had always been a place where During Israel’s lockdown, the state implemented a solely in the event that a situation children were holistically cared for Noam first began developing the app when his wife asked massive food distribution operation to deliver foodMidmonth Mailer and get such as this should arise. In this way by being educated as well as fed, him to deliver some parcels and in the process he got lost to people’s houses three times a week; however, the teachers can claim UIF and have exclusive content sent to your and from very early on it received and was unsure about the identity of the recipient. He country was not ready for this and lacked the requisite their retrenchment package. grants or subsidies either from the realised that this was a problem he could solve to make infrastructure and software. That’s when Noam stepped inbox between issues, municipality or local government. “We are devastated by this helping easier for volunteers, and he initially wrote the in and offered the use of Hagai free of charge to whoever free of charge. development especially in light of software for 50 deliveries to assist small organisations wanted to use it. He also worked with the IDF to make In the current climate very few our 78 year commitment to this during the holidays. the service separately available for military operation Noam Honig and his wife Yael with parents have been choosing to send important project. COVID-19 has deliveries. Between the civilian and army software, the their children back to the centre and taken a heavy toll on all of us. We are On the first Rosh Hashana, 500 deliveries were done Emailtheir [email protected] children Ofri (6), Itamar (10) and via Hagai. This increased to 3000 on Pesach and then app has allowed for over 350 000 deliveries since the Maayan (12) subsequently the fees which the extremely grateful for the dedication to 6500 the following Rosh Hashana. After this, Noam onset of COVID-19. and we’llContinues do theon page rest. 29 crèche depended on for its survival of the teachers and staff who have Cohort 5 graduates: Dylan Friedman, Gilad Sherman, Jonty Schkolne, Jake Videtzky, have not been coming in. There is worked at the centre over the last Julia Kaimowitz, Jesse Sher, Jade Rahmani, Jethro Klitzner (staff), Joseph Marcus great uncertainty about whether the (staff), Adam Julian, Mia Shaked, Daniel Marsden, Tziyona Cohen, Ariella Cohn, VOLUME 37 No 9 OCTOBER 2020 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 37 No 10 NOVEMBER78 years as2020 well as our wonderful Rachel Rod, Shallyawww.cjc.org.za Samakosky, Rebecca Schwartz, Martine Kawalsky (staff), Allana VOLUME 37 No 11 DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 www.cjc.org.za ROSH HASHANA GREETINGS Educare centre will reopen this year. principal Wendy Claasen.” Said UJW Morris, Rachel Wohlman, Benjamin Zar, Eva Maraney (staff), Georgia Helfrich and It’s nearly that time of year again! Please consider putting a greeting into the Rosh Hashana issue of the Chronicle. You will be supporting our organisation, Cape Town branch Chairperson, Kaila Jaffee “We have managed to pay the staff as wellLove as letting ofyour friendsJudaism and family inspiresknow you are thinking of them while weCreative are all apart. Click project https://tinyurl.com/y8esyh8k goes online for more in information. 2020 SAZF appoints newPatsy ExecutiveFivelman. Director LifeContinues lessons on page 4 from an Home Is Where the Art Is – an exhibition Shining a light one-of-a-kind artworks The South African Zionist terms first as the Chairperson of the advertising industry legend by and for Capetonians at Zeitz MOCAA in a time of crisis The Holocaust Centre runs Federation (Cape Council) recently South African Union of Jewish Students an annual art and writing Like many museums works of art and over COVID-19 shifted Carole Smollan, who hails from South Africa and now lives announced the appointment of (SAUJS), thereafter as Chairperson of the Mike Abel is a man who needs little project for high school World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS), and galleries, the 1800 pieces were our world in in London, works with a plethora of materials to create Chaya Singer to the position of introduction. learners in the Western and is the only South African to ever be Zeitz MOCAA has included for Home Is a way no-one unique artworks, ranging from ceramics to personalised Executive Director. Cape. Called the White Rose elected to this position. ndeed, M&C Saatchi Abel, of which Mike is co- been closed for most Where the Art Is. Of could have chuppot, challah covers and Torah mantles. founder and CEO, is one of South Africa’s top the participating artists, Project, it takes its name from haya is the former Parliamentary I of 2020. anticipated. She held ex-officio voting positions marketing and communications companies, and more than 100 belong ince the age of 19, Carole a group of German university Cand Diplomatic Liaison for the on various international SAZF affiliate has garnered various accolades over the years fter seven long to the Cape Town Businesses has largely created from South African Jewish Board of Deputies S students, the White Rose organisations, and is currently a member including the Large Agency of the Year Award at months without Jewish Community closed, jobs were her studio and is internationally (SAJBD), a position she held for four years, A Movement, who resisted Nazi of the World Jewish Congress Jewish the 2019 Financial Mail AdFocus Awards. Since visitors, curators launched which, while wonderful, lost, people acclaimed for her work. While representing the community at local and oppression. Diplomatic Corps. 2020 signifies the company’s tenth birthday, it a unique exhibition to unfortunately renders have had to dig still in South Africa, she was international civil-society, interfaith, media, was the perfect time for Mike to pen Willing & Abel: Lessons from a celebrate its reopening acknowledgement of deep to find commissioned to produce he aim of the project, this year government and diplomatic forums. Chaya is also a former National Deputy Decade in Crisis. and to honour and each of them impossible their edge both pieces for individuals such as titled Memory and Resistance, Director of the SAZF. T Prior to joining the Board, she served welcome back guests – in this piece. Nelson Mandela, F.W. De Klerk is to encourage a greater As Mike explains, “For many years I’ve been doing a lot of talking, personally and specifically, Capetonians. and Mangosuthu Buthelezi. understanding of the need to Continues on page 11 public speaking, mentoring and coaching… in terms of imparting Participants were given professionally. Lee Jaffe — Gorgeous Gourmet An open call was made protect human rights and freedom wisdom and insight and knowledge and case studies that I’ve a five-day period in “For 30 years I exhibited my for submissions of art fter a very of expression. garnered through my 30-year career, and you have a limited ability Sheryl Schkolne with her ceramic vessels, October during which ceramics all over the world in ‘made, owned and loved’ Cape Floral Kingdom (2014) Achallenging year, local entrepreneur Richard Goldstein in terms of the number of people that you are able to reach. About they could drop off their museums and galleries. My Whilst this annual project always Meet the Israelis: real people, by Capetonians. approached Staffwise about shining a ray of light on our 18 months ago I thought that the best way to share these things pieces. Seven drop-off points around the main production was large has relevance, it seemed that this community. And so, The Shining Light Award came about, to would be through writing a book”. The book, written in conversation The response was overwhelming, and the city (comprising art centres, art schools, murals in public buildings. year, it resonated more fervently. spotlight businesses in our community who have managed Artist, Carole Smollen real opinions, real dialogue with Tudor Caradoc-Davies, comprises 11 chapters, each of which Museum received thousands of entries. galleries and the like) were made available The one I’m most proud of Students who would ordinarily to rise up and show, through resilience and out-of-the-box addresses a different principle or teaching. Ultimately, more than 1600 artists submitted to make the process accessible for all. is the ceramic diptych in the have worked on this project with The Meet thinking, what they can achieve in a time of crisis. They Constitutional Court formulated in Mandela’s time as leader.” their teachers (as this forms part of the Israelis In Mike’s own words, “I always wanted the book to be useful… a For more from just some of the artists go to page 29 adapted, evolved or made positive adjustments to keep their their school curriculum) had to find series of lessons learnt that people could apply to their own life, businesses afloat. Once she emigrated, her career in Britain was sparked when the Board programme new ways to work on them during their own business, their own situation and take it on, so we always of Deputies of British Jews commissioned her to create a chuppah for Leah Benjamin’s Sophie Inside and Out aims to Staffwise and ORT Jet Cape Town jumped at the opportunity lockdown. knew it was going to be a catalogue of stories and insights”. In a travelling exhibition. Since then, Carole has designed hundreds of promote to collaborate and make it happen. Lisa Sandler from ORT this way, it is relevant to everyone, whether one is a learner just Impactful story of Progressive Jewry personalised chuppot for weddings all over the world. Their responses were heartfelt and clearly expressed whether the through Art, dialogue and Jet said: “After some reflection we thought it would be a Writing, Video or Music Categories. Despite all the challenges, the White Rose foster genuine leaving school or a seasoned entrepreneur. He adds, “It spans wonderful opportunity to showcase innovation and opportunity all industries…It’s a book about life, about personal issues, about told in new SAJM exhibition Cape Town is no stranger to Carole’s work. In fact, she donated the last Creative Project 2020 had a record number of entries coming from a more diverse discussions with businesses from our community who have pivoted to of her large Torah mantles to Beit Midrash Morasha after the 2018 fire. business struggles and about emigration. It covers my move group of learners than ever before. with Israeli get through the lockdown.” Liat Beinart, Staffwise’s Career to and my move back to South Africa and my belief in Ground Breakers: A Catalyst said it was an exciting opportunity for the two Continues on page 7 individuals. The judging of the competition has always been by a panel of high calibre external this country” History of Progressive communal organisations “to complement and collaborate and Octoberjudges, and 2020 this year was no exception. Judges were not able to physically see the his way, the Continues on page 6 Judaism in South let this initiative take shape”. artworks on display as the entire Project was ‘visualised’ online. international T Africa will be on Inspired by Goldstein’s idea, generous donors from the community can Counselling volunteers call for Visit the exhibition online https://ctholocaust.co.za/white-rose-exhibition/ to view the display at the SA community recognised the space for rewarding local get an idea of Meet (some of the) Israelis; Eliana; American olah chadasha, Smadar; 101 entries across the four categories. Ethiopian olam, Naftali; settler, Yuval; left-wing activist and Yitzi; ultra- Jewish Museum from businesses who took steps to stay afloat during COVID-19. what a ‘typical’ Garden rejewvination support of vulnerable learners See page 27 for more orthodox student 14 December. Israeli’s real-life “Despite initial reservations to this award,” says Caroline experiences are, Bedouin community. The panel-members at Glendale he exhibition is based Kaimowitz, of Staffwise, “we had a fantastic response from Micaela Tadmor, Kaylee Kantor and Lindi Levin are as opposed to engaging solely with news spend about 15 minutes with each group Ton the research of the community”. Initial reservations were about the sensitivity volunteers at the Hope House Counselling Centre. reports addressing conflict. The group of participants, where they share their Irwin Manoim, from the of rewarding and highlighting businesses when it was such a ll three have a background in psychology and came together PleaseINSIDE support THIS ISSUE: runs in Israel and the US and is about stories and answer questions before Kaplan Centre for Jewish tough year fraught with personal and financial difficulties. “But Awith a common goal of wanting to help those in need. the Chronicle! to hit South African shores, led by South rotating to the next group. The programme Studies at UCT, who has this proved to be unfounded as we received so much positivity Meet the newly elected African coordinator, Guillermo Lapidus. typically runs for 90 minutes. In this way, just published a book on and the number of applications – almost 50 – was beyond our “We decided to do a after the social worker from VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS participants are exposed to the way in the subject, Mavericks expectations”, added Caroline. Before COVID-19, visiting companies, Hope House Counselling Centre, who runs the substance Board of Deputies page 8 which six individuals live as Israelis. Inside the Tent. abuse programme, approached us and told us about the lack FOR 2021 NOW DUE schools or travelling groups attended Sherman and Weiler at the opening of Temple David, Durban For more see page 8 Continues on page 37 of resources these Primary School children have and how Explore Israeli society with sessions in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The While the pandemic halted live sessions, in 1951 participants split into groups of five or six the programme has been able to extend VOLUME 37 No 11 desperate they are for useful items” said Kaylee. Help us continue to DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 Home Is Where the Art Is – an exhibition www.cjc.org.za Muhammad Zoabiby and for Capetonians at Zeitz MOCAA page 13 Shining a light bring you news from Like many museums and each group is paired with a panel- its scope by operating internationally and galleries, the Zeitz MOCAA has works of art and over in a time of crisis been closed for most 1800 pieces were COVID-19 shifted included for of 2020. Home Is our world in Where the Art Is a way no-one Their situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 fter seven long the participating artists,. Of could have the Cape Town months without more than 100 belong A anticipated. member — the Israeli. via Zoom, with each 15-minute segment DID YOU KNOW: visitors, curators launched to the Cape Town Businesses a unique exhibition to Jewish Community % celebrate its reopening which, while wonderful, closed, jobs were and to honour and unfortunately renders lost, people welcome back guests – acknowledgement of have had to dig pandemic. Jewish Community specifically, Capetonians. each of them impossible deep to find Cape Town An open call was made in this piece. their edge both for submissions of art taking place in virtual rooms. Guillermo personally and Read an update from theParticipants wereCape given ‘made, owned and loved’ Sheryl Schkolne with her ceramic vessels, 5.3k 73 4980 a five-day period in professionally. by Capetonians. Cape Floral Kingdom (2014) Lee Jaffe — Gorgeous Gourmet October during which fter a very The response was overwhelming, and the pieces. Seven drop-offthey points could around drop off the their challenging year, local entrepreneur Richard Goldstein Typically, a panel consists of six people Museum received thousands of entries. A city (comprising art centres, art schools, approached Staffwise about shining a ray of light on our 1st of Month Ultimately, more than 1600 artists submitted community. And so, 3832 galleries and the like) were made available spotlight businesses inThe our Shining community Light who Award have managed to make the process accessible for all. came about, to Website Visits For more from just some of the artists go to page 29 explains, “We realised that we can reach to rise up and show, through resilience and out-of-the-box R350 thinking, what they can achieve in a time of crisis. They “COVID-19 resulted in many of these young children losing a lot Jewish Seniors Associationadapted, evolved or made positive adjustments to keep their Impactful story of Progressive Jewry businesses afloat. representing a range of the Israeli Staffwise and ORT Jet Cape Town jumped at the opportunity Followers told in new SAJM exhibition to collaborate and make it happen. Lisa Sandler from ORT in October % Jet said: “After some reflection we thought it would be a many more people this way, COVID or wonderful opportunity to showcase innovation and opportunity November 2020 December 2020 / January 2021 with businesses from our community who have pivoted to of school time and staying at home with nothing to do. Many of PAYMENT OPTIONS ON Ground Breakers: A get through the lockdown.” Liat Beinart, Staffwise’s Career Johannesburg History of Progressive Catalyst said it was an exciting opportunity for the two demographic: an Ethiopian-Israeli, a Judaism in South communalpage organisations “to complement and collaborate and19 22 let this initiative take shape”. 2020 Africa will be on Email display at the SA Inspired by Goldstein’s idea, generous donors from the no COVID. We’ve discovered a new way PAGE 19 OR CLICK HERE! Jewish Museum from community recognised the space for rewarding local 65+ 23.5% 45-54 16% 1844 us had the privilege of ‘online learning’. and we want to try our 14 December. businesses who took steps to stay afloat during COVID-19. he exhibition is based “Despite initial reservations to this award,” says Caroline Ton the research of Kaimowitz, of Staffwise, “we had a fantastic response from Haredi, an Arab-Israeli, a soldier, a leftist Irwin Manoim, from the the community”. Initial reservations were about the sensitivity Subscribers Mid Month Kaplan Centre for Jewish of rewarding and highlighting businesses when it was such a Other Studies at UCT, who has tough year fraught with personal and financial difficulties. “But of connecting people which is working just published a book on 55-64 19% 35-44 16% VOLUME 38 No 1 FEBRUARY 2021 www.cjc.org.za this proved to be unfounded as we received so much positivity Rabbis Sherman and Weiler at the opening of Temple David, Durban % the subject, and the number of applications – almost 50 – was beyond our in 1951 Mavericks best to uplift their spirits and possibly lessen the impact this Inside the Tent expectations”, added Caroline. . and a settler. Sometimes the panel also For more see page 8 DID YOU KNOW: provinces Get to know the new Rabbi Continues on page 37 very well.” 900 5 25-34 18% 18-24 7.5% 3832 5.3k % A bird's eye view of the beautiful Magen David shaped vegetable garden 73 Cape Town Followers Website Visits pandemic had on their well-being” explained Lindi. in October % 4980 2020 22 Johannesburg 1st of Month includes a student and/or a member of the www.cjc.org.za To subscribe email: 900 Other 65+ 23.5% % 45-54 16% Email Followers 5 provinces 55-64 19% 35-44 16% Subscribers 1844 Followers 25-34 18% at Glendale. www.cjc.org.za Readers by Region 18-24 7.5% Mid Month Readers by Age To subscribe email: at Muizenberg Shul [email protected] 20 Readers by Region Readers by Age [email protected] Lindi, Micaela and AKaylee tribute to Continues on page 4 Remembering Eric Samson z”l Continues on page 4 Read all about it on page 6

Rabbi Desmond Maizels z”l The Cape Town Jewish to the wider South African community was shocked society where he was able Our community lost Camps Bay Shul; he was and saddened by the to help the less fortunate a great Rabbi and a shochet, mohel, sofer, news of the passing of Eric and previously marginalised mensch on 15 January, member of the Cape Beth Din Samson. people of South Africa. Eric when Rabbi Desmond and Head of the Cape Town was a true mensch.” United ributes and messages of Herzlia Schools. Maizels passed away Kashrut Department. Rabbi Maizels worked tirelessly condolence began pouring T “…it is now up to us, whose lives were so suddenly in Cape for the improvement and in online after news of the passing of beneficially touched by Eric, to live up Town. enhancement of Kashrut in the steel magnate and philanthropist in to the standards he set and build on the Cape Town and travelled the length Newport, California on 19 January. he tributes written on social strong foundations he so energetically and breadth of the country (and Tmedia all spoke of his humanity, Below are excerpts from a few laid. It is in following his example that world) inspecting factories, farms kindness and wisdom. He fulfilled social media posts that spoke to his we shall best be able to pay tribute to and shops.” Union of Orthodox so many important roles in the generosity and vision: the memory of a great human being.” Synagogues, Cape Council community that the face of Jewish Jewish Community Services. Visit www.cjc.org.za and click on “…The magnitude of his achievements Cape Town that he changed so …”There are so many more stories was surpassed only by the greatness Days later, messages of condolence much during his lifetime can’t that I can tell. So many voices of his of his heart” SA Jewish Board of are still pouring in on social media help but be forever altered by that I hear in my head thinking of Deputies. as testimony to the many lives he his passing. him. The extent that he respected profoundly changed for the better. Below are excerpts from just a few his wife Esther was inspiring and “…We owe much of our communal of the moving posts expressing so special to hear. He was so proud continuity to him, and our sustainability Eric is survived by his wife Sheila, appreciation for Rabbi Maizels of his children living in Israel and will be his legacy.” SA Zionist Federation children Dorothy and Leonard, 'download print edition' to view all the stories being part of the national Jewish Franki and Steven, and Jeffrey and and all that he did for the Jewish “…He didn’t only support Jewish future. His naughty laugh and Elana and 10 grandchildren and two community. organisations. His generosity extended mischievous smile were part of his great-grandchildren. “…He gave to the community in so humanity and more so, were part of See page 11 for a full tribute to Eric Samson many ways — he was a dedicated his connection to Hashem.” Rabbi congregational rabbi for decades Jonathan Altman and is the Rabbi Emeritus of Continues on page 4 Eliot Osrin Award winners announced you may have missed in the past year. Friends of UJC 12th annual year-end at Jewish Care Cape AGM Despite the challenging and changing times we are living in, Jewish event goes online Care Cape came Together as ONE for their 12th Annual General Meeting on Zoom, on 26 October 2020, providing a window to the More than 150 guests logged be felt by all. This year-end event seven welfare organisations that together reach out and provide the in from around the globe on was graciously hosted by Western range of services to ensure that we are indeed a caring community. 29 December for the 12th Cape Premier Alan Winde and was live-streamed from his beautiful In the digital version of this issue you can click annual celebration of the he Annual Eliot Osrin Awards, in recognition of outstanding contributions to Friends of the UJC Cape residence, the historic the welfare of the community, were announced at the AGM, but the Awards Cape Dutch home built in 1665. T Town (Friends). could not be physically handed over as usual. This was done on an individual Premier Winde welcomed all to our basis (all COVID protocols observed) and we are delighted to introduce you to atrons and Friends connected Cape Town event and spoke about the winners. from overseas and South P the humanity that South Africans Africa, and were joined by local have displayed towards each Top Donors for this uniquely South other in facing the challenges that African affair. on each image to go directly to COVID-19 has presented. The event, which has become a Guests were then treated to an highlight of the summer season hour of entertainment by the in Cape Town, and is usually held Cape Minstrels, Nik Rabinowitz at a unique and distinctive venue, (comedian), Carina Rubin-Frankal was held online this year, due to (producer of My Octopus Teacher), the pandemic. This did not detract Gabriel Sieff (pianist), Choni G from the usual splendour and February 2021 the downloadable PDF for that month. (musician, chazzan) and Dani even though guests were not able Bitton (songstress, storyteller) all to connect in person the sense of beautifully tied together by MC, community and connection could Dani Jankelowitz, Brendan Widan, Loren Raize, Philip Todres, Jarred Marcus and Africa Melane. Lauren Lowenstein See pictures and read more on page 17 See page 22 for all the winners and excerpts from the citations on their awards.

