Inside your 28-page Community Newspaper Sue's home Josh's half Marie's Board ESSEX concert marathon plans JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH ISSUE 5779/2018 --- === Page 4 --- === Page 5 --- ===Page 19 THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN ESSEX & EAST ANGLIA Synagogues vote ‘Yes’ to merger

some refurbishments at Bee- both be candidates. planning a major revamp but, BY MANNY hive Lane, including updating Membership subscription to date, planning permission ROBINSON the kitchen and the toilets, rates for the two communities has been rejected by Red- MEMBERS of Ilford United will be undertaken to provide are not identical; and the pro- bridge Council. The uncer- and Redbridge United Syna- the new community with bet- posal is to reduce the rates of tainty surrounding the future gogues have voted over- ter facilities. those in Ilford at the top rate of RJCC, has led to this whelmingly to merge into one The honorary officers will to match the top subscription merger. community next May. The also be recruiting a senior rab- rate to Redbridge, from April Mr Nathan said: “The vast new synagogue will have a binic couple or rabbi, as well as 2020. Other membership majority of members of Red- membership of more than retaining the services of Rev- rates, which are fairly similar, bridge United originated from 2,000 adults. erend Gary Newman as the will be adjusted over the next Ilford Synagogue when Red- community welfare officer. one or two years following the bridge United was then known NEW BOARD Rev Newman is currently merger, with a general mem- as Clayhall Synagogue.” community welfare officer at bership subscription rate in- Ilford Synagogue chair Redbridge United, having crease of 2% in line with DIFFICULT Rev Gary Newman will stay with the merged Malcolm Nathan and Red- served previously as the min- general rising, living costs synagogue as community welfare officer bridge United chair Mike ister at Newbury Park Syna- from 2019. He conceded that some Callaghan said that the gogue for 15 years. He has As both communities have members of Redbridge United merged community will have also held roles at Southport voted in favour, the United would find it difficult to get to a new name, with the current Jewish Community, Higher Synagogue Council will vote Beehive Lane, just as they The synagogue building in Beehive Lane as Prestwich Synagogue in Man- to ratify the proposed merger found it difficult when New- its place of worship. chester and Westcliff & and creation of the new bury Park United Synagogue, The two chairs said that, Southend Hebrew Congrega- United Synagogue on Monday which was in Wessex Close, merry-go-round after merging, both executives tion, as well as working as the 17 December. merged with Clayhall and the would join together as a new the chaplain to King George Addressing a special name changed to Redbridge There have been several syn- Woodford Forest Synagogue. board of management; the ex- and Queen’s hospitals and as meeting at Beehive Lane, United. agogue mergers in the area In January 2015, Newbury isting board being dissolved the area AJEX chaplain. Malcolm Nathan said that Mr Nathan confirmed that over the last few years. In Park Synagogue merged with and reformed as an advisory The position of rabbi of talks had been going on for Ilford Synagogue members November 2014, the inde- Clayhall Synagogue; and committee. This would be, for the newly merged synagogue nearly two years. Redbridge would still retain their own pendent Waltham Forest He- most recently, in 2017, Bet the first year, to ensure a will be decided by an eight- United members held a simi- seats. brew Congregation, in Tikvah Synagogue merged smooth merger and continuity strong panel. It is understood lar meeting the same evening. A competition has been Boundary Road, merged with with Woodford Liberal Syn- of representation. Elections that Ilford’s minister, Rabbi The Redbridge Jewish launched among members of Wanstead and Woodford agogue to become East Lon- would then be held at the Geoffrey Hyman, and Red- Community Centre, where both communities to find a United Synagogue, in don & Essex Liberal 2020 annual general meeting. bridge United’s minister, Redbridge United Synagogue new name for the merged syn- Churchfields, to become Synagogue. As part of this merger, Rabbi Steven Dansky, will has been holding services, is agogue. A mitzvah as community helps asylum seekers

kindness – inspired by Jewish deeds globally. BY SIMON values – are undertaken to help A special 10th birthday party ROTHSTEIN both members of local Jewish was held at Jewish Care’s Vi & WOODFORD Forest United communities and the wider soci- John Rubens House, where resi- Synagogue has become the first ety in which they live. The drop- dents were entertained by Susan shul in East London and Essex to in will now run on the first Kaye, aka DJ Susie, and her fel- offer a drop-in for asylum seeker Sunday of every month at Wood- low members of East London & families. ford Forest. Essex Liberal Synagogue. Mike A special launch event was Iain Duncan Smith, Conser- Gapes, Labour MP for Ilford held as part of Mitzvah Day and vative MP for Chingford and South, and Councillor Taifur attended by Iain Duncan Smith Woodford Green, said: “Events Rashid helped cut a celebratory MP and Redbridge Deputy like this show how brilliant the cake. Mayor, Councillor Taifur Rashid Jewish community are at reach- Elsewhere in Essex, children MBE. ing out to all other members of from Wohl Ilford Jewish and Volunteers came to help from society – supporting them and Clore Tikva Primary Schools all over the region to sort clothes, helping them. I was enormously took part in collections and care shoes, toiletries and children’s proud to come here and see the home visits; while the editors of toys that had been donated by the marvellous work that is happen- the Ilford Recorder and Essex Above: Mike Gapes MP local Jewish community, as well ing for asylum seekers, both at Jewish News united to play walk- helps cut a cake at Vi as the charity Goods For Good. this event for Mitzvah Day and ing football with members of the and John Rubens They also served a hot lunch, dis- then every month going for- Redbridge Jewish Community House. Right: Young tributed food vouchers and spent ward.” Centre. volunteers set up a time befriending the 30 asylum This year marked a decade of Turn to the back page of this play area for child seeker families in attendance. Mitzvah Day – the UK’s biggest issue to see the full set of Mitz- asylum seekers at the The drop-in is part of the faith-based day of social action – vah Day pictures from syna- Woodford Forest United Synagogue Chesed with volunteers in Essex among gogues, schools and organisations drop-in scheme, in which acts of loving the 40,000 performing good from all around the region. PHOTOS BY YAKIR ZUR. 2 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX Leopards can’t change JEWISH NEWS their spots ... The Essex Jewish News is the newspaper of the Jewish community in Essex and is S we approached the end of 2018, frequently, there’s a reactive element of published by Essex Jewish News Ltd. your EJN Comment writer was shock – at least amazement – at what’s A moved to pen what follows after happening; especially expressed in spe - attending, quite by chance, a cello and COMMENT cific light of the Shoah within existing CIRCULATION AREA piano recital which included the Swiss torted and distorted by antisemites to sug - memory and lifetimes, including those of Barking, Barkingside, Cambridge, Chigwell, Jewish composer (1880-1959) Ernest gest an arrogant superiority over other survivors. But this expression, in itself, is Chingford, Chelmsford, Epping, Gants Hill, Bloch’s (three-part) composition, ‘From peoples, leading to warped feelings of re - somewhat surprising. A long story of anti - Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Harlow, Hainault, Jewish Life’. Afterwards, your writer hap - sentment. The sorrowful outcome of semitism – in whatever form it has taken, Highams Park, llford, Leyton, Leytonstone, pened to read some notes (written by cel - which potential motivation (and others) or might take – sadly but indubitably tells Loughton, Newbury Park, Redbridge, list Brant Taylor some years ago) on this has been continual discrimination, mutat - us that this scourge is likely to be with us Romford, Southend and Westcliff, Wanstead musically meditative piece, and which in - ing tropes, scapegoat treatment, verbal and for all prospective time. and Woodford. cluded the sentence: “The mood in this physical persecution, the ultimate cata - A recent poll, reported in the JC, indi - cycle is generally contemplative and clysmic disaster of the Holocaust – itself cated that a substantial proportion of UK plaintive in character, with an overwhelm - the unbelievable subject of continuing de - Jews would consider making aliyah if Chairman Philip Leigh ing feeling of melancholy ...” nial by some – and the subsequent, persist - push came to shove, context-wise. But to Managing Director Melvyn Weinberg When born, a baby leopard is a nonde - ent and unwarranted concentration on consider doing so isn’t quite the same as script grey in colour and possesses no demonising the State of Israel (when an actually doing so, which could be highly Directors Manny Robinson, Clive Bayard spots. Apparently, the notable distinguish - authentic line of moral criticism could be, speculative if not doubtful; although some Editor Simon Rothstein ing marks begin to develop when a leop - but isn’t, focused on states that actually may point to the French Jewish experience Editorial Consultant Manny Robinson ard cub is around 10 days old. As the deserve such attention). in recent times as lending some evidential Technical Consultant Clive Bayard ancient idiom (intriguingly deriving from Like leopards, antisemites can’t – so support to the proposition. In going for - the Old Testament: Jeremiah 13:23), inter - to speak – change their spots once ac - ward, our productive efforts to survive ad - Typesetting and artwork Bayard pretatively applied to humans who can’t quired (whether theirs is a Jew-hate verse circumstances and to succeed in our Design change their inherent natures, characters handed down through the generations or Jewish lives, our indomitable fortitude, All material is the copyright of Essex Jewish or ways of thinking, informs us: leopards otherwise absorbed, for whatever reason). hopes and prayers must seek to counter News Ltd and must not be reproduced can’t change their spots. But we can, and However much they seek to disguise, any fears or negative thoughts about the without the written permission of the Editor. should, keep a wary eye out for such pred - often pathetically, the nature of their true future of our people as loyal citizens of ators. inclinations, their basic even relentless, this country. There’s much support, too. All human beings are created equal, antisemitism can be identified and recog - Our ‘Jewish Life’ should strive to over - ADVERTISEMENT RATES and in the image of the Almighty; the orig - nised for what it is. We’ve heard and read come any feelings of “melancholy”, so MONO COLOUR inal ‘chosen’ aspect of the Jewish people so much of late about the prevailing cli - that they don’t become “overwhelming”. Full Page £550 £750 and its own particular covenant with Him, mate in this context; and in particular Do have a very happy, doughnut-munch - Half Page £300 £430 has – through the millennia – been con - quarters unnecessary to mention. Not in - ing Chanukah! Quarter Page £170 £270 Eighth Page £110 £170 Advertising and Administration Your EJN needs YOU! Deborah Mulqueen Email [email protected] issue’s WW1-centenary piece – came specif - 100th birthday to be marked, or rather cele - Editorial contributions can be sent by email ically, and perhaps curiously, to your writer’s brated, in 2072! But predictably – or maybe to [email protected] or mind in another context entirely, one closer unpredictably – that’s some way off now! [email protected] to home. In order for the EJN’s historic story of And, oddly, that last thought also brought service to go on, and for such a wonderful Registered Office: to mind composer Ivor Novello’s 1914, centenary event to ever happen one day, we 26 Ashley Avenue, Barkingside, WW1 song ... ‘Keep the home fires burning’ invite new volunteer contributors from Ilford, Essex IG6 2JE (not that your ‘Comment’ writer was around amongst our valued readers to join us in Printed by Sharman Printers, Peterborough to sing it at the time!). Hopefully, you – the helping continue a lively, newsy and interest - readers of our EJN – are wondering: What’s ing paper. You can contribute also by sending this all about? Well, actually it’s about YOU, us news of significant and newsworthy activ - USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS our cherished and devoted readers, and the ities in your own communities. It would be EJN . The Essex Jewish News , which began good also to have a selection of photographs Age Concern 020 8922 2222 life in 1972 as a Redbridge Jewish commu - marking any special or celebratory occa - Redbridge Jewish Marriage N the Essex Jewish News’s (EJN) Rosh nity magazine titled ‘The Bridge’ (launched sions. And particularly, we would welcome 020 8220 6000 Council Hashanah issue, your ‘Comment’ writer by ‘Fleet Street’ journalist Manny Robinson keen young writers, including sixth-formers Ahada Bereavement 020 8203 6311 Icovered this year’s 100th anniversary of and the late publisher Frank Cass), has been and undergraduates, who possibly harbour Counselling Jewish Women’s Aid the end of the First World War (1914-1918); evolving over the decades into its present, ambitions to become professional journalists. 07758 727 328 0800 591 203 and the remembrance of thousands of loyal prize-winning, tabloid-newspaper format. And, as our recent EJN notices have indi - Alzheimer’s Society Moving on (Formerly and valiant Jewish serving personnel who The EJN is enjoyed now by between 15,000 cated, we would like the important additional 020 8970 5770 Bereaved Partners gave their lives for ‘King and Country’. and 20,000 readers in north east London, assistance of an advertisement sales repre - One of the striking, if not iconic and Essex and East Anglia (and even beyond). sentative, to help carry the newspaper for - Beehive Lane JACS Group) memorable images of the ‘Great War’ is of a Looking ahead productively and contin - ward on the basis of its vital revenue deriving 020 8550 2884 020 8554 5227 stern-faced Lord Kitchener (Secretary of gency planning are processes that are neces - from such source. 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But the illustration – maybe hovering community newspaper’s amazing half-cen - either [email protected] or Chigwell and Hainault Community Centre mindfully in the recent background to last tury, we would so hope for a spectacular [email protected] League of Jewish 020 8551 0017 Women Redbridge WIZO 0790 560 5781 020 8551 1301 Chigwell and Hainault Resource WHERE YOU CAN PICK UP THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS JACS 020 8346 4000 020 8551 2355 Samaritans SYNAGOGUES Southend Reform Jewish Blind & Disabled Delicacy, Chigwell Community shalichah 020 8553 9900/020 8520 Chabad Buckhurst Hill South West Essex Reform Hilary Dennis Court Abridge Golf Club 020 8418 2114 9191 Chabad Epping Sukkat Shalom Jewish Blind & Disabled Just Kosher, Clayhall Chabad Gants Hill Southend and Westcliff Chabad Gants Hill Woodford Forest Milne Court Derby Stores, Cambridge addiction support JACS Chelmsford Jewish CAMBRIDGE Spire London East Hospital Kosher on Sea, Southend 020 8554 1624 01268 771978 Community Cambridge Synagogue Holly House SUPERMARKETS Chigwell Synagogue Beth Shalom Synagogue The Shop, Southend Morrison’s Loughton Empathy Wanstead Jewish Chingford Synagogue SCHOOLS Day Centre, Cobham Road, Tesco Barkingside 07765 191 067 Literary Society East London & Essex Liberal Kantor King Solomon Southend Tesco Woodford Avenue Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ 020 8505 0063 Synagogue Clore Tikva Holiday Inn, Southend Tesco Epping Brigade Harlow Synagogue Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary RETAIL Tesco Westcliff 020 8989 8990 Phone numbers are correct at the time of going to Ilford Federation COMMUNAL Little Kitchen, Epping Sainsbury’s Newbury Park Jewish Bereavement Ilford United Aish Essex V&V, Barkingside Sainsbury’s Barkingside Counselling Service press. If your contact number or the contact Loughton Synagogue Redbridge Jewish Community Sandra Davidson, Sainsbury’s Westcliff 020 8457 9710 number of your organisation New Essex Masorti Centre , Sinclair House Redbridge LIBRARIES Jewish Blind and has changed, or if you Redbridge United Jewish Care’s Vi and John Gary Green, Clayhall Barkingside, Gants Hill. Disabled would like a contact number Romford Synagogue Rubens House Golan Bakery, Gants Hill Clayhall and South 020 8371 6611 to be included, please Southend & Westcliff Jewish Blind & Disabled Shalom Bakery, Gants Hill Woodford Jewish Care advise us. Hebrew Congregation Aztec House Deliphone, Barkingside CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 3 Sharing simchas to remember Shoah victims

members of both families have family also greatly suffered in BY PAT LIDIKER been in regular contact. the Holocaust, and I would like BARMITZVAHS and batmitz- Louis Kirsch also twinned to give consideration to all our vahs at Chigwell & Hainault his barmitzvah, using the occa- families who have been affected Synagogue have taken on a sion to remember Jeno Breuer – by this human tragedy and pray unique and very poignant di- he was born in Hungary in 1931 that this will never be repeated.” mension this year, as families and perished in the Holocaust Grange Hill based Harvey – are encouraged to twin their before he could turn 13. who is one of the synagogue’s own celebrations with one of During his barmitzvah serv- security officers and a volunteer the 1.5 million children who ice, Louis told the congregation: for CST – says such projects are perished in the Holocaust. “Jeno Breuer is particularly spe- particularly important in the Shul board member Harvey cial for me, as I have cousins current climate of antisemitism Frankel has teamed up with the here today from Israel: Adina and Holocaust denial. Yad Vashem UK Foundation in and Erez Breuer. It is possible Seven more youngsters in Hendon for this emotional proj- Jeno was related to them. the Chigwell community are al- ect, which tries to find a connec- “Adina and Erez’s father, ready in the pipeline to partici- tion between each participant my great uncle Avraham, was a pate; and Harvey’s own and a young victim on their Holocaust survivor. He sadly granddaughter Ellie hopes to database of those who died. lost many family in the Holo- twin her batmitzvah in 2020. They could perhaps share the caust – including his parents, Harvey added: “Like all the same surname, birth date or brother and sister – as well as children, she is interested in even have grandparents from being deeply scarred, both men- delving into what happened to the same area, with the ultimate tally and physically, for the rest the youngest victims of the aim of finding a child who trag- of his life by the trauma he suf- Holocaust. It helps keep alive ically never survived to enjoy a fered. their memory and ensures they simcha of his or her own. “My grandmother Judy’s are never forgotten.” Harvey says each girl or boy is then encouraged to be- come a guardian of that other person’s memory. As well as in- cluding their ‘twin’ on their spe- cial day, they also light candles on Shabbat, Holocaust Memo- rial Day and Yom HaShoah. Harvey Frankel of Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue with ‘twinned’ bar- Harvey told the Essex Jew- mitzvah boy Louis Kirsch holding his certificate ish News: “I get an overwhelm- Sandra Gold, co-adminis- Each child taking part receives ing satisfaction when it all trator at Yad Vashem UK, added a study guide to research their comes together. The whole fam- that the programme gives ‘twin’ and a commemorative ily become involved and you young people a vital insight into pin. can hear a pin drop in shul each the Holocaust, doing their The first celebrant at Chig- time it happens. I have been bar/batmitzvah for both them- It helps keep well & Hainault, Emily Lench- Renee Bravo, Essex Jewish News columnist and talking to Chabad and other selves and the young victim alive their ner, was paired with life president of New Essex Masorti Synagogue, synagogues in Essex about this they have never met but feel Belgian-born Suzanna Apteker unveiled a Tree of Life for the community at a and hope many of them will they now know. memory and earlier this year. There was utter special inauguration. She was joined by designer take up the custom, too.” It costs £35 to participate, ensure they silence, but many tears, as the Eyal Myers. Among the leaves placed on the tree A similar scheme is already all of which goes to Yad ‘are‘ never congregation watched Emily was one presented to Renee in recognition of her in place at Woodford Forest Vashem in Jerusalem to help hold up photos of Suzanna dur- long service to the Masorti community and in Synagogue. fund and maintain their records. forgotton ... ing her Dvar Torah. Since then, celebration of her 90th birthday

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Thanks to gifts in Wills we can make sure Abraham, Helen and many other people like them can stay in touch with their Jewish roots whenever they like. We depend on gifts in Wills for £1 in every £4 we need to raise. For more information about leaving a gift in your Will and our free Will Writing Service call Alison Rubenstein on 020 8922 2833 or email [email protected] #PeopleOfJewishCare 4 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Night of music raises £2,000 for SWESRS Sue tops the bill at Valentines Park Concert

guests on strings, accordion BY BRENDA and piano. SOSKIN The well-known profes- AROUND 130 members of the sional opera soprano, Teresa South West Essex & Settlement Karcher, who was accompanied Reform Synagogue (SWESRS) by her husband Michael Stars and other shows. and guests enjoyed a ‘Musical Karcher-Young on piano, BY ALFRED LEVY Sue retired in 1970, but nine Extra-vaganza’, organised by thrilled the audience with a se- THE Redbridge Music Lounge years ago she started singing in Leslie Tobe to raise funds for lection of opera music in Italian, promotes concerts in Valentines jazz clubs and other venues. Her the shul. French and Ladino. Park monthly throughout the voice remains powerful and The music, a mixture of It is unfair to pick out any- summer. Topping the bill in true; and she has lost none of classical opera, bel canto and one from this group of talent; September was a lady who has her enthusiasm for a swinging contemporary 20th century but we have to mention the been singing professionally and jazz offering, accompanied by items, included many popular youngest member of the com- otherwise since she was 17. her excellent four-piece band. numbers during which the audi- pany, a Redbridge Music Although not quite as well- Sue is also an accomplished ence were encouraged to join in School flautist, who accompa- known as her cousin Helen painter in oils and hails origi- and even dance. nied the musicians with an up- Rebbetzin Chaya Faigi Bar organised a special Shapiro, Sue Hechtman, under nally from Clapton. She has The talented musicians lifting rendition of La Donna challah bake for the women at Southend & her stage name Sue Holliday, lived in Redbridge with her hus- who accompanied Leslie (pic- Mobile to an applause worthy of Westcliff Hebrew Congregation (SWHC). All toured with Dusty Springfield, band Joe since 1974. tured) were members of the the Royal Albert Hall – a true Petula Clark and other famous synagogue; and their instru- star in the making. those taking part learned a delicious recipe and performers in the late 1960s and ments ranged from brass to The event raised around new braiding techniques. Lily Solomons, appeared on television in Ready Churchill drums and bass, augmented by £2,000 for the synagogue. SWHC’s Young Lady of the Year, lead the bracha Steady Go!, Thank your Lucky talk attracts Golders Green more than comes to Essex 100

building of Golders Green station BY IRENE WARD BY JAN MARTIN- accelerated that trickle to a flood. EPPING councillor and keen ELLIS By the outbreak of World War historian Richard Cohen cap- THE Essex Branch of the Jewish I, there were some 300 Jewish tivated more than 100 guests Historical Society of England families living in the area, the first at Ilford Federation Syna- (JHSE) kicked off its of which had been the family of gogue when delivering this autumn/winter programme of Sir Joseph Joel Duveen, a wealthy year’s Stanley Bookatz Me- talks by welcoming Dr Pam Fox, Dutch art dealer and benefactor of morial Lecture. who spoke about her art galleries, who lived there Having recently proof book The Jewish with his wife and 14 read Churchill: Walking with Community of Gold- children. He died in Destiny by Andrew Roberts, ers Green: A Social 1908 and is buried in Richard was able to reveal lit- History. Willesden Jewish tle-known facts about Pam, a promi- cemetery. Britain’s wartime Prime Min- nent social historian, Pam also told sto- ister. told how she came ries of several other We learned that Winston’s to write the book well-known members father was greatly influenced after moving to of Golders Green’s by Disraeli, and the young Golders Green and Jewish community Winston adopted Disraeli’s realising that no from all through the policy to “aim high”. one had ever doc- years. Although Randolph umented the his- She finished by Churchill died when Winston tory of its Jewish showing some interesting was just 20, he still inherited community. pictures, including one his father’s appreciation of She spoke to more than 100 taken at the junction of Golders both Judaism and Christianity. local people in the course of her Green Road and Finchley Road Many Jewish charities research. Much of the book is de- when the crossroads, now so fre- benefited from donations from voted to their personal memories, netic, was two country lanes the family, and Winston some of which were beautifully among green fields, with a notice firmly believed the saying: read out by her husband during announcing the imminent arrival “The Lord treats the nations the talk, which took place at Clore of the railway and new station. the way the nations treat the Tikva School. For more information about Jews.” Pam told how Jews started to the Essex branch of the JHSE and Andrew Roberts’ book is move to the Golders Green area in details of the winter programme, Sukkot was celebrated all across the region – including at Jewish Blind & out now, and there will be the early years of the 20th century. please visit www.jhse.org/ Disabled’s Aztec House where Malcolm helped put up the Sukkah many eagerly waiting to read The coming of the railway and the branches/essex it. CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 5 Josh follows in family fundraising tradition Fashion website snapped up by TMG Media

