Inside your 32-page Community Newspaper Holocaust The new Cambridge Jewish Cubs going ESSEX commemorated chaplains strong JEWISH NEWS Pages 12 & 13 Page 21 Page 25 PASSOVER ISSUE 5780/2020 ---=== ---=== ---=== THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN ESSEX & EAST ANGLIA Coronavirus shatters King Solomon students scoop community events ‘Dragon’s Den’ award

BY MANNY and enforcing strict social dis- Rubens House and The Dennis ROBINSON tancing. Those sitting shiva can- Centre in Redbridge and Sheb- not have visitors. son Lodge in Westcliff. COMMUNITY and religious People over 70, particularly The exceptions will be for events at Jewish organisations in those with respiratory problems, relatives visiting loved ones re- Essex and beyond have been are most at risk of the coron- ceiving end-of-life care and decimated - with the UK Gov- avirus and have been advised to medical professionals. ernment putting strict curbs in self-isolate from all social con- In a statement, Jewish Care place on everyday life in order to tact for at least 12 weeks. said: “We will do whatever we tackle the spread of coronavirus. With around 85 per cent of can to help facilitate phone All physical synagogue JACS members over the age of calls, FaceTime or a Skype call services and communal Seders 70, Martin Moss of the Chig- with a loved one instead of a have been suspended. Schools well and Hainault branch con- physical visit. have been closed. Social clubs firmed: “We have cancelled our “We are also able to extend – including those run by JACS programme so far until after Pe- the offer of a number of addi- and the Redbridge Jewish Com- sach. But if the situation contin- tional services to those that this munity Centre – have been can- ues, we will have to cancel may affect. These include but celled. week by week unless we are are not limited to: Meals on Progressive communities told by the Government to do Wheels; telephone befriending have moved online entirely – otherwise.’’ services; face to face befriend- using platforms including Jewish Care’s Redbridge ing where possible and appro- Zoom, Facebook Live and Jewish Community Centre priate; the Jewish Care Direct YouTube to broadcast Shabbat (RJCC) has suspended all activ- helpline (open Monday-Friday services, education classes and ity until further notice. Sharon 8.30am to 5pm on 0208 922 online get togethers. Virtual Imber, programme co-ordinator 2222); and the Jewish Helpline Seders are also planned. at RJCC, told the Essex Jewish (open Sunday-Thursday 12pm- Orthodox communities are News: “Our priority is the 12am and Friday 12pm-3pm on King Solomon winners Harrison, Emily, Mia and Elisha with teacher unable to use technology during safety and protection of our 0800 652 9249).” Jordana Aaronson (centre) Shabbat and parts of Pesach, guests and those in our care.’’ Sadly, at the time of writ- but are embracing streaming at Many of the most vulnera- ing, a very small handful of BY SIMON to implement positive changes with recycling bins and envi- all other times. ble in the Essex Jewish commu- people across four Jewish Care ROTHSTEIN to help the planet. ronmentally-friendly water pu- Lifecycle events including nity live in Jewish Care and resources have tested positive The four-person judging rification machines. bar/batmitzvahs, weddings and Jewish Blind & Disabled prop- for the coronavirus. It is not KANTOR King Solomon High panel at the event – run by the Teacher Jordana Aaronson, baby blessings have been erties. Both charities have put in known if these are in Essex or School (KKS) students were Jewish Leadership Council’s who assisted the group, said: banned by the Government. place a number of measures to elsewhere in the country. victorious in a Dragon’s Den Partnerships for Jewish Schools “The students worked excep- Funerals can still take help prevent the spread of coro- The statement added: “We style competition at the Jewish (PaJeS) – praised the students tionally well as a team and rep- place, although at the time of navirus. are being led by Public Health School Awards 2020 – winning for “an incredible, passionate resented the school and writing Liberal and Reform Ju- Jewish Care has “taken the England on measures following £8,000 to help make the school and well-researched pitch em- everything we stand for. I’m so daism are not allowing mourn- very difficult and painful deci- the confirmed cases, including more environmentally friendly. bedded with Jewish values”. proud of them and this ers to attend in person and the sion” to suspend all visits to its continued restricted access to Pupils Harrison, Emily, The prize money will help achievement and look forward United Synagogue were limit- care homes and dementia day the buildings. These homes will Mia and Elisha won for their set up the Eco Club and pro- to seeing their project imple- ing to “immediate family” only centres, including Vi and John undergo an additional deep idea of creating an ‘Eco Club’ vide every KKS classroom mented.” clean and will continue to take steps to ensure the highest stan- dards of hygiene and infection A message from control.” Jewish Blind & Disabled’s the editor of EJN tenants live in their own self- We also contained apartments in the charity’s three buildings in THIS issue was completed in the shadow of the coro- had Essex. JBD has advised them navirus. Unfortunately due to so many of our distri- and their families to strictly fol- bution outlets closing, a print edition proved low all Government guidance. impossible. But we are glad you are reading this Communal lounges have been some jam-packed issue online –whether via your syna- closed and events postponed. gogue website, the Essex Jewish Community Council The charity’s chief execu- or our new online platform with Issuu. tive, Lisa Wimborne, said: “We smiles... have no plans to shut our doors We have endeavoured to make the issue as up- completely, we simply can’t do beat as possible with lots of community news and this. Carers need to be able visit photos, as well as the features and columns you have and tenants need to get shop- come to love. ping and supplies to them. We But naturally some things may now be out of are however restricting who we date, for example stories with details of upcoming bring into the buildings by car- events and charity treks that may now not be hap- rying out only essential mainte- pening or interviews that were conducted earlier in nance works and postponing all the year. communal events. Volunteers Also, with our small volunteer team under the have been asked not to come into our buildings but to pro- same pressures and stresses as everyone in this pe- vide telephone and online be- CHILDREN aged 4-11 from riod of uncertainty, we have not been able to feature friending instead.” across the Essex Jewish every story we had been sent. Due to the high number of community had a fantastic Please enjoy the issue and we hope you and your cancelled events, with more week attending Jewish loved ones are safe and well. likely over the coming months, Care’s Redbridge Jewish Chag Pesach Sameach from all of us at the Essex our regular What’s On column Community Centre’s (RJCC) Jewish News. has been suspended for this half-term scheme. issue. 2 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX But there’s no room JEWISH NEWS for complacency ... The Essex Jewish News is the newspaper of the Jewish community in Essex and is published by Essex Jewish News Ltd. N last Chanukah’s issue of the Essex ney and Salford. Antisemitic acts in- Jewish News, your ‘Comment’ writer cluded damage/desecration to real and CIRCULATION AREA noted that, bearing in mind the Gen- COMMENT personal property/synagogues and burial Barking, Barkingside, Brentwood, Cambridge, Ieral Election was scheduled for 12 De- grounds; a large number also involved Chigwell, Chingford, Chelmsford, Epping, cember 2019, the earlier-deadlined piece stamp out anti-Jewish hatred and preju- schools/colleges, pupils/students, teach- Gants Hill, Gidea Park, Harold Hill, Harlow, could only hope and trust that, after elec- dice”. ers/academics. Some 505, clearly ‘Jew- Hainault, Highams Park, llford, Leyton, tion results became known, 47 percent of Even the Chief Rabbi Ephraim hatred’ incidents were recorded as Leytonstone, Loughton, Newbury Park, the UK’s Jewish population – who had Mirvis had felt the need to speak out having included references to Israel and Redbridge, Romford, Southend and Westcliff, indicated they would “seriously con- publicly against the Labour Party during Zionism, with 63 of them comparing the Wanstead and Woodford. sider” emigrating if a certain led Party the election campaign. However – and State of Israel to Nazi Germany. were voted into power – could comfort- although we can and should be thankful Some 75 years after the Holocaust, Chairman Philip Leigh ably reassess this albeit understandable to the necessary extent regarding the it’s virtually beyond belief that the in- stance. General Election result – there can be no creasing growth of antisemitism around Managing Director Clive Bayard That “hope and trust” were over- room for complacency so far as concerns planet Earth has attained proportions Directors Manny Robinson, Melvyn whelmingly met and satisfied, as almost antisemitism in the UK; or, indeed, in which haven’t existed since that disas- Weinberg, Simon Rothstein, Jonathan inevitably foreseeable in the prevailing (now ‘Brexit’) Europe or even in today’s trous epoch for Jewish communities in Bloom circumstances, when the Corbyn-led world generally. Nazi-occupied Europe and Russia. Jew- Labour Party suffered a well-deserved During 2019, the Community Secu- ish Leadership Council chairman Editor Simon Rothstein and shattering defeat in the electoral bal- rity Trust recorded 1,805 antisemitic in- Jonathan Goldstein was reported (in the Editorial Consultants Manny Robinson, lot, its worst performance in several cidents in this country, the highest JC) to have commented to the Times of Mark Harris, Irving Angel decades. And, as a consequence of annual total ever, and 153 more than in Israel: “The future of global Jewry is Technical Consultant Clive Bayard course, the ‘Opposition’ leader resigned. 2018. Last year’s figure for Greater Lon- under threat to an extent which it has It would appear that antisemitism in don stands at 947. Of the CST’s 2019 never been since the Second World War.” Typesetting &artwork Bayard Design the Labour Party – with the official ‘En- statistics, 126 incidents stemmed appar- We must all strive, and do our ut- All material is the copyright of Essex Jewish quiry’ into such by the Equality and ently from far-right activity. (A large most, to ensure – in whatever available News Ltd and must not be reproduced Human Rights Commission ongoing cur- measure of the overall CST numbers – way, and however we’re able to – that without the written permission of the Editor. rently – and that party’s leader were sig- 697 instances – arose from nefarious, on- the ‘Shoah’ and its cataclysmic evil nificant factors in the outcome that sent line antisemitic comments.) against the Jewish people is never for- ADVERTISEMENT RATES the Conservative Party to the House of ‘Violent assault’ accounted for 158 gotten and never repeated. And we must MONO COLOUR Commons with a huge majority of MPs. cases; approaching 50 percent of such thus seek to preserve the continuity of The government has affirmed that it’s were recorded in Barnet (the UK’s Judaism for our Jewish generations yet Full Page £550 £750 “working with the Jewish community to biggest Jewish community area), Hack- to cone. Half Page £300 £430 Quarter Page £170 £270 Eighth Page £110 £170 ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ Advertising and Administration Deborah Mulqueen Email [email protected] OUR ‘Comment’ writer be- rael). The effects of the spreading up notices stating that, for the time lieves this headline proverb virus were growing, though many ob- being, there should be no hand-shak- Editorial contributions can be sent by email originated in the ancient Baby- servers were saying that paranoia ing in shul on, say, Shabbat, and no to [email protected] or Ylonian and Hebrew tracts. Hygiene is, should be avoided; there had been kissing of the Sifrei Torah, mezzuzot, [email protected] of course, of major importance to hu- much worse epidemics in human his- chumashim and siddurim. manity ... and, naturally, should be so tory. And that, in the current situation, It was interesting to experience – Registered Office: not only at times when there’s a seri- almost 55,000 recoveries had been even to create – a novel means by 26 Ashley Avenue, Barkingside, ous global threat from a potentially recorded. But, doubtless, Covid-19 which to greet a fellow shulgoer, such Ilford, Essex IG6 2JE fatal virus. The Coronavirus, offi- statistics are highly likely to get as a friendly arm nudge, a hint of an cially named Covid-19, stemmed ap- worse before they get better. ‘Oriental’ bow or even a cute little Printed by Sharman Printers, Peterborough parently from dysfunctional hygiene The situation was clearly unpre- wave. One weekday, and on receiving standards at a food market in Wuhan, dictable; and the possibility of the an electronic message on his smart- USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS China. virus mutating to a nastier – or even phone, your ‘Comment’ writer was Your writer somehow felt maybe a lighter – strain was always confused momentarily by words at the Age Concern 020 8922 2222 prompted to pen this piece, not only present. Aside from mounting travel end stating: “This e-mail has been Redbridge Jewish Marriage with the ‘Ten Plagues’ in ancient consequences, cancellations, restric- checked for viruses ...” 020 8220 6000 Council Egypt – as expressed in the very near tions and the like, the virus was affect- In the circumstances, one supposes Ahada Bereavement 020 8203 6311 forthcoming Seder services’ Hag- ing many other significant aspects of there shouldn't be room for whimsy. Counselling Jewish Women’s Aid gadah – in mind; but also by the fact society, including the economy, with But if we follow the clear health ad- 07758 727 328 0800 591 203 of feeling the need to cancel a post- knock-on effects for companies and vice, and take all in proportion, we’ll Alzheimer’s Society Moving on (Formerly Pesach sojourn in northern Italy. At their employees in various fields. Edu- weather the current storm ... hope- 020 8970 5770 Bereaved Partners the time of writing, nearly 4,000 cases cation, care and social etcetera impli- fully, the upcoming warmer climes Beehive Lane JACS Group) of the virus had been recorded there cations were following on in view of could help, it's said. And at the time 020 8554 0150 020 8554 5227 (the third highest after China and health authorities’ essential advice. of writing, Israeli scientists were an- Board of Deputies Newbury Park League South Korea). In the Jewish sphere, care homes nouncing that a vaccine for the Covid- Information Desk of Jewish Women Worldwide, almost 100,000 inci- and charities of various kinds were 19 virus could be a possibility by the 020 7543 5400 020 8530 5411 or 020 dents had then been registered by becoming heavily concerned, respec- end of May; although, presumably, Chabad Gants Hill 8500 7832 health authorities; and with nearly tively, about residents and staff and there would need to be time for subse- addiction support Redbridge Jewish 3,500 fatalities. In the UK, about 120 some necessary cancellations of pub- quent safety tests. cases were noted, with two deaths 020 8554 1624 Community Centre lic fundraising events and gatherings. Our good wishes to you for a (and there were almost 20 cases in Is- Synagogue communities were putting healthy Passover and beyond. Chai Cancer Care 020 8551 0017 0808 808 4567 Redbridge WIZO Chigwell and Hainault 020 8551 1301 League of Jewish Resource WHERE YOU CAN PICK UP THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS Women 020 8346 4000 0790 560 5781 Samaritans Chigwell and Hainault 020 8553 9900/020 8520 JACS 9191 DUE TO THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY 020 8551 2355 Southend and Westcliff Citizens Advice Bureau JACS THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS WILL BE AVAILABLE 0870 126 4140 01268 771978 Empathy Wanstead Jewish 07765 191 067 Literary Society ONLY ONLINE. Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ 020 8505 0063 Brigade 020 8989 8990 Phone numbers are correct Jewish Bereavement at the time of going to Counselling Service press. If your contact IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND number or the contact 020 8457 9710 number of your organisation Jewish Blind and has changed, or if you A COPY ONLINE, PLEASE PASS ONTO THEM THE LINK Disabled would like a contact number 020 8371 6611 to be included, please Jewish Care advise us. THAT YOU HAVE USED TO ACCESS THIS SITE. PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 3 IDS tackles tough tenant ON OTHER PAGES Help at hand BEAUTY AND questions on JBD visit FASHION CHARITIES and organisations service. If you would like to around Essex are helping the help, please contact volun- Pages 26 & 27 most vulnerable during this [email protected] coronavirus crisis. If you wish to help in other Chai Cancer Care were one ways, then please contact your PURIM IN of the first organisations to local Jewish charity or organi- PICTURES offer help to members of the sation, which will be able to Jewish community suffering advise on what you can do. Page 32 from cancer as the virus spread. The charity are offering yoga, home based fitness, telephone Chaps chat at the Palace and Skype counselling and meditation and mindfulness. They can be contacted on 07989 254420. Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre are running Meals on Wheels and also a telephone befriending service. Contact 0208 551 0017. Jewish Care also has a dedicated web page outlining all it is doing at www.jewish- care.org/coronavirus In Chigwell, the CATCH project (Care at Chigwell and Hainault) have called on all their over 70s as well as organ- BY SIMON she described him as “very abled’s chief executive, com- ising a combined community ROTHSTEIN charming”. mented: “It is always good to shop. All synagogues are offer- The MP then met with a welcome MPs into our devel- ing support to their congrega- JEWISH Blind & Disabled large gathering of tenants in the opments to give our tenants the tions in one form or another chief executive Lisa Wimborne communal lounge –where they opportunity to engage first- and readers are advised to con- and Milne Court resident house bombarded him with questions hand in current issues with tact their synagogue offices for manager Mark Simons wel- on everything from ‘Brexit’ to those who have the influence advice. comed Sir Iain Duncan Smith benefits and antisemitism to to make a difference. Jewish Blind & Disabled is MP, as he visited the charity's social care. “It was also a good oppor- doing everything it can to pro- building in South Woodford. Sir Iain –who took time to tunity for me to talk to him tect its tenants and staff, while The former Secretary of personally meet and chat to about the issues that matter to also considering the impact of State was given a tour of the every tenant – spoke about our tenants, in particular the social isolation across its three SID GREEN and 30 members ignated, two-hour route through development of 57 apartments how impressed he is with the NHS and current benefits sys- buildings in our region. They of Jewish Care's Redbridge the palace. Everyone found it for Jewish people living with way that members of the Jew- tem. On departing, Iain Duncan have asked volunteers to no Jewish Community Centre incredible for our group to physical disability or visual im- ish community look out for Smith promised a return visit. longer come into buildings to ‘Chaps That Chat’ group en- stand in Buckingham Palace, pairment. He visited also the each other, providing support We look forward to welcoming run activities – but instead to joyed a trip to Buckingham because they found all the por- apartment of tenant Edna systems such as this develop- him again soon.” help with shopping for tenants Palace. traits of past monarchs so fasci- Shaw, who showed him around ment. INTERVIEW WITH who require support, as well as Sid, who runs the group nating. and talked to him about life in After the visit, Lisa Wim- taking part in a which is now attended by 65 “It was all just beautiful and Milne Court. After the visit, borne, Jewish Blind & Dis- IDS ON PAGE 28 telephone/Skype befriending men, said: “We went on a des- we enjoyed every minute.” 4 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 Chabad gets A phoenix rises from the ashes recognition to over 200 people. First established in 1932, the shul moved to its current hold marriages building in Fillebrook Road in 1954, but fell into dilapidation as congregants drifted away. Starting with fundraising, exten- CHABAD Buckhurst Hill has exciting development for us. We sive restoration of the building achieved what could be consid- have six weddings coming up in began with repair of internal, ered the final stage of establish- the community with the first in leaking gutters in February ing itself as a fully-functioning March. 2019. synagogue, after gaining official “Chabad Buckhurst Hill More recently, the commu- recognition from the Chief continues to flourish with a nity crowdfunded the repair of Rabbi and the Civil Registry growing membership, while PAT LIDIKER its only stained-glass window. Office for the purpose of regis- providing a wide range of serv- LOOKS AT THE This was shattered by an air tering marriages. ices to both members and many rifle bullet in the 1950s; but it Although the community’s non-members who avail them- REBIRTH OF was considered symbolically rabbi, Rabbi Odom Brandman, selves of our open-door policy LEYTONSTONE important not to leave this visi- has been a registrar and officiat- and welcoming nature.” ble sign of neglect any longer. ing at weddings for a number of The shul has recently & WANSTEAD The work was carried out by a years, these were officially launched a campaign to help ed- COMMUNITY local artisan, who had also re- under the auspices of Chabad ucate the community on the im- paired windows at Kinloss in Gants Hill. portance of having a Jewish THE revival of the 88-year-old Finchley. Now that this significant Burial Policy. They are open to Leytonstone & Wanstead Syna- With professional help process has been completed – help those who don’t currently gogue is a welcome antidote to where necessary, other work has concluding in mid-February have one to set something up, news of others forced into clo- involved repairing, plastering, with Rabbi Brandman being even if they are advanced in sure because their congregants redecorating, putting right struc- tested by Dayan Gelley of the years. It works out cheaper to have moved elsewhere. Too tural damage to the roof, walls, London Beth Din on all the laws sign up to a policy than to wait many shuls with dwindling door frames, brickwork and and practises of an Orthodox until the end and pay the one-off membership (not just locally) floors etc. Jewish wedding – he is now burial fee, explained Rabbi have found themselves stranded Members and neighbours fully authorised to conduct cer- Brandman. in the wrong place at the wrong recycled velvet curtains into emonies on his own, and using For more information on ei- time. seat cushions, cleared the over- Chabad Buckhurst Hill’s new ther weddings or burial, please But the reason Leytonstone grown garden and updated Wedding Registry Books. contact Rabbi Brandman on & Wanstead has seen a reversal kitchen facilities for preparation Rabbi Brandman told the rabbibrandman@chabadonthe- in fortunes, and bucked the of kiddushim, communal meals Essex Jewish News: “This is an hill.co.uk trend, is because recent devel- and extra catering for chaggim opments have proved it to be in and events. exactly the right place! Support also came from As its secretary and treas- CST, with a significant security urer, Ruth Solomons, explains: enhancement grant to upgrade “Luckily we are close to Strat- and other festivals. and has increased monthly the doors, gate and fire exit. ford, which increasingly attracts Ruth, alongside her fiancé services to weekly. This has Ruth says: “All this has typ- Jewish business people, stu- Phil Schryber, who maintains involved his walking a nine- ified the power of a community dents and others to live and the community’s website and mile round-trip every Shabbat coming together through volun- work there, many of who have social media, are part of a tire- and on Yom Tov, often sup- teering and pooling our modest joined us.” less, dedicated team led by its ported by other Stamford Hill resources. She says these newer con- president Stanley Cirsch. rabbonim, chazanim and their “So it is through our own gregants are wide-ranging with Having attended Leyton- families.” hard work, collaboration with different interests, whether at- stone Synagogue since he was Rabbi Blum recently Stamford Hill’s Chabad and tending on Friday nights or three years old, he, like others stepped into his walking shoes Belz communities, and collec- Shabbat mornings, all contribut- of his generation, is delighted to to take over the shul’s pastoral tive donations, that a shul once ing willingly in preparing food, be part of this rebirth of their and rabbinic roles. He is helped believed beyond saving has now clearing up or even taking home much-loved congregation. by others from Stamford Hill in been restored.” washing. Ruth stresses that help leading Friday night meals, dis- All in all, the rebirth of this To meet the needs of from Chabad Lubavitch in cussions, Jewish learning, seder special community from the younger families, future aspira- Stamford Hill is invaluable. nights and the shul’s first ever ruins, with its influx of new tions include formation of a She said: “Rabbi Brackman public menorah lighting this members, could turn out to be Rabbi Odom Brandman is now authorised to cheder and youth groups, as initiated inspection and con- year. Funded by the Waltham one of the finest bargains ever well as including children in servation of our four Sefer Forest Borough of Culture, this originating from Westfield conduct marriages at Chabad Buckhurst Hill services for Chanukah, Purim Torahs, dating back to 1880, was a huge success attracting Shopping Centre! Liberal shul welcomes new faces Chigwell quiz raises thousands for Maccabi

MORE than 85 members of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) came to- gether for a special Shabbat service to welcome the com- munity’s newest faces. Rabbi Richard Jacobi led a guitar-based, family service to greet all the new arrivals, who also brought along family and friends. Each new member was in- vited by Rabbi Jacobi to read the blessings for the Torah. They were joined by the com- munity’s barmitzvah and bat- mitzvah students, who also BY SIMON unteers of all ages. stuck a celebratory leaf on the ROTHSTEIN The winners (pictured ELELS Tree of Life to com- above) were Ashley Kissin, memorate their coming of age. TWO hundred people raised Hilary Kissin, Jacqueline Synagogue chair Stewart almost £3,000 for Chigwell Conner, Brian Conner, Linda Spivack said: “I am so happy to Maccabi at a supper quiz fea- Beerman, Barry Beerman, chair such a wonderful, grow- turing questions on everything Marilyn Grynberg, Warren ing and inclusive community – from space to the small screen. Grynberg, Ros Cooper and and look forward to welcoming Guests enjoyed bagels, a Jan Lazarus. many more new members dur- raffle and eight very competi- Ashley said: “Congrat- ing the coming months. tive rounds from quiz maestro ulations to Sandra and her “And, of course, one never Michael Finger and his family team for organising a wonder- forgets the founders of our at Chigwell & Hainault Syna- ful quiz which raised a large community, who still tirelessly gogue. It was organised by sum of money. It was great to work for the betterment of Sandra Waldman, who was win, beating 19 other tables. everyone.” Rabbi Richard Jacobi joins the children at the Sefer Torah helped by a large team of vol- We are very proud.” PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 5 Jewish community has ‘not ‘Reform Roadshow’ achieved gender equality’ comes to Southend