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 7 The challenges facing our Chronicle

By Lindy Diamond In March 2020, as we faced a world pandemic The way forward and strict lockdowns, we had to make the very Having consulted community leadership we have difficult decision to cancel the print run of the Pesach, the festival decided to strive to have at least three print issues a of Jewish freedom, will Chronicle for the first time in 36 years. year. We are hoping to print and post hard copies of again be celebrated under From that Pesach edition last year, and for the 11 the Chronicle to our 5000 households for Pesach, Rosh unnatural and isolating Hashana and Channukah – this issue being the first. conditions.“ The UHS thanks the issues that followed, the Chronicle has reached our community in digital format through our impressive But this will require buy-in from community Cape Jewish Chronicle for the website and through our extremely dynamic presence organisations, commercial advertisers and you, dear excellent work it does in keeping on Facebook and Instagram. The front covers of these community member. We would really value your our community connected” issues are featured on page 6, and in the digital issue response to receiving this print edition in your home. Matthew Gruszd, Chairperson United of the Chronicle each PDF can be accessed by clicking We would also appreciate, indeed need, your financial Herzlia Schools Governing Body on these front cover images. You can also go onto our support by payment of your annual subscription – website and click on the archive to read any of the past perhaps even sponsoring a subscription for someone issues you may have missed. who cannot afford it. By doing so, you will help keep the Chronicle, both digital and print, alive. Financial pressure and a switch to digital Whilst comprising an An archive of the CT Jewish community extraordinary rich array During this very critical and challenging year, like many of over 50 organisations, other print publications, we were unable to continue A community leader recently commented “If the each playing an important using the business model that had worked for decades Chronicle didn’t exist we would have to create it!” and“ significant role, our relatively before – our commercial advertisers were Where else can you get a snapshot small community displays a taking a hard financial knock and many were of the broad spectrum of our amazing cohesiveness which is envied by forced to withdraw their advertisements. We are hoping to print communal organisations in one place? many in the Jewish world. Our communal organisations were obliged and post hard copies to cut their spends in order to get through of the Chronicle to Our role is unique. We are not a It was this ‘sense of community’ the year and so reduced or cancelled their our 5000 households newspaper – we do not cover fast which initially gave birth to the monthly bookings. Just the cost of for Pesach, Rosh moving news but rather create a Cape Jewish Chronicle in 1984. and posting each Chronicle to our 5000 Hashana and record or time capsule of what this Thirty-six years later, the CJC is households, excluding all our fixed monthly Channukah community looked like, in any month still fulfilling its mission. costs, is about R20 per unit and when of any year, going back to 1984. I am thrilled that, after the past our contributors withdrew, we were left To this end we are busy creating a very challenging and difficult year, with no choice but to stop the hard copy to save the full digital archive, spanning the entire history of the we once again are able to enjoy a organisation. Chronicle, accessible from anywhere in the world, so printed edition of ‘our Chronicle’. Many of you, our readers, embraced the new digital that wherever you are you can use the Chronicle as a tool to gain insight into what the community looked like Myra Osrin, Founder of the format. We now average 3000 downloads per month of Cape Jewish Chronicle the Chronicle PDF and over 4500 website visitors. We at any given time. old Chronicles is fascinating. have an online product of which we can be proud. The shelf-life of our stories is impressive and you can track the changing community through the articles and However, we know that there are readers who are faces contained in each issue. unable to access our paper digitally. There are also This is many readers of all ages who just love the print copy. I am very proud to have been a small part of this the most You like to let it ‘live’ in your homes, ready to be picked up invaluable repository — in print and digital — and I incredible and enjoyed by your whole family. You like to read it on hope to be a proud reader of what has happened in our resource vibrant Jewish community at the tip of Africa for available“ to ourselves and to Shabbat and chaggim, and even during loadshedding! many years to come. our affiliates to showcase the incredible work that is done in our community. The Chronicle lease support is an important Just as we exited the desert record show- after 40 years of wandering, we the Chronicle casing the will slowly emerge from a year essential“ work of the OUNTY SUSCITIONS of various levels of lockdown. SAZF in connecting our My hope is that when we return O 2021 NOW DUE community to Israel. It to full normality we take every provides an educational opportunity presented by Help us continue forum on important Israeli our community; attend the political, cultural and to bring you functions, lend a hand at the NK DETIS: innovation advances, and many institutions and grass news from the Cape eish serves as a platform for roots organisations which Cape Town Chronicle Trust us to feature our various are our affiliates and become Jewish tnr n partners and affiliates” involved.” Community cc 00 0 rnc 020 0 Karen Marsden, Chairperson Tzvi Brivik, Chairperson 30 ee e or ne n ei ent reerence South African Zionist Cape SA Jewish Board of Federation (Cape Council) Deputies

DID YOU KNOW? % 5.3k 73 Cape Town 4802 4022 Website Visits Communal Followers in October % Johannesburg 2020 22 65+ 23.5% 45-54 16% Email 1936 % Other 55-64 19% 35-44 16% Subscribers Mid Month 1010 5 provinces 25-34 18% 18-24 7.5% www.cjc.org.za Followers To subscribe email: Readers by Region Readers by Age [email protected]

back to contents 8 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

CAPE SAJBD

KEEPING IT REAL VIEW FROM THE CHAIR Stronger together Relationships build a strong By Stuart Diamond, Executive Director, Cape SAJBD organisation advice during The 2019 Springbok Rugby By Tzvi Brivik World Cup team played and my time as united the country under the E x e c u t i v e The Cape SAJBD does incredible Many may not Director. StrongerTogether hashtag. It work for the community. appreciate that the was, as Siya Kolisi said, To the Cape Through the events in which work of the Cape a campaign aimed at the Council — it participates, we breed SAJBD is not your power of each South African just-past and diplomatic channels and typical 9 to 5 job; in fact, we have to make this country a more current — and exercise quiet diplomacy. cohesive whole. their executives, many affiliates thank you for allowing me to follow ecently we were involved in a with many s I move into my final days as my passion and take you on a RUnited Nations World Interfaith different interests, Athe Executive Director of the journey with me. A special thank you Harmony Week event celebrating we participate in Cape SAJBD, I wonder how we can must go to my two chairpersons, our interfaith community and and create so many events during get our Jewish community to be Rael Kaimowitz and Tzvi Brivik. Both relationships, which we are privileged a year, and video calls for work inspired by #StrongerTogether. offered me experienced sounding to have. In the interfaith space, often continue late into the night, Gwynne Robins has done incredible sometimes over weekends. Much can We need to remember that we are boards, wisdom and the precious work to ensure we deliver on our be said about Stuart’s diplomacy in indeed stronger together. I have gifts of their time and I am a better constitutional mandate of promoting his relationships with members of our often heard that in good times, Jews leader because of their leadership. and engendering harmony and community and affiliates, as well as forget about unity and look for points To my professional team — Gwynne, relationships with other communities. those relationships with other senior of division. Let us not spend our Jodi, Mathilde and Tyla — thank leaders outside of our community. time hoping for the times of crisis you for your continued support and As an executive director, Stuart that draw us closer together. The the professional manner in which Diamond shared what is an extensive At the end of the day, the continuity truth is that the outside world sees you serve. network in the Western Cape that of these relationships relies on people us as Jews, as a collective. It should facilitated the opening of doors, —the way that we interact with people, not take times of personal attack — I would like to thank my daughters so we could have meetings set the words we use with people— and like BDS campaigns, antisemitism Ariella, Aerin and Ava for forgiving with various key role players, both Stuart understood that well. or COVID-19 — for us to practice my absences so that I could fulfil this in provincial government and key The Cape SAJBD has numerous communal unity. role to the fullest potential and my institutions. He also had the benefit of administrative roles which it fulfils wife Lindy for being my teammate. historical relationships through the lay Cape Town is blessed to have a by thoughtful leadership and Her support has enabled me to fulfil leadership of the current Cape SAJBD full bouquet of communal services accountability, also on behalf of this demanding but rewarding post members, as well as past members. throughout the sectors, led by the and have a full life to return to at the other organisations such as the most inspirational and dedicated end of each day. It is being able to function so effectively COVID-19 Risk Committee, which directors. However, it is you — and respond so rapidly that makes our requires great attention to detail. the members of the Cape Town It has been my honour not only to organisation the premier organisation. Stuart set a beautiful example with his community — that make it truly work for the Cape SAJBD but to accountability background, leading It is therefore with great sadness special and unique and I believe serve you — our Jewish community professionals, senior members of that, in the last month, we announced each Jew can contribute and — so thank you. To be able to hear our community, and ordinary persons the departure of Stuart from the leave their unique stamp on this your unique stories first-hand as I to all express their love, loss and organisation. Stuart has been our community, while still being a part of immersed myself in my role has been gratitude for the reliable service he executive director for close to three the whole. life-changing. Cape Jewry is unique. has done for this community, together You are each strands of thread years and almost everyone reading with his wife, Lindy. I need to acknowledge the talent that when woven together makes this newspaper would have had of leadership that exists in the a beautiful tapestry. Remember, some involvement with him or some We wish Stuart the best of luck with professional communal arena and as we chart the next swathe of communication from him. He has his new ventures. #WordsMatter, and thank all my colleagues for their uncharted waters, that we are and worked tirelessly for this organisation so we say, “Todah rabah u’lehitraot passion, dedication and sound will always be #StrongerTogether. and the benefit of our community. nitracha bekarov!” Chag Pesach Sameach Wishing you and your family peace, prosperity and all the joys of Pesach — The Cape sajbd Team

CapeSAJBD capesajbd capesajbd.org CAPE SAJBD

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 9 CAPE SAJBD

Celebrating 25 years of our constitution

by Tyla Dallas This year marks the 25th anniversary Constitution has afforded us. We have had the Sharpeville Massacre (which is now Human of our Constitution and our young five free and fair general elections, we have an Rights Day), and the United Nations’ Day of democracy. independent judiciary who recognise and uphold Observance for the Elimination of All Forms of constitutional supremacy, we have freedom of the Racial Discrimination, we will be hosting a webinar hilst this is indeed a time for us to celebrate press, and we have independent trade unions who from 19:00 to 20:30 on 18 March, titled ‘25 Years of W— with our rights to human dignity, equality, protect and support our labour force. Our Constitution: A Jewish Perspective’. freedom of religion, belief and opinion firmly entrenched — the current dispensation leaves We have invited two distinguished retired judges, much to be desired. [Our constitution] is the culmination Judge Albie Sachs and Judge Dennis Davis, to of the hard and long struggle our discuss the highs and lows over the last 25 years Government corruption at the highest level, people faced for freedom, justice and under this Constitution, reflect on the lessons poor service delivery, unemployment, poverty, learnt, and give their educated predictions for the lack of housing and the high levels of crime in equality, and should be celebrated. next 25 years. South Africa have created the perfect climate for Judge Dennis was a Technical Advisor to the animosity and discrimination to fester — and oh, Indeed, our Constitution is something to be proud Constitutional Assembly where the negotiations how it has — manifesting as racism, antisemitism, of and is of world-class quality. It is the culmination for South Africa’s interim and final constitutions islamophobia, xenophobia, and homophobia, and of the hard and long struggle our people faced were formulated and concluded. permeating throughout our society. for freedom, justice and equality, and should be The socio-economic and political instability celebrated. To find out more about the making Judge Albie played a significant role in important that has marked South Africa for decades has and working of our Constitution, and its important legal issues arising in the ANC during Apartheid only been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 role today, visit the online exhibition and archive and was a member of the Constitutional Committee pandemic and has led to increases in violence Our Struggle Our Freedom Our Constitution, charged with drafting a charter for a new non- as, desperate for someone to blame, race turns launched by the Constitution Hill Trust at racial state. He was pivotal in the inclusion of a against race, religion against religion, and so forth. www.ourconstitution.constitutionhill.org.za. Bill of Rights and an independent judiciary in this new Constitution and was appointed a justice on In honour of the day the Constitutional Assembly However, it is not all doom and gloom, and we the first bench of the Constitutional Court of South adopted the Constitution, the anniversary of should seek solace in the many ‘highs’ this Africa by Nelson Mandela in 1994. ‘25 Years of Our Constitution: A Jewish Perspective’ will take place from 19:00 to 20:30 on 18 March. To register for this event, email Jodi at [email protected]

18 MARCH 2021 19:00-20:30 withwith

Advocate Judge Judge Anton Katz SC Albie Sachs Dennis Davis

back to contents 10 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 CAPE SAJBD

Growing Glendale’s edible garden on Tu Bishvat

by Mathilde Myburgh On Thursday 28 January, weeks and landscaped the Magen David- Stuart Diamond encourages the love to install a wooden bench or two of planning and selection shaped edible garden with his community to get involved with the in the garden.” crew, planted the trees close by. In ongoing edible garden project at culminated in the planting of Anyone interested in contributing to attendance were Vice Chair Adrienne Glendale Home. fruit trees in Glendale Home’s the edible garden can get in touch Jacobson and Executive Director all-new garden, in celebration “If anyone is willing and able to with Glendale Home on 021 712 0270 Stuart Diamond, alongside Glendale donate, they do have space for a or via email to office@glendalehome. of Tu Bishvat. Home Chair Judith Cohen, Board further three fruit trees and would co.za u Bishvat is celebrated on the Member Rael Koping who manages T15th day of the Hebrew month its Wellness and Care Portfolio, Shevat annually, and is also called Executive Director Shelly Korn, and Rosh HaShanah La’llanot, which Executive Director of the United literally translates to ‘New Year of the Jewish Campaign, Barry Levitt. Trees’. The day is often celebrated Residents enjoyed a programme as a Jewish arbour day, focusing on starting at 09:30 for tree planting, ecological awareness. Last year, the followed by a delicious lunch and Cape SAJBD celebrated by running an afternoon Tu Bishvat Seder with an awareness programme at Holy sensory activities around the theme, Cross RC Primary School in District ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’ Six and planting four fruit trees. “The residents had such a great time, This year, we donated two and the trees are so beautiful. They pomegranate trees, two lemon make a great addition to Glendale’s trees and two Williams pear trees new orchard. Thank you so much to Glendale Home, towards its for the generous donation,” Daphne edible garden project. Ben Getz Avinir, operations manager at from Urban Harvest, who designed Glendale said. Ben Getz and staff from Urban Harvest plant fruit trees

Ben Getz waters a newly-planted sapling Six fruit trees in total were planted: two pomegranate trees, two lemon trees and two Williams pear trees

Judith Cohen, Adrienne Jacobson, Rael Koping, Shelly Korn, Barry Levitt and Stuart Diamond from Glendale Home, the UJC and the Cape SAJBD respectively, attended the event Urban Harvest staffers show off the Magen David-shaped edible garden. CapeSAJBD capesajbd capesajbd.org CAPE SAJBD

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 11 CAPE SAJBD

The Board and Holocaust compensation

by Gwynne Robins In 1945, the war ended and become available and regulations compensation because it did not still arise, a Hardship fund, a child Jews started to emerge from relaxed, as the number of survivors apply in countries, like Greece, survivor fund, a Ghetto Pension, the camps, from the forests decreased — self-interest playing a occupied by Germany for less than one for the 100 000 victims sent on and hiding. larger role than guilt in many. eighteen months – even though her Dutch trains to death camps, others father had been deported and she for Austrian victims, a Hungarian When German industries like hey had lost their families, homes, had been permanently injured by a fund, a French “Compensation of Siemens, BMW, Volkswagen and businesses and possessions, blow from a Gestapo rifle butt. But Victims of Spoliation Resulting from T Opel, keen to extend into America, and their bank accounts had been she had moved. I knew she had Anti-Semitic Legislation in Force”. became confronted with numerous confiscated. Finally, although a 1951 joined the Milnerton Jewish Seniors As each new programme arises, we class action lawsuits, they formed survey had shown that only 5% of — a member recalled that she had advertise it through the Cape Jewish a foundation called Remembrance, West Germans admitted feeling gone to her daughter on the Isle of Chronicle and assist survivors with Responsibility and the Future in 1999 ‘guilty’ towards Jews, their Chancellor Man. The Jewish community there their queries. to pay slave and forced labourers on Konrad Adenauer admitted that said she had moved to London. The condition they promised not to sue Nothing can compensate for the “unspeakable crimes” had been Board of Deputies of British Jews them. These forms were lengthy trauma, the loss of families and committed in their names, and they in London gave me the details of and complicated and it took time to friends, for the horrors, starvation were willing to compensate by paying two survivor organisations. One complete. As most survivors had and fear, but if these funds can add reparations. Nahum Goldmann, had not heard of her, one said she been in ghettos and camps and a little dignity, a little comfort, it is World Jewish Congress president, had moved to Brighton. The Jewish were enslaved, over 140 000 Jewish better than nothing. established the Conference on Jewish community in Brighton traced her survivors from more than 25 countries Material Claims against Germany to a seniors’ home. I contacted the Gwynne Robins has historically had to be paid, and I received many (Claims Conference) to negotiate a delighted social worker who went to aided community members with phone calls: “Why has Mrs X been programme of indemnification to the the home to tell her news — but the Holocaust Compensation queries paid, and I haven’t?” until eventually Jewish people caused by Germany survivor had died two weeks earlier! and concerns. If you have a query, they all received the payment. through the Holocaust. contact her on [email protected] New compensation programmes Then Jewish groups started At that time, Dr Erwin Spiro, a former investigating the money deposited judge in Germany who had settled in in Swiss banks and insurance Cape Town in 1936 after being denied companies by Jews who were later the right to work because he was murdered. The Swiss banks refused Jewish, threw himself into the cause to release the money without proof of of obtaining financial compensation One of our key areas of involvement is Human Rights. death. Unfortunately, Auschwitz did for our survivors, regarding it as We work to combat antisemitism and other forms of not provide death certificates. The a moral obligation. Ever since, racism and hate speech, to ensure respect for the efforts to undermine their secrecy assisting survivors with Holocaust diversity of our community so that community members laws brought much antisemitism to compensation has been an important can practise their religion or secularity in any way they the fore in Switzerland, but in the end, function of the Cape SAJBD. choose, without being unfairly disadvantaged. enough evidence was uncovered This was particularly problematic last through an international commission year because of COVID-19. Survivors under former US Secretary of State are expected to provide the Claims Lawrence Eagleburger. It meant that Conference annual proof that they the banks were forced to provide the happy are still alive. In mid-November, they details of thousands and thousands started to receive life certificates of unclaimed dormant accounts, the meant to have been posted to names could have filled two phone the German Claims Conference . People were invited to come postbox by the end of October. into our office to go through them, or But the deadline had passed, the I would do so for them. Some hopeful day post office would not accept post claimants phoned every few days as to Germany, courier companies they remembered the names of other would not deliver to a post box and family members who might have physically-compromised seniors invested money. were reluctant to visit the post office As the numbers of survivors shrank, or a commissioner of oaths. previously rejected applications After many emails to the New York from Holocaust survivors for office and a phone call to Frankfurt, “Ghetto Pension” payments were it was finally agreed that an re-evaluated, following three court exception would be made because decisions, and we received names of of COVID-19, the forms could be survivors, not all of whom we knew. emailed, the German address was One lived in the Strand and we had a mistake, and the deadline was no address. I contacted Bnoth Zion extended to the end of November. Association and the synagogue until Great relief all round. someone was found who knew who she was and accosted the startled Apart from the Wiedergutmachung woman on the beach. (the first Holocaust compensation pensions), more programmes have Another had not been entitled to

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back to contents 12 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 CAPE SAJBD

Where interfaith work and social justice intersect, with Rev Pippa Jones

by Gwynne Robins We can always benefit from She had taught English in England, their history, and even the language and soul level.” being exposed to ideas from Prague, Vietnam, Sydney and they spoke was usually the language outsiders. Melbourne and returned to university of the foreign colonist. More on Rev to do another degree in comparative Pippa Jones: Gina Flash pointed out there were uch was the experience of religions, qualified to be an interfaith big challenges in South Africa and members of the Cape SAJBD’s minister and started to work with Rev Jones is S the Jewish community struggled with Interfaith and Intercommunity indigenous people. on the board subcommittee and guests from being Jews and being South Africans of trustees Ikamva Labantu, Healing of the In Australia, she found that most with a tension between doing things at the One Memories and Mensch when we people had no idea of the history of the religious way or the way society Spirit Learning Rev Pippa Jones attended a Zoom meeting with Rev the dispossession of the Aborigines. did. There was too much guilt and Alliance. Pippa Jones. “Australia Day, which marks British too much history and the community She is a teacher and educator by colonisation, should really be needed a sense of responsibility profession (specialising in Adult She was visiting Cape Town Invasion Day.” towards others. Education), an Interfaith minister as an intern for the Cape Town and Disaster Chaplain. She is a Interfaith Initiative as part of her Rev Jones believes there is no Ann Harris remarked that coming chance of healing if people do not from England, she often crawled graduate of One Spirit Interfaith Master’s thesis on Building Inter- Seminary in New York and was Religious Relations through the Vrije realise their complicity and she found with embarrassment and shame at many similarities in South Africa British colonial history. The small ordained in 2012. Pippa completed a Universiteit, Amsterdam. Pippa was Bachelors of Theology with a Major collecting material for her thesis on which were suffering from a broken, Jewish community often forgot that crushed and confused identity. In their sacred sources were quite clear in Comparative Religious Studies at how interfaith activity could help the Australian Catholic University social justice and was working under trying to become an agent of healing, about their duties towards the other. one should avoid well-meaningness. (ACU). Additionally, together with Iman Dr Rashied Omar. Pippa wrote later that, “It had been a Instead of telling people what one three fellow One Spirit graduates, privilege to sit in everyone’s company “9/11 changed me”, she told them. wanted to do for them, one should she is the co-founder and co-leader and hear their stories, to learn a little She had been working in New York rather ask what they needed. of Sydney Sacred Centre. and was near the Twin Towers when of who they were and what they did Loret Loumouamou, the Africa in service. I was very moved. I am Pippa is currently in the Netherlands the planes struck and she made a with a view to blending her love of vow that she wanted to dedicate Coordinator from the Institute for not Jewish but most of the important Healing of Memories, who had people in my life are; my guiding and expertise in education with her the rest of her life being part of the passion for a global perspective and answer by working in social activism. worked all over Africa, explained that lights, my teachers, my friends and most people had no knowledge of colleagues. So, I resonate on a heart all things Interfaith.