Cyndy Lessing and Jan Shure of SoSensational.co.uk A FASHION website for 50- well, said: “We are confident plus women, set up by two TMG will run SoSensational Essex Jewish News colum- with the same focus on nists, has been acquired by women over 50, and with the TMG Media Limited. same passion for fashion for SoSensational.co.uk – the women over 50 that motivated leading aggregator for fash- Jan and I to create the site al- ionable women over 50 – was most a decade ago. founded by Jan Shure and “We are particularly Cyndy Lessing. pleased that TMG has plans to Jan is a former senior grow the site to reach more of journalist at the Jewish its potential audience, both in Chronicle. She joined the JC the UK and internationally.” in 1983 as woman’s page edi- Alongside enhancements tor and held a variety of edito- of SoSensational’s technol- rial roles until 2012, when she ogy, TMG plan to bring more left to be full-time at SoSen- brands to the 50-plus commu- Park, St James’s Park and Kens- could do together, which would in Jewish Care’s MIKE youth sational. Cyndy is a business nity. Other developments in- BY SIMON ington Gardens challenge us both, was wonder- leadership programme at Red- entrepreneur and image con- clude the addition of new ROTHSTEIN They raised £8,500, which ful. bridge Jewish Community Cen- sultant. categories, such as home and JOSH CARMEL BROWN will help the charity support “It was fantastic to run to- tre. The pair – who are both beauty and a shopping app. joined his father, Jewish Care members of the community gether with Josh amongst a He added: “Having watched members of Chigwell & Hain- chief executive Daniel (both who rely on their services. Cur- team of dedicated runners, who my dad do the London ault Synagogue – identified a pictured), in running the Royal rently, around 10,000 people I’d like to thank for taking part Marathon in 2017, I was in- gap in the fashion market for READ JAN Parks Half Marathon to raise use a Jewish Care service each in this challenge to support Jew- spired to do something similar women over 50 in 2008 and money for the charity. week. ish Care.” and this was my first opportu- launched their first websites a AND CYNDY’S The pair, who live in Wood- This was the first time that Josh is in his final year of A nity. It was a real privilege to be year later. ford Green, were part of a team 17-year-old Josh has run a half levels and is head boy at Kantor part of the team raising much Jan and Cyndy will con- FASHION of 12 Jewish Care racers brav- marathon alongside his dad. King Solomon High School. He needed money to support the tinue to be closely involved in ing the rain to run 13.1 miles Daniel said: “Everyone in has been involved with Jewish work of Jewish Care.” the site, moving to an editorial COLUMN ON through four of London’s eight our household has very busy Care from a young age, and has For those wondering, Josh role alongside the TMG team. Royal Parks - Hyde Park, Green lives so finding something we been a participant and volunteer beat Daniel by 17 seconds! Cyndy, who lives in Chig- PAGE 25 OUR VOLUNTEERS RESPOND

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TToo support the lifesaving work of Magen David Adom today call 020 8201 5900 or visit mdauk.org/donatemdauk.org/donate wwwwww.mdauk.org.mdauk.org RegisterRegistereded Charity No. 1113409 6 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Son of Hamas helps raise funds Breaking the for MDA UK in Southend taboo of death

sentatives from Chevra Kadisha BY BRENDA cemetery services, the Death SOSKIN Café, Chai Cancer Care and AROUND 80 people attended Haven House Hospice. the End of Life Matters seminar A panel session (pictured) at South West Essex & Settle- entitled ‘what is a good death’ ment Reform Synagogue was chaired by Rabbi Lisa Bar- (SWESRS) in Oaks Lane. rett of SWESRS, with input The event was aimed at from Dr Farrell Igielman, breaking the taboo of not talking anaesthetist and head of ethics about death; and how, with prac- at the Barking, Havering and tical and spiritual support, we Redbridge NHS Trust, Rabbi can all prepare for the end of life. Jason Demant of St Francis The keynote speaker was Hospice and psychotherapist Dr Adrian Tookman, the pallia- Andrea Wershof. tive care physician and medical The event was organised by Mosab Hassan Yousef (right) in conversation at Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation for MDA UK director of the Marie Curie Hos- SWESRS, Sukkat Shalom Re- The event took place at Ian Burns and Simon Belson pice in Hampstead. He de- form Synagogue, East London BY GEOFFREY Southend and Westcliff Hebrew had just returned from Israel scribed how patients with life & Essex Liberal Synagogue PEPPER Congregation (SWHC) as a after a 56-mile trek – told how threatening conditions, and their (ELELS) and the Joint Jewish AN audience of 120 people lis- fundraiser for MDA UK. they are raising funds for a room families, are supported by the Burial Society. tened intently to the full story SWHC and Board of in the new state of the art MDA hospice movement. Hospices Rabbi Richard Jacobi, of and gripping account of terror, I am here to Deputies member Peter Baum campus being built in Ramla. deliver expert, hands-on med- ELELS, said: “I think this sem- betrayal, political intrigue and conducted the interview with Simon added: “The commit- ical care, emotional support and inar will help people move for- unthinkable choices from spe- bridge minds. Mosab, who said: “Israel is a tee had set out to raise £30,000 guidance; all with the aim of ward in terms of their cial guest Mosab Hassan Yousef leading force in technology, sci- in three years for a new blood improving the end of life expe- conversations with loved ones, – whose father, Sheikh Hassan I love you and ence and film and a true demo- room and they had nearly rience of the patient. and make sure they have wills Yousef, was a founding leader of‘‘ cratic country, and there is reached that target within the Various workshops took and lasting powers of attorney Hamas. continue to women freedom. year.” place during the morning and in place so they are better pre- Mosab, himself a part of “Unleashing hate is like a Daniel Burger, the chief ex- afternoon, which included dis- pared for death. Ultimately, that Hamas, was turned by the Israeli see beauty monster, I am here to bridge ecutive of MDA UK, closed the cussions on the lasting power of means people will enjoy their security agency Shin Bet into a minds, I love you and continue meeting and thanked everyone attorney, organ donation, burial lives more.” double agent. His information He spoke about his desire to see beauty and we should for their support. He said: “The and Jewish rituals and practices Because of the success of thwarted countless terrorist at- for peace and democracy, his focus on that.” new centre is 17 metres deep and regarding death. the seminar, follow-up events tacks and suicide bombings, ul- conversion to Christianity and Synagogue committee 26,000sq metres wide, and will Over the lunch-time period, are to be organised by local syn- timately saving thousands of recalled stories from his autobi- member Linda Burns – who protect 96% of Israel`s blood attendees were able to join op- agogues around Essex over the lives. ography, Son of Hamas. with fellow committee members supply in the event of war.” tional discussions with repre- next year. ‘This is a huge step in the right direction’

women to participate in its their non-Jewish partners and about times and venues, BY SIMON services was made by unani- families – of all shades of re- please phone the secretary ROTHSTEIN mous decision of the CJC ligious observance and back- Harry Franklin on 01245 membership over the summer ground. 475444 or visit www.jewish- ONE of the first women to be and covered on the front page For more information communitychelmsford.co.uk called up at Chelmsford Jew- of the last edition of the Essex ish Community (CJC) has told Jewish News. Ruth Askew the Essex Jewish News how was the first woman to receive she hopes this will one day be an honour, on Rosh Hashanah, Bradley scores a big FIFA win seen as the norm across Ju- followed by Sylvia and others. daism. Sylvia told us: “I was so Sylvia Barnowski (pic- honoured to be one of the first tured left), a member of the females to be involved in the CJC council, first took to the religious side of the Chelms- Bimah over the High Holy ford Jewish Community. Days and is now regularly in- “Women are not separated volved in services. from men in CJC services, we The decision to invite all sit together, and the prayers are read in both English and He- brew, so this is a wonderful op- portunity to see this development as bringing us yet further into the 21st century. “People are often mis- guided into thinking that This develop- women take on a secondary ment brings role in Judaism. This is a huge step in the right direction in our commu- correcting that misconception. ‘nity‘ yet My hope is that, in years to come, it will be totally ac- cepted as the norm.” BRADLEY Kaye has been competitor on the hugely popu- further into Chelmsford Jewish Com- named as the best Jewish FIFA lar football console game. the 21st munity has been running for player in Essex. Bradley is pictured with his more than four decades and Bradley won a competition golden trophy alongside run- century provides for local Jewish peo- run by Aish Essex Young Pro- ners-up Eli Myers (silver) and ple – and where applicable fessionals to find the ultimate Avi Myers (bronze). CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 7 Ilford Federation inducts its new rabbi Jenny honoured with new Torah mantle BY IRENE WALD A PACKED Ilford Federation Synagogue officially wel- comed Rabbi David Singer as the congregation’s new minis- ter in a rousing induction service and ceremony. The proceedings were opened by synagogue chair Melvyn Zeff, who then wel- comed Dayan Yisroel Yaakov Lichtenstein, the Rosh Beis Din of the Federation of Syn- agogues, along with his col- leagues Dayan Hool and Dayan Posen. They were joined by the family of Rabbi Singer and the president of the Federation of Synagogues, Andrew Cohen. Rabbi Richard Jacobi holds the scroll covered in Dayan Lichtenstein in- the new mantle, with Rabbi David Hulbert and ducted Rabbi Singer, stressing Jacqueline and Gilbert Herzog that the synagogue had always THE community at East Lon- originated in the tiny Jewish welcomed their rabbis and ac- don & Essex Liberal Syna- community of Blatná, a Mora- cepted their rulings without Ilford’s Rabbi David Singer (centre) with Andrew Cohen (left) and Dayan gogue (ELELS) have honoured vian village 50 miles south of fuss, resulting in a very warm Yisroel Yaakov Lichtenstein (right) of the Federation of Synagogues a leading member, who died Prague. and friendly community. last year, with a new mantle for The 28 gold and silver stars Rabbi Singer then told rael. He is also a trained Ilford Federation Syna- try Road in 2014 – has a mem- their Czech Torah Scroll. on the new mantle represent 28 how a good rabbi should be scribe, shochet, mohel and gogue – which moved to bership of more than 400 fam- The mantle was used for Jews from Blatná who were de- like Nelson, sometimes put- teacher. Clarence Avenue from Coven- ilies. the first time on erev Rosh ported to Theresienstadt in ting the telescope to the blind Hashanah 5779, keeping with 1942. Three of them perished eye. He noted that people had the tradition to dress the Torah in the Theresienstadt ghetto, moved away from the area Congratulations to in white on the High Holy while the remaining 25 were all since its heyday, but added the local Jewish Care Days. murdered in Auschwitz. that he hoped Ilford would Angels, who were It was donated in honour of Rabbi Jacobi added: continue to concentrate on celebrating their Jenny Sclaire – a popular and “Jenny donated a blue Torah producing quality as opposed dedicated ELELS council mantle for our Czech scroll a to quantity. 10th anniversary as member and volunteer – by her few years ago, because the act Rabbi and Rebbetzin the Essex Jewish cousins Jacqueline and Gilbert of remembering those who Singer joined Ilford Federa- News went to press. Herzog. The service was led by were murdered in the Holo- tion after Pesach and have In the last decade, Rabbis David Hulbert and caust was so important to her. proved very popular, as have these amazing Richard Jacobi. “This new white mantle their children and many Rabbi Jacobi said: “Jenny completes the pair – ensuring grandchildren. women have raised Sclaire was a huge part of our that, throughout the year, we Rabbi Singer has previ- raised £275,000 for synagogue and Liberal Judaism remember both those Jews of ously held positions in Belfast Jewish Care services across Essex. She is greatly Blatná and also Jenny and her and Birmingham, as well as in Redbridge. missed.” contributions to our commu- spending 14 years living in Is- The ELELS Czech scroll nity.”

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH THIS WINTER

WITH YOUR HELP FREEZING JEWISH COMMUNITIES CAN SURVIVE BITTER TEMPERATURES “This is a programme where my heart is warmed. I have returned to hope and desire to live life to the fullest.” Eugenie, Moldova

DONATEDONATE NOWNOW WORLDJEWISHRELIEF.ORG/WINTERWORLDJEWISHRELIEF.ORG/WINTER 020020 87368736 1250 8 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX Chanukah Greetings to the JEWISH NEWS Community 5779/2018

Chabad Lubavitch ILFORD FEDERATION Southend and District Reform Synagogue 851 London Road Centres of North East SYNAGOGUE Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 9SZ 2a Clarence Avenue, Ilford, Essex IG2 6JH Telephone 01702 711663 London & Essex Tel: 0208 554 5289 wish all of our friends www.southendreform.org.uk More than just a synagogue and supporters The Executive and Council of Southend **Daily morning and Sabbath services** a very Happy Chanukah and District Reform Synagogue, **Weekly games afternoons** On behalf of Executive Directors: **Large active JACS group** together with Rabbi Warren Elf, warmly Rabbi & Mrs Sufrin MBE, **Full educational programme** wish the community and all readers of Chabad Gants Hill *New modern designed building** a happy and healthy Chanucah and Rabbi and Mrs Brandman of **Attractive modern halls for hire** Chabad Buckhurst Hill Shabbat services are held weekly on **Lift to all floors including Sabbath** Saturday morning at 10.30 am. Chabad also has offices in Please contact the synagogue for details Epping & Westcliff on Sea Rabbi Singer, the Honorary Officers of Friday night services. www.chabadilford.co.uk and Board of Management wish all www.chabadonthehill.co.uk readers of the EJN a Happy and Visitors are always welcome to join us www.chabadepping.co.uk Peaceful Chanukah

AHADA BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Rabbi David Hulbert, ÉÐÛÄÉÉÐÛÄÉ wishes clients, counsellors and Rabbi Richard Jacobi, dŚĞŽĂƌĚŽĨddŚŚĞŽĂƌĚ ŽŽĨĨ the community the Officers and Council send EEĞǁƐƐĞdžDĂƐŽƌƟ^LJŶĂŐŽŐƵĞĞǁƐƐƐĞdž DĂƐŽƌƟ ^LJŶĂŐŽŐƵĞ CHANUKAH SAME’ACH warm wishes to the community ǁǁŝƐŚĞƐƚŚĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJĂŝŝƐƐŚĞƐƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ Ă offering counselling support and all readers of throughout the year The Essex Jewish News for a ,,ĂƉƉLJŚĂŶƵŬĂŚ͕ϱϳϳϵĂƉƉLJŚŚĂŶƵŬĂŚ͕ ϱϳϳϵ Healthy and Happy Chanukah Contact us if you need help or if you want to volunteer We welcome non­members to our services. Please contact the synagogue in advance. 07758 727328 ­ www.ahada.org.uk 02'(5175$',7,21$/-8'$,6002'(5175$5$',7,21$/ -8'$,60 E Registered Charity No: 1118894 : [email protected] QQHPDVRUWL#KRWPDLOFRPHPDVRUWL#KRWPDLOFRP

CHIGWELL AND HAINAULT SYNAGOGUE Headteacher: Chairman of Governors: Mr Matthew Neat Mrs Frances Niman Limes Avenue, Limes Farm Estate Fullwell Avenue, Barkingside, Ilford Chigwell, Essex IG7 5NT Essex IG6 2JN Tel: 020 8500 2451 Telephone: 8551 1097 Fax: 8551 2070 Rabbi Davis, the Honorary Officers and email: [email protected] Board of Management wish all readers of the The governors, staff and pupils wish the Essex Jewish News a Happy Chanucah community a happy and peaceful Chanucah

LOUGHTON SYNAGOGUE Rabbi and Rebbetzen Dansky, Reverend and Mrs Newman Borders Lane, Loughton, Essex IG10 1TE and Board of Management of Tel: 020 8508 0303 Redbridge United Synagogue 22 BEEHIVE LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX wish everyone a Happy Chanukah 020 8554 5969 Rabbi Zvi Portnoy, the Honorary Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman, the Chairman, Officers and Board of Management Sinclair House Honorary Officers and Board of Management Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge wish all their members and the community wish all readers a Happy and 020 3031 6929 a Happy and Healthy Chanukah Peaceful Chanukah CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 9 ESSEX Chanukah Greetings to the JEWISH NEWS Community 5779/2018

Wishing our friends and the whole community

Rabbi Lisa Barrett, Honorary Officers, Council and staff of SWESRS would like to A VERY HAPPY wish the entire Jewish community a very Happy Chanukah. CHANUKAH Throughout the year our doors are always open, ready to welcome you to our Minister: Rabbi Larry Becker MA wonderful choral, family and children’s Shabbat morning services, along with SUKKOT our weekly Tuesday Lunch Club and regular Neshamah meditation services too. 1 VICTORY ROAD, HERMON HILL , SHALOM WANSTEAD E11 1UL We would be delighted to see you at any time of the year…. Telephone: 020 8530 3345 REFORM e­mail: [email protected] Why not take a look at our website for further details? www.swesrs.org.uk SYNAGOGUE www.sukkatshalom.org.uk

Special meeting called for SWSERS members

SOUTH West Essex and Settle- Wishing our children, their families ment Reform Synagogue and the community Happy Chanukah (SWSRS) have called a meeting of members, on Sunday 13 Janu- ary at 10.30am, to talk about the shul’s future. To be discussed is whether the synagogue stays at Oaks Lane, by either selling off or renting out part of their site, or concentrate on alternatives such as to sell Oaks Lane entirely and ei- ther hire, rent or build new prem- ises for the community. The synagogue have told providing all-day childcare, all year, members the meeting is “arguably for the children of our community the most important community meeting in the last 20 years’’. ADVERTORIAL There is no easy answer mechanisms, starting from joke or dancing at a simcha, after a bereavement the point of loss to where rather than suffering with Ahada attempts to get its pain during illness and the BY RABBI MAURICE MICHAELS ments with family members clients. This is the place that last/sadder days of their life. about possessions, the will, they are able to cope with- Most important of all is IT has now been almost property, the stone-setting, out the dependency upon to reach out if you need help five years that I have been the funeral and the list goes the counsellor. with your loss, and talk. helping people, who are on. So, during the initial time All the counsellors at Ahada are here to listen and suffering loss of their loved of loss, there can be many Ahada are very kind and help you in your time of ones, through the Ahada other things that are going have great empathy with need. Bereavement Support. on that can be overwhelm- their clients, but are also 20 Churchfields, London E18 2QZ Being a bereavement ing, distressing and confus- aware that their job is done Telephone 020 8504 1990 counsellor means that the ing. Having someone there when the bereaved is in a Wohl IJPS bereaved person gets a to listen to all these issues, place where they can have chance to talk to a total to provide a supporting and acceptance of the situation Israeli dance Rabbi & Rebbetzen Wollenberg, stranger who is non-judge- helpful ear, can be priceless. and that they can move for- Assistant Rabbi Abrams, mental, who has no con- Bereavement can often wards with their own life and nection to the family and is feel like being on an emo- future. If at any point some- group the Honorary Officers & totally impartial. This is, for tional rollercoaster at times, one wants to reconnect and Board of Management them, often an opportunity with ups and downs. To get chat again, they can. THE Wohl Ilford Jewish Pri- wish all readers a to off-load, express and through the toughest times One of the most impor- mary School’s Israeli dance share perhaps their most itʼs often best to repress tant qualities to being a grief group now has over 30 boys Happy Chanukah personal and intense emo- nothing, not to bottle things counsellor is the ability to and girls who participate on a tions without fear of offend- up but to give into the tears, listen and often to help cre- weekly basis, with more ex- ing, upsetting or being rage, often guilt and inter- ate good coping mecha- pected to join over the next judged. Sometimes, an out- nalised pain. nisms. Talking about the few weeks. This is the largest sider can provide unbiased Only by expressing this person they have lost is, for group the school has had in 10 Greetings from and practical insights. can you get to the point of some, not easy at first; and years. Every loss is irreplace- understanding and accept- often impossible without When the group perform able, every story is differ- ance, so that the intense breaking down in tears. And at events, the girls wear spe- ROMFORD & DISTRICT ent, every person a unique grief hopefully will subside the last memories of the cial skirts and the boys wear SYNAGOGUE individual. More often than and the pain decrease. We person lost may be distress- waistcoats. But the clothes the (Incorporating Havering Jewish Ladies) not, the only common de- always explain to our clients ing, of them in pain and suf- group now has are quite old nominator is the intense that itʼs so individual, and fering. In time and with and some are damaged. 25 EASTERN ROAD, ROMFORD, ESSEX RM1 3NH pain and suffering felt by the experience so personal practise, when a memory is The group are now look- 01708 741690, 01708 748199 or 01708 765117 those left behind. when someone asks “when triggered of the lost rela- ing for volunteers who would There have been sce- will it get better? When will tive/friend, it can be possi- be willing to repair the old Rabbi Lee and Rebbetson Lynette Sunderland, narios where, after the be- it stop hurting?” There is no ble to remember them, in and damaged clothes or make the Honorary Officers and Congregation reavement, there is a lot of easy answer or prescriptive happier and healthier times; some new ones. wish everyone a a Happy and Healthy Chanucah family conflict and upheaval time frame. so, the recollection can be To help, e-mail deborah. resulting from disagree- There are many coping one of them laughing at a [email protected] 10 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Sir Ivan avoids the law at RJCC BRIDGE♠♥ SID BARRAT ♦♣ E are once again de- King of Clubs. lighted that Sid Bar- Twelve tricks are needed Wrat – teacher at the and there are 10 immediate East London and Essex Liberal tricks ‘on top’ (four top Hearts, Synagogue bridge club – has four top Spades and 2 more provided us with a special puz- Aces). zle to test your bridge skills. The Diamond finesse is Remember these are not successful and produces the typical problems, but ones 11th trick, but where on earth where something ‘impossible’ can the twelfth come from? or ‘magic’ will happen. You Although the contract is just need to look hard enough. seemingly impossible to make, South is in the contract of can you, with the advantage of 6 No Trumps – heaven knows seeing all the hands, achieve what the bidding might have the impossible and make 12 been – and the lead is the tricks? North (16 pts) ♠ - - - - ♥ A K Q J 2 ♦ A Q ♣ 7 6 5 4 3 2 West (10 pts) East (0 pts) ♠ 10 9 8 7 6 2 ♠ 5 4 3 the Blind Beggar pub in come chairman of the Home heights of the law? We still ♥ ♥ BY MANNY - - - - 10 8 7 6 5 4 Whitechapel, and the serial Affairs Select Committee and don’t know. ♦ ROBINSON killer Dennis Nilsen. who instigated the National The only time Sir Ivan re- ♦ K J 4 3 2 THE enterprising workaholic While I am full of praise Lottery with a private mem- ally touched on the law was ♣ K Q J 9 8 ♣ 10 Sharon Imber, who is respon- for Sharon and her team for bers’ bill, told his audience to when answering a question at sible for so many events at the presenting a magnificent tea, I use their MPs to press any the end of his talk on how one South (14 pts) Redbridge Jewish Community must confess to being a little cases they might have and; deals with a client who claims ♠ A K Q J Centre (RJCC), appears to disappointed with the talk. also demonstrated that a back- to be guilty. have struck gold with her ‘Af- Sir Ivan chose to speak – bench MP could influence de- “What you have to say,” ♥ 9 3 ternoon Tea With ...’ events. not about his illustrious career cisions made by the replied Sir Ivan, “is well, let’s ♦ 10 9 8 7 6 5 The initial success in host- as a defence lawyer – but government. have a look at the evidence.” ♣ ing Judge Robert Rinder was about his work for Jewish But what was his view on Sir Ivan is articulate, has a A followed by Sir Ivan causes; in particular his ef- capital punishment or how great sense of humour and, as

Lawrence, the famous barris- forts, in conjunction with the judges are chosen? And just he himself said, could speak Turn the page upside down to reveal the magic!

