The Jewish Report wishes our readers and advertisers Shana Tovah and well over the Fast PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Chagim the next issue of the Jewish Report will appear on MONDAY, OCTOBER 17

www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 07 October 2011 / 9 Tishrei, 5772 Volume 15 Number 37 Chief rallies S African

Jewry in prayer for peace PAGE 5 PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER BY PHOTOGRAPH

Rabbi Yossy Goldman, Warren Goldstein and Rabbi Avraham Tanzer at the Unity gathering in the Glenhazel Shul, with the men’s section filled to capacity.

Israeli Arabs riot after Nik lauds SAKS: Lithuanian BOOKS: Dossier of mosque burning / 3, 6 YAD / 5 SA Jewish pride / 7 a serial sleuth / 9 YOUTH / 12 SPORT / 16 LETTERS / 10 CROSSWORD & SUDOKU / 14 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 4 WHAT’S ON / 14 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011 PARSHA OF THE WEEK SHABBAT, It’s time again to YOMTOV AND Published by Saying sorry – and FAST TIMES S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, remember the PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 meaning it too October 7/9 Tishrei Tel: (011) 023-8160 Kol Nidrei Night Fax: (086) 634-7935 wandering Candle-lighting and Fast Printed by Caxton Ltd start EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin SERMONETTE YOM 17:53 Johannesburg [email protected] in the desert KIPPUR 18:36 Cape Town COMMERCIAL MANAGER RITA LEWIS 17:43 Durban Sue Morris Rabbi Gidon Fox Pretoria Hebrew Congregation 18:02 Bloemfontein [email protected] THE FESTIVAL of Succot 18:07 Port Elizabeth Sub-Editor - Paul Maree (one of the Shalosh YOM KIPPUR, 25 hours of idyllic spiritual expression. Regalim/ three Foot or 17:57 East London Ed Co-ordinator - Sharon Akum During this time we refrain from eating and drinking, Pilgrimage Festivals) which [email protected] bathing, intimacy, wearing leather shoes and rubbing will start at sunset on October 8/10 Tishrei Senior Reporter - Rita Lewis creams and oils onto our bodies. Wednesday, October 12, will Yom Kippur [email protected] Men wear kittels (long white shirts) and many women continue for seven days Fast ends have a custom to wear white. All of this to appear free of until Wednesday, October The etrog, one of the Sports Editor - Jack Milner sin and angel-like. 19. four species taken dur- [email protected] We spend the entire day in shul, totally detached from It is a remembrance and 18:42 Johannesburg Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey anything physical, praying and in close communion with part re-enactment of the ing Succot, the etrog, or 19:28 Cape Town Hashem. Indeed, rarely do we ever reach such an angel- manner in which the Jewish citron, represents the 18:34 Durban Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen ic state as Yom Kippur. people were obliged to live heart during Succot. [email protected] 18:52 Bloemfontein Then, as the day draws to a close and the fast is nearly while wandering in the 18:59 Port Elizabeth Youth Editor - Alison Goldberg behind us, we commence the Ma’ariv service, the desert for 40 years after their release from slavery in 18:49 East London [email protected] evening prayers that mark the end of Yom Kippur and Pharoah’s Egypt. the beginning of the rest of the year. Virtually no time After the Jews left Egypt, they, in nomadic fashion, Cape Town correspondent October 12/14 Tishrei Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 elapses between the close of Neila and the commence- moved from one place to another, during which time ment of the Ma’ariv service. they built tents or booths to live in. These were tempo- Erev Succot Pretoria correspondent It is therefore very strange that, as we come out of this rary shelters called succot/succahs and gave them some Candle-lighting Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 spiritual high, the first opening line of Ma’ariv is “Vehu relief from the harsh elements prevalent in the desert. 17:55 Johannesburg rachum yechaper avon” and He who is merciful will Advertising - (011) 023-8160 The festival of Succot commemorates this ancient 18:10 Cape Town [email protected] atone for sin (Psalms 88:38). What sin have we committed story of the Jewish peoples’ exile from Egypt and in in that blink of an eye period between the angelic state of many homes Jews build their own succahs in their gar- 17:46 Durban Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 Yom Kippur and the weekday Ma’ariv service? dens, yards or on balconies - wherever there is space - 18:05 Bloemfontein [email protected] Yet, the answer to this question is key to our Yom keeping to the halachic specifications and requirements 18:11 Port Elizabeth Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 Kippur experience. We are all familiar with the principle of the finished succah. 18:01 East London [email protected] which states that Yom Kippur is impotent in atoning for One of these is that the roof must be of vegetation cut our sins unless we have first sought forgiveness and Freelance Advertising Executives from a living tree or bush, must allow the “inhabitants” October 13/15 Tishrei absolution from our fellow human beings whom we have of the succah sufficient space between the branches and Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 offended or hurt during the year. leaves to see the stars above, but should not be too thin- First Day Succot [email protected] At times, this asking for forgiveness feels a little trite. ly spread, as the case would be if the leaves were to die Candle-lighting from Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 We call our friends and say, almost with a smile on our off while still on the branches. pre-existing flame [email protected] faces, as we are certain of the response, do you forgive With this injunction in mind and as most branches 18:45 Johannesburg Classified Sales me if I have offended you in any way? normally shed their leaves after being cut, the preferred 19:32 Cape Town Or perhaps more critically, when we ask our spouses Charissa Newman branches are those which come from palm trees and in 18:37 Durban [email protected] for forgiveness (yes, we have to ask them as well), do we many places, people - including in South Africa where really mean it, are we really committing to change, or are there are many palm trees growing - make a good living 18:55 Bloemfontein Manager: Distribution we simply applying the formula dictated by Jewish law, from the cutting off and selling the branches. 19:03 Port Elizabeth Britt Landsman with our lips but without our heart? In the past Egypt has supplied around 700 000 of the 18:53 East London Design and layout Throughout the duration of Yom Kippur we atone and nearly two million fronds that are imported into Frankie Matthysen ask for forgiveness for our sins. We commit to a better each year. This year it has reportedly forbidden the cut- October 14/16 Tishrei Nicole Cook and more devout future. Yet, we are compelled to ask ting and exporting of palm fronds to Israel. ourselves the question: Is the entire Yom Kippur simply Second Day Succot and Website With very little time left before the holiday, the deci- an exercise in lip service, or is it a true introspection into Shabbat www.sajewishreport.co.za sion has left Israel in a quandary as to where, and how to our past and commitment to our future. Candle-lighting from a Ilan Ossendryver go about making up the unexpected shortfall. IC-Creations Tragically, all too often it is the former. Indeed, as we According to CNN, Israel‘s agricultural ministry is pre-existing flame [email protected] look at a preceding verse from Psalms from where the taking action to try and ensure that there will be enough 17:56 Johannesburg sentence “vehu rachum” originates, we find the reason palm fronds sourced and imported in time for the cele- 18:10 Cape Town Subscription enquiries for asking for forgiveness immediately after Yom Kippur. brations. 17:47 Durban Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd Verses 36 states “...and they sought to beguile Him The ministry is quoted as saying: “As a result of the Tel: 0860-13-2652 with their mouth and they deceived Him with their new circumstances, the Minister of Agriculture, Orit 18:06 Bloemfontein BOARD OF DIRECTORS tongues”. Noked, encourages Israeli palm tree growers to signifi- 18:12 Port Elizabeth Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh King David is saying that all we were doing was paying cantly increase the number of lulavim to be given (out) 18:02 East London (Deputy Chairman), Stan Kaplan, lip service and it is for this that we ask Hashem for for- for the Succot holiday. Marlene Bethlehem, Norman Lowenthal, giveness right after Yom Kippur. True, we went through “At the same time, we will advance alternatives to October 15/17 Tishrei all the motions, said all the right things, but it may have importing palm trees so that everyone can observe the Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, Herby Rosen- Shabbat ends berg, Howard Sackstein, Jason been our lips alone that did Teshuva, not our hearts. For obligations of Succot.” Valkin, Elton Bondi, Michael this we ask Hashem to forgive us. Israel has said that replacing the fronds traditionally 18:46 Johannesburg Sieff, Steven Krawitz and n. Similarly, as we embark upon the process of asking coming from Egypt, will likely be a more expensive exer- 19:34 Cape Town Denese Bloch. those nearest and dearest to us for forgiveness, let us cise than previously anticipated. 18:38 Durban ensure that this Yom Kippur we speak from our hearts As the holiday of Succot serves as a reminder of the 18:57 Bloemfontein not only our lips and ensure that our actions reflect the Advertisements and editorial copy from rocky relations that existed - and have recently reignited 19:05 Port Elizabeth outside sources do not neccessarily reflect words we say. themselves - between the two countries, a negative 18:55 East London the views of the editors and staff. Wishing you all a G’mar chatima Tova. response from Egypt may not be totally unexpected.

Trevor Stamelman: 082-608-0168 Geoff Lees 082-923-8317 Tel: (011) 885-3742 [email protected] www.stamelmanproperties.co.za