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back to contents FullCape page Jewish - 31.5 Chronicle cm x 22.3 Pesach cm March/April 2021 13

#WeRemember 300 young Jewish South Africans take the baton to ensure #WeRemember. Follow their story Yom Hashoah ONLINE Friday, 9 April 12:00

back to contents 14 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

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Prospects, community building and antisemitism for Wellington’s Jewish immigrants

by Gwynne Robins A town 72km from Cape bought land for a synagogue with Mr provided by the Jewish Ladies Town, on the banks of a river Boas chairing a building committee. Benevolent Society which held (the Krommerivier) in an Mr B Swartz built an ark and they annual balls to raise money, which agricultural centre growing bought a Sefer Torah for £12/10s they also used to pay for land deciduous fruit, wine and (12 pounds and ten shillings, around on which to construct a Jewish R20,000 in today’s terms). In 1903, Communal Hall (1924) and to bring table grapes, and making they asked the Council for land down the overdraft. The synagogue brandy and whisky, was bound for a cemetery and until this was and rabbi’s house was on the corner to be a magnet for Eastern finally granted in 1906, they used the of Milner and Jan van Riebeeck European Jews, who were used Paarl Cemetery. Streets. to being the economic link between farmer and market. There was a recession after the Unfriendly behaviour continued as end of the South African War jealousy at the success of Jews Wellington Shul and Rabbi’s House So it is not surprising that when the British troops left and the in this predominantly economy and this tendency became there was already a sizeable Witwatersrand refugees returned town increased. In 1925, the Town more marked after 1937 when there community by the 1890s with home, and it took time before they Council refused to grant a liquor was an influx of Jewish people who the Friedman, Garb, Israelson, could afford to build a synagogue. license to a Jew or anyone not of had fled Nazi Germany. As the 1937 In the meantime, when they outgrew European descent. The late 1920s Kaminer, Katzeff, Kesler, Saacks Aliens Act stopped the immigration the room, they hired the Friendly and early 1930s were difficult years and Van Gelderen families. of German Jews, and although Society Hall from 1916 — the economically with a worldwide only about 6,500 found refuge in Independent Friendly Society was depression, soaring unemployment South Africa, Wellington is unlikely formed in 1894 as a community and widespread poverty leading to have had such an influx. Rather, service organisation. Some of their to what was called a “Poor White the comments seem to indicate neighbours were not friendly and problem”, particularly in rural areas — Zaaiman’s own bias. would throw stones on the roof while with Jews as convenient scapegoats. they were praying inside or would put In 1942, Woolworths’ founder, dead birds outside. German-born Max Sonnenberg, bought the Diemersfontein fruit farm This unfriendly behaviour hastened in Wellington as a family retreat and their decision to go ahead and build this might be the source of Zaaiman’s a synagogue of their own and Isaiah belief, as Sonnenberg campaigned Goldstein, a well-to-do mineral water Wellington Independent Friendly heavily to resettle several thousand manufacturer, laid the foundation Society Hall German Jews in South Africa in stone on 24 August 1921. At that the 1930s. Diemersfontein has time, the community consisted of any served in the South African remained in the Sonnenberg family 50-60 families who paid membership MWar and 11 of them attended and became a top wine farm under fees ranging from 7/6d to one guinea a Jewish thanksgiving ceremony to his grandson David, with the house per month (between R220 and R620 celebrate the Peace of Vereeniging serving as a guest house situated in in today’s terms). Wellington Diemersfontein Guest House in 1902 — Corporal Herman, Lance magnificent gardens. Corporal Canin and Privates Becker, Cohen, I and C Goldstein, Jaffe, In 1934, the antisemitic Greyshirt In 1941, the Wellington Hebrew Jesner, Kowarski, Selinksy and movement held a meeting in the Congregation became affiliated Watner. Wellington Town Hall and it provided to the SAJBD which was actively the Wellington Economic Press with fighting antisemitism. In 1942, the The Wellington Jews were sufficiently material for an article on “Luther and house adjoining the synagogue was aware of the importance of history the Jewish evil” as well as an extract purchased for the rabbi and in 1945, to preserve their minute books from from Hitler’s Mein Kampf. In 1935, another property was acquired to 1902 to the late 1920s, so we have the Gentile Protection League held convert into a communal hall and the minutes of their first meeting a meeting in Wellington and formed Hebrew School. chaired by Mr Boas in Mr I Garb’s a Wellington branch to protect the After the war in 1946, home in 1902 to discuss forming a Christian people. There was also Wellington Shul and Rabbi’s House the Broederbond congregation. They agreed to rent an active Wellington Afrikaner The synagogue which seated 80 decided that it was two rooms — one to be used for the Broederbond to protect the Afrikaans in the men’s section was opened clear that Jews were forthcoming high Holy Day services, people, and although only two of its with a ceremony the following year. running a growing the other as an office, with the members were also members of the It would be difficult to throw stones number of local Wellington Zionist Society sharing antisemitic Ossewabrandwag (OB), onto its roof. The Cape SAJBD has businesses and the office costs (Mr Boas was its after a debate, they agreed that the in its collection the synagogue door they should open an president). They drafted rules, whole branch should support the OB. bought chairs and furniture, agreed latch key made in America presented Afrikaner cooperative Wellington to charge 2/6d (two shillings and on that occasion with an inscription, Research into the minutes of the to counter it — one Synagogue sixpence, around R200 in today’s “Wellington Heb Cong, presented 23 Wellington Afrikaner Broederbond, was opened without door latch key terms) monthly for membership and August 1922.” 1937-1994, shows much hostility to the Broederbond’s elected Charles Goldstein president. its Jewish citizens. The researcher involvement. David Michalowsky donated a The following year, with a donation Johan Zaaiman remarks that before chandelier and the bimah was 1937, Jews dominated the local from the Paarl Congregation, they continues on page 15

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 15 CAPE SAJBD

continues from page 14 Prospects, community building and antisemitism for Wellington’s Jewish immigrants lag b'omer

What were the Jews running? In Unfortunately, antisemitism is still sameach 1947, Jews owned eight farms, two alive and well in Wellington, and shoe factories, a blanket factory, a in December 2018 most of the 63 fertiliser factory, dried fruit, canning graves in the Jewish Cemetery and dehydrating plants. David had been damaged, many of the Michalowsky ran the Railway Hotel tombstones were broken in half, and and Isaac Weintraub the Commercial some had been smashed into even Hotel and, earlier, the Zilbergs had smaller fragments. run the Masonic Hotel. Jews were “It’s greatly upsetting, especially if also hawkers, general dealers, it’s your family member’s final resting shopkeepers, jewellers, butchers, place”, Cape SAJBD Executive barbers, bakers, outfitters, doctors, Director Stuart Diamond said. attorneys, etc. The Board together with members In 1953, the SAJBD held a regional from Paarl and Wellington met with conference in Wellington with local government to discuss the representatives from Worcester repair work, and the fundraising that and Paarl attending. Antisemitism would be needed. They owe a debt went into decline after the war, of gratitude to Mark Kaufman and with Afrikaner Nationalism now other members of the Paarl Jewish triumphant and the council elected Community who have put a great deal Philip Sarembock as mayor from of time and energy into the Wellington 1957 to 1960, and again from 1975 Cemetery restoration project. to 1978. According to Mark Kaufman, the By 1966, the community was new fence had been cut and stolen, becoming concerned by their people entered the Tahara house declining numbers and no new through the roof and ransacked the residents had moved into the town. TO REPORT building, stealing a toilet and the Six years later, they celebrated their beautiful wooden doors at the back. AN INCIDENT OF golden anniversary with a mincha The Drakenstein Local Municipality service where Rabbi Lapin from has agreed to erect a boundary wall Cape Town giving a sermon, and OR at the cemetery after the attack. they approached the Cape SAJBD ANTISEMITISM to increase its subsidy from R50 to The Board of Deputies has now R60 a month, as their expenditure ensured that the tombstones, instead exceeded their income. In 1977, of being laid upright, have been ANTI-JEWISH the Cape SAJBD held a meeting in placed at a slight angle in a bed of Worcester attended by delegates concrete, minimising chances of BEHAVIOUR from Wellington to promote closer vandalism in the future. Mr Diamond cooperation because of declining has learnt that the tradition of putting numbers living in the country headstones upright was brought communities. from Eastern Europe, as flat stones HATE SPEECH would be covered by snow. The Cape Three years later, only 45 Jews SAJBD has also created a cemetery remained in Wellington. The INTIMIDATION vandalism WhatsApp group together synagogue was closed in 1982, with the Community Security most of the remaining nine Jewish ACTS OF VIOLENCE Organisation (CSO). families in the town joined the Paarl congregation. The synagogue was Much of the information in this article VANDALISM sold to the Apostolic Church and comes from Jewish Life in the South the front now incorporates both African Country Communities, GRAFFITI the Magen David and a cross. Volume II, researched by the South The proceeds of the sale went African Friends of Beth Hatefutsoth to communal organisations, the and Johan Zaaiman’s The local role of email [email protected] Sefer Torah to Herzlia school and a Wellington Afrikaner Broederbond a Havdalah bessamin box to the branch, 1937-1994, Historia vol.55 Milnerton Synagogue. n.2, published in Durban in November in case of emergency call CSO Cape 2010. By 2002, there were only three on 086 18 911 18 (available 24/7) Jewish families left in Wellington. The Country Communities The upkeep of the cemetery was subcommittee of the Cape SAJBD always a concern, and in the 1960s looks after the cemeteries of the they appealed to former members defunct country communities. For for contributions. It is presently queries, contact [email protected] maintained by the municipality. CapeSAJBD capesajbd capesajbd.org CAPE SAJBD

back to contents 16 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

Consider This Purim fun at Temple Israel

Pesach – halachah and We went all out to celebrate Purim this year! aggadah: questions e packed and delivered Mishloach Manot, donating a Wportion of the proceeds to Souper Troopers to fulfil the and answers mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim. We made delicious cocktails, had a full egalitarian Megilah reading and of course performed By Rabbi Malcolm Matitiani our very own Purimalema song! When asked, many Jews respond that Pesach is their favourite festival. Phina Hoberman with her Mishloach Manot esach is a festival that is primarily celebrated at home and not Pin synagogue. The seder on the first night of Pesach (many have sedarim on the first and second nights) is an occasion to which everyone looks forward. It is replete with ritual, and vigorous discussion and debate is encouraged. Indeed the ritual begins days before as we clean our homes ridding ourselves of any chametz, culminating in the ritual of bedikat chametz on the evening before Erev Pesach. After the preliminary blessings and the ritual of Yachatz (dividing the middle matzah), the relaying of the story of Passover begins with the Arba Kushyot (the Four Questions) Cocktail making demo asked by children. Not only is this ritual a chance for the younger Full Egalitarian Megilah reading with Gill Saks members of our household to shine, but it also teaches a profound lesson: Judaism encourages critical analysis of, and debate about, life, our sacred texts and even God. The Haggadah provides guidance on how to answer questions posed by four different kinds of children: the wise child, the wicked child, the simple child, and the child who does not know how to ask. While answers are provided by the liturgy to the question of the meaning of Passover observance, the questions posed by the Ma Nishtana formulation are not directly answered. Questions are more Rabbi Greg teaching our cheder kids the Purimalema dance important than answers. An answer is definitive and represents one view while questions are open ended and allow for different interpretations and understandings. While many may argue that not providing definitive answers will lead to religious anarchy, Judaism has always been a religion and culture of openness and debate, one only has to study the Talmud and Midrash. Halachah certainly requires definitive answers and the rabbinic writings illustrate the democratic nature of the legal process. Debates and discussions are meticulously recorded, and the final answer stated is that of the majority. What is fascinating, however, Cheder class dancing the Purimalema dance is the fact that the redactors of the Mishnah and Talmud chose to include the minority opinions as well. The decision not to ignore Erev / First Night divergent opinions is illuminating and unique in the history of religion. Service and I like to think that the decision to document divergent voices was 5781 made with a deliberate eye to the future. Even though halachah Communal Seder has to be definitive, the sages recognised the dynamism of life and PesachPesachPesach the world and understood that different times and circumstances need different solutions. Acknowledging opposing views leaves the Shacharit / First Morning Saturday 27 March - Saturday 3 April answers given by halachah slightly ajar, allowing for new answers National Online Service when times and circumstances require new understanding. onlineonline withwith It is for this reason that aggadah (stories, anecdotes, parables and Second Night arch narratives) is as equally important as halachah for a Jewish Young Family Seder TempleTemple IsraelIsrael understanding of life, the world, Torah and God. The narratives of the Torah and the rest of the Tanach and the midrashim of the rabbinic and medieval periods and the modern era assist us Also -Cooking demos CapeCape TownTown in understanding the motivation and thought processes of our scholars and sages. This rich collection of tales and philosophical Everyone welcome To register: www.templeisrael.co.za insights supplement the halachah that governs our everyday lives /call 021 762 1745 /email [email protected] in this physical, quantifiable world. The aggadah, both classic and modern, allows us to question and to search. Just as halachah guides us in our relationship with God as we go about our daily, Mazaltov to those who celebrated Bnei Mitzvah with us last month pragmatic lives, so aggadah is a vehicle for our spiritual connection to our Creator. This beautiful synchronisation between Jewish law and Jewish lore is clearly illustrated in the Pesach Haggadah that combines midrash and halachah and leaves room for discussion as we retell and re-enact the story of Y’Tziat Mitzrayim, “the Exodus from Egypt”. Jake and Joe Epstein Finn Rajna Jett Verboom Jordan Cohen Wishing you Chag Kosher v’Sameach 13 February 27 February 13 March 20 March back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 17

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back to contents 18 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

DIRECTOR’S CUT VIEW FROM THE CHAIR

By Chaya Singer, Executive Director SAZF Cape Council By Karen Marsden Sank, Chair SAZF Cape Council As Jews join together from around had nowhere else in the world to celebrate the festival of the world to go. It is The Israel of Pesach, we are taught to commemorate for organisations such our journey as a nation from slavery as the South African our youth to freedom, by telling our children Zionist Federation to protect our ancestral the story told to us by our parents, as and biblical Homeland, epitomises the recorded in the ‘Hagaddah’. which we read of in the his is from the Hebrew verb ‘l’hagid’ or Haggadah, and ensure physical nature T‘to tell’, which emanates from the Divine that there will never be instruction that we should tell our children an abandoned Jewish of the verb throughout our generations of the story of refugee again. the liberation of our forebears from slavery, This Pesach we stand ‘to build’ and experience again in our own generation up against human trafficking and slavery, the freedom that comes from learning the life against hate, dehumanisation and othering, They physically cleared swamps to build fertile lessons of the past. against racism and xenophobia. We stand with plots of land, they built buildings and cities The imperative to record and remember, is a all victims of mass atrocities and genocide, and more recently they have built skills and fundamental tenet not only in Jewish tradition including the Tutsis, Yezidis and the Rohingya. resources in the technology space which has but in Jewish law, and is at the heart of Jewish We come together in friendship, to share resulted in them becoming leaders in many of continuity. We tell this ancient story through matzah, the bread of affliction and the bread these arenas. the symbolism of the seder, across time and of healing. space, wherever we live in the world, at every ut the term ‘to build’ is still relevant today and here in As a South African, Pesach is also a time to South Africa it feels more relevant than ever when it time in history, sometimes in perilous secrecy, reflect on our country’s journey from Apartheid B as a message of hope and faith to survive, and comes to the building of relationships between Israel and to Democracy, to honour those who died and ourselves and in and amongst ourselves. at others to be humbled and thankful, to be lost in the Struggle in the fight for Human Rights living in prosperity and freedom. and equal opportunity, and I am reminded Building relationships is about finding commonality. It’s This Jewish commitment to literacy, story- that reconciliation towards social cohesion is about putting aside differences to build something that is telling and education, informs our collective a process that starts around a table of family for the common good of both parties. We witnessed this memory of more current events too. At a time and friends. first-hand with the recent signing of the Abraham Accords last year. The differences between Israel and the UAE when the generation of Holocaust survivors This year we celebrate the historic Abraham are passing on, the responsibility of gathering did not evaporate but their focus on what they had in Accords, and the series of normalisation common allowed for this landmark relationship to be built. and preserving their eye witness testimony, agreements which have been signed between to the systematic murder of six million Jews Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, The role of the SAZFCC going forward will be to build — in Europe, four generations of my own family Sudan and Kosovo. As we share the lessons, to continue to build relationships with other community among them, is an essential deterrent against cultures and customs of our histories, we are organisations, to build relationships with all demographics antisemitism. Together with our many friends, empowered to reach forwards to attain shared of our community, to build relationships between various Jewish communal institutions are mandated to ambitions and aspirations for the future. We sectors of business and to build a relationship with Israel ensure that we will never allow this chapter in are committed to building post conflict bridges, that is no longer based on their economy as it was during our history to repeat itself ever again. because hearts and minds can change when the time of our youth, but with Israel as the strong and The generation that remembers a world without people are given opportunity to connect. It successful nation it has become today, and to use that an independent Israel is also passing on, those starts with telling our stories. as a foundation to forge strong bonds between our two countries. who fought and built, and who know of all the L’Shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim. Chag lives lost and saved when persecuted Jews Sameach! Since our new leadership stepped in late last year we have been meeting with each affiliate of the SAZFCC; getting to know them, sharing our vision and establishing renewed working relationships for the benefit of all our organisations. We have had an extremely welcoming response and our affiliates, which are the core of the SAZFCC, are excited for the way forward. We have harnessed some of the finest leadership talent our community has to offer and for this we are not only proud, but also grateful — grateful to those who have volunteered their time and skills to help us build a SAZF that can take us into what is fast becoming a new world of shared ideas and resources all based on our common love of Israel. With Pesach upon us and Israel at the forefront of the world vaccination programme, we are truly a light unto the nations, helping to forge the way towards the freedom that we have all lost over the past year.

Fruits of peace: Chaya Singer and Israeli Ambassador Lior Keinan share Emirati dates Chag Sameach. Wishing you and your families a joyous Pesach. Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 19

Aliyah goes ahead despite the plague

The January 25 2021 Aliyah have made Aliyah in the first few flight from South Africa landed months of 2021. at Ben Gurion airport just Telfed (SAZF Israel) reports that new hours after the Israeli skies Olim have had to deal with greater were ‘hermetically sealed’ in a administrative and bureaucratic bid to contain the spread of the challenges. According to Telfed CEO, new COVID-19 variants. Dorron Kline, “Many government offices were closed to the public, t was the last flight to arrive on Israeli with most of their employees Isoil for what was to be weeks, and working from home. It made the passengers were transported by bus process of receiving one’s ID card to IDF-managed accommodation at difficult. However, with the lifting what have become known as ‘Corona of strict lockdown procedures, the hotels’ around the country. government offices have reopened, After ten days of quarantine and and new Olim can once again make multiple health checks, Israel’s most online appointments with the Ministry recent Olim were welcomed into their of Interior and receive their ID cards new communities during what has after they conclude their quarantine been a most unusual and challenging period.” At the time of writing, Israel time to make Aliyah. had already started to remove many The Olim of the 25 January Aliyah flight from South Africa of the lockdown restrictions, bringing from South Africa to Israel. The After more than a year of a modern The previous year saw the arrival of a sense of gradual return to normality. 350 South African Olim, with 1000 uncertainty experienced during this plague, how sweet for some to individual application files having Pandemic restrictions and time may even have contributed to confirm that against considerable been opened over the same period. complications have clearly not prompt those considering the move odds, this year Pesach is indeed in To date more than 50 South Africans stopped the swell of immigrants to fast track the process. Jerusalem (or thereabout).

Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents 20 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

ICC’s ‘Palestine’ ruling is a threat to Familiar face now heads Klita international law communications

By Natasha Hausdorff The decision of the either when the state becomes International Criminal Court’s a party to the treaty, or when it three-judge ‘pre-trial Chamber’ otherwise accepts the jurisdiction of last week confirmed the widely the Court in a matter. The State of held view that the Hague- Israel is neither a signatory to the Rome Statute, nor has it accepted based Court has succumbed to the ICC’s jurisdiction in this matter; the dangerous politicisation of there is therefore no delegated international legal institutions. jurisdiction for the Court to assume. All pretence has been dropped. And yet, the Decision of the Majority stablished by the Rome Statute in determined that jurisdiction exists 1998, and charged with bringing through a combination of intellectual E Danny Adeno Abebe the perpetrators of mass atrocities acrobatics and the wholesale refusal to engage with arguments raised by to justice, the Court suffers from that the Ministry advances and I’m amici, and even by the Chamber’s The Ministry of Aliyah and an abysmal record. In 2012 it was proud to be taking part in public presiding judge, Péter Kovács, Integration welcomed Danny resoundingly criticised for spending Adeno Abebe to its team as service.” nearly a billion US dollars and taking in his detailed and rigorous 10 years to deliver its first judgement 163-page Dissent. head of its Spokesperson, Telfed CEO Dorron Kline welcomed Communications, and Danny to the Klita team. “We merited and matters have only worsened Judge Kovács did not hold back to promote Aliyah together during since then, with an independent in his criticism of the Majority’s Information Department. his stint as the Habonim shaliach to expert review culminating in a Decision, published on Friday amiliar to South Africans as South Africa. His positive shlichut damning report in 2020. The afternoon, 5 February. In his Dissent, erstwhile Habonim shaliach F experiences in South Africa stand abandonment of any façade of the Hungarian judge stated, “I find based in Johannesburg, Danny made him in good stead for the challenges adhering to the international rule of neither the Majority’s approach nor its Aliyah from Ethiopia at the age of he will face as spokesperson at the law must surely now be the final nail reasoning appropriate in answering nine. He was an IDF correspondent Ministry of Absorption. Telfed looks in the Court’s coffin. the question before this Chamber, and then worked as a journalist for forward to continued cooperation and in my view, they have no legal 15 years. Over a year ago, ICC Prosecutor with Danny to better South African basis in the Rome Statute, and even Fatou Bensouda requested klita (integration) in Israel,” he said. less so, in public international law.” Danny said in a Facebook post confirmation of the Court’s territorial announcing his appointment, “I intend The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration jurisdiction with respect to her The Majority swept aside international to use my role as a public, recognised provides government assistance to proposed investigation of Israel and law concerning statehood, which figure to advance the national goals new Olim and Returning Residents. the Palestinians. Given that Israel requires the existence of a is not a State Party to the Rome permanent population, a defined political ones, and by sidestepping pushes peace backwards, in Statute, the Prosecutor’s question territory, effective government and the absence of proper jurisdiction particular at this moment of rare turned on whether the Palestinian the capacity to carry out foreign here, the Court has placed itself progress in the Middle East with Authority, which purported to join the relations. The lack of care for firmly in the political camp. Second unprecedented normalisation Rome Statute in 2012, constitutes a consistency by the Majority is simply and concurrently, the Majority agreements between Israel and the “state” for the purposes of the Court’s extraordinary. Having, for example, judgment ignores international law Arab world. That this enormous stride founding treaty and, if so, the extent stressed the importance of a textual and eschews legal analysis which a away from a rules-based global order of its territory. interpretation of the Rome Statute, Court would be expected to apply. has been enthusiastically welcomed This question necessarily they proceeded to selectively quote Third, the Decision employs political by the internationally recognised involved consideration of the most Article 12 in their ‘textual analysis’. instruments to justify its approach in terrorist group Hamas, ought to be a fundamental principles of public This “surprising” approach to “wilfully order to avoid a legal assessment sufficient warning. We are witnessing international law, including the legal disregard” parts of the text was also of the issues; it relies on UN the weaponization of international criteria for statehood. The Chamber called out by the presiding judge. Resolutions, policy statements that judicial bodies for political gain. was warned off wading into the Perhaps, most astonishingly, the reflect the interests of the states that It is something which ought to political quagmire of the Prosecutor’s Majority stated in clear terms that voted for them and, crucially, do not concern all human-rights-protecting approach, which sidestepped the they would not engage at all with have legal force. democracies around the world. The double standards which start with law. Seven ICC member states (the certain legal arguments, including The truly damaging impact of this Israel are unlikely to end with Israel. Czech Republic, Austria, Australia, as to the applicability of the Oslo Decision on the credibility of the Hungary, Germany, Brazil and Accords. By English public law Court is not merely rooted in its Natasha Hausdorff is a Barrister at Uganda) and numerous experts in standards, such a refusal to take into circular reasoning, or even the Six Pump Court Chambers and a international law provided amicus account, or engage in any analysis politicised timing of the Decision. The Director of the NGO ‘UK Lawyers for briefs, strenuously objecting to the of, fundamental issues would amount destructive impact of this Decision is Israel’, which submitted an ‘amicus Prosecutor’s claims of jurisdiction. to “Wednesbury unreasonableness”. that it further devalues international brief’ on the question of the ICC’s The jurisdiction of the Court can be Ultimately, the Decision is a political legal institutions and poses a threat jurisdiction. to the international rule of law. delegated to it by the States involved one for three reasons. First, the This brief first appeared in the Law in any matter that comes before the question of jurisdiction is what For the Court to be wielded as a Society Gazette on 12 February 2021 Court. In accordance with Article separates judicial bodies from political tool in this fashion also and is reprinted with permission. 12 of the Rome Statute, this occurs

Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 21

Youth Movements roundup

South African Union have any questions about of Jewish Students our program, or would like (SAUJS): to be involved please email our Coordinator, Martine After a very successful Kawalsky at diller@ctjc. 2020 despite all the co.za. challenges that were thrown at us, SAUJS is once again Habonim excited for a year full of even We recently said goodbye more growth. We would like to Errol Anstey, our Manhig to take this opportunity to (Honorary President) for introduce you to our new over 20 years, with many leadership for 2021. Our more years of service new chairperson, Deena besides. In his stead, Katzen is a third year BCom we have enlisted Wayne Accounting student at the Sussman as our new . Manhig. We have also In 2019, Deena served as acquired a wonderful new the National Chairperson of bayit in Gardens for our SAUJS before deciding to Cape Town Ken. move from Johannesburg to Cape Town, where she Diller Teens Cohort 6: Aaron Schwartz, Adam Selikowitz, Ben Vogelman, Darren Greenspan, Doron Zinman, Elle Franck, Ilan Meltz, Jade Rubin, Jared Daitsh, Jonah Schwartz, Katya Golan, Lilla Fleischmann, Netzer joined our UCT SAUJS Michaela Perkel, Olivia Diamond, Rachel Castle, Ruby Kurgan, Sabrina Brivik, Silvie Richards, Tan-Tan Committee. Our new vice- Kuti-Alexander, Zoe Kaplan. Staff: Martine Kawalsky, Julia Kaimowitz, Rachel Rod and Talia Scher Introducing our Regional chairperson, Kevin Pogrund Rosh Cape Town for 2021: is currently completing his honours year of his Mechatronics degree at UCT. My name is Cayla Dawn Shmaryahu and I am 20 years old. I have just been Our vision for 2021 is to ensure that SAUJS provides a community for young chosen to be the Netzer Cape Town Representative and this will allow me to Jewish adults, something which is often difficult to maintain after leaving a help make decisions about the movement and lead it to new heights in the Jewish school. We have big things planned to make 2021 our best year yet. upcoming years. I am currently doing a second gap year after going on Shnat To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook @SAUJS Western Cape and look Netzer in 2020 and I have been a member of Netzer since 2017. Netzer is the out for our Orientation Week activities which will be coming up soon! place where I have always been comfortable and felt at home, a place that is very close to my heart. I am very excited about this new chapter in my life. Diller Teen Fellows Nilmad V’Na’aseh — We will learn and we will do! Cohort 6 — Young and talented future Jewish leaders have embarked on a Bnei Akiva journey with Diller Teen Fellows to further explore their personal connections to Judaism, and their leadership potential. Our twenty selected fellows engage We ran our amazing Machanehs during the December holidays! Our new with relevant topics and grapple with new ideas in our bi-monthly workshops. national team has been announced, who are sure to make this year special Topics explored include: Jewish Identity, Pluralism, Peoplehood, Leadership, for Bnei Akiva South Africa. We have also launched our Matanot Le’evyonim Community involvement, Israel and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). If you drive for Purim 2021. Seeds of Hope planted on Tu B’Shvat

South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) and the Jewish National Fund (JNF) celebrated Tu B’Shvat by partnering with the Seeds of Hope Community Gardening Project in Khayelitsha. ased at the Makukhanye Centre, Pastor Aaron Makili and his team have planted a community Bkitchen garden on the plot surrounding their community centre. The garden consists of vegetables and herbs and the produce is used in the soup kitchen, also based at the Centre, which daily feeds 230 individuals (including many children). The garden is worked by local volunteers, helping to restore self- esteem and purpose to the many who have lost employment during the pandemic. However, the productivity of the garden has been hampered for want of an irrigation system, whilst the quality of the soil is poor and sandy. The need of the local community in Khayelitsha for food security is great, particularly in these uncertain times, and that’s why SAFI and the JNF stepped in to help. On Tu B’Shvat, a donation was made to the Seeds of Hope project to assist them with their most pressing needs for basic water irrigation, tools, seeds and improvement of the soil through fertilisation and enrichment. This donation was an active remembrance of our responsibility to care for the land; making it green, verdant and productive in a way which is sustainable and ecologically sound. What better way to do this than to assist a nascent micro-farming initiative which is wholly dedicated to serving the needs of its local community? SA Zionist Federation Cape Council Chair, Karen Marsden Sank presenting donation to Pastor Aaron Together, we really can plant seeds of hope. Makili with Trystan Tregenza Hall

Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents 22 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 Maintaining the history of Muizenberg Family Announcements By Jaime Uranovsky The multicoloured beach huts that dot the Simonstown. The team has already completed CONDOLENCES — THANK YOU Deep South’s coastline form an integral part its first hut on Muizenberg. The work of the Trust of Cape Town’s history and constitute one is more urgent than one might think since, if the MILTON GERDIS of the most iconic representations of beach- huts are not maintained, the City will destroy them. We would like to thank Rabbi and going in the Mother City during Angela, Charles and Daniel are trying their best to Rebbetzin Liebenberg, family and ensure that this does not happen. Charles explains, the summer. friends for their heartfelt support “It’s all about history. Even though the huts are not and kindness shown with such hese huts hold particular meaning for locals recognised that way as part of the Historical Society, compassion on the passing of our Tand holidaymakers of generations past (many it’s the history of the individual, history of what you beloved husband, father, brother and of whom were and are Jewish) who flocked to remember as being a kid, or of your grandparents brother-in-law. Muizenberg and its surrounds to take advantage and… hopefully we can create the history of the of the sand and surf. Indeed, for many in the South future now… because if we don’t fix them the City Deeply mourned by Nola, Saul, African Jewish community and beyond, the sight of is going to remove them forever; they have already Ronnie and Mathy Gerdis the huts brings back fond memories of time spent told us… So, if you think about it like that, those huts on the beach with family and friends. While the gone forever from the landscape of Cape Town, Municipality has been responsible for the upkeep of that’s a bit of a travesty”. MARTIN MARGOLIUS the beach huts over the years, the huts are hardly a As news of the project spread, it touched the hearts 18/3/1936 – 30/11/2020 priority and have fallen into disrepair. Moreover, they of individuals around South Africa. For example, are maintained on an ad hoc basis, such as when Everite, a company which produces nutec (a We wish to thank all family and a step needs replacing. This has resulted in what synthetic material that is fire-resistant, waterproof, friends for their love and kindness local resident and professional photographer Angela and, as Angela says, is “virtually indestructible”), has shown during the untimely passing of Gorman calls, “a complete mongrel of bits of wood”. offered to donate nutec boards for the initial 31 huts our husband and father. along Muizenberg. The Director of Everite, who lives Indeed, it was the state of the beach huts which From his devoted wife Rose, children, in Pretoria, was inspired to get involved because of inspired Angela to take matters into her own hands Jerry, Hazel and Marcia, daughter-in- his own love of the beach and his memories of the last year and to create the Beach Hut Trust, dedicated law, sons-in law, grandchildren and huts. Another company, based in , to fixing and saving the iconic beach boxes. She great granddaughters. explains, “It started … when we come out of that hard will be helping with the stairs. Angela notes, “It’s no lockdown and were allowed back on the beaches longer a Muizenberg project. It’s a national project and we went to go and have a walk on Muizenberg and it’s been amazing”. AMALIE SHELDON Beach. We just saw the absolute state of disrepair of Recently, Pick n Pay has partnered with the Trust those beach huts and, being photographers, both my by launching recyclable cloth bags with images of The sudden and tragic passing of husband and I can’t walk past there without wanting the beach huts on them. These bags are available at Amalie, adored by all who knew her, to take a picture …and I was just shocked by it. Then Pick n Pay stores nationwide and R5 from each one has revealed the incredible support of I wrote on my own Facebook page how sad I was will be donated to the Trust. Angela estimates that our wonderful community. to see the disrepair and someone said, ‘Oh go on, these sales will allow them to complete two more The outpouring of love and you can start something; you fix it’, and so I started huts. a ‘Save Our Beach Huts’ Facebook page and it just generosity, the calls, messages, grew exponentially.” Soon after, fellow Deep South Another supporting initiative is the selling of meals and endless thoughtful treats, residents Charles Maisel and Daniel Blaauw joined beach-hut-coloured buffs by Trust member Daniel, are so appreciated by all her family Angela in the quest to ensure the survival of these mentioned above. Daniel, who Angela refers to as and were a comfort at this traumatic colourful landmarks. ‘Mr Tourism of Muizenberg’ donates 20% of his time. Sincere thanks to everyone who profits to the cause. reached out to us. Charles, a social entrepreneur and non-profit innovator extraordinaire, has a long history of The team is always looking for new partnerships Very special thanks to Rabbi Feldman spearheading award-winning projects that enact with both individuals and organisations and would for his constant, caring support. social change. Some of these include the Men love to connect with people who have memories His words at the funeral distilled on the Side of the Road Project, Black Umbrellas of Muizenberg and the huts themselves. Charles the very essence of the special (currently one of the largest business incubators explains, “The idea we’ve had as well is for people to woman that was Amalie! Members in South Africa and a partner entity of the Cyril also tell us their stories, their experience of the beach of the CSO and NSRI rendered the Ramaphosa Foundation), and Be!Bold — a university huts and how they made them feel, and their history, most unbelievable service and our entrepreneurship programme. On the value of the and engage with the public in that way”. Angela, gratitude for their professionalism and project Charles says, “The image of your childhood Charles and Daniel are also interested in input from kindness is enormous. individuals regarding how to use the beach huts in is going to Muizenberg beach, sitting by the beach Beautiful Amalie was universally the future. Charles says, “We’re still playing around huts and not knowing much about them but knowing loved as is reflected in the wonderful with different ideas once they are fixed, beautiful and that that the historical image in your mind is very tributes and shared memories from safe, but we are open to ideas: maybe having small engraved, especially in the Jewish community, and far and wide. Warm, generous, businesses in there, some tourism related activities”. that makes it such a feel-good project”. friendly, vivacious, stylish, hospitable Initially, the Trust aims to refurbish the 31 beach huts For more information: — always with a smile — her along Muizenberg but, ultimately, hopes to renovate Facebook: Save Our Beach Huts presence lit up the room and her light all 67 huts, which stretch as far as St James and Instagram: saveourbeachhuts will never be dimmed. She coped Email: [email protected] with her numerous health issues with fortitude and grace. Gratitude that she is at peace now. Amalie’s loss is irreparable and she is deeply mourned by her grieving family and friends, husband Alan, children Ross, Craig, Jodi, mother-in law Lilian, sister Pearl and her nieces and nephews. Rest in Peace Darling Amalie

To place a family announcement, email: [email protected]

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 23

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back to contents 24 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 Scouting Israeli innovation – necessity not a luxury

by Amit Lev, Trade and Investment Commissioner to Southern Africa Innovation has always been a to Israel, a small country of nine by helping these companies find an overview as possible of the tech known and vital component million people but with over 6000 suitable technologies by providing companies in the market and not for the success of a business. active start-ups, over 350 global them with knowledge, connections, according to a particular portfolio Whether it is innovation in research and development centres, outreach, scouting, research and of companies. 3rd place in the number of companies the facilitation of e-B2B sessions technology, business models or The Israeli Trade Mission has been traded on NASDAQ and many more between Israeli and SA companies. assisting SA companies to scout operations, without the basic innovative indicators that depict The advantage of working with Trade technologies and invest in Israeli innovation component it is Israel’s uniqueness in innovation to Missions is that: companies and VCs (because difficult to set up and operate a almost all industries and services. what’s good for the pension money successful global business. One — it The President of teachers in Boston and firefighters saves time and he economist Theodore Levitt of South Africa, in New York should be good for resources as this said “creativity is thinking up new Cyril Ramaphosa The President of South Africa, Capetonians’ looking for better yield T is done by the things and innovation is doing new praised Israeli Cyril Ramaphosa praised Israeli as well). Trade Mission’s things”. Technology at Technology at his address to professional It has also been facilitating B2B his address to First prize is for an organisation the Women in Business leaders team who have meetings with hundreds of Israeli the Women in to innovate from within, however in 2019; he labelled Israeli the knowledge companies in the last three years Business leaders they get caught up in day to day technology as a model for his and experience in various sectors from agriculture, in 2019; he operations and don’t have the to match the SA water, healthcare up to cyber labelled Israeli own country to follow as it is appropriate resources and time to company with the security, fintech, telecom and technology as “leading by leaps and bounds”. innovate in-house. relevant Israeli many more. a model for his company from own country to In the last three years the Israeli So where does one go to find a technological follow as it is “leading by leaps and Trade Mission helped to create more innovation? and maturity stand point (from bounds”. than 22 million USD in business deals startups and R&D centers to According to Prof. Terry Winograd, a and investments between Israeli and The Trade Mission is part of the Israeli established companies and famous computer science professor SA companies. Ministry of Economy and its purpose government officials). at Stanford University and an early is to create exposure and familiarity The Israeli Trade Mission’s team advisor for Google, Innovation is Two — the services are free (funded with Israeli innovative technologies will be glad to be in touch with any like real estate — the three key by the Ministry in Israel) devoid of relevant to SA companies and company in SA for requests regarding ingredients are location, location, hidden commissions or levies. vice-versa. scouting projects or other initiatives. location. Three — The local company will In turn, the aim is to translate Email johannesburg@israeltrade. This is relevant to Stanford but also get as clear, credible and unbiased innovation into economic value gov.il for more information.