Diamonds, take the Ace of Dia- of Ace the take Diamonds, ter and former MP, who de- late Greville Janner, in battling how did a Jewish grammar for hours. A pity, therefore, Amazing. trick. 12 the

Next finesse the Queen of Queen the finesse Next fended Ronnie Kray in his for Russian Jews to be allowed school boy, brought up in that his topic on the day was becomes Hearts of 9 the So

top Hearts. This is not madness! not is This Hearts. top 1969 murder trial over the to leave the Soviet Union. Brighton like Sir Ivan, about Jewish causes, of which winners. South’s to

top Spades – and discard the four the discard and – Spades top killing of George Cornell in Sir Ivan, who rose to be- progress so far in the heady the audience already had full lead then must but – 10 his takes

the Ace of Clubs, play the four the play Clubs, of Ace the knowledge, and not about his surprise, his to East, Hearts.

After taking the first trick with trick first the taking After legal career. of 2 the lead then and monds Sports plus whisky equals success for Chabad GARY GREEN Monumental Masons Renovations and added inscriptions The specialist masons for granite and marble memorials for Jewish Cemeteries Home visits arranged – brochures on request Gary Green memorials, although expanding, The whisky challenge is one North East London & Essex, is still small enough to care about each BY SIMON of Chabad’s most popular said: “The Chabad Events Team individual customer ROTHSTEIN events, especially as guests this regularly run wonderful events THE Chabad Events Team had year were greeted with a that everyone really looks for- a very busy autumn, putting on shawarma and sticky toffee ward to. They raise funds for SHOWROOM/HEAD OFFICE a well-received sports quiz pudding supper. Chabad’s work in the commu- alongside their annual whisky Dinner was followed by an nity – specifically for our addic- 14 Claybury Broadway, Clayhall, Ilford challenge. extremely interesting and amus- tion and counselling services – Essex IG5 0LQ The quiz was the first ever ing talk from Katie Groves of and have been very successful run by Chabad in Essex, and Milroy’s of Soho, a shop which at this. We look forward to Telephone 020 8551 6866 was so successful that it is al- specialises in single and rare many more of their events in the ready scheduled to return in malt whiskies and tastings. future.” Fax: 020 8503 9889 June 2019. Those attending learned Guests enjoyed a supper of about, and tasted, five different CORRECTION: In the last AND OUR EDGWARE SHOWROOM salt beef and latkes alongside whiskies from Scotland. There issue, we wrote that Wes Street- the competition, hosted by well- was also a table quiz – organ- ing MP had represented Ilford 41 Manor Park Crescent, Edgware, Middx known local quizmaster John ised by Gary Boorman and North since 2005. We meant, of Jacobs. Rivalries were heated, won by Rabbi Odom Brand- course, 2015. We would like to Telephone: 020 8381 1525 • Fax: 020 8381 1525 and the debate was fierce at man’s table – and a successful make clear that the Conserva- Viewing can be arranged at either showroom times, before a team captained raffle. tive Party’s Lee Scott served the by Barry Soraff were named as Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE, constituency from 2005 to the winners. executive director of Chabad 2015. CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 11 Gold-en Israel scheme Chaps chat at the Commons celebrates 35 years

Wes Streeting MP gave the Chaps That Chat group a tour of the Houses of Parliament PHOTO BY TONY METZGER WES Streeting MP welcomed a Wednesday, was set up by Chaps That Chat to Parlia- ing to organise it. I look for- 20 members of the Redbridge Sid Green as a way to combat ment for a tour. Having met ward to seeing them again in Jewish Community Centre’s loneliness for the older gener- them before, I knew it would the constituency.” Chaps That Chat group for a ation and provide lots of inter- be a fun evening. If you would like to go guided tour around the Houses esting talks and events. “I’m really pleased that along to Chaps That Chat, of Parliament. Wes, the Member of Par- they were able to come and please contact asmardina@ Rhianna Bongart on her gap year in Israel The men’s social group, liament for Ilford North, said: visit, and special thanks go to jcare.org or call 020 8922 “The principles most im- which meets once a month on “It was fantastic to welcome Sid and Jewish Care for help- 2273. BY PAT LIDIKER portant to him were young peo- JESSICA PERSELL and Rhi- ple fostering a love of Israel anna Bongart are experiencing and the Jewish people, as well Help make a minyan Starting the day with currently an exciting, reward- as enhancing the concept of ing, gap year in Israel, thanks to community service, both pro- the generosity of the Doris and fessionally or as volunteers.” to say kaddish a service at KKS Sidney Gold Trust Fund, set up This initiative undoubtedly by the couple’s daughter, June ticks all his boxes. The newest people pass away without many Bradbury, in 1983. recipients, Jessica and Rhianna, BY SIMON loved ones or family able to at- Over the last 35 years, the set off for Israel in September ROTHSTEIN tend a levoyah (funeral) or stone fund has helped support 70 and are currently in Tel Aviv, THE Levoyahs and Stone Set- setting. young people from Essex to before moving on to Jerusalem tings Group (Essex & East Lon- “As a community we must spend up to 12 months on lead- in January next year. The girls don) are appealing for help to never feel that ‘no one cares’. ership-focused, gap year pro- are firm friends who live lo- make up minyans for funerals We are all family and should grammes in Israel, providing cally and attended Clore Tikva, where there are few, or no, fam- help others and ensure that they skills and experience with a Kantor King Solomon and JFS. ily members and friends. are fully supported… and it is a lifetime’s worth of benefit for Rhianna said: “At the mo- Eddie Martin and Steven great mitzvah to do so!” the individual, Jewish commu- ment we are volunteering. I Muster run the group and have The group covers the Feder- nity and wider society. have just passed all my exams around 18 male volunteers, who ation cemetery in Rainham, as Former graduates who have and am now an emergency first are called upon from time to well as the United Synagogue made an important, lasting im- responder for the Magen David time to help make up a minyan site in Waltham Abbey and pact include the current chief Adom ambulance service. We to enable mourning prayers to other local cemeteries in East executives of three of Britain’s also take trips each Monday to be said. But they need more London. major communal organisations learn about marginalised com- help to ensure the project’s To volunteer, please contact – Daniel Carmel-Brown at Jew- munities.” long-term viability. Eddie on 01708 378882 or ish Care, JW3’s Raymond Si- Both girls say they would Steven said: “There are un- Steven on 0208 500 4042 or monson and David never have been able to do this fortunately many times when [email protected] Davidi-Brown at the Union of without the invaluable financial Jewish Students. help from the Sidney Gold The Trust is now an integral Foundation, which has helped part of Redbridge Jewish Care. them achieve something they Gingerbread Sukkah! The charity’s head of PR and had been looking forward to for external affairs Lisa Wimborne, many years. KANTOR King Solomon High school said: “With more than herself a graduate of the June Bradbury and her School has introduced weekly 40 students now in atten- scheme, told the Essex Jewish brother and fellow trustee Alan shacharit services for the first dance, these services have News: “When Dr Sidney Gold Gold agree that their dear mum time in a generation. been a wonderful addition to passed away in 1987, it was and dad would be delighted For an initial phase, sepa- our week. It gives our pupils agreed that the Trust Fund their legacy has helped encour- rate morning prayers are held time to reflect on the day would support young local peo- age young people to go and for male and female pupils. ahead and unite together in ple wishing to spend their gap identify with a country that was The boys are learning about prayer.” year in Israel. so important to them. laying tefillin, why we do it and morning prayers. The girls have been learning about why we pray, what we say, Sukkat Shalom opens its doors what it means and how it can empower us. Once the studies SUKKAT Shalom Reform who wanted to know more tives’. A book and card stall are complete, the services will Synagogue once again took about Judaism, a torah scroll was set up outside, where be merged. part in the Open House Lon- was taken out and shown to members could also enjoy the The male service is led by don weekend this year. them. Members of the com- well-tended gardens that sur- Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE, the Open House is an annual munity were on hand to an- round the building. executive director of Chabad event when buildings across swer any questions from their Another event that took It was a very tasty North East London & Essex London, that are not normally visitors. place in the synagogue, and Sukkot at the Rohr (pictured), who will also take accessible, open their doors to A warm sunny afternoon that was well attended, was a Chabad House in joint services. The girls are cur- the general public. The syna- prompted a good response to Dementia Awareness session Cambridge as rently led by the madrichim at gogue’s main building is the community’s annual after- run by Peggy Ennis of the parents and chil- Chabad Gants Hill. Grade II* listed. noon tea. There to meet and Alzheimer’s Society. dren combined to The services run on Despite the poor weather greet members were the chair make these special Wednesday mornings at and a slow start, by the after- Steve Wynne and Rabbi Larry See what’s going on. edible gingerbread 8.30am and last around 15 noon there was mix of Jewish Becker. Author Eric Levene For the CURRENT sukkahs. minutes. Boys over barmitz- and non-Jewish visitors. Some was also present, signing vah age are able to lay tefillin. were particularly interested in copies of his latest book ACTION turn to A spokesperson for the the architecture; and for those ‘Fienstein’s Theory of Rela- page 27 12 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Jews and Muslims unite against hate WIJPS pupils make a plea for peace

YEAR six pupils at Wohl Il- little world of our classroom. ford Jewish Primary School Even our school Middah this (WIJPS) marked 100 years week, linked to the Parasha of since the end of the First Chayei Sara, is ‘making World War in their class as- peace’. sembly. “Hashem created a world In addition to presenting full of differences. It is impor- facts about the war, the stu- tant that we are tolerant of dents also shared some very everyone and that we cele- important messages with their brate the things that make us fellow pupils, staff and par- different – this makes life ents. much more interesting. Think They said: “It is important to how boring it would be if we remember the past, so that we were all the same! do not repeat the same mis- “We have pledged to be takes in the future. kinder to each other. Instead “We all want to live in a of pointing out differences peaceful world. The tefillah that make people feel sad, we we say every day in school in- are going to pay more compli- cludes prayers for peace – ments to each other and be ‘Oseh Shalom’ is translated as kinder to those around us. We ‘He who makes peace in His are going to be there for each high places, may He bring other and look out for each peace upon us and upon all Is- other. rael, and let us say Amen’.” “Our wish for the future is “We pray for peace all over that everyone lives in peace the world. In our PSHE les- and harmony, and that our de- sons, we have been talking scendants are not commemo- about how to have peace in rating the end of another war our daily lives and in our own in another 100 years time.” Thanks for the memories which last a few hours each BY ROBIN JACOBS week, offer those attending a IF you go down to Woodford chance to socialise and have fun United Synagogue on a Friday in a friendly environment. For People from all faiths attended the Muslims Against Antisemitism meeting at Chabad Gants Hill morning, you are in for a big more information, contact the THE Chabad Lubavitch Cen- Council. Rabbi Sufrin MBE, execu- surprise … synagogue on 0208 504 1990 or tre in Gants Hill hosted an MAAS founder Fiyaz tive director of Chabad North You will find a group of email office@ wfus.org.uk open meeting for MAAS Mughal and Islamic scholar East London & Essex, con- people enjoying themselves by As this is a new group, there (Muslims against Anti- Imam Mamadou Bocoum both cluded the evening with a vote singing golden oldies, playing are places available still. So semitism) which was attended addressed the meeting, shar- of thanks to the organisers, the percussion instruments and ‘wouldn’t it be luverly’ if you by 80 people from various ing their experiences and aspi- panel speakers and the CST practising tongue twisters. could also be ‘tiptoeing through backgrounds. rations. for ensuring security for all. They all attend the recently- the tulips’. The evening was initiated Questions were then ad- He closed with the hope formed Singing for Memory by Yusaf Patel, the community dressed to the panellists and that further efforts will be group, whose purpose is to sup- liaison officer for the London the leader of the council. They made by the council and com- port people living with condi- Borough of Redbridge, and at- expressed, in the main, con- munity leaders to ensure that tions affecting their memory ESSEX tended by a number of local cerns that the local commu- the Jewish population contin- together with their carers. It has JEWISH NEWS Labour and Conservative nity have in relation to ues to feel safe within Red- been proved that such activities Send us your stories councillors including Coun- antisemitism and the hope for bridge, a privilege that we build on preserved memory for and pictures. See the cillor Jas Athwal, the leader of continued cohesion through- have enjoyed for many song and music. panel in page 2 for Redbridge London Borough Fiyaz Mughal speaking out the Borough of Redbridge. decades. These Friday sessions, our address. The fight to unite the different strands of Jewish experience

perience to come together and means academically bright. fort is being used trying to joy of being with their chil- respect each other. The frag- I refer you to the chapter in bring equality. Equal does not dren, while women are having PERSONAL mentation of religious life is the Bible where God himself mean the same. It means dif- to bear the double burden of crippling our community. gives instructions for the build- ferent things having the same breadwinner and homemaker. If each area had a co-ordi- ing of the tabernacle, in intri- value. Like the sun and the So much still to fight for. OPINION nated religious structure, all cate detail, to the carpenters rain, like music and art, like Finally, I would like to the information of the different and seamstresses, how many man and woman. thank everybody who helped synagogues on one computer, nails and where to put the So we now have the sad me celebrate my 90th. This sharing all facilities and re- boards, and how to sew the sight of men benefiting from special photo is of me at my RENEE specting each other’s views, edges. And He uses the same the march of feminism, re- party with my two daughters, what a difference it would word, CHOCHMA, to describe lieved of the burden of being grandson-in-law and great BRAVO make to our lives. And the their abilities, as is used for ac- the breadwinner and given the granddaughter. S I celebrate my 90th I am a member of the cost. When I first started on ademic prowess. birthday and enter my Council of Christians and my journey into the religious Wisdom can be in the A last lap, I look back at Jews; served on its national ex- world, I was told: “You are hands as well as the brain. So some of the battles I have ecutive for 12 years and, until wasting your time. You won’t if you have children who come fought, and the consequences. it folded, I was the president of change anything.” How wrong home crying because they did One of the best was my fight to the Redbridge branch. they were. Girls can now have not get good marks, go and get orthodox women to say From the beginning, there a meaningful batmitzvah. Lit- find a Bible (I’m sure you’ve Kaddish. were representatives of six dif- tle by little … got one somewhere) and show Although I had authority ferent Christian congregations, At the old Beehive Lane them how God feels about from the orthodox establish- and only one Jewish – the synagogue, in 1949, I was the manual workers. ment, it was all very low key, United Synagogue. For years first married woman, who was And another of my pet and “keep it quiet”. But the we campaigned for the inclu- not a widow, to insist on mem- fights: the use of the word new Chief Rabbi has issued a sion of different Jewish bership in my own right. I in- MAN. “God created man in his leaflet to all his synagogues groups, and were refused. It sisted also on my own own image, male and female stating that women should be was during my tenure that the passport, which was rare at created He them.” So the word encouraged to say Kaddish and non-orthodox were at last that time. It had to be held by MAN does not mean a male helped to do so. A small vic- given equal authority. One of Reverend Black until the wed- person. It means a human tory. the rabbis told me that my con- ding, in case I misused it. being. I take comfort from the tribution to the debate added to Then there were the fights The ridiculous word ‘chair’ knowledge that so many the eventual result. I had used which are still being fought. has become the norm. I have women, who previously would an idea from the words of Every school should have a spoken to many women who have been denied the honour of Jesus: “My father’s house has sign at the entrance: “Plumbers have chaired meetings or or- saying Kaddish for a loved many entrances.” are more important than ganisations, and none of them one, can now share in this The fight now is for the poets.” We suffer from this objected to the word ‘chair- wonderful mitzvah. different strands of Jewish ex- prevalent idea that clever man’. So much unnecessary ef- CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 13 Southend to offer The full Monty sanctuary to child He is still refugees BY MANNY singing in ROBINSON ‘a‘ choir at Passage. Marking 80 years IN 1932, Amelia Earhart be- BY SIMON since the Kindertransport rescue came the first woman to fly ROTHSTEIN operations that brought 10,000 solo across the Atlantic. Also the grand SOUTHEND & District Re- children to safety from Nazi Eu- taking off in 1932 was an form Synagogue was part of a rope, the ‘Our Turn’ campaign eight-year-old called Monty age of 94 successful interfaith campaign calls on the government to hon- Goldstein, making his first to convince the local council to our this legacy by funding the faltering steps as a tiny so- the services. settle child refugees in the re- resettlement of 10,000 child prano in the East London Syn- A lover of light opera, gion. refugees over the next 10 years. agogue choir in Rectory Monty, who was also a mem- Councillors pledged to Many of Britain’s leading Square. ber of the popular Oxford house three refugees each year rabbis – including Rabbi Now, at the age of 94, Revue Group, still has a for the next 10 years, following Richard Jacobi of East London Monty is ready to retire from favourite synagogue piece. It an appeal from 45 faith leaders & Essex Liberal Synagogue – the choir at Ilford United Syn- is Zocharti Leh, which he including the synagogue’s also signed a letter to The Times agogue, but he admits: “No sings as a solo during Rosh rabbi, the Archdeacon of calling for action. one wants me to go.’’ Hashanah in what is now a Southend and the imam of the The letter read: “Three At that grand old age, tenor’s voice. Hallelujah was UKIM Southend Mosque. Coun- years ago today, Alan Kurdi, a Monty could arguably claim a favourite of David Rome cillors were also moved by hear- three-year-old Kurdish refugee, to be one of the oldest choris- when Monty sang it. ing stories from child refugees drowned because he had no safe ters in the country – and now Monty’s wife Adele died who have fled war and persecu- route to sanctuary in Europe. he wants out ... the song is in 1984 and he married again tion. The lives of more than 9,000 ended but the chorister lingers in 1991 to Rhoda whose late The Southend action was people fleeing war and persecu- on! husband, Kenny Simmons, part of a national campaign tion have been lost in the Monty moved to Ilford in was a chorister with the Lon- spearheaded by Citizens UK Mediterranean since that little 1958; he helped to start the don Jewish Male Choir and and the refugee charity Safe boy’s death. choir at Ilford Synagogue in was also in the choir at Bee- 1962 with David Fallman, hive Lane shul. who was the choirmaster. It Monty has two sons, included choir stalwarts Mo Stephen and Martin, four Joseph, Bernard Black and grandchildren and three great CELEBRATIONS Avram Pearl. Monty worked grandchildren. with Reverend Joseph Skalet- His nephews are Michael sky, Reverend Avram Levin, Goldstein, president of the Rabbi Irvin Broder, Rabbi Ge- United Synagogue, and offrey Hyman and Jeffrey Jonathan Goldstein, chair of Leader, and Reverend David the Jewish Leadership Coun- Rome, who occasionally led Monty Goldstein PHOTO BY ARNOLD ROSE cil. Chigwell rises to the Shabbat challenge

MEMBERS of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue took part in a six-week programme to help them gain a better understand- ing on how to fully observe Shabbat. ‘The Shabbat Challenge’ was the idea of Rabbi Boruch Davis and David Blitz, who wanted to encourage families to learn more about keeping Shab- bat through small, incremental Hilary Goldsmith and Marlon Ellis were married steps. in October at the Renaissance St Pancras. A committee was set up and chaired by David, com- prised of other shul members SHARE YOUR E-mail your pictures Danny Fresco, Raphael Am- to office.ejn@ selli, Robert Mandelstam and SIMCHA Ben Saltman. The shul’s gmail.com or Rabbi Rafi Goodwin and WITH THE Rabbi Mendy and Rebbetzen simon.rothstein@ Gitel Brukirer, from Aish COMMUNITY hotmail.co.uk Essex, were also involved in organising the programme, which ran from the first Shab- bat after Rosh Hashanah. Twenty five families signed up to the challenge, which kicked off with a challah-mak- ing event and Friday night serv- ice, followed by dinner for 100 people. Over the six weeks, people were encouraged to make small changes each Shab- bat, whether it was turning off electrical devices or learning how to prepare for having hot food and drinks by using hot water urns and an electrical hot- plate. For one Shabbat, which fell on Chol Hamoed Sukkot, families hosted meals, with many of them building a sukkah for the first time. The final stage of the Chal- lenge was a communal Seuda Shlishit, the end of Shabbat meal, which was followed by Havdalah and live music in the Chigwell & Hainault members rise to the challenge shul hall from Rabbi Mendy and Shabbat challenge was amaz- then again for Seuda and Hav- one more thing can really help Jamie Raven. ing. Seeing more than 100 peo- dalah, made it all worthwhile to gain a better understanding David told the Essex Jewish ple turn up for the challah-make for me. and help to improve your Shab- News: “Being involved in the and the Friday night meal, and “It shows that taking on just bat experience.” 14 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 15

Will you help us light up the lives of 10,000 people this Chanukah?