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JERUSALEM - Rioters in a Bedouin Arab town in northern Israel have torched community buildings in the wake of an arson attack on a local mosque. It was mostly youth from the village of Tuba Zangaria who set fire to the council building on Monday night and also seriously damaged the youth cul- tural centre and village health clinic Israeli President Shimon Peres (centre) with Israeli by breaking doors and windows, and Chief and local Sheikhs in Tuba Zangaria. damaging property inside. The rioters who also threw rocks at the police, were dis- after a rock thrown in an apparent terrorist persed with tear gas. attack crashed through the windshield of his On Sunday night, the community’s mosque car, causing him to lose control of the vehi- was set on fire, destroying holy books and cle, which then flipped over. prayer rugs. Residents of Tuba Zangaria, which has a Graffiti, including the words “price tag” population of slightly more than 5 000, have and “Palmer”, were spray-painted on the blamed extremists from the nearby town of walls of the mosque, according to reports. Safed. The village also is near the Golan Police reportedly have arrested some sus- Heights. Bedouin villages in the north pects in the Sunday night arson attack. declared a general strike beginning Tuesday. “Price tag” refers to the strategy that Israeli police had stepped up alerts in the extremist settlers have adopted to exact a area out of concern that Israeli Arabs would price in attacks on Palestinians in retribution carry out revenge attacks, Haaretz reported. for settlement freezes and demolitions or for The price tag attack was condemned Palestinian attacks on Jews. Palmer likely across Israel’s political and religious spec- refers to Israeli Asher Palmer, who was killed trum and by Jewish organisations in the on September 23 along with his infant son, United States. (JTA) New Year message from Ambassador Segev-Steinberg “THE DAYS of our years are threescore and in which we exist, we are ten; and if by reason of strength they are destined to face our chal- fourscore years, yet is their strength labour lenge for survival in “labour and sorrow.” (Psalm 90:10) and sorrow”. I have taken the liberty of paraphrasing Undoubtedly, therefore, there will be sac- and interpreting these words, thought by rifices but they are tempered by the reward some to be attributed to Moses himself. they bring forth - the reward of having a However, as the official representative of state for Jews, no matter from where they the Jewish State in South Africa, these lines come or whatever their circumstances. resonate in recognition of a number of real- My Yomtov message to you is simply that ities - not only Israel’s 63 years of independ- Israel is there and always will be; symbolising ence, but the unique challenges she faces our independence as a proud nation and day by day within a world that appears offering security to all who seek it. unwilling or unable to recognise the validity I salute the Jewish community of South and legitimacy of her struggle. Africa in their staunch solidarity of our In the words of the Psalm, the very exis- common purpose. I wish you all a peaceful tence of Israel has no determinable end. The and blessed New Year. “threescore” could well be “fourscore” and that also could be - and will be - an indefinite This message was intended to appear in our period of years. Rosh Hashanah issue. However, through an However, we also face the reality that in oversight this did not happen.We apologise to the hostile and unpredictable environment the ambassador. - Editor 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011 SOCIAL SCENE COMMUNITY BUZZ (* The relationship further deterio- rated after the New Testament Rita Lewis [email protected] LIONEL SLIER appeared and the rise of the Christain 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, Church). [email protected] NB: However, my good friend Taki EARLY GREEK-JEWISH RELA- Poulos always told me that the Greeks TIONS and the Jews were cousins. For exam- ple, the film.”My Big Fat Greek meets art on By Prof. B. Hendrickx Wedding” clearly could just as well have been a Jewish wedding. Greek-Jewish relations “present the Wits campus oldest continuous inter-ethnic rela- DURBAN Artist Diane Levine with her mosaic tionship in history and constitute the “Striving” on Wits West Campus. RITA LEWIS double helix of Western civilization”. It The beach in Durban has, for many PHOTOGRAPHS: TAMMY LIEBERMAN is sometimes stated that the ancient years been one of Durban’s favourite Philistines were related to the Aegean sources of entertainment, However, in GUEST LECTURER from the UK, educationist Hellenes; that the latter - hypothetical- the early days of the 20th century, the Maureen Kendler, was in South Africa recent- ly - settled in Palestine by around 1 000 Bayside was Durban’s beach and there ly as part of the “Judaism meets Art” pro- BCE. was even a bathing enclosure there. gramme held at the Wits West Campus in Historically undisputed was The present (South) beach was Johannesburg. Alexander’s conquest of the East and rather “sniffily” referred to as the Avrom Kendler, who is the head of education at the the consequent Greek military “Back Beach” and was visited by rid- and London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) which supremacy during the Hellenistic ing parties who wanted to gallop their Michelle falls under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi, times. However, according to Josephus horses along the sands and by people Lord Jonathan Sacks, lectures and specialises - the Jewish historian - Jews were who wanted to see some of the ships Krengel in art, literature and Torah. She was invited to enlisted in the Hellenistic armies and that had been wrecked there. One of with South Africa by Mizrachi to teach Torah. they were employed extensively by the the best known was the Minevra and sons With Judaism and art being two diverse sub- Greek-Macedonian Ptolemies of several old Durbanites had pieces of Shmuel jects, Mizrachi’s Rabbi Ramon Widmonte Egypt. furniture that had been made from the and explained: “Mizrachi South Africa represents Thus began a period of Jewish- wreck of that ship. Mordi. a Torah philosophy which sees the latent good Greek symbiosis, during which the Later, the Esplanade or more cor- in many of life’s avenues: thus the terms, translation of the Bible in Greek con- rectly, the Victoria Embankment, was ‘Torah v’Avodah’ - Torah and Work; and stituted a very important feature. This built. The beach tram went as far as ‘Torah u’Madah’ - Torah and Worldly Septuagint was, according to tradition, the Beach Hotel at the end of West Knowledge, encapsulate the Mizrachi world.” the work of 70 learned scholars, com- Street. Below that and nearer the sea, Art is one such area and the lively discussion missioned by King Ptolemaios was the Model Dairy Tea Room, the around “Judaism meets Art” combined some Philadelphus. paddling pool and the Kenilworth Tea positive elements of Jewish life - good art, great In fact, it was not a work sponsored Room, with the bathing enclosure food and more importantly, amazing Torah. by the Greek Egyptian state, but was opposite it. The group, consisting of people holding born out of the religious needs of the This was a semicircular enclosure quite divergent opinions, enjoyed Kendler’s Hellenised Jews and came almost cer- which supported a pier and along the views, after being given an introduction to the tainly into being during the 3rd centu- shore behind it was a row of wooden topic while sitting in the sun on the steps of ry BCE, the translations having been bathing booths. If you wanted to walk the newly renovated FNB Building at Wits. commenced before 285 BCE. along the pier, the price was four pen- Kendler explained that she often organised Other great exponents of this cul- nies. Beyond the Kenilworth Tea Room tours to the National Gallery in London and ture were the philosopher Philo of was the Beach Swimming Bath. There Hilary Green with Batya Bricker and Yael gave food for thought when she posed the ques- Alexandria (ca 20 BCE - 54 CE) and the was a bandstand and beach chairs Green. tion whether religious icons and nudes should historian Flavius Josephus (ca 37 - where people could sit and listen to a be exposed to Jewish scrutiny. 100—CE). military band. Natalie Knight (Liknaitzky), the art curator The Jewish-Greek relations of the To the south of the road was the Coo- of the Wits West Campus, took the group on a Hellenistic period were often tense as ee Tea Room and behind that an Natalie tour of the art in the FNB Building. Knight the well-documented history of the enclosed area where a lifeboat, all Knight, cura- said she had adopted the policy of excluding Greek Seleucids of Syria, as well as the ready to use, was kept in a large shed. . tor of the art nudes in public areas to which students had wars of the Maccabees and the conse- • Rewritten from “Dear Old Durban” collection of access. quent “political renaissance” of the by Barbara Maude-Stone in memory of the Wits Jewish textual studies followed in the Law Hasmonians teach us. Yvonne Miller’s original text. West Conference Auditorium after the group had viewed some of the artworks in the adjoining Campus, Chalsty Foyer. with pho- Kendler canvassed the reasons that had tographer excluded some Jewish participation in the Chabad plans swinging Tammy arts, saying that these stemmed from the com- Lieberman. mandment “not to make graven images”. She said patronage of the arts had come Succot party for seniors from the churches and as a result Christian images were required by the trade guilds. This RABBI ARI KIEVMAN week’s Chabad House’s titanic Succah excluded Jews. in Savoy in Johannesburg. However, from the beginning of the 20th cen- WHILE THE youngsters are off to their Chai Seniors’ “Annual Succot tury the situation had begun to change. Succot events, there is an extravagant Party” takes place on Monday, She quoted the favourable reaction of Rabbi party being planned exclusively for October 17, at the Chabad House Kook on seeing the works of Rembrandt in the senior citizens. Succah, 27 Aintree Avenue in Savoy. British National Gallery and pointed out that Picture this: Gathering with friends, From 10:00 onwards there will be the Jewish artists such as Chagall and Mark watching academy award-winner movie screening, followed by the full Rothko had also received much recognition. “Ushpizin” in the Succah, live enter- bash beginning at 12:00, complete with Later, Professor Katherine Munro, former tainment with acclaimed Tony Bentel food, entertainment and inspiration. dean of the FCLM joined Kendler, Knight and and friends, the renowned Helen The party is free of charge, but the group in visiting various auspicious and Heldenmuth and the legendary booking is essential for catering pur- revamped buildings on the campus, highlight- Magical Marc, a scrumptious feast to poses. Victoria Perlow with her granddaughters ing those which were of interest to the Wits enjoy, and prizes to be won... RSVP: (011) 440-6600 or email Rachael and Chaya Kirsh. alumni in the group. All this and much more at next [email protected] PE celebrates a new shul as well as a new rabbi MICHAEL SIMMONS Dr Denzil Levy, a 94-year-old revered mem- Port Elizabeth has been without a per- PORT ELIZABETH ber of the Port Elizabeth community, pre- manent rabbi for a year and the Blochs’ sented his address to the packed shul. arrival has been welcomed warmly by ON SUNDAY September 18, Elul 19, 5771, a The induction of the shul’s new rabbi, the community where they have already new synagogue designed by Johannesburg Rabbi Shmuel Bloch, was performed by settled in comfortably and integrated architect Lewis Levin was inaugurated and Rabbi Goldstein. This included the presen- well. consecrated by Chief Rabbi Warren tation of a new tallit which Rabbi Goldstein Immediately after the service in the shul, Goldstein in Port Elizabeth. placed on the shoulders of our new rabbi, a crowd of slightly over 200 moved into the Visiting guests included Rabbi Desmond in a moving ceremony. shul hall for a picnic in a venue magnifi- Maizels from Cape Town, Rabbi Shalom After his induction, Rabbi Bloch gave his cently decorated and specially lit with ele- Myers from Israel and Lewis Levin the induction sermon to a congregation who gant candelabra. architect. have been craving a religious leader in a The entertainment was provided by vis- A memorial plaque was unveiled by new synagogue which is both modern - iting tenor Yudi Cohen with piano accom- Rabbi Goldstein, after which the chairman with its beechwood finishes, complement- paniment by Erika Bothma with a concert of the shul, Arthur Aires, welcomed the ed by muted colours and subtle lighting - recital of chazzonus, Yiddish songs and a guests and congregation, outside the shul. and highlighted by an inspiring tented ceil- mixture of Neapolitan and operatic arias Then six Torahs were ceremoniously car- ing symbolic of ancient biblical times. on the stage, which delighted all who ried inside the shul and placed in the Aron Rabbi Bloch and his wife Sandra, togeth- attended this historic event. Kodesh by the visiting rabbis and members er with their two young children, recently Among the guests visiting from of the shul council. arrived from Israel to take up the position Johannesburg were Rabbi Bloch’s parents, Rabbi Myers gave an address, followed in Port Elizabeth. Rabbi Bloch was born together with Mrs Frankel, mother of Newly-inducted Rabbi Shmuel Bloch by an inauguration address by Rabbi and bred in Johannesburg and his wife Sandra, who had travelled from America to receives his new tallit from Chief Rabbi Goldstein. The shul’s honorary president, hails from America. be present at this celebration. Warren Goldstein. (PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED) 07 - 17 October 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 5