Rabbis Romain, Janner-Klausner and Elf BY MIKE ROYSTON Rabbis Janner-Klausner and Romain are currently touring TWO of Britain’s best-known UK towns and cities to speak rabbis took part in a discussion about and discuss issues relating at Southend and District Reform to Reform Judaism. Synagogue. The evening was hosted by Reform Judaism’s senior Southend’s Rabbi Warren Elf rabbi, Rabbi Laura Janner- MBE, and the event was well Klausner, and writer and broad- attended by the local Jewish caster Rabbi Dr Jonathan community. Romain MBE, brought their The visiting rabbis said how ‘Reform Judaism Roadshow’ to much they had enjoyed their the synagogue. visit to Southend. Kid’s Kosher Cookery AJWO co-chairs Judy Silkoff and Laura Marks OBE PHOTO BY YAKIR ZUR SEVENTY-SEVEN per cent of Women Want 2020’ consulta- about equality. drive social change.” Club relaunched Jewish women say the Jewish tion also revealed that half of On the more positive side, Co-chair Judy Silkoff community has not yet Jewish women feel communal 69 percent believed the com- added: “Particularly as an Or- OVERSUBSCRIBED every sin- Events have seen children achieved gender equality, a new organisations don’t offer munity has improved on gender thodox Jewish woman, I’m gle month, the relaunched Kids making round challahs and honey consultation has revealed. women the same opportunities equality over the past 10 years. very encouraged to see so many Kosher Cookery Club at Chabad cake for Rosh Hashanah, latkes Findings, based on an on- as men – with just 17 percent Laura Marks OBE, the Orthodox women engaging in Buckhurst Hill has been a massive and doughnuts for Chanukah, line survey of 364 women in- disagreeing – while three quar- founder of Mitzvah Day and the discussion about really im- hit. shnitzels and desserts for a Friday cluding many from Essex, were ters believed that women were co-chair of AJWO, said: “Jew- portant equality issues, such as Aimed at children of primary night dinner, fruit bouquets and released by the recently re- too often represented by men in ish women are brave, compe- better education for men and school age, each month is themed smoothies for Tu Bishvat and launched Alliance of Jewish the media. Almost all those tent and gamechangers. I’m boys.” around an upcoming festival al- Hamentashen for Purim. Women and their Organisa- completing the survey, 95 per galvanised by the mandate they The AJWO dates back to lowing the kids to roll their sleeves For details of upcoming tions’ (AJWO). cent, agreed that Jewish men have given us to go out in the 1902 and was relaunched ear- up and really get stuck in to the events, please visit www. The ‘What Do Jewish and boys must be educated world, as Jewish women, to lier this year. cooking. chabadonthehill.co.uk 6 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 We need your help! THE ESSEX JEWISH NEWS IS SEARCHING FOR A PART-TIME ADVERTISEMENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE

The coronavirus and the With only a few hours economic fallout is creating a needed each month, the job is tough time for many busi- ideal for a freelancer looking nesses, especially a small local for extra income, someone on paper like ours. parental leave, a retiree or a school/university leaver looking We are searching for a part- to get a foothold in the world time representative to help us of sales. find new advertisers for our three issues each year (Pesach, It's also the chance to be part Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah) of our friendly team and help so we can continue to thrive safeguard the future of this once life returns to normal. vital organ for the local community. The role offers the freedom to work your own hours, from To find out more, and to home, with a very competitive apply, please email commission rate. [email protected] ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 7 Alf celebrates his centenary A story of escape

never give up on anything.” Born on 24 October 1919 in the East End of London, Alf grew up in Stamford Hill where his father used to deliver the milk. Later, his father started a haulage and moving business, Collis Transport, which Alf took over until starting his own car hire company in 1965. He also served in World War II. Alf married Isabel on 31 December 1941 in East London, and they were happily married for 42 years. Living in Stoke Newington, they had two chil- dren Jeff and Lindy. After Isabel’s death Alf re- married, and was then sadly widowed twice more. He moved to Redbridge when he re-married in the 1980s. Talking about his birthday celebrations, Alf said: “The Muriel Silver, Norma Hart, speaker Lilian Lousky family organised the party with and her mother Freda Hasbani lots of family, friends, music and speeches from the grand- REDBRIDGE WIZO held a were also delighted to have Lil- children. I saw some of the very successful luncheon at lian’s mother Freda Hasbani cousins I haven’t seen in years. Chabad Buckhurst Hill, raising with us.” It was fantastic and exhausting, £810 for their project in Israel – WIZO, Israel’s leading or- and I got about 150 birthday a shelter for women and chil- ganisation for education and so- cards!” dren at risk. cial services, promotes an equal Volunteer coordinators at The speaker was Lilian society for all supported by a the Redbridge Supportive Com- Lousky, who told how she es- global network of Zionist munities Tea Parties, Barbara caped to England from Syria as women. It raises money for day Jaffe from Romford and Valerie a young girl. She gave the mov- care centres, therapeutic cen- Marks from Woodford, helped ing account of how, aged 12, tres, guided playgroups and Alf Collis at his 100th party with volunteer coordinator Valerie Marks organise the celebration for Alf, her family in Syria were forced help for those affected by do- along with the event host. They to leave her behind as a guaran- mestic violence in the family. It GREAT-GRANDFATHER to Care Supportive Communities He said: “I’ve always been said: “Alf is so on the button, tee of their own return; but, also operates a national hotline ten, and grandpa to seven, Red- Tea Parties in Redbridge that very proud of my work and tried he’s happy to chat whenever we with help from neighbours and for the prevention of domestic bridge resident Alf Collis re- Alf has been attending every to help other people. I am pas- call him and he’s always ready friends, she was able to get to violence and for children at cently celebrated his 100th month since May last year. sionate about driving and re- when the volunteer drivers call England to join them… with risk. birthday surrounded by 65 of Alf, who was driving until pairing vehicles. I worked seven for him. He hasn’t missed one much hardship along the way. Anyone interested in join- his family and friends. The spe- the age of 94, didn’t retire from days and six nights a week, and of the tea parties since he Norma Hart said: “We all ing the Redbridge branch cial centenary event took place his car hire business until he I drove my first lorry at the age started. We absolutely love his enjoyed a really lovely speaker should call Norma on 020 8500 at one of the regular Jewish was well into his 80s. of 14. I’m also a fighter, and I company.” and very successful lunch. We 2537. 8 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 From Redbridge to the Costa del Sol Bingo at Do not ‘Pass over’ doing Clore something so important

CLORE Tikva Primary School’s FACT (Fundraisers At Clore Tikva) team held a well-attended and fun bingo evening in order to continue raising funds for the school. Despite a traffic jam on the M25 preventing the planned bingo caller being ‘the voice of the balls’, the 100-strong players managed to make use of their dabbers thanks to the dulcet tones of parent under- study, Lisa Richards, who stepped into the breach. Winners received cash prizes (or Amazon vouchers for those under 18) due to each round being sponsored BY CAROLYN Jewish community and be- by companies including Eal- ADDLEMAN yond. In addition to its well- ing Trading, All About the known will writing service, Cake, Churchill Estates, HATEVER your KKL can also act as Executor BY BRENDA coffee in Gibraltar, when some- registrar of South West Essex Blooming Lovely Gardens, family or financial in administering your estate. SOSKIN one they knew told them about & Settlement Reform Syna- Sixty Six, Phenofit, Sher and circumstances, mak- This role may be less well a business just on the market, gogue (SWESRS); and was Lasky Opticians, Nick Bick Wing a will is one of the most known, but it is equally vital, BRITISH migration to Spain which lead to them signing a known for her four-inch-high Jewellery and Instant Mort- crucial things you can do in acting as the oldest communal has resulted in the country contract at 6pm that very stilettoes that she wore on the gages. your lifetime – it takes care of Executor and Trustee Com- being home to one of the evening. bimah. Tony and Michelle The top raffle prize of a your present assets in the fu- pany. In particular, we have largest British-born popula- The business was to supply were married at the synagogue DKNY bag, donated by ture. Incredibly, seven out of acted for many people who tions outside the United King- and fit awnings, blinds and in 2001 and retain close ties to Choice, was won by Year 6 ten people never make a will, had no close family or friends dom, and the largest in Europe. shutters, a perfect opportunity its members. pupil Aziza Karakus, who then often causing their family and or professional advisors who Brits determined to begin a for the couple; and so Ace of On the programme, charitably gifted the prize to friends heartache and giving could undertake this role. We new life take out a one-way Shades was born. Tony ex- Michelle showed viewers her aunt. rise to painful legal disputes can arrange a home visit to ticket, mainly to live in the plained that while other busi- round her beautiful home and FACT chair Mel Phillips at a difficult and emotional discuss your requirements and Costa del Sol, and enjoy nesses such as running a bar do garden, followed everywhere said: “On behalf of the school, time. explain how our services around 325 days of sunshine not last long, because of com- by her rescue dog Lolly. Al- I am grateful to everyone who The financial conse- work. each year. Although it isn’t all petition, blinds, shutters and though she is always busy, she bought a ticket, a raffle ticket, quences of dying without The appointment of KKL about sun and sangria, these awnings are a necessity, espe- finds time once a month to run provided round sponsorship or making a proper will can be as Executor can remove the ex-pats need to bring home the cially since the recent heat her group for UK ex-pats donated a raffle prize. This serious. Your estate may be anxiety about who will ad- cash to survive long-term. wave in that part of Spain. known as ‘Ladies of Spain’, a fantastic evening was made shared out according to legal minister your estate in ac- Hence, the subject of a recent Michelle is the marketing support group for women on possible thanks to the support rules in a way that you do not cordance with your will. Channel 5 documentary, Bar- expert of their business, using their own and those new to of the whole community, who intend. There are hidden pit- KKL will perform not only gain Loving Brits in the Sun. social media and advertising to Spain, in order to chat, have enabled us to raise an amazing falls in will making which the usual tasks associated The documentary featured, in spread the word, with Tony the coffee and make friends. £2,000 for our school.” only a trained legal eye can with administering an estate particular, two ex-Redbridge main man supplying the prod- Comparing Fuengirola, spot and successfully over- (for example – collecting in residents Tony and Michelle uct and leading a team of fitters. Andalucía, with their previous come. Thousands of pounds assets, calculating and pay- Johnstone who left the UK to In her early life in the UK, nearest seaside town, Novel can be lost if a will is not ing inheritance tax, paying live in Mijas, Andalucía. Michelle was a Playboy Bunny Southend, it is fair to say they properly drawn up with a legacies and distributing In the documentary, for four years, which she de- have a good lifestyle. They approach valid witness so don’t rely on residue under the terms of Michelle explained that one scribes as “the best job I ever may work hard but, more im- a ‘DIY’ will – most disputes the will) but also the very morning, 11 years ago, they had”. She was also a former portantly, they always have about wills relate to those that Jewish functions associated were enjoying their morning senior warden and marriage time for each other. LONGSTANDING Essex are made without the benefit with death – arranging the Jewish News writer and edito- of legal advice. funeral and tombstone con- rial committee member, Mark The only way to guaran- secration and for Kaddish to KLBD Roadshow hits Cambridge Harris, awaits the publication tee that your wishes are prop- be said. of his latest fiction book in erly carried out is to make a Whatever your age or cir- BY MARK HARRIS orary minister of the Cam- Jewish Chaplaincy Board in early summer 2020. will with the benefit of proper cumstances, making or chang- bridge Traditional Jewish Con- aid of Magen David Adom, Is- Retired lawyer, Mark’s advice and appropriate legal ing your will now with the THE KLBD (Kashrut Author- gregation. rael's national emergency new novel ‘A Virtual Reality guidance, and to ensure that it benefit of proper advice en- ity – London Beth Din) ‘Road- The KLBD Roadshow was medical service, and to which – Second Exodus?’ is the is reviewed whenever circum- sures that all the years of nur- show’ arrived in the university free to attend; the event was attendees could make a dona- much-encouraged sequel to stances change. Only then can turing your assets will not be city of Cambridge on the first sponsored by the Cambridge tion if they wished. ‘A Virtual Reality’ published you be sure that your chosen wasted. Sunday in March. Around, ap- in 2018. In this his 25th year beneficiaries will receive parently, 150 certified kosher of association with the EJN, what is properly due to them. Carolyn Addleman is director and approved products – in- Mark’s book will be the sixth Your will can be drawn up of legacies at KKL Executor cluding some alcoholic bever- Double celebration of his fiction works, compris- without charge through JNF & Trustee Company Ltd, a ages, such as malt whisky and ing a trilogy of his own Jew- UK’s subsidiary, KKL Execu- subsidiary of JNF UK. She lager – were displayed on ta- ish short story anthologies tor & Trustee Company. KKL can be contacted on Freep- bles in the hall at the orthodox and three novels, the first has decades of experience of hone 0800 358 3587 or at car- Cambridge Synagogue, sited being ‘Last Days in Berlin’ ... providing this service to the [email protected] near the River Cam. a city he knows very well. A substantial number of ‘A Virtual Reality’ in- the food and drink items were volves an amazing ‘time WIJPS achieves best available as samples to be travel’ exploit back to me- tasted, and some of them could dieval Cambridge and its op- ever SATS results even be taken home. But be- pressed Jewish community. fore attendee members, from The forthcoming sequel – both the permanent and stu- which is more Jewishly YEAR 6 pupils at Wohl Ilford above the national average dent community, took the ‘global’ in aspect – is, liter- Jewish Primary School and 12% above the average tempting opportunity to do so, ally, out of this world! (WIJPS) recorded the school’s for all schools across Red- Sharon Feldman-Vazan of Mark says: “Somehow, best ever results in the Na- bridge. KLBD spoke about the work I’d felt compelled to write my tional SATs. Head Andrea Elliker said: of the organisation, the world- new novel, during 2019, Students achieved out- “We are extremely proud of wide kosher certification against the very concerning standingly high marks with, our Year 6’s achievements and process and the difference be- background of continuing and WIJPS ranked sixth in Red- congratulate all our staff for tween ‘certified’ and ‘ap- Fiona and Rabbi David Hulbert with their family statistically increasing anti- bridge overall; and in joint sec- their accomplishment of such proved’ products. EAST London & Essex Liberal thanks and joy.” semitism in the UK and conti- ond place for pupils who outstanding results for A brief Q&A session led Synagogue (ELELS) celebrated The wedding anniversary nental Europe; but, indeed, demonstrated an ability to use 2018/2019. on to the anticipatory audience the ruby wedding anniversary was combined with a second also elsewhere across planet and apply their knowledge and “This has reflected the milling around the laden ta- of its Emeritus Rabbi David celebration – the auf ruf of Na- Earth. Of course, my book is understanding above their growth in the standard of bles to try whatever tasty of- Hulbert and his wife Fiona at a talie and Menashy. The happy a work of fiction; and I really years (known as greater teaching and learning that we ferings that caught their eye. A special Shabbat service. couple were called to the bimah do hope it stays that way!” depth). have now come to expect at separate table, with a variety Synagogue chair Stewart to recite blessings, witnessed by When published, Mark’s With an 84.8% pass rate WIJPS and it is clearly re- of gins (and tonics, if desired) Spivack said: “David and many of their family and new novel will be available for all three key areas of as- flected in the children’s re- for sampling, was hosted by Fiona’s service to the congrega- friends. from any good bookshop; and sessment combined (reading, sults. We hope that their Rabbi Dr Reuven Leigh, di- tion, and to the people of Red- Stewart added: “It was a online from Amazon, Water- writing and maths), pupils not success continues as they rector of ‘The Rohr’ Chabad bridge, over 35 years was lovely occasion followed by a stone’s, Blackwell’s and W H only exceeded all expectations progress through their second- House Cambridge and hon- remembered and marked with splendid kiddush!” Smith’s etc. but overall results were 20% ary school years and beyond.” PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 9 Twinning in Chigwell… second time around Singing relaunches

BY PAT LIDIKER

WHEN planning his second barmitzvah at Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue earlier this year, Jeffrey Glassman called on the help of fellow member Harvey Frankel, who regularly organises twinning events for 13-year-olds. It was to be a double family occasion as Jeffrey was emulat- ing his own father-in-law, Max Preska, the first person to cele- brate a second barmitzvah at Chigwell Synagogue. That was in 1987 but, this time, Jeffrey WOODFORD Forest Syna- fields, South Woodford and was adding an extra twist. gogue, with the support of Jew- Jewish Care’s Dennis Centre on Harvey put him in touch ish Care, are relaunching Clarence Avenue. with Yad Vashem UK, who Singing for Memory as soon as For further information or twinned him with a boy who they are able. Once safe to pro- other enquiries, please call had shared his own Hebrew ceed it will take place from Woodford Forest Synagogue on name and birthday. Jeffrey then 10.30am to noon and every Fri- 020 8504 1990, or email of- researched the family and the day, except the first Friday of [email protected] to let them town in which they had lived. the month. know you’re coming. Yaacob David Vaksman Research suggests strongly was born in Wierzbnik, Poland, that singing can improve brain 83 years ago; but in 1941, at the activity, wellbeing and mood. New deputy time of the German occupation, The weekly group is a great op- he and his family were trans- portunity for people living with head ported from the ghetto to Tre- Jeffrey Glassman and wife Ruth at Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue dementia, or other conditions blinka. affecting memory, to benefit Jeffrey told the Essex Jew- A retired pharmacist – he to have memories of living thinks it important that they are from singing familiar songs and BRADLEY ABRAHAMS is the ish News: “Tragically, he never ran two shops in East London through the Second World War, reminded of World War II, the participating in stimulating, mu- new deputy head of Kantor King celebrated his own barmitzvah for 50 years – Jeffrey grew up I was only two when it started facts of the Holocaust and what sical activities. And you don’t Solomon High School (KKS). He because he was murdered by in Stamford Hill. He met his and eight when it was over. My happened to the six million even have to be a good singer to joined the school last summer on the Nazis at six years old along wife Ruth at Clapton Jewish father was called up in 1939. I Jews. This is why he wanted to come! the future leaders’ programme, in with his father, brother and sis- Youth Club and they married 62 remember being evacuated with mark his own second barmitz- Piano and percussion ac- preparation for headship. His ter. Now I will keep their mem- years ago at Egerton Road Syn- my mother, sister and my vah in this way. company the group with a ethos is that high expectations ory alive by lighting a candle agogue. mother’s sick sister. I remem- He added: “70 years ago, as skilled, friendly and compas- lead to success. for them before Yom Kippur The couple have three ber, too, sleeping in air raid a small, nervous boy, I per- sionate bunch of volunteers of- Bradley attended Seven and on Yom HaShoah.” daughters, eight grandchildren shelters and London Under- formed my barmitzvah because fering support. Tea and biscuits Kings High School, before going During the service and his and now five great-grandchil- ground stations. Our family I was told I had to by my par- are also served. on to study psychology at Leices- address, Jeffrey wore a Yad dren, all living in the Chigwell home was damaged and two ents! This time I feel privileged Successful sessions have al- ter University and taking a Mas- Vashem memorial pin as a trib- area and happily filling up the young cousins were killed in to have celebrated with the sup- ready been running for over a ters in leadership. ute; and was then presented front row for his second bar- the Blitz.” port of Rabbi Goodwin, my year, and the group is now wel- Aside from the role of deputy with a framed certificate by mitzvah. He adds that, fortunately, close family, friends and the coming new carers and their rel- head, Bradley is the KKS desig- Chigwell’s Rabbi Davis to Jeffrey told the congrega- the younger generation today congregation at Chigwell & atives to join them at Woodford nated safeguarding lead and also commemorate the twinning. tion: “My generation is the last have no such memories so Hainault Synagogue.” Forest Synagogue in Church- teaches English. 10 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 Councillors ask Labour Chabad launches new Jewish Party to investigate community in Havering BY SIMON Houses in Gants Hill and where Jewish people are liv- ‘antisemitic’ motion ROTHSTEIN Buckhurst Hill and the grow- ing, as well as embarking on ing congregation in Epping. a fundraising programme. CHABAD NE London & Regular activities are also held Rabbi Sufrin added: Essex has opened a Havering in Southend. “Even though funding is al- ance. We call upon the chair and community – covering the ex- Rabbi Sufrin MBE, the ex- ways a concern and a chal- executive of the Ilford South panding Jewish populations in ecutive director of Chabad NE lenge, when it comes to Group to investigate these alle- Romford, Collier Row, London & Essex, told the Jewish education and the gations as a matter of urgency Hornchurch, Upminster and Essex Jewish News: “Continu- needs of securing Jewish and refer the matter to the Rainham. ous requests have been made communities, we cannot Labour Party immediately.” Activities began in Janu- to us over a fair period of time, allow money to hold us back Ilford South’s newly elected ary with regular meetings, dis- asking Chabad to get more in- – just as the Lubavitcher MP, Sam Tarry, had said there cussion groups, one-to-one volved in the area of Haver- Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson were “conflicting accounts of learning and a challah bake ing. In discussion with my zy”o, taught us so well.” what happened and what was led by Devorah Sufrin. This wife Devorah, we decided that Rabbi and Mrs Sufrin are said” at the meeting. But the MP was followed by a joint chal- we must respond.” currently celebrating their faced criticism for not publicly lah bake with Romford and In the short term, the new 37th anniversary of Chabad condemning the motion, which District Affiliated (United) Havering community will be leadership locally – picking also attacked the Board of Synagogue with 25 partici- serviced mainly by Rabbi and up the baton of his late Par- Deputies for supposedly being pants. A website is also in the Mrs Sufrin, as the foundations ents Rev Aron Dov & Hennie “pro-Tory”. process of being set up. are laid and relationships are Sufrin, who laid the first Mr Tarry tweeted: “I always The fledgling community built. They will also be scout- seeds for Chabad in Essex take any allegation of racism ex- joins the established Chabad ing the wider areas to map back in 1976. tremely seriously. Having now seen the motion and spoken to several members who were in at- Rabbi Danny Rich steps down tendance at the meeting, I’ve Cllr Jas Athwal with Board Of Deputies vice asked that any complaints go president Amanda Bowman through the party’s formal chan- RABBI Danny Rich has thriving LJY-Netzer youth nels to ensure that this matter is stepped down as the senior movement, I am particularly THE REDBRIDGE Labour idated at the Cranbrook and dealt with thoroughly and impar- rabbi and chief executive of proud of the crucial role of Group of borough councillors Valentines branch meeting on 13 tially.” Liberal Judaism after 15 years Liberal Judaism, in partner- have called for the constituency January. After the allegations of anti- in the role. ship with Citizens UK and Labour Party to investigate alle- “In addition, we are led to semitic behaviour had emerged, Danny announced his de- others, in making the United gations that a motion by the believe antisemitic tropes were Redbridge councillors reached cision to Liberal Judaism’s Kingdom a welcoming home Cranbrook and Valentines directed at the member because out to the Board of Deputies. Council in January and left for Syrian refugees, and of the branch minimised antisemitism. of his objection to the motion. It Board vice president Amanda his post at the end of March. Liberal Judaism leadership to The branch put forward a is also a cause of concern that Bowman, together with Daniel His tenure and achievements persuade Parliament to intro- motion asking those standing for any members would use a mo- Elton, met Redbridge council- will be celebrated at Liberal duce equal marriage. the national Labour leadership to tion to call for Labour Party lors, including council leader Jas Judaism’s flagship event of “As I move to pastures ignore the Board of Deputies’ re- leadership to disengage with, Athwal, to discuss antisemitism. 2020, the Biennial Weekend, new, I shall continue to play a quest to sign up to 10 pledges to and reject, any requests from the Amanda said: “It was great which takes place on 22-24 different role in promoting heal the party’s rift with the Jew- Board of Deputies, widely con- to see both Labour and Conser- May. Liberal Jewish values and fur- ish community. During the ensu- sidered the foremost Jewish or- vative councillors reach out to During his decade and a thering the Jewish mission – ing debate, a Jewish member of ganisation in the UK. the Board of Deputies to learn half as the professional head to contribute to the creation of the branch was reported as say- “We must recognise that it about antisemitism. That is just of Liberal Judaism, Danny a decent and worthy society in ing that he and a fellow Jew were has been the collective behaviour the sort of leadership political saw new communities de- which ‘a person may sit under bullied and accused of being of the Labour Party structures parties need if they want to rid velop or open all over the the vine and the fig and no ‘agents of a foreign power’. and leadership that has led us to themselves of racism.” country – including Shenfield Rabbi Danny Rich other person shall make them Among the first to condemn this unedifying position of being Cllr Athwal added: “It was and Brentwood’s Tikvah resettlement to the Living afraid’.” the motion were Councillors investigated by the EHRC for in- wonderful to meet with Amanda Chadasha. Wage. Liberal Judaism’s presi- Khayer Chowdury, Farah Hus- stitutional antisemitism. There- Bowman and Daniel Elton to get He was also at the fore- Danny said: “In paying dent Rabbi Dr Andrew Gold- sain and Varinder Singe Bola, fore calls to ignore the largest a fuller understanding of the front of the successful cam- tribute to many rabbinic and stein led the tributes, saying: while Councillor Shamshia Jewish body in the country, and challenges facing the Jewish paign to ensure equal lay colleagues, to professional “Danny has been a mentor to Singh made his condemnation in this manner, are counter-pro- community and our society as a marriage in the UK – working and lay volunteers and to Lib- many rabbis and lay people on Twitter. ductive. whole. It is an important re- with the Quakers and Unitar- eral Jewish congregants and and influenced bringing many Later, the Redbridge Labour “Our Party’s ethos has al- minder that the Jewish commu- ians to show religious support others, I am pleased with what of them to Liberal Judaism. Group issued a statement, which ways been to stand up to bigotry nity’s fight is our fight and that from same sex couples seek- Liberal Judaism has become His place in the history of said: “The Labour Group were in all its forms and anyone found we need to play our part in driv- ing to marry, and presenting during the last 15 years and Liberal Judaism is assured, extremely concerned to hear that to have acted in this manner ing out antisemitism in all its evidence to Parliament to what it has achieved during and it is hoped that he will a young party member felt intim- must be met with a zero toler- forms.” support the case – and led my tenure. continue to make contribu- campaigns on social justice “Alongside many Liberal tions in the future in areas that Clore Tikva thrilled by issues ranging from refugee Judaism initiatives and a most interest him.” ‘good’ ofsted report Can collective punishment ever be justified – even by God? THRILLED staff and students at Clore Tikva Primary School examples of collective pun- are celebrating, after being rated ishment. Can collective pun- as ‘good’ by Ofsted. PERSONAL ishment ever be justified, The school, which was pre- even by God? To kill all viously rated as ‘requires im- OPINION those innocent Egyptians, provement’ following an Ofsted even babies. To destroy their inspection in November 2017, livelihoods, to bring destruc- was praised by the inspectors tion and despair to every- for the hard work and leadership RENEE body, regardless of their guilt over the past two years, which or evil intent. Should we be has moved the school forward BRAVO proud of what God did in our as well as its ethos and key name? value of ‘love your neighbour as ESACH is one of the there is one thing which al- There is another phrase yourself’. highlights of the Jewish most everybody does, and which bothers me about this The report started: “Equal- Happy pupils at Clore Tikva year, and there is a that is the reciting of the Ten story. When God tells Moses ity of opportunity is woven into tremendousP variation in the Plagues, and the ritual of dip- what he intends to do, he the fabric of the school and the sonal development and emo- thusiasm for learning and confi- way we recognise it. From ping one's finger and making says: “I will harden Pharoah's interfaith work undertaken by tional well-being. dence. the family who change every- ten blobs of wine on the plate. heart, and he will not let you the staff is very strong. Pupils Head Margot Buller said: “I “Clore Tikva is a very spe- thing and only use supervised It is seen as one of the great go.” He says it six times. So stated that they are really proud am delighted to be able to share cial school. It is such a pleasure products, through to those victories of the Jewish peo- Pharoah’s obstinacy was not to attend a school where they our Ofsted news, I would partic- to work here. I would like to who change nothing but keep ple. But I find myself at vari- his own fault. God hardened can learn about other beliefs and ularly like to thank and congrat- thank all staff, governors and to ‘supervised’ products, or ance with most people's view his heart. Perhaps we should- meet those who practise them.” ulate all the children of Clore parents as together we make a those who just keep ‘no of the Ten Plagues, namely, n't read it so carefully. It also recognised the clear Tikva School. They are amazing positive and vibrant school chometz’, to those who make ‘isn’t it wonderful what God These are some of the pride parents have in the school and really impressed the team community. Our ethos is clear a family Seder but do not did for us’. many questions I will ask and appreciation of how well it with their openness and consid- from the website and on enter- read the Haggadah; and many I don't agree with that. God when I get there. I look promotes their children’s per- eration of others, honesty, en- ing the school premises.” variations in between. But For me, it is one of the worst forward to the answers. PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 11 ‘You would never see a Volunteer Betty turns 100 crowd like this at Kinloss’