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 25 Empowering and supporting those who need it most LIFE STORIES Pesach celebrates the exodus of the PRESERVING MEMORIES FOREVER Israelites from Egypt Women of Action and their eventual Record a LIFE STORY with LISA CHAIT and freedom from slavery. her expert team. Over 100 unique films, books and he Union of Jewish Women is audio recordings produced in South Africa and Tcommitted to bettering the lives of all internationally. South Africans, offering them freedom from the constraints of poverty, loneliness, lack of education, unemployment and LIFE STORIES are produced hunger. Myron Friedman manager of online, telephonically or in person Dischem store in Since 1931, Jewish women across South hands over the donation from Africa have brought freedom to some of the Dischem Foundation to society’s most disadvantaged sections. Shelley Levy, project manager We celebrate our 90th anniversary with at the Union of Jewish Women. think my father A big thank you to the Dischem pride of our incredible achievements. enjoyed reflecting Foundation for their incredibly Iback on his long Our successes in Cape Town and our generous donation and for and interesting life, supporting our 'baby bags for country communities are legendary beginners' project. nudged along by an including our Kensington Educare Centre attentive and expert which celebrates its 79th birthday this year. narrative shaper. The finished book is a We are passionate about working with grassroots organisations, helping great family read and to empower and support them. We help them by raising funds, securing a wonderful memoir.’ It’s the Perfect Gift for Lisa Chait with – Glen Heneck goods in kind and offering our time and expertise when needed. We do Harold Heneck's Life Story Future Generations this all with the goal of achieving self-sustainability for the project. The UJW also responds to emergency situations. By appealing to our h wow, goodness gracious me incredible Cape Town community, we are able to collect goods needed to this is wonderful. I'm looking support those who have been devastated by fires, floods and other disasters. atO my Life Story book hot off the The COVID virus had a devastating effect on our lives and our communities. press. Good heavens it's amazing! Do other people know what you Our ‘Women of Action’ rose to the challenge by temporarily suspending do Lisa? all other projects and setting up the UJW feeding programme. With the – Anne Jacobs (95) funds we were able to raise (over 000) we were able to feed and support not only the 700 children and teachers who attend our preschools, crèches and educare centres but also their families and communities. Cecil & Jo Jowell We also raised funds for our ‘baby bag for beginner’s’ project and were able filming in Springbok to distribute over 150 baby bags during that time, gifting many indigent new moms with all they needed to look after and care for their new-born babies. ur beautiful film captures One of the most important lessons to come out of COVID was the value my father’s story and ourO family history in the most of collaboration. During the first days of COVID we realised very quickly moving and riveting of ways. that the way forward for us all was to connect and work closely with other A Life Story is so much more organisations. Ladles of Love helped feed some of our projects, dropping Anne Jacobs than a ‘nice to have’... it’s a off sandwiches and eggs on a weekly basis. We supplied baby bags to ‘have to have’! An incomparable CAN for some of their refugees. ORT Jet assisted us with an incredible gift. Thank you Lisa. donation of Lego for our children who were stuck at home. – Jo Jowell Goldstein & Jowell family members now and always. On Mandela Day we were privileged to work with other incredible NGOs on a fundraising event hosted by the Mensch Network. We had a Zoom cook-a-long which saw people from all over the globe attending to support our feeding projects. We also collaborated with Jewish Community Services (JCS). On Mitzvah day we raised funds and collected goods to fulfil the wish-list of their cottages. Cape Town UJW wishes everyone Chag Pesach Sameach. We thank you for your ongoing unwavering support and look forward to working together Cyril Ferber to ensure we are developing, assisting and spreading love, hope and joy to those in our broader community who need it the most. hat an amazing journey Lisa took me on – an experience ofW a lifetime. Her endless patience, Ben & Cecilia Jaffe z"l endurance, kindness and ability to squeeze every bit of information from someone who doesn’t always isa and her team crafted an communicate readily was just Lextraordinary movie about the incredible. Lisa connects and Lifestories of our grandparents, engages with her clients in a very Ben and Cecilia Jaffe. It perfectly special way. portrayed our vision. – Cyril Ferber – Stephen Jaffe, grandson

www.lifestories.co.za +27 723776211

Kensington Educare Centre children say a big ‘thank you!’ [email protected]

back to contents 26 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 Celebrate with Bnoth Zion WIZO Chariots of Hope — transforming lives the WIZO way

Central to the mandate WIZO SA has and vision of the Women’s distributed International Zionist more than 180 Organisation (WIZO) is doing wheelchairs. what matters and making a Despite difference in the lives of those the various who need it most. challenges that the Covid-19 hrough the kindness of generous pandemic has Tdonors, WIZO SA has been brought, WIZO able to purchase top of the range, South Africa Israeli-designed wheelchairs for has continued children and distribute them across to actively make South Africa. These wheelchairs a difference Children from the Ithembelihle School in Primrose, Germiston have been designed, developed in the lives of receive their life-changing wheelchairs and manufactured by Israeli NGO, children who of bone cancer also received a Wheelchairs of Hope, an organisation have faced many trials and traumas. that seeks to provide wheelchairs to wheelchair and it has significantly children in need of mobility. Over the last six months In Cape transformed her life. Tamar Lazarus presents a wheelchair Town a wheelchair was given to a of hope to a young recipient at the Siva In Johannesburg, we were delighted Nathi Children's Home in Cape Town They can be used for children child at Sunrise Special Care Centre to give six wheelchairs to children at between 5-9 years of age and up to and to two children at the Sive Nathi building the children’s self-esteem Afrika Tikkun’s Community Centre, 40kg who have enough independent Children’s home. A brave, nine-year- and helping to create a better future five to the Kutullo Disability Care back strength to support themselves old girl named Zaarah who had to for them and their families. Centre and at the Ithembelihle in a sitting position. Since 2018 have her leg amputated because School, 15 children received Since 2017 over 5000 children wheelchairs. In Durban, six children across six continents have received “What an honour it is to be Chairman of BZA WIZO Cape Town in this most received wheelchairs through a Wheelchair of Hope and we at auspicious year. 120 years of women banding together to support our critical the Association for the Physically WIZO SA are proud to be a part of projects in Israel, forming a sisterhood bond like no other. We certainly stand Challenged. this amazing Israeli initiative. on the shoulders of these giants. To 120 more!” WIZO SA has been honoured If you know of any children, schools, Janene Currie, current Chairman of BZA WIZO to be part of something that has organisations or institutions that enabled children with disabilities to could benefit from one of these become mobile, remain healthy and wheelchairs or if you would like to participate more fully in community support this work financially, please life. This mobility is a key factor in email [email protected] WIZO Cape Town lends a hand “Biz hundert un tsvantsig” For more than 20 years Mickey Linda, affectionately known as Mama Mickey, At 120 years, Bnoth Zion WIZO is the longest running Jewish communal has dedicated her life to helping organisation in Cape Town! the destitute in her community in Khayelitsha. Become a Lifetime Member and ensure the legacy continues for 120 more er focus has been children at risk, mothers Hand the elderly and her work has evolved To celebrate our 120th anniversary, we are offering a special from running a creche and serving meals from Lifetime Membership opportunity to our members, community halls into what it is today – the Yiza Ekhaya soup kitchen serving approximately who would like to take up this prestigious option. 200 children and 160 referred pensioners daily. Lifetime memberships cost R5000. Payment can be made over two years During COVID Contact the office for more details 021 464-6700 x 131 many people or [email protected] from the clinics EFT and other payment options are below could not take Gill Raphaeli, Tamar Lazarus their medicine and Michal presenting as they had seedlings to Mama Mickey no food to eat, so these people were sent to Mama Mickey. The number of people looking to her for help has risen greatly and Bnoth Zion WIZO Cape Town, under the convenorship of Esta Levitas, has responded to this great need doing whatever we are able to support Mama Mickey with her essential work. WIZO is committed to alleviating the suffering of the hungry and impoverished and to supporting all in need. The children receiving Easter Thank you for helping us to make a difference! eggs back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 27 Longest running Jewish communal organisation turns 120

How it all began… In 1897, Herzl’s clarion call to world Jewry to establish a The women of Bnoth Zion have homeland for the Jewish people was made at the 1st Zionist always risen to the challenges Conference in Basle. of the time and will continue to do so, following in the path taken our years later, on 19 August 1901, Moses Zuckerman, a leading some 120 years ago by a band of FCape Town Zionist, called for a meeting of Jewish women. Within a intrepid women. couple of months, the Bnoth Zion Association was established and 160 members had committed themselves to the Zionist cause. BZA WIZO Founders First Chairman: These fearless and adventurous women 1901: Moses and Rebecca Mrs Mary Millin faced trials and opposition but remain Zuckerman 1901 focused and dedicated to working towards the goal of a Jewish National homeland. Since then Bnoth Zion has continued to work for Israel and also to empower generations of women through education, social opportunities and activities to work for their beneficiaries in Israel that assist women and children in need. In 1932 Bnoth Zion became part of the SA National Body of Zionist women as a Federation of World WIZO and in 2004 1912 Bnoth Zion Committee: Miss Levitt, Mrs Slome, Miss Frank, Mrs Glaser, Bnoth Zion incorporated the name WIZO Miss Katz, Mrs Zuckerman, Miss Winnitsky, Miss Misnekov, Mrs Gurland, Mrs With glam 50s hats are Chairman Sylvia Smaller, Phyllis Sacher and Freda Raphael to Bnoth Zion WIZO Pepper, Mrs Gronitski and Mrs Zinn

“I am delighted to extend a big mazel tov to all the ladies of Bnoth Zion, both past and present, as we all celebrate 120 years of this incredible organisation. What an accomplishment! May you go from strength to strength and continue to transform lives as you fulfil the WIZO mandate of doing what matters!” Shelley Trope-Friedman, WIZO SA President Supporting projects in Israel NEVE WIZO Five townhouses in Herzlia provide a warm home and substitute family for children who have been removed from their homes by court order. Each home has its own set of house-parents, who provide the children with a healthy lifestyle, rehabilitative care and as normal a life as possible. IRONI CARIERA A diagnostic treatment and rehabilitation centre in Tel Aviv for delinquent youth from dysfunctional homes. They are taught basic vocational skills in many fields and a team of professionals attend to their psychological and emotional needs. Golden Jubilee Ball in 1951 THREE DAY-CARE CENTRES These centres provide day-care facilities for hundreds of mothers, new immigrants and children from problematic families as well as ordinary Israeli citizens. In their formative years, the children receive the education, enrichment and care they need. Some day-care facilities also have a special section which caters to the needs of autistic children. BEIT HALOCHEM Caring and expertly-trained staff supervise innovative therapies which help severely-maimed veterans of Israel’s many wars and victims of terrorist attacks, to rehabilitate them emotionally, psychologically and physically. The centre also has outstanding sporting facilities with coaches who train paraplegic Current 2021 BZA WZO Cape Town Executive: Tamar Lazarus, Donné athletes in many different sports. Querido, Bella Silverman, Moonyeen Castle, Barbara Flax, Adrienne Judes, Janene Currie (Chairman), Suzanne Luck, Li Boiskin, Kim Daitsh, Shelley Friedman, Tessa Scher and Felicity Isserow “I wish BZA WIZO a hearty mazaltov on this momentous anniversary of 120 years. May WIZO continue to grow for evermore. WIZO has given me the best years of my life and I am so grateful to have grown with this amazing organisation. WIZO has been close to my heart to which I have proudly supported with love and tenacity for more than 72 years – a special and unique organisation and may it be blessed for many years to come.” Ettie Buch z'l, our longest-standing member until her recent passing

Did you know? WIZO is recognized by the United Nations as a non- governmental organisation with consultative status on ECOSOC and UNICEF. WIZO sits on the commission for the Status of Women.

Golf Day 2013: Sheleen Kassel, Karen Shandel, Gill Raphael, Desray Conne, Did you know? In 1926 Bnoth Zion started the first Hebrew Nursery Tamar Lazarus, Tessa Scher, Suzanne Luck, Terry Stevenson, Donné School in Cape Town and it was the forerunner of the Hebrew Nursery Schools Querido, Nadine Owens Loughnane, Janene Currie, Felicity Isserow, Claudia Codron and Kim Daitsh. Movement in South Africa. back to contents 28 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

brought 15 steps to freedom to you by: A Pesach message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson 1

The festival of Passover What is happening in the outside the wicked Kadesh (Sanctify) calls for early and elaborate world need not affect us; we might be (temporarily), preparations to make the singled out for suffering, G‑d forbid, the simple amid general prosperity, and likewise and the one ACT: Jewish home fitting for the Recite Kiddush and drink the 1st singled out for safety amid a general who knows great festival. It is not physical cup of wine reclining to the left plague or catastrophe. not what to preparedness alone that ask. is required of us, but also The story of our enslavement and spiritual preparedness — for in liberation of which Passover tells us, Just as Contemplate: Kadesh means to separate. All the life of the Jew the physical gives ample illustration of this. For the we cannot fate of our people is determined by its shirk our journeys begin with separation. and spiritual are closely linked To arrive at your destination you together, especially in the adherence to G‑d and His Prophets. responsibility towards our child by the excuse must leave the place you are in. celebration of our Sabbath that “my child is a wise one; he will and festivals. The story of Passover is find his own way in life therefore no Discuss: n Passover we celebrate the story of the special education is necessary for him”; so, What "Egypt" (limits) do I need to Othe liberation of the Jewish Divine Providence which we must not despair by thinking “the break free from this Pesach? people from Egyptian slavery alone determines the fate child is a wicked one; no education and, together with it, the liberation of our people. will help him.” from, and negation of the ancient For, all Jewish children, boys and Egyptian system and way of life, the girls, are “G‑d’s children” and it is our 2 “abominations of Egypt.” This lesson is emphasised by the sacred duty to see to it that they all three principal symbols of the Seder, live up to their above-mentioned title; Thus, we celebrate our physical Urchatz (Wash) liberation together with our spiritual concerning which our Sages said and this we can achieve only through freedom. Indeed, there cannot be that unless the Jew explains their a kosher Jewish education, in full one without the other; there can be significance, he has not observed the adherence to G‑d’s Torah. ACT: no real freedom without accepting Seder fittingly: Pesach [the Paschal Wash hands as you would for the precepts of our Torah guiding our Offering], Matzoh and Moror [bitter Bread but without a blessing daily life; pure and holy life eventually herbs]. ...three principal symbols of the Seder... Pesach [the leads to real freedom. Using these symbols in their Contemplate: Paschal Offering], Matzoh It is said: “In every generation each chronological order and in Our hands represent action. Jew should see himself as though accordance with the Haggadah and Moror [bitter herbs]. We wash our hands from the he personally had been liberated explanation, we may say: the Jew dirt of distraction. The miss- from Egypt.” This is to say, that the can avoid Moror (bitterness of life) appropriation of our energy lesson of Passover has always been only through Pesach (G‑d’s special Then we all will merit the realisation a timely message for the individual care ‘passing over’ and saving the of our ardent hopes: “In the next year Discuss: Jew. The story of Passover is the Jewish homes even in the midst of may we be free; in the next year may In which areas can I improve and story of the special Divine Providence the greatest plague), and Matzoh we be in Jerusalem!” clean up my act? — then the very catastrophe and which alone determines the fate of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson our people. the enemies of the Jews will work for the benefit of the Jews, driving them in great haste out of “Mitzraim” [Egypt], the place of perversion and Just as we cannot shirk darkness, and placing them under 3 our responsibility towards the beam of light and holiness. 15 steps to freedom our child by the excuse One other important thing we must Karpas (Dip) that “my child is a wise remember. ACT: one; he will find his own The celebration of the festival of Dip onion, parsley or potato in way in life therefore no freedom must be connected with the HOW TO USE salt water. Make blessing to eat. commandment “You shall relate it to education is necessary THESE CARDS for him”; so, we must not your son.” Contemplate: despair by thinking “the The formation and existence of the 1) CUT OUT EACH CARD. child is a wicked one; no Jewish home, as of the Jewish people The salt water represents the education will help him.” as a whole, is dependent upon the 2) PUT ASIDE TO USE AT tears of slavery. We need to taste upbringing of the young generation, YOUR SEDER* the brokenness of enslavement both boys and girls: the wise and to be ready to leave "Egypt". 3) eNCOURAGE SHARING Discuss: Compiled by Rabbi Nissen Goldman from selected teachings on Chabad.org In what ways do I avoid facing *not a substitue for the Hagaddah If you benefitted from the cards at your seder or have ideas to improve them uncomfortable parts of myself? please send feedback to [email protected]

A proud beneficiary of Samson Student House 4 Bollihope Crescent, Upper Mowbray 7700 [email protected] | 072 363 0351 | Chabad.edu

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 29 A Pesach SEDER Companion SET

4 5 6 7 Yachatz (Break) Maggid (Tell) Rachtza (Wash) Motzi (Bless) ACT: ACT: Break the middle matzah (but ACT: ACT: don't eat it yet) Put half of it Time to tell the story. Begin with Wash for bread. Again. This time Recite blessing of Hamotzi. away for Afikoman later. 4 questions, then read Haggadah with a blessing Make blessing and drink 2nd cup Still don't eat the matzah. reclining. Contemplate: Contemplate: As long as we feel whole, there is Contemplate: Contemplate: Freedom isn't a once-off but a no room left to grow. It's when Before I eat I thank G-d for the What we've gone through + work in progress. A level higher we realize we are but a half - food in front of me. I am mindful learned in life, is to pass on to means a new challenge. Keep that we can't do this alone - that of the blessings in my life. others. Our story isn't ours to that ego in check. Rinse and the miracles begin. Where is G-d? keep. Share it, help another! repeat. Wherever you let him in... consider: Discuss: Discuss: Discuss: What are some things G-d has Share a time where you discovered Why is remembering the exodus Why this time 'with a blessing'? blessed me with? your light through being broken? a daily commandment?

8 9 10 11 Matzah (Crunch) Maror (Bitter) Korech (Sandwich) Shulchan Orech

ACT: (Feast) ACT: ACT: Blessing on the mitzvah of Dip the bitter herbs in Charoset Try Hillel's world famous Maror Matzah + finally eat some. ACT: (not too much) make a blessing on Matzah sandwhich. Lean left. Dinnertime! Pass the gefilte fish. on the Mitzvah. Shed a tear? Contemplate: Contemplate: Matzah is called 'Bread of Faith'. Contemplate: When we live as a vehicle for the Because of it's ego reducing Celebrating our Jewishness Divine, the bitter, the sweet and Contemplate: properties. Unlike bread it provides meaning to the the tasteless responsibilities of G-d wants you to enjoy his world. doesn't rise. Eating Matzah at the sacrifices of those who got us life wrap together in a single Take time to pause during the seder is known to reduce our here. sandwich. journey to celebrate your growth sense of self-inflation. Discuss: Consider: Discuss: Discuss: What is so great about All the different cards you've Why is selflessness so What is something your'e really bitterness? Why do we want to been dealt are from the same liberating? proud of yourself for? remember that? unifying, guiding and loving hand

12 13 14 15 Tzafun (Dessert) Berach (Thank) Hallel (Praise) Nirtzah (Closing)

ACT: ACT: ACT: ACT: Eat the Afikomen for dessert. Blessing after meal (Bentsh). Psalms of Praise. Pour Elijahs Do nothing. Your job is done. Look Recline like a free person. Then blessing on wine Cup + the 4th & final cup of wine. up from your wine. It's His job drink cup #3 reclining Blessings.....then bottoms up! now... Contemplate: We eat humble pie again, this Contemplate: Contemplate: Contemplate: time on a full stomach, Gratitude. is not only the best If G-d wanted a perfect world he This moment in the seder is a acknowledging that even in attitude, it's the very opposite of could've created one. He wants time of open doors. Open your our good times, we are entitlement. It says, the world your humanness, your efforts. heart. Ask for blessings, don't always one second away doesnt owe me anything. Put your best foot forward, leave hold back. Abundance flows... from E.G.O - Edging G-d Out. Everything is a gift! the rest up to him.

Consider Discuss: Discuss: Sing Where my self interest ends, Name something you're feeling Give one blessing and one praise "L'shana Haba'a B'yerushalayim" is where transcendence begins. grateful for right now? to the person sitting next to you. "Next Year in Jerusalem"

A proud beneficiary of Samson Student House 4 Bollihope Crescent, Upper Mowbray 7700 [email protected] | 072 363 0351 | Chabad.edu

back to contents 30 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

United Jewish Campaign

Philip Krawitz, Chairperson of the United Jewish Campaign Board of Trustees pays tribute to ALISON BERK KATZEFF Outgoing Chairperson of the United Jewish Campaign

As Alison Berk Katzeff hands over to Lance Katz, our new dynamic Chairperson, I am sure she will look back with pride, not just on the hundreds of millions of Rands that she has brought into our Communal coffers, but also on the innovative changes which she has made; positioning ALISON BERK KATZEFF the UJC to march bravely into a new technologically driven world. Alison Outgoing UJC Chairperson was an innovator of note who did her best to modernise our approach to fundraising and to set new standards in the field of marketing and communication.

I clearly recall having “pushed” a nervous Alison into the hot seat despite her misgivings. Alison faced her first address to the Top Donors’ Dinner with trepidation and then produced a sparkling performance which she has repeated ever since on numerous occasions in the public eye. Alison has built a strong team around her, and despite family and travel requirements, she has always managed to keep her finger on the pulse and her eye on the ball. The UJC team is deeply grateful for her leadership, dedication and passion which ensured the organisation grew from strength to strength over the past years, despite operating in one of the most challenging economic climates. LANCE KATZ I am delighted that Alison has accepted our invitation to join the UJC Board Incoming UJC Chairperson of Trustees where she will no doubt continue to make her mark. We wish her some well-deserved rest after a hectic term spanning more than 6 years and Lance brings a wealth of experience and strategic look forward for what the future holds under Lance’s leadership. vision to our organisation which will be critical in meeting the growing demands in our community and Philip Krawitz - Chairperson, UJC Board of Trustees the shifting landscape of philanthropy.