of black people in South Africa. Literally many a true Loyiso Gola has been on the comedy scene for quite some time. He is also known for his satirical news programme every Wednesday on e.tv, Late Night News. His “innocent” big word was spoken in jest round eyes and “dead-pan” demeanour belies a razor-sharp wit. SHIRA DRUION Executive director of the IUA/UCF, Naomi Hadar, thanked the guests for their “unbe- AN EVENING of wit and humour, with cut- lievable turnout”. ting-edge comment hidden behind a façade of “I think it was a fantastic evening, with a levity, was the main fair for an appreciative most impressive response. We were aiming to audience of some 400 who attended YAD’s attract 400 people but our final number grew annual fundraising dinner at the Simon to over 50 more than our target, with a wait- Kuper Hall in Johannesburg recently. YAD is ing list! I am so proud and am confident that the young adults’ division of the IUA-UCF. this is a reflection of the passion and loyalty Uproarious laughter echoed through the that our Zionist community shares with room as the barbed wit found a positive The inimitable Nik Rabinowitz. Israel. response with the audience. The “funny (PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER) “The evening attracted many young, men” included the crème de la crème of the future leaders and it was evident from the country’s comedians who found enough recent visit “Down Under” alongside his tangible enthusiasm in the room that we are “black humour” in the (wrong)doings of our famous colleague Mark Lottering. He truly succeeding in striving to achieve our man- public figures and in everyday calamities, to took the mickey out of the Aussies as well. date of nurturing young leaders.” keep the guests hunched over from utter He received an uproarious response when he These sentiments were echoed by Avrom hilarity. chirped that “Bishop Tutu’s nickname was Krengel, co-chairman of the IUA/UCF who The humour was the perfect combination the ‘Tutuzela’”, because the Archbishop praised guests for their loyal support for of a South African flavour and good old idio- Emeritus has a knack of expressing an opin- Israel and encouraged them to continue to syncratic Jewish jokes, to keep the audience ion on any conceivable subject. pledge their loyalty to Israel during this very clamouring for more. He also created a chuckle when he precarious time. The repertoire included Ndumiso Lindi, remarked that Sydney, Melbourne and Perth YAD is chaired by Gary Rothstein, who Loyiso Gola and our very own inimitable Nik were the equivalents of Sea Point, Sandton exudes a palpable passion to help the Jewish Rabinowitz who was a show-stopper with his and some part of Bloemfontein. people and the State of Israel and emphasised piercing wit and outstanding impersonating Cape Town comedian Ndumiso Lindi, is that in this very trying time, it was incumbent skills and if you had closed your eyes, you recognised as one of the foremost young on all Jews to step up could travel all the way from the Cape Flats black faces on the comedy scene. He has to the plate and make to King David High. attained fame for his Madiba Jive and is a a meaningful contri- Rabinowitz recounted the tales of his brilliant impersonator of the everyday lives bution. Chief Rabbi rallies the community RITA LEWIS “We also seek a year filled with Egypt which were becoming blessing for our special South “more difficult”. THE UNITY gathering in the Glenhazel African Jewish community - a This was the time for teshuva, Shul on the Campus was the third year of good health, prosperity repentance. He said we had all one of its kind called by Chief Rabbi and growth in Torah and mitz- done something we were not Warren Goldstein. It was once again, a vahs.” proud of. jam-packed affair with virtually no empty He said we also prayed for The first was to focus on previ- seats for men and just a few in the women’s guidance and direction for South ously spoken loshan hora and to section. Africa, to alleviate pervasive refrain from repeating it. Rabbi Goldstein in opening the event, said: human suffering. The second thing was to pray “In six cities throughout South Africa, He said we asked all of these with more kavonah, meaning Jewish communities had come together in things of G-d, not just in the form and intensity. the spirit of unity, prayer and repentance on of prayer, but took upon our- The third was in the area of this Fast of Gedaliah, during this auspicious selves repentance. This meant peace. “It is peace: peace in Ten Days of Repentance. different things to each person, Israel; for our society and in our “We do so to add extra impetus to all our “but our framework remains the own lives. It is how we communi- prayers and repentance at this time and to same for all, and that is our cate with our children; commu- harness the spirit of unity and the power of Torah, the mitzvahs, the com- nity dynamics; how the rabbon- the tzibur - of the community and the merit mandments and the values of im interact with each other and that it has before G-d.” what Hashem expects us to live with their communities. Rabbi Goldstein said prayers were far with...” “There is nothing greater in more meaningful when said as a community. Jews, he said, had to “seek out the world than peace,” he said.” “When we pray and repent as individuals, Hashem when He is there to be He said for that we ask for for- it has an influence and an impact on the found. When a community cries giveness from, and for, everyone - world, but when we do so as a community, out with a total heart, it is then and from G-d. the merit and spiritual power is far greater,” that Hashem will answer them,” “We ask G-d to bless this new he said quoting the Rambam. He spoke of the worsening year, 5772, with His abundant “Let us think about the challenges that the relations between our erstwhile goodness. May we all be sealed State and the people of Israel are facing, and “friends and allies”, Turkey and for a year of life and blessing.” indeed Jews around the world, at this period of turbulence in the Middle East. “At this time of year as the books of life and death are opened, we come together as a community to pray, to repent and to plead with Hashem to bless the State and people of Israel, with a new year filled with peace and a resolution to painful conflict. 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS Tolerance and holy books WITH GOOD justification, we celebrate the rich- ness and diversity of this country’s people as one of our greatest assets. While the unified “rainbow nation” touted as our ideal two decades ago by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has not fully materialised, we have certainly come a long way. One thing we can be proud of is the respect and tolerance shown towards the faiths and beliefs of others. Our society has a high degree of religious adherence and disrespect towards a faith group’s religious accoutrements would be abhorrent to South Africans, whether from the government or the ordinary man in the street. Jews, specifically, still carry in their collective memory the sight of their religious books and other items thrown into the street and burned in Europe by the Nazis dur- ing the Holocaust. We are also one of the few countries which suc- ceeded in establishing a unified body representing Exhibit on "The Hitler Letter: A Letter That Changed the World" at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre's Museum of Tolerance in all its religions - originally the National Religious Los Angeles shows the original 1919 letter on the left and a timeline of the Fuehrer's rise to power, October 3. (PHOTO- Leaders’ Forum, established in 1997, now super- GRAPH: BART BARTHOLOMEW/SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTRE) seded by the National Inter-Faith Leadership Council, which has become a benchmark world- wide. During the transition from apartheid to democ- racy, former Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris was central Hitler letter offers first glimpse in forging meaningful contacts with other faith groups. This even found expression in the enact- ment of laws, as when Muslim and Jewish leaders co-operated regarding the legal basis for religious of his anti-Semitic passions marriage and divorce. At present, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein plays a leading role as a member TOM TUGEND ical movement may not and cannot be than in his later book ‘Mein Kampf’. It is of NILC. LOS ANGELES defined by emotional impulses, but by fair to assume that when Hitler wrote The news from Israel on Monday that a mosque recognition of the facts.” about ‘the removal of the Jews’ he was in the Bedouin Galilee village of Tuba Zangaria TEN MONTHS after the First World War What are the facts? According to the let- not thinking about just throwing a few had been torched and Muslim religious books ended, a 30-year-old German army veter- ter, one is that “Jewry is absolutely a race thousand Jews in jail.” burned, shocked Israelis and Jews across the spec- an wrote a two-page letter in which he and not a religious association.” The second important lesson Hier trum of opinion. (See story on page 3) explained the “Jewish question” on a Hitler features the stereotype of the Jew draws from the letter is that society can- The perpetrators have not yet been identified, “rational” and “scientific” basis. as a money grubber bent on world domi- not afford to ignore or ridicule the dem- but are suspected of being a small, marginal right- “An anti-Semitism based on reason nation. agogues of its day, such as Iran’s wing group of Jews enacting what they call a must lead to a systematic combating and “Everything man strives after as a high- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. “price tag” for settlements being demolished in the elimination of the privileges of the Jews,” er goal, be it religion, socialism, democra- “If in 1919, someone had warned that a West Bank. Graffiti in Hebrew was left on the he wrote. “The ultimate objective must be cy, is to the Jew only means to an end, the man like Hitler would become a menace mosque’s wall. the irrevocable removal of Jews in gener- way to satisfy his lust for gold and domina- to the world, such a person would have Photographs published in Israeli papers of the al. “Signed “Respectfully, Adolf Hitler”, tion,” he wrote. been labelled as crazy,” Hier said. burnt Muslim books sent shivers down Jewish the letter received high marks for the Hitler’s advocacy in the letter of “the As part of the permanent exhibit in spines, evoking memories of smouldering piles of author from his superiors in a military irrevocable removal of Jews” has spurred the museum’s Holocaust section, the let- their own religious books seven decades ago in propaganda unit bitterly opposed to the discussions among scholars on whether it ter will be complemented by an interac- Berlin and elsewhere. Not only does this abom- newly established Weimar Republic as the anticipates his later extermination cam- tive timeline tracing the year-by-year inable act do immense damage to Israelis’ and perceived handiwork of Bolsheviks, So- paign. spread of Hitler’s power and his ulti- Jews’ image worldwide, but it is wrong and cialists and Jews. The German word for “removal” used mate defeat between 1919 and 1945. destructive to the moral fibre of our own people. As the first written political statement by Hitler is “Entfernung”, which is more The Gemlich letter was found by an The Shin Bet - Israeli security service - has of the future Fuehrer, the letter is consid- commonly translated as “distance” or American soldier among scattered recorded several dozen “price tag” incidents over ered a document of immense historical “withdrawal”. Taken in context, most papers at an apparent Nazi party the past year, including attacks against mosques, value. experts believe that Hitler’s thinking at archive, near Nuremberg. The soldier uprooting Palestinian olive trees, puncturing mili- It was shown to the public for the first the time focused more on “segregation” or brought it back to America and decades tary vehicles’ tyres, and harassing IDF and Shin time on October 4 by the Simon “expulsion” rather than a full-fledged later the letter came into the hands of a Bet officials and left-wing activists. Wiesenthal Centre at its Museum of Holocaust. California dealer in historical docu- Israeli President Shimon Peres, accompanied by Tolerance in Los Angeles. “Not even Hitler was capable of imagin- ments. Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi and Chief UCLA historian Saul Friedlander, the ing in 1919 what could be done,” British When the letter first came on the mar- Sephardic Rabbi Yona Metzger and Muslim, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of a two- historian Ian Kershaw told The New York ket in 1988, Hier was sceptical about its Christian and Druze leaders, made a very public volume analysis of the Nazi regime, Times. authenticity, partly because of numer- visit to Tuba Zangaria to express their outrage and observed: “In his very first written state- Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean of ous instances of forged Nazi documents. solidarity. Ironically, the village’s male residents ment about the Jews, Hitler shows that the Wiesenthal Centre, who was instru- Since then, experts in Germany, serve in high numbers in the Israeli military. (hatred of Jews) was the very core of his mental in acquiring the letter and raising Britain and the United States have vet- Peres said: “I am appalled by what happened political passion.” $150 000 for its purchase, draws two key ted the letter and have concluded that it here. Shocked to my core. This isn’t just against At the behest of his superiors, Hitler deductions from the letter - one historical, is, indeed, the original version, written the law, it goes against the Jewish religion and wrote the letter to a fellow soldier propa- the other applicable to our time. and signed by Hitler, although 100 per against morals… Seeing what happened here fills gandist named Adolf Gemlich, and the “Apologists for Hitler and Holocaust cent certainty might require chemical me with shame.” document is known as the Gemlich letter. deniers always cite the fact that no one has tests of the age and composition of the Rabbi Metzger said: “We, as Jews, remember In contrast to his later public rants, Hitler found a document signed by Hitler order- stationery. what it was like when our books were burnt and assumes an almost professorial tone in the ing the destruction of European Jewry,” Hier, for one, has no doubt that he has we cannot abide such actions against any other letter. Hier said. “Perhaps such a document was the real thing. “This is the most signifi- religion. For us - a synagogue, a mosque, a church For instance, he expounds: “Anti- destroyed or Hitler gave his orders verbal- cant document ever acquired by the - they are considered embassies of G-d, and you do Semitism is too easily characterised as a ly. Wiesenthal Centre, with historical sig- not harm embassies.” He later also criticised non- mere emotional phenomenon. And yet, “In any case, the Gemlich letter proves nificance not only to the Jewish people, Jewish clerics who had remained silent after Arab this is incorrect. Anti-Semitism as a polit- his obsessive hatred of Jews more clearly but to the entire world,” he said. (JTA) terrorist attacks on Jews, such as the incidents in southern Israel in August. Rabbi Amar called the attack on the mosque “blasphemous”, adding: “…it’s an assault on all of AROUND THE WORLD our hearts. We urge all leaders to speak against terror - and such acts are acts of terror.” But he NEWS IN BRIEF later also raised the possibility that the perpetra- tors might not be Jews, but others seeking to incite CONSERVATIVE LAWMAKERS IN CANADA TAKE OVER PRO-ISRAEL GROUP hatred against Jews: “As you know, blood libels TORONTO - Members of Canada's feder- were elected to the committee. is supposed to be a parliamentary about Jews killing a Christian child have been al Liberal Party are crying foul after Toronto-area Liberal lawmaker friendship group," Bennett said. common in all generations. Damage was caused to lawmakers from the governing Con- Carolyn Bennett, who chaired the "Obviously this is something that was entire communities, killing and loss… because of servatives wrested control of a pro- friendship group for five years, acknowl- managed centrally." those false beliefs.” Israel friendship group. edged that the low turnout by Liberals But the group's new chairman denied Ironically, despite our divisive history in this Members of Parliament gathered last contributed to her defeat. But she that the Prime Minister's Office packed country, respect for different faiths has been week in Ottawa to elect a new executive alleged that Conservative lawmakers the meeting with Conservatives or told deeply embedded in us. We have no doubt all South committee for the Canada-Israel were told how to vote by the pro-Israel lawmakers how to vote. African Jews will condemn - as Jews and as South Parliamentary Friendship Group. government so they could take control "It was a free vote," southern Ontario Africans - this dastardly act in the clearest, boldest Between 50 and 60 Conservative mem- of what is supposed to be a nonpartisan Conservative lawmaker David Sweet terms. bers showed up, compared to three association said. "Those who were interested found As German Jewish-born poet Heinrich Heine Liberals, PostMedia News reported. "I was quite surprised by this jugger- time to show. You'd have to ask the warned in 1821: “Where they burn books, so too Ten Conservatives and two Liberals put naut approach to taking over 100 per Liberals why only three of their mem- will they in the end burn human beings.” their names forward; six Conservatives cent of the executive positions on what bers did." (JTA) 07 - 17 October 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 7