haps not realising it. IAN MURRAY REPORTS ON Towards the end, Rabbi Dr CHIGWELL & HAINAULT SYNAGOGUE’S Tatz spoke twice in his own REFLECTIONS 2020 EVENT inimitable way. First, about ‘Free will: the ultimate innova- A GROUND-BREAKING Rabbi Sturgess, who was tion’; and then he gave the con- community initiative brought raised in our community, talked cluding keynote talk in which some of the world’s best Jewish about how he stumbled upon he reflected on ‘Moral knowl- speakers to Chigwell & Hain- life’s most important questions edge: how do we know what is Volunteer Betty Morris (left) at her 100th birthday celebration ault Synagogue for Reflections after going to Exeter University. right?’. with a member of the Centre at Jewish Care's Dennis Centre for 2020. Other choices ranged from Is- Our team of helpers worked people living with dementia This all-day event attracted rael TV’s fascination with the tirelessly. Tea, coffee, cakes and over 200 attendees. They were ultra-Orthodox world biscuits were available from JEWISH Care held a special than 15 years. an inspiration to us all. She rewarded with an outstanding (Rebbetzen Feldman) to how to several stations throughout the party to celebrate volunteer Centre manager Zoe looks amazing and is a very val- array of speakers including cultivate happiness (Rabbi day. An excellent buffet lunch Betty Morris turning 100. Betty McGurrell told the Essex Jew- ued member of our volunteer- Rabbi Baruch Davis, Rebbetzen Goodwin in his inimitable, hu- provided much-needed nourish- has been volunteering at Jewish ish News: “Betty has always ing team. We were so pleased to Ilana Epstein, Rebbetzen Jacque- morous way). Rebbetzen Ep- ment, and one could sense the Care’s Dennis Centre for people been a very active volunteer, be celebrating Betty’s 100th line Feldman, Rebbetzen stein’s talk about food in the enjoyment felt by people as they living with dementia for more she has so much energy and is birthday with her.” Shalvie Friedman, Rabbi Holocaust was especially mov- left. One lady from North West Rafi Goodwin, Adam Green, ing. She talked about special, London told me: “I was aston- Rabbi Dovid Katz, Rabbi handed down recipes that en- ished both by the huge numbers ! Daniel Rowe, Rabbi Andrew abled the women to create as attending and the quality of the Shore, Rabbi Daniel Sturgess nutritious meals as possible in speakers. You would never see and Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz. dire circumstances. a crowd like this at Kinloss.” Rabbi Rowe’s opening, Rabbi Davis gave a power- An event of this size re- keynote talk addressed the sub- ful and provocative talk on G-d, quires an immense amount of ject of ‘The man in the mirror - the Holocaust and Israel. Partic- preparation. Our community how to see ourselves, G-d and ularly enjoyable for the local owe a big thank you to everyone the world around us’. This fas- congregants was a marvellous involved. All the hard work was cinating subject set the standard talk by home grown Adam justified on the day – this was a and held everyone’s attention. Green about his work on the Is- spectacular success. Afterwards, the audience raeli Bereshit spacecraft. It was Events like this help us to dispersed and had to choose particularly pleasing to see San- justify our reputation, so beau- four talks from a choice of 12. dra and Kevan beaming with tifully described by the late FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMING FROM ABROAD FOR SIMCHA OR A VISIT? The range of options was amaz- justifiable pride. Rebbetzen Chief Rabbi Jakobovits when he ing. Rabbi Katz spoke twice – Friedman spoke about Elijah, called us “the jewel in the PROBLEMS ACCOMMODATING THEM? about the ethics of Artificial In- and Rabbi Shaw gave a persua- crown of the United Syna- telligence and rhe ethics of pre- sive talk on how we are living gogue”. Let’s hope that we can LOOK NO FURTHER THAN KING SOLOMON HOTEL-FRIENDLY SERVICE AND emptive strikes. in an age of miracles and per- do it again next year. CONVENIENT LOCATION, NOT TOO FAR FROM NORTH EAST LONDON OR CENTRAL LONDON. CLOSE TO GOLDERS GREEN STATION, BUS ROUTES AND MOTORWAYS Meet Zelda –EJN’s own agony aunt % WE are delighted to introduce you to Zelda – the new Essex % Jewish News Agony Aunt, who will be answering the ques- % tions that REALLY matter to you. For her first appearance, Zelda tackles an issue as old as Judaism itself … the over- % bearing mother-in-law. % Dear Hannah, I((%+''B,%/+*%*-%,J@D*%>@DC%6K1%)@+*ED% )@/(% D*(*LC'-*1% D*/ME'GG**% G/E@(@D@*,1% I have found two so- Dear Zelda, lutions to your problem. L+@N/D*% ,/G*1% 3@+*(*,,% O-D*+-*D1% 9P% First, the next time she is C'J+%+*E*LD@'-%Q%G+**%/BL(*%L/+?@-A7% Whenever she visits us for dinner, my mother-in- due at your house for law is constantly going on about how her homemade dinner, buy the apple % apple strudel is wonderful and that mine falls short. strudel at the deli and if The other day we were due to eat at her house, and she criticises it then say that morning I was some way behind her in a queue that it is from the same .''B% +/D*,% ,D/+D% G+'B% R"$788% Q% at the local deli. She didn’t see me and she pur- deli where she buys hers. !""#!"$%&'()*+,%&+**-%.'/)%0'-)'-1% @-E(J)*%E'-D@-*-D/(%?',C*+%S+*/?G/,D7% chased portions of the deli’s apple strudel, serving it Her embarrassment could 23!!%$45% to us that evening, again boasting of how hers was cause some friction 6*(7%898%:98!%$888% % fantastic. When I make it, I follow the traditional within the family, espe- recipe and filling with the stretched filo pastry; it is cially if your husband ;/<7%898%:98%!$:"=% quite difficult to make but tastes delicious. Should I sides with his mother. >>>7?@-A,'('B'-C'D*(7E'B% !"#$%&#'( %))"*$( #&+( ,*%-.( /%%01&,( let her know that I am onto her apple strudel secret The second solution is to *#B/@(F%@-G'H?@-A,'('B'-C'D*(7E'B% +1$2%-&3$(#4#1'#/'"5( or should I keep shtum? make cheesecake! Hannah

Zelda 12 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 STANDING TOGETHER The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) was ‘Stand Together’. Throughout history genocidal regimes have deliber- ately aimed at fracturing society by marginalising certain groups. The emphasis this year was on standing together with others in our communities in order to stop division and the spread of hatred in our society. Once again the day was com- memorated all over Essex and beyond and below you can read reports and see pictures from some of the events that took place.

in Britain. In his own words, Rolf re- NEWBURY called: “I was born in Munich, PARK and I was 16 when I left with BY BRENDA my brother, who was 14. When SOSKIN we crossed the border into Hol- land, the Dutch people came to Top left: Present at the MORE than 600 primary and meet us. The Dutch women had Chelmsford HMD were the secondary school children and big hats, and they threw sweets, mayor, Cllr Bob Massey (left), their teachers, from across Red- and drinks and food onto the bridge, Barking and Dagenham, train. What they did was incred- and local MP Vicky Ford were invited to take part in half- ible, I can still remember it so Top right: Guest speaker day seminars over six days at clearly. When we got into Har- Ernest Simon at the Brent- South West Essex & Settlement wich we were taken to a holiday wood HMD PHOTO BY IAN Reform Synagogue (SWESRS). camp at Dovercourt Bay, it was DAVIDSON Organised by Sheila Chiat, in the winter and there was no Above left: Guest speaker president of SWESRS, the pro- heating in the huts.” Susie Barnett (centre) with gramme was dedicated to the Luckily Rolf’s parents sur- from left to right Steven memory of Esther Brunstein, a vived the war as they were sent Jaffe, Natasha Radford of survivor of both Auschwitz and to a concentration camp in the Tikvah Chadasha Synagogue, Belsen and an indefatigable south of Italy. He was also for- Ernest Simon, past mayor campaigner against racism. A tunate because he was able to David Tee and Moira Dare- fighter for human rights, Esther write to them through the Red Edwards at the Brentwood was invited to address the UN Cross during the war, and after- HMD PHOTO BY IAN DAVIDSON General Assembly in 1998, the wards he spent three years Above right: Stones painted 60th anniversary of the Univer- working to get them into the UK with the names of survivors sal Declaration of Human for them to be reunited. by pupils from Leverton Rights. Esther’s daughter, Over the six days, other Primary School, King Harold Denise Fluskey, and Rabbi synagogue members and local Business Academy and Daven- Henry Goldstein shared their rabbis, who are children of sur- memories of Esther and dis- vivors, also shared their parents’ nant Foundation cussed her legacy with the stu- stories and the lessons to be Left: Members of Jewish com- dents. learnt from the Holocaust and munity and Southend Council Eva Kugler, a Holocaust the continuing threat of anti- at the annual tree-planting survivor, addressed the students semitism. about her experiences in Nazi Germany. She was seven years “Thou shalt not stand still on on Sea, Councillor John Lamb, equality by launching the Redbridge Thomas Chan, old in 1938 when Kristallnacht the blood of your neighbour`s, who had earlier lit the Holo- Redbridge Equality Pledge. Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Zul- took place. Her father was ar- SOUTHEND not remain silent bystanders.” caust candle and was clearly Cllr Jas Athwal told the fiqar Hussain and Cllr Joyce rested, his business and home BY GEOFFREY Rabbi Hyman then intro- moved. He said: “I feel very large crowd at the Holocaust Ryan. confiscated; he was sent to PEPPER duced “a giant of a lady”, Susan strongly. We should not be Memorial in Valentines Park: Politicians, including Wes Buchenwald concentration Pollack MBE. Susan is an frightened to speak up against “Holocaust Memorial Day is Streeting, MP for Ilford camp and later to a labour CLOSE to 400 people attended Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen the various injustices, and op- the time for our community North, local rabbonim, coun- camp. However, with forged the annual Holocaust Memorial survivor, who was also on the pose those who try to deny or to remember those who suf- cillors and school children visas Eva and her sister were Day event in Southend. Death March in 1944-45. Born change history.” fered unimaginable horrors came together to remember sent to France, to a Jewish home Southend and District Re- in 1930 in Hungary, she lost her Members of the Jewish during the Nazi regime, to those who died in the Holo- for displaced children. Eva’s form Synagogue’s Rabbi War- entire family in the Holocaust. community and Southend honour survivors and victims caust as well as those who parents survived four concentra- ren Elf spoke first – warning Susan lamented: “I came Council then attended the an- and to make a stand against suffered in genocides in tion camps, twice miraculously about recent rhetoric and dan- here in 1962, was a Samaritan nual tree-planting ceremony in persecution. Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia spared from Auschwitz. Finally, gerous words being used for po- for 10 years, and I have been the town, to commemorate the “Everyone can make a and Darfur. in 1941 Eva and her sister were litical effect, and where that can talking for over 30 years. Who lives of those who perished in commitment towards helping given visas and were sent to lead. is going to talk after we have all the Holocaust and more recent make sure that we are all America, living in four foster Southend & Westcliff He- gone? Action is very important, genocides. treated equally and fairly by CAMBRIDGE homes. Miraculously, all sur- brew Congregation`s Rabbi Ge- the past is getting closer and the others, regardless of our BY MARK HARRIS vived and the family was re- offrey Hyman, who has met great evil that destroyed my race, gender, religion, sexu- united in 1946. many Holocaust survivors, whole family, such hatred ality or disability – giving us THIS year’s Holocaust Memo- Rolf Penzias also recalled spoke next. Reflecting on the should never happen again.” REDBRIDGE each the freedom to be who rial Day event was held, as his experiences of the Kinder- 75th anniversary of the libera- There also was music and BY MANNY we are.” usual, at the city's Corn Ex- transport. He was one of about tion of Auschwitz, and what his poetry, and a presentation by The choir of Cranbrook change with the general theme 10,000 child refugees, mostly own family went through, he students based on encouraging ROBINSON United and South West Essex 'Stand Together, Strong To- Jewish, who were sent without said: “We have an absolute ob- them to focus on why we should REDBRIDGE Council Reform Synagogues per- gether'. Cambridge HMD was their parents out of Austria, Ger- ligation to hear the survivors remember. marked Holocaust Memorial formed at the service. organised by its artistic direc- many, Poland and Czechoslova- again and again.” The rabbi Concluding remarks were Day by affirming its commit- Among those laying wreaths tor, historian Helen Weinstein kia to foster families and hostels quoted a verse from Leviticus: given by the Mayor of Southend ment to fighting hate and in- were Deputy Lieutenant of CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 13

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Sobol; and there were read- of Historyworks. ings from New Hall and St The commemorative, civic John Payne students, and two BRENTWOOD ceremony included speeches, excellent pieces of music BY MOIRA testimonies, readings, music, from Felsted and KEGS boys. DARE-EDWARDS poetry and drama; and focused Further readings were pre- ESSEX AREA LINK on 75 years since the libera- sented by the Mayor of FOR CHRISTIAN tion of the Nazi death camp Chelmsford, Cllr Bob Massey, FRIENDS OF ISRAEL Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well Vicky Ford, MP for Chelms- as the 25th anniversary of the ford, Cllr John Jowers, chair- AT a time of increasing anti- genocide in Bosnia. Groups man of Essex County Council semitism how vital and impor- supporting equality and diver- and pre-selected members of tant was it for us, in 2020, as a sity in today's world were also the community. community of Christians and represented. In a moving Memorial Jews in Brentwood, to ‘Stand Holocaust survivor Eva Candle Lighting ceremony, Together’ (the theme for this Clarke addressed the capacity the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of year’s Holocaust Memorial assembly. Alongside Helen Essex – who was representing Day) to remember those mil- Weinstein and poet Michael HM the Queen – lit one of the lions who died in the Holocaust Rosen, she had worked with six candles. The other five and those still suffering; and to hundreds of local schoolchild- were lit by representatives of honour and hear those who are ren in the lead-up to the HMD various branches of the local able to still bear witness in order event. community. to combat this evil, and the at- Lady Zahava Kohn (centre) with her daughter Hephzi (left) surrounded by Several Cambridge A packed audience in the tempts to deny this history. pupils from Kantor King Solomon High School schools, particularly choirs, City Council Chamber also An exhibition featuring participated in the annual heard the personal story of Nicholas Winton, British woven with his personal narra- They asked fantastic questions event; with three, specially Henri Obstfeld BEM, who Kindertransport rescuer, and tive were details of historical and it was a privilege to host this commissioned poems written was a young child in Holland Corrie Ten Boom who hid Jews events about the Holocaust, giv- SCHOOLS event once again. by Mr Rosen – ‘Better When during the Nazi occupation. in Holland, together with infor- ing the audience an excellent BY LAURA MARKS Hephzi said: “Coming to We Stand Together’, ‘Strong The commemoration was mation on Auschwitz, on the picture of life for Jewish people Kantor King Solomon for the Together Hand in Hand’ and organised by Chelmsford 75th anniversary of its libera- at that time. This was followed KANTOR King Solomon High past nine years has actually been ‘Our Word Our World’ – set to Jewish community chairman tion, was taken into several by many interesting questions. School were honoured to share one of the highlights of each year music by composer Bethany Stan Keller on behalf of local schools and was on dis- The culmination of the the incredible story of Holo- for me. We speak about once or Kirby. Chelmsford City Council. play for the general public. evening was the lighting of six caust survivor Lady Zahava twice a week in schools all over The event closed with a In his closing speech, Stan On two mornings in Brent- candles by survivors, and repre- Kohn. Joined by her daughter London (in the past all over the rendition of the song, ‘We Are brought gasps from the audi- wood, Susie Barnett, Holocaust sentatives of the wider commu- Hephzi, sharing original items UK, too) – but there has always One World, One Voice, One ence as he reported on antise- survivor from Nazi Germany, nity, in memory of the six from the Holocaust including been something particularly spe- Heart Beating’. mitic outrages that have spoke very movingly to students million Jewish people who lost the bowls they ate from and let- cial about coming to KKS for occurred over the last 12 from local schools and the gen- their lives in the Holocaust, and ters sent to relatives, they told your Holocaust seminars to mark months in Europe, America eral public about the eventual a minute’s silence and Kaddish. the incredible story of survival, Holocaust Memorial Day. They CHELMSFORDand closer to home in London survival of her entire family; but All these events, with the stories from Bergen Belsen the are unique. BY SIMON and Essex. He stressed how also of the devastating and last- purpose of education, remem- concentration camp she was “The fact that you bring to- ROTHSTEIN important it is for the younger ing effect that all the events had brance, commemoration and re- sent to along with her parents, gether students from all over the generation to carry forward on each member of the family. flection, were attended her rehabilitation and being re- borough of Redbridge – who sit A VARIED Holocaust Memo- the message of speaking out On the Saturday evening, a variously by local MP Dr Alex united with her brother after together – to discuss, learn and rial Day commemoration in against all forms of discrimi- Meeting of Commemoration Burghart, the mayor of Brent- five years apart. work together is remarkable. I Chelmsford included contri- nation; and he praised the city was held. The guest speaker was wood, a past mayor, councillors Pupils were joined by sixth know how much work this must butions from many students of Chelmsford for being an Ernest Simon, who was born and other invited guests includ- form students from Wanstead, take to organise, but the benefits from local schools. example of tolerance and and brought up in the Jewish ing Steven Jaffe, consultant to Beal, Trinity and Ilford County are huge. You are giving kids an Five pupils from King Ed- coming to ‘Stand Together’ – ghetto of Eisenstadt, Austria; the Jewish Leadership Council, High, Valentine and Woodford opportunity to learn about the ward VI Grammar School en- the theme of this year’s Holo- and who escaped to England as which brings together CEOs of County High who worked in Holocaust, prejudice and racism acted a powerful scene from caust Memorial Day – with a child refugee on a Kinder- major Jewish community or- groups discussing several topics in a unique way. I hope these ses- the play ‘Ghetto’ by Joseph the Jewish community. transport in January 1939. Inter- ganisations in the UK. in relation to the Holocaust. sions will stay with them.” Holocaust Memorial and Education Centre at Loughton