This past year has been extraordinary, indeed. The number of Jewish Perhaps the most dramatic interruption to ordinary CAUSES people living in Cape Town life in modern history! Through it all, your 14 500 dedication and commitment to the Cape Town 35 1922 Jewish Community is especially appreciated. 3 DIVISIONS The UJC has embarked DONATIONS on a 2040 strategic Welfare plan in order to ensure 93 communal structures Communal 98% 2% NEW will work at optimum Families & Trusts & THANK YOU Israel DONORS efficiency in the future. Individuals Foundations 2040 VISION 2040 VISION

0.15% INCREASE IN FUNDS RAISED. A HUGE FUNDS RAISED: FEAT CONSIDERING THE CURRENT CLIMATE! YOUR DONATION MAINTAINS:60,365,906 schools, welfare organisations, AGE BREAKDOWN and other communal bodies. OF DONATIONS: 2020

What are some of the monthly YRS expenses of our welfare 65+GAVE R19.4MIL beneficiary organisations? COVID-19 WHERE THE MONEY GOES As a result of the Covid-19 45-64 YRS R20 000 per month pandemic, the Community 0 GAVE R13.3MIL Jewish Care Cape to cover medical aid for launched an Emergency 36% the children at Oranjia Covid-19 Campaign. CHILDREN ARE DENIED YRS Children's Home A JEWISH EDUCATION 24-44 % United Communal Fund BECAUSE OF GENUINE GAVE R1.6MIL 47% R 27.6 mil raised FINANCIAL REASONS 17% Israel United Appeal The funds raised R30 000 per month covered the most to provide holistic care for 1 senior immediate and vital citizen residing at Highlands House VISIT UJC COMUNITY CAMPAIGN 2020 AT A GLANCE Home for the Jewish Aged needs in our community ujc.org.za for including food, COVID- the complete 19 testing, PPE, extra annual report R2350 per month staffing of facilities and allows the Foodbank to financial relief for feed 1 family 500families receiving organisations & families. food parcels

UJC Cape Town UJC_cpt

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 31 Dear therapist: I can’t accept my father’s death from COVID-19

By Lori Gottlieb

Dear Paulina, so deeply is feeling so deeply — but by reminding yourself that there’s Dear Therapist, it’s also a gift, the gift of being alive. If nothing you could have done ’m so sorry that your father died, we no longer feel, maybe we should differently. (It wasn’t safe for you to need help with grieving and my Iand I can imagine the depth of your be grieving our own death. The travel. You didn’t know your father feelings of anger toward this I sorrow right now. You’re right that it grief psychologist William Worden would get the coronavirus. Your father microscopic virus that has taken feels profoundly unfair that one day takes into account this perspective knew how much you loved him, even my father. I know that even when you had a perfectly healthy father, by replacing Kübler-Ross’s stages if the devastated part of you might somebody is terminally ill, there’s and two weeks later he was dead. with tasks of mourning. In his fourth suggest you believe otherwise.) And no way to be fully prepared for And along with him died your vision task, the goal is to integrate the loss you can bear in mind the concept of loss. But isn’t grieving even more of the future, which included not just into your life and create an ongoing impermanence. Sometimes in their difficult when death comes out dancing with him at your sister’s connection with the person who pain, people believe that the agony of the blue, with no warning, in wedding and seeing him experience died while also finding a way to will last forever. But feelings are more a matter of two weeks, and the grandparenthood but also decades continue living. like weather systems — they blow person you know and love is of silly jokes and warm hugs and in and they blow out. Just because suddenly no longer alive? Right now, though, the pain of your the sound of his voice singing those you feel gutted this hour or this day father’s death feels unbearable. A I was not there for his last Beatles tunes — a voice that has felt doesn’t mean you’ll feel that way this patient once told me that her grief breaths. I was not there for his like home for your entire life. afternoon or next week. Everything made her feel “alternately numb and in last words. I’m trying to combat you feel — anxiety, anguish, joy — I have no magic words that can erase excruciating pain.” Yours may feel like my guilt, because I have lived blows in and out again. There will your pain, but even if I did, I wouldn’t that or it may feel different. You might in a different country from my always be pain. Hearing a Beatles try. That’s because your pain is the also experience a sense of surreality: father for the past seven years, song on the radio might even plunge result of deep love. It’s your love for How can people go on with their days and have been able to see him you into momentary despair. But your father that creates the pain, and as if nothing has happened? How for only a couple of weeks every another song, or another memory, I can’t — nor would I want to — take can they binge-watch TV shows and year and a half or so. COVID-19 might bring intense joy minutes or away your love. share gingerbread-cookie photos on not only took away my father; it hours later. Instagram when the world seems took away the opportunity to be What I can do instead is help guide to have stopped? And comparing So when you do fall into self-blame, home for my planned trip in April, you through this profound heartbreak your loss with others’ is natural, too: rumination over how things might when I would have spent time — which is, in essence, what grief is Is it worse if the death is sudden have gone differently, and protesting with him before what became his — so that instead of ‘accepting’ your or expected? If the person is 62 or the death itself — all of which are last few months. He was only 62, father’s death, you begin to accept 80? If you saw the person regularly ways to not experience the more and was waiting for my sister to your feelings in all their wild glory: or hadn’t seen him in a year? But tender feelings of sadness and get married this year and have the rage, the guilt, the sadness, the grieving is not a contest, because loss — be gentle with yourself. Get his first grandchild. despair, the envy of people whose parents survived COVID-19 while there are no winners when it comes sleep, eat well, move your body, I need help with acceptance, yours did not. Because when you to losing someone you love. go outside, find emotional respite because I cannot accept that by engaging in hobbies you enjoy accept these feelings, fully and Still, while there’s no hierarchy of I will not see his face, feel his or watching a movie. Connect with without judgment, you will slowly grief, the coronavirus has made the warm embrace, and laugh at his others over Zoom, and create rituals begin to heal. grieving process more complicated silly jokes while he sings another to memorialize your father such as because the rituals that normally Beatles tune. Healing doesn’t mean that the pain sharing memories or photos with support human sorrow — being goes away. It means that the pain friends and family, which you might How do I stop trying to find at a loved one’s bedside, saying becomes a sacred part of you that even compile into something tangible, something or someone to blame goodbye, viewing the body, having you carry inside forever. Often like a book or album or video. in order to accept what has grieving people come to me hoping a funeral, getting hugs and meals happened so I can stop being I can help them find ‘closure,’ but and sitting in the same room with There is no way around your grief, angry at the world? I’ve always felt that closure was an people who care about us — have but there is a way to move through been taken away. And then there’s your pain. Be patient with yourself. Paulina Valencia, Venezuela illusion. the experience of being constantly Try to remember that eventually you Many people don’t know that surrounded by COVID-19: seeing will come to view the world as neither Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s familiar people wearing masks every time all good nor all bad. Hold a space stages of grieving — denial, anger, you go to the supermarket, hearing for the fact that you hurt so deeply bargaining, depression, acceptance reports of more deaths on the news because you were loved so deeply. Many people don’t know — were conceived in the context that Elisabeth Kübler- every day. These reminders can be And let that braid of pain and love be of terminally ill patients learning to retraumatizing, as if your loved one a reminder that you are human, and Ross’s familiar stages of accept their own death. It’s one thing had died in an automobile accident you’re exactly where you need to be. grieving — denial, anger, to ‘accept’ the end of your own life, and all you saw every day were Lori Gottlieb is a contributing writer bargaining, depression, but for those who keep on living, the endless images of car crashes. at The Atlantic and a psychotherapist acceptance — were idea that they should be getting to acceptance, or what we think of as So what can you do in the face of your based in Los Angeles. She is the conceived in the context closure, might make them feel worse loss amid these extra challenges? author of Maybe You Should Talk to of terminally ill patients (“Why am I not ‘over this’ by now?”). You can be kind to yourself and Someone and co-host of the podcast learning to accept their practice self-compassion. You can Dear Therapists. Besides, how can there be an end embrace the rage — because it’s own death. This article first appeared on point to love and loss? Do we even valid. You can disinvite the guilt December 28, 2020 on The Atlantic, want there to be? The price of loving when it attempts to pay you a visit and can be read here.

The Chairman and Committee of Nechama Wish our Community Chag Kasher Ve Sameach

back to contents 32 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 Excerpts from Pesach-past from community members For the original, full length articles, visit http://cjc.org.za/community-reflections/

Gratitude through acts of service How the ‘Hillel Sandwich’ got its name By Adam Zartz for Pesach 2019 By Kalman Green for Pesach 2016 or me, Pesach is a very special holiday and a very Passover night, after eating matzah alone and Ftime when I remember my late father, Theo Emaror, the bitter herbs, alone, we customarily Zartz. eat matzah and maror again, but this time together, with the maror between two pieces of matzah in He would conduct the Seder with so much what looks like a sort of sandwich. Why? enthusiasm and we would sing every song with joy, taking care not to miss a single Because about 2100 years ago, there was a Jew note. One of the greatest things my father named Hillel who held that the matzah and marror taught me was to be proud of who I am must be eaten together. But why do we need to and where I have come from. Not a day announce, “This is what Hillel did…”? — just eat it! passes when I don’t draw on his legacy The reason is this: Hillel was one of the most beloved and appreciate that it’s the lessons he people in Jewish history. taught me that have made me to be proud Hillel loved everyone. There are endless stories about his great patience, of the way that I deal with challenging issues. about how he’d greet everyone with a cheerful face and with happiness. I could not be more grateful to him for teaching me, But Hillel’s greatest claim to fame came when he coined his saying: even in the face of adversity, to be proud to be a Jew. “Don’t do to your fellow what you personally hate — this is the entire Torah.” Shifting points of view Hillel was saying that whatever you don’t want people to do to you, don’t do to others — in contrast to the popular saying, “Do unto others as you By Lindy Diamond for Pesach 2017 would have others do unto you.”

hifting our focus off ourselves, there is an Egyptian “This is the entire Torah.” It was the first time in Jewish history that a Sheroine we gratefully remember at our Seder tables. Jewish leader came along and said that to love another person is the Pharaoh’s daughter, despite the considerable danger to entire Torah. Thus, Hillel became a symbol of Ahavas Yisroel, of love herself, defied her father and brought into motion events of fellow Jew — and even in the non-Jewish world, the tales of Hillel’s that would lead to our freedom. Not only a woman, but patience and his sayings are well known and accepted. That’s why the a non-Jewish woman without whom the outcome of our Jewish People returned that love to him — perpetuating him on the day story as Jews would have been very different. upon which he rose to greatness and saying “Thus did Hillel!” Akin to the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ who faced So, Seder night, my friends, as we celebrate our Freedom, and declare unthinkable personal danger helping Jews escape the “Thus did Hillel!” as we eat our “Hillel sandwiches”, we should bear in gas chambers of Nazi Germany, Pharaoh’s daughter saved mind not just the sandwich that Hillel invented and try to do the mitzvah Moses from certain death and facilitated the liberation of the children of as he did. Israel. She shifted her focus onto someone other than herself and changed “Thus did Hillel!” is a call to each of us, whoever he or she may be, to everything. Her name was Bithiah. remember how one must love another Jew — to be patient like Hillel, I know we remove drops of wine from our glasses when we speak of the humble like Hillel, and above all, loving of every Jew like Hillel - to plagues, so as to lessen the joy of our redemption, remembering that remember that the entire Torah is really nothing more than a commentary everything comes at a cost. Do we think of it enough, and speak of it tactfully on the mitzvah of loving one’s fellow Jew. to our children, so that they can consider their place in a world that should be seen from many points of view? If we can recognise the existence and importance of people like Bithiah, perhaps we can try to understand A time to appreciate all that we have extenuating circumstances in the actions of others — even when they are By Dani Wilke for Pesach 2016 ‘other’. he epitome of Pesach is my family’s inexplicable Tlove for matzah. Despite its somewhat cardboard A personal reflection on Pesach appearance, and sometimes taste, for us it is a highlight of the holiday. By Yaron Wiesenbacher for Pesach 2018 Many people find it a challenge to remove ow, I have no research or numbers to determine how bread and other chometz from their diets, but Nmany Jews celebrate Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur, in my household it is a time for invention and Purim or Succot or any of the other 28 chags we have. improvisation. Some of our staple Pesach treats But what I do know is that most Jews find a Seder table include matzah pizza, geshmirta matzah, matzah every year. Whether they’re religious or not, most Jews granola, and a newly found creation, matzah French will sit with their families on the first night of Pesach and toast. tell the story of how Moses left Egypt. While I cherish the time I have to sit around a table and celebrate our Some families take half an hour to tell the story and story with people whom I love, I believe that we should keep in mind some families, well, some families take eight days to tell those who are unable or do not have the luxury of spending this special the story. I personally don’t believe the story. It’s a little bit time with their families. far-fetched and I struggle to fathom that they left in such a rush that the bread wasn’t able to rise. What Jew in their right mind would not forecast the time I believe that it is essential to fulfill the mitzvot of eating matzah and of departure correctly?My grandmother arrives at the airport for a flight, two having a Seder. These few days, as previously mentioned, set us days before the boarding time. apart from others and add towards our Jewish identity. It contributes to our identification of ourselves as different from others along with an But please, while I still barely have your attention, I have a burning question opportunity to celebrate a very valuable piece of our Jewish history. that I want to put forward. It’s a question I’ve been battling with my entire adult life. Why the sliced carrot on top of the gefilte fish? Why? Despite the diverse traditions, we should all embrace the limited time that we are blessed with to sit around a table with our families. This is The only answer that I have ever been given is that it just does. It just does a time to connect with Hashem and one another to appreciate what we Yaron. It just does. have today that our forefathers and mother’s did not have.

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 33 Excerpts from Pesach-past from community members For the original, full length articles, visit http://cjc.org.za/community-reflections/

Gratitude in adversity Remembering the spirit of Pesach past

By Rabbi Emma Gottlieb for Pesach 2019 By Ann Harris for Pesach 2016 find it easy to feel gratitude these days, he week before Pesach, the kitchen became the Ihaving found myself here, in this beautiful Tbattleground. Surfaces spread with powdered bleach and if complicated city; in this progressive, scrubbed with hard brushes, gas and coal ovens dismantled accepting and warm community — forging and reassembled, the latter carefully blackleaded. And the a new life in a new place, surrounding linoleum on the kitchen floor — there was even a legend that myself with new friends who are quickly Grandpa’s beloved cat Rachmones (yes, that was his name!) becoming family. was forced to wear socks for the duration in case Heaven forbid, he should bring a crumb in on his paws. It is often easy to feel gratitude at the beginning of a new journey, and I appreciate Then the Pesach dishes, pots and pans from the cellar, china the opportunity to name my blessings, take and cutlery from the attic and a great enamel bath in the yard in stock of what I have. which the glass soaked. As a female rabbi, I have learned that my experience differs The shopping was only done about three days before Erev Pesach. No Pick n in some (but not all) ways, from the experiences of my male Pay, Checkers or Spar then and no packed goods. Just new sacks of sugar, tea, colleagues. I experience, as most women in male-dominated salt, coconut, almonds and potato flour at the little Jewish corner grocery shop, professions do, subtle yet noticeable examples of discrimination cinnamon and ginger if we were lucky and unpleasant cooking oil. The basic and dismissal. I have experienced being asked for my thoughts veggies came from the greengrocery next door, sacks of potatoes, onions and or opinions after a male colleague has already been asked, or carrots straight from the farm. No variety of fruit in war time, apples, apples....and worse perhaps, answering a question posed by someone only apples. My father’s medical connections with the outlying farms provided the vital to have them turn to a male colleague for confirmation that I eggs and also tomatoes. have answered correctly! My great uncle Abraham, the respected shochet who lived next door brought I have experienced microaggressions, and belittlement in the home the chickens and quantities of liver to chop, and fresh brisket for the form of compliment. I have been told that I look too-young or tzimmes. The whole fish came on a cart from the nearby fishing town. And what too-pretty to be a rabbi — all by people who then expressed about the matzah? In our town, it was a privilege to get your matzah from the last surprise or even annoyance when I didn’t say ‘thank you.’ baking before Yomtov. You had to be in the top drawer of the community to be so While I know that the way a rabbi presents him or herself is an favoured. important reflection of both themselves and their community, I Ours always arrived when the table was already set, too hot to handle. also know that my male colleagues are rarely asked what they’re planning to wear to a synagogue service or event, and that the Jewish women of the world rarely spend their time debating the hemlines of my male-colleagues’ pants or the length of their shirts-sleeves. Whereas what I wear, wore, or am thinking of The Seder then and now… wearing — both on and off the bimah — is a subject of ongoing discussion — now a world-wide phenomenon! By Irma Chait z”l for Pesach 2018 At the same time, I am grateful for these additional challenges or various reasons the ‘cast’ of those to my rabbinate. My experiences make me uniquely attuned Fparticipating in the Haggadah’s dramatic, to the struggles of other women, and to minorities who share miraculous narrative has changed somewhat many of these experiences of women. I am grateful to have over the years. Many of you readers may be had these experiences motivate me to become a passionate nodding your heads, recalling those early advocate for awareness and change. days when you battled to get enough trestle tables and chairs to seat your 20 or 30 ‘players’. Gradually the numbers diminished as people moved on or away… in this world or to the next. I am Jewish therefore I question In earlier days Noah (not the original) By David Jacobson for Pesach 2016 would open the proceedings in the traditional way, with all moving on pretty uestions are so central to the Seder that smoothly, other than his having to control Qaccording to Maimonides' Mishneh the chattering… of children and adults! To Torah, changing the night's procedure is keep people on their toes — children and permitted in order to provoke children to adults — he would call on individuals randomly to ask, "What's the story?" read the various sections: some in the Hebrew, and This enables our children to move from those likely to battle and delay the narration, in the English. passive observers in our faith to active and The problem was that owing to the numbers of readers, we would at times need engaged participants. It has proved to be about three different haggadot. So there’d be repeated calls of “What page are an incredibly successful model for education we on?” from all sides, readers included. Much conferring. Glares from the boss. and has helped us transmit our faith from one generation to the next for thousands of years. For the kids, as still today, Ma Nishtana they handled very well, with unsought assistance from their elders. For this, and generally, one could give much credit In essence, questions are a mark of freedom, so it's no wonder to Herzlia for its input. Other kids’ special moments have always included the they are the cornerstone of celebrating the festival of freedom. Dayenus and the big search for the Afikomen (“Not in my linen cupboard!”) Too often our response as a community to those who question And the range of ages at the tables? Young, growing-ups, fully grown and some communal ideology is one of derision, or worse, one of isolation over-grown, like my Dad, Oupa Jay, (from PE) who was with us till into his 90s. and vilification. Pesach teaches us that we should not only be grateful for the questions asked of us, we should actively be He would rattle off his special part, Lefichach, at breakneck speed, ending with a encouraging even more questioning. resoundingly triumphant Halleluyah! After he’d reached 85 or so, he’d then retire to an armchair in the lounge, demanding, “When are we going to eat?”

back to contents 34 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 37 A view from the bar Is being HIV positive a disability deserving special protection? What about COVID-19?

By Anton Katz Jacques Hoffmann applied If they are ill with these opportunistic condemned to ‘economic death’ But certain similarities cannot be for employment as a cabin diseases, they will not be able to by the denial of equal opportunity ignored. Many have lost their lives. attendant with South African perform the emergency and safety in employment. Governments have been criticised. procedures that they are required There has been a media frenzy with Airways. This is particularly true in our country, to perform in the course of their blanket coverage of the epidemic where the incidence of HIV infection e went through a four-stage duties as cabin attendants. SAA and pandemic. Social practices have is said to be disturbingly high.” Hselection process comprising emphasised that its practice was changed radically. And conspiracy a pre-screening interview, directed at detecting all kinds of As COVID-19 continues its seemingly theories have been rampant. psychometric tests, a formal interview disability that make an individual destructive path through humans What is important is that we treat and a final screening process unsuitable for employment as South African society may wish to each other with respect and the involving role-play. He was found to be flight crew. SAA contended it had consider whether the HIV Hoffmann dignity and self-worth of every a suitable candidate for employment. a similar practice that excluded case is of any relevance. There are must be recognised and protected. However, he was subject to a medical from employment as cabin crew obvious and significant differences That means in all respects, from examination, which included a blood individuals with other disabilities, between HIV and COVID-19. HIV employment opportunities to when test for HIV/AIDS. such as epilepsy, impaired vision and viciously targeted minority sectors rights must be limited for the benefit deafness. SAA added that the life in society. COVID-19 has a far wider The medical examination found him of the entire society they are limited expectancy of people who are HIV impact. It targets millions and millions to be clinically fit and thus suitable in the least restrictive manner. positive was too short to warrant the more people. And many people who for employment, and the blood test costs of training them. test COVID positive experience Vaccine roll out must be done in a indicated he was HIV positive. The no symptoms. Not so with HIV. fair and just manner with no medical report was altered to read The Constitutional Court sharply So medically HIV and COVID are corruption or other unlawful that the appellant was ‘H.I.V. positive’ analysed the medical evidence in vastly different. opportunism occurring. and therefore ‘unsuitable’. Hoffmann its consideration of the alleged was informed that he could not be unfair discrimination. employed as a cabin attendant It stated: “At the heart of the because of his HIV positive status. prohibition of unfair discrimination Follow the Chronicle online Mr Hoffmann challenged the is the recognition that under our constitutionality of the refusal to Constitution all human beings, employ him in the courts. He argued regardless of their position in society, that SAA’s rejection constituted must be accorded equal dignity. That unfair discrimination, and violated his dignity is impaired when a person is Click on your favourite social media site & visit our website. constitutional right to equality, human unfairly discriminated against. The dignity and fair labour practices. determining factor regarding the SAA denied it acted unlawfully. unfairness of the discrimination is its SAA argued that his exclusion from impact on the person discriminated employment had been dictated by its against. Relevant considerations employment practice, which required in this regard include the position the exclusion from employment as of the victim of the discrimination in cabin attendant of all persons who society, the purpose sought to be were HIV positive. achieved by the discrimination, the extent to which the SAA justified rights or interests this practice on At the heart of the of the victim of the safety, medical prohibition of unfair discrimination have and operational been affected, grounds. SAA said discrimination is the and whether the that its flight crew recognition that under our discrimination had to be fit for Constitution all human has impaired the world-wide duty. beings, regardless of their human dignity In the course of position in society, must of the victim. their duties, they be accorded equal dignity Hoffmann is living are required to with HIV. People fly to yellow fever who are living with endemic countries. To fly to these HIV constitute a minority. Society countries, they must be vaccinated has responded to their plight with against yellow fever, in accordance intense prejudice.” with guidelines issued by the National Department of Health. The Court held that prejudice can never justify unfair discrimination. Persons who are HIV positive may The Constitutional Court rejected react negatively to this vaccine and SAA’s defences; it found SAA had may, therefore, not take it. If they do acted unlawfully and ordered them not take it, however, they run the risk to immediately offer Mr Hoffmann not only of contracting yellow fever, employment as a cabin attendant. but also of transmitting it to others, including passengers. SAA added It stated: “People who are living that people who are HIV positive are with HIV must be treated with also prone to contracting opportunistic compassion and understanding. We diseases. There is a risk, therefore, must show ubuntu towards them. that they may contract these diseases [Ubuntu is the recognition of human and transmit them to others. worth and respect for the dignity of every person.] They must not be back to contents 38 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021

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CHAG PESACH SAMEACH!