OPINION AND ANALYSIS - FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS

growing up in the Lithuanian shtetl of Obelai, he was characteristically A long journey to scornful of his fellow Jews’ nega- tive attitude towards their gentile neighbours. This was despite the subsequent find an identity enthusiastic participation of ordi- nary Lithuanians in the massacres THE LITHUANIAN contribution to that followed the Nazi occupation in civilisation would make one of the 1941 (in which his own family was world’s thinner pamphlets. When I BARBARIC decimated). was growing up, that really both- Evidently, the rank and file of ered me. Like it or not, Lithuania YAWP Lithuanian Jewry knew something was where my forebears had come David Saks about their charming Lithuanian from (seven great-grandparents out neighbours that Uncle Joe chose to of eight - the eighth came from forget. The point about being the Latvia, which is almost the same scions of the Jewish community of thing). Pathetic as it sounds, the fact that Lithuania, however, is that the mer- For someone who at the time was the Drakensberge, for all their its or otherwise of that country as a unhealthily fixated on how much grandeur, turned out to be no more whole really do not matter. one’s standing was supposedly than of middling height when com- What really counts is how very predicated on one’s national her- pared with the world’s major much the Jews of Lithuania con- itage, this was pretty galling. The mountain ranges, really got under tributed to the enrichment and honour of being part of the leading my skin. strengthening of the Jewish world civilisations of Europe - British, If I’d known then that our moun- completely out of proportion to German, French, Italian - belonged tains are not especially high their numbers. I also learned over to others. because of they have been worn time how Jews in “lesser” countries Even being of Polish or Russian down over time, whereas super- like Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary origin would have been something, ranges like the Himalayas, Alps and and Poland by and large stood firm but Lithuanian? Talk about a non- Andes are, in geological terms, in their commitment to Torah-true people of a non-country (at that comparative babies, it would have Judaism, whereas those of coun- time, Lithuania was not even inde- been of some comfort, but I didn’t. I tries like Britain and Germany that pendent, but effectively a province was reduced to obsessively trawling I had once so yearned to be associ- of the Soviet Union). through atlases and gnashing my ated with, even when they were not Thwarted in my desire to claim a youthful molars every time I found flocking to the baptismal font, were distinguished European pedigree, I yet another country with higher frequently weak, compromised and fell back on identifying intensely mountains than ours. apologetic in their Judaism. with being South African. Here, too, Funny how different things look Within German Jewry, though, disillusionment quickly followed, now. The more I have returned to there were striking exceptions, par- and that was even before I realised the religious orthodoxy of my fore- ticularly in the steadfastness shown that because of its noxious race bears, the more I have come to by the great Rabbi Shimshon policies, my country was one of the treasure my Lithuanian origins, Raphael Hirsch and his “disciples”. most despised on the planet. and that of the greater part of During the 1930s, a number of their I could hardly fail to notice how South African Jewry as a whole. descendants (literal and/or spiritu- little impact South Africa made in Lithuanian Jewry were an elite al) established the Adath Jeshurun the greater global culture, nor how group, a hub of piety and scholar- Congregation in Yeoville, which seldom it featured in the broader ship far ahead of Jewish communi- among other things, was the first cultural, intellectual and popular ties in other parts of Europe. All kehilla in South Africa that insisted discourse beyond its own borders. but destroyed in the Holocaust, on all of its members being Shomer Only in sport, and then only to any their legacy continues in the lands Shabbos. significant degree in rugby, had it where some of their members were Much of the subsequent seemed to have punched in any way able to settle before then, and par- upsurge in Jewish religiosity in above its weight. ticularly in South Africa. Johannesburg can be attributed to What was more, the anti- While it took some time for the what this remarkable group of apartheid movement was by then religious seriousness of Lithuanian pioneers did. Given how German progressively closing these already Jewry to take root here, the intense Jewry prior to the Holocaust were limited avenues for national attain- Jewish commitment of this com- seen as ultra-assimilationist – ment, until even rugby found itself munity since the great East “Germans of the Mosaic persua- out in the cold. European influx after 1880 has sion” as the now infamous expres- Thus thwarted a second time, I never been in doubt. No sector of sion went - it is somewhat ironic resorted to taking an inordinate world Jewry, for example, identi- that, in South Africa at least, it pride in South Africa’s geographi- fied itself so wholeheartedly with took a group of German-Jewish cal wonders - were we not constant- the re-establishment of a sovereign immigrants to demonstrate to the ly told what a beautiful country it Jewish presence in the Land of Litvak majority what a rigorous was? - and there, too, I came up Israel. commitment to Judaism was all short. When Joe Slovo wrote about about. AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

CUBA'S JEWISH LEADERS VISIT ALAN GROSS HAVANAH - Leaders of Cuba's Gross, who has lost nearly 45 kg Agency for International De- Jewish community met with due to chronic illness, described velopment contract to help the jailed American contractor Alan his physical condition as "good", country's 1 500 Jews communi- Gross on the eve of Rosh Dworin told the newspaper. cate with other Jewish communi- Hashanah. Gross, 62, is serving a 15-year ties using the Internet. The main Adele Dworin, president of the prison sentence in Cuba for Jewish groups in Cuba have Hebrew Community of Cuba, and “crimes against the state” for dis- denied any contact with or know- David Prinstein, vice president of tributing laptop computers and ledge of Gross or the programme. the Patronato of the Jewish connecting Cuban Jews to the His family had hoped he would Community of Cuba, had a two- Internet. He was arrested in 2009 be released on humanitarian hour visit with Gross on as he was leaving Cuba and grounds in time for Rosh September 28, the Miami Herald accused of being a spy. Hashanah. reported. They ate honey cake Gross' family and US State Gross' daughter has breast can- with coffee and tea, the visitors Department officials say that cer and his mother was diagnosed told the newspaper. Gross was in the country on a US with cancer as well. (JTA) 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011 ARTS MATTERS TAPESTRY COMPILED BY ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE ROBYN SASSEN Call 084-319-7844 or [email protected] at least one week prior to publication A once -in-a-lifetime experience

ABSA Gallery, Johannesburg: “If I told you that will leave you breathless the truth, I’d be lying”, Exhibition: “The Horse” (Everard Read Gallery, Stephen Rosin’s first solo and Circa, Rosebank, (011) 788-4805) “So what?” a mixed media work by exhibition opens October 12, Curator: Ricky Burnett Zwelethu Mthethwa and Willie (011) 350-5793. Until: October 30 Bester. (PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN HODGKISS) Black Box Theatre, King REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN David, Victory Park: within their own horses, others don’t. playing with blind embossing; and outrageously Jonathan Taylor and Lara OCCASIONALLY, the combination of elements Ultimately the visual experience offers a wild, wonderful ones like the Handspring Puppet Lipschitz in a staged reading in an art exhibition sings from the moment you noble, docile, magnificent glance at the four- Company’s War Horse, in a video and drawings, of David Mamet’s “Oleanna”, cross the gallery’s threshold and doesn’t stop legged beast which has been vehicle, sporting that will make you weep with delight. October 10, 083-377-2040. singing in your heart. This is what happens at device, beast of burden, sexual metaphor and There are pieces, like Pippa Skotnes’ three The Horse; an exhibition of this calibre we have more, to humanity since time began; it will leave horse skeletons with narrative inscribed on Everard Read and Circa not seen in this city for years. Its limited run you constantly with your heart on fire about every bone that will leave your jaw hanging; and Gallery, Rosebank: “The makes you want to drink its energy urgently. what you might find around the next corner. others, like Kerri Evans’ paintings that will make Horse”, curated by Ricky Burnett has not been on gallery headlines for a Driving along Jan Smuts Avenue, even at night, you fall in love with the place where paint and Burnett, until October 30, while. He curated the historic 1984 Tributaries, you will be moved singularly, at the intersection musculature meet. Walter Oltmann presents a (011)788-4805. which turned South African art around for good, with Jellicoe Avenue: a horse and rider by Angus prickly horse and knight in armour; Brendhan celebrating artists previously disregarded. Taylor, made of sticks rises hauntingly from the Dickerson challenges gravity in his piece, which Foxwood Theatre, Inspired by gallerist Mark Read, The Horse small pond at Circa’s frontage. Similarly, along sits like a fluid drawing in space… the list is long. Houghton: Des and Dawn opens politically unexpected doors: contempo- Keyes Avenue, you will notice a great big horse’s Works by newish names, including Georgina Lindberg’s “Still Truckin’”, rary art has become haggard with imperatives head, made of tyres by the inimitable Andries Gratrix, Mfundo Ketye and Phillemon Hlung- October 8, 9, (011) 486-0935. associated with theory, not necessarily pretty to Botha, and another rearing with abandon, made wane, sit hoof by withers with big names like see if you’re not an art historian. of coat hangers by Gordon Froud. Deborah Bell, David Koloane and Mmakgabo Joburg Theatre, The Horse outrageously sidestepped these The exhibition spills between the two spaces, Sebidi. Burnett has brought together artists from Braamfontein: In the Nelson imperatives with a wide brief to artists: they and will leave your head clip-clopping hither and gallery “stables” nationally; he’s curated this Mandela, SA Ballet Theatre could do whatever they wished as long as it hangs yon. There are clever gestures that will make you absolute must-see show with a deft hand and a dances “Sleeping Beauty”, on a horse; while some engage ideology from smile, like Willem Boshoff’s “Equus”, a piece sense of humour. until October 16. In the Fringe, “Chilli Boy”, until November 6, (011)877-6800. In the People’s Theatre, “Fun, ‘Mute’ Sleeping Beauty is stripped of expressive power Magic and Tales from Africa”, Ballet: “The Sleeping Beauty”, Nelson Mandela until October 9, (011) 403-1563. Theatre, Joburg Theatre complex, Braamfontein, Shannon Glover as until October 16, (011 )877-6800 Aurora and Humberto Linder Auditorium, Company: South African Ballet Theatre Montero as Prince Parktown: October 12, 13, Staging: Iain MacDonald and Lauren Dixon- Florimund. JPO performs Haydn’s Clock Seager symphony, Berg’s Violin Dancers: Shannon Glover; Lauren Summerley; Concerto and Beethoven’s Humberto Montero; Jonathan Rodrigues; and First Symphony. Conductor: others Bernhard Gueller; soloist: Orchestra: Johannesburg Philharmonic Antje Weithaas (violin), (011) Orchestra 789-2733. October 16, pianist Conductor: Sonja Bass Maxime Zecchini performs for the JMS, (011) 728-5492. REVIEWED BY JONATHAN HURWITZ PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN HOGG Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef music heralding her arrival just isn’t there and when they choose to confront “The Sleeping City, Ormonde: Mzansi IN “THE Sleeping Beauty” the music is the the princess is left lurking at the top of the stairs, Beauty”, diminished as the company is by the Productions, dances “Don drama, the drama is the music, and to disregard unannounced and seemingly unexpected. battle to keep operating? Sadly, very little. Quixote”, until October 23, this, as in SA Ballet Theatre’s current produc- But in the long catalogue of music cuts, none In this beleaguered setting, neither company (011) 248-5168. tion, is to strip the ballet of its expressive power are more damaging to character and plot than nor individual dancers make an impact. The and rich symbolism and render it mute. the gaping hole left by the absence of the pas de absence of the corps de ballet in the Vision is a Market Theatre, Newtown: Seconds after the start comes a massive music deux for the Prince and the vision of Aurora in sign of the times for ballet in South Africa, but it In the Laager, Craig cut, jarring to the ear and dislocating to the nar- Act 2, and the overall diluting effect they inflict does prompt the question: is it not time for us to Higginson’s “Girl in the rative flow, and as the performance unfolds, one on the ballet’s motivating force: the triumph of re-conceptualise some of the classics and Yellow Dress” ends December brutal musical excision follows another. good over evil. Evil here emerges as nothing reshape them for our time and place, as Mats Ek, 18. In the Main Theatre, Mark For the premiere of “The Sleeping Beauty”, more sinister than schoolgirl spite. Jean-Christophe Maillot and others have done? Hawkins’ “Hotel” ends Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa “The Sleeping Beauty” is the ballet that sepa- Of course that may take money we don’t have, October 9. In the Barney worked with care and singleness of purpose, rates the men from the boys, the unequalled but this “Sleeping Beauty” compels SA ballet to Simon, “Death of a weaving together music and choreography, intri- embodiment of the principles of classical dance, consider new paths. Who knows where that may Colonialist”, ends October 16, cately and indivisibly. unchallenged as a test of a dancer and daunting lead, but we cannot, as things stand, attempt to (011) 832-1641. In itself, the story of “The Sleeping Beauty” - for even the most august institutions. restage “The Sleeping Beauty” in a manner that an evil force causes a princess to fall into a deep George Balanchine, the 20th century’s aspires to recreate the magnificence of 17th and Montecasino, Fourways: In sleep from which she is awakened 100 years later supreme choreographer, died without fulfilling 18th century France, the splendour of its court, the Main Theatre, Alan by a prince’s kiss - is not riveting theatre and his dream of staging it for the New York City the glory of the Sun King, its symbolism and Committie’s “Happily Ever what drama there is, is driven by the music. Ballet; the legendary Diaghilev Ballets Russes manners, fashion and etiquette. Laughter”, until October 23. Hacking away at the score makes for a shorter almost met its Waterloo with a 1921 staging, while “The Sleeping Beauty” remains after 120 years In the Studio, Sonia performance but at what price? the centuries-old Paris Opera Ballet only came to the supreme statement of dance: academy and Esqueiro’s “Porralicious!”, Over and over, narrative and meaning fall by grips with the ballet under Nureyev’s guidance ritual, exemplar and reminder, but also precur- until November 13, (011) 511- the wayside. Princess Aurora’s first entrance is a in the 1980s. sor and inspiration. How will it inspire us as we 1988. magical moment but in this production the So what chance does our embattled SABT have move forward into SA ballet’s brave new world?