BY PAT LIDIKER ing knowledge of the Holo- “We also have an agree- have heard so many moving Business Academy and Dav- as, unlike flowers, they won’t caust alive, particularly for sec- ment with the cricket ground stories of human survival. We enant Foundation School die; and so will always be there EPPING Forest District Council ondary school students learning opposite to hold events in some must not tolerate any form of painted the names on the stones, as a symbol of the memory of will build and install a public about World War Two. The of the open space every year, genocide, and must make sure having learned about the sur- each person. The name painted Holocaust Memorial and Edu- new facilities – which will be not as a gathering point but a the horrors are never forgotten vivors and caring staff at the on the 24th stone is that of cation Centre on Loughton’s maintained by the Holocaust very reserved, remembrance and never repeated.” Loughton hostel. They were Heini Goldberg, who looked Traps Hill in a landmark first for Educational Trust – will host a place. It is all about education.” Pupils from Leverton Pri- told that stones are often put on after survivors at Holmehurst the area. permanent exhibition in con- There is a significant Jew- mary School, King Harold Jewish graves and memorials Hostel. The announcement was junction with events at ish population in the Epping made on Holocaust Memorial Loughton Library and Epping Forest area, with synagogues in Day, during a tree planting cer- Forest District Museum. Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill and emony in the garden of Epping The approval of the Centre Loughton and a community in Southend survivor sculpted Forest District Museum. The marks the fruition of plans and Epping. event was given added research dating back to October Many attended the tree poignance as it marked 75 years 2018, when the Epping Forest planting ceremony on Holo- on his 90th birthday since Loughton opened its doors Holocaust Memorial Group caust Memorial Day, when to 23 Holocaust survivors after was established. Cllr Howard painted stones were laid bearing the liberation of the concentra- Kauffman, a member of the the names of Loughton’s Holo- BY SIMON living in the UK, including Sir tion camps. group along with several other caust survivors and the staff at ROTHSTEIN Ben Helfgott, Ivor Perl BEM, Following a Council Cabi- residents, says many meetings the Holmehurst Hostel that Miriam Freeman and Freddie net meeting earlier this month, took place to reach this stage. housed them. The Jewish com- ROYAL sculptress to the stars Knoller. councillors agreed to grant a He told the Essex Jewish munity was joined by local dig- Frances Segelman (Lady Frances said: “It has been a long lease of 125 years to an un- News: “One of the reasons for nitaries, councillors and Petchey) undertook a unique great privilege to sculpt Leslie used area of land of 14.1m x this site is because of the Holo- children from nearby schools project with Holocaust survivor Kleinman. These important art 6m, which is close to Loughton caust survivors who came to for the event. Leslie Kleinman BEM to cele- events help future generations Library, for the Holocaust Me- Loughton immediately after the Chabad Buckhurst Hill’s brate his 90th birthday. learn from the Holocaust so that morial and Education Centre. war and were guests in the Rabbi Odom Brandman said: “I A special sculpting session it never happens again.” Once it is finished, it will Holmehurst Hostel, so there is know everyone in our Essex took place at Jewish Care’s Born in Rumania, 29 May have a huge part to play in keep- actually DNA here. Jewish community will be Redbridge Jewish Community 1929, Leslie arrived in pleased to see how this mean- Centre (RJCC) with Leslie’s Auschwitz at the age of 15, on ingful day has been recognised. family and friends in atten- his birthday. He now talks regu- A tree has great meaning: the dance, along with members of larly to schoolchildren about his roots represent our past, the both RJCC and Jewish Care’s experiences and the dangers of fruit represents our future and Holocaust Survivors’ Centre. hatred and prejudice. we cannot grow without the An initial life-size, clay bust Leslie, a member of strong roots to give us what we of Leslie took just two hours to Southend & Westcliff Hebrew need.” complete, and will be cast sub- Congregation, said: “Dr Men- PHOTO BY SOPHIE DUNN Richard Bassett, chairman sequently into bronze at the gele passed me as I said I was He has no hatred towards any- of Epping Forest District Coun- Bronze Age Foundry in Lime- older than I really was. All I can one, which is an amazing thing cil, added: “I feel very privi- house. Frances' daughter, Vic- tell you is that when I go to for someone who has been leged to plant the tree, a sign of toria Perloff, also painted a schools to talk to children, they through so much. This is a big life and hope. I’m very thankful portrait of Leslie which she pre- listen to what I have to say.” milestone in Leslie’s life and in to the schools for their partici- sented to him on the day. Leslie’s wife, Miriam Klein- mine. It’s amazing that he’s pation and to the Jewish com- Well known for her busts of man, added: “He survived by reached the grand old age of 90. Rabbi Odom Brandman and Cllr Richard Bassett munity for welcoming us to be royalty and celebrities, Frances’ being positive and his hope kept The sculpture shows his like- with pupils from local schools in Loughton at part of this. I have attended sev- sculpture is the latest in a series him alive, he felt all the time ness and his strength and what the tree planting ceremony to mark HMD eral events to mark this day and created of Holocaust survivors that God was walking with him. made him survive.” 14 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX Passover Greetings to the JEWISH NEWS Community 5780/2020

Southend and District Reform Synagogue 851 London Road Westcliff-on-Sea Essex SS0 9SZ Telephone 01702 711663 SUKKAT SHALOM www.southendreform.org.uk REFORM SYNAGOGUE 1 Victory Road, Hermon Hill, WWanstead,anstead, E11 1UL The Executive and Council of Southend A Happy & and District Reform Synagogue, Rabbi Larry Becker and all of our together with Rabbi Warren Elf MBE, members wish you a happy and Kosher Pesach warmly wish the community and all healthy Passover (Pesach) from everyone at readers a happy and healthy Pesach If you would like more information about WOODFORD FOREST the synagogue please contact us on For the duration of the coronavirus crisis, UNITED SYNAGOGUE online Shabbat services are held on Telephone:Telephone: 020 8530 3345 Friday night at 6.00 p.m. and (Answer phone, please leave a message) Saturday morning at 10.30 a.m. 20 Churchfields, London E18 2QZ Please contact the synagogue for details on EEmail: il admin@sadmin@sukk kkatshalomkatshalom.me.uk me k Telephone 020 8504 1990 01702 711663 www.wfus.org.uk Our online Communal Seder will be on Website:Website: wwww.sukkatshalom.org.uk.sukkkatshalom.org.uk Thursday 9th April at 6.30 p.m.

ILFORD FEDERATION ʹʣʧʸʩʹʤʹʥʣʷʤʬʩʤʷ SYNAGOGUE East London A thriving community  2a Clarence Avenue, Ilford, and Essex Essex IG2 6JH Liberal    7KH%RDUGRI Tel: 0208 554 5289  Synagogue      1HZ(VVH[0DVRUWL6\QDJRJXH       ZLVKHVWKHFRPPXQLW\ Rabbi Richard Jacobi and Rabbi & Rebbetzen Singer,    The Honorary Officers, Emeritus Rabbi  David Hulbert,  DKHDOWK\DQGVDIH3HVDFK the Honorary Officers and Council send  Board of Management and warm wishes to the community and all readers of The Essex Jewish News for a our Community send  healthy and happy Pesach 5780 greetings to all EJN readers ƊƊ ÚáìƊÚäçƊÕÚ Marlborough Road, London E18 1AR QHPDVRUWL#KRWPDLOFRP for a Healthy and 020 8989 7619 Peaceful Pesach. [email protected]  02'(5175$',7,21$/-8'$,60 eastlondonandessexliberalsynagogue.org         6KDEEDWDQG+LJK+ROLGD\VHUYLFHVKHOGLQIULHQGO\IDPLO\HQYLURQPHQW

Greetings from ROMFORD & DISTRICT KANTOR KING SOLOMON WOHL ILFORD JEWISH SYNAGOGUE HIGH SCHOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL (Incorporating Havering Jewish Ladies) Headteacher: Ms H Reece Headteacher: Mrs A Elliker 25 EASTERN ROAD, ROMFORD, ESSEX Tel: 020 8498 1300 Tel: 020 8498 1350 01708 741690, 01708 748199 or 01708 765117 [email protected] [email protected] www.kkshs.uk www.ijpsonline.co.uk Rabbi Lee Sunderland, the Honorary Officers AHADA BEREAVEMENT and Congregation wish everyone a SUPPORT Healthy Kosher Pesach wishes clients, counsellors and the community CHAG PESACH SAME’ACH At this difficult time for LOUGHTON SYNAGOGUE all of us, Rabbi Davis, Offering counselling support Borders Lane, Loughton, Essex IG10 1TE Rabbi Goodwin, the Honorary Officers and throughout the year Tel: 020 8508 0303 Board of Management wish all readers of the Contact us if you need help Essex Jewish News a Happy, Healthy and or if you want to volunteer Rabbi Yanky Abrams, the Honorary Peaceful Pesach Officers and Board of Management See our website chigshul.org.uk for our online activities. 07758 727328 ­ www.ahada.org.uk wish all readers a Happy and Limes Avenue, Limes Farm Estate Registered Charity No: 1118894 Chigwell, Essex IG7 5NT The cost of this advert is being Peaceful Pesach Tel: 020 8500 2451 covered by private donations PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 15 ESSEX Passover Greetings to the JEWISH NEWS Community 5780/2020

Is your tummy pining for Cholla, Salt Beef and Latkes Do you miss celebrating The Candles on Chanukah The Seder on Pesach Dressing up on Purim Are you nostalgic for Jewish humour, Jewish music and Jewish culture Do you live in or around mid Essex and are you aware that there has been a vibrant Jewish Community in wish all of our friends and supporters a Chelmsford since 1974 which welcomes all Jews and their partners, whether very happy and healthy Pesach Jewish or not, to join us in keeping the traditions of Judaism alive in the city. For more details phone Harry on 01245 475444 On behalf of Executive Directors: or email: [email protected] Rabbi & Mrs Sufrin MBE of Chabad Gants Hill

Rabbi & Mrs Brandman of Chabad Buckhurst Hill

Rabbi & Mrs Posen of Chabad Epping

Chabad also has an office in Westcliff-on-Sea Gants Hill: www.chabadilford.co.uk Buckhurst Hill: www.chabadonthehill.co.uk Epping: www.chabadepping.co.uk Westcliff-on-Sea: www.chabadsouthend.co.uk

THANK ! YOU ! "#$%!&'($)#!*$+'$)#,!! This issue was ! produced in some !"#"$%&%#'()*%+%,%("%,#"-.%&/#0122-#3-&1#41**%""/#56'(+-7#1(,#&"188#68#9:;909#<-&$#"$%#%("-*%#=%<-&$# very unsettling +6..'(-">#1#&18%/#$%17"$>#1(,#$1))>#?%&1+$@# # circumstances, as 9"1>-(A#+6((%+"%,#-&#.6*%#-.)6*"1("#"$1(#%B%*/#1(,#"$%#&)-*-"'17#&'))6*"#68#+6..'(-">#"1C%(#&)%+-17# our community and &-A(-8-+1(+%#1&#<%#7%1*(#"6#7-B%#-(#)$>&-+17#-&671"-6(@#4'"#"$%*%D&#(6#(%%,#"6#8%%7#176(%E#=6-(#'(7-(%#86*#6'*# F1.-7>#F*-%(,7>#F-*&"#G-A$"#?%&1+$#9%,%*/#1(,#6'*#9%+6(,#G-A$"#56..'(17#9%,%*@#=6-(#'&#"66#86*#6'*#6(7-(%# country moved into 9$1221"#&%*B-+%&/#H'&-+17#&%*B-+%&/#7%1*(-(A/#.%,-"1"-6(#1(,#.6*%@# lockdown in order to # I6'#+1(#8-(,#6(7-(%#J6-(-(A#,%"1-7
(,#-(86*.1"-6(#126'"#177#6'*#6(7-(%#1+"-B-"-%(#6'*#<%2&-"%# fight the coronavirus. <<<@&<%&*&@6*A@'C#I6'#+1(#17&6#+6("1+"#'>#%.1-7K#1,.-(L&<%&*&@6*A@'C#6*#"%7%)$6(%K#MNM#OPQQ#MQRS#

We would like to R thank our volunteer team, contributors and advertisers who H made this online edition possible. Wishingg our childrenen, their families and the community unity a Happy y and Kosher Pe esach

Headteacher: Chairman of Governors: Mrs Margot Buller Mrs Louise Dorling We hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Fullwell Avenue, Barkingside, Ilford Essex IG6 2JN Passover. ! Telephone: 8551 1097 Fax: 8551 2070 email: [email protected]

The governors, staff and pupils wish the providing all-day childcare, aall year,

community a happy and peaceful ESSEX for the children of our comm munity Pesach JEWISH NEWS 16 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 PASSOVER THOUGHTS FROM OUR COMMUNAL LEADERS

BY CHIEF RABBI ing to climate change, I fear actually view the issue today. impact of climate change by not forget our responsibility to EPHRAIM MIRVIS that too many of us are failing On Pesach, we recall how sea level, temperature increase protect the fragile world that CHIEF RABBI OF THE to see the wood for the trees. Aaron, not Moses, was in- or the amount of carbon in the He created for us. UNITED HEBREW It is told of the apocryphal structed to instigate the first air. These are, of course, all Consequently, our re- CONGREGATIONS OF ‘wise elders of Chelm’ that three of the ten plagues – crucial in their own right, but sponse to climate THE COMMONWEALTH they were becoming increas- blood and frogs, which what if we measured the im- change should be not ingly concerned about the emerged from water, and lice, pact of climate change by the only about this type RECENT BBC News town’s only bridge. A small which emerged from the earth. number of human lives it has of plastic or that; item reported that more cavity in the bridge quickly Rashi explains that Moses already destroyed? Might that this type of car or than a quarter of peo- became a dangerous gap. owed both water and the earth help focus our minds? that. It should be a pleA engage in monthly domes- Every day brought more inci- a personal debt of gratitude. Accurate figures would be far more fundamental tic disputes about which types dents of people falling into the The waters of the Nile had difficult to produce, but there shift in the way that of plastic can be recycled. Re- valley below and injuring protected his life when, as a is no question that millions of we think about the search carried out in London themselves. An emergency baby, he was set afloat in a lives are lost every year to air natural environment. last year found that nearly meeting of the elders was basket, while the earth pro- pollution, natural disasters, Planet Earth has sus- 90% of drivers were still grap- called. After a full day of in- vided the hiding place for the pandemics and extreme water tained humanity for pling with what the new Ultra tense discussion and debate, body of the Egyptian taskmas- or food shortages related to millennia, just as it Low Emissions Zone would the unanimous solution was fi- ter whom Moses had killed in climate change. sustained Moses in mean for them. A report issued nally announced: they would order to save a Hebrew slave. More than anything, Pe- Egypt. In return, in January by a cross-party urgently build a hospital in the This anthropomorphism is sach is about responsibility. we are failing to Parliamentary group suggested valley below! surprising. Can one really feel Slaves are merely an instru- offer it the respect that, in efforts to reduce plastic I wonder what the reac- a sense of respect or deference ment, acting purely upon in- that it deserves. waste, many are using materi- tion of the elders of Chelm for a river or the earth? struction. As we celebrate our Valerie als which can actually cause would be to the problem of cli- I believe that there is a freedom from Egypt and its and I wish greater damage to the environ- mate change and, indeed, powerful message here about accompanying responsibility – you a Chag ment. whether it would be different our attitude to the environ- to Torah, to Hashem and to Kasher When it comes to respond- at all to the way many people ment. We tend to measure the living in His service – we must Vesameach. BY RABBI ARYEH even a single slave could not ter how gloomy the position ap- BY RABBI LAURA challenges, without question, heal the many wrongs in our SUFRIN MBE escape; completely in the power pears to be in the light of JANNER-KLAUSNER but our Jewish community re- world. It is left to us now to use EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of a Pharaoh who bathed in the human appraisal, we are re- SENIOR RABBI TO mains one which can feel se- our freedom to help those who OF CHABAD blood of Jewish children; in ut- minded daily of the Exodus - REFORM JUDAISM cure and confident – a vibrant need it: the family in our local LUBAVITCH NORTH most destitution; broken in and strive effectively towards and diverse community, with community who have to rely on EAST LONDON AND body and spirit by the meanest complete liberation and free- AYENU – it would allies beyond our walls who food banks; the refugee seeking ESSEX kind of forced labour - sud- dom, in a bold manner (“with have been enough for are prepared to stand with us at a place of shelter; those who denly Pharaoh’s power is bro- an outstretched arm”) and to the us. any time of concern. starve in our world of plenty. HE festival of Passover is ken; the entire people are fullest attainment (“with great DAt this time of the year, a We must be grateful, be- Our community is thank- one of transformation. liberated; the erstwhile slaves wealth”): freedom from all time for rejoicing in our free- cause we must recognise also fully blessed with many people Our homes, kitchens and emerge from bondage as a free shackles and obstacles in our dom from slavery, we recount that not everyone is so lucky. who take this obligation seri- foodT intake all change. Like- nation, bold and dignified “with escape from our “personal” at our Seder the very many We see ourselves as having ously. Here in Essex, within wise, amongst the deeper mean- an outstretched arm” and “with Egypt, in order to reach Spiri- blessings which we have been personally come out of Egypt our synagogue communities, ings of this unique festival is great wealth”. tual heights. given. In addition to the long to enjoy the freedom we have there are many members that every Jew has the inner ca- Likewise, is our spiritual Without pause and hesita- list of wonders our ancestors today, and we recognise that proudly doing their bit – pacity and actual ability to liberation in a manner that be- tion on this road; we cannot were fortunate to benefit from, not everyone – in our society, through collections for the transform themselves, in a short speaks a complete transforma- rely on our initial accomplish- we think of our own blessings. in our world – has had that needy in their community and time, from one extreme to the tion. After having sunk to the ments; one must go on and on, Even just looking around us at same opportunity. Even in our through building interfaith un- opposite. The Torah lowest degree of impurity, we higher and higher, until one ap- the Seder, we hopefully see enlightened and modern derstanding as well as describes in detail suddenly behold G d revealed prehends and experiences the how fortunate we are to be age, there are still far much more. They the bitterness in His Full Glory;- and only a call: “I am G d, thy G d!” with people we care for and too many whose life offer us all an ex- of the en- few weeks later, we all A timely -message of- who care for us; a table look- is bitter like the ample of how we slavement in stand at the foot of Mount Passover in our present time ing resplendent for the holiday, Maror on our Seder must meet the re- Egypt, and Sinai where G d speaks and age, when in recent times with plenty to eat; a roof over plate. sponsibility of our the nadir of to each one of -us individ- we have united together, partic- our heads to give us warmth And so we freedom at this fes- spiritual de- ually, without any inter- ularly here in the UK, standing and shelter. We count the many come to realise an- tival of our free- pravity to mediary, not even that of strong and bold against the ills blessings we are fortunate to other meaning to dom. which the en- Moses, and declares: “I of antisemitism. Our ability to have been given. our song of We can only do slaved Jews am G d, thy G d!” transform ourselves as the Jew- Similarly, we think of the Dayenu – the bless- what we are capable had sunken in A- practical- lesson ish People as we left Egypt blessings we have been given ings we recount of but, hopefully, those days. indeed for us all. some 3,300 years ago remains as a community. Even in these may have been for those who En- No matter what the same today for each of us times, which have seemed like enough for us, but need it, what slaved in a the status of the Jew daily. the most difficult in many what about others? we can do country is, individually or Wishing you and yours a decades, we must still recog- They have not will be from which collectively; no mat- very happy and Kosher Pesach. nise our fortune. There are been able to enough.

BY RABBI CHARLEY that night. Regardless of lo- wonders – a calling to us BY RABBI RONI and thus unable to sacrifice the became known as Pesach Sheni, BAGINSKY DIRECTOR cation or denomination, the from above. But, as we all TABICKRABBIOFNEW lamb. or Second Pesach. OF STRATEGY AND Seder is accessible, designed know, the climax comes at STOKE NEWINGTON They turn to Moses saying: The original Pesach teaches PARTNERSHIPS AT to be understood and inter- the splitting of the sea. The MASORTI SYNAGOGUE “We have become unclean be- us about the meaning of free- LIBERAL JUDAISM nalised. Midrash tells us Naschon ben cause of a dead body, but why dom; the responsibility we have The Jewish mystics stated Amindav braves his own EQUELS are tricky should we be kept from present- to care for the vulnerable and the OMMUNAL Seder that there were two types of fears and took the first step things. Original movies ing the Lord’s offering with the oppressed because we know nights – especially encounters between God and into the sea, which answers can be bold, different and other Israelites at the appointed what it’s like to be in their shoes. those I’ve heard about humanity, one a call from him by parting. excitingS - sequels always run time?” But the sequel, the Pesach atC East London & Essex Lib- above and one a call from It has never been easy to the risk of either being too much Moses answered them: celebrated a year later (Pesach eral Synagogue – never fail below. The one from above is believe in God or even, at like the original, and hence bor- “Wait until I find out what the II) offers us some different les- to attract people in force. supernatural and is initiated times, to be Jewish. Many of ing, or too different, and thus Lord commands concerning sons. Pesach II teaches us about Outside the obvious attrac- by God, whereas the one us cry out for some signs and unsatisfying. How do you fol- you.” (Numbers 9:7-8) inclusion, that everyone in the tions of wonderful songs, from below is humanity call- wonders that could provide low up something which is very This situation, obviously, community has a right to partic- tasty food and learned rabbis ing on God and is, therefore, proof that we are not alone, much beloved and successful? has never come up before, and ipate in its rituals; and thus we there is an eternal con- more human. While we are waiting for the mirac- The first Pesach must have so Moses doesn’t immediately need to go out of our way to nection about the the first requires no ulous intervention from been an unbelievable specta- know what to do. In most cases, help people find access to what Seder. human effort, the above. But as Rabbi Dr Abra- cle – against all odds, the Is- while ritual impurity might pre- we do in our shuls and our It connects second requires ham Joshua Heschel said: raelite people were finally freed vent a person from taking part homes. us to the past, our participa- “True prayer leads us to ac- from slavery, and rushed out of in the rituals of the Taber- The Seder encourages not only to the tion. Its sig- tion.” When we immerse our- Egypt so quickly that they nacle, there wasn’t asking questions as a distant past of nificance, selves in indifference, or are didn’t have time for their dough such a pressing way to get conversa- liberation from therefore, is complacent to other’s needs, to rise. It’s the moment that we need – the offering tion started – that’s Egypt, but more than a then we fail to initiate the focus on at our Seders, and could be done later. why we sing Ma every moment memory of call from below; we fail in which is described in Exodus The Paschal lamb Nishtanah, and in the past an event, it our part to be God’s partners 12. It was miraculous, life-alter- is different – it had learn about the when we has the po- in the world. ing, magical. to be slaughtered Four Sons – but have not tential to I think that this is possi- But what about the second on the 14th of Nis- the sequel to the been free; change us. bly the most central message Pesach? san or it would be first Pesach and even to mo- Time and of Passover and the Seder, In Numbers 9, we read too late. What could teaches us some- ments in our current time again the and perhaps the answer to its about the first anniversary of the be done? thing even stronger. lives when we feel Seder tells us continued popularity and Exodus, when the people cele- God’s solution is Questions aren’t just bound. It links us that we were re- centrality. Of course, it re- brate Pesach for the first time as that they could have important for edu- also to every deemed from minds us of the power of a ritual, rather than as lived ex- another opportu- cation – the right other Jew cele- Egypt God – but it also reminds us perience. They offer up the Pe- nity, a month question brating with of the power of people to sach sacrifices, but there is a later, on the 14th can the signs change the shape of history, problem – some people in the Iyar. This make- change the Seder and generation after generation. community are ritually impure up opportunity world. PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 17