WHAT STORY ARE YOU TELLING THIS PESACH?

Wishing you and your family a safe & meaningful Pesach

Warmest regards The PJ Library in South Africa Team

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MENSCH EMPOWERING PEOPLE CREATING CHANGE

JOIN THE MENSCH PROFESSIONAL CHANGE-MAKERS NETWORK We offer: • SKILLS TRAINING 2021 kicked off with our ‘HIIT” Series of Skills for Non Profit Management • LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Watch this space for our Mensch Impact Leadership Programme • NETWORKING AND Online & curated in-person opportunities to connect and create change • FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, Speak to our team about your needs so we can connect you to opportunities • JEWISH LEARNING AND Join us to light candles, break bread, welcome chaggim and connect the dots • RITUAL SPACES, & a community of Mensch offers Jewish South Africans a space for our identities to enhance one another • LIKE-MINDED FOLKS. connecting with those that inspire, motivate and drive us forward to create change.

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 41 mensch change-maker of the month Learn through Bryan Opert creativity at Was the Exodus from Egypt the first Salisbury House Salisbury House has had a the highlight of which is always our foray into coaching? wonderful three months filled Shabbat celebration. Our Jewish with learning, fun and time Studies lessons are built into our spent getting to know each theme work and we practice the other. various Midot throughout our daily lives at school. he aim of Salisbury House is At Salisbury House we celebrate to learn through creativity. The T the chagim in style. We culminated majority of our skills are practiced our topic of tree-dwelling animals by through our theme work, where celebrating Tu B’shvat. We enjoyed we combine all our subjects to a hike in where we study a specific topic. We put a observed birds and squirrels. We big emphasis on compassion, then had enormous fun exploring perseverance and critical thinking, the river and taking part in a all of which are important in order scavenger hunt. Purim was also to meet the challenges of the future. included in our topic of mythological In our multi-grade classroom animals, and we had plenty of fun children are taught according to ideas for our dress-up costumes. their ability, not their age. This Salisbury House is an independent manner, allowing them the space to means that each child has their own Pesach is not about the Exodus; Jewish primary school where we build belief in their own resources individual learning plan, keeping the it only starts with the Exodus. strive to inspire children to be and the vital skill of problem solving. WCED CAPS curriculum in mind. It is about the creation of a creative and critical thinkers, as nation that can look after Coaching is built on the idea that the We have Hebrew and Jewish well as responsible citizens ready themselves — whether they quality of everything we do depends studies lessons three times a week, to meet the challenges of the future. appear to be on the edge on how we think about it first. Nancy Visit http://www.salisburyhouse.co.za for more information. of chaos or just journeying Kline in her book ’Time to Think’ towards contentment. G-d was enumerates 10 components required in fact the first coach! to create a Thinking Environment. Within such an environment the an is born free and coach makes space for the coachee “Meverywhere he is in chains.’’ to think for themselves with rigour, This opening line of Rousseau’s ‘The imagination, courage and grace. Social Contract’ summarises his The coach listens, asks incisive philosophical system. While I do not questions and sometime nudges the claim to be an expert on Rousseau, I client to imagine solutions they had do however find the contrast between not previously considered. this quote (from the 1700’s) to that of Victor Frankel’s - who survived the The coachee comes face to face Holocaust, as fascinating. with their authentic self (with all its imperfections), but more importantly In his book, ‘Man’s Search for the client uncovers their hidden gems. Celebrating Tu B’shvat: Ms Aimée Chiat, Robert Straszim, Elijah Hoffenberg, Meaning’, Frankel famously says Tayah Weir, Noa Schapiro, Maya Schapiro and Rabbi Greg Alexander “Everything can be taken away from This wisdom is ancient. It is taught a man but one thing: — to choose as a narrative in the Biblical Exodus to collect manna, they prepare for the We eventually succeeded! one’s attitude in any given set of story. This story is not about freeing Divine Revelation, and ultimately they circumstances, to choose one’s own a motley, spiritually broken clan and are able to protect themselves when Working with Leadership Teams at way.” Rousseau, it appears, sees creating a powerful nation. There attacked by the nation of Amalek. schools in the Western Cape, we help man as limited in his choices and were easier ways to achieve this! create a space for individuals and thus needing to focus on his external This narrative is one of an unfolding For 40 years they develop a teams to reflect, learn and grow within struggles. Frankel, on the other of the power of individuals and true resilience in their ability to bounce their chosen personal, professional, hand, minimises the effect of context leadership. The lessons are eternal. back from adversity. They built a set leadership and strategic agendas. and places the power within man. This is possibly a very early example of personal strengths — so they not By being a part of the Mensch While Rousseau correctly points of coaching! only coped, but thrived. This is so Network, I was introduced to and out the ‘standard’ reality of man, beautifully shown as their children The process begins with the nation coached participants and leaders Frankel emphatically states that man too learned these skills as they being completely passive as Egypt from the ‘The Scalabrini Centre for can move beyond. This, I believe, is entered their Promised Land. This is slowly disintegrates before their very Refugees and Migrants’ and ‘Waves where coaching finds its place and the real lesson of Pesach. eyes. But this is not good enough. for Change’ (W4C). It is a privilege why I’m so passionate about it. One does not free oneself from Once I attained my degree in to be part of a Jewish social change The belief of the coach is that each chains that bind without pro-actively coaching, I used this skill to create organisation like Mensch which person’s challenges should be engaging with all facets of life. Slowly the NGO ‘Quantum Growth’. The is helping to bridge ours and less accessed and addressed through the Israelites ‘are given’ greater key focus is to bring the benefits of privileged communities in meaningful their own thinking process. The task responsibility for their own lives - coaching to areas where English and empowering ways. of the coach is to focus the client and their own inner-strengths are is not spoken as a first language. To watch each participant drawing on on their present with a look to their manifested. It was a slow process. Coaching was and continues to their own inner wisdom, manifesting future. The coach assists them to find Sometimes they succeeded and develop in a Western culture using and actively using it to improve their strengths and access abilities other times they failed. Their ‘muscle’ concepts from psychology, sociology, their lives and those around them they might not have known existed. of self-development was flexing and and anthropology. To massage this — is like watching a contemporary The coach does not lecture, does not strengthening. into a workable solution for other re-enactment of the Biblical Exodus teach, does not direct. They hand audiences took time, learning, failing They are faced with the sea and — The Story of Pesach. It is indeed the power to the client in a focused and a refinement of methodology. successfully cross it, they are forced an honour.

Bryan Opert is a valued member of the Mensch Network who has generously given his time to coaching other Network Members. To find out more visit www.mensch.org.za back to contents 42 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 2020: A year of many challenges ...

A word from our Director Survivor portraits Our Survivors continue to be a source of inspiration for us all – their resilience, tenacity and sense of spirit, is extraordinary. n commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Professor Omer Bartov was our guest Ispeaker for World Holocaust Memorial Day and delivered a heart rendering lecture on his family’s origin and their subsequent demise called: Anatomy of a Genocide: The Life and Death of a Town Called Buczac. Italian editor, writer, essayist and literary critic, Alberto Rollo, discussed how prominent Italian writers explored Jewish identity within their works and the changes in the landscape brought by the writings of Primo Levi and Giorgio Bassani. Continuing in this vein we decided that the month of February would be dedicated to our survivors who made Cape Town their home. The artists of Highlands House ambitiously took on the project of painting a series of 41 survivor portraits, the result a wonderful exhibition. The start of any year is always a Survivors Ella Blumenthal and Helene Joffe shared their personal testimonies and Luc Albinski explored ‘The hive of activity at the Cape Town Heroines of the Warsaw Ghetto Doctor Corps’ with particular reference to his grandmother Dr Halina Rotstein and Holocaust & Genocide Centre his mother Wanda. (CTHGC) and the beginning of 2020 was no different. It is through testimony that the flame of the Holocaust burns brightly for us to learn, memorialise and commemorate those who perished under the hands of the Nazi regime. he team was refreshed from Ttheir leave and busy finalising all the arrangements to welcome school learners to our daily education workshops, educators were traveling to facilitate teacher training workshops across the Western Cape, hosting of weekly talks at the Centre, tourists were visiting our permanent exhibition and then… COVID-19 hit our shores. Like most organisations, we were forced to rethink how we would continue with the offerings of our Centre. Guided by the vision and mission of the CTHGC, our team embraced a new way of working and were enthused by the plethora of opportunities that allowed us to think creatively and use the resources we had at hand. The development of on-line education resources and teaching, lectures and Professor Omer Bartov with Holocaust survivor Miriam Lichterman Holocaust survivor Hélène Joffe panel discussions through webinars have been very successful. This hybrid method of working, we believe, A new collection for the SAGHF archive will continue in conjunction with our Recently, we received a large collection of letters, documents and ephemera related to the physical offerings in the future. We have Engel/Cohn families. greatly extended our reach to local, national and international audiences he families were German Jewish who immigrated to South Africa in the late 1930s from Breslau present day which under normal circumstances TWroclaw, Poland to Cape Town. Heinz Engel was a factory owner who was forced to sell his factory because would not have been possible. of the Nazi’s policy of ‘aryanisation.’ Heinz immigrated to South Africa in 1936 and was eventually followed by his fiancé, Eva and her parents Paul and Gertrud Cohn. Heinz was unable to secure passage for his parents, Arthur During this time of social upheaval and Hermine Engel and brother, Rudi, who perished during the Holocaust. Little is known about their fate. we have been working closely with our sister centres in Johannesburg Once in Cape Town Heinz found it difficult to obtain work in his field. He even tried to start his own import/export and Durban under the umbrella of the business using his contacts in Germany. However, when the war broke out his operation could not continue. After South African Holocaust & Genocide war he opened a garage in Gardens, Foundation. We have included a Cape Town. He and Eva later had three message from Tali Nates which outlines children, Elizabeth, Dennis and Colin. a number of collaborations over the past year. Coming up in 2021

It is with deep gratitude that we thank We are excited to announce that in 2021 our trustees, our generous benefactors the SAHGF Archive in collaboration who believe in and support the work we with UCT Special Collections will be do, our dedicated group of volunteers launching a new interactive digital who give so selflessly of their time and showcase website, Ibali. Once the site last but not least you, our Friends of the is live visitors will be able to learn more CTGHC, for participating in the many about the families and individuals as physical or virtual programmes we well as interact with select artefacts and have hosted this year. documents from our collections. Wishing you all a safe and healthy year and we look forward to seeing you, either in person or virtually, in 2021. German Passport of Dr Paul Cohn stamped with Warm wishes,Heather Blumenthal and Notification of Jewish Property tax, the infamous red “J” which the CTHGC Team Breslau, Germany identified him as Jewish. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 43 ...but an abundance of opportunities

Second and third generation Webinars at the CTHGC testimonies The Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre initiated Zoom as a medium of communication within the first week of As we hear of more Holocaust survivors the lockdown. passing, it serves as a reminder of how important second and third generation r David Deutsch was in Cape Town testimony is. It is through the stories of Dfor a series of lectures and workshops children and grandchildren of survivors that and with our campus closing on 16 March, their memories continue. a week before the official lockdown, he was unable to present in person, so we t the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre used Zoom to engage with this brilliant and talented speaker. Awe undertook a project to contact second and third generation survivors and asked them Since then we have offered continuing to film a short clip as a tribute to their parents or adult education to our community and grandparents. We were overwhelmed at the positive beyond through Zoom talks, lectures response and the poignant memories that were and enrichment programmes both local and international. This kept us shared. It is more important now than ever before stimulated and able engage in events we would otherwise not have had to keep these memories alive. We need to make the the opportunity to attend. Our Mervyn Smith Memorial series of lectures past part of our present so that it will live on into the with Dovid Katz, a Vilnius based Yiddish and Holocaust scholar was future. extremely well received, with attendees logging onto them from across the globe. To view the second and third generation testimonies log onto our YouTube channel or view them on our Other diverse and interesting topics on offer last year were The Namibian website www.ctholocaust.co.za. Genocide and Remembering Through the Arts presented by Dr Pedzisai Maedza, Dr Bjorn Krondorfer; Dr Monica Rice; Dr Robert Sommer; Dr Lina Pine participated in a panel discussion on The Holocaust & Masculinities: Critical Inquiries into the Presence and Absence of Men which offered attendees another unique lens through which to view this history. We were delighted to host the author of Survivor Café: The Legacy of Trauma and the Labyrinth of Memory, Elizabeth Rosner, and Rabbi Moshe Cohn’s webinar on the Unique challenge to Jewish mothers in the Ghettos offered a rare insight into the role of motherhood in the ghetto. This is only a glimpse into all that was on offer from the CTHGC, and of course now Zoom has become our everyday means of learning. We look forward to offering much more this year and look forward to seeing all our friends from home and abroad online.

Educational programmes onsite and online In the early months of 2020 we believed Our annual White Rose our year would be as any other; we had Creative Project was school bookings, we had already hosted also moved online and international speakers and were looking it was an incredible forward to more. success with over 101 entrants from schools ockdown changed all that and our team around the peninsula. Lunderstood immediately that those who Our online prize giving would suffer most through this lockdown would was extremely well be learners and teachers at under- resourced received and we will schools. With this in mind we set to work. be running the project online again this year. We created resources for Grade 11 learners and Please visit the White educators in both print and video formats. Our work Rose Project on our was submitted to and accepted by the Western website to enjoy the Cape Education Department and uploaded onto exhibition and be their website. The WCED printed our resources amazed at the level of and delivered them to 849 of their 1749 schools, work submitted. doing so via soup kitchens that had been set up. At a conservative estimate, 29,000 Grade 11 For more well- learners had access to our resources. Most of resourced schools, we these learners would not have had the opportunity offered online lessons, Western Cape Rugby Academy to come through our doors, even before COVID, and in November, our so our reach has been remarkable. We are in beloved survivor Ella Blumenthal did an online numbers for each school, there is still enthusiastic the process of developing the Grade 9 resources talk with Deutsche Schule learners who were uptake for our programmes. Because some schools and will be offering the same opportunities to the overwhelmed and enthralled by her. are unable to get their students to us, we are going 68 933 Grade 9 learners in the Western Cape. out to them and conducting socially distanced As of the first week in March this year, we will be programmes in their environment. Alongside this Please visit our website and click on the Education hosting schools at the centre. We have in place all we continue to offer online programmes to those tab to see the work we have done. COVID protocols and although we have had to limit who request them. back to contents 44 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 CTTH hits the next gear in 2021

While many businesses and schools across Learning out of the classroom the country are contracting, retrenching, and even closing due to the effects of the pandemic, this year As another part CTTH is blessed to be able to mark its largest intake and student of our graduation requirements, students population ever despite all the obvious challenges. need to learn how he CTTH student population has grown by nearly 30% to top 60 pupils across to give back to their Tthe boys’ and girls’ divisions, our campus on Maynard St has also expanded, community. For this, we and to support the growth, our teaching faculty has increased in size. launched a new program called Litrom be-Yachad Our home-base, the historic Ponevez Shul, has been fully renovated and to nurture young restored making it a magnificent and historic space bursting with the sounds producers of change in of youthful prayer and . the Cape Town Jewish Torah education community by building Chess League members Liad Gelgor and Jarred Zolty. connections between Photo credit Nissim Brett. The heart and soul of the school our students and many is its Torah education. Students Cape Town Jewish have between two and three Torah organizations. Students periods a day in addition to the shadow, volunteer, and Tefillot and full gamut of General discover what these Studies high school courses. organisations do for the Besides for graduates in universities community and how in Israel, South Africa, and the USA, they too can help. we also have alumni studying full We are deeply grateful time in top Yeshivot and Seminaries to Herzlia Schools in Israel, like the world-famous for opening their Mirrer , Yeshivat Shaalvim, extra-murals to our Sasha Katz in the newly renovated and Midreshet Harova, as well as students, and we Joseph Melzer; inside Israel, inside the classroom. Ponevez Shul. Photo credit Nissim Brett serving in the IDF! have also started an Photo credit Nissim Brett in-house Chess League, are building and planting an edible garden, and World-class SAT results have a huge array of extra-curricular Torah clubs where students can CTTH is South Africa’s only Jewish International High School, and instead take on more out of school learning for incentives and fun. Student Societies of IEB or NSC Matric exams, our students take the SAT exam, which is range from debating to yoga, photography to first aid. recognised as the leading college entrance and benchmark exam worldwide. Schooling may have changed more in the past year than in the past 100 years We prepare our students for the SAT via a rigorous six-month programme due to COVID-19, however, there have been many unexpected blessings in honing the critical thinking and reasoning skills required to excel in this exam. these changes. By thinking creatively beyond the limitations of the classroom, The SAT is time pressured and cross-disciplinary including maths, writing, emphasising individual attention, and most of all, by fostering an innate love reading and critical thinking all in one sitting of four hours. of Torah and Yiddishkeit, we can be confident that our students will continue In 2020, CTTH students to blossom and grow despite all odds. achieved remarkable results in the SAT, and the CTTH average (1313/1600) was a full 25% higher than the global average, with students scoring as high as the 99th percentile! These results open doors of admission to top universities around the world, as well as make them eligible for financial scholarships. Students have even been recruited by Ivy League schools just based on Robotics in action with Adam Kleiman. Photo their marks! credit Nissim Brett Robotics, coding, and Israel education

How do you educate students for occupations that don’t yet exist in a fast- changing globalised world? This is a question we struggle with all the time, CTTH Girls Division 2021 and with it in mind, the school implemented a new coding and robotics course starting from grade 9 in partnership with Resolute Robotics, and it is already seeing much success in the classroom. To make Israel education and Ivrit contemporary, fun, and entertaining, while meeting the students on their own level, after much research, we partnered with both Israel Unpacked and Ulpan-Or, and 89% of our students choose to take Hebrew, even long after it is mandated by their graduation requirements. Newly renovated Ponevez Shul. Photo credit Nissim Brett. CTTH Boys Division 2021 back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 45

back to contents 46 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 JACOB GITLIN LIBRARY Please visit www.gitlinlibrary.co.za to view all new books and the entire Gitlin collection

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back to contents PESACH JEWISH CHRONICLE.indd 4P 2021/02/18 15:56 48 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 Reflecting on the past year at Highlands House

By Jaime Uranvosky

The COVID crisis Farewell to Harris Burman fter serving diligently as the AHighlands House Executive Director for over 26 years, Harris Burman will be retiring in 2021. Clive Rabinowitz, who was Vice- President of the home at the time and was part of Harris’ appointment, remembers how the latter displayed “compassion combined with the ability to lead” – this is what made Harris stand out from the rest. Clive adds, “He inspired loyalty Harris Burman, among his staff and he always had the Executive Director greater community in mind”. who is retiring Indeed, all who witnessed Harris’ extensive and tireless work at Highlands House praise his organisational skills and the countless improvements he made to the home physically, structurally and in terms of the quality of services offered to residents. He introduced daily mandatory meetings with staff and divided the management of the home into different efore Highlands House entered hard lockdown in March 2020, other measures, like areas — these changes helped to make Highlands House Bscreening visitors, sanitising, and advising social distancing, had been implemented. into the world-class facility that it is today. As such, Leon Geffen says, “He committed fully to improving the quality of Despite these measures, a resident tested positive for COVID in early May and passed life of the residents”. away. Between 5 and 12 May, all residents and staff members were tested for COVID and through this testing, asymptomatic residents and staff were identified. A strict Bernard Osrin recalls how his late father, Eliot, credited the quarantine and isolation policy was implemented and all services were provided in transformation of Highlands House and its services to Harris. residents’ rooms. All residents were then allocated one of several GPs, at no cost to Indeed, it was through him that so many of the renovations themselves. Strict PPE measures and staff education were also introduced. occurred. Harris’ innovations included upgrading all facilities, constructing a lifestyle centre and bettering the food quality. During this time, 12 residents and over 30 staff members tested positive. To date, more Bernard adds, “He had a very good relationship with than 35 residents have tested positive and, sadly, five have passed away. 30 residents residents because he had quite a soft side to him – he’s a have, however, recovered. The success of the above measures is illustrated by the humanitarian… He didn’t see it as a job; he came from the available global data: the projected infection rate in such a facility (currently housing point of view of care”. 168 individuals) was 50% and the projected mortality rate was between 20% and 30% (20-40 people). Harris’ character and kindness are lauded by all. Delia Kaplan shares, “He always made himself available to staff COVID antigen testing using point-of-care nasal swabs is ongoing for residents (360 and provided guidance. He was very caring and committed tests to date) and staff (350 tests to date). Recently we have introduced antibody testing to the residents and is a gentle, kind, considerate person. to identify those residents and staff who have been infected with COVID in the past, Highlands House is Highlands House because of Harris’ yet were not identified by antigen testing. Since the introduction of antibody testing, a invaluable contribution, and both the residents and the staff further 22 residents who tested negative for antigens have tested positive for antibodies. are thankful for his decades of service”. For now, residents remain confined to Highlands House except for medical-related visits. Under the current Level 3 Lockdown Regulations, family and friends are not allowed to visit residents. As soon as these restrictions are lifted, visits to the home will Farewell to Barbara Friedman be permitted. All services within the home have resumed and residents are encouraged to participate in the life of the home as usual. Until all staff and residents are vaccinated, arbara Friedman, Personal Secretary it is not safe for residents to leave the home freely. It is hoped that Highlands House Bto Harris Burman, will be retiring after residents will be eligible for vaccination under the second tier of vaccinations. 18-and-a-half years at Highlands House. Colleagues will remember her warmth and her enthusiasm and willingness to get involved. Harris particularly Looking to the Future valued Barbara’s ability to act as a urrently, the facility’s biggest obstacle is its finances. communication filter, directing people to the correct channels so that issues could CAnnually, the home runs at a deficit, since around two thirds of the residents are be effectively resolved. He also praises subsidised. Dr Leon Geffen, acting CEO, explains, “Our vision is to provide world-class her generosity of spirit, evinced by the Barbara Friedman, PA to Harris care despite the financial challenges we are facing. As such, we aim to benchmark many evenings she spent on behalf of Burman ourselves against global care facilities”. Likewise, the home utilises a standardised, the home volunteering on UJC-organised internationally used assessment instrument developed by interRAI to assist with care telethons to raise community funds. planning. Harris says, “I would often ask Barbara when I passed her Additionally, a capitation programme has been implemented, whereby doctors desk, what she was mumbling about. The answer came a receive fixed monthly fees for residents under their care. All medical records are now few months later when a sign she’d found read: ‘If you see electronically stored and Highlands House itself is in the process of going paperless. An me speaking to myself, know that I am asking someone for assessment is also currently underway, evaluating the quality of all services available good advice’. to residents. Delia Kaplan, Deputy Director of Highlands House, says, Once Harris retires, Leon Geffen will become the CEO on a parttime basis, so that he “With her sense of humour and lively spirit, Barbara engaged can continue his GP practice and his role as Director of the Samson Institute For Ageing with many residents and was very well liked by all. She Research. Glen Heneck and Stuart Hendler join the team in the form of non-executive engaged with many staff and was always there to assist leadership and Delia Kaplan, who has over 21 years of experience at Highlands House, family members. Her warmth and vitality will be missed, and will oversee day-to-day operations. we wish her well in her new chapter of life”.