National Children’s alising instead the optimism and hope that can everyone in town has a thing or two to say for Theatre, Parktown: Joyce FELDMAN spring from the hearts of people, even when themselves when they become unwittingly - and Levinsohn and Francois there is hatred all around. unwillingly - caught up in the changing times. Theron’s “Pied Piper”, until The Help is set in Jackson, Mississippi, dur- One has to accept the premise that a sweet, October 22, (011) 484-1584. ON FILM Peter Feldman ing the 1960s when segregation was a corner- though educated, 22-year-old courageously ques- stone of Southern society. tioned the status quo was able to change it to a Old Mutual Theatre on the Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone), a degree, despite the prevailing racial prejudice. Square, Sandton: “Sailing PICK OF THE WEEK Southern society girl, returns home from col- The tale from her perspective is a gently mov- Somewhere” with Fiona lege, determined to become a writer, but turns ing one and it will stir the spirit. Ramsay, until October 29. On The Help her friends’ lives - and a small Mississippi town The Help is stylish and well-crafted and a mas- October 10, Mel Miller per- - upside down when she decides to interview the sive part of its success lies in the performances forms his “Big Fat Comedy Cast: Emma Stone; Octavia Spencer; Viola black women who have spent their lives taking of the two African-Americans, Viola Davis and Show”, (011) 883-8606. Davis; Bryce Dallas Howard care of prominent Southern families. Octavia Spencer, who avoid sinking into Steel Director: Tate Taylor Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis), Skeeter’s best Magnolia-type caricatures. SA Jewish Museum, friend’s housekeeper, is the first to open up - to They are the heart and soul of the narrative, Gardens: “Jiving with Kathryn Stockett’s novel, The Help, is one of the the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black supplying enormous reserves of depth and dig- Madiba”, ends November 27, most talked about books of recent years and its community. nity to the production. (021) 465-1546. translation to the big screen is bound to evoke a Despite Skeeter’s life-long friendships hang- Bryce Dallas Howard also shines as Hilly reaction or two. ing in the balance, she and Aibileen continue Holbrook, the queen bee of the little communi- State Theatre, Pretoria: In Director Tate Taylor has done a sterling job in their collaboration and soon more women come ty, with her icy air of superiority and her con- the Opera, Deon Opperman’s turning the novel into an absorbing film, forward, including the gutsy Minny (Octavia stant talk of “the coloured situation” where border war musical, “Tree extracting the book’s essence without diluting Spencer), to tell their stories - and as it turns building outside toilets for the help is the best Aan”, with Adam Pelkowitz. it. out, they have a lot to say. solution. October 8 - November 6, (021) In its favour is that Taylor’s production avoids Unlikely friendships are forged along the way The Help will resonate strongly with South 392-4000. focusing totally on the ugliness of the era, visu- and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before Africans and it’s a film I strongly recommend. 07 - 17 October 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 9

TAPESTRY - ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE Unglamorous exterior belies complex interior Byleveld: Dossier of a Serial Sleuth Donaldson and Sibille Streibel, no more than flirt with this crucial aspect of ject. Retief’s bewildering timeline, which by Hanlie Retief (Random House killed by her businessman hus- Byleveld’s own pathology, or draw out more oscillates from one case to another via Struik, R220) band Frank Zanner) to lurid, fully his inner need to specialise in this grue- lengthy diversions into Byleveld’s private heartbreaking crimes, like the some, but fascinating field of work. life, does not help. REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY molestation and murder of Byleveld’s simple, unglamorous exterior Then, too, her penchant for interjecting seven-year-old Sheldean Human. belies a highly complex interior in which her own responses into the text obscures ANYONE WHO has ever sat glued He has seen human nature at much more is at play than slapping hand- Byleveld’s character and makes it madden- to one of TV’s many crime or legal its worst and most wicked. cuffs on an offender. His relationships with ingly hard to experience him as he truly is. dramas - exploring the wide gap Formaldehyde, blood, gunpow- some of the serial killers he has dealt with Still, while the book lacks substance, it between the precinct cops, who der and shattered, traumatised have lasted well beyond their trials and makes absorbing reading. And though one actually do the dirty work involved families of victims have been his imprisonment: in fact, the book hints at him searches in vain for a portal into the real in catching offenders, and the com- daily fare. assuming an almost pastoral, avuncular heart of Piet Byleveld, one does come away paratively cushy, sheltered world of Retief’s biography holds some role. with renewed reverence for a man who the advocates, who never have to surprises. First among these is Of course, the unbalanced construction of makes South Africans feel considerably see the blood and bodies - may have Byleveld’s almost impenetrable reticence: for the book is the fault of its author, not its sub- safer in their beds. been tempted to dismiss it all as fiction: par- all his fame, he is a man of few words who ticularly if they then switch to a local news comes across so utterly unpretentiously - channel and are regaled with our own soar- and, indeed, unremarkably - that it is diffi- ing crime statistics. cult to connect him to his achievements. Few could dispute the assertion that our Many of Retief’s most provocative questions police force - under-skilled, under-equipped, elicit only the most cursory responses from underpaid and plagued by corruption - is not him about his career. equal to the task of dealing with the violent What does emerge - and, indeed, takes up a criminals among us. disproportionate amount of the book - is But one man among them has done much Byleveld’s unhappy marriage to his first to elevate the reputation of Johannesburg’s wife, his subsequent separation from her and Brixton Murder and Robbery Squad, and his encounter with the new love of his life. bring some reassurance to a public terrified By his own admission, the super-sleuth of killers stalking their communities. who can spot a serial killer’s work at a In the course of his 40-year career - span- glance, and who has mastered the art of com- ning the apartheid years, and entering the bining interrogation with friendly banter, so era of the new, transformed South Africa - that his suspects readily open up to him, is a Byleveld has achieved international recogni- strikingly poor judge of character off his tion for his near-insuperable ability to catch beat. serial killers: so much so that the Byleveld’s first marital misalliance was International Police Association honoured the result of stunning naivety on his part (he him with a special award as one of the three was lied to about his wife’s age, background best detectives worldwide. and motives). The son of a deeply religious, He has worked with Scotland Yard, the FBI Calvinist Afrikaans farmer, he was instilled and Mossad in apprehending criminals, and with an uncompromising morality (his origi- has emerged as the rock star of the SAPS’ nal choice of vocation was theology), an ethic grisly underworld. Which is eerily appropri- of hard, relentless work and a profound ate, since serial killers, in their own right, revulsion for anyone who harms innocent enjoy a reputation as the “superstars” of people. criminal psychopathology. “Every fibre in my body shouts out against He is credited with tracking down some of it. I hate crime – I always will… Don’t f—k the most notorious killers in South African with me. If a criminal does someone harm, history, including Juan Havenga and Tony I’ll get him. I’m not arrogant when I say Wessels, Dougie Scheepers’ “Shotgun Gang”, that.” the Stander gang, serial killers Bongani However, commendable and poignant such Mfeka, Lazarus Mazingane, Themba Nkosi, a statement is, it offers very little insight into Sipho Dube and Cedric Mauke, who ter- what really drives the man. After all, this is a rorised the Wemmer Pan area of detective whose interest in serial killers Johannesburg, raping 15 women and mur- verges on the compulsive. dering 23 people. His interactions with them extend far More recently, it was Byleveld who tracked beyond routine questioning, evidence-gath- down Donovan Moodley, the man responsi- ering and forensic investigation: Byleveld ble for kidnapping and murdering 21-year- and the killers he tracks down enter into a old student Leigh Matthews. very special, private choreography, drawing His cases have ranged from sensational on an alchemy peculiar to the hunted and the residential homicides (like that of hunter. Johannesburg socialite transvestite Carol What an enormous pity that the book does A worthwile CD for your collection REVIEWED BY He wrote: “I am a great PAUL BOEKKOOI believer in melody; a believ- er, too, that music should Frederick Jacobi: Concerto give pleasure and not try to for ‘Cello and Orchestra; solve philosophical prob- Excerpts from “Sabbath lems.” Evening Service”; Hagio- His ‘Cello Concerto grapha; Ahavat Olam; Two (1932), inspired by single Pieces in Sabbath Mood: verse lines from Psalms Kaddish & Oneg shabbat. 90, 91 and 92, is the Alban Gerhardt (‘cello), absolute opposite of virtu- Patrick Mason (baritone), oso display, but does have Cantor Robert Bloch, Samuel moments of playfulness, Adler (conductor), and other artists. Naxos grace and a serene feeling of content- American Classics / Milken Archive ment. Alban Gerhardt’s playing is 8.559434. R109. Available through absorbingly projected, without ever los- www.loot.co.za ing the line or the inner reflections of the concerto’s subtext. AFTER LISTENING to the music of The solo vocal pieces with choir, Sabbath American-born Frederick Jacobi (1891-1952) Evening Service and Ahavat Olam, are on and off over a couple of years, one realis- spine-tinglingly reviting - mainly due to es that his work starts evoking and commu- Jacobi’s unusual harmonic language fill- nicating a spiritual element which might ing the acoustics of the churches in not be all that evident at the very first hear- London and New York where they were ing. It is rare for Jacobi to turn away from recorded, with a sense of awe. spiritual (read: religious or biblical) inspira- Hagiographa for string quartet and tion. However, he did write absolute or non- piano are three biblical narratives on the programmatic music as well, but those lives of Job, Ruth and Joshua - wonderful works are not found on this CD release. pieces of characterful writing in which ele- Even among the five compositions ments of their personalities “speak” direct- recorded here, one is also aware of a kind ly to the listener. of holistic approach which somehow In the Two Pieces in Sabbath Mood, one encompasses each work. This phenomenon feels that Jacobi’s own voice is hidden by was clarified when reading recently about tradition. In this orchestral work the the composer’s raison d’être for having majestic elements of the latter is fully done the work he chose to do. explored and reflected. 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011

LETTERS The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: [email protected]