This Chanukah, the same number of people will be relying on Jewish Care, like any other week of the year. Over the eight days and nights, more than 10,000 members of our community across London and the South East will need our support. Just as a Chanukiah needs a Shamash to make the other candles come alight, we need your help to bring light to all their lives. Please make a gift by calling 020 8922 2600 or visit jewishcare.org/donate #PeopleOfJewishCare

Suzanne Stanley Merle Ziggy Julia Phillip Josie Sidney Helpline caller support group member Family Carers Team client Holocaust Survivors’ Centre member dementia day centre member care home resident community centre member receives Meals on Wheels Charity Reg No. 802559 Thirty years on and still accounting Ruth’s play showcased at prestigious theatre

when it finished she decided, rience of being able to bring her added: “I just want to carry on valued clients. “You can’t afford that he has developed great re- have grown. It’s wonderful to along with many of her class- writing to life. developing my writing skills, to stand still as circumstances lationships with, I manage staff, be part of a family business and mates, to set up a regular writ- She told us how she finds so that I can write slightly are constantly changing, partic- our day-to-day deadlines and see my children develop into ing group so that they could inspiration in everyday things, longer and more in-depth ularly in technology, but we see mostly newer clients.” dependable, knowledgeable in- continue to write and share and prefers ideas to come about plays. Currently, I am writing combine this with traditional And Beatrice has the last dividuals capable of running ideas. The East London and naturally. Ruth revealed: “I something about the inner methods,” he stresses. word: “I don’t know where the Lesser & Co for the next 30 Essex Playwriting Group now don’t tend to sit at my desk and workings of local government, Keith adds: “While my fa- last 30 years have gone, they years or more.” meet once a month at the force myself to write in a regi- which is an area that I am in- ther mainly focuses on his long- have flown by and I am proud To find out more, visit Queen’s Theatre, where they mented way, things often pop terested in. standing portfolio of clients, of the successful business we www.lesserandco.co.uk discuss their ideas and offer into my head and I just write “I really enjoy writing, each other feedback and cre- them down. I guess you could and want to grow as a writer. ative input. say that I have ‘voices in my Some people say that they feel Southend Reform members Since starting the group, head’, but in a good way!” they have a book in them. I am Ruth has gone on to have four When it comes to further not sure if that is right for me, more plays performed on stage, writing ambitions, Ruth has rel- but I definitely feel I have a lot honoured on Simchat Torah and has really enjoyed the expe- atively modest goals. She more plays!” TWO members of Southend & District Reform Synagogue were honoured for their out- King Solomon pupils get legal advice standing work throughout the last year in a joyful Simchat Torah service. Stephen, Laura, Keith and Beatrice Lesser run their family business Led by Rabbi Warren Elf, across the UK and even over- while Keith has joined East the synagogue was filled with a JEWISH FAMILY seas. But it remains very much London & Essex Liberal Syna- wonderful, holiday atmosphere a family success story at heart. gogue. as its congregation sang and BUSINESS From the early days, Stephen says the bedrock of danced while parading the CELEBRATES Stephen’s wife Beatrice has the company has always been Torah scrolls. played a key role in personal tax the results it achieves for its Synagogue members Sue Ruth Bayard (far right) with fellow members of the East London and Essex MILESTONE returns and new client adminis- clients. Levitus and Ronnie Schwartz Playwriting Group PHOTO BY RICHARD MARGRAVE ELE GROUP tration. Their son Keith joined He told the Essex Jewish were bestowed Kallat Torah and referrals as a social care manager, many different techniques and BY PAT LIDIKER the team as a partner seven News: “They stay with us year Chatan Bereishit for “their out- BY MICAELA BLITZ a chance advert in her local paper methods about writing plays. As STEPHEN Lesser began his years ago; and their daughter after year and recommend oth- standing work for the syna- RUTH BAYARD, a budding led Ruth to turning her hand to a complete novice, she was very chartered accountancy practice Laura – a digital and social ers because of the outcomes we gogue and wider community”. Jewish playwright from Brent- something more creative. nervous walking into a room of from scratch at the age of 33 in media expert – devised their achieve. Attention to detail is The service concluded with wood, had her most recent show She told the Essex Jewish 20 other strangers but, as the a former colleague’s garage in marketing, SEO and web strat- not just from a technical per- a kiddush in the synagogue performed at The Queen’s The- News: “I saw an ad for a six weeks went on, Ruth began to Chingford. egy. spective but concentrating on sukkah, which had been lov- atre in Hornchurch. week writing course in the local gain confidence. She was Thirty years on, as the busi- Formerly members of each client’s bespoke situation ingly constructed by members Ruth’s 15-minute play, area about three years ago, and thrilled when her play was one ness celebrates a special an- Coventry Road Synagogue in Il- to achieve the results they of the congregation and children Home and Away, tells the story thought it would be a good way of six selected to be profession- niversary, Lesser & Co is ford, Stephen and Beatrice now want.” of the cheder. of a couple looking for a holi- to meet people as I was new to ally produced and acted as part The NXT programme of Rabbi Mendy Brukirer of entrepreneurs and magazine recognised as one of the most live in Loughton where they be- Another great asset is in- day home for their retirement. It the area. I had never really writ- of the Course Showcase in Kantor King Solomon High Aish Essex and gives pupils editors. successful chartered account- long to Loughton (Federation) vestment in technology, includ- was one of six plays to be show- ten anything before, but thought March 2015. School met with Daniel of all faiths the chance to Mendy said: “Daniel and ancy practices in Essex. Synagogue. Laura – who repre- ing automation, and training in ALL THE FUN cased as part of the prestigious it could be fun, so decided to Ruth – who lives in Brent- Rosenberg and Sarah Anti- meet successful leaders in Sarah spoke of the impor- Now based in large prem- sented Team GB at the Euro- personal tax software. However, OF MITZVAH theatre’s Stories You Need to give it a go!” wood with husband Clive (both coni, partners at Charles Rus- their fields, including busi- tance of remaining flexible, ises in Station Road, Chingford, pean Maccabi Games in Stirling Stephen is determined that new DAY. SEE THE See and Hear programme. The course, run by Phillip founder members of Sukkat sell Speechlys law firm. nessmen, accountants, constantly learning and lov- it has 16 members of staff and as part of the table tennis squad methods will in no way change Having spent her profes- Ayckbourn, son of the famous Shalom Reform Synagogue) – The programme is run by lawyers, judges, politicians, ing what you do.” more than 800 clients from all – is also a member at Loughton, his personal relationships with BACK PAGE sional career writing reports and playwright Alan, taught Ruth enjoyed the course so much that 16 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 A Jewish life by the seaside in Southend

Just don’t forget your PAT LIDIKER PAYS A bucket and spade! VISIT TO JEWISH CARE’S SHEBSON For more information, please LODGE contact Hilary De Martino, OUTHEND is fast be- manager at Jewish Care’s coming a favourite venue Southend & Westcliff Commu- Sfor Jewish Londoners of nity Centre, on HDeMartino@ all ages dreaming of swapping jcare.org or 01702 334 655. the grime, noise and hassle of the capital for a less stressful life with sea air and wonderful views. And not to forget the fa- One-stop mous pier. For those looking for a shop in place for retirement, the af- fordable studio apartments in Southend Jewish Care’s Shebson Lodge on the seafront have recently been redecorated and are much shul in demand. Stylish and modern, and SOUTHEND & Westcliff He- with Jewish communal life on brew Congregation (SWHC) tap at the Southend & Westcliff have revamped and expanded Community Centre in the same their on-site kosher shop. The building, there’s nothing not to new store, specifically re- like. designed with the community With its full programme of in mind, is more than twice the varied activities attracting peo- size of the old one with double ple from the surrounding area, the amount of choice in stock. the Centre has its own kosher The one-stop shop – re- shop and café, where a major branded as JUSTKOSHER- attraction each month is salt SWHC – sees all the stock beef night. Staff regularly comes from Just Kosher in serve up to 100 hungry cus- Borehamwood. It will sell bak- tomers for sit-down, salt beef ery, fresh meat and delicatessen dinners and almost as many items, alongside dry and house- takeaways, getting through hold goods. around as many kilos of this The new proprietor, David must-have Jewish delicacy Shebson Lodge resident Myra Blayer relaxes in her Southend home PHOTO BY BLAKE EZRA Law, has many years of culi- every time. ment, as she was a regular mem- ing help is available if I need port requirement for tenants, it with peace of mind, knowing nary experiences and will also Shebson Lodge’s one and ber of the community centre. it.” has a 24-hour support team on support is available should they offer home deliveries, if re- two bedroom studio apart- Myra says: “I’ve loved it She adds that being above hand if needed, with care pro- need it. The flats offer a warm, quired. David will be supported ments have fully-fitted here since I arrived and could- the community centre means vision available or the option to friendly and welcoming envi- by SWHC community volun- kitchens and bathrooms, a n’t wish for anything better. there’s always company when- bring in a private carer. ronment, thanks to our trained teers. lounge, and green communal The flat is spacious and I was ever she wants it, saying: “I Tenants can also enjoy the staff and dedicated volunteers. The shop will accept pre- gardens to sit out with friends able to bring my own furniture, love going to the bingo and the wide range of activities at the “There is a full calendar of orders for Shabbat and festi- to soak up the views. so it quickly felt like home. I entertainer with music, and it’s Centre, including clubs and activities and events to cater for vals, and can also cater for Myra Blayer, 91, has been can see the sea from my win- nice to know I can eat there, outings for anyone who would a wide variety of interests and events and simchas. living at Shebson for seven dow, it feels like a hotel and get a takeaway and enjoy the like company and fun. the community comes to to- Synagogue chair Michael years, having moved from everyone here gets on so well. Shabbat meals on Friday Michelle Davies, Jewish gether to celebrate Shabbat and Nelkin said: “This is our com- Leigh-on-Sea after a bad fall, It gives my daughter peace of nights.” Care housing services manager, festivals, meaning people keep mitment to ensure kosher sup- and knowing she didn’t want to mind knowing I’m here, while Naomi Creeger of Jewish told me: “Shebson Lodge is connected to Jewish roots and plies on site. It is important the be on her own anymore. She I still have my own front door Care says that, while Shebson ideal for older people who want customs in a way that suits shop is supported by the com- knew already about the develop- but with the security of know- Lodge has no minimum sup- to enjoy living independently them.” munity wherever possible.”

CHIGWELL AND J LUNCHEON CLUB AT SOCIAL CLUB AND SOMEWHERE TO GO? HAINAULT JACS SWESRS SALT BEEF BAR JEWISH HISTORICAL SOMETHING TO DO? Thursdays 1.30pm - 3pm SOCIETY(Essex Branch) On Tuesdays 12.15pm - Thursdays monthly at RJCC. A DIRECTORY OF REGULAR EVENTS, ACTIVITIES at Limes Avenue 2.30pm. Phone: 0208 599 Contact: [email protected] Meetings monthly at 8pm 0936 or phone 0208 418 2116 AND GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY F at Clore Tikvah School. C Phone: 0208 599 1324 SOUTHEND JACS A FITNESS FOR ALL P Wednesdays at Southend AISH ESSEX CARERS COFFEE AND 11am - noon with Tracy JLGB CHAT PAPERWEIGHT TRUST Hebrew Congregation Jacobs at RJCC. Contact: Fabulous activities for all Synagogue. Phone: 01268 Jewish education and [email protected] or A free service to help experiences for young First Thursday of the month youngsters. Phone: 0208 771978 10.3am -12.30pm. Costa phone 0208 418 2116 989 8990 people with their personal Jews 16-32 in the UK paperwork and dealing Contact: 07791 220774 Coffee 688-690 Chigwell T Road, Woodford. Contact: G JUST PAINT with bureaucracy. Phone: or e-mail: mendy@aish. 0208 455 4996 org.uk Lorraine Fine 0208 418 GANTS HILL JACS No age limit. Meetings are TABLE TENNIS 2153 or Joan Selby 0208 twice a month in Barking- 12pm-3pm Mondays, 418 2161 Thursdays1.30-3.30pm. side from 7pm. email: PILATES ART FOR ALL Ilford Federation Syna- 6pm- 9pm Tuesdays, marianmyers@btinternet. Tuesdays10am - 11am. 12pm-3pm Wednesdays Mondays 8pm-10pm at CHAPS THAT CHAT gogue, Clarence Avenue. com or phone 07958 RJCC. Contact: simber@ Phone: 020 8550 9450 £5.50 per session. All Contact [email protected] Speakers and natter 749477 levels from beginners to jcare.org or phone 0208 Wednesdays monthly at or phone 0208 418 2116 418 2116 GRAND ORDER OF L intermediate. Phone: 0208 RJCC. Phone: Alison on ISRAEL AND SHIELD 551 0017 or email THREE FAITHS FORUM 07827 982110 OF DAVID LODGE B LADIES THAT LUNCH [email protected] Jewish-Christian-Muslim. CHIGWELL AND Monthly entertainment on Last Wednesday in the Contact: www.eastlondon BEEHIVE LANE JACS HAINAULT LEAGUE Mondays. Contact Paul month at RJCC. Contact ROMFORD LUNCH 3faiths.org OF JEWISH WOMEN Cross 07973 202940 CLUB Thursdays 1.30pm - 3pm [email protected] or Ilford United Synagogue Phone: 0208 501 1661 I phone 0208 418 2116 Third Wednesday of the W month at Romford Syna- COMPUTER DROP-IN LET’S MOVE ON BRIDGE LESSONS CLASSES ISRAEL DANCEFIT gogue. Phone: 01708 WANSTEAD JEWISH For divorced and single 741690 LITERARY SOCIETY Tuesdays 7.30pm - 10pm 10.30am at RJCC. Contact: At Woodford Forest Syna- people. 7.30pm - 10.15pm Wednesdays 7.15pm - [email protected] or gogue (Women only). Sunday afternoon monthly. at RJCC. Contact: simber@ S Phone: 0208 505 0063 9.15pm. Contact: simber phone 0208 418 2116 Phone: 0208 504 1990 jcare.org or phone 0208 @ jcare.org or phone 418 2116 0208 418 2116 CONVERSATIONAL ILFORD FRIENDLY SOCIAL BRIDGE Y YIDDISH CIRCLE LINE DANCING Wednesdays 7.30pm-10pm YOGA BOY’S CLUB LUNCH Sundays fortnightly 10am Tea and entertainment Fortnightly at 11am at ELELS Synagogue, Marl- Monthly at RJCC. Contact: - noon at RJCC. Contact: at Ilford Federation Syna- RJCC. Contact: simber@ borough Road. Phone: Sid 9.45am - 11am at RJCC. Alison or Sharon 0208 418 [email protected] or gogue, Clarence Avenue jcare.org or phone 0208 020 8928 0435 or 07932 Contact [email protected] 2116 phone 0208 418 2116 Sundays 1pm-3pm 418 2116 058570 or phone 0208 418 2116 CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 17 CAMBRIDGE DIET Cambridge is a truly MARK festive city ... HARRIS SIDE from this univer the dry grass. Other celebra- sity city’s annual stu- tions revolving round the al- OFTEN WITH ASPECTS OF JEWISH INTEREST A dent festivities of one coholic or the comestible – sort or another (including the including farm and market famed and illustrious ‘May garden produce – generally Balls’ – now held in June), spread over the expansive, Cambridge affords its citi- tree-fringed and verdant the latter event was given by zens, permanent and tempo- space in the town centre the ‘Brodsky Quartet’. The rary (and, of course, its known as Parker’s Piece. (It name sounded Jewish; but I tourists) a happily dispropor- was there, apparently, that wasn’t aware that any of the tionate and eclectic spectrum the basic Football Associa- string quartet’s members of festivals throughout the tion rules were first estab- were of the faith. The name seasons (as compared to lished, in the 19th century.) (which, apparently, has been many urban areas outside adopted by previous music London and other UK capi- groups) is, I learned, based tals). on that of the Russian Em- These range from the in- Across recent years, it pire violinist Adolph Davi- evitably highbrow events to has been noted, some topics dovitch Brodsky, who was the inexorably enjoyable or aspects falling within the born in 1851 to an assimi- from a basic human view- context of certain Cambridge lated Jewish family at point – with talks, perform- festivals can be of particular Tagarog beside the Sea of ances and other cultural interest from a Jewish per- Azov. One of the pieces per- activities led, produced or in- spective. And I’m not talking formed, at ARU’s Music volving internationally necessarily about possibly Recital Hall, was renowned academics, tech- accessible refreshments, such Shostakovich’s ‘String Quar- nologists, novelists and other as falafel in pitta and smoked tet No. 8’, which the com- writers, musicians, artists salmon bagels! But, over poser dedicated “in and chefs etc. And they sig- time, several of the events – remembrance of the Victims nificantly cover subjects especially maybe in the liter- of Fascism and War”. from literature, music, the- ary, history, music and film atre, film and art; through fields – have caught one’s science, history and philoso- ‘Jewish’ eye and encouraged phy; to special open-house attendance. There were a ESSEX days at colleges, museums number of illustrations of JEWISH NEWS and galleries; and also tradi- such in some of the city’s Send us your tional river activities on the festivals this autumn. Trinity Street, hosted its fourth Interna- mer including trendy bars, stories and Cam. But not forgetting the One of those so held dur- Cambridge tional Jazz Festival (lasting a taverns and cafes; and the agricultural shows – the ani- ing the University’s Michael- fortnight) and the 10-day jazz-devoted ‘Hidden pictures. See the mals can be so cute – as well mas Term was the 38th and Cambridge Synagogue, when Cambridge Music Festival, Rooms’ in Jesus Lane). I no- panel in page 2 as the very popular food and week-long Cambridge Film he returns on a fairly regular both at multi-venues (the for- ticed that one concert during for our address drink Fairs (ethnic, interna- Festival, with feature movies basis from Jerusalem. He has tional or local in character). and documentaries being referred to the documentary  screened largely at the Arts as “a remarkable new film”. Picturehouse. There were two films of Jewish interest that Many of the annual attracted my attention. One – events take place in and The Waldheim Waltz – was The annual, two-week around Cambridge’s ancient featured also in November’s Cambridge Festival of Ideas and architecturally magnifi- UK Jewish Film Festival. Di- was held in October at ven- cent edifices. One example rected by Ruth Beckermann, ues around the city too nu- of such is the Shakespeare it concerns former UN Secre- merous to mention Festival – the bard’s tary General Kurt Wald- specifically; however, they tragedies, comedies and his- heim’s controversial but extended across colleges and tories are played out across successful election bid for institutes, museums and gal- FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMING FROM ABROAD FOR SIMCHA OR A VISIT? July and August evenings Austria’s Presidency in 1986, leries, libraries and laborato- amidst the beautifully mani- while various allegations ries. As usual, this year’s cured grounds of several uni- were being made about his intellectual offerings covered PROBLEMS ACCOMMODATING THEM? versity colleges like King’s, involvement in Nazi war a multitude of subject-mat- Trinity and St John’s. Ingre- crimes during WW2. ters; though one main theme LOOK NO FURTHER THAN KING SOLOMON HOTEL-FRIENDLY SERVICE AND dient music and drama per- focused on ‘extremism’. The CONVENIENT LOCATION, NOT TOO FAR FROM NORTH EAST LONDON OR formances are presented at 65-page programme CENTRAL LONDON. CLOSE TO GOLDERS GREEN STATION, BUS ROUTES AND the city’s prominent theatres brochure’s brief introduction MOTORWAYS and concert venues, includ- Another film, From Cairo asked: “What do we consider ing West Road Concert Hall, to the Cloud – The World of ‘extreme’ in religion, poli-  the Corn Exchange and the the Cairo Geniza, by director tics, economics, art or Cambridge Arts Theatre. Or Michelle Paymar, relates to health? And how can we  perhaps at the less well- more than half a million me- make sense of what we cur-  known ADC and Mumford dieval and other manuscripts rently perceive as extreme in  Theatres, the latter in the discovered by scholar the context of the past?”  main Anglia Ruskin Univer- Solomon Schechter in the Amongst others, two par- sity (ARU) building. storeroom of a very old Cairo ticular sessions had caught (  !    ) #  #"* $# Aficionados of ‘real’ or synagogue in 1896. The as- my attention: ‘Rethinking Re-   # +"  # ,$&&  &$ #  ‘craft’ ales, and similar bev- tounding Genizah collection, ligious Fundamentalism’ (at erages, can imbibe to their which illustrates a 1,000 St John’s College), which + -#  &    . # # / hearts’ (or livers’) content years of Jewish life in the Is- discussed fundamentalism in ")  $ +#  0& !+ +   the pleasurably extensive lamic world, is housed in a Jewish, Muslim, Christian array available from an ‘in- special department of the and non-religious contexts;  toxicating’ variety of East Cambridge University Li- and ‘Extreme Texts’ (at the Anglia brewers, set up in and brary (CUL). In one of the Woolf Institute), which de- about a huge marquee in the early ‘Cambridge Diet’ bated the question – “To what ! #  # # & ! 1 0 tree-sprinkled parkland of columns I wrote about this extent might we consider the        $ ) $ # #  " 2 & # Jesus Green, beside the Cam. amazing story, including an sacred texts of Christianity,  This is the CAMRA (Cam- interview with Professor Dr Islam and Judaism to be ex-    paign for Real Ale) Festival, Stefan C Reif, professor treme?” The basic aim of the held three times a year now! emeritus of Cambridge Uni- Woolf Institute – whose new  And, in the usual early sum- versity and a fellow of St building in Cambridge was   ! "# $!        mer warmth here, drinkers John’s College who now re- opened formally by the ! % &'  ! "# $!    can socially sup their cool sides in Israel. He was the Princess Royal earlier this samples or pints (there’s also founder-director of the Tay- year – is “to improve rela- wine, and other drinks) with lor-Schechter Genizah Re- tions between religion and friends whilst reclining in a search Unit at CUL. I’ve society through education”. deckchair or stretched out on spoken often to him at the In November, Cambridge 18 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Helping those following in our ADVERTORIAL great­grandparents footsteps Cycling to remember to get to with no money or ac- KATIE ROSE TELLS cess to transport. EJN HER REASONS One common misconcep- FOR HELPING THOSE tion is that people arrive with the Kindertransport SEEKING ASYLUM IN nothing, but that’s not always THE UK I’ve always been true – if they had initially interested in the come here as if they were By REBECCA SINGER, plight of refugees going on a trip, they might Head of Communications and asylum bring clothes, a passport, a and Community mobile phone. They might Engagement, World ‘seekers‘ also have their own savings, Jewish Relief although they won’t go far in larly interested in the plight of London! ON a warm Sunday morn- refugees and asylum seekers During training for one ing in June, a group of 42 here in the UK. It’s only 100 project, I heard about a man cyclists gathered by Frank years ago or so that my great- who was the ambassador to Meisler’s statue, dedicated grandparents came here. In Sweden for a Middle Eastern to the Kindertransport, current times, would we class country. When the regime which stands outside them as refugees, fleeing from changed, his life would have Friedrichstrasse Station in the tightening grip of the re- been endangered had he re- central Berlin. pressive and antisemitic Russ- turned home; and so he We were about to set off ian regime, or economic claimed asylum in the country on a 600-mile bike ride to migrants in search of a better in which he was residing cur- commemorate 80 years Start of the ride in Berlin life for themselves and a fu- rently. There are plenty of since the Kindertransport. S you will have read on ture for their children? doctors, lawyers, journalists We had been planning this had left their homes and We crossed the North the front page of this Regardless, they would and engineers – ‘respectable’ journey for many months; families and were heading Sea to Harwich just as the A newspaper, the United have found themselves far middle class, educated people and although most of us for a foreign land. Crossing children had done 80 years Synagogue (US) has opened from home and away from with homes, families and ca- had anticipated how physi- from Germany into Holland before, and our final day’s the first drop-in centre for their established support net- reers who find themselves, cally difficult it was going to felt significant, as it was at cycle was euphoric – we asylum seekers in East Lon- works, friends and family. It suddenly and unexpectedly, in be, we may have underes- this point that the children were on home soil, whizzing don and Essex at Woodford would have taken time for situations beyond their con- timated the emotional im- would have been able to along the Essex lanes, Forest Synagogue. them to establish themselves trol. pact the following days start feeling a sense of relief through Redbridge and The project came about and become integrated into would have, and the at their escape from Nazi heading towards an over- after a similar drop-in was the wider society. Many in our SURPRISING strength of support from Germany. whelming welcome at Liver- opened at Hendon Synagogue community have family who The countries that people people at home. Some of the riders had a pool Street, our families and and the US saw how many of came here much more recently come from are surprising, too. The ride was organised direct connection to the friends greeted us with open the families attending came than mine. I’ve met asylum seekers from by World Jewish Relief, Kindertransport; and over arms and warm embraces. from our area. A ‘soft launch’ The fact that I have free- Eritrea, Iran and Iraq, Russia, whose predecessor The the six days we heard about was held at Woodford Forest dom to work, travel, practise Pakistan, Morocco, Algeria, Central British Fund, along- how their parents or grand- in October to gauge interest – my religion and live free from Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, side other faith organisa- parents had escaped, and with asylum seekers attending war is only a fluke of the time, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Congo, Sri tions, was integral in about the life they made for The medal ceremony felt from Ilford, Romford, Bark- place and era into which I was Lanka, Senegal and Albania. helping to arrange and themselves in the UK. especially poignant, as it ing, Dagenham and even as born. I also enjoy the fact that One challenge that asylum fund the extraordinary res- One of the cyclists, Paul took place next to the third far as Northolt and Hayes – volunteering for a few hours seekers face is integrating into cue effort, which saved Alexander, was just 19- and final Kindertransport followed by the official allows me to get out of my society, arriving in a foreign 10,000 children from Nazi months-old when his mother statue, which had been launch on Mitzvah Day in No- own head and understand country, often without the lan- Europe between 1938 and put her only child into the commissioned by World vember. It will now run on the what life might be like for guage skills and information 1939. arms of a stranger to be Jewish Relief and the Asso- first Sunday of every month. other people less fortunate to integrate into society. taken to safety on the ciation of Jewish Refugees. It is funded by generous than myself. Another thing that has par- Kindertransport. Now 80 and What a magnificent and donations – of time, items and ticularly resonated with me is living in Israel, he cycled unforgettable experience it money – from the local Jewish CONFUSION their initial struggle, both to Our route would trace alongside his son and has been, bringing this im- community. I know that there’s some accept help from anyone and the journey made by the grandson as a celebration of portant historical event to life The centre helps locally- confusion around what a to accept help from the Jewish children on the trains - fol- his life. through the ride and the sto- based asylum seekers by pro- refugee or asylum seeker actu- community specifically. lowing the tracks across ries it revealed. The support viding food and clothing, a ally is: upon arrival at the UK Clients from wealthy fam- Germany and into Holland. has been amazing; and we hot home-cooked meal, a su- border, people claim asylum. ilies might be more used to We would catch the have raised more than permarket voucher and travel They are either given refugee giving than receiving. And overnight ferry from Hook of Our arrival at the second £170,000 towards World money to people who need it status and leave to remain, many people have been taught Holland to Harwich before of Frank Meisler’s ‘Kinder- Jewish Relief’s work, saving most. It can also help to find usually for a fixed number of that Jews are bad. So imagine finishing at London Liver- transport’ statues, at the lives today, just as it did all items for clients with specific years (five), or classified as an arriving here and discovering pool Street Station, the final Hook of Holland, felt mo- those years ago. needs – buggies for pregnant asylum seeker, whilst their that they’re actually kind and destination for many of the mentous and emotional. As If you are a descendant women, suitcases for clients claim for asylum is reviewed. benevolent and offering the children before they were we stopped for a picture, it of a Kindertransport child, or being relocated around the As an asylum seeker, if most help. sent to their new homes. reminded us of the terrible of older refugees who came country and bedding for asy- you don’t have family to sup- Before we set off, repre- dilemma facing many par- from Germany or Austria in lum seekers in hostels. port you, you’re placed in CHALLENGING sentatives from the British ents after Kristallnacht. The the 1930s or 40s, World Jew- The children’s play area, Home Office accommodation, Things that we take for and German governments strength they must have had ish Relief has an incredible manned by schoolchildren in- often sharing a damp, cock- granted can be particularly urged us to speak openly to put their children on trains archive relating to these cluding my daughter Sadie roach- or rat-infested room challenging. Imagine some- about our cause, and re- and say goodbye, not know- people. It is a treasure trove Rose, age 11, a pupil at Wohl with a stranger from another thing as simple (and annoy- minded us that our ride was ing whether they would ever of information, and you can Ilford Jewish Primary School, country and a different con- ing) as a toddler bedwetting a ride for tolerance. see them again, is a truly find out if they have docu- and Jeanette Jacobs, a retired flict. If you are lucky enough … if you were sharing a bed We heard from a rab- heroic part of the story. It ments on your family mem- teacher, has proved particu- to know someone and have with that toddler, couldn’t af- binic student about the im- prompted difficult questions bers by filling out an enquiry larly popular. As well as ar- family here, they can offer to ford nappies and didn’t have portance of remembering about whether we could form at www.worldjewishre- ranging arts and crafts support you; but they may be access to a washing machine. through a physical act, and have done the same. lief.org/archives activities and giving the par- stretched already, with no So what can you do to how we would be carrying ents a short break, they give space for another mouth to help today’s refugees, as oth- the weight of history on our away soft toys donated by the feed; and their rented accom- ers once helped our families? shoulders. The sunglasses charity Goods for Good. modation might not allow for Most synagogues will be col- we were wearing couldn’t another adult on the tenancy, lecting items so that you can disguise the welling of emo- STRUGGLE especially if a claim goes on donate clothes, shoes, toys tion that swept over the Another particularly im- for longer than anticipated. and games for the drop-in; and group. portant aspect is medical and Asylum seekers have no if your synagogue doesn’t Then we were off. Over legal advice for clients who right to work and no recourse have a collection yet, please the following six days we may struggle to access these to public funds, so no money do start one. This is a truly cycled in sunshine and in services on a regular basis. even for basics like food and cross-communal endeavour. rain. The winds blew, but There’s also help with filling clothing for themselves or And please think about there was no stopping us. in free prescriptions forms – their children. They are ex- giving us your time – helping And whilst the ride was de- complicated enough even pected to report to a central out on the first Sunday of manding and challenging, when English is your first lan- reporting centre (currently every month to provide ad- the terrain was generally guage – and sometimes even London Bridge and Croydon) vice, food and, above all, flat – apart from one very more holistic therapies like on a regular basis, and can be friendship to the asylum seek- welcome hilly day – and the counselling, reiki and nails. relocated to another city at ers of today. cycle paths and roads in Women’s hygiene products any time without much warn- Germany and Holland were were donated by the charity ing. If their claim to asylum is To get involved with the a delight. Bloody Good Period, and rejected, they can appeal; but Woodford Forest drop-in for As continually we there were also nappies and only by presenting them- asylum seekers, please contact crossed or caught sight of toiletries to give away. selves, in person, at an office Yael Peleg on ypeleg@theus. the train tracks, we were re- I’ve always been particu- in Liverpool – which is hard org.uk minded of the children who Paul Alexander with his son and grandson CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 19