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 49 Reflecting on the past year at Highlands House

By Jaime Uranvosky

Tribute to Lydia Martin Staff member reflections ydia Martin, he past year has been an adjustment Lbeloved Tfor residents and staff members alike. employee of 33 Here, some of the home’s employees share years at Highlands their experiences. House, passed JOAN DE VILLIERS away in December 2020, aged 54. Before joining Highlands House as a nurse last year, Joan worked in ICU for Lydia joined the two decades. Joan says, “I love that I can Highlands House form meaningful relationships with the team as a clerk in residents and my colleagues. What I really her early twenties, enjoy are the different aspects of nursing later becoming here. At the moment here, there is the an assistant to testing of residents being done to see who the then newly got infected and even though they were formed Operations asymptomatic they tested positive; I find Maria Jonathan, receptionist at Highlands Department around that really interesting”. House 25 years ago. Once the previous Head MARIA JONATHAN of Operations Maria has been the receptionist at the facility since 1988. For Maria, one of the most left, she manned Lydia Martin, former manager of rewarding elements is observing the home’s continuing metamorphosis. She explains, the post before operations, who passed away “From walking into a gloomy Highlands House with black walls with all these plaques, formally became and now you have a brighter, more cheerful approachable Highlands House”. Maria is the Manager of Operations in December last year. proud of the services offered to residents and says, “It’s really an honour; I love working The response from her colleagues is unanimous: Lydia was here. The team of managers has really pulled us through and done an exceptional job”. gentle, reliable, compassionate, diligent, dedicated and NEIL SMITH meticulous. She is remembered as an invaluable member of Highlands House and for always putting residents first. Neil started off as a handyman at the home and initially saw the job as temporary. She was a woman of her word who had an elephant’s However, 27 years later, he is the Maintenance Manager and runs a team of four, after memory, wrote down every detail, and who was incredibly continuously broadening his skillset. Neil is responsible for everything from plumbing, hardworking. tiling, bricklaying, painting, plastering, to electrics. He says, “I’ve learnt a lot. My knowledge in the maintenance field has grown since coming here. There are the ups Lydia oversaw various sectors, including housekeeping, and the downs as Manager but it’s been a good experience”. laundry, reception, domestics, vehicles and the Maintenance Department. Maria Jonathan, who worked with Lydia for COLEEN JANSEN about 30 years, says, “The thing about her was respect and Coleen is the Unit Manager on the Special Care Unit and has worked at Highlands House her gentle manner – really a lady of character. Residents for 27 years. She began as a carer and loves the sense of community. loved her. Whether it was something in her private life or something in Highlands House, she had the same high For Coleen, the early days of COVID were the most overwhelming. She explains, “We standard”. Ursula Martin, another colleague of Lydia’s adds, had to think creatively to keep residents stimulated because they couldn’t go to the “What an amazing person. Very thorough. She really left a lounges or the garden. I think management did a very good job of supporting us and legacy”. Lydia is deeply missed by all. educating us about how to cope with our residents”.

Life in Highlands House: residents’ perspectives OVID has certainly had an impact on life at the home; however, two residents explain how Cthey‘ve made use of their time during the pandemic and their thoughts on the measures taken. JENNI BURNETT has been at Highlands House for around nine years and has served on the Residents Committee for almost as much time, including two terms as Chairlady. She also runs the library and carts books. Jenni has found solace in Skype and speaks to family members and friends across the world, such as in the UK, the US and even in Hong Kong. She explains, “Skyping is my therapy. I’ve been skyping since last year and only stopped during lockdown, when we had to stay in our rooms. I’ve become part of everyone’s family all over the world”. Jenni’s favourite aspect of Highlands House is the care. She says, “Care can encapsulate lots of stuff. I’m here, I’m safe, I’m looked after. We can’t ask for more.” DAVE MYERS, a five-year resident who is currently Chairman of the Residents Committee, most values that he can maintain his independence. Over the years, he has completed about ten online courses and also paints. Dave was one of the first residents to contract COVID last year but, despite being in the high-risk category, remained entirely asymptomatic. While Dave enjoys more solitary activities, he explains that morale has taken a dip for many since residents are unable to visit family members or to receive visitors. However, he explains that since activities like movies and music sessions have resumed, there are always things for residents to do. Dave says, “I can’t praise the management enough. Look, they’ve made decisions that we didn’t like but they made decisions we didn’t like for our benefit. Every single decision they make is the right one. I can only be positive about this place; I don’t believe that there’s anywhere that Dave Myers, resident and current Chairman of the can compare”. Residents Committee

back to contents 50 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 Cape Jewish Seniors Association DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Amanda 021 434 9691 [email protected] search CJSA on Facebook A year unlike any other Social and Personal We have all experienced a year unlike over South Africa and the highlight of the month any other. being the concert organised by Cantor Ivor Even during the lockdown period, there have been Joffe with a host of superb artists who entertain numerous occasions of celebrations. very plan, desire or opportunity literally went our members. We welcome new members Eout the door on the 27 March 2020 when we went into lockdown for, what we thought was Social workers meet with their own members Kathy Eberlein, Herschel Ginsberg, Darryl and Marilyn three weeks. Who would have thought that 47 weekly to meet and greet, chat, and generally Krook, Selwyn and Marilyn Levin, Gary Manta, Karen weeks later (more or less 329 days) many of us catch up. This is appreciated and the groups Miller, Rodney Roberts, Arnold and Lily Roth, Phillipa would still be indoors, isolated and not knowing grow weekly. Social workers have had to be Wener and Tessa Zieve when the curfew and lockdown will end! more accessible — boundaries are stretched and have been difficult and often office hours Mazaltov to the families celebrating births As an organisation working with the senior are not adhered to, nevertheless we are Ruth Katzenberg — great granddaughter members of our community, we really felt the all adjusting. Esther Maisel — granddaughter pressure. All our members really enjoy visiting Connie and Balfour Valkin — granddaughter each of our centres, the daily programmes we We have also introduced a weekly Shabbat provide, the interaction with the members, the Meal in conjunction with Berkies and Merle Mazaltov to families celebrating Bar Mitzvahs special outings and social suppers which came and members from as far afield as Tableview to a standstill. and Muizenberg and every suburb within have Henny Bernstein — great grandson incredible volunteers who drop off the meals in Edmund and Gillian Cress — grandson Without missing a heartbeat, the CJSA team time for Shabbat. To date we have served over Debbie and Harry Epstein — twin grandsons met via Zoom to plan our way forward. At 4500 three course meals to our isolated and Brian and Gail Kirsch — grandson that stage we thought that the arrangements house bound members. Those who are able to Ada Newman — great grandson would be for a couple of weeks, but how wrong afford to pay for this service have done so, but no Mazeltov to those who got engaged we were. one is turned away. Thanks to generous donors, The shift from physical contact to virtual contact we have received sponsorship for the meals Hannah Abramsohn — granddaughter with members for activities, counselling and which are delivered at no charge. Donations for Our sincere condolences to members and families intervention began immediately. WhatsApp, these meals, will always be gratefully received. of members who have recently passed away: emails and telecommunication is the usual Members have shown appreciation for the manner of interaction and Zoom has been the Marcelle Almelah and family on the passing of her services offered to them during this time and the husband, Solly platform we have used the most to maintain realisation that CJSA is a valuable organisation psychosocial support for our members. has fast set in the minds of many as an essential Glicky Bloom and Phoebe Chernotsky on the passing of their brother The majority of our members had never been on service and not a nice to have organisation. Barry Berkowitz on the passing of his brother Zoom, WhatsApp was not extensively used so We warmly welcome social worker, Rebecca we had to get in gear and begin to educate and Yoko to our CJSA Team. She is working with Sheila Burland on the passing of her husband, Bugs assist members in becoming more tech savvy our Sea Point members and is already proving Debbie Cohen and family on the passing of her and opening a new world to all. We were so to be making a difference as she is getting to husband, Ian pleased with the responses we received and the know members via Zoom and when she delivers Judy Dadon on the passing of her mom, Truda fact that the majority of our members grabbed Shabbat meals. Rebecca is also working very Goldman the opportunity with open arms and embraced hard to encourage more of our members to Issy Goldman on the passing of his wife, Truda the new tools of interaction. The Pandemic, join the zoom sessions and her patience and Goldman loneliness and isolation has brought in new perseverance is paying off. members as the various Zoom programmes we Barbara Kahn on the passing of her sister-in-law, offer has allowed people to interact and not feel We do not know how long we will be continuing to Truda Goldman work in this lockdown way, but assure everyone so isolated. Eve Joffe on the passing of her brother, Michael that the service we provide will be in the best Lang Going onto Zoom enabled us to surf the interests of every member. Hopefully we will be web and offer a unique service; choosing able to open our doors in the near future. Rhona Handler on the passing of her sister, Molly programmes from around the world of interest Sandler Wishing everyone Chag Pesach Kasher to our members which we regularly show to Susan Jacobson on the passing of her mom, Tania the members. Members are offered Ageless v'Sameach. Stay Safe and healthy wherever Rebbetzin Maizels on the passing of her husband, Grace exercises twice a week, the bi-weekly and however you observe this Festival. Rabbi Maizels quiz sessions are looked forward to, weekly pop in sessions with an interesting speakers have Averil Myers on the passing of her brother, Ivan Katz a great following. Weekly Yiddish with both Samson Family on the passing of Eric Samson beginner and intermediate participants from all Diana Sochen, Director Rica Schlosberg on the passing of her husband, Benny Please note that the CJSA Wine is available and Kosher for Pesach at a donation of R80 per Audrey Shantal on the passing of her brother-in-law bottle. Please Support this fundraising initiative !!

PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Sea Point: 021 434 9691; Milnerton: Hajiera Safidien–Maloon 021 555 1736; S/Suburbs: Monique Nieuwenhuys 021 761 7960; W/Coast: Stacey Melmed 074 405 5186 back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 51

back to contents 52 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 A STAFFWISE STORY OF Using my Nudel FREEDOM in 2021 What’s in a name? A modern story of strife and plague weaved its way into our world in 2020. A plague that affected lives and livelihoods. This is how your story By Craig Nudelman goes... In February, the Minister of Arts regime. That this In April my friend ______(insert name), who had been running a business and Culture, Nathi Mthetwa, is the road right by for ____ (insert no. of years), was forced to close their doors. They Cape Town station retrenched _____ (number) people; gave up their income and for many, officially changed the names of 10 locations in South Africa. and the Civic Centre is just beyond the their dreams. They applied for TERS, approached the Gesher Fund, and pale. Keeping a name of a street by their bank just to keep things going. As they managed their own business ne of these was a very the individual who was instrumental in and family challenges, many reached out to Staffwise, and also referred Ocontroversial decision – Port introducing the first apartheid laws is ex-colleagues/retrenched employees, for support. Elizabeth is now called Gqeberha. insensitive and is not in line with what In 2021, this is a story we all know too well. Some businesses managed to A furor occurred, with the more than we should strive for in South Africa. thrive and survive, while others suffered under immense pressures. 50 000 people signing a petition But where do we draw the line? to change the name back to Port This is where the name changes of ______(business name) showed courage and creativity and amongst all Elizabeth. Others cheered the the strife reinvented themselves and worked hard to build up ______towns, cities, airports, and streets decision, saying that the renaming of (business name). become a bit blurry. Where does streets, public spaces and cities is an our colonial history begin, and Through networking, career support and recruitment services, Staffwise important act of the decolonisation what names should we change? brought together______(name of a friend who lost their job) and ______of South Africa. So why are names Mcebisi Ndletyana, in his paper (name of the business that thrived and survived). so important and why are we so for the Mapungubwe Institute for attached to them? As we head toward Pesach we recount the story of the splitting of the Strategic Reflection, writes about Rea Sea and the years of wandering in the desert that followed. This was It was my wife’s birthday at the the changing of place names in post- not an easy time for the Israelites, but a time that challenged them and beginning of the month, and even apartheid South Africa. He states ultimately brought them to the Promised Land. though her name is clearly visible on that the naming of places (toponomy) her Facebook profile, the messages is representative of who settled in STAFFWISE's doors are OPEN to SUPPORT______(your name or a she received contained plenty of friend) who is seeking new work opportunities AND we would love to the area and who or why they want misspellings of her name. Now, my support ______(BUSINESS NAME) in their process of finding new team to honour that person or place. He wife’s name is Gabrielle, but Gabi for members and helping to build capacity in their teams through our HIGH argues that places, “speak to the QUALITY RECRUITMENT SERVICES. short. Her name is not Gaby, Gabbi, irrepressible urge within mankind or Gabby. It is Gabi. When someone to assert identity.” Thus, he says, LET STAFFWISE BE PART OF YOUR JOURNEY TO FREEDOM spells it wrong, she takes umbridge “naming (…) is not a neutral exercise. www.staffwise.org [email protected] to it, as do I when someone spells It is mediated by power relations, my name Graig (I have no idea why depending on the political order.” they even think there’s a ‘G’ there) We can see that those who colonised or when my surname is incorrectly South Africa had a political agenda, spelled Nudleman, Nadelman (and asserting their identity on the there is a Craig Nadelman, to make land. Grahamstown, Harrismith, things confusing), or the worst of Ladysmith, Port Elizabeth, among all, Noodleman. My name is Craig countless others, are places which Nudelman, not Graig Noodleman! perhaps, one could say, don’t Please note that But it’s not just the spelling of the belong in a post-colonial or post- name that is important. It is how it is apartheid South Africa. But name said, too. When people mispronounce changing takes effort, time, money, my name, and I’m sure yours, it is and buy-in from key stakeholders. frustrating. Our name is our personal Critics have said that these name , Coffee Time brand and identifies us, just like a changes could affect tourism in company. It tells people who we are, South Africa. However, Chester what we do, and even how we do Missing, the controversial political things. It represents the transactions commentator who is also a puppet, & we make and can even create things. responded to this after the renaming Without our names, we would not of Port Elizabeth. On Twitter he have an identity. From birth to death, stated, “The idea that giving our we are remembered by our names, cities South African names is bad for from our school years to graduating tourism because the tourists won’t from university, buying our first car, be able to say the name is moronic. will be closed for Pesach and marrying the person we love. Experiencing new things is the whole point of tourism.” from Monday 29 March to Monday 5 April During our wedding speech, Gabi spoke about my Hebrew name, So, what should we make of our and will re-open Tuesday 6 April Chaim Lior, Chaim meaning ‘life’, names, whether they are our own, and Lior meaning, ‘my light’, and said our business’s, or our places and that I was her light in her life. It was spaces? One thing that has stuck beautiful. So, too, we chose Hebrew with me is what Dale Carnegie said names for Jessica and Livi that about the power of names. He said, invoke aspects that we wish them to “A person’s name is to him or her have. Jessica’s name is Yaffa Rania, the sweetest and most important ‘a beautiful song of G-d’, whereas sound in any language.” Names We wish the community a Livi’s is Levia Raya, Levia being a carry far more meaning than we lioness, and Raya being a friend, or may realise on a daily basis and Pesach kasher v'sameach. good person. affect us profoundly. So maybe next time you visit Gqerbarha, don’t be But names can have negative hesitant to say it and revert back to Thank you for your wonderful connotations too. I was driving through Port Elizabeth. support and encouragement! town the other day and I noticed (as I’m sure you have, too) that there is still Embrace the change and be part of a street named after D.F. Malan, the something new and different. first Prime Minister of the apartheid Chag Pesach Sameach! back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 53

ECD INTE RN S VISI N H G IP N S I N I A future where all A teachers receive R

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788 25,375 460 180 190 577 35,000 RT SA ECD teachers children teachers youth placed interns Lego Playboxes & meals trained via blended impacted attended on ECD attended provided to CAPE online and 4 online internships Robotic 15,000 feeding minds onsite learning webinars workshops sets of Lego Six 140 and bodies Bricks distributed families every to schools, ECD week centres & parents +27 21 448 8516 | www.ortsacape.org.za

back to contents 54 Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 CHRONIC ADS

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A steady return to sport Pesach recipe and guide book

for Maccabi We’re back! After 30 Sedorim, Blue editions, It has been an unusual year aiming for a steady return back into Burgundy editions... for Maccabi, with COVID-19 Maccabi sport and will be hosting our wait for it …we’re going presenting unique challenges. trials for all sports over the next 2-3 …– GREEN!! months. From there the final squads t’s similar to the Burgundy s an organisation, we have will be selected and will begin their edition, with a Health soldiered on and have recently preparation. We look forward to a I A Section, Newly-wed Section, begun our preparation for the healthy, active and successful 2021. The Lunch Box and a Maccabi Games in July 2022. On behalf of the entire organisation Children Section! With numerous obstacles to and all its members, we wish 228 Pages, plus colour overcome, we have put the health everyone a meaningful Pesach and photos, filled with 450 well- and safety of our players first. We are prosperous year. loved Pesach recipes. (…and no adverts!) All the books are in cellophane to be “chometz-free” and for sanitising purposes. Limited edition The book sells for R280.00 Contact Esther on 082 661 1503 to purchase

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle Pesach March/April 2021 55 SIMCHA PAGE

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WE WANT TO BUY SEND US YOUR SILVER JEWELLERY SIMCHA SNAPS! CHINA GLASSWARE Have you recently celebrated the birth of a baby, a birthday, ART SCULPTURE barmitzvah, batmitzvah, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, etc anniversary, an engagement, wedding or any simcha or Burr & Muir achievement? Antiques/Collectables Send us a photo and share your simcha with the community! The Mirage, Shop 5, Cnr Strand & Hudson Streets, Wedding pictures can be , Cape Town submitted at no charge. 021 4181269 Fax: 021 418 1273 Celebrating the beauty of life’s new beginnings, we welcome to the world Mikai Lev email: [email protected] For other simchas we charge R285 per picture. Wolder. A healthy boy born on 18 January, to ecstatic mom, Nicky (nee Brodovcky), website www.burrmuir.com and proud dad, Clint! Email [email protected] or call office: 021 464 6736. 9am — 1pm Follow the Chronicle online

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THE CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE RECORDS ITS APPRECIATION OF THE CONTINUED SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS The Susman Rubi and Anne With compliments With compliments from Aggie Hirsch Charitable Chaitman in memory of from Ben Rabinowitz Foundation Foundation Freddy in memory of Shirley

THE HAROLD AND Goldschmidt THE SILVERMAN Stanley and Zea Lewis BEATRICE KRAMER Family FAMILY FOUNDATION Foundation FOUNDATION Foundation

MEYER HIRSCH With compliments With Compliments With compliments GOLDSCHMIDT Kalman, Esther and The Jack & Ethel FOUNDATION The Henry Van Embden Family Foundation Michael Maisel Trust Goldin Foundation

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CENTURY CITY . CAPE TOWN

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