Guidelines for letters: Letters up to 400 words will get preference. Please provide your full first name Disclaimer: The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any and surname, place of residence, and a daytime contact telephone or cell number. We do not publish let- given topic to be expressed. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not ters under noms de plume. Letters should preferably be e-mailed. Letters may be edited or shortened. necessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff or directors of the Jewish Report ‘LACK’ OF COMMUNAL LEADERSHIP IS FRUSTRATING ‘PALESTINIAN STATE’ NOT ABOUT REAL ESTATE I AM so frustrated at our lack of leader- what a weak situation Israel is in, like Ben A “PALESTINIAN state”: This is not about real because he had real estate issues with the Jews. ship that I would like to know how we go Levitas said on national radio last Sunday. estate; the conflicts that Jews have been When Jordan occupied the Old City and about changing the leadership of the SA Israel is strong. Israelis are strong. We embroiled in throughout their history, had Judea and Samaria, the Arabs had no interest Zionist Federation and The Jewish Board here are weak. nothing to do with real estate. in the . Their donkeys and goats of Deputies. In 70 AD, the Romans who massacred a mil- used the Old City walls and the Western Wall as It is high time that we had leaders who Chaim Myerson lion Jews in did not do so because of urinals. And now (Mahmoud) Abbas, Hamas, espoused the strength of Israel and not Cape Town real estate. The Crusaders who murdered Jews , (and Iran) etc, do not want to estab- on their way to conquer Palestine, did not do so lish a “Palestinian state” because of real estate. ISRAEL HAS MISSED OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE TWO-STATE SOLUTION because of real estate. Hitler did not send six Why do you think the fanatical Muslim Arab I REFER to Dave Ossin’s letter in Jewish Ossin refers to decreasing support for a million Jews to the ovens because of real wants a “Palestinian State”? Answer: To exter- Report of September 23. two-state solution among Palestinians. Is estate. minate the Jewish people and wipe them off Polls are important in trying to ascer- that surprising? They have been strung Muslim Arabs did not massacre the Jews of the map and this is taught to children from an tain what people think, but they should not along, subjected to a brutal 44 year occupa- Hebron in 1929 because of real estate. Haman early age. be used to demonise an entire population. tion and a peace process that results in in Persia did not issue a decree to murder the That has been the goal of the enemies of the For parity sake, here are some polls about more settlements and further human entire Jewish people because of real estate. The Jews for 4000 years. There is already a how Jewish Israelis see Palestinian citi- rights violations. Grand Mufti of Jerusalem did not visit Hitler “Palestinian state”: It is known as Jordan. zens of Israel: But, if a two-state solution does not and send Arab legionnaires to fight alongside In 2010, the Israel Democratic Institute emerge in the current UN vote or very Hitler’s SS because of real estate. Dion Futerman found that more than 62 per cent of Israeli soon thereafter, then the future of the Mein Kampf was not written by Hitler Cape Town Jewish respondents said that as long as region appears more certain, even if a final conflict with the Palestinians continued, political settlement is further off. the state should not take into account The Palestinians, believing that they will SA JEWS RELUCTANT TO DEFEND ISRAEL PUBLICALLY Israeli Arab opinions regarding foreign never achieve a two-state solution with any I AGREE with Michele Engelberg who in the hatred of everything Jewish. policy. semblance of justice under international Jewish Report, two weeks ago, “urged people to Yet, despite this onslaught, there are only a The same study found that 53 per cent of law, will abandon it altogether. And they be vocal and defend Israel, especially when bla- handful of us who have regularly taken the Israeli Jews believe the state has the right will start to campaign for a one state solu- tant anti-Semitism and bias is obvious”. fight to those that defame us. We continue to do to encourage Arab citizens to emigrate, tion, claiming, justly, that they live under The problem, tragically I believe, is that so despite the vitriol that our one-eyed critics while 55 per cent said Jewish cities should an apartheid regime of racist segregation. South African Jews are reluctant to do just that normally spew at us. receive more government resources than The world will agree that since Israel publicly. Where are the rest of South Africa’s Jews? Arab communities. All of the above are has missed every opportunity to create a Israel and the Jews are constantly criticised Why are there so few responses from communi- clear examples of racism. just two-state solution, only a democratic and insulted in the mainstream press in this ty and business leaders? Further, a study of Israel’s high school one-state solution will guarantee the country. Is the defence of Judaism, Israel and Zionism learners by Maagar Mochot, an Israeli human rights of all people of the region. Sometimes this hostility can be found in edi- not important enough for them to speak out? research institute under the supervision of People who do not support the UN bid for torials, but it mostly takes the form of letters Prof Yitzchak Katz, found that nearly half Palestinian statehood are not only denying written by members of the public with an agen- D Wolpert of Israel’s high school learners do not a nation their right to self-determination, da based on lies, innuendos and often blatant Rivonia, Sandton believe that Israeli-Arabs are entitled to but this will undoubtedly cause further the same rights as Jews in Israel. tensions as the Palestinian demand for So, there must be something wrong deep freedom is sold short - yet again. KUDOS TO MICHELE ENGELBERG – AND TO LIMMUD in the foundations of the Israeli education IN REPLY to Michele Engelberg’s letter, I exult African Jews certainly are multifaceted and system if it produces young people with Daniel Mackintosh in saying “Kol Hakavod!” Thank you Michele, together we could be one big, indestructible such racist views. Observatory, Cape Town for putting your viewpoint about Limmud so family. All we need is acceptance and respect very well. Thank you for having the courage to for one another. stand up against criticism, and thank you for I am a confirmed Limmudnik. AROUND THE WORLD coming to Limmud. NEWS IN BRIEF It was a pleasure to see that the number of Elaine Glogauer FIRE SERIOUSLY DAMAGES SYDNEY SYNAGOGUE Orthodox attendees is increasing. We South Lyndhurst, Johannesburg SYDNEY - A fire severely damaged a Jewish school. The high school library synagogue in Sydney on the first night of also was affected and many members OCHBERG ORPHANS: BIG THANK YOU TO BENNIE PENZIK AND DAVID Rosh Hashanah. lost prayer books and other religious SANDLER Seven fire trucks were required to possessions in the blaze. TO CONTINUE with the letter by Lynette the horrors from whence they came, was extinguish the late-night blaze at School principal Wendy Barel and syn- Karp of Kfar Saba in Israel in the Jewish launched at the same time all over the world. Kehillat Masada in northern Sydney on agogue president Trevor Lorge said in a Report, I believe it was a wonderful dedication It is an extremely well-researched book of September 28. joint statement that they were devastated ceremony honouring Isaac Ochberg in Israel 640 pages, which has letters and at a guess at Officers from Fire and Rescue New by “so much damage and destruction”. on July 20. least 1 000 photographs. This is Volume 3 of a South Wales, rescued the Torah scrolls “The most important thing is that no To repeat her own words, she praised the sequel. from the path of the flames and saved one was hurt or injured, and that it took years of research, planning and organisation I believe that there are more than 2 000 the sanctuary after about three hours of place after the premises had been vacat- of a dedicated committee under the chairman- descendents of the Ochberg orphans all over firefighting. ed from a very busy first night of Rosh ship in Israel of Bennie Penzik, whose late par- the world. The rescue in 1921 of 181 Jewish The police forensic unit believes the Hashanah services,” they said. ents had both been Ochberg orphans. orphans by Ochberg, must also be given a blaze, which began in the kitchen area, Members dispersed to other nearby syn- He dreamt a dream of a gathering of the great deal of credit for their generosity and was accidental. agogues for the remainder of the holiday. descendents of “Isaac Ochberg orphans” in foresight in starting the South African Jewish Kehillat Masada, which has a mem- The synagogue board is looking at Israel and made it come true. Karp’s descrip- Orphanage (Arcadia), and the Cape Jewish bership of 450 families, is located within options for Yom Kippur services, includ- tion of the ceremony and the scenic beauty of Orphanage (Oranjia). the campus of Masada College, a large ing hiring a local hall. (JTA) the site, was well received. These three volumes are on sale at ISRAEL’S DANIEL SHECHTMAN WINS CHEMISTRY NOBEL Karp writes: “It was very moving to see the Sandringham Gardens, with all proceeds going crowd at the dedication rise to their feet as one to Arcadia, now run by the Chevrah Kadisha, JERUSALEM - Israeli scientist Daniel Technion. We heard of his win just like and all give Bennie a standing ovation after his at what I believe has been considerable cost to Shechtman, won this year’s Nobel Prize everyone else. The tension was high and heart-warming tribute to the committees and Sandler himself, as well as the many years of for Chemistry, for his discovery of atom within a few minutes the news of his win individuals who all contributed to the success time involved in the research and correspon- patterns called “quasicrystals”. spread like wild fire.” of an amazing occasion. It was a spontaneous dence involved. The Royal Swedish Academy of The chemistry award is the third Nobel honour he richly deserved.” I hope my reply is not to be interpreted as Sciences said on Wednesday that Prize to be announced this year and car- She then writes: “The article covering this making a comparison between Penzik and Shechtman’s discovery, made in 1982, ries a grant of 10 million Swedish crowns event in your edition... of August 5, did not Sandler. At the end of the book, under the sec- which was “extremely controversial” ($1,45 million). mention the sterling work of the organisers of tion of “Acknowledgements”, Sandler writes: because it had been thought impossible, Yoav Shechtman, Prof Shechtman’s the event and I feel strongly that this omission Much thanks to Bennie Penzik, son of two had fundamentally changed the way son, told Ynet that the announcement had should be rectified.” Ochberg orphans, who like a benevolent older chemists look at solid matter. taken the family by surprise: “You don’t Penzik did pay tribute to his committees in brother was always there to help and guide me “Contrary to the previous belief that know that you’ve won until the very last his speech at the ceremony. Perhaps the only and he contributed from the beginning...” atoms were packed inside crystals in moment,” he said. “It’s a great joy, the error made - and I have no doubt it was not Kol Hakavod to both of you. Your achieve- symmetrical patterns, Shechtman show- family feels wonderful. We are delighted intentional - was not to welcome David ments will be forever remembered in the histo- ed that the atoms in a crystal could be about it.” An overwhelmed Shechtman Sandler, who was at the ceremony. ry of the Jews in South Africa and Israel. packed in a pattern that could not be simply said: “It feels wonderful.” I am sure that a vast majority of descen- repeated,” the RSAS said. Prof Tzipora Shechtman, the new dents of Ochberg orphans know David and Zummy Isenberg “His discovery was extremely contro- Nobel laureate’s wife, told Ynet: have e-mailed their stories, with photographs, Old Arcadian versial. In the course of defending his “Everyone said Dan would win, but he to him. His book, the “Ochberg Orphans” and Johannesburg findings, he was asked to leave his insisted that he wouldn’t. Because he was research group. However, his battle even- so modest, I stopped believing it too. He tually forced scientists to reconsider definitely deserves it.” their conception of the very nature of In 2009, Israeli scientist Ada Yonath LOOKING FOR... matter,” it said. was awarded the Nobel Chemistry Prize LOOKING FOR INFO AN ARTIST PEARL COHEN Shechtman, 70, is a distinguished pro- for showing how ribosomes function, fessor at the Israel Institute of work that has important implications for FORMER JOHANNESBURG gallerist, Fer- in early 1976, but has no means of verifying Technology in . Technion President antibiotics. nand Haenggi, now based in Switzerland, is this. Prof Peretz Lavie congratulating Before Yonath eight Israelis won the looking for any information on the artist Pearl He knows that she had a two-person exhibi- Shechtman on his win, called him “a prestigious prize: Shmuel Yosef Agnon Cohen, who possibly died in 1976. tion with Sylvia Freedman at Gallery 101 in very unique scientist”. (Literature); Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Haenggi has put up a memorial website: 1962 and a solo exhibition at the same gallery in Added Lavie: “On the one hand he has Rabin and Shimon Peres (Peace); Avram www.art-archives-southafrica.ch/COHEN.htm, 1970, opened by Jim Stodel. an exceptional international status, but Hershko, Aaron Ciechanover (Chemis- but it is missing some information. He is If anyone has any information on Pearl on the other hand he’s one of the most try); Robert Aumann and Daniel looking for confirmation of when and Cohen, please contact Haenggi either on fer- beloved and modest people in the Kahneman (Economics). (Ynet) where she died. He has discovered that a [email protected] or via PO Box 344, Pearl Cohen was buried in West Park Cemetery CH-4003 BASEL, Switzerland. 07 - 17 October 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 COMMUNITY COLUMNS