North London, Marie still has to live up to her example.” ‘We will continue to fight loudly a connection to the Redbridge One thing that Marie is area and in her new role is keen to do is to redress the keen to work closely to de- balance within the Board of velop relationships with the Deputies, so that it reflects the and publicly against antisemitism’ area. She feels that it is impor- Jewish community as a whole. tant to recognise the many in- As a woman, she is keen to dividual segments that make see more women getting in- up the Jewish community volved as deputies and mak- During her time growing across London and the rest of ing decisions within the MICAELA BLITZ up in the area, her involvement the country, rather than clump community. SPEAKS TO THE in many of the local youth them altogether, and to under- It seems that things are ESSEX-BORN NEW movements such B’nei Akiva stand the individual challenges moving in the right direction; PRESIDENT OF THE and the Jewish Lads & Girls and issues that face them. and for the first time in the BOARD OF DEPUTIES Brigade – where she learnt to As she explains: “I believe Board’s 258-year history, the INCE taking on the role play Hava Nagila on the bag- that Redbridge will always be majority of honorary officers of president of the Board pipes – helped her to develop part of me. I want us to deepen are actually women, including Sof Deputies earlier this her strong Jewish identity. our relationship with Essex two of the three vice-presi- year, Marie Van Der Zyl has Many of the leaders cur- and with all of London’s differ- dents. Also involved is fellow had to hit the ground running. rently working in Jewish or- ent communities, which is why ‘Essex Girl’, Gillian Merron, After a summer that saw high ganisations, and elsewhere we are running programmes who is the Board’s first fe- anxiety, uncertainty and an un- within the community, have such as our Invest in Peace male chief executive. dercurrent of antisemitism, also come from Essex; and she project in local synagogues Marie quickly began to under- feels that local Jews should and why the headteacher of stand the expectations and re- feel proud to be from an area WIJPS is addressing our Lon- As well as women, Marie sponsibility involved in that seems to have such a don councillors seminar. As I also recognises the importance leading the British Jewish strong Jewish identity. continue in this role, there will of encouraging younger mem- community. Marie jokes: “There must more to come in the future.” bers of the community, who may Essex Jew- As she told the be something in the water in not feel affiliated, to get in- ish News: “I certainly picked Redbridge that has made so volved and to take an active role. an interesting time to start. many of us get involved in Marie is only the second Before the elections in May, the When I first got elected, I think helping the community. I went woman to hold the position of Board ran a social media cam- I had about 10 minutes to ap- to Bnei Akiva as did Michael president of the Board of paign to persuade young people preciate the honour before I Goldstein (president of United Deputies, and follows in the and women to stand. had to start replying to hun- vows that, “Mr Corbyn will only Jew in the school” and Synagogue) and Adrian Cohen footsteps of the late Josephine Marie is really determined dreds of requests for inter- not have a moment’s peace experienced regular anti- (chair of Labour Friends of Is- Wagerman who was president to make a difference, and is views and quotes. There is from us until he takes the steps semitism first-hand from other rael and the London Jewish for three years from 2000. thankful for the support she definitely not much room for that we feel are sufficient to pupils as a result. She recalls: Forum). I think Jonathan Gold- Jo was not only the first fe- has received so far. She con- eliminate antisemitism from “One of my classmates used to stein of the Jewish Leadership male president of the Board, cluded: “Above all else, my his party.” She goes on to say; ask me why I was not in the Council went to BBYO! but also the first female head- main concern will be to con- downtime.” “While I am president, we will gas chamber. He later apolo- “Being involved in commu- teacher of JFS and was very tinue to champion Jewish life Although things may have continue to fight loudly and gised when we got to the sixth nal organisations when I was much a trailblazer of her time. across the UK. I have a huge settled down a little since she publicly until the antisemites form, but it definitely stayed growing up in Redbridge has Marie said: “I knew of Jo Wa- amount of work to do, but I started, Marie recognises what are dealt with.” with me.” given me, along with so many german more by her reputation have a superb team behind me a tremendous challenge she Whilst antisemitism is a As a result of her own ex- others, a lifelong sense of com- than personally - but she and we are focused on making has before her, but is happy major consideration for the periences, Marie recognises munity which I have carried with showed women like me in this this country a place where we and excited to take this on. She Board, as the voice of British the importance of education; me throughout my career.” community what can be are able to live freely and hap- said: “I pursued a leadership Jewry, they also work across a and this is something that she Despite now living in achieved, and I hope to be able pily as Jews.” role because I wanted to make range of other issues relating to also referred to in her election a difference and give some- government, the media and campaign. As well as the im- thing back to the community wider society. Recently, they portance of Jewish schools and so that Jews can feel safe, se- were involved in the case of education within the commu- Phil’s 25 years as a driving force cure and free from hate and an- Mary Hassell, a north London nity, there is also a need to tisemitism in their own coroner, who hit the headlines strengthen understanding be- country.” when she imposed a ‘first tween different faiths. As a BY SIMON The fight against anti- come, first served’ system when trustee of the Inter Faith Net- ROTHSTEIN semitism was a key part of it came to releasing bodies. For work, Marie has been very A JEWISH black-cab driver from Marie’s election campaign, many Jewish families, this much involved in creating an Chigwell has been honoured for where she vowed to tackle it meant that they were having to environment of co-operation spending the last 25 years organ- “every single day”; and it is wait weeks to bury their loved between the faiths. ising trips to Disneyland Paris for something that the Board of ones. The Board stepped in, and This is reflected also in an children. Deputies takes very seriously. together with the Adath Yisroel educational initiative organised Phil Davis runs the annual Through working closely with Burial Society, campaigned to by the Board called the Jewish Magical Taxi Tour, which sees a the government, police and change this. The outcome was Living Experience exhibition, convoy of licensed London taxis other public authorities, they that the High Court ruled the which helps to inform those in take more than 200 children on ensure that the British Jewish policy to be unlawful, and the the wider community about Ju- the three-day holiday of a lifetime. community is not only pro- coroner was forced to change daism. As she explains: “Ha- Phil has chaired the group tected from these threats but her practice. tred often springs from since it was set up 25 years ago, also have the resources avail- ignorance, and through this ini- and is the driving force behind the able to be able to defend them- tiative we have been able to fund raising needed to meet the selves when an issue emerges. Marie grew up in the Red- educate thousands of non-Jew- costs of the trip and the complex In the much-publicised, bridge area. She attended ish children and adults alike, logistics and negotiations it re- current situation within the Woodbridge High School in and change their attitudes to- quires. Labour Party, under Jeremy Woodford Green where, she wards Jews and Judaism in a In September, Phil was in- Corbyn’s leadership, Marie says, she was “literally the positive way.” stalled as Master of the Worship- ful Company of Hackney nated more than 3,000 crossings “The parents had not told the Carriage Drivers for the second and counting. Corporate and liv- children where they were going; time in honour of this quarter of a ery companies and individual just that it was a special taxi ride. century of charitable work. donors came on board, which to- The characters came along and He also spoke at a special gether with other fundraising ac- made such a fuss of the children event to mark the 25th anniver- tivities, allowing the trip to be that one girl just burst into tears sary, which was held at Mansion self-financing every year since its as she was so excited to see one House and attended by the Lord inception. of her Disney favourites, who Mayor. The Magical Taxi Tour also picked her up and cuddled her. A Phil told how the trip was have the support of the City of memory we hope that she will planned initially as a one-off event London Police, the Gendarme have for a long time just as we to create special memories for Nationale, London Ambulance will.” very sick children, as a charitable Service and the medical staff of all As the Magical Taxi Tour focus for the members of the then the hospitals involved, as well as heads into its 26th year, Phil has Fellowship of Hackney Carriage the AA. taken a step back. Alan Roughan Drivers, and to celebrate 350 This year’s trip involved 420 is the new chair and there is a very years of the continuous licensing people, including 174 children hard working Disneyland com- of London taxis. and a convoy of 125 vehicles. mittee in place to continue the It was such a success that the Phil said: “The benefits the well tried and tested formula. drivers – who all give their time children derive from this trip are However, Phil has promised: for free – wanted to continue. well documented, and doctors “I will still be in the background Sadly, Disney who fully funded have said how their conditions supporting Alan and the commit- the first trip as they wanted to pro- improve as they approach the tee, who I know will ensure this mote their then struggling theme event. event carries on for as long as park, were not keen to support “This year was a very excit- there are children to benefit from again now that their business had ing and memorable one, as Dis- the trip, which sadly appears to be picked up. neyland Paris invited us to take never ending.” Fortunately, the late Lord part in the afternoon parade as we For more details on the an- Marie with Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick CBE and Lon- Winchelsea won the backing of P did in year one. We had three nual trip, please visit www.magi- don mayor Sadiq Khan. BOTH PHOTOS BY JOHN RIFKIND & O Ferries, who have since do- taxis with children in the parade. caltaxitour.com 20 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Essex inventor solves the problem A sixty second of spilt milk … and beer shmooze with ... author Eric Levene

had wanted, so thought it might be better to publish it myself. It was something I had never done before, and it was definitely a learning curve.

How did you find the whole self-publishing experience?