A message for Pesach from the President

ESACH is a poignant time of year for all of us. continue to call out racism, wherever it comes PIt is the moment when we reflect both on the from and whenever it happens, in a completely suffering of our ancestors in Egypt and also even-handed way. celebrate their freedom from Pharoah. For many years. we have lived free and safe lives Those who know the Board of Deputies will as Jews in the UK. However, the antisemitism understand we are not a single-issue organisa- crisis in Labour has given Pesach an extra level of tion. We exist to ensure that the UK’s Jewish com- significance. For the first time I can remember, munity can live freely, happily and continue to anti-Jewish racism has been at the front and practise our traditions. centre of British politics. Heading into a General We are working to ensure that the Jewish com- Election last December, it is not overstating munity’s interests are protected after Brexit, matters to say that many in our community were whether that is safeguarding UK-Israel trade, feeling real anxiety, and, in some cases, even fear, carrying over to UK law EU sanctions on groups over our future. like Hamas, or guaranteeing the same or better The Labour leadership election will be decided access to Kosher meat. shortly before the start of Pesach. We are hoping We are passionate about protecting our religious that this moment will be a turning point for the freedoms, whether the right to circumcise our party. This is the reason that, in January, we baby boys in accordance with our tradition or to produced our Ten Pledges for Labour Leadership ensure that employees are able to take time off and Deputy Leadership candidates. The pledges for Jewish festivals and follow their Jewish identify the ten key points we believe Labour traditions within the law. needs to sign up to in order to begin healing its Through Pikuach, we supervise religious educa- relationship with the Jewish community. tion in Jewish schools, and we travel the country This relationship, once rock solid, has been all with the Jewish Living Experience exhibition, but destroyed. It will take leadership, commitment educating non-Jewish children and adults about and, most importantly, action. We expect that our way of life. those seeking to move the party forward will We engage with Government ministers, MPs, openly and unequivocally endorse these Ten local councillors, diplomats, faith leaders and with Pledges in full, making it clear that if elected as a huge variety of public bodies on behalf of the leader, or deputy leader, they will commit community we represent. themselves to their full implementation. This festival of freedom reminds us how our We have been encouraged that all the leader- ancestors suffered. It is our aim to ensure that our ship candidates have signed up to the pledges generation of Jews continues to live safely and (although, disgracefully, deputy leadership candi- happily. dates Richard Burgon and Dawn Butler refused to Wishing you all a Chag Kasher ve-Sameach, accept them). We are also hugely encouraged by the massive media coverage the pledges have received and the way they have compelled candi- dates to confront the antisemitism in their party. Of course, antisemitism is not just a problem for Labour. We engaged with all the major parties Marie van der Zyl during the election campaign when candidates President of the Board of made antisemitic statements or posts. We will Deputies of British Jews 18 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 Awards nod for Supportive Communities A hero tells his story

VOLUNTEERS at Jewish local area. been shortlisted, I was so to get out to socialise with oth- Care’s Supportive Communities At the groups, new friend- pleased for the volunteers. They ers in our community and enjoy Tea Parties in Redbridge have ships are built and old friends are all amazing, dedicated vol- stimulating conversation. This been shortlisted for the Red- reconnected. The tea parties unteers who work so hard coor- has huge effects on people’s bridge Mayoral Community give guests a chance to so- dinating the tea parties, calling wellbeing, and is so important Award in the Community and cialise and talk about common to invite guests, hosting and for us to help combat loneliness Neighbourhood category. interests. There are now al- driving our guests to and from and social isolation.” The monthly tea parties most 30 regular attendees and the afternoons, as many of them have been running for seven two regular tea parties a are not mobile. I am so proud of For more information about Remi Sherman with Rabbi Richard Jacobi years and provide an opportu- month. them. Jewish Care’s Supportive Com- nity for people to connect Alison Smardina, Support- “We started with one group munities Tea Parties, contact BY JUDITH flight had been hijacked en- with others at tea parties ive Communities Officer, says: and it has grown to two. It’s so Alison Smardina on 020 8922 KONZON route from Tel Aviv to Paris. hosted by volunteers in their “When I found out that we had important for people to be able 2273 or [email protected] While the world waited, hold- FORTY members of East Lon- ing its breath and listening to European goddess of maternal- don and Essex Liberal Syna- the terrorists’ demands, the Is- ism. So we now arrive at the al- gogue braved a wild and windy raeli government, led by most indisputable meaning of night to hear a fascinating Yitzhak Rabin, decided to act. A few words in your ear the word Bubbela – a large story of courage of a com- They assembled the crack unit breasted, matriarchal lady with, pletely different order. of volunteer soldiers to fly the more erudite readers will know, bagel was seen to be fit only for not surprisingly, a broad shoul- Rami Sherman, in his clandestine mission to the this word has the same meaning women and sheep to eat. And der to cry on. youth a member of IDF’s Ugandan airport and bring in every language. It is the ma- we can’t argue with that. PURIM: Finally, in this famed Sayeret Matkal unit, en- back the hostages. terial used to cover roofs. The BUBBELA (or Boobella): short treatise, let us look at this tranced the audience with his In their planning, the Is- suffix, OV, is fairly obvious and Has very diverse origins. It is word. It is common knowledge account of his role in the dar- raeli government allowed for is a corruption of the ancient clear even to the tyro language that, when writing from right to ing raid on Entebbe in July up to 40% casualties – in the Russian word for roof. There- student that, as far back as pre- left, Hebrew scribes would often 1976. event four hostages and one fore, when you wished someone revolution Russia, the first sylla- become confused by this unnatu- At the time, the world was soldier were lost. Mazeltov in ancient times it ble, BUB, always had the ral process. This resulted, from captivated by the audacity and The success of the mission meant that you hoped their connotation of breast or bosom. time to time, in a word becoming chutzpah of the raid. The IDF was a world-changing event, mother would be able to cover In fact, some scholars lean to- completely reversed and the let- flew four Hercules aircraft which enhanced Israel’s stand- the roof with sufficient felt to wards the theory that, when spelt ters transposed. Our research has laden with 100 brave young ing on the international stage BY ALFRED LEVY keep out the weather, and thus with two B’s as here, it should shown that this is exactly what men disguised in Ugandan and led to Ugandan reprisals they would remain healthy. mean double-breasted. This is happened in the case of Purim. army uniform, medical person- against other innocent parties. ECAUSE so many Jew- BAGEL (or its corruption, demonstrated by the Russo-Ger- This reveals that the intended nel and supplies, and one spe- It still has repercussions ish and Yiddish words BEIGEL): Today we accept this manic word UBERBUBBAGE- word was MURIP; and once one cial black Mercedes limousine, today, both for the hostages have passed into the Eng- word to mean a ring of boiled FLOSENHETSKI which, of realises this, it goes a long way 4,000 kilometres through who continue to live with their lishB language over the years, I bread dough arranged around a course, means double-breasted towards understanding the real enemy skies in the dead of terrible experience and for Is- thought it might be useful to hole and then baked. This was overcoat. In the book Brave New meaning of the word. MUR ob- night to launch the raid on the raeli politics, because the sol- have some fun and explore their not always so. BA, the first sylla- World by Aldous Huxley, he viously derives from the Latin Ugandan international airport. dier lost – Yoni Netanyahu – possible alternative origins: ble, expresses the cry of dissatis- mentions pendulous bubs and for ‘wall’. The source of IP goes The aim was to free over 100 became a national hero, and MATZO: This of course is a faction of a sheep, presumably the meaning is quite clear, and back many centuries to the com- Israeli and Jewish hostages and his family name continues to compound word, the first half of when confronted with a hole or does not need to be expanded plicated translations of Egyptian the French pilot and aircrew, dominate Israeli politics. which, MAT, derives from the space where his food should upon in this publication. The sec- hieroglyphics. It was a verb who had volunteered to stay Rami Sherman told his in- Old English or Early Saxon matt, have been. GEL, the second half ond syllable, ELA or ELLA, is meaning to force, to push or to with their passengers after credible tale with warmth and meaning ‘flat rug’. (Og sil imfee of the word, clearly means undoubtedly derived from the compel. Thus, we learn that the their capture by Palestinian humility; but his actions as a matt cava? – Who took the rug GIRL, FEMALE or WOMAN. name of the ancient Polish god- word PURIM means ‘a festival and German terrorists. 23-year-old soldier could not from my cave?). The second half The obvious conclusion is that a dess, ELLAWICZ, the middle- that drives us all up the wall’. The ill-fated Air France be overestimated. of the word is a querulous excla- mation used by some Jewish people when confronted with an Letters of thanks for Paul undeniable – usually adverse – statement of fact: ZO?! (whose BY SIMON Lewis, wrote: “Thank you fault is that?) We must therefore ROTHSTEIN very much for visiting and conclude that the word originally talking to us about how Jew- meant flat, controversial and tast- CHILDREN from Blackmore ish people live their lives. I ing like a rug. About right, really. Primary School, in Ingate- found it was very interesting – MAZELTOV: Good Luck? stone, wrote touching letters especially how you read from Yes, but consider. The first syl- to Paul Levy, a member of the right to left and pray three lable, MA, in most languages is Chelmsford Jewish Commu- times a day. I would love to taken to mean ‘mother’. The nity who speaks about Ju- learn more about Judaism in second syllable, ZELT, is a little daism at local schools. the near future.” more complicated. It was re- Paul volunteers to give Another, Ruby, added: “I cently established that elderly talks to pupils of all faiths, liked it when you spoke about Jewish scribes were unable to and none, and says they are the Jewish home and what you write or pronounce the letter F fascinated about elements of do on Friday night/Shabbat. and, nowadays, it is accepted our religion – especially the Thank you for bringing in that most words of that period breaking of the glass during a your candle sticks, menorah (1000 – 200 BCE) with the ini- wedding ceremony. and kiddush cup. It was all tial Z were intended to start with JEWISH Blind & Disabled's Primary School. The entire money for the charity, before After speaking at Black- very interesting.” with the letter F. (Zebediah = Abi Spital (pictured) and school attended a special as- showing off some of the aids more, Paul received a large Febediah – after the second Keren Yakov gave a very sembly where Abi and Keren that make independent living number of hand-written letters To find out more about month, of course – and so on). well-received talk to the discussed all the different fun possible for those with dis- through the post as a thank Chelmsford Jewish Commu- Thus, ZELT is obviously in- pupils of Wohl Ilford Jewish ways children and adults raise abilities. you. nity, please visit www.jewish- tended to be FELT and, as our One student, named com munitychelmsford.co.uk PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 19 Sacha going to the summit to support GIFT

In June 2020, Clayhall resi- lenge, Sacha told us that: dent Sacha Johnstone is plan- “GIFT is one of the silent he- ning to summit Mt. roes of our community. It re- Kilimanjaro – the tallest ally is so much more than just mountain in Africa, standing a foodbank. Through its dy- at an impressive 19,340 feet namic educational pro- above sea level. Sacha will be grammes, and impactful joining a team of around a volunteering initiatives, GIFT dozen other climbers from is helping to create a culture across the community, as they of social responsibility, so that attempt to raise much needed giving to those less fortunate funds for GIFT. than ourselves becomes the GIFT (which stands for norm across the Jewish com- Give It Forward Today) is one munity and wider society.” of several charities which sit The 26-year-old is no under the ‘Jewish Futures’ stranger to pushing himself umbrella. physically and mentally out- Primarily, GIFT is most side of his comfort zone. He known for supporting hun- has previously completed the dreds of Jewish families 3 Peaks Challenge – which in- across London (and Essex) volves climbing the highest who are experiencing serious mountains in England, Scot- financial hardship. GIFT sup- land and Wales in under 24 plies them with weekly care hours – and, in 2018, took part packages filled with house- in a 12-day expedition hold essentials such as kosher through the Himalayas in food and toiletries, as well as order to reach the base camp everything they need in order of Mt. Everest, which stands to make a beautiful Shabbat at a similar altitude to Mt. Kil- meal for their families such imanjaro. This time, he is as challah and grape juice. In looking forward to reaching addition, GIFT run educa- the top of the mountain. tional programmes in schools Sacha – a member of and universities, and provide Cranbrook United Synagogue volunteering opportunities and former head boy at Kantor for people to visit the elderly King Solomon High School – and the sick, as well as pro- is aiming to raise at least Sacha pointing to the summit of Mt. Everest on a previous mountain climb in November 2018 viding free tuition for school- £4,000 for the charity. He is children at a weekly encouraging support from living in the area. world that seems to cultivate ever before.” ing challenge, you can do so by homework club. across the Essex Jewish com- He added: “Giving is the selfishness and isolationism, visiting his fundraising page at When asked why he has munity, particularly since basis upon which all relation- the work that GIFT does If you would like to sponsor Sacha www.gift.charitycheckout. chosen to embark on this chal- GIFT supports many families ships are formed, and in a seems more important than or find out more about his upcom- co.uk/pf/sacha-johnstone Jacob’s trek to fight poverty Walking the walk for Jewish Care

Above: Natasha and her mother Helen. Above right: Grandad Harold. Below right: Zeida Leslie BY MICAELA BLITZ we have been really grateful for the support that Jewish Care AN ex-Kantor King Solomon gave to them and us. BY MICAELA BLITZ across the world. least once a week and regularly High School student from Chig- “I felt that this was a great As Jacob told the Essex training at the gym, as well as well has set herself a challenge way to show our appreciation ESSEX student Jacob Shapira is Jewish News: “Hope for Chil- walking as much as possible to to raise money in memory of for the work they do, whilst planning to trek up the highest dren is a small charity that does help increase his stamina. her grandfathers. raising money for this worth- mountain in the world this sum- vital work across the world, Jacob has been raising Natasha Zack, 23, along while cause.” to move after this had hap- mer in order to raise money for helping children living in money mainly through online with her mother Helen, are Natasha, who is doing cur- pened. They were both previ- charity. The 19-year-old, who is poverty and deprivation to have donations and bucket collec- planning to walk a combined rently an internship at JLGB, ously very active in their lives, currently studying History and better lives, with access to food, tions, but also plans to do some total of 300 miles between them hopes that the challenge will not and I think what happened to Spanish at Bristol University, is education and the chance to more events with other students over the month of April, to raise only raise funds for this worth- them proves that you just don’t an ex Wohl Ilford Jewish Pri- have a good life. I wanted to to help reach his target. money for Jewish Care. Both while cause but will also en- know what will happen in the mary School and JFS pupil help raise awareness of their He adds: “I really want to her grandfathers were looked courage others to become more future. But we have control over from Chigwell. He will be scal- brilliant work and help to give raise as much money as possi- after by staff at Jewish Care’s Vi active and not take their health what we do now, which is why ing Kilimanjaro at the end of them the necessary funding they ble for this great cause. Every and John Rubens House, Gants for granted. I am setting myself a challenge August along with 16 of his uni- need in order to continue the £100 raised is enough to feed a Hill. As she explains: “Unfortu- like this.” versity peers. amazing work that they do.” child for a year, so any dona- As Natasha explains: “We nately, both my grandad and my She added: “I would love it Jacob aims to raise £3,000 As well as taking part in the tion, big or small, will really want to do this walking chal- zeida had conditions that af- if others also took on this chal- for Hope for Children, an inter- trek, Jacob is also running the make a crucial difference to the lenge because of all the wonder- fected them physically. My lenge to see how many miles national charity that combats London Half Marathon to raise lives of many impoverished ful things Jewish Care have zeida had Parkinson's and de- they can walk in a month too.” child poverty and hunger, as money and help with his fitness children around the world.” done for my family and con- mentia, which affected his mus- well as providing education and and endurance levels. He knows tinue to do for others. Both my cles' ability to work as they If you would like to make a do- healthcare programmes. The or- that climbing Kilimnjaro will be If you would like to make a do- grandad, Harold Zack, and my should. It's a progressive condi- nation to support Natasha and ganisation works towards creat- tough going, but he is deter- nation, please visit www. just- zeida, Leslie Sherman, received tion for which there is no cure. Helen please visit https: ing a happy, healthy and mined to do it; and he is cu giving.com/fundraising/ such amazing care during the My grandad had a bleed in his //www.justgiving.com/fundrais- positive childhood for children rrently training by running at Jacob-Schapira last few years of their life, and brain, and found it very difficult ing/getwalking1 20 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 Young professionals A new buzz at the Beehive wine and dine at

IT will be a year next month Chabad since Ilford United and Clayhall United synagogues merged to become one shul – Cranbrook CHABAD Buckhurst Hill idea as a unique way of engag- United Synagogue – and the re- hosted a unique event for ing with young professionals. sult has been a new buzz about young Jewish professionals – Kevin Benham-Whyte, a friend Beehive Lane. Friday Night: A Wine Tasting and supporter who is currently From Ilford’s point of view, Shabbos Dinner. living and working in Shang- the merger, if one is honest, pre- A full gourmet, four- hai, generously sponsored the vented the shul from going course, traditional, Friday whole evening and flew in to under. An ageing congregation Night Dinner was served ac- participate, along with his and a Shabbat attendance that companied by a selection of daughters and their friends, was miniscule when compared five different wines – each with who still live in Essex and were to the glory days of the 1950s a story and a suitable match to in the event’s target age-range. and 1960s meant that the syna- the menu. Rabbi Brandman told the gogue, if it carried on as it did, Wines were sourced from Essex Jewish News: “The event was unlikely to survive more Kedem Europe, the largest im- was so popular, online book- than another five years or so. porter of Kosher wines to the ings had to be closed on the From Clayhall’s point of UK. Yishai Steinberg, one of Wednesday as the tickets were view, the merger offered them Kedem’s top salespeople, acted all sold out and the wines and the chance to worship in a as guest speaker and resident food had already been ordered. ‘cathedral’ synagogue rather wine connoisseur. He guided Even though more young than the hall at the Redbridge the participants through the adults wanted to join, we had to Jewish Community Centre wines, telling the story of each make a cut-off and close the (RJCC). But, more importantly, unique winery they were se- event. the proposed redevelopment of lected from, and helping all “No expense was spared – RJCC over the next few years present to enjoy and appreciate we had elegant decorations, meant that there was unlikely to them. real crockery and glassware, be room there for a synagogue. MANNY ROBINSON LOOKS AT THE MERGED SHULS, Participants were also good quality wines, chicken, What has become obvious treated to a fun programme steak and other delicious food, in the past year is the determi- ILFORD AND CLAYHALL, ONE YEAR ON AND FINDS A with games, songs and jokes in which all added to the calibre nation of those in office to turn CRANBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE IN THE MAKING a relaxed and engaging atmos- of the evening. Cranbrook United into more phere. “With Kevin’s support, we than just a shul. The target ap- got off the ground (see separate this takes place in the Beit of service conducted by Rabbi Rabbi Odom Brandman, hope to make this an annual pears to be to turn it into a article elsewhere in the EJN) Hamidrash in Schaller House Steven Dansky. The choir, how- the director of the Chabad Cen- event, which will only grow proper community centre host- and is meant to replace the every Shabbat. ever, will be performing once a tre in Buckhurst Hill, and his and become more successful ing different events. That is one Friendship Clubs that flourished Harold Marco, the syna- month instead of every Shabbat. wife Henny came up with the each year.” of the major reasons the merger – and then faded – a few years gogue’s warden, told the Essex Other changes from that ex- appealed to Clayhall. ago. Jewish News: “We also want to perienced by the former Ilford Before the merger, the Bee- On the religious side, there attract more 40- and 50-year- members has been kaddish Southend’s Pop-In hive Lane building was empty are both ladies’ and men’s Tal- olds to our open events. They being said in unison with for most of the time - apart from mud shiurim, a ladies’ lunch may not necessarily be regular women. Beehive Lane JACS, who met and learn, a Rosh Chodesh shul goers, but coming to other Both Mike Callaghan and celebrates its (and still meet) there every group, spirit with spirits, Purim events could persuade them to Malcolm Nathan, the joint chair, Thursday. and bingo; and coming up, an attend services more often.” told the Essex Jewish News that Now Cranbrook has opened evening devoted to Yom There is little doubt that the they are delighted with the barmitzvah its doors to the community. One Hashoah. merger also saw a drift away by merger, which secures both of its earliest successes was a Another innovation has some, mainly Clayhall members, shuls for many years to come. health check, where more than been to install an open me- who found the walk to Beehive Another innovation is to 70 people attended the first ever chitzah, so that women can ac- Lane (if they were ‘shomer Shab- have a joint mincha and maariv Community Organisation’s tually see the services instead of bat’) too much. Others left for minyan; and for details of these Open Day, at the shul, from being ‘hidden’ behind a curtain. other synagogues, but some have times, please visit the syna- eighteen health and social or- Plans are in hand to extend the since returned. gogue’s website: www. cran- ganisations including Jewish open mechitzah, so that all Of course, any merger will brooksynagogue. org.uk Care, JAMI, Jewish Blind and women can be on one level have its teething problems. One On the celebration side, Disabled, Jewish Women’s Aid, downstairs instead of some up- disagreement has been the need things are also looking up with Redbridge Carers Support Serv- stairs and some down. for a choir, a feature for so many six bar- and batmitzvot arranged ices, Diabetes UK amognst oth- The synagogue is also host- years in the old Ilford United for the 12 months ahead. ers. ing, on a regular basis, the East- Synagogue. For one reason or A year of promise that ap- A Guys’ and Gals’ club ern Jewry minyan that used to another, the choir now does not pears to have satisfied both for- meeting on a Monday has also meet at Newbury Park station: appear to complement the form mer synagogues. ... and the buzz starts at the Guys’ and Gals’ club