ABOVE ‘Informed perspective’ is all we ask for BOARD Israeli society works and being exposed to selves, all three Israeli productions were fully back for the boycott lobby, but because it con- Mary Kluk, different views on the situation by a range of booked, despite being hosted in the largest of veyed something of the vibrancy, diversity National Chairman acknowledged experts, the journalists will the festival venues. and creativity of Israeli society, something have returned to South Africa well equipped Having attended myself, I can attest to all too often overshadowed by an excessive, A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies to formulate their own properly informed their receiving standing ovations and being frequently biased focus on the politics of the opinions on what is happening in the region. much admired and talked about afterwards. region. SHORTLY BEFORE Rosh Hashanah This will hopefully foster the kind of bal- All in all, it was a highly successful under- Charisse Zeifert, who heads the Board’s com- ance and fairness that at the end of the day is taking, not merely because it was a clear set- This column is paid for by the SAJBD munications department, returned from a all that we are asking for when it comes to five-day fact-finding visit to Israel, where she how Israel is portrayed in our media. accompanied eight leading South African Around the time of Charisse’s trip, anoth- media professionals. er highly successful Hilton Arts Festival was This was the third such media tour to held at Hilton College in the Natal Midlands. Israel that the Board, in partnership with the Among the undoubted highlights of the festi- Israeli Embassy and latterly with the SA- val were three plays by visiting Israeli the- Israel Forum, has organised. Like its prede- atre groups, organised for the occasion by cessors, it proved to be very successful. Tararam. It is important to stress that the aim of this The latter was initiated by the Embassy of initiative is not to serve up a wholly one-sided Israel to “facilitate, propagate and promote dose of pro-Israel propaganda. Not only cultural exchange and awareness between would seasoned professional journalists have South Africa and Israel”. no difficulty in seeing through such a strate- Today, hardline anti-Israel lobby groups gy, but it would also run counter to what the will seize every conceivable opportunity to Board has always fought for when it comes to undermine existing links between Israel and coverage of the Middle East, namely balance. South Africa, be these cultural, economic, We do not ask that journalists adopt a pro- academic, political or other. Israel stance; rather, we urge that when cover- It was therefore predictable that the parti- ing or commenting on events in the Middle cipation of Israeli artists on the festival pro- East, they do so from an informed perspective. gramme saw a fair amount of pressure being The Israeli-Palestinian issue is a complex, brought to bear on the organisers to “pull” highly emotive one, with a host of competing those particular items or, failing that, for narratives and rival claims and counter- audiences to boycott them. claims muddying the waters and preventing Fortunately, the boycott campaign seems any nuanced, objective perspectives from to have no effect whatever. The organisers emerging. were steadfast in their refusal to yield to By actually seeing for themselves how intimidation and as for the events them- Afrika Tikkun partners with ‘The Joint’ to fight poverty IN A new effort to further address hunger, By nurturing, educating and supporting chil- malnutrition, and food insecurity in many dren and youth in crisis, Afrika Tikkun areas of South Africa, especially the tradi- empowers young people to develop into con- tional black townships, Afrika Tikkun has tributing citizens of South Africa. entered into a partnership with the “Always at the ready to improve the lives of American Jewish Joint Distribution those facing hunger and hardship, we’re very Committee (JDC, also affectionately known energised by our collaboration with Afrika as “The Joint”), the world’s leading Jewish Tikkun, especially because of our shared humanitarian assistance organisation. investment in programmes that foster endur- By combining JDC’s nearly 100 years of ing self-sufficiency,” said JDC’s CEO Steven experience battling global poverty and Schwager. Afrika Tikkun’s robust network of “Centres “Jewish tradition teaches that to save one of Excellence” and programmes in several life is to save an entire world - surely this new South African townships, the two organisa- partnership will help achieve that goal.” tions will seek to address the dire challenges JDC’s support for Afrika Tikkun is part of facing the poor. its historic strategy of working with local In a media release, Afrika Tikkun CEO communities and NGOs in the more than 70 Marc Lubner, says: “With an unemployment countries it operates in, to ensure self- rate of more than 45 per cent and rapidly ris- reliance and long-term success. William ing food prices, many families living in Recant, JDC’s assistant executive vice presi- South African townships struggle to meet dent and disaster relief expert, will be joining their most basic needs for nourishment. Our the board of Afrika Tikkun’s US section. partnership with JDC will significantly boost our ‘Food Security’ programme and provide hope for those in need.” Founded in 1994 by former Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris and businessman/philanthro- pist Bertie Lubner, Afrika Tikkun was estab- lished to address the critical developmental needs of the country, emerging from the apartheid era. Today, the organisation operates “Centres of Excellence” in Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Alexandra township, Hillbrow in Gauteng, and Delft and Mfuleni in the Western Cape. AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF POPE CALLS FOR BLESSINGS ON JEWISH NEW YEAR ROME - Pope Benedict XVI has sent out a High Holy Day message auguring peace, justice and friendship in the Jewish New Year. In a message addressed to Rome's Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, the Pope expressed his hope that "these important feasts may be an occasion for many bless- ings from on high, and a source of infinite grace". The Pope added: "May the desire grow in all of us to promote justice and peace in the world, which has great need of authentic witnesses of truth. May G-d in his good- ness protect the Jewish community and allow us to deepen our friendship, both here in Rome and all over the world." (JTA) 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011

YOUTH TALK Alison Goldberg [email protected] Grade Rs at Kerem

Herzlia celebrate Rabbi Ilan Herrmann blows the Rosh Hashanah shofar while kids from JOS HORWITZ Kerem Herzlia Constantia. The Doornfontein PRINCIPAL HERZLIA CONSTANTIA children made their own T-shirts Crèche look PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED by painting them and performed on. original songs written for them, WE CELEBRATED Rosh Hasha- teaching them the traditions of Synagogue crèche by Rabbi Ilan nah with the grade R class at Rosh Hashanah. Herrmann, spiritual leader of the The winds of blessing congregation, to bright and bud- ding young children at the Doornfontein crèche, which has blow in this direction been taken under the wing of this Jewish community centre. RABBI ILAN HERRMANN by its biblical term as the shofar, “May the winds of positivity and PHOTOGRAPH: signals a call to stir the soul from blessing blow in your direction and ILAN OSSENDRYVER its complacency and inaugurates may the currents of harm and neg- the Jewish New Year which fell on ativity be averted from your path YOUNG AND tender but spirited Wednesday evening September 28. all your days,” proclaimed Rabbi and full of hope for the future. The This inspiring message was Herrmann as he bid the children a sounding of the ram’s horn known brought home to the Lions happy Jewish New Year. The TA tree is still growing stronger STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY of its past pupils as they Grade R children at Kerem Herzlia Constantia: Brooklyn SUZANNE BELLING went out into the world. Danilewitz; Leah Randall; and Danielle Gross attempt to blow the Jewish schools were ad- shofar, at a special end of Jewish Year Rosh Hashanah party for ALUMNI FROM all walks of vantageous in this sense, parent and grandparents. life, including business people, given Judaism’s back- professionals, teachers and rab- ground of literacy. bis, attended the launch of the Williams advocated con- Torah Academy Alumni Fund stant upkeep of a school, at a breakfast at HOD recently. keeping the building in Professor Michael Rudolph, good shape and co-opera- motivator of the event, opened tion of fundraisers, possi- the proceedings by saying alum- bly the formation of a ni were needed to sustain the body, from both public and school system. private schools. “We are In a dvar Torah, alumnus not in competition,” he Rodney Richards drew an analo- said. gy with a tree, saying its His advice was: “Long- strength depended on having term investment – not just healthy roots for spiritual reju- Rabbi Shabsy Chaiton, administrator of Torah donations” and that every venation and regrowth. Thirty- Academy, Professor Michael Rudolph and guest alumnus had to be one years ago the tree was plant- speaker David Williams at the Torah Academy approached on an individ- ed on Torah Academy’s present alumni breakfast. ual basis as each had a per- site and today it was a towering sonal, different approach oak. VII School and contributing editor and relationship with the “We have here a small sample of of the Financial Mail, said people in school. Grade R children at Kerem Herzlia Constantia, singing their Rosh the fruit from the tree, which grew South Africa tended to live for Thanking the guest speaker and Hashanah songs at a special end of Jewish Year Rosh Hashanah and developed.” today, but emphasised that long- the organisers, Rabbi Dovid Haz- party for parent and grandparents. He stresssed, however, that alum- term endowment capital, with the dan, dean of TA, said 20 alumni ni had to germinate the seeds of distribution of interest, was needed were at present employed at Torah growth, for the word alumnus was to keep a school going. He named Academy. derived from the Latin word “alere” several schools operating success- Furthering the metaphor of the - to nourish. fully along those lines. tree, he said we were sitting on a Guest speaker David Williams, One could tell whether a school “goldmine of opportunity for foundation director, King Edward made a difference in the confidence growth in our own forest”.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY Adoption home benefits LUCY SIMMONDS AS PART of the King David Victory from KDPP collections Park Primary School’s community awareness programme, the learn- ers have all been busily collecting in support of the Princess Alice Adoption Home. The school delivered a car full of Liora new and second hand baby clothes, Katzew: baby wipes, creams, toys and much Leigh Sher: more to the home. Matthew Princess Alice is a wonderful Sive: and organisation which offers a warm Jenna and homely environment to babies Seligman. from birth to the age of two years, whose aim is to place these babies Seated in with adoptive families. front is Well done to all the children and Shayna van parents who have made a differ- Vuren. ence! KD Sandton’s Cassidy Gordon wins art prize VIVIENNE WEINER (ART TEACHER) brief to design an advert for the PHOTOGRAPH: MANDELLE BERNSTEIN “Collect-A-Can” company. She was awarded third place in the THE STAR “Design an Ad Com- grade 6 - 7 category at a prize-giving petition” attracted approximately evening in Sandton. Her entry was 18 000 entries this year from Gauteng published in The Star supplement. schools. Cassidy Gordon, a grade 7 learner at Prize-winner Cassidy Gordon, a grade King David Sandton Primary, excelled 7 learner at King David Sandton at fulfilling the requirements of the Primary. 07 - 17 October 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Saul Mazerow EL Jewish community is alive and kicking MYRON ROBINSON if he did so, then the rest of Israel’s a worthy Israel adversaries would not act alone, JEWISH LIFE in East London does thereby ensuring peace in Israel for Quiz winner not merely exist – it is actively lived. some time; Begin was hoping for at On September 7 the community - least a 40-year truce. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY RITA LEWIS some 20 congregants - attended - an Lewis pointed out that the agree- address by Dr Basil Lewis, a cardiol- ment had already lasted for 30 years. THE 2011 Israel Quiz, held under the aus- ogist living in Israel. Lewis is optimistic that the peace pices of the Zionist Federation, has once Basil Lewis’ uncle Dave Lewis (our will still endure further as he again taken place at the Nedbank only kohain) lives in East London. believes the new regime in Cairo will Auditorium in Sandton, with King David Lewis spoke about his attendance at the end not want to jeopardise the Victory Park’s Saul Mazerow taking the first at Camp David in 1978/’79 as peace. prize of a trip to Israel, together with R2000 Menachem Begin’s personal doctor, Lewis said Begin had known that pocket money. when the peace deal was brokered he had to make meaningful conces- This was the fifth time that KDVP has won with Egypt’s Anwar Sadat. He also sions - which he did. Sadat got back the quiz since its inception in 2004, with four related his other experiences travel- all the annexed Egyptian territory. of the five finalists also being learners of that ling with Begin, as well as the current What the solution is on the West school and another from Yeshiva College. situation in Israel. Bank is anybody’s guess, but he is of Standing: Dr Basil Lewis. First row: Dr Claudio Favara; and Dr The initial questions making up the two He said Begin knew that Israel had the opinion that Israel needs to Nachama Favara. Second row: Dr Roovie Buchalter; first elimination rounds, were written by 105 to negotiate a peace with Egypt and recognise a Palestinian state. Jonathan Schewitz; Dr Alan Koopowitz; and Rudy du Toit. contestants several months ago at their schools: the two King David schools - Linksfield and Victory Park - as well as Yeshiva College Girls’ and Boys’ High Schools and Theodor Herzl in Port Elizabeth. The final 19 this week faced the questions set by Rebbetzen Marcia Tanzer who was joined at the judges’ table by Cedric Ginsberg and Shimon Shamilla. Prior to the start of the contest, Avrom Krengel, chairman of the SAZF, welcomed the gathering saying that it was important to educate the community as well as our youth “to know and understand what a miracle Israel is. “The rest of the world want us to believe we are the oppressors and have only brought problems to those around us. Israel has every right to remain proud and staunchly Zionist – as its people have for 63 years.” He said he had been involved in the quiz since its inception and paid tribute to Miriam Garb who held the fort for this quiz in the absence of Sender Lees and Marcia Parness. He paid tribute to both Parness and Lees both of whom had organised the contest for the past eight years. Question master Bev Goldman, previous- ly of the SAZF Media Team, announced to much applause, that finalist Saul Mazerow had also been chosen as head boy of King David Victory Park. All in all, 19 contestants were selected to compete in the finals, with some being elim- inated after each round of questions. Goldman did a good job of reading out the questions and keeping the audience and con- testants in the loop as the judges concurred when there was a difficult decision to be made. During five rounds contestants battled it out to see who could answer the most ques- tions correctly in order to win the coveted first prize. Different sections included an initial writ- ten one with multiple choice and short ques- tions: then a second one with short ques- tions; a “pick-a-pic” which was a choice of a letter chosen by the contestant from the words “Israel Quiz” behind which a ques- tion was written; questions asked on video clips which were shown on screen and “rapid fire” – where contestants had to answer as many questions as possible cor- rectly within a short space of time. Although there was only one winner, all the contestants were actually winners as each one went home with some fantastic prizes made available through the generosi- ty of various sponsors. These included a laptop, a gold Mandela medallion, an underwater video camera, iPods, DVD players, a mini hi-fi, etc. They were also each given a book and allo- cated a tree in the Ilan Ramon Forest. At this quiz, even members of the audience were winners. Many of them had entered the audience’s question time and almost all of them went home with a small prize.