It was a lot of trial and error to get it right. The first at- tempt was not great, so I had to find a new printer to do it again, but I am really pleased N each issue of the Essex with the final outcome and it Jewish News, Micaela has been very well received. I IBlitz brings you a bitesize think that an important part of chat with a prominent member self-publishing is to find a of the local community. Here good, tough but sympathetic she speaks to Eric Levene, editor, because you can’t edit whose new self-published your own writing. It’s amazing book on the Jewish East End – how many simple mistakes a titled Feinstein’s Theory of good editor will find. Relatives and Other Hessel Street Stories – is out now. What kind of responses have you had to the book? What made you first start writing your book? There have been some nice comments and reviews on line, I had always written just and people seem to really as a hobby, but never really enjoy reading these stories. did anything with it. When I Earlier this year, I was part of a showed a friend an example of fringe event at Jewish Book some of the stories I had been Week; and have also done talks writing, he suggested that I and readings at various places, write more. Somehow, that de- including Jewish Care, and it Barry Freeder and his CouchCoaster PHOTO BY DANIEL HANBURY veloped into around 15 stories has really had a good response. and that is what led to this I think it really resonates with Barry says that three-quar- book. a lot of people who grew up in BY PAT LIDIKER HOW BARRY FREEDER ters of the sales for Couch- the area, and also have fond HEN Barry Freeder Coaster come through What made you write about memories. There are also peo- knocked over his WENT FROM ROCK Amazon. The attraction of the East End? ple that have not been brought Wbeer while watching something which fits snugly up in the area, but really en- Match of the Day back in over the arm of a chair or I was born and bred in the joyed the stories. One review 2010, who could have guessed BOTTOM TO TOP DOG couch to act as a non-spill East End, and lived in Hessel said it made him ‘laugh out a light-bulb moment would drink holder is obvious, but Street. Some of my fondest loud’, which is a great compli- evolve into a global multi-mil- THANKS TO THE doesn’t end there. memories are from that time, ment to have. lion pound seller? so I wanted to share those Today, Barry’s company, COUCHCOASTER CHOICE with others who may have had What advice would you give to Hit Products, has gathered in- The gadget, retailing at similar experiences. Although anyone thinking of writing a ternational acclaim for its “As the idea progressed, I means they are hits, not under £18 and in a choice of the stories themselves are fic- book? handy CouchCoaster, a decep- developed more sophisticated misses.” black, brown, grey, cream and titious, many of them are tively simple gizmo to keep prototypes using silicone An appearance on Karen red, is equally useful for keep- based on characters and situa- Make sure you get your your hot or cold drink in the moulds, learning the basics by Brady’s TV show about his ing pens, remotes, phones, tions I have known. work properly proof-read, and cup rather than on the carpet. watching videos on YouTube.” first year in business did specs or keys close at hand… that you edit it properly. Don’t An avid inventor since With the help of some of Barry no harm at all. He is in which means you may want Which characters in particu- be precious about your writing, childhood, when he spent time his redundancy pay-off, Hit the process of sharing his ex- more than one. lar? and be brutal when it comes to experimenting with cornflakes Products was born as a one- perience via a website, advis- So no more crying over editing. Also give it time, don’t packets and other household man concern operating from ing on licensing and spilt milk, tea, coffee, beer or The kosher butcher was rush it if you don’t have to. items, Barry’s early ambitions the spare room in his flat. collaboration with other peo- whatever else you’ve ruined based on my own grandfather. seemed doomed when he shot Barry spent a full year devel- ple who may not have the your carpet with, or hours Many of the yachners and gos- Where can people get your himself in the hand with a bar- oping CouchCoaster which is knowledge or means to de- hunting for your glasses or re- sips are also an amalgam of book? becue skewer and ended up in weighted for optimum support velop their own ideas. mote control. many of the women with hospital. and has an integrated mug han- He also hopes to help ex- Like the man who invented whom I grew up, who would I have managed to get the dle slot. isting owners market their the Cats-eyes on dark roads, spend their time chatting book in some local bookshops BACK-BURNER He flew to China to ap- products around the world you wonder why nobody came about everyone and anyone. as well as the Jewish Museum, Growing up in Gants Hill point a manufacturer, initially through the various selling up with this idea years ago. This is reflected in one of my and it seems to be doing well. and a former pupil at Kantor ordering 2,000 units to demon- channels he has used with his Of course, Barry Freeder is stories, ‘Oi’. When a group of It is also possible to buy it on- King Solomon High School, strate and sell at trade fairs. As own. delighted that nobody did! yachners hear that someone line through Amazon, either as his creations were further put sales snow-balled from orders has a son who is ‘ambidex- a Kindle eBook or regular pa- on the back-burner when he placed by UK shops and trous’, they have no idea what perback. qualified as a chartered sur- stores, it wasn’t long before he it means, but they are all very veyor working for a property brought on distributors in worried that it is something What is next for you and your developer. Japan, the Middle East and very bad and are concerned writing? “Then, in just three America. about the boy’s health as a re- months, my life was turned The time had come to sult. I believe that most people upside down,” he remembers. move his floor-to-ceiling stock have a specific time in their “I was made redundant and from the spare room to a ware- What is your favourite story life when they do things and I got divorced, which was an house in Watford, no doubt to in the book? think this is my time. If I awful time.” the relief of his partner Shosh, would have done it when I was But call it serendipity or originally from Melbourne and There are a few I like for younger, I probably could not bashert, the outcome was a re- a social worker at Jewish Care. different reasons, but I would have sustained it. I would like turn to his first love of inven- have to say that my favourite to maybe do another book and tion and design, initially to DESIGN is one entitled ‘The New Hen develop some of the characters solve the matter of his spilt Barry, now 35 and living in Berg Trial’, which is about a from this book further and tell beer. Finchley with Shosh, says: “I shochet being interrogated by more of their stories, as many Barry told the Essex Jew- spend a few weeks mulling three chickens because he is of them have a lot more to ish News: “There was no cof- over each new idea with Shosh on trial for mass murder. say… especially the yachners! fee table nearby and the and anyone else who will listen curved sofa arm didn’t seem to me, prototyping before mov- What made you decide to If you would like to purchase a the safest platform for drinks ing on to further design and WOHL Ilford Jewish Pri- safety team’s ‘Glow Day’, publish the book yourself? copy of Eric’s book, Feinstein’s either. So I made a mock-up development. mary School pupils and staff which brings awareness to Theory of Relatives and Other container from a pizza box, “It is a lot slower than I participated in the London the importance of being seen I sent it to a couple of Hessel Street Stories (ISBN: which I found rested perfectly would like as I work alone, but Borough of Redbridge road with it getting darker earlier. publishers, but it didn’t seem 9781973230892), please visit around the arm. taking my time hopefully to get the kind of response I www.amazon.co.uk CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 21 FOCUS ON: Meals On Wheels meals, but I feel that I also get Preparation starts at MICAELA BLITZ so much from the experience around 7.30 each morning, LOOKS AT THE as well.” when Cecilia, along with an- SERVICE WHICH Peta Cohen is a mobile other chef and two kitchen as- GIVES AN ESSENTIAL beauty therapist, who man- sistants, set about creating a LIFELINE TO SO ages to fit her monthly Meals nutritious, three-course meal: MANY on Wheels rota around her consisting of a soup, a main working life. She first got in- and a dessert. The menu EWISH CARE’s Meals volved with the service partly changes on a daily basis and, on Wheels service not due to the influence of her fa- as well as a meat option, it is Jonly offers a chance for ther, who was also a volunteer possible to get a vegetarian or many elderly people to re- for many years. Having fish alternative if requested ceive regular, hot, kosher grown up in the area, she felt by clients. meals to their doors, but it it was a good way to give Between 9.40am and can also be an essential life- something back to the com- 10.20am is what Cecilia calls line providing a connection munity, and enjoys the chance ‘rush hour’, when they have to the local community and to meet with people that she to ensure that all food is por- an opportunity to see a would not ordinarily have tioned out in foil containers, friendly face. met. labelled with cooking instruc- The service, which is run from the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre (RJCC), started more than 40 years ago. But with an ageing pop- ulation, and the cutting of the local authority run serv- ice in 2017, demand has risen greatly recently. Someone is regularly Between 60 to 70 meals are currently delivered daily checking in on them in the Redbridge area and all of these deliveries are done ‘‘ by the volunteers who form and is concerned for the backbone of the service. Currently, there are their wellbeing around 100 volunteers who regularly help out. Meals on Wheels coordinator, Melodie Peta told us: “For some of tions and ready for when the Driscoll, works closely with the clients I deliver to, I may volunteers arrive. all of them. Having started be the only visitor they have When it comes to the originally as a volunteer her- all day, so I try to have a chat most popular meal on the self, Melodie now oversees and check that they are ok. menu, salt beef and latkes is a every part of the service It’s really fascinating talking firm favourite with the clients from creating daily delivery to them and finding out about of Redbridge, with roast sheets to organising pay- their lives.” chicken a close second. Ce- ments and orders from The majority of Meals on cilia enjoys being able to help clients, as well as liaising Wheels clients are in their 80s the local community through with the catering team. and 90s and often live alone. her cooking, and appreciates Although many may be it when clients pass on com- housebound, there are many pliments for the food that she different reasons why people makes. It can often be a delicate benefit from the service. balancing act, as Melodie Some may have been wid- explains: “Whether it’s a owed recently or struggle to volunteer unable to make cook for themselves; and it al- Over in Southend and their shift or a client being lows them to not have to Westcliff, Meals on Wheels taken to hospital and at short worry about from where their offers a more bespoke service notice not needing a meal, I next meal will be coming. to members of the community. often have to respond to The service costs £7.50 Hilary de Martino, man- things and think on my feet. for a three-course, hot, kosher ager of Jewish Care’s Every element is essential meal and clients can have this Southend and Westcliff Com- and needs the other parts to delivered regularly Monday munity Centre, explains: “At Top: Volunteers Peta operate. The volunteers, the to Thursday, when the service the centre, we prepare around Cohen and Martine catering team or the clients, runs; or just once or twice a 50 meals per week, and which Groman-Marks with one side would not work week, if preferred. Clients can are delivered by volunteers in Jewish Care's Meals without the other, and it is also opt to receive frozen the area. As well as delivering on Wheels coordina- my role to make sure that meals that can be used over to older people at home, we tor Melodie Driscoll they all work together for the weekend and on Yomtovs, also provide meals to local re- the good of the service.” when the service doesn’t run. habilitation and respite homes Above: A team of Many of the volunteers Sidney Kac is one such so that temporary residents chefs cook up hot, have been involved in the client. He is 92-years-old and can enjoy hot, kosher meals three course, kosher service for a significant pe- lives alone since his wife, during their stay. riod of time, covering the Betty, passed away 20 years “In addition, if a person meals with meat, same route on a regular ago. He uses the service to who usually prepares the fish and veggie basis, and getting to know ensure that he receives regu- meals at home is unwell or options the clients to whom they de- lar, nutritious, kosher meals goes into hospital, the service liver. This not only allows without having to worry. As will help support them and Right: A Meals on friendships to develop, but he explains: “Betty did all the their partner so they can con- Wheels delivery is means that someone is regu- cooking and she never let me tinue to eat well.” sometimes the only larly checking in on them in the kitchen. I get Meals on Richard Shone, Jewish visitor an elderly and is concerned for their Wheels every day, and with- Care’s manager of community person will have wellbeing. out them I would be totally engagement and volunteers, that day For some clients this reliant on ready meals from was keen to praise all those may be the only visit that the supermarket.” who make Meals on Wheels “We are in real need of they receive all day. Martine work and to appeal for more more volunteers to make sure To find out more about receiving Groman-Marks has been help to keep the service the deliveries can be made on volunteering for 20 years, A key part of the Meals strong. time to those who rely on our Meals on Wheels or volunteering having started originally on Wheels service is obvi- He told the Essex Jewish hot and frozen meals in both in Redbridge, please contact when her children were at ously the meals themselves, News: “Without the hard work Redbridge and Southend. nursery. She really enjoys which are all freshly prepared and dedication of the volun- “If you are able to give a Melodie Driscoll on being involved, and thinks by a dedicated team in the teers, the service would not be couple of hours of your time, [email protected] or 0208 418 that it is something that ben- kitchens at RJCC. Cecilia, able to run. We are grateful to even just once or twice a 2113. For Southend, please efits all involved. “I feel that one of the chefs responsible all of those who give up their month, it would make a huge it is definitely a two-way for preparing these meals, time to help, and are keen to difference and ensure that this contact Luke Witkowski thing. The clients are always starts early to ensure that try and find others within the worthwhile service continues on [email protected] or very grateful to the volun- everything is done in time for community who may want to to be available to those who 01702 334 655. teers who deliver their when the volunteers arrive. be involved. need it.” 22 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018

HEN going through clusively defined, Israeli cui- the now many previ- sine is developing, based no- Wous columns of tably on the ancient Jewish ‘Watcher in the Rye’ and their homeland’s natural and ex- telling Jewish ironies (what an Wearewhatweeat! cellent produce. And today, in-word for the UK Jewish apparently, Israel proclaims community nowadays) and HERE’S SOME (JEWISH) FOOD FOR THOUGHT ‘falafel in pitta’ (as England idiosyncracies, Watcher does ‘fish and chips’) its pre- couldn’t believe that the sub- mier national dish! Intrigu- ject of ‘Jewish people and ingly, Shalva Weil (at the food’ hadn’t been one of the pastures new in Europe and led to comprehensive assimila- Hebrew University of first topics featured. the New World. tion; and, eventually, to a sta- Jerusalem) says: “There’s a Watcher likes food; and, But Watcher considers WATCHER IN tistically growing element of growing literature on cuisine fortunately, food likes there’s also a matter (or prob- inter-marriage (now around 50 among Jews from a sociolog- Watcher. Though the latter lem) of the not insubstantial percent or so in the USA!). ical and anthropological comment, sadly, cannot be ap- size portions that many THE RYE viewpoint. It has become a plied generally these days to brethren seem inherently to fashionable and legitimate every Jewish – or, indeed, demand; and invariably from academic pursuit.” Wow! other faith or no faith – indi- the obliging kitchens of many But Judaism isn’t unique – Watcher thinks. Who in the vidual who maybe likes his or a kosher restaurant in N W in the theological, ethnic or na- old, cholent-noshing shtetls her food rather too much! London, and elsewhere! The tional context – when it comes could’ve imagined it would Maybe (no ... definitely, story is almost apochryphal of to readily identifiable or char- come to this? Watcher feels) the ongoing the two Jewish women, very acteristic food consumption. Watcher admits that a per- plagues of obesity and being long-time friends, ordering a Watcher is thinking particu- sonally favourite dish is a excessively overweight have single main course dish to larly of Islamic, Chinese, Ital- well-done steak. Not very got something to do with what share from one such eatery’s ian and Indian cooking Jewish maybe. Certainly, food – and how much of it – menu. When it arrives at their amongst global culinary offer- Watcher hasn’t yet come is put onto your plate then table, there’s a large and a ings. But Watcher is concen- across a filet minyan (? into your digestive system! small chunk of meat on the trating gastronomically here on shouldn’t that be ‘mignon’)! plate. One of the women the specifically Jewish rela- quickly selects, and begins tionship with food, and consid- WATCHER IN eating, the bigger piece. See- ers (albeit humbly) that does Much that amounts to a ing this, the other woman ... have its own special take in the THE RYE traditional food intake in the well, if looks could kill! cuisine milieu. The old chest- Jewish Diaspora of today Watcher isn’t advocating nut, “They tried to kill us, we originated in the Russian and that certain customary Jewish in the EJN’s Rosh Hashanah pur’s Fast is shaped somewhat won, now let’s eat!” maybe en- East European shtetls of yes- foodstuffs should be aban- issue, on cooking with dates. by its ritualistic, book-end capsulates the essence of a teryear’s ‘der Heim’. Early doned for nutritious or other Watcher wishes (not realising meals! Jewish attitude to the subject. immigrants needed not only to reasons. That wouldn’t be the romantic aspect) to read And needless to state, Bagels and lox (smoked learn new languages, but also right because, undoubtedly, the piece because of “a love Kashrut has been the overall salmon, for the unlikely unini- the cuisine indigenous to their they’ve helped considerably for the flavour of the tastily defining, Judaic food principle tiated) are as ubiquitous in sanctuary countries’ own towards preserving Jewish chewy fruit sourced from Is- since Leviticus, as expounded today’s world as the word ANY READERS home-grown, agricultural and identity and continuity. rael”! Of course, foods (and, upon (rabbi-wise) in the Tal- ‘chutzpah’ is in English dic- horticultural produce. But Though could be Watcher is for sure, particular foods) have mud. Though, as Watcher ap- tionaries! HAVING COMMENTS they did bring their former thinking also (proportionately, been – and remain – integral to preciates, huge numbers of Watcher has mentioned ON THE SUBJECT- lands’ Jewish recipes and logically and possibly under- the ritual, custom and practice Jews do not eat kosher food as Israel; and Diaspora Jews dishes with them, as an im- standably) about preservation of Judiasm; and to the life and a matter of course now. It’s ac- making aliyah have, across MATTER OF THIS portant and continuing re- in another sense! And Watcher culture of its adherents. cepted widely that this out- the seven decades since the ARTICLE SHOULD minder of their families’ (not is conscious of the fact that, in come would’ve stemmed – in State’s establishment in EMAIL THEM TO always happy and non-perse- the 21st century, creative if not the main – from mid-19th cen- 1948, brought with them an cutory) histories there. revolutionary culinary ideas tury, central European Jewry’s array of different Jewish THE ESSEX JEWISH In that connection and are infiltrating – with some The Holydays, Festivals widespread adoption of the culinary delights. Gradually NEWS (SEE PAGE 2) perhaps naturally, being from significant success – the and not least Shabbat are more ‘Emancipation’ concept, which – Watcher has noted – an ex- Ashkenazi stock, Watcher kitchens of post–modern Jew- than significant catalysts in the thinks primarily of ‘cholent’ – ish folk. Egged on by some Jewish food equation. Watcher of whatever ancestral variety, celebrated, if not trendy Jew- only has to think of mohn- and with or without a kugel; ish chefs, food stylists and filled hamantaschen on Purim, Chabad Epping event but also of similar overly writers from the UK and over- oily doughnuts at Chanukah, fatty, and arguably unhealthy seas. Though, unsurprisingly, cheesecake on Shavuot, Seder dishes if eaten in quantity. classic recipe volumes (some- charoset and matzot for Pe- And a cholent (needing to times with appealingly up- sach, challah on Shabbat etc; is picture perfect simmer in the oven overnight) dated editions) retain a not as well as chicken soup with is hardly an example of ques- merely nostalgic place on the lokshen, kneidlach or kre- tionable ‘fast food’! Watcher active bookshelves of Jewish plach, chopped herring or liver appointment with a professor, He also had a reputation for appreciates, of course, that a households. and gefilte fish (with its little BY TINA HINE via a relative, and after several ‘good behaviour’ and etiquette, diversity of Sephardi cooking Watcher has heard about carrot slice atop) at any appro- CHABAD Epping hosted their tests they were told in a blunt, which led to him being allowed also travelled, or escaped, to the article by Denise Phillips, priate time. Even Yom Kip- second major fundraiser in Oc- rude and abrupt way, that their by Buckingham Palace to get tober, an event that delivered a child was blind and would need close to the Queen and get the superb interview with Gants to be enrolled into ‘blind school’ spectacular photo that was Hill born David Katz, aka ‘the and that his future would be shown in the background as he blind photographer’, most fa- bleak, including that he spoke. mous for his photos of the wouldn’t play cricket or football One of David’s other great- Royal Family and celebrities. as he wouldn’t be able to see the est achievements was being able The interviewer, film critic ball. to photograph at the Olympics and radio star Mark Kermode, But through his life, wher- on a mountain top, despite his asked direct questions in a ever possible, David hasn’t al- vertigo. There are so many softly spoken way and listened lowed his condition to be a things that are wonderful about well, which led to David speak- disability. At age seven he got his his shot of visually impaired ing candidly and honestly. own camera. He also went on to skiiers – athletes who skied Around 200 people at- play football and cricket. A being led by someone else – tended the event. Some were woman at the event who had captured by a visually impaired there to support the charity, known David since he was a photographer, at the moment some to see David, some to see child told how she was shocked they realised they had won the Mark, some because of an inter- when she found out he was blind. gold medal. est in photography and some for David got a job as a press David concluded by telling a good night out. What was ev- photographer and hid his secret. how he’ll be working with these ident, from the chatter around He did this by getting in close to athletes as part of his charity – the tables, was the great atmos- his subjects. This created a rep- The David Katz Foundation – phere of Jewish people coming utation of him being fearless which aims to help young peo- together to support the growing and enabled him to be able to ple who are struggling with dis- community. compete against other photogra- abilities, and to show them what The evening was opened by phers, who would often use is possible. Along with trustees Steve Klein who four years ago, long lenses, so wouldn’t be able Marc Silver and Eric Evans they along with wife Arlene, became to capture what David could. want to make sure that no par- a leading force behind the cre- Some of his famous im- ents are ever treated as his par- ation of Chabad Epping. ages include 1989’s ‘cricket ents were when they learned of The interview then started streaker’ which was published his condition. with a short film of David’s life, on the front page of the Daily The evening was rounded including photos of his family, Mail. He managed to capture up by Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE, which was touching and capti- the incident when he heard executive director of Chabad vating. The crowd learned how laughter and automatically North East London & Essex, just after he was born, in 1966, snapped. In that moment, who was beaming and clearly David’s grandma noticed that which he describes as luck and very proud of what has been there was movement in his eyes. skill, he even managed to catch achieved at their newest com- His parents managed to get an Ian Botham looking bemused. munity. CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 23 Chickpeas BOOK REVIEW War and Peas ( that is! ) A First at Cambridge

A VIRTUAL REALITY lous researcher; and (in this his HAVE been reading about for protected status for By Mark Harris latest novel) rather than go on the conflict in the Middle Lebanese hummus within the a Cook’s tour across 13th cen- East involving Israel and European Union. This is the tury Cambridge, he tells the I VIEW FROM Published by Matador, an some of her Arab neighbours, same status that prevents Eng- story of the suffering of the imprint of Troubador and have come to the conclu- lish wine growers from calling Jews at the hands of anti- Publishing Limited sion that there will never be a THE their best fizzy stuff ‘cham- semites in the first person, Paperback (368 pages) winner. pagne’ or German cheese pro- making his principal character £8.99 But before you all rush to BRIDGE ducers using the name ‘feta’. part and parcel of the castigate me for being unpatri- But these ambitious plans with Review by Manny Robinson narrative. There is little doubt otic, or not accepting my Jew- the EU never got off the that David would have loved a ish identity, let me hasten to ground. IME travel is not a new cup of his favourite Ameri- assure you that the conflict I MANNY Jerusalem-born chef genre for authors and cano, or to get rid of his stub- am writing about has nothing Yotam Ottolenghi said: “When Tfilm makers. I can think ble with an electric razor or to to do with planes, guns, sol- push comes to shove nobody of movies like ‘Back to the have unrestricted use of his diers or bombs. ROBINSON seriously challenges the Pales- Future’, ‘Groundhog Day’, smart-phone, tucked under his It’s simply about hummus! has to assume that hummus is should know about our cui- tinian hegemony in making ‘The Terminator’, ‘Some- medieval clothes. Such things, You can’t describe how to an Israeli food. sine, our culture.” hummus, even though both where in Time’ and ‘Midnight of course, were not possible. make hummus. There are so But is it? Hostilities over Guinness presented the they and us like calling it our in Paris’ to name but a few. As the antisemites run many different recipes, but the who invented hummus began Lebanese with its award, but it own.” But to misquote Lt Nyota riot, David experiences – dish does contain chickpeas as in 2009, when a Lebanese del- didn’t last long. According to And others have come into Uhura in ‘Star Trek’: “My col- alongside the community – one of its main ingredients. egation at a French trade fair the BBC’s Diana Spechler, in a the fight, too. The Syrians say league Mark Harris has boldly the actual horror of hearing Others, according to your taste, claimed to have heard that programme called Food and that the traditional way of gone where no Essex Jewish about a royal edict proclaim- include garlic, tahini, olive oil Israeli exhibitors were promot- Drink, Jawdat Ibrahim, a fa- serving hummus through News writer has gone before.” ing the eviction of all Jews and a host of other things. ing the dish as an old Israeli mous Arab-Israeli living in Abu much of the Middle East is in He has let his leading charac- from Cambridge, and their Take my word for it: there speciality. They angrily organ- Ghosh, retaliated with a hum- a particular red clay bowl with ter go back in time to the Jew- ‘resettlement’ in the nearby is a ‘war’ simmering under the ised an assault on the world mus served in a satellite dish – a raised edge. And that was ish community living in and town of Huntingdon. And that surface, particularly now that a record for the largest dish of about 4,000kg of hummus. started by the Turkish rulers in around Cambridge in 1275. experience is heightened with paragraph appeared in the hummus. The Lebanese retaliated Damascus. Yet another theory The main character is his knowledge that 15 years Jewish press stating that hum- According to cookery with 10,452kg of the dip is that hummus is neither David, a divorcee and an early- later the Jews would be ex- mus was one of the foods that writer Felicity Cloake, writing which is – the number of Lebanese nor Syrian but retired investigative journalist pelled completely from Eng- kept your heart healthy. in the New Statesman, the then square kilometres of land in Egyptian. living in Cambridge, who land; and with knowing, too, The assertion was made by Lebanese minister of tourism Lebanon, and they have held So the conclusion is clear that some 700 years later there a team led by Andrew Free- was reported as saying: “We the record for the past eight … hummus is a Middle East- man, a cardiologist at National want the whole world to know years. ern food claimed by all and Jewish Health in the United that hummus is Lebanese and At one point, the Associa- owned by none. States, and, because it ap- by breaking into the Guinness tion of Lebanese Industrialists Now, what about chicken peared in the Jewish press, one Book of Records the world even announced plans to apply soup? It’s time to blow our own trumpet