BY PHILIP for women. Reminisce about to: bingo, a piano recital, quiz, in to the Brook Guys’ and the ‘good old days’ when you a talk by a member of the CST Gals’ Club and meet old and SHAMPLINA went to club at Brady, Brent- or a stand-up comedian. One new friends for a chat over a house, Cambridge and Hack- week, an ex-chef from the cup of tea or coffee (you don’t FRIENDSHIP is a-plenty at ney, Contemporary, Wanstead Savoy Hotel gave a demon- have to stay all the time). Cranbrook Synagogue. To be and Woodford, Maccabi, Ley- stration of the culinary arts For any enquiries, please precise, it’s at the recently tonstone Maccabi, not forget- and his soup, on that occasion, contact Colin on 07860 BY GEOFFREY They work very closely to- formed Brook Guys’ and Gals’ ting Oxford and St Georges, was sampled for lunch. 313922 or myself on 07949 PEPPER gether, each one bringing Club, the idea of myself and Victoria and Stamford Hill So when you’ve done your 626677. We look forward to their strength to the group. fellow shul-goer Colin Emden, clubs. Enjoy a good laugh with shopping, why don’t you pop meeting you. MORE than 120 people at- At the barmitzvah party, based on the model of the old the Guys and Gals, who at- tended the 13th anniversary the care team were praised by Friendship Clubs many syna- tended these haunts in yester- of the now legendary SWHC Rabbi Geoffrey gogues had in the late 1960s. year. WIJPS choir on song Southend and Westcliff He- Hyman and the Mayor of At 22 Beehive Lane, each What about the Old Boys’ brew Congregation (SWHC) Southend, Councillor John and every Monday throughout Club on a Thursday night? POP-IN – billed as its bar- Lamb – who complimented the year (except Yom Tovim), When you enter the portals, Shooting for the Moon. mitzvah party. them as “leaders of the com- the Brook Guys’ and Gals’ you will hear all those foot- Boys Town Jerusalem was Care Committee chair munity looking after their Club meet from 10.30am to tapping songs you grew up established in 1948 to provide a Janice Steel said the POP-IN flock”. 3.30pm. with (I’m sure you’ll be word home and education for young was started in 2006, at a Catering was handled by Here you will be greeted perfect in every song that’s immigrants to the newly-created meeting of the then newly SWHC shop manager David by two friendly, happy, smil- being played). State of Israel. Since then, it has formed committee with repre- Law, with entertainment from ing ladies. To enter, it’s just £4 You can read the newspa- grown into one of the country’s sentatives from SWHC and Dean Gee. Special guests in- for a time of mirth, fun and pers, or just chat. Here there largest and most-respected edu- Jewish Care. It came from an cluded Merrill Dresner, laughter. On offer are a host of are no strangers, only friends cational institutions. Approxi- idea by Fay Sober (former daughter of Fay Sober, Gra- activities. You can join the you’ve yet to meet. mately 950 students, aged wife of the community’s ham Freeman from Jewish card school – where you will The ‘meeter and greeter’ THE Wohl Ilford Jewish Pri- 12-20, study and live on the chazan at the time, the late Care and many of the POP- play solo, whist, kalooki, will offer you tea, coffee, cake mary School choir put on an campus. They are the children Reverend Len Sober) and the IN’s generous sponsors. poker, bridge; and also domi- and biscuits. At lunchtime, outstanding performance at a re- of immigrants from 45 countries late Norman Zetter, a former SWHC president Michael noes, chess, Scrabble, Monop- you will be served with soup cent concert at the Arts Depot in on six continents, mirroring Is- chair of the Aid Society in Nelkin gave thanks to Janice oly and other board games. of the day and a roll, followed North Finchley, held in aid of rael’s ethnic diversity. More Southend. Steel and the care committee Table tennis and table football by tea, coffee, cake and bis- Boys Town Jerusalem. than 75% come from economi- From 30 guests at the be- for all their hard work in the are also available. cuits. The choir – made up of cally disadvantaged back- ginning, the monthly numbers community, which includes There is also a discussion Each week there are differ- pupils from years four to six – grounds and require substantial trebled. The committee`s visiting the unwell, and for group for men, and also one ent activities to look forward sang ‘Oyfen Pripiche, Thankful scholarship assistance. ethos has stayed the same. organising this event. PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 21 CAMBRIDGE DIET Elazar & Alissa reach ‘to the MARK skies’ in their Chaplaincy role HARRIS ABBI Elazar and ism’ and the ‘anti-vaccine Alissa Symon, the controversy’). This term, new Jewish student ‘outside speakers’ from Cam- chaplainsR for Cambridge bridge are talking about Jew- University and East Anglia, ish music and arts; and Alissa believe – and heartily – that is doing a class on ‘Radical “Judaism and fun can go to- Jews’. And which – as she gether”. And since they both puts it – “is intended to en- hail from Israel, I hope that gage the wider Jewish stu- my somewhat whimsical dent population that isn’t headline (or even airline?) necessarily seeking the Go- may appeal to their sense of morra, the Torah ... or to turn humour and irony! (Elazar up at the Cambridge Syna- tells me that he delights in gogue”). “having a good laugh with students over a Shabbat table I I I I and late on a Friday night”!) I ask the couple about the I I I I personal interests they like to pursue, when they have the The UK’s University time. Elazar says that he Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) is “loves football, and other active across the country at sports as well” ... and that he numerous universities. Its “enjoys reading and hiking”. website declares: “Our chap- As a teenager, he was “ab- lains and chaplaincy couples solutely crazy” about soccer, are there for Jewish students playing for Beitar Jerusalem of all backgrounds and situa- youth team for four years; and tions. They provide a warm, owns up to the fact that he vibrant, inclusive and inspir- “kind of had a soft spot for ing Jewish environment with Liverpool FC”. He also likes thousands of students bene- basketball; and says that, in re- fiting every year from their cent years, he has “started lik- pastoral, spiritual and practi- ing tennis”, mentioning that cal support ... They are also one of the many things he en- on hand to offer support dur- joys about Cambridge is “hav- ing challenging times, as stu- ing the chance to play at the dents adapt to life away from courts just across the River home for the first time.” Cam from home”. In accord with the UJC’s Alissa has remarked that benevolent philosophy, Rabbi she “likes politics and debat- Elazar and Alissa Symon ing”, noting also that she have keenly begun their two- “reads a lot of poetry”. Her year – possibly three-year favourite verse writer is the chaplaincy role. Both are late Yehuda Amichai, from Jerusalem, where they renowned as Israel’s greatest were brought up by ortho- ‘leadership programme’). the Bronfman Fellowship. student ‘community’ in Cam- tive activities for them. poet and one of the world’s dox-observant parents. Their work was at a second- She says her “job was to cre- bridge to be “very welcom- These include Elazar’s leading bards. “I have all his Elazar explains that his “are ary school, and mainly with ate a community for people ing, engaging, friendly, ‘Talmud Shiur’ (which he works,” she tells me, “and I quite liberal for that group”; the Ethiopian community; with different levels of reli- homely and positive ... and seeks to make relevant also read them often.” Like her and that he was sent to “an Elazar says he felt like “a big gious observance”, one seeking, in a very natural “to Jewish students without a husband, she also “loves hik- experimental school” in Is- brother” to the students. Af- “where they can dig deeper way, the connection” with yeshiva or observant back- ing”. And Alissa recalls that rael called ‘Keshet’ (meaning terwards, and for seven into their Jewish identity”. them. Aside from the warm, ground”) with dinner every their longest hike, lasting ‘Rainbow’), where he years – with a break for a Alissa believes that “Judaism family-like and inspiring Wednesday, a ‘Lunch & five days, “was in northern “learned with religious and year-and-a-half serving in the is a multi-layered, complex hospitality they provide for Learn’ at various colleges on India when on honeymoon ... non-religious students” and army – he learned, and com- and beautiful religion and Jewish students in Cam- Thursdays and, last term, a a year late”! found that to be “a special pleted his rabbinical studies culture”. She worked also bridge (including, of course, programme about current I I I I experience”. Alissa mentions for semicha, at Otniel with young professionals on on Shabbat for meals etc at happenings and Judaism with that her parents “are very or- Yeshiva. The rabbi-chaplain ‘leadership development’. their home), the pair organise Jewish Theology (such as thodox-observant” and that is now studying for a BA in The affable couple, who many interesting and proac- ‘Socialism versus Capital- Finally, I enquire (maybe she “went to an all-girls Philosophy with the Open are expecting their first child somewhat prematurely) what school, which could be con- University. in May, have encapsulated thoughts or notions they sidered as ‘ultra-orthodox’ in their personal, Jewish chap- would wish to carry away Israeli society today”. I I I I laincy way of thinking in with them at the end of their these succinct terms: “Ju- I I I I chaplaincy time here; and Alissa obtained a BA de- daism and fun can go to- what might be their then as- gree, in Middle Eastern Stud- gether ... you can be an pirations. Elazar hopes “to The couple were formerly ies and the Humanities, at excellent student and a so- Judaism and fun return to Israel with the ex- Jewish student chaplains for Jerusalem’s Shalem College. cially involved and active perience of being a rabbi and Nottingham University and Last year, she completed an human being, and still hold a leading a ‘community’ which the East Midlands. So they MPhil in Muslim-Jewish Re- strong Jewish identity.” can go together ... is interesting, diverse and en- possessed a goodly amount lations at the Faculty of Elazar “loves chaplaincy's ‘‘ gaged” and knowing the of experience – having Asian and Middle Eastern idea of being there for the “quality content” that is worked also with young Studies, Cambridge Univer- students wherever they are you can be an Cambridge, which he would adults in Israel – before tak- sity. Her continuing research and with whatever they be thus prompted to kind of ing up their current responsi- focuses on “the formation of need”. Alissa, for whom recreate and “use in pursuing bilities at the start of the Jewish and Palestinian trans- “university was one of the excellent student other rabbinical roles” of academic year last October. national networks and their most exciting and meaningful which he was presently, and Being in Cambridge over influence on the Israel-Pales- stages” in her own life, wants quite understandably unsure, Rosh Hashanah, Elazar fol- tinian conflict”. Alissa ad- again “to be involved in this and a socially precisely. lowed an exploit of his chap- dressed Limmud 2019 on this special stage in life, but from Alissa noted the “sense of laincy predecessor, Rabbi subject; Elazar spoke on Tal- another perspective”. ‘community’ here” that she Mordechai Zeller, by blow- mudic and related topics. involved and active I I I I would wish to take back to ing a shofar from the tower Last autumn, she joined her homeland; as well as the of Great St Mary’s during a Cambridge’s Woolf Insti- human being, and potential for maybe “estab- multi-faith event at the ‘Uni- tute – which studies relations Needless to say, they had lishing a new community” of versity Church’. between the Abrahamic been busily engaged with some kind there. And she After High School, faiths, and between religion much activity at the point of still hold a strong adds that, undoubtedly, they Elazar volunteered for a year and society – as research as- this interview – at their home will be carrying the thought: of ‘National Service’ in Beit sistant to its executive direc- near the River Cam – and “How do we translate to Is- Shemesh (as did Alissa, who tor, Dr Esther-Miriam well into the second term of Jewish identity ... rael what has been happening had met her future husband Wagner. In Israel, Alissa was their chaplaincy role. The to our lives here in Cam- when both were 17 and on a an ‘alumni coordinator’ for couple have found the Jewish bridge?” 22 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 and other characters ThePrinceandthepauper()who ‘made’ the East End usually as a ‘bad- die’ ... I met him VIEW FROM a couple of years IT WAS ago and he THE THE looked remark- ably well for a PEOPLE man in his late BRIDGE 80s. WHO Bud Flanagan was already a FLOATED household name MANNY when I was grow- THROUGH ing up. Chaim ROBINSON Weintrop, as he THE was originally VERY time I click on my Facebook page, there is one mes- called, was a na- EAST END, sage or another asking for information about the old Jewish tional treasure East End. Did you ever work at, or go to, the Houndsditch and the East End NOT THE Warehouse?E Here is a picture of my bubbah. Does anyone re- Jews basked in HISTORIC member her? What street was Frumkins, the wine merchants, in? reflected glory Is the Troxy still a cinema? Is Johnny Isaacs still a fish and chip that ‘one of us’ shop? We used to have chicken eggs in the fowl and which we had met the king. BUILDINGS put into the soup –why don’t we get them now? There is today a Questions, questions, questions – and the only people, I blue plaque at 12 guess, who can answer them all with any accuracy are now prob- Hanbury Street who, in 1931, became the first ably in their mid to late 80s, who remember with fondness the stating that Bud Jewish woman to become a golden days of the Jewish East End which, to me, were the late Flanagan lived mayor; Sir Basil Henriques, 1940s and 1950s. there. And who who founded the Oxford and I say ‘the golden days’. In truth, those days were like the could forget Meir St George’s youth club, and pickled cucumbers we ate ... sweet and sour. and Anna Tzel- Phyllis Gerson MBE. But there It was the generation niker at the Yid- were many more who helped that was born before dish Theatre? shape the characters of so television, penicillin, I also grew many of us in the East End in polio shots, frozen up marvelling at those far off days. foods, supermarkets, the achievements To me, the greatest mem- plastic, contact lenses, of Lew Grade and ory of the old Jewish East End electric blankets and his brother was the uninentional humour tumble driers; and be- Bernard Delfont, of the Jewish people. One fore man walked on the who grew up in great story relates to a mother moon. the East End. and her daughter coming out of It was also the gen- Bernard was ex- Wickhams store in Mile End eration when people pelled from Step- Road. As they left, the mother married first and then ney Jewish shouted to her daughter: “I’ll lived together; a genera- School for run- phone you on Sunday if I live tion who thought ‘fast ning a farthing that long. If not, Monday.” food’ was what you ate in sweepstake; but it And the woman who asked a hurry, and a Big Mac didn’t stop him a shop keeper: “How much the was an oversized rain- becoming one of cracked brown eggs?” coat. A generation that the country’s “Three pence a dozen”, he had never heard of com- great impresarios. replied. puter dating, day centres, If music was “How much the white disposable nappies, com- the thing for eggs?” puters, knee replacements, many Jews, then “A shilling a dozen.” artificial hearts or of men boxing came a “Crack me a dozen white wearing earrings. close second; and eggs.” UNIQUE we all revelled in Another world long gone. the exploits of the There are countless Aldgate Tiger, Al books about the Jewish East Phillips, who had End. Some concentrate on Top: Ras Prince Monolulu. followed on from the remark- Mike Gapes: the synagogues and historic Left: bandleader Geraldo able success of Jack ‘Kid’ buildings; others are per- PHOTOS BY ALAMY Berg. With boxers came box- sonal reflections of growing ing promoters like Jack a great up in the area, while there Mittle East accent. Solomons and Harry Levene, are still more that look at the “I know you”, she said, both from the East End, and friend history of the Jewish migra- “You’re Gerald Bright.” another personal friend, tion to the East End. Geraldo nodded. Mickey Duff, who, as Morris HE General Election But I have yet to come their ears and knitted caps that “You vos alvays waving a Praeger, was arguably the has long gone but I feel across a book that deals with joining streets, shouting ‘I came down over them. Their stick when you played gramo- worst boxer ever seen at the it would be wrong not some of the remarkable per- Gotta Horse!’ at the top of his guttural cries of ‘Beigels, phone records in your parents’ old Mile End Arena. toT pay tribute to Mike Gapes, sonalities who made their mark voice. Monolulu wore a head- Beigels!’ were more like a flat”, she said. But Mickey went to the who was Ilford’s longest on the East End. All, sadly, are dress made of ostrich feathers, ship’s foghorn; and should you Geraldo nodded again. other side of the ropes to be- serving MP before he lost his now long gone; but those and lavishly embroidered be so foolish as to pass them “You alvays vanted to be- come one of the sport’s finest seat. Mike quit the Labour unique characters live on in the gowns. He was certainly im- without buying a beigel or two, come a band leader”, she said. matchmakers in boxing his- Party to become an Independ- memory of many East Enders. possible to miss in a crowd. they would let out a torrent of Again Geraldo nodded. tory. ent in protest against the anti- Here, surely, is a book waiting TIPSTER Yiddish curses. If, however, “Nu?” the woman said. I also remember walking semitism that was poisoning to be written. you did buy some beigels, then “Did you ever become one?” through The Lane and seeing the party, and against the The East End I remember The story goes that the curses were stopped in Geraldo turned out to be Jack Marks, known as ‘Fat leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. was a world inhabited by good, Monolulu made his name as a mid-sentence and you would one of the most successful of Jack the fruiterer’ and Jackie He has always been a honest people alongside spiel- racing tipster when he tipped be inscribed for a long and all bandleaders. Together with Brandford, who sold dresses at good friend of the Jewish ers, villains and shnorrers; all Spion Kop, a 100-6 shot in the healthy life. other East End Jews: Joe Loss, giveaway prices in Petticoat community in Redbridge and with nebuch expressions on 1920 Derby, and it came home Music was one of the most Tito Burns, Stanley Black and Lane. He would shout out to has attended many events in their faces. There was also a first. After that success, popular pastimes in the Jewish Harry Gold and his Pieces of his entranced audience: the area. He was – and is – a barrel organ player, a cornet Monolulu became a legend, East End, and some of the Eight, they were always on the “You’ve heard of Christian man of principle and the Jew- player, one who played the not only in the East End but most famous bandleaders of radio (or wireless, as it was Dior. Well, I’m the Yiddisher ish community owes him a mouth organ and salesmen throughout the world. His the time came from called then). Dior”. He would ask £2 for a debt of gratitude for his who walked the streets selling death in 1960 was bizarre: a Whitechapel and surrounding FRIENDS dress, slash it to £1 and then to friendship over the past 27 laces, buttons, reels of cotton journalist took Monolulu a box areas. Gerald Bright was one, 10 shillings. The dresses flew years. and elastic, usually worn of chocolates while he was in and he just added the letter ‘o’ Two of my close friends off his stall like hot cakes. around their necks like a hospital and he choked to to his first name and changed it also made it. Lilly Klott, who I There was also Sid Strong, I I I I Hawaiian lei. death on one of them. from Gerald to Geraldo. knew at the Brady club, who would throw a dozen or I can remember vividly Walk outside Blooms or There is a lovely story – changed her name to Georgia so plates into the air and catch HE way to find out if Ras Prince Monolulu. I was into Brick Lane and you would which I cannot confirm – that Brown and was a tremendous them as they fell. To my you are old is to fall only 13 or 14 at the time, hav- see Annie and Eva, two beigel Geraldo, then at the height of hit in Oliver! And Monty knowledge, Sid never ever down in front of a crowd ing come back from being sellers whose pitches were up- his fame, was walking through Goldberg, another Brady club dropped a plate. ofT people. If they start laugh- evacuated to Wales, and saw turned orange boxes. I remem- Brick Lane when he came member, who changed his On public service, there ing, you are young. If they this majestic figure walking ber them always covered in face-to-face with an elderly name to Lee Montague and were no better representatives panic and run towards you through Petticoat Lane, or ad- huge overcoats that came up to Jewish women with a thick featured in many British films, than Miriam Moses JP, OBE ...you are old! PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 23 The ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of Jewish marriage

ATCHER had double our efforts to accultur- derstands that about one third what sleazy allegation that noted, of course, the ate the Jewish pride and iden- of Jews between the ages of Jewish men are rather more overwhelmingly tity of our children, so that WATCHER IN 25 and 29 cohabit now; and attracted to non-Jewish Wclear outcome of the Decem- they appreciate the eternal the number is said to be in- women for sexual reasons (of ber 2019 General Election. value of our heritage.” creasing. Many Jews (and for one sort or another). But it And this feature’s writer con- But the word ‘corrosive’ THE RYE whatever motivation) have re- does look like any specifically siders that, at least now, the has been employed, by the In- solved not to get married at Jewish-male hubris in that UK’s Jewish population will stitute for Jewish Policy Re- all, nor even to cohabit. ‘Jew- connection is unravelled by feel somewhat more hopeful search, to describe the likely ish dating sites’ may appear the numbers! and secure in relation to the effect of the statistical posi- not to be having the success So are there any other sig- earlier and oft-reported sub- tion regarding Jewish inter- rate for which some might nificant grounds for Jewish ject of antisemitism in certain marriage. The adjective wish. And in circumstances men and women to wish to political quarters. But around concerned the fact that, across where (compared to days of marry out? From time to time, that time, Watcher became mixed marriages, only about yore) there aren’t that many Watcher has listened to a Jew- more specifically aware of a one-third of the children ‘Jewish’ organised venues ish man or woman, who has particular and amazing statis- would be raised as Jewish (40 where not-that-religious intermarried, reciting this not tic which immediately im- percent where the mother is young Jewish guys and gals unknown aphorism in context: pelled him to take a deep Jewish; and a mere 10 percent can actually meet socially. “But you can’t help who you breath; and to think – even where the father is such). Needless to mention, but fall in love with.” Though aside from the menace to Watcher learns that ‘83 per- Watcher appreciates that many Watcher has heard it said also Jewish life of an increasing cent’ represents the proportion of these untoward and prob- that you actually can, if you antisemitism worldwide – of ‘Jewish’ children of such lematic considerations apply really want to ... about another existential ele- marriages who marry out. also beyond Jewish communi- ment, which could be threat- (Extremist assertions – likely ties. But the survival appre- WATCHER IN ening the survival of the to be considered reprehensible hension in the present THE RYE Jewish people ... by a majority of the faith – parents would sit shiva, liter- than one percent) of the eight framework comes down to the speak of Jewish intermarriage ally, for a child said to be billions of Earth’s inhabitants. exceedingly small, and contin- I I I I “doing Hitler’s work for ‘lost’ to intermarriage.) The average number of chil- uously decreasing, Jewish him”.) As compared to the con- dren born into non-ultra Or- population in many areas; and Intermarriage amongst Watcher has taken on strictive ghettos and shtetls of thodox Jewish families is which situation could threaten British – and, indeed, global board, too, the kind of contro- the Jewish past – and apart relatively low now; and Jew- seriously Judaism’s thousands – Jewry has now reached the versy that, today, seems to from the continuing, close- ish communities are ageing of years of continuity from its highest level for generations; surround the generally differ- knit Charedi communities – (with many Jews marrying too ancient origins. and the Jewish ‘marrying out’ ing reactions and attitudes, as it’s not that easy to get to late to have, or to want, any Your writer has touched statistic has been rising between Jewry’s various reli- grips with maintaining a dis- children). on, albeit very broadly, the ANY READERS steadily since the 1960s/70s. gious groupings – from Ortho- tinctive Jewish identity in the The ‘Jewish couple’ di- likely backcloth and reasons In the late ‘Swinging Sixties’ dox to Liberal – towards post-modern, open (sexually vorce rate is apparently near- which underlie the current HAVING COMMENTS the figure stood at around 11 married or cohabiting couples and otherwise), assimilative, ing 35 percent (though, high percentage of Jewish ON THE SUBJECT- percent. During the first half (and their children, if any) secular, diverse, geographi- apparently, the national aver- men and women marrying of the 1980s, the number was where one spouse or cohabitee cally dispersed and multicul- age stands at 47 percent). And non-Jews. It was presumed, MATTER OF THIS hoisted to 23 percent. Nowa- is non-Jewish, or both are tural societies in which most a Jewish divorcee, desirous of frequently, that more Jewish ARTICLE SHOULD days, the national statistic for LGBT+. Naturally there are people live today. Even dedi- remarrying, is reported to be men than women were marry- Jews marrying non-Jews is exceptions to such a general- cated ‘Jewish’ primary and two-and-a-half times more ing out; but, actually, the sta- EMAIL THEM TO approaching half the figure ity, dependent maybe on the secondary schools will be ed- likely to then wed a non-Jew. tistics display a number THE ESSEX JEWISH for the United States of specific composition of the ucating large proportions of Less than one in three cohab- equivalence as between the America – currently, almost community concerned. non-Jewish pupils. And many iting Jews are noted to have a genders. Warcher believes this NEWS (SEE PAGE 2) 60 percent (17 percent before Your observer acknowl- contend that this can, like Jewish partner. Watcher un- denies effectively the some- 1970) – which was Watcher’s edges the prevailing argu- community acceptance (as initial and astonishing prompt ments, including the mentioned earlier), be of ad- for researching this issue’s potentially negative outcomes vantage in spreading authentic column. Inevitably, the total where ‘derision and contempt’ knowledge of the history and will be higher if the data for a could be the order of the day; culture of our Jewish faith, growing number of ‘cohabit- and the perhaps beneficial re- whilst effectively removing