Sender Lees with Ilan Malkin VP (3rd); Jacob Blou, VP (5th); Oren Benguri Karstaedt, VP (2nd); Bev Goldman; Idan Horowitz, YC (4th); Marcia Parness and the quiz winner, Saul Mazerow from VP, in front. 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 07 - 17 October 2011 CROSSWORD NO 229 WHAT’S ON Sharon Akum [email protected] BY LEAH SIMON DEADLINE PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday prior to publication, without exception. ACROSS: 1. Keep your chin up for a short distance (4) 3. A tendency to write a song (8) 93 46 1 8. Have the right to sue – if you’re certain (4) Sudoku 9. Moan about dish – and rebuke (8) 11. Sound and motion for mouse in a web (5, 3, 4) 51 6 13. Price makes a point about the method of preparing a dish! (6) Puzzle 42 14. Put the rent up – that’s better! (6) 17. Anne, is radish about to get up? (4, 3, 5) 784(Hard, difficulty rating 0.68) 20. Became aware about ideals (8) 21. Southern family gets the dermis (4) 22. But saint returns to ideas (8) 38 164932587 23. Not the best gambles! (4) 328657194 DOWN: 98164 1. Curse in east makes one unsafe (8) 759418362 2. Vehicle spills acid about heart (7) 572164839 4. Amend in good faith, hiding the finale (6) 68 5. Camp leader voluble, rubs trade leader up the wrong way in rain- 693825471 storm (10) 6. Explain it again, hiding the girl (5) 456 841793256 7. Thomas O’Hare Architects, initially (4) 10. Southern fish spills gin while guiding the ship (10) 435276918 12. Harden nest, concealing Belgian battle site (8) 819 217589643 15. Ruse makes the French flow very weakly (7) 16. Plague in German carnival (6) 986341725 18. Said a horrible thing, hiding American state (5) 97248 - Puzzle 41 Answer 19. Band leader gets rodent – or an ill-mannered child (4) Note to readers: Our bridge column and * Answer to follow with next puzzle our Sudoku puzzle alternate week by week. SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 228

ACROSS: 1. Sawn; 3. Oddballs; 8. Rail; 9. A boy’s own; 11. Cup and Sunday (October 9) R150. Starting at 09:30. Bookings: Andrea, 083- 677-8999. saucer; 13. Esther; 14. Astern; 17. Knife and fork; 20. Cosseted; 21. • Big Band Music Appreciation Society meets at St Johns’ College in The Limp; 22. Moleskin; 23. Knit. Jeffrey Auditorium situated in St John Road, Lower Houghton, at 14:15 • Chabad Succot party for seniors. A movie, fol- sharp, with a selection of audio and video material, featuring great bands of lowed by entertainers Tony Bentel, Helen DOWN: 1. Stricken; 2. Whippet; 4. Debase; 5. By your side; 6. Loose; yesteryear and a movie “Sun Valley Serenade”. Information: Dave at (011) Heldenmuth and Magical Marc, plus good food. 7. Sink; 10. Underfeeds; 12. Snake pit; 15. Emotion; 16. Saheti; 18. 885-3525 or Barney (011) 440-1996. Entrance free. Time 10:00 when movie starts, Nasal; 19. Scam. onwards. Booking essential. Phone (011) 440- Monday (October 10) 6600 or [email protected] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • SAZF presents “Machal movie screening ‘804’”, displaying the heroics Tuesday (October 18) of the 804 South African Machalniks who fought in Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. Venue: Hyde Park Nu Metro Cinema. Time: 18: 00 and • Emunah Ladies raffle, R100, 14:30 at the home of 20:00. Cost: R50. Bookings: Miriam (011) 645-2531 o/h or Judy Moritz. Contact (011) 483-1005 Ethne. 8 9 [email protected] • WIZO’s annual Rebecca Sieff awards and World WIZO Bible Day. Speaker: Rebbetzen Aidel Kazilsky. 10 Tuesday (October 11) Starting time: 09:30 for 10:00. Bookings: Sandy • UJW adult education programme hosts Estelle Sher who will talk on Dimitri (011) 645-548. 11 Shostakowitz – Symphony No 9. Time: 09:45 – 12:00. Venue: 301 Eton Place, Kernick Avenue, Melrose North. Cost: R30 per session Wednesday (October 19) 12 Wednesday (October 12) • UJW Cape Town adult education division hosts Ilana Skolnik, formerly known as Ellen Peters, Miss 13 14 15 • UJW CT adult education division hosts Phyllis Friedlander and Lauren Africa South, who will talk on “Connection of a Snitcher who will talk on their experiences at the recent Ochberg Jewish Soul”. Venue: Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 16 Reunion in Israel. Venue: Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. 10:30. Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). Enquiries: (021) 434-9555 (morn- Enquiries:(021) 434-9555 (mornings only). ings only). 17 18 Wednesday (October 19) Sunday (October 16) 19 • UJW adult education department hosts Arlene • UJW Cape Town’s Simcha Group will show a DVD on another of Andre Bernstein, former head of LifeLine, who will talk on Rieu’s concerts. Enquiries: H Sternberg: 082-439-8006. 20 21 “How the Mature Woman Can Survive and Cope With Monday (October 17) Life in Johannesburg”. Time 09:30. • UJW adult education programme hosts Prof John Lubbe, former professor Sunday (October 23) of Semitics at Unisa, who will speak on “The Dead Sea Scrolls. Part 4. The • WIZO Etgar branch “Annual Garden Day”. Three 22 23 Community Rule Who is a Jew?” Time: 09:30. spectacular gardens on show. Cost per person R180. • WIZO Ilanit branch hosts a “Teenage Pamper Day”. Cost per person Speaker: “Ludwig - the Rose King”. Bookings: Marion 083-326-3791. Starting time (at the first gar- den) at 09:45. Wednesday (October 26) • Chevrah Kadisha Social Services is offering a 6 week budgeting course (starting today) with the focus on budgeting, money management skills and investment plans. Donations appreciated. Bookings or more info, call Lara: (011) 532-9793. • WIZO Cyrildene Card morning at Beyachad. Cost per person R80.To book your morning or afternoon game, phone Crystal, 083-376-5999. Thursday (October 27) • UJW CT Women’s Resource Centre presents “Voices from Africa” at 09:30. Entrance: R190. Venue: Moyo, Stellenbosch Wine Estate. Enquiries: (021) 434-9555. Friday (October 28) • Chevrah Kadisha Social Services’ Domestic Violence Support Group, is holding an 8 week support group (starting today) for women who are, or have been in abusive relationships. The group, which will be facilitated by a social work- er, offers a safe and confidential space where women can gain information and support. No charge. Bookings or more info, call Jacqui: (011) 532 9732. Sunday (October 30) • WoW is bringing back renowned educationist Gavin Keller who will speak at various times today and tomorrow at the Sydenham Shul Community Centre, on brain-based education. He will also speak tomor- row. Cost: R50 per session. For information call Mandy 083-380-5268. 07 - 17 October 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 PRINT LIFTS AROUND THE WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF Silver US ANTI-SEMITIC INCIDENTS US RISE repair & FOR FIRST TIME SINCE '04 NEW YORK - The number of anti-Semitic replating incidents in the United States has Classifieds increased for the first time since 2004, To book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 023-8160, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] (011) 334-1102 according to the Anti-Defamation League's IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: annual audit. The ADL Audit of Anti-Semitic adverts in the Classified section in good faith, 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised or 082-473-6040 Incidents released on Tuesday, showed on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. 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Thursday the rabbi went walking... JACK MILNER followed the route through to Parktown. Amateur THE NOTION of a rabbi The trip took some two- steeple- completing a marathon on and-a-half to three hours chase jock- first day Rosh Hashanah, and an equal length of time ey Sam would have most Jews to get back. Now I know all Waley- reaching for their pens to of this as I was fortunate Cohen was write letters of condemna- enough to be a guest at the tion to the Jewish Report. Masinter household for named But that is exactly what dinner (a very good one Maccabi Rabbi Dovid Masinter of indeed, I might add) and we Great Chabad accomplished last had received the news that Britain’s Thursday, which was first Rabbi Masinter’s expected Sportsman day Rosh Hashanah. time of arrival would be in of the Year. Well, it wasn’t actually an about an hour. By the time official marathon and it he arrived home it was wasn’t as if he was compet- Rabbi Dovid Masinter. around 21:00. ing for a medal or anything. While I’m not sure of the Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen In fact, all the good rabbi exact distance he travelled, was doing was visiting a congregant who it has to be around 20km each way. So, had taken ill. when one considers the official distance As the Americans would say, here’s the of a marathon is 42,4km, Rabbi Masinter honoured by Maccabi GB thing. Rabbi Masinter lives in River Club came very close, indeed, to completing and the person he was visiting was a the full course! JACK MILNER duty at the trooping of the colours. patient in the Donald Gordon Medical Of course there was no medal waiting PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED Immensely proud of his illustrious Centre in Parktown. The rabbi left home at the end - just a relieved and welcoming Jewish family, Sam says: “You stand on the shortly after lunch on Thursday and family, an excellent meal, a sense of satis- EARLIER THIS year we ran a story about shoulders of those who came before you. made the walk all the way up Rivonia faction - and a pair of very tired legs. amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen who had Historically, there has been a very strong Road, through to Oxford Road and then May it be a very good year for all! made history when he became a member of a connection between my family and the select group of amateur jockeys who had won British-Jewish community.” both the King George VI Chase and the He has good reason to be proud. His Cheltenham Gold Cup. He also finished sec- great-grandfather, Sir Robert Waley-Cohen, ond in the Grand National this year. was a senior figure in the British Shell oil Maccabi Great Britain recognised his company, a friend of Winston Churchill, achievements last week and named him and chairman of the United Synagogue. His Maccabi GB Sportsperson of the Year. The grandfather, Sir Bernard, was Lord Mayor amateur jockey held off the challenge of a of London, and father, Robert, founded top-class field to win the main prize at MGB’s Alliance Medical in 1989 and sold it 18 years Sports Awards in Radlett. later for £600-million. He is also a successful “I’ve had an unbelievable year,” Waley- owner and breeder of jump racehorses. Cohen told the Jewish Chronicle. “It’s a real- Sam says: “I think your heritage is ly nice award to win and I feel honoured. It’s incredibly important and where you come very touching to be included on the shortlist from, to some extent, helps determine and to win was very special, a very big sur- where you want to go, so you stand on the prise. It was the cherry on top of the cake.” shoulders of your ancestors, and I very Looking ahead to next year, he said: “I hope much feel that. I enormously admire my to win the King George and Gold Cup again great-grandfather and all that he achieved, and go one better in the National. and my grandfather, the Lord Mayor of “All being well, the horse will stay around London. and I will stay in one piece.” “I have a lot to live up to. You can only be Commenting on the other eight athletes the best you can, so I wouldn’t be so crass as shortlisted, Waley-Cohen said: “It’s great to to compare myself to those who have gone see so much talent coming through from peo- before me. That puts you under pressure to ple making their mark in so many different be something that Lady Luck may not pro- sports. They are putting so much in to what vide you with, and for all these opportuni- they love doing.” ties you do need a lot of luck. Waley-Cohen was a long-time friend of “But the day I lie down in my grave I’d Kate Middleton and Prince William and he is like to say, I was all that I could be. I took all the man who brought them together again my opportunities and made the most of after the pair had split up. He attended their what could be done. I give it a go, and have a marriage and Kate, now the Duchess of lot of energy.” Cambridge, later reciprocated by attending Cricketer Daniel Field, the 2010 winner, Waley-Cohen’s marriage to Annabelle Ballin. was runner-up with handball star Daniel The prince was not there as he had a royal Grant coming in third. Highlands Cricket Club enters its second season FOLLOWING the success of their first sea- after Succot, then they will move to son, the Highlands Cricket Club - the home Fridays at 15:00 to 16:30. of Jewish cricket - is expecting that it will “This season we will have under-9s, get even better this year. under-11s, under-13s and under-15s, with “We would like to take this opportunity to regular matches. Our under-15 team is thank everyone who made our first season playing in the Sunday GCB league. We are happen, especially our sponsor, MSC Sports, currently in the process of recruiting new without whom this season would not be pos- players for the start of the new season,” sible,” Daniel Lazarus said. “We have said Lazarus. formed a partnership with the Ryan Maron The launch of the junior team will take Cricket school of Excellence to ensure that place this coming Sunday, while senior our junior players reach new heights.” practices are already under way. Looking at this season, practice sessions • For more information contact Daniel will be from 16:30 to 18:00 on Sundays until Lazarus on 082 922 3808.