HIS column has never Emil Berliner, while he was commented on the polit- helping Thomas Edison. Tical situation in Britain The Jews have made a nor, for that matter, events in contribution to the world that Israel. The reason is simple: is completely out of keeping by the time the article has been with their number in the written to the time it appears ● An antisemite could world. Wagging fingers and in the Essex Jewish News, the sending letters to those in au- whole situation could have thority has been one way of gone topsy-turvy and the have died had it not trying to combat antisemitism. writer is left with egg on his ‘‘ But a campaign showing face. been for a defibrillator the ordinary man in the street But one event simply will just what Jews have achieved not go away. That’s the anti- ... invented by a Jew could be the third way. semitism abounding in the cor- ridors of power in Parliament. One has to say that many Friday is of the Jewish organisations in- ● volved in fighting anti- An antisemite can’t chicken day semitism have been impressive, particularly the use a Biro pen ... it NE of the hidden powerful words of former gems at the Redbridge meets Diva, a beautiful woman Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan was invented by a Jew OJewish Community – you could say she was out of would be the Holocaust. Sacks. Centre is the Friday lunch, this world – from another star Entwined with the terrors But what does Joe Public but as Michael Caine would system, Alpha Centauri, in our of antisemitic abuse and as- think of it all? Has there been have said: ‘Not a lot of peo- Milky Way galaxy; and is sault, there is also a tender love widespread condemnation ● ple know that.’ given the remarkable opportu- story that lifts the plot from the from the man or woman in the An antisemite can’t If you go to the Centre nity to travel back in time. His usual time travel tales. ‘A Vir- street about these attacks on from noon you can have a choice is the Cambridge of tual Reality’ will be of particu- Jews? No, I didn’t think so, ei- use a computer mouse starter, roast chicken and 1275. And although it takes lar interest to readers – with ther. vegetables and a dessert for around 100 pages before David the inevitable knowledge of So in addition to the offi- the remarkable price of is ready to be beamed up, the what was to come later – who cial approach to those in of- ... it was invented by a £7.00. The meals are served book presents a fascinating would like to know what life fice, we need another way; and from noon and session lasts picture of what life was like was like in the 13th century. I that is to educate the public at Jew until around 1pm. for the Jews of Cambridge – wish the book well. Or, as am- large of the tremendous contri- If you want a great Fri- who were, in the main, of bassador Spock said in ‘Star bution that the Jews have minded that the Biro pen he is tion to the number of Jews liv- day lunch time meal, pop French extraction – in me- Trek’: “May it Live Well and given to the world in medi- using was the invention of Las- ing, is immense. along. You won’t be disap- dieval times; and who made Prosper.” cine, culture, arts, sport etc. zlo Biro, a Hungarian Jew. And But does Joe Public know pointed. their living as money lenders, A poster showing a neo- when those on the far left rush this? By telling the public of And, if you wish, you can merchants and artisans, *Readers can order the book Nazi being treated for a heart to their computers to spew the Jewish contribution, it is order your Friday meal in ad- amongst other occupations. online direct from the publish- attack could contain the lines: hate, let them know that with- possible that antisemitic views vance and collect it to take Landing in 13th century ers at https://www. “You might have died had it out the Jewish discovery of the from both the left and the right home with you. Cambridge, but at an unin- troubador.co.uk/bookshop/ not been for the Jews who in- computer mouse they would be would be contained to a hand- tended drop-off point, David is contemporary/a-virtual-reality/ vented the defibrillator or the hard pressed to write anything. ful of extremists, who would ORRY to read about confronted immediately by ag- And if the reference ‘1275 pacemaker.” Both were in- They won’t want to rely on be despised by the general the accident at the gressive antisemites. A seri- virtual’ is quoted by EJN read- vented by American Jewish Google either – the world’s population. Nestles factory where ous threat to his life or, at the ers, they will receive a £2.00 S discount on the cover price. cardiologist Paul Zoll. most popular search engine Of course, the antisemites one of the workers was hit very least, a severe beating is And Jonas Salk, a Jewish was founded by two Jews, could spout their hatred by a dozen or more boxes. avoided when he is rescued by The book can be acquired medical researcher, developed Larry Page and Sergey Brin. through a microphone ... ex- But every time he called out a well-to-do Jewish family also via any good bookshop the first vaccine to treat polio. The contribution that the cept that the microphone (and ‘The Milky Bars are on me’ who take him into their home and retail internet sites includ- A skinhead starting to Jews have made to the world, indeed the gramophone record) everyone laughed! and heart. ing Amazon, Blackwells, Water- write his hate mail might be re- which is nowhere in propor- were invented by another Jew, Mark Harris is a meticu- stones and W H Smith. 24 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 Light up your kitchen this Chanukah

here is no better way to 3 eggs beaten soft or falling apart. Base: start off Chanukah than 150ml/5fl oz milk To make the sauce – put 150gr digestive biscuits to see your table glow- 3 tabspn double cream COOKING FOR the cold milk, butter and flour 50gr butter, melted T 1 ing with candles. There is 100gr/3 /2 oz feta cheese into a pan and place on a something about the chanukiah crumbled medium heat. Add the mustard Filling: candlelight, in the depths of 1 packet of fresh mint YOMTOV powder. Take a small whisk 200gr milk chocolate winter, that creates warmth and Salt and pepper and keep whisking until the in- 150gr cream cheese an inviting ambience for fam- 2 tabspn grated gredients are amalgamated, the 200ml whipping cream ily and friends. Parmesan cheese butter has melted and you have 25gr caster sugar It’s the perfect time to in- (Vegetarian) SHELLEY a smooth sauce. 2 teaspn vanilla extract vite guests and share the joy of Add the Worcestershire Chocolate shavings to this special festival. The tradi- Grease a 23 cm (9 inch) POSNER sauce and the seasonings, turn decorate tion is to eat foods laden with flat tin with the oil and line the the heat right down and just oil to commemorate the mira- base with baking paper. with the cream and feta. Tear Cheese with Cauliflower. bubble gently for a couple of Line the base of an 18 cm cle of the Temple Menorah. Roll out the pastry onto a the leaves from two stalks of What’s in a name… you minutes to cook out the flour. round loose-bottomed cake tin However, the traditional lightly floured surface thin the mint and chop finely, then choose! Remove from the heat and stir with parchment paper. latkes and doughnuts are also enough to cover the base and add to the milk mixture with in most of the cheese, keeping Crush the biscuits in a heavy with calories and sugar, sides of the flan tin. Pre-heat the seasonings – not too much 4oz/110gr macaroni or a handful back for the topping. plastic bag with a rolling pin – which do not feature highly in the oven to 180°C fan/Gas Mk salt as the feta is already salty. any other short pasta Add a couple of heaped table- you can use the processor if today’s health conscious soci- 4. Arrange all the vegetables in 1 small head of cauli- spoons of crème fraiche and you prefer. Mix the crumbs ety. Therefore, I have tried to Line the tin with the pastry the bottom of the pastry case. flower stir in well. Check the season- with the melted butter. Spoon create lighter dishes which still and then cover the base with Pour the milk mixture into 2oz/50gr butter ing and adjust if necessary. into the base of the tin and 1 transmit the message but with- screwed up greaseproof paper a large jug. Put the flan case on 1 /2 oz/40gr plain flour Put the pasta and the cauli- smooth down with the back of out so many calories. and fill with baking beans (or the oven shelf with the door 1 heaped teaspoon dried flower into an ovenproof dish. a spoon, pressing hard right So light some candles, in- rice). Bake the pastry case for open, then take the jug and mustard Pour over the sauce and mix up to the edges. Leave in the 3 vite your nearest and dearest 15-18 minutes until it is lightly pour the mixture into the flan /4pt/425mls milk gently until fully covered. Strip fridge to set. and enjoy this wonderful time browning at the edges. Re- case until it reaches the top. 1 tub of crème fraiche – the leaves from 3 or 4 stalks of Melt the chocolate in a of the year. Happy Chanukah! move the paper and the beans This is the easiest way to fill it. you can use low fat here parsley and chop finely. Sprin- bowl over a pan of simmering and bake for another 5-6 min- Don’t do it first and then trans- 4oz/110gr grated mature kle over the top and scatter water until it’s smooth. Re- PASHTIDA WITH utes until the base is dry and fer it to the oven as it is likely cheese – I use half over the rest of the cheese. If move and leave to cool a lit- COURGETTE FETA AND golden. Set aside until cold. to slop all over the place!! Cheddar half Parmesan you like a crispy topping, add a tle. MINT 1 Reduce the oven temperature Slide the flan into the oven /2 teaspn freshly grated couple of tablespoons of dried Whisk the cream cheese Pashtida is an Israeli pie to 160°C fan/Gas Mk 3. and bake for 30-35 minutes or nutmeg breadcrumbs too. and the cream together until rather like a cross between a To prepare the vegetables, until the filling is set and is 4 dashes of Bake in a medium oven at thick, then add the sugar and quiche and a frittata. This chop the onion finely. Use a starting to colour. Grate over Worcestershire sauce 180°C fan/Gas Mk 4 for vanilla. Divide the mixture in recipe uses a base of shortcrust potato peeler to slice the cour- the Parmesan cheese when it Bunch of fresh parsley around 20-25 minutes until hot half. Add the melted chocolate pastry and is filled with lovely gette lengthways into ribbons comes out of the oven and is A couple of tablespoons and bubbly, and the topping is to one half, stirring well to fresh vegetables and herbs and and trim the woody ends from still hot, then scatter with extra of golden dried bread crispy and browning. combine. wonderfully sharp feta. You the asparagus. Wash the leek mint leaves before serving. crumbs – optional Cooks note: This dish can Take the biscuit crumb don’t have to use my choice of well and cut in half length- be made well in advance, or base from the fridge and vegetables – you can substitute ways, then into half circles A DISH BY ANY OTHER Boil the macaroni in plenty even the day before, and just spread the vanilla cream mix- with your own preferences. (you may not need it all if it is NAME – IT’S YOUR of salted water according to run into the oven at the last ture over it. Then spread the a large one). CHOICE packet instructions – usually minute. It also freezes well. chocolate mixture over the top 1 x 375gr pack of short- Heat the oil and gently This is a warm and com- around 10-12 minutes. Drain and gently swirl the two parts crust pastry CHOCOLATE AND cook the onion and leek until forting vegetarian dish perfect thoroughly. VANILLA CHEESECAKE together with a knife to create Flour for rolling out soft, then add the courgette rib- for cold winter days. It’s some- Meanwhile, remove the a marbled effect. Replace in 1 tabspn olive oil plus bons and cook for another five thing that I have developed cauliflower leaves and the hard This is a no-bake cheese- the fridge to set. Before serv- extra to grease the tin minutes until they begin to over the years into a meal that stalk and break the florets up cake that can be prepared the ing, remove the outer ring of 1 onion soften. Bring a pan of water to has a greater flavour and deli- into bite-sized pieces. Refill day before and seems to im- the tin. 1 large courgette the boil and throw in the as- ciousness than the sum of its the pasta pan with water, bring prove overnight. It sets in the Place on a pretty serving 8 asparagus spears paragus spears and peas for parts. You can look at it in two to the boil and throw in the fridge and is really delicious. plate then decorate with A handful of peas – two minutes only, then drench ways – it’s either Cauliflower cauliflower pieces. Cook them Don’t use less than a medium- chocolate shavings made from defrosted if frozen in cold water. au Gratin with pasta or, alter- for 4-5 minutes or until just fat cream cheese – the low-fat a bar of chocolate with a po- 1 small leek Mix the eggs and milk natively, it can be Macaroni tender. You don’t want them version doesn’t set as well. tato peeler. The beauty of Chanukah past and present

best of herself and look as You really do need ask for a demo from the ex- Now the lip colour, just one from over 20 gor- good as she possibly could. 1 perfectly clean skin perts. 6 and again there are geous shades is all you’ll BEAUTY As for encroaching age, she before applying make-up and countless colours and tex- need – or maybe two. Buttery BY PAT LIDIKER advised me to cleanse, nour- Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish Nobody’s face is per- tures on offer. Many top soft, shimmering and so easy HEN I wrote my ish and moisturise to within is one of the best, with its 4 fect, but a good con- companies (though not all) to use, you just slick it on first beauty an inch of my life; but added natural plant oils and foam- cealer works wonders to dis- say the matte look is defi- from the stick and, hey Wcolumns back in the that the only sure way to iron ing agents working to reveal guise the bits you hate, like nitely the one for which to presto, instant smoky eyes past, the now familiar Ameri- out future creases was a full soft, smooth and sparkling blemishes, pigmentation, aim. Boots No 7 do almost with no messing! It will last can and French brands were facelift!?! clean skin. lines and dark circles under 50 shades of lip colours; and all day but for extra evening just arriving in the stores. I tried to pass this on to the eyes. One of the hottest their Moisture Drench matte glam, add a little more. Now there was a real incen- readers, along with news of Then apply serum, a this season is Charlotte and Stay Perfect are both tive to entice us away from new creams, foundations and 2 brilliant way to create Tilbury’s Magic Away with must haves for the party sea- Finally, I refuse to Woolworth’s less thrilling colour trends to keep up ap- a smooth base for make-up, its inbuilt foam applicator son. Try a darker colour like 8 give advice on any of choice of make-up and pearances, all the time trying so fine it penetrates much and enough shades to blend Cinnamon Spice but never the zillions of fragrances ar- scents. not to be swayed by oodles more deeply than most nor- with any complexion. Dab overdo it, less is always riving for the festive season. Columnists like me were of lavish free samples that mal creams. Boots No 7 Pro- on, blend and hey presto, more. Estee Lauder, too, Whether buying for yourself invited to every glamorous came every lucky, beauty ed- tect and Perfect famously magic! have a stunning range of or dropping hints to your product launch; and at one itor’s way. caused a national shortage colours in their high pigment nearest and dearest, don’t get shindig I interviewed Estee Today, this would be a the moment it hit the shelves, Now the tricky ques- Pure Colour Envy Matte sidetracked by the likes of Lauder’s Jewish, right-hand waste of time with the advent but now they also have Lift 5 tion of which founda- sculpting lipstick. It costs a Julia Roberts simpering in executive (the only thing I’ve of super-creams (at super and Luminate Triple Action, tion to use in winter. Lan- bit more that most of their front of the cameras. Can you forgotten is her name). En- prices), serums, collagen, Advanced and Pore Minimis- come’s Teint Idole Ultra others, but they promise that actually smell what she’s veloped in a waft of the fra- fillers, botox and lunchtime ing versions. Ask for a demo Wear concentrate should be it lasts for ages, as one swipe wearing? The only way is to grant, new Youth Dew, she facelifts. on the counter before decid- blended into a dash of eye will give eight hours of spritz and sniff your way was achingly chic, confident, With the approach of ing. cream, with a brush before opaque coverage, instantly round the groaning counters coiffed and classy – but also, Chanukah, and assailed by application over a primer. hydrating and plumping the to seek out the one you’re shock horror, proudly adverts and must-haves on- Clarins have another Then set your make-up with lips. Ask the consultant for happiest wearing. showed every wrinkle, frown line and on every counter, 3 winner with their Dou- a light spray and it should advice on the perfect colour line and bags under her eyes. I’ve done the preliminary ble Serum which, billed as a last all day, feeling as fresh for you. So did this mean, alas, rounds on your behalf to find complete age control concen- as when you first applied it. ESSEX that investing in all this ex- out what’s in and what’s not. trate, has no less than 21 Whichever foundation you There are eye shadow pensive magic wouldn’t keep A horrid job, but somebody plant extracts to achieve radi- choose from your favourite 7 palettes everywhere at JEWISH NEWS us looking young forever had to do it. ant, firmer skin. This com- counter, make sure it gives a every price, but how many of Your top local paper. For details of advertisement after all? Her words of wis- The following are eight pany doesn’t bamboozle you matte finish so you don’t the colours will you ever ac- rates contact: Deborah dom were that Estee Lauder tips and ideas, one for each with hype or technology, but need powder, too; once a tually use? So visit the Laura Mulqueen at office.ejn@ wanted to help every woman candle on the chanukiah, so stays timeless while keeping stalwart, this can make skin Mercier counter and indulge gmail.com of any age make the very have a beautiful Chanukah: up with innovation. Again, feel and look dry. in a slimline Caviar stick; CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 25 N the new world of ageless The winter collections also All brands wearable fashion, with its offer an almost infinite choice pictured are Ikaleidoscope of colours, FASHION of silhouettes and cuts, from available from patterns, fabrics and silhou- ‘bodycon’ to ‘boyfriend’ to www. ettes, what should the chic oversized. There are also lots Party wear sosenstional. woman over 50 (or any age) of options in lengths, from wear in Winter 18/19? mini to maxi; and also in fab- co.uk For starters, this lavish buf- ric, from sheer chiffon and We are approaching the fet of winter fashion offers us shimmering jacquard to tweed, party season, so you’ll be glad to learn there are end- lots of colours. Some publica- tartan, cord and velvet. less stunning dresses for partywear, mainly crafted in tions may declare that a single BY JAN SHURE AND There are also endless op- lace, chiffon, jacquard, crepe, lurex or velvet. shade is the hot winter colour, CYNDY LESSING OF tions in print and pattern, from Long/maxi, midi and knee-length party dresses are all but the reality for winter is an www.SoSensational. delicate florals to digital prints; around for Winter 18/19. Naturally, the Little Black entire paint box of shades from co.uk THE LEADING from bold blooms to business- Dress – or LBD – makes its annual appearance, in a bold primaries and warm au- FASHION SITE FOR like checks; and from paisley variety of cuts and lengths and even colours. The LBD tumnal tones to soft pastels and WOMEN OF 50-PLUS and patchwork to a jungleful of could be the Little Dark-green Dress or the Little wardrobe-building neutrals. animal markings. So how to Navy Dress. The principal requisite is instant glam- The season’s ‘hot’ colours in- burgundy, pink, pale-blue, choose? Here’s a more detailed our, chic and flattery, all of which is readily available clude yellow, mustard, winter- lilac, red, orange, fuchsia, run-down of all the fabulous in all colours on the High Street. Whatever dress you white, purple, teal, green, brown, camel and navy. options for winter 2018 choose, look for details such as sequins, feathers, fringing, off-the-shoulder neckline, embroidery, state- ment sleeves and asymmetry. In party wear, there are also head-turning alterna- tives to dresses, such as jumpsuits, palazzo trousers and trouser suits. A jumpsuit or trouser suit in a dark neutral, ideally in a luxe fabric, works best for party- and evening-wear. Style a trouser suit with a silky top (sleeveless or strappy if you might remove your jacket and don’t mind show- All the ing your arms or with sleeves if you do). Palazzos, in luxe fabric, are perfect for party wear paired with a glamorous top ... Styling is the key to looking properly ‘party’ with COLOURS any of these. Add sparkly jewellery, a bijou bag and strappy or jewelled footwear, perhaps with sky-high heels.