YOU CAN’T HELP WHO YOU FALL IN LOVE NU!? WITH, DADDY! 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, is still small enough to care about each individual customer SHOWROOM/HEAD OFFICE ing’ Jews/non-Jews is taken sults stemming from a ‘wel- stereotypical slurs and tropes 14 Claybury Broadway, Clayhall, Ilford into account. (In the USA, coming and inclusive’ re- on its adherents. Others may there’s said to be much more sponse, embracing maybe a claim it’s a now earlier, duly Essex IG5 0LQ Philo-Semitism than anti- greater possibility of conver- formative introduction for Telephone 020 8551 6866 semitism!) sion to Judaism (albeit non- current assimilative effects. However, Watcher notes Orthodox). But some may Even aside from the high Fax: 020 8503 9889 also that the ‘marrying out’ well have in mind Tevye’s rates of intermarriage, other numeric has been climbing – words from ‘Fiddler on the factors are also causing a over the last two decades or so Roof': “A fish can marry a diminution in the global Jew- AND OUR EDGWARE SHOWROOM – at a much lower rate than bird, but where would they ish population figures. A total 41 Manor Park Crescent, Edgware, Middx had been expected generally. make a home?” As well as the of around 14 million Jewish In that connect, and a few ‘danger’ of a hospitable ap- inhabitants of this planet Telephone: 020 8381 1525 • Fax: 020 8381 1525 years back, Chief Rabbi proach possibly having the ef- (with about six million or so Ephraim Mirvis stated: “But fect of encouraging ‘marrying in Israel and in the USA) is a Viewing can be arranged at either showroom we must never be complacent. out’. (Watcher knows of a very tiny, and still reducing, On the contrary, we must re- time when Orthodox Jewish proportion (not much more 24 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 Pilgrimage to Poland The Masorti Roots of the Yellow Candle Project In 2017, 3,000 candles has given families the oppor- GUY SASSON were brought over from the tunity to speak about the Holo- ON THE USA. NEMS requested 50 and caust for perhaps the first these were quickly taken up by time, and raise awareness of UNIQUE our members, as well as some what can happen if anti- SCHEME TO being requested by friends of semitism goes unchallenged, TRULY mine, both Jewish and from something which is extremely other faiths – Christian, Mus- relevant in our society today. REMEMBER lim and Hindu – showing the NEMS really embraced THOSE WHO breadth of the project and how the Yellow Candle Project – it can help with cross-commu- spreading the word. Every DIED IN THE nity Holocaust education, as year the candles are quickly HOLOCAUST well as honouring the victims. taken up, and I am contacted I was pleased also to see that by members who rarely come HE Yellow Candle Project members’ children, including to synagogue as they feel so was initiated by the Ma- our own, wanted to be part of strongly about it. Donations sorti Conservative move- this. are made and, in 2020, any do- Tment’s Federation of Jewish The most emotional thing nation will be sent directly to Men’s Clubs in 1981, in the was that most of the names Maccabi UK to help fund their United States and Canada, to supplied with the candles were efforts. keep alive the memory of the those of children under 10. In What I find even more millions who perished in the fact, the youngest person was amazing and emotional, is that Holocaust. It was brought to the just one year old. I asked that most people have kept the UK in 2017. our members and friends not names from past years and add Each Yellow Candle only took photographs of their them and read them out every comes in a special bag, com- lit candles, but also posted year, in addition to the new plete with the name of a victim them on social media and sent names they have received. dividual had a way of life, a who died in the Shoah – many them to me to put up in our Where people originally or- KANTOR KING family, a name. They were of them children. Every victim synagogue. The response was dered only one yellow candle, SOLOMON more than just victims, they was an individual with a life amazing, with friends from they are asking for several STUDENT ABI were people. and a story, and it is hoped that other synagogues asking us more every year. Names have On the following day, we I was flooded this project will allow as many about it and how they could been kept and are read out at MARCOVITCH walked the journey that hun- individuals as possible to be get involved. Yizkor, especially on Yom dreds of thousands of Jewish with emotion, remembered. The candle is In 2018, Masorti in the Kippur. WRITES A people had travelled before us. modelled on the traditional UK increased their order to Although the concept is to POWERFUL When we reached the Um- grieving for Jewish memorial Yahrzeit can- 13,000, and 25,000 in 2019. remember Jews on Yom ACCOUNT OF schlagplatz, we tried to imag- millions of dle, but is yellow to represent Similarly, NEMS increased HaShoah, many pray for vic- ine how it would have felt to ‘‘ the yellow stars that Jewish our requests to 144 and 192 tims of other genocides that HER SCHOOL’S have been uprooted from people that I people were forced to wear. respectively, through our have happened since. This is a TRIP TO everyday life and to never re- The candles are lit on Yom members and by involving fantastic way to honour all of turn. It was chilling, but was never knew HaShoah, the Jewish date on synagogues outside the Ma- those people, and ensures POLAND only the start of our journey. which we remember those sorti movement. I had no many victims will still be re- but felt so who perished in the Holocaust. problem putting the candles I I I I membered. Although it is still N 28 January, I had the connected with It was established by the first and names in special bags at well short of the six million, I opportunity to go to Israeli Prime Minister, David home for everyone: I was just hear that Maccabi has ordered Poland with my peers When we reached Tre- Ben Gurion, in 1953. This year delighted that so many people 100,000 Yellow Candles this fromO Kantor King Solomon blinka, the air was still and 75 years ago. We sang, we it will be observed on Tuesday wanted to take part! Again, year; and I see this just grow- High School (KKS). Although silent. Seeing how meticulous laughed, we cried, we lived. 21 April. people were strongly encour- ing and growing, as not only I had heard many stories about the Nazis were in creating it Shabbat enabled us to process As soon as I read about the aged to post photos of the can- more Jewish organisations are the country – whether through made it even more horrifying. the life-changing week we had project, I thought it was a dles with the names of the getting involved but non-Jew- hearing Holocaust survivors When I walked around, I felt and made us feel even more great idea. I wanted to make Holocaust victims on social ish ones, too. speak or listening to people as though I wasn’t alone, and thankful of our lives than sure New Essex Masorti Syna- media. I get tremendous personal that previously had experi- that I could feel those who usual. gogue (NEMS) was part of In 2019, the Yellow Can- satisfaction that we at NEMS enced the trip – nothing could perished around me. A white Our journey had come to this. Fortunately, being born in dle Project was taken over by were at the forefront of this have prepared me for what I tape surrounded the perimeter, an end but the lessons we had Alexandria, Egypt, my family Maccabi GB. It became a amazing project, which was was going to learn, hear, see or filled with a list of thousands learnt had only just begun. We was never subject to the Nazi cross-communal project, started on a small scale by feel. of names. There were so many, were ready to bring back all atrocities and genocide. We which saw over 60 organisa- Masorti Judaism UK and has When we arrived in War- it was almost impossible to ab- the life lessons we learnt that did suffer post-Suez and left tions including synagogue now spread across to other saw, we went straight to the sorb them all, let alone to pic- week and put them into our Egypt with nothing, leaving all bodies, schools, shops and sections of Judaism and is em- Ghetto Wall and a cemetery ture the journey they faced friends, family and commu- behind. But we did still have communal organisations, as braced by other faiths. which showed us the extent of walking down the exact path nity. Poland impacted me in a our lives! I knew that, amongst well as individuals, come to- We must never forget segregation in the years lead- that I was. The nothingness way that nothing else ever will our congregation, many had gether and remember as one those who were tragically ing up to the Holocaust. We surrounded me and isolated come close to; it made me relatives who were murdered community. It is now spon- murdered not only during the could see the effect that the me. Suddenly, the area was even closer with my family in the concentration camps. In sored by many well-known or- Shoah of the Second World Holocaust still has on the Jews filled with thousands of and friends but, most impor- addition, there were many ganisations and involves some War, but in wars since then, in Warsaw today, visiting the stones, each one representing a tantly, with my Jewish identity men, women and children who famous faces, including politi- and we will continue to spread only remaining synagogue. town or village that the Nazis and teaching the importance of perished, who no longer had cians. the word to honour the vic- During the war, it had been had managed to wipe out. I love and respect, despite our anyone to remember them. The Yellow Candle Project tims. used as stables, but the fact felt sick. I couldn’t move. But differences. that it was refurbished and is I knew that I wasn’t alone. I used for daily prayers today knew that, once I got back on empowered us into remember- the coach, the nightmare ing that the Nazis did not win. would be over, unlike for so ESSEX many. JEWISH NEWS I I I I On Friday, we had an early start for Auschwitz. I felt as ROSH To finish off our day, we though the trip was leading up visited Januz Korczak’s or- to it, but I was never going to HASHANAH phanage, where we were each be ready. Walking through given the name of someone Auschwitz overwhelmed me; I IS COMING murdered in the Holocaust – was flooded with emotion, whose name was similar to grieving for millions of people Our next issue will be ours – to carry with us that I never knew but felt so published to coincide throughout the trip. I was connected to. Seeing their pos- with Rosh Hashanah given that of a young girl who sessions, hair and shoes made 2020. shared the same Hebrew name me weak at the knees. I had no as me – Avigail – and who words; I had seen true evil To send us your stories tragically died at age nine. pushed to its full extent. I was and pictures see our This was an extremely power- speechless, and still am. contact details in the ful moment for me as I held Auschwitz II empowered her close to my heart through- us as a group, walking hand- panel in Page 2. out the entire trip. To remem- in-hand in and out, feeling so For details of advertise- ber that the number ‘six grateful and connected to our ment rates contact million’ is made up of individ- history in a way we never had uals just like myself helped me before. Our Shabbat was so Deborah Mulqueen on to connect with my Jewish his- special, having held it in hon- [email protected] tory and picture that every in- our of those who couldn’t over PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 25 FOCUS ON: 12th Ilford Cubs

MICAELA BLITZ VISITS THE ONLY JEWISH CUB GROUP IN ESSEX

HE 12th Ilford Cubs has Gardens in Gants Hill, which been running for almost was very much the centre of 67 years and prides itself scouting and guiding in the area. Ton being the only Jewish cub Unfortunately, since around group in Essex. The pack was 1998 the venue has not been in started by six sets of parents in use, but it is hoped that they will 1953 and was originally based at be able to get back there very Coventry Road Synagogue. soon; and plans are in place for Today, the pack meets every this to eventually happen and for Thursday at The Rodings in there to be lots more going on. Roding Lane South. Michael Michael recognises that Mallach is the current Akela. with so many different activi- Colin Ormsby’s parents ties and groups, including were two of the founding mem- JLGB, in the local area, it can bers, and Colin attended the sometimes feel like they are all group in his youth. Having been competing for the same mem- part of the pack from the very bership, but he is confident that beginning, he remained involved the cubs offers something dif- with the group serving in many ferent. As he explains: “I think different leadership roles until re- that being part of cubs and the cently and has many fond mem- scouting movement can really ories of his time. set a good foundation for what- GREAT THINGS ever you go on to do and can help throughout your life in so He told the Essex Jewish many ways.” News: “Over the years, so many Someone who can vouch of the young people that I have for that is Jason Levy. Jason met have found that being part of was a cub in the 12th Ilford in 12th Ilford Cubs with all the scouting and guiding ac- likes meeting new kids, and also the scouting movement has re- his youth, and started volun- their leaders tivity in the area. We want to doing the activities each week. ally helped them to not only teering as a leader when his get it back to its former glory, He has recently got his home achieve some great things, but son, Ethan, became a cub two He said: “Learning how to build but in order to rebuild the huts help badge and can’t wait to be gain self-respect and make new years ago. Having been part of a good fire, and then also being and make it fit for purpose, we able to display this on his uni- friends too.” the pack himself, Jason is really able to toast marshmallows on need around £250,000 worth of form.” being part of He has been involved with pleased that the same skills he it afterwards, are great things to investment to achieve our Aaron’s mum Candice Blitz the 12th Ilford Cubs for more learnt as a cub are now also do, and something I do with my dream.” added: “Aaron is already learn- the scouting than 30 years first as a cub and being acquired by his son. He own kids, as well as when I am Joy, along with the other ing new skills in the short time movement scout. He stopped attending when he was 16 years old, but a ‘ has‘ helped chance meeting that reignited his enthusiasm. them to gain As he explains: “I attended a local St George’s day parade and self-respect bumped into my old Akela, Sharon Harris (nee Demby), who and make suggested I come along as a new friends leader to help out and I have pretty much been involved ever since!” gained from scouting and guid- Sharon Harris was very ing really help with this. much part of the scouting move- CHIEF SCOUT ment in the local area and was actually involved in scouting for With Bear Grylls as the over 25 years, having been a Chief Scout, the scouting move- brownie and guide herself. She ment can be seen as really trying comes from a family of scouting, to appeal to a new generation; and her father Ken Demby was Cubs playing games with the pack. I think it is im- and Joy is keen to also show that involved for more than 40 years. portant the cubs learn ‘outdoor’ the more traditional views of At one time, there were cub told us: “I learnt how to cook skills that take them away from scouting have very much packs running four evenings a and how to sew buttons through screens and really interact with changed. week, with Ken running the earning my home help badge at their environment.” She comments: “People Monday group and Sharon run- cubs, and Ethan now has those Whilst the scouting move- often think of scouting and guid- ning the Thursday group with skills too. These are basic skills ment may feel like a family for ing as old fashioned and all dib Melanie Alicoon (Baloo). The that are not usually taught at some, at the 12th Ilford Cubs, dib dib and dob dob dob, but it is Tuesday group was run by school, but are essential in my for others it really is a family in not like that anymore. For a start, Sandy and Mervyn Turner and, opinion.” every sense of the word. As well the uniforms are far less fussy later, by their son Laurence. Rita BASIC SKILLS as Michael Mallach being and formal and for a long time and the late Lou Knott ran Akela, his sisters - twins Joy girls and boys are both able to be- Wednesday night. As well as this Over the past two years, and Denise Mallach - are both come cubs, which shows that it is there were guides, brownies, Ethan has acquired an impres- scout leaders also involved with Raising the flag he has been there, like learning much more progressive and for- scouts and even a Beavers group sive 15 badges from home help the group. Both attended the to sew, iron and also do cooking ward thinking than it used to be. that was set up in the late 1990s to swimming, and even a team 20th Ilford Brownies and leaders, hopes that members of as part of his home help badge. Joy adds: “Currently, the by Mark and Sue Eriera. leader badge, which has not guides, and then also became in- the local community will help He recently made us all dinner group is in a small hall so, be- Michael eventually took only helped him to gain a vari- volved as young leaders from to fund this project, particularly after planning it and preparing cause of limited space, we are over from Sharon as Akela ety of skills but, on a personal the age of 16. Like their brother, those who may have a connec- it, and he was so proud to have limited as to what we can do. But around nine years ago. He feels level, has helped improve his they have been involved ever tion to Roll Gardens in their done these things all by himself. if we could get back to Roll Gar- that they really try to make the confidence. As Ethan explains: since. Continuing the family youth. They are planning to or- He feels a real sense of accom- dens, we really feel the sky is the group as inclusive as possible for “When I started cubs, I was re- line, Denise’s son, Eden, is now ganise fundraising such as quiz plishment and I hope that this limit and we look forward to put- everyone. As he explains: “We ally shy, but being part of the a member of a local Beaver nights and other events. will give him more confidence ting it back on the map for the encourage the cubs to develop pack has encouraged me to group, and Denise is keen to The 12th Ilford Cub con- and encourage him to do other centre of Jewish guiding and their own skills and interests come out of my shell and to talk build the 12th Ilford Beaver sists currently of 13 members, things for himself. As well as scouting in Redbridge and through badges and activities. I to new people. I have made lots colony back up. both girls and boys. Two of the learning, cubs also gives him a Essex.” think that cubs is very different of friends. Now if I see other Having had so many happy most recent recruits are best chance to let off some steam to school, so even those who are people that may be shy I try to memories of their own time at friends Alex Keller and Aaron and to make friends.” If you would like to find out more not academic can find something help them out.” Roll Gardens, they are keen to Blitz, who were both invested in As a teacher at Clore Tikva about being part of the 12th that suits them, whether it is Howard Temple has also ac- return there. As Joy explains: February. Primary School, Joy is aware of Ilford Cubs or helping with through sports, crafts or some- quired quite a different skill “The land itself was bequeathed Belinda Keller, Alex’s the need to understand mental fundraising, please contact thing else.” since being involved with the to the 12th Ilford Cubs and, for mother, describes how he really health and wellbeing in chil- ilfordcubsth12@yahoo. co.uk or All of these were run at Roll cubs as Assistant Cub Leader. a long time, it was the centre of enjoys cubs. She told us: “He dren, and many of the skills call Joy on 07926 817 893. 26 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020

HE Pesach festival al- ALMOND MADEIRA ways requires a great CAKE deal of thought and for- wardT planning – particularly 180 gr unsalted butter this year when it runs straight 180 gr caster sugar into Shabbat. Numbers are 4 eggs separated never exact until the last mo- Supersize your Seder ½ teaspoon almond ment and sometimes there are extract extra guests that were not orig- to peel them Beat the egg yolks to- 250 gr ground almonds inally catered for! A few sprigs of thyme or gether with the sugar until 2 teaspoons Pesach bak- This Pesach I have tried to rosemary COOKING FOR airy and pale in colour. In a ing powder find a couple of meals that can Olive oil separate bowl, beat the 15 gr flaked almonds be altered in quantity, depend- Salt & pepper YOMTOV cream until holding soft Icing sugar to decorate ing on the amount of guests peaks but not too stiff. Add you have, without compromis- Preheat the oven to 160o fan the lemon juice and grated Preheat oven to 170o fan – ing on the ingredients or the – Gas Mk 4 rind to the cream and beat Gas Mk 5 taste. You don’t necessarily You may need two roasting SHELLEY again until holding firm Butter a 20cm x 5cm deep need to serve them for the tins for this dish as you want the peaks. Be careful not to over loose-bottom cake tin or line it Seder – they can be produced ingredients to roast and crisp up POSNER whip it. Add the egg yolk with a parchment paper lining. at any time during Pesach or, rather than steam, which they mixture to the cream and In a large bowl with a hand indeed, the rest of the year. will do if they are crowded to- mix well to combine. whisk, cream together the soft- Whether you have two or gether. Put all the meat into the if you prefer) the fish flakes easily with a fork. Place in an ovenproof ened butter and the sugar until 20 for dinner, these meals hit roasting tin(s). Cut the potatoes Half a bunch of fresh dill Meanwhile, cut off the dish, making sure that the pale and fluffy, then incorpo- the spot for a large crowd or a into wedges of a similar size to 3 tablespoons butter woody ends of the asparagus and mixture doesn’t reach the rate the egg yolks one at a time cosy meal. Enjoy your Seders the onions and add them both to melted blanch the tips in boiling water top – it needs at least an together with the almond ex- – Chag Sameach! the meat. Toss them all thor- For the garnish: for 3 minutes only. Drain and re- inch or two above the level tract. Then beat in the ground oughly with a good glug of olive 1 bunch of fresh aspara- fresh under cold water then blot almonds and the baking pow- SHAKE AND BAKE of the mixture to the top of CHICKEN ‘N RIBS oil and tuck the fresh herbs in be- gus any excess moisture from them the dish. Put the dish in the der. tween the pieces. Season well 1 bunch of radishes with kitchen paper. Slice the freezer and freeze until In a separate bowl, whisk with salt and pepper and cook for Dill to decorate radishes. Transfer the salmon to solid. the egg whites until they form This quantity will serve 30 minutes. Then toss in the gar- a serving platter – they can be Whisk the egg whites stiff peaks then gently fold into four people – if you have lic cloves (if you put them in at Preheat the oven to 180o fan served either hot or at room tem- with the second quantity of the cake mixture in three sepa- more, you can add sausages the start they will burn), give all – Gas Mk 6 perature. Arrange the asparagus sugar in a large bowl until a rate goes. Transfer the mixture and drumsticks too. You can the ingredients a good stir and First make the crust; grind tips into a lattice pattern over firm meringue is formed. Re- to the cake tin. Smooth the sur- also stretch the dish further by bake for a further 20-25 minutes, the nuts in a food processor until each fillet, scatter over the radish move the frozen ice cream face level then scatter over the adding some chopped red or or until brown and crispy and they look like coarse sand. Chop circles and decorate with dill and spread the meringue over flaked almonds. yellow peppers and incorporate cooked through. a handful of dill very finely and fronds. the top of the mixture, cover- Bake for approximately 40 some sweet potatoes as well PECAN CRUSTED then, in a small bowl, mix the ing it to the top of the dish. minutes until golden and firm for variety. herbs together with the nuts and LEMON MERINGUE Heat the grill to maximum to the touch when pressed. SALMON FILLETS ICE CREAM WITH ASPARAGUS pour over the melted butter. and, when it’s hot, place the Leave the cake to cool in the 4 chicken thighs Arrange the salmon pieces in dish on the lowest shelf away tin then turn it out and dust lib- 4 chicken wings one layer on a well buttered but 4 eggs separated from the heat for around 30 erally with icing sugar. Wrap 4 beef or lamb ribs 4 salmon fillets shallow tin that can hold them in 1 ¼ cups of caster sugar seconds, or until the peaks tightly in tin foil and store in 4 medium sized potatoes A little butter a single layer. Season lightly ¾ cup of lemon juice are just beginning to turn a an airtight container. – leave unpeeled but Mayonnaise with salt and pepper. Spread the Grated rind of two light brown. Allow to cool a scrub well Salt & pepper surface of each fillet with a layer lemons little then replace in the THIS ARTICLE WAS 2 red onions – peeled and For the crust: of mayonnaise and then com- 2 x 227 gr Riches parev freezer until needed. Remove WRITTEN AND SUBMIT- cut into wedges 225 gr / 8 oz shelled pletely cover with the nut mix- whipping cream to the fridge around 20-30 TED BEFORE THE Half a head of garlic bro- pecan nuts (or you could ture, patting it firmly into place. A further ½ cup of caster minutes before serving, to CORONAVIRUS CRISIS ken into cloves – no need use pistachios or walnuts, Bake for 8-10 minutes or until sugar allow it to soften.

N the face of it, the lat- est ‘less is more’ beauty trends may not sound a goodO look after the ravages of winter, but don’t panic. It’s all an illusion and certainly GIVE YOUR FACE doesn’t mean leaving your face bare and flawed as nature in- tended. Otherwise, few of us would venture out again! THE RED CARPET The secret is appearing ef- fortlessly glowing, dewy, fresh and flawless. But don’t be fooled, this actually needs as TREATMENT much care and attention to de- tail as for a movie star stepping to firm older skin and give you onto the red carpet. Well, not a flawless, all day glow. Max quite but you get the gist. BEAUTY Factor’s Miracle Second Skin Fifty-year-old Oscar win- does just what it says on the ner Renee Zellweger’s image package and, based on coconut may look astonishingly natural milk, incorporates SPF20 so on our photo, but what you PAT LIDIKER you’re ready for the sunshine. don’t see is her lavish team of Powder blushers have expert make-up artists. LOOKS AT SPRING BEAUTY made way for fluid, flowing So how to get ready for TRENDS – AND IT’S ALL pots and palettes to swish high your own close-up? With the ABOUT ILLUSION on the cheeks to browline and arrival of Pesach (aka Jewish temples – Collection’s Life is spring cleaning), make sure to increasing choice of plant- is magical too, combining oil Peachy palette has ultra-flat- leave time and effort to deep based, chemical-free or organic control, UVA/UVB protection tering pink, gold, bronze, apri- clean your skin as well as the products. Bare Minerals even and layered coverage all in cot, cream and brown to blend kitchen cupboards. have a vegan range and never, what looks like a grey putty. however the mood takes you. A pampering, salon facial ever include chemicals. Shake the bottle before use to Revolution at Superdrug makes a great start, while oth- Ask about eye creams to blend ingredients and it be- have delicious, must-have ers will splurge on the most ex- avoid using the same concen- comes a lightweight, natural, highlighter palettes in their en- pensive products on the trated products around this sen- non-greasy foundation to ban- ticing Vintage Lace collection market. But there are countless sitive area (10 times thinner ish winter-worn skin. for face, cheeks and eyes; this other value-for-money innova- than the rest of you face) to Bare Minerals, too, have a season, make sure not to tions, either online or on the avoid puffiness. mirage in a pot, a powder that colour block but just sweep counters, and the most pricey So why are this spring’s turns into liquid foundation as across each area – L-Oreal’s aren’t always the best. products different from all you brush it on and comes in 30 glow enhancer adds new di- Cleansing lotions, exfoliat- other seasons’? Mainly be- shades of beautiful. mensions to cheeks, too. ing face scrubs, peelers, lip cause the emphasis is on This spring make-up You’ll find lots of gor- balms and masks come in all lighter-than-ever but even colours are predominantly geous eye shadow collections shapes and formulas to zap im- more effective liquids, creams earthy, golden, bronze, creamy to experiment with, mainly ter- purities and dead cells, and and serums which quickly pen- and pure; but remember to first racotta, earth, bronze, peach Oscar winner Renee Zellweger showing 'natural' thus create a smoother canvas. etrate and moisturise. use primer and/or concealer to and gold; but why not add a beauty is all an illusion Do ask an in-store expert for Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic airbrush lines, wrinkles and dash of lavender, lilac or green advice on the best for your skin Cream is now the biggest seller blemishes. for extra zing or to ring the ways gleaming, silky and dewy Mousse – there are so many to type, which may be dry, oily, in the UK, ingredients includ- For extra luminosity, try changes. but never matte, which is SO choose from at prices to suit patchy or a bit older than it ing serum, SPF15 and protec- L’Oreal’s 7-day treatment using Now for that all-important last season. Look for Lauder’s everyone. used to be. And if you’re wor- tion against the elements. For resurfacing glycolic ampoules splash of lip colour where satin Rebellious Rose, Char- So happy hunting every- ried about sensitivity or aller- those with oily skin prone to or Boots No 7 advanced serum once again rose, coral, bronze lotte Tilbury Pillow Talk col- one… and enjoy a beautiful gic reaction, there’s an blemishes, Clinique BB Cream with peptides and antioxidants and peach rule the roost, al- lection, Clarins Lip Milky Pesach. PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 27 2 ALL IT TAKES 1 IS A FEW