Off-the-shoulder party WINTERof dress, £60, Roman Coats

There’s a glorious pick’n’mix Faux­fur & of fabulous coats … Choose Dresses from sharply-tailored animal print Crombie-style coats in The dress continues to plain cloth in pastel, pri- mary or practical neutral, reign supreme, despite the Faux-fur crept on to catwalks as popularity of denim for or in knobbly tweed, tar- scarves, tippets, collars and cuffs. tan or check. Also look off-duty wear. This sea- Then in 2015, entire coats son’s many desirable out for oversized shapes in faux-fur appeared. If you and classic or wrap dresses are available in bought a faux-fur coat then (or a variety of lengths as shapes in plains and any time since, or kept yours tweeds (some with well as in different from the 90s), congratulate cuts, prints, fabrics and faux-fur trim) and, of yourself on your fashion course, faux-fur ... colours. With so many foresight because faux- options, there’s no fur coats remain perfect need to force your- for Winter 18/19. Blazers & self into a dress This season’s are length or cut (or in pastels, primar- trouser colour) that doesn’t ies and, of course, suit you. However, in animal print, no- suits it’s likely you will tably leopard and find yourself in zebra. Blazers and trouser sleeves as the sea- Animal print is not suits are key items. son’s best dresses limited to faux-fur There are, as you can all have them. coats, however. Oh probably guess, lots Some have no. Leopard spots and of blazer cuts, from statement zebra stripes are every fitted to slouchy. In sleeves. But, where this winter; across fabrics there is anyway, Faux-fur coat, £99, Jeans £45, nude dresses, knits, bags, shoes, tweed, plain, check, sleeves ... boots, scarves and much tartan, cord and loafers, £65, all Au- else, so you can choose to velvet. A great blazer tograph. Snake-print wear animal print head- can add pzazz to denim; it can bring a blouse, £29.50, to-toe or just as an dress bang up-to-date and can trans- accent. form a midi skirt into a serious workwear M&S Collection. outfit. Marks & Spencer. Jacket £189, And if you wish to embrace the sea- Trousers £110, son’s trouser suit trend, you can nail two trends in one by picking a blazer that has Coat £349, Roll-neck matching trousers! Footwear & jumper £35, Bag boots £149, all by Hobbs As always, the key to looking on-trend lies in accessories, es- There’s a dazzling number of pecially footwear. This season, Skirts & styling options here, too. In chunky ankle boots, white skirts, the midi pencil skirt is trainers and white ankle boots trousers a ‘hot’ new look, but any midi are footwear’s hottest daytime skirt, straight full or A-line, trends. Other footwear to bring will look on-trend… your winter wardrobe bang up- In trousers and denim, there are skinny ankle-grazers or boot-cut ankle-grazers; full-length skinny trousers and wide-leg to-date includes flat riding Animal print boots, leopard-print ankle trousers. All are current, so pick the shape and cut that most flat- Black paisley-print midi boots or courts, cowboy boots, ters you. cross-body or dress £55. Wallis loafers and brogues. After six, While discussing skirts and trousers, we will mention layer- clutch bag, £19, choose jewelled pumps or san- ing, which has become a vital element in everyone’s wardrobe. Accessorize dals or jewelled boots or any- Layering is not going away, but is evolving slightly to incorpo- thing with attitude! rate asymmetry, tunic-length tops and skirts…Watch this space! 26 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 TRAVEL Peeling away Toledo’s MARK HARRIS layers is appealing! E’VE explored and alleyways, old stone most regions and houses with typically tiled Wcities of the Iberian roofs, barred or shuttered peninsular over the years windows and hefty, fre- de San Martin, both (especially from a Jewish quently ornate, wooden por- ‘guarded’ by impressive tow- viewpoint and usually in the tals with splendidly crafted, ers. Indeed, Toledo pre- – to us – comfortably dry ironwork hinges, locks and serves extensive, perimeter heat, and constantly sunny doorknobs. But strolling stretches of medieval defen- skies, during August). But about its atmospheric maze sive walls and battlements only having visited Toledo of streets (by day or night) with some really striking on the odd day trip by 30- helped instil a sense of close- gateways, such as the 16th minute express train from ness to the Jewish past. century Gate of Biagra, the Atocha main station in What also assisted us in Gate of El Cambron and the Madrid (to the north-east), that connection are the two Mudejar-style Gate of El we felt it was time to dwell surviving Sephardic houses Sol. One of the excellent fa- for a while in one of Spain’s of worship, now sadly mu- cilities available now in most historic and dramati- seum pieces, each standing Toledo is a very convenient cally situated towns. close by on either side of our series of escalators that will hotel in Calle de los Reyes take you from the northern Catolicos: the synagogue of edge of the main city area, ‘Santa Maria la Blanca’ and high on the plateau, to that Spread amazingly across the synagogue of ‘El Tran- section situated on the plain a plateau high above the en- sito’. The former dates from below. And, of course, back circling, parkland-flanked, 1180, and can be seen as a again after your explorations! Tagus river gorge in the fer- symbol of three faiths coop- tile plain of Castilla y la eration. In that it was de- Mancha province – Cer- signed by Moorish architects vantes’ legendary ‘Don In the space here, it’s im- Quixote’ country – the ex- A panoramic vista of Toledo possible to do justice to the traordinary old city of Blanca’. Headed “Kol Nidre” quite as magical as Ayun- town’s varied array of muse- Toledo inevitably takes (also in Hebrew), it was adver- tamiento. The largest is Za- ums, especially that of the rather more than a hurried tising a “prayer vigil” in the codover, at the other end master artist El Greco (sited few hours (spent by many building for Saturday evening, from the cathedral of the in the Juderia), and of the daily groups of coached-in 15 September (not Kol Nidre aptly named Calle Comercio Visigoth Councils (housed in tourists, fortunately more night) as “a symbol of the (and its side streets) boasting the Mudejar-designed Church often in cooler spring and unity and love for Israel”. The numerous cafes, bars, sou- of San Roman); notable autumn) to absorb and com- event was organised by the venir and other retail empo- churches like that of Santa prehend fully. Not least re- “Fraternidad Maria Estrella de ria. Ubiquitously, these sell Tome (with its notable El garding its succession of la Magnana” (“Fraternity swords and knives of famed Greco painting of the ‘Burial rulers – and the admixture Maria the Morning Star”), a Toledo steel, ladies’ fans of of the Lord of Orgaz’), of of cultures and religious Catholic order. every description, Spanish Salvador and of Los Jesuitas; faiths ... From the ancient One evening during our porcelain and brass figures of amazing monastery and con- Roman settlement, through stay, we went to a free “edu- Don Quixote, his sidekick vent edifices, such as San the Visigoth era to the period cational concert” at the Sancho Panza and model ar- Juan de los Reyes and Santa of the Moorish/Muslim Sephardi Museum. With a moured knights of one kind Domingo El Antiguo; Caliphate then the Christian full house attendance by or another, the city’s mosque conversions, exem- (Catholic) re-conquest; with local Toledanos, it was per- the Sepharad Jewish pres- formed by ethnomusicologist ence extending across the and singer Judith R Cohen centuries of change until the PhD from York University, ‘Expulsion’ in 1492. Toronto. Her 90-minute pro- To gain maximum in- gramme comprised primarily sight from the city’s distinct Sephardic music, sung by Dr medieval character and am- Cohen self-accompanied on a bience, especially in the variety of traditional tim- neighbourhood of its old panic instruments. The next Juderia or Jewish Quarter, day, I caught up with her at we chose to enjoy our ex- our hotel; and (as a long- tended Toledo sojourn in the standing chorister) was de- charming and friendly 4* lighted to engage in a brief, boutique Hotel San Juan de but very interesting, conver- los Reyes. It occupies a sation with her about Jewish 19th century flourmill build- music.

Above: Sign in the medieval Jewish Quarter Dr Cohen’s event was ac- Left: Interior of the tually an item in Toledo’s an- Synagogue Santa nual August Music Festival. Maria la Blanca Music Festival performance in Toledo’s Plaza Happily, we were able to at- del Ayuntamiento Samuel Ha-Levi Abulafia; tend several of its principally his sculpted bust stands on a free, sit-down concerts and renowned marzipan concoc- plified by that of El Cristo de plinth not far from the en- recitals, largely held late tions and much else besides. la Luz (the only remaining trance. Again, Mudejar de- evening in the wonderful Buzzing Zacodover (a one- mosque – Bab-al-Mardum – sign is conspicuous in its Plaza del Ayuntamiento. time Moorish marketplace) is of the 10 which existed dur- tie-beam ceiling, horseshoe This expansive space is sur- partially flanked by the Santa ing the city’s medieval arches and decorative stucco rounded by Toledo’s magnifi- Cruz Museum (on Toledo); epoch); Roman baths, and plasterwork of the large main cent and (by night) and, maybe more signifi- also Roman circus ruins (lo- hall and upper (ladies’) gorgeously illuminated, 13th cantly, by the tremendous Al- cated near the Plaza de gallery. Some Hebrew-in- century, High Gothic-style cazar (now home to the Toros, Toledo’s bull ring). scribed tombstones are lo- Cathedral of St Mary, the at- multi-faceted Army Mu- For a relaxing alfresco cated in the north courtyard. tractive City Hall and the seum), the distinctively huge, drink - alcoholic or otherwise It was converted into a austerely majestic Arch- four-towered, former fortifi- – I can recommend the church in 1492. bishop’s Palace. Perform- cation that dominates trendy roof terrace at the ances included the town’s Toledo’s skyline. ‘Mercado de San Augustin’ symphony orchestra, various Best spot for a breathtak- restaurant complex (near its bands (one playing many ing vista of the city is the namesake plaza), and ‘Ter- ing, with a classic Mudejar in the Almohad tradition – My earlier researches ‘Pasedoble’) and some mixed high ground on the south raza Miradero’ (overlooking facade, at the heart of that including arches and pillars failed to reveal a current choirs (one singing Leonard bank of the Tagus. There are the lower city area and coun- fascinating area. The Juderia – on Christian land for Jew- ‘minyan’ in the city. But we Cohen’s popular ‘Hallelu- quite a few antique, arched tryside to the north), where isn’t the only part of Toledo ish prayer. The latter (also were intrigued to notice a jah”). stone bridges spanning the you will enjoy lulling warm to evidence narrow, some- Toledo’s Sephardi Museum) poster (in Spanish, of course) There are a number of river, including the Alcantara evenings with your favoured times fairly steeply inclined was founded in 1356 by King on an outside wall of the syna- other plazas to linger around (first built in the 9th century) tipple while watching some (or stepped), cobbled lanes Pedro I’s treasurer – Don gogue ‘Santa Maria la in Toledo; though they’re not and the 14th century Puenta glorious sunsets! CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 27 Sponsored by WHAT’S ON Strettons THE EJN’S COMPREHENSIVE DIARY OF Chartered Surveyors - EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN YOUR AREA City and East London

roundabout followed by com- tion Synagogue, Clarence Av- Jewish Chronicle. Holiday MARCH Hainault JACS, Limes Farm DECEMBER munity Chanukah party. 7pm. enue. 1.30pm. pictures welcome. Avenue. 1.30pm. MONDAY 3 DECEMBER: THURSDAY 21 MARCH: Saturday 8 December Wednesday 26 December Thursday 31 January PURIM Thursday 28 March FIRST DAY CHANUKAH Menorah lighting in Westcliff. Fish and chips dinner at Nigel Coleman on the life and James Morton gives an insight Sunday 2 December 6pm. Chabad, Buckhurst Hill. times of John Le Mesurier at Thursday 7 March into the Kray Twins and how Menorah lighting at the top of Tuesday 11 December Phone 0208 279 2987 for Chigwell and Hainault JACS, Dean Weedon from Las Vegas they ruled the underworld in the Queen’s Road, Buckhurst Hill, Richard Cohen speaks about further details. Limes Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. entertains, at Beehive Lane 50s and 60s, at Gants Hill JACS, including the world’s largest ‘Churchill and the Jews’, at the Thursday 31 January JACS. 1.30pm. Ilford Federation Synagogue, cake Menorah, followed by Essex branch of the Jewish JANUARY Jazz with pianist Keith Nichols Thursday 7 March Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. MONDAY 21 JANUARY: community Chanukah party. Historical Society. Clore Tikva TU B’SHEVAT at Beehive Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Paul Ross entertains at Chigwell 5pm. School, Fullwell Avenue, Bark- and Hainault JACS, Limes Farm APRIL FEBRUARY FRIDAY 19 APRIL: Sunday 2 December ingside. Entry £4.00 including Thursday 3 January Avenue. 1.30pm. FIRST SEDER NIGHT Menorah lighting in Westcliff. refreshments. Diane Moore entertains at Thursday 7 February Thursday 7 March 7.30pm. Tuesday 11 December Beehive Lane JACS, 1.30pm. Peter Padwick, the music hall David Swinden, author of Monday 1 April Monday 3 December Mystery History and other Thursday 3 January speaker, is at Beehive Lane ‘Behind The Blue Lamp’, Gilda entertains, at the Grand Menorah lighting in Westcliff. Evocations (part 2). From Ko- Ros Barclay’s exciting New JACS. 1.30pm. describes the history of police Lodge of Israel and Shield of 7.30pm. helt to Hawking – there is Year quiz, at Gants Hill JACS, Thursday 7 February stations, at Gants Hill JACS, David Lodge No 178, at Monday 3 December nothing new under the sun. Ilford Federation Synagogue, Ian Leigh entertains, at Chig- Ilford Federation Synagogue, Redbridge Jewish Community Chanukah party with Kenny Speaker Hugh Noble, at the Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. well and Hainault JACS, Limes Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul Charles entertaining at the Tuesday Luncheon Club . Thursday 3 January Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. Monday 11 March Cross on 07973 202940 for Grand Lodge of Israel and South West Essex and Settle- Sarah O’Shea entertains at Thursday 7 February James Bernard entertains, at details. Shield of David Lodge No 178 ment Reform Synagogue, Oaks Chigwell and Hainault JACS, Vivien Rose describes the the Grand Lodge of Israel and Thursday 4 April at Redbridge Jewish Commu- Lane, Newbury Park. Lunch Limes Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. many activities available for Shield of David Lodge No 178, Kenny Charles entertains, at nity Centre. 8pm. Contact from 12.15pm-1.00pm. Talk Monday 7 January older people in Redbridge, at at Redbridge Jewish Commu- Gants Hill JACS, Ilford Federa- chairman Paul Cross on 07973 from 1.15pm-2.30pm. Phone Anne McDonald entertains, at Gants Hill JACS, llford Federa- nity Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul tion Synagogue, Clarence Av- 202940 for details. 0208 599 0936 or e-mail the Grand Order of Israel and tion Synagogue, Clarence Av- Cross on 07973 202940 for enue. 1.30pm. Monday 3 December [email protected] for Shield of David Lodge No 178, enue. 1.30pm. details. Thursday 4 April Menorah lighting at Fullwell further details. at Redbridge Jewish Commu- Monday 11 February Thursday 14 March ‘Music For All The People’ with Cross roundabout, Barkingside. Wednesday 12 December nity Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul Paul Jerrom entertains, at the Classical singer Grayathie Gayathrie and Bill Patrick at 6.30pm. ‘Jewish lip reading and deaf Cross on 07973 202940 for Grand Lodge of Israel and Patrick entertains, at Beehive Chigwell and Hainault JACS, Tuesday 4 December awareness teaching’ is the sub- details. Shield of David Lodge No 178, Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Limes Farm Avenue, 1.30pm. Menorah lighting in Westcliff. ject of Ingrid Stellman’s talk at Thursday 10 January at Redbridge Jewish Commu- Thursday 14 March Thursday 4 April 7.30pm. Southend and Westcliff JACS. Keeley Smith sings some popu- nity Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul Diane Wynne-Fitzgerald gives Mark Smith, military expert on Tuesday 4 December 1.30pm. lar songs, at Beehive Lane Cross on 07973 202940 for some advice on arthritis care, the Antiques Road Show, tells ‘Whitechapel mayn Vaytshapl’! Thursday 13 December JACS, 1.30pm. details. at Gants Hill JACS, Ilford Fed- the story of the Victoria Cross, Speaker Freddy Shaw describes Dr Freddie Shaw talks about Thursday 10 January Thursday 14 February eration Synagogue, Clarence at Gants Hill JACS, Ilford being a GP in the East End, at his years of working in ‘Antisemitism Today’ is the sub- Kate Poole and ‘The Ghosts Avenue. 1.30pm. Federation Synagogue, the Tuesday Luncheon Club, Whitechapel, at Gants Hill ject of Johnny Levavitch’s talk Who Walk On Fridays’ – the Tuesday 19 March Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. South West Essex and Settle- JACS, Ilford Federation Syna- at Chigwell and Hainault JACS, ghosts who apparently visit the Professor Gil Toffell, from Thursday 11 April ment Reform Synagogue, Oaks gogue. 1.30pm. Limes Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. theatres in London and other Queen Mary University of The Dagenham Girl Pipers Lane, Newbury Park. Lunch Thursday 13 December Thursday 10 January places. Gants Hill JACS, Ilford London, speaks at the Essex story by Linda Rhodes, at from 12.15-1pm. Talk from Nigel Coleman on the film star The History of Sainsbury’s Federation Synagogue, branch of the Jewish Historical Chigwell and Hainault JACS, 1.15pm-2.30pm. For further Spencer Tracy, at Chigwell and described by Alison Foster, at Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. Society on ‘Jews, Cinema and Limes Farm Avenue. 1.30pm details, phone 0208 599 0936 Hainault JACS, Limes Farm Gants Hill JACS, Ilford Federa- Thursday 14 February Public Life in interwar Britain’, Monday 15 April or e-mail [email protected]. Avenue. 1.30pm. tion Synagogue, Clarence Av- Eleanor Bloom speaks about at Clore Tikva School, 115 Sarah O’Shea sings, at the Grand uk Thursday 13 December enue. 1.30pm. the River Thames, at Chigwell Fullwell Avenue, Barkingside. Lodge of Israel and Shield of Tuesday 4 December Robert Wright entertains, at Thursday 17 January and Hainault JACS, Limes Farm Entry £4.00 inc. light refresh- David Lodge No 178, at Menorah lighting at Loughton Beehive Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Martin Phillips entertains at Avenue. 1.30pm. ments. Redbridge Jewish Community (Loughton High Road, opp. Sunday 16 December Beehive Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Thursday 14 February Thursday 21 March Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul Cross Marks and Spencer). 6.30pm. Singer Gary Benjafield enter- Thursday 17 January Sarah O’Shea entertains at Nigel Coleman on the life of on 07973 202940 for details. Wednesday 5 December tains, at Ilford Friendly Circle, William Byrne sings some pop- Beehive Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Peter Sellers, at Beehive Lane Thursday 18 April Menorah lighting at Epping. Ilford Federation Synagogue, ular songs at Gants Hill JACS, Thursday 21 February JACS. 1.30pm. Richard Dodd describes his life 6.30pm. Clarence Avenue from 1pm- Ilford Federation Synagogue, Richie Milson sings, at Beehive Thursday 21 March in radio and television, at Chig- Wednesday 5 December 3.30pm. Entry £3,50, Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Gants Hill JACS annual general well and Hainault JACS, Limes Menorah lighting in Westcliff. Monday 17 December Thursday 17 January Thursday 21 February meeting – and a Purim event, Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. 6.30pm. Another performance by Gary Lynne Bradley on the making Nigel Coleman on the life and at Ilford Federation Synagogue, Wednesday 5 December- Benjafield, this time at the of musical movies, at Chigwell times of film star Lana Turner, Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. MAY Some favourite songs from Grand Lodge of Israel and and Hainault JACS, Limes Farm at Chigwell and Hainault JACS, Monday 25 March WEDNESDAY 8 MAY: Jacquie Dean, at Southend and Shield of David Lodge No 178, Avenue. 1.30pm. Limes Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. The popular Steve Dunnett YOM HAZIKARON THURSDAY 9 MAY: Westcliff JACS. 1.30pm. at Redbridge Jewish Commu- Thursday 24 January Thursday 21 February sings at the Grand Lodge of Is- YOM HA’ATZMAUT Thursday 6 December nity Centre. 8pm. Contact The swinging 60’s with Frankie Jef Page from the Ilford Histori- rael and Shield of David Lodge Menorah lighting at Chigwell chairman Paul Cross on 07973 Dean, at Beehive Lane JACS. cal Society speaks on the Great No 178, at Redbridge Jewish Thursday 2 May Village Green. 6.30pm. 202940 for further details. 1.30pm. Exhibition at Crystal Palace, at Community Centre. 8pm. Dr Helen Fry, who has written Thursday 6 December Tuesday 18 December Thursday 24 January Gants Hill JACS, Ilford Federa- Contact Paul Cross on 07973 several books on the Second Klezmer Band and Chanukah Christmas/Chanukah/Prophet’s Leigh Russell describes his tion Synagogue, Clarence Av- 202940 for details. World War, talks about ‘The lighting at Redbridge Jewish Birthday concert and party. work as a crime writer, at enue. 1.30pm. Thursday 28 March Jewish Secret Listeners’, at Community Centre. Doors Contact Rabbi David Hulbert Chigwell and Hainault JACS, Monday 25 February Musical duets from David Price Gants Hill JACS, Ilford Federa- open 7pm. £12.00 entry. at david.hulbert@whsmithnet. Lime Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. Angie Gaye in full voice, at the and Maralyn, at Beehive Lane tion Synagogue, Clarence Av- Booking essential. Contact co.uk for further details. Thursday 24 January Grand Lodge of Israel and JACS. 1.30pm. enue. 1.30pm. Sharon on 0208 418 2116 or Tuesday 18 December Derek Spicer remembers the Shield of David Lodge No 178, Thursday 28 March e-mail [email protected] Enjoy an hour of singer Geof- 3 March 1943, the Bethnal at Redbridge Jewish Commu- ‘What A Carry On’ with Geoff What’s On is compiled by Thursday 6 December frey Strum, at the Tuesday Green tube disaster, when 300 nity Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul Bowden, at Chigwell and Manny Robinson. Gala night after the Menorah Luncheon Club, South West people were crushed. Gants Cross on 07973 202940 for lighting at Southend and West- Essex and Reform Settlement Hill JACS, Ilford Federation details. cliff Synagogue, with doughnuts Synagogue, Oaks Lane, New- Synagogue, Clarence Avenue. Tuesday 26 February and dignitaries. 7.30pm. bury Park. Lunch from 1.30pm. Rabbi Michael Pertz speaks on Thursday 6 December 12.15pm-1pm, entertainment Monday 28 January ‘From Jerusalem of the North Steve Galler entertains with from 1.15pm-2.30pm. For Robert Wright entertains, at to Babel-Litvak Jewry’, at the banjo and songs at Beehive further details, phone 0208 the Grand Lodge of Israel and Essex branch of the Jewish Lane JACS Chanukah party. 599 0936 or email Shield of David Lodge No 178, Historical Society, Clore Tikva 1.30pm. admin@swesrs. org.uk at Redbridge Jewish Commu- School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Thursday 6 December Wednesday 19 December nity Centre. 8pm. Contact Paul Barkingside. Entry £4.00 inc. Gants Hill JACS Chanukah party A belated Chanukah party with Cross on 07973 202940 for light refreshments. (for house members only) at singer Gary Benjafield, at Southend details. Thursday 28 February Ilford Federation Synagogue, and Westcliff JACS. 1.30pm. Tuesday 29 January Fiona Harrison sings, at Bee- Clarence Avenue. 1.30 pm. Thursday 20 December ‘Planning a holiday’ with hive Lane JACS. 1.30pm. Thursday 6 December Martin Moss plays for members David Jacobs, at the Essex Thursday 28 February Geoff Bowden on the Life and of Chigwell and Hainault JACS, branch of the Jewish Histori- Vocalist Jodie Beth Mayer en- Times of Irving Berlin, at Chig- Limes Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. cal Society. Entry £4.00 inc. tertains, at Gants Hill JACS, Property Management, Shop, Officeand well and Hainault JACS, Limes Thursday 20 December light refreshments. Clore Ilford Federation Synagogue, Industrial Agency, Auctions, Farm Avenue. 1.30pm. Razzmataz entertains at Tikva School, Fullwell Av- Clarence Avenue. 1.30pm. Friday 7 December Beehive Lane JACS. 1.30pm. enue, Barkingside. An explo- Thursday 28 February Professional Advice, Litigation and Menorah lighting in Westcliff. Thursday 20 December ration of where men and Brian Billins with part two of 3.15pm. Nick Dobson talks about the women have travelled to in ‘Essex Smugglers’, at Chigwell Taxation throughout YOUR area. Saturday 8 December travels of Agatha Christie, at the 20th century, including and Hainault JACS, Limes Farm www. strettons. co.uk Menorah lighting at Gants Hill Gants Hill JACS, Ilford Federa- advertisements placed in the Avenue. 1.30pm. 28 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS CHANUKAH 5779/DECEMBER 2018

Muslim Council of Britain Secretary General Harun Khan took part in the Mitzvah Day collection for Linkey at the RJCC with Redbridge United Synagogue 2018 in pictures WIJPS Pupils collected for Lupus UK, Camp Simcha, Onechild Ghana and Redbridge Food Bank - and then danced at Jewish Care’s Vi and John Rubens House

Jewish Blind & Disabled tenants and staff collected items for GIFT to help those in need around the region

East London Mosque hosted the flagship event Members of the new Aish young profes- in the record breaking Mitzvah Day and Muslim sionals programme delivered food and East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue and Aid #ChickenSoupChallenge for the homeless essentials to homeless people Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum joined in the #ChickenSoupChallenge

Iain Duncan Smith MP at the launch of the Wood- ford Forest Synagogue drop-in for asylum seekers

Year six pupils at Clore Tikva Harlow Jewish Community cheder organised a tea party Primary School helped the and collection at the synagogue for the local homeless younger reception children in the dinner hall during lunchtime

PICTURES PROVIDED BY PHOTOGRAPHERS INCLUDING The editor of the Essex Jewish News (bottom East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue members KEITH GOLD, DAVID SOLOMON, right) joined a game of walking football at the entertained and served tea to residents at Jewish YAKIR ZUR AND KAREN ZETTER Redbridge Jewish Community Centre Care’s Vi and John Rubens House