FASHION Midi skirts & dresses TWEAKSIn midi skirts, knife-pleated are, again, widely available (at Reiss, Warehouse, Somerset and JAN SHURE Whistles). Mid-calf A-line midi skirts are available from Hush, CO-FOUNDER OF Rixo and Selected Femme; while www.SoSensational.co.uk White Stuff, Hush, M&S and THE FASHION SITE FOR WOMENOF 50 PLUS Rixo offer asymmetric or frilled midi skirts. ASHION isn’t disappearing, but the industry-led There are no definitive 2020 (and highly profitable) cycle of consume-dis- details on dresses, but look out Fcard-consume-discard is slowing down as more for V-necklines, boat necklines and more women realise that, with a few tweaks, and shirt necklines. Brands are they can continue to wear the clothes they already trying to wean us off wrap-fronts own. This, of course, is what men have mostly done but they are just too flattering, so for, ooh, about a century. And while the switch may they are staying around. Find be bad news for the industry and ‘capitalism’ (and fabulous midi dresses in plains for people like me whose role is vanishing), it is good and prints, and in a variety of sil- 1. Pleated midi 4 news for the planet and our purses. houettes at Mint Velvet, Hush, skirt £59.50, lemon As a result of this evolution, many ‘trends’ are Warehouse, Boden, Rixo and staying for another season. These include jumpsuits, jumper £55, both midi skirts, maxi dresses, midi dresses, trainers, blaz- many more; and find fabulous Oliver Bonas ers and trouser suits. For those who wish to refresh maxi dresses, again in plain or their wardrobe in spring 2020, the new season de- print and a variety of cuts, from tails and tweaks include spots, stripes, monochrome, Whistles, Hush, Oasis, Jolie lots more print, shirt-cuts, frills, splits and asymmetry. Moi, Max Studio, Maxmara and, 2. Pleated midi skirt £139, again, many more. White jacket, from a selec- tion, both Hobb’s The Kooples). In addition, dot- Plethora of colours ted around the High Street, you Useful trenchcoats can find Pointillism, Ikat, ani- 3. Pink blazer£40, and ankle- Colour also provides an op- mal- print, scarf-print, abstracts The trench coat revival grazer trousers, £20 (worn as portunity for a seasonal update and heart-prints. Stripes, began early this millennium, a trouser suit), Dorothy with, again, lots of options in S/S though not strictly speaking and trench coats have returned Perkins 20, meaning there’s no single ‘print’ are also around. Striped every spring season since; ‘hot’ shade. There is a plethora of dresses, skirts, shirts and probably because they are use- pastels, including pink, mint, trousers are around from Emilia ful, versatile and – if you 4. Dark green/navy floral baby-blue, lemon and lilac, plus Wickstead, Joseph, Boden and choose the right colour and the print jumpsuit £59, Marks a boxful of bright shades (yel- River Island; while stripy knits right cut – flattering, too. Over & Spencer low, red, green, fuchsia, blue, or- are available across the High recent seasons, they’ve been ange and violet) and numerous Street and online, including embellished or crafted in vi- 3 neutrals, especially beige tones from M&S, River Island, brant hues, but this season’s 5. Polka-dot jumper (caramel, camel, coffee, toffee, Roman Originals and Boden. are again fairly classic. My £55, White Stuff (Please taupe). And, in addition to the favourites are the ‘Pixie’ from crop at waist if possi- monochrome trend (in which Reiss, which exudes military ble; no info available black-and-white are mixed), Flattering jumpsuits precision at the front while on shorts) black and sharp white are very flaunting soft pleats at the on-trend as single colours. (I We are, understandably, back; and the classic ‘Saskia’ know that neither black nor keeping jumpsuits, because from Hobbs. 6. Animal-print midi white is, technically a ‘colour,’ they combine comfort, practi- dress £55, Wallis but for fashion purposes, they cality and an ability to flatter. are). Thus, most brands and design- Stylish blazers ers are again offering them for S/S20 in all kinds of fabrics, Blazers are back, too. You Varieties of print sleeve lengths and cuts. De- can almost certainly wear any 6 pending on how they are you already own; but if you want As a key ‘trend’ in spring styled, they can be appropriate a new one, you can choose from 2020, ‘Print’ is crafted into for work, weekends, occasions cropped, mid-length and long- dresses, tops, blouses, skirts or resort-wear. line blazers in checks, plains, and jumpsuits. There can be no For S/S20 they are avail- linen, wool-crepe, lightweight definitive, must-have print be- able from High Street to High flannel and, of course, polyester. cause, as with colour, there are End collections. At designer There are single-breasted and so many varieties that any print level, Emilia Wickstead has a double-breasted blazers; and works. Options include ladylike stunning long-sleeve red crepe blazers with decorative sleeves, florals with a vintage vibe as jumpsuit, while Roland Mouret such as the M&S ruched-sleeve seen at HVN, Monsoon, Laura has a sleeveless one in ham- beauty in luscious mint green at Ashley and M&S; bold, exotic mered silk, also in red. M&S £45 or a white double-breasted 5 blooms (Roman Originals and have them in denim and in version with puffed-sleeves at Betty Barclay); geometric monochrome and floral prints, River Island for £75. Many prints (at Ganni, Warehouse while Rixo has long-sleeve brands, including Reiss, M&S, and Harpenne); ditsy florals ones in denim. Joe Browns has Hobbs, Dorothy Perkins and (Oliver Bonas, Hobbs and Miss them in plains as well as in al- River Island, offer matching Selfridge); spots (Roman Origi- luring jungle prints. Oliver trousers, so we may create a nals, River Island, Oasis, Bonas and Dorothy Perkins trouser suit which is another George, Pure); gingham have strapless versions for trend continuing for the new sea- (Emilia Wickstead, Rixo and beachwear. Hobbs, Hush, son. River Island has blazers in Oliver Bonas); placement print Whistles and the John Lewis caramel at £50 and at £60, with (Debut and Zimmermann); flo- own-brands Kin and Somerset matching trousers at £40. rals-mixed-with-geometrics have lots that are perfect for Boucle jackets that channel (Hobb’s, Studio by Preen, Joe daytime, workwear and week- Chanel are also back for Spring Browns and Rixo); Paisley (JW ends; while Vera Mont and 20. Find them at River Island in Anderson and M&Co) and Gina Bacconi have them for tweed, and at M&S in tweed and wild, clashing hues (Rixo and occasion wear. plain. 28 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 PJ Library gets kids ‘Even Winston never managed ready for Pesach to get a majority like Boris’ A MEGILLAH, the Haggadah and, of course, the Torah – Jews love a good religious book. Scots Guards, serving in However, it can be challenging Northern Ireland and Rhode- for younger members of the sia, Iain was knighted this community to relate to some of year for political and public the stories. service. PJ Library, an organisation As a Catholic, he attends that gifts free monthly books to services every Sunday; al- almost 8,000 children across though he was keen to point the UK, including many in out, “my sister-in-law is Jew- Essex, celebrates Jewish values ish” and that he has always and traditions through colourful had a deep affection for the and creative stories. Jewish community and way Shiran Sapir, PJ Library for life. parent ambassador for Essex, “I have a huge admiration lives in Ilford with two young for strong Jewish sense of children. She told the Essex family,” he said. “Such val- Jewish News: “Most kids love Shiran at the Yeladisco ues and support for each finishing the day with a story – PJ Library event other and the elderly are at- whether it’s the chance to step tributes which contribute into another world and learn Who will ask the Four enormously to our society.” something new or just have five Questions? – Eitan always asks minutes with a parent, in an the Four Questions at his fam- I I I I otherwise hectic day. We hope ily’s Passover Seder ... but this that our stories spark Jewish year, his younger sister Evie Iain and his lovely wife conversations in the home and says she’s old enough to do it. Betsy have four grown-up chil- make bedtime meaningful for Miriam at the River – When dren; and he understands and everyone, whatever their age!” Miriam places her baby brother values that strong sense of the This Pesach, PJ Library are Moses in the Nile, she is filled importance of family life. distributing these four titles to with fear and trepidation. But His own considerable inspire both children and par- she also has courage and faith, knowledge and understanding ents alike. which this beautiful telling of of Judaism was apparent Where is the Afikomen? – the story explores. throughout our conversation, Someone’s hidden the and he is on good terms with afikomen. Where could it be? If you know a child aged eight local Jewish leaders; and he Look up, down and all around or under, then sign them up for stressed his enormous admira- in this delightful book for ba- their free monthly book at tion for, and friendship with, bies and toddlers. www.pjlibrary.org.uk If you the former Chief Rabbi Lord Welcoming Elijah – A would like Shiran to visit your stickers, as they canvassed Sacks. heartwarming story of a boy, a community, then please email PAT LIDIKER WAS AT WESTMINSTER after dark in the evening. All Turning back to the elec- lost cat and Seder night. [email protected] TO TALK TO SIR IAIN DUNCAN this was passed to the police tion, was he worried when it SMITH ABOUT LEAVING BEHIND who have been investigating. looked as if everything could “But it didn’t work. For come crashing to an end for Ilford MP Wes vows RECENT POLITICAL ANGST TO despite the hundreds and both him personally in his seat EMBARK ON A, HOPEFULLY, ROSIER hundreds of ideological Cor- and the Conservatives gener- FUTURE. THIS INTERVIEW WAS byn supporters – mostly from ally? to build bridges outside my constituency – He replied: “I never CONDUCTED BEFORE THE we won!” doubted that we would win, for CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK I I I I ours is a strong cause, to de- liver on the referendum by get- HEN I interviewed the Thames (it has number ting Brexit done and by Sir Iain Duncan 10 on the door) and after 28 The MP then turned his stamping out antisemitism. Smith at Westmin- years as MP, the member for attention to something that After all, if you believe in ster,W shortly after the elec- Chingford & Woodford has greatly worried our Jew- something you go for it, and tion, the Tories were firmly Green explained to me that ish community in recent this majority has given the in power with a massive ma- he is not an angry person by years, the rise of anti- party a huge psychological jority and the first steps of nature, preferring to argue semitism on the far left. He confidence. Boris has always ‘Brexit’ were signed, sealed and fight for and against added; “I have been horrified had confidence, but this makes and ready for delivery at the ideas and actions rather than to watch as several Labour him a stronger leader to get end of this year. personal attacks. But this MPs have been forced out of things done in the next five or Closer to home, the MP’s election, he maintained, was the party by antisemitic and even 10 years.” personal influence was key in very different. other attacks from the hard So, what about future ef- Wes Streeting at the Limmud Festival ensuring the future of He said: “The election left, which Jeremy Corbyn fects of ‘Getting Brexit Done’, Whipps Cross Hospital, with was ghastly, worse than I can did little to stop. a topic that has split both the BY PAT LIDIKER The following month, he a pledge from the Prime Min- ever remember. While can- “Corbyn should have country and our community. attended the Holocaust Memo- ister of £400million to help vassing, we encountered sacked every antisemite and ILFORD North MP Wes Street- rial Day ceremony at Ilford’s rebuild it into a state-of-the threats from Labour support- apologised but, under his I I I I ing is uncomfortably aware of Valentines Park. Obviously art hospital. ers. It included death threats, leadership, Labour dragged the strong new bridges needing contemplating recent events, spray painting abusive mes- their feet and seemed to tol- As a long-term Brexiteer, to be built with the Jewish he told us: “Given the anti- I I I I sages on our office and else- erate the antisemitism.” Iain stresses the future is community after the recent vir- semitism in our politics and so- where in public places. They Iain has previously vis- looking very bright indeed. ulent spread of antisemitism ciety, I hope people are So is it business as usual posted vile messages about ited Auschwitz, where the Before we part, he promises: within the Labour Party. reflecting on whether they’ve in these magnificent corri- us on social media. Some of true horror of the Holocaust “Europe needs us far more Speaking in an exclusive been bystanders or allies in the dors of power after three tur- our female workers even had overwhelmed him. He made than we need them in many catch-up with the Essex Jewish fight. Although today concen- bulent, resignation-littered to face threatening behaviour it clear that, knowing as we ways and figures show we News, he said: “I recently at- trates on the unique crimes of years? laced with threats, from do where such antisemitism have a £100 billion deficit in tended the Limmud Festival in the Nazi Holocaust, we should In his office overlooking young men sporting Labour led in the 1930s, it is horrify- trade with the EU, which Birmingham, where it was never avert our eyes from the ing to see similar language means they sell far more to lovely to see so many from most uncomfortable truth of being used on social media the UK than we sell to them, Redbridge and the surrounding all. Its perpetrators were not Shedding light today. yet we run a trade surplus area. unique, they were ordinary Serving in Winston with the rest of the world. “Everyone wanted to dis- men and women carrying out in Southend Churchill’s old heartland, London is the global centre cuss the fraught relationship extraordinarily evil acts.” where the great man’s statue for financial services, and the between the Labour Party and Wes adds that he was par- FURTHER to the new porch takes pride of place on the EU gets most of its capital the Jewish community. I hope ticularly heartened to see so and front entrance that was in- Green, must surely give him from the London markets. this is just the first step in lis- many children and young peo- stalled at Southend and District a buzz, even though the area We are now back on the tening, leading and rebuilding ple taking part in the event. Reform Synagogue, Rabbi War- has changed considerably world stage as a full voting trust and faith in Labour. We “They did themselves, their ren Elf MBE recently fixed new since then? member of the World Trading know we have so much work to schools and our Borough mezuzahs at the shul’s entrance Of course it does, even Organisation (WTO), for the do.” proud. As the number of sur- and inside the building. though he happily points out: first time in 40 years, which Wes and his fellow MP Jess vivors left to bear living wit- A short ceremony took “Even Winston never man- governs all world trade and Phillips also joined Rabbi ness to the Holocaust place, attended by members of aged an 80-seat majority like I’m confident it will be a Miriam Berger and Reform Ju- diminishes, with every new the congregation and children Boris!” huge success. daism’s Senior Rabbi Laura generation comes an even from the cheder, during which The first Scottish-born “I for one now buy excel- Janner-Klausner in lighting the greater responsibility to ensure Rabbi Elf explained about the party leader since Balfour lent Australian and English menorah for the second night the warning from history is significance of the mezuzah. and the first Catholic in the wines.” of Chanukah. never forgotten.” PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 29 The song is ended, but ... brake, the turntable took off, the needle contacted the record and we heard a man singing. HOORAY! it works. Throughout the 1920s, to me, the main entertainment with young people seemed to be ballroom dancing; and the general interest was the popu- lar sing-along songs, new ones appearing every day, mainly imported from America: beau- tiful tunes with wonderful lyrics. There were also novelty dances like The Charleston, Black Bottom and Blues; but the end of the 20s, when silent films burst into sound and the big American musicals took Fashions over, was as if a revolution had in the 1920s. PICTURE COURTESY OF GLAMOUR DAZE taken place. Can you imagine the thrill of seeing that great star Al Jol- son singing Sonny Boy in that first “talkie” film The Jazz Singer? Even the word ‘Holly- wood’ seemed like dreamland magic; although when visiting there many years later, I found the area not much different to anywhere else. We had also the great Bing Crosby who created LOU FREEDMAN mainly violin; and, in school, crooning, the new way of singing was encouraged with singing softly using micro- FROM REDBRIDGE the aid of Tonic-sol-fa, using phones; and he was responsi- IS 103 YEARS OLD hand signals for the eight notes ble for a new enthusiasm in of an octave. I took to piano... singers over here. Almost AND DESCRIBES but that's another story. every High Street had a music HIS LIFE AND I obviously was very shop selling pianos, sheet TIMES IN THE young at the time but clearly music and records which, un- 1920s, 30s, 40s remember the excitement when fortunately, doesn't exist today. a near neighbour bought a DANCING AND BEYOND gramophone, and invited the family in to see this new won- At this time, we entered ROUND 100 years ago, der of the age. the 1930s and many things the early 1920s to be NEEDLE started to change. I mentioned exact, the days long earlier on that children were beforeA radio or TV, everyone There it was, sitting in the having music lessons, but none used to sing and literally every centre of the table with its big that I knew had achieved any- Jewish house had a piano. horn staring at us. He inserted thing and had given up. They Somebody could always bomp a handle and carefully wound had, however, learned to read The Astoria in Charing Cross Road, a magnet for ballroom dancing enthusiasts out some of the latest tunes of it up, following inserting a music and many of the boys, which there were new ones al- needle into the soundbox, plac- now starting work and earning most every day. Most children ing a record on the turntable money, were buying and learn- Three Faiths annual Holy Land tour had music lessons at home, and setting the speed to 80 ing to play saxophone, trumpet girls mainly piano and boys rpm. Finally releasing the and drums, becoming profes- sional musicians and forming rael and Palestine, including dance bands, as ballroom danc- Bethlehem, Nazareth, ing was now well established. Jerusalem, Jericho and Hebron. Many West End hotels and This was the eighth annual restaurants employed dance tour organised by the Three bands, and the most popular Faiths Forum. The group in- public dance halls in London cluded 10 Muslims, eight were the Astoria, the Hammer- Christians and six Jews, inspir- smith Palais and the Locarno at ingly led by Reverend Ulrike Streatham. Additionally, there Bell (United Reform Church), were many privately organised Imam Dr Mohammed Fahim dances held almost every- (South Woodford Mosque) and where. Rabbi David Hulbert (East UNIFORM London & Essex Liberal Syna- gogue). Sadly, the 30s ended with Rabbi Hulbert said: “The war; and it wasn't until well week-long tour was an im- into the 1940s that the war The group on steps of al-Jazzar Mosque in Akko. mense success, packed with years ended, and things unforgettable experiences. ‘When singers were singers ...’ Al Jolson (left) and seemed to start picking up IN EARLY December, 24 for a week’s tour of the Holy Many new and deep friend- Bing Crosby were the stars that Lou admired again and carrying on as be- members of the East London Land, visiting many reli- ships were made amongst the fore. But musically nothing Three Faiths Forum went off giously-significant places in Is- participants. changed until the mid-1950s, when today’s style of pop music, with its noisy heavy ‘Thinking ... and Lou joins in Beehive beat, took over. Now please understand of you’ Lane JACS milestone that I don't like today's music, and these comments are just LOU FREEDMAN will be one After Lou gave up the posi- my own. Perhaps it appeals to AS the Essex Jewish community of the special guests when Bee- tion, others took over the reins you, and I respect that. But, to dealt with the impact of the coro- hive Lane JACS celebrates its including Polly Davis, Lou me, today's pop music means navirus, pupils from Wohl Ilford 30th anniversary with a lunch- Haberman and Jean Finn. The singers who can't sing, musi- Jewish Primary School made eon at Cranbrook United Syna- current chairman is Arnold cians who cannot play an in- amazing ‘thinking of you’ cards gogue on Thursday 2 July. Lou, Rose. strument and often wear a for residents in Jewish Care who founded the group and be- Today, the average number guitar like a uniform. The homes, tenants in Jewish Blind came its first chairman, looked of people attending is around music they produce seems just and Disabled buildings and those back fondly before the event 40; and this is due, mainly, to a tuneless noise. Ballroom in receipt of Meals on Wheels. when, he said: “Beehive Lane members getting older and dancing now? Forget it. They also made ‘thank you’ cards The school’s Jewish studies have such dedicated and caring JACS attracted more than 200 frailer. But, thanks to Dial-a- I started this missive with a for the staff working in Sains- lead Deborah Harris said: “We are children who care about others people on a Thursday afternoon Ride, there is always a reason- question. Now, what's your bury’s and Tesco stores in Bark- a community school and it means each and every day, even in ex- – with others on a waiting list.’’ able crowd. opinion? ingside. so much to all our staff that we tremely difficult circumstances.” 30 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 TRAVEL MARK HARRIS A Swiss city not

N a really mild proportionate to the dimen- weather, sunny sojourn sions of the synagogue. in the Rhine-straddling, After the service, tasty German-speaking,O Swiss city Kiddush refreshments were of Basel last December, it was available in the spacious, to be Miss’d! a nostalgically retrospective ground-floor hall of the adjoin- moment for me when again ob- ing, modern community centre tive and redbrick architecture serving the magnificent exte- (which is very active on week- – you may journey from one rior of its orthodox Great days – for all age-groups – and end of any line to the other, Synagogue (Switzerland’s houses a restaurant, too). We taking in the attractive, hill- largest shul) after some enjoyed especially the piping rimmed, surrounding coun- decades. It stands a relatively hot barley soup, which appar- tryside. short walking distance from ently alternates fortnightly Close to the Swiss borders our hotel – the charmingly with cholent, as well as the no- with Germany and France structured, late 19th century table variety of alcohol on (EuroAirport Basel-Mul- ‘Rochat’ on the convenient pe- offer. The vodka shots went house-Freiburg is just a 20- riphery of the ‘Old Town’ area. down well! The community is minute ride away by bus Also, it’s opposite the 15th very friendly, and I didn’t need number 50 or taxi), the city century (the country’s oldest my German to communicate. boasts a delightful combina- established) university’s exten- Almost everyone speaks Eng- tion of rather harmonious, me- sive campus, which includes a lish perfectly! I had a chat also dieval and contemporary botanical garden. I was once with the youngish, community edifices. There are a number more to be impressed by the rabbi. Several congregants in- of fascinating walks alongside synagogue’s huge, twin-domed vited us to their home for the Rhine (and its parallel and neo-Romanesque edifice. Shabbat lunch; but we kind of cobbled lanes) with fine vistas The interior of this impos- felt it would be invidious to (notably from the northern ing house of worship, dedi- choose between them. bank) of the picturesque Alt- cated in 1868, is equally stadt, its double-spire Ro- awe-inspiring, with stately I I I I manesque and Gothic Munster columns rising to its double ro- plus other venerable churches tundas, a lofty ladies’ gallery, Earlier in the week, I’d and structures ... as well as of lovely stained-glass windows, dropped into Basel’s Basel’s Great Synagogue a striking Aron Ha’Kodesh ‘Feldinger Chabad Jewish (Ark) and bimah (reading Center’ to meet with its wel- Rabbi Wishedski about anti- the damage was caused by a desk) and many rows of fine coming and affable director, semitism in Switzerland, and teenaged Jewish lad with a wooden pews, built to seat up Rabbi Zalmen Wishedski, for particularly in Basel. Unsur- problem. to 800 worshippers. some intriguing conversation prisingly, he said it existed – Jews have been residing in Being a (literally) long- over coffee. Sited about a mile as in many other countries and Switzerland since at least the standing chorister – for the last from our hotel, it was opened cities nowadays – but that it medieval era, with Basel hav- 12 years with The London by USA-based, Chabad Lubav- wasn’t so bad in this city of ing one of Europe’s largest Cantorial Singers – I was in e- itch sponsor, philanthropist and about 1,500 Jewish residents. communities during that mail contact, before our arrival international businessman Zurich and Geneva have most epoch. As elsewhere, and in Basel, with the president of Sami Rohr in 2009. I think the of Switzerland’s estimated across the centuries, there were good and – sometimes seri- ously – bad periods for the country’s Jewish inhabitants, including wholesale expul- sions. In the second half of the 19th century, they were ac- corded emancipation. And there’s a Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities. Numbers are reported to have declined in recent years, with some 14,000 (mostly younger) Swiss Jews settling in Israel. In a broad connect, it can be re- called that Theodor Herzl’s First Zionist Congress was held at Basel in 1897. (In his diary, he wrote: “In Basel I have founded the Jewish state.”) Right: Display of Chanukiahs in Basel’s Jewish Museum Much about the history, sands of Jews seeking to flee the several river bridges. culture and faith of the Swiss Nazi Germany. And there are many community is to be found in But Basel isn’t short of buzzing squares and pedes- the Jewish Museum of museums. There are almost trian thoroughfares of Switzerland, which occupies 40 of them, ranging from an- bustling shops, department View across the Rhine to Basel’s ‘Altstadt’ 18,000 Jews – an exceedingly two separate buildings not far tique and modern art, archi- stores, designer boutiques and small percentage of the na- from Basel’s city centre. One tecture and culture, through varied restaurants, cafes and the shul’s choir and its musical then octogenarian, born in tion’s around eight million of them focuses on the reli- history, zoology and archae- bars (with even a few Irish director. A choir has existed for Berlin in the 1920s, must’ve total population (including ap- gious traditions and ritual ology to music, sport and pubs ... handy for a Guinness 90 years; and there was a become quite emotional when proximately 450,000 Mus- practices of Judaism. With toys. Also there’s an 1874- or two). But not forgetting the tempting possibility of my naming the building in mem- lims) – with the former being Chanukah then imminent, it founded zoo. All visitors ubiquitous host of Decem- singing alongside its current 16 ory of Shlomo Zalman and home to virtually all of the was interesting to study the staying at hotels in the city ber’s seasonally decorative male members, who would be Recha Feldinger. The couple country’s 3,000 or so Charedi. superb display of historic receive a ‘Basel-Card’ which, lights enlivening the old town accompanying the excellent- had taken teenager Sami into I enquired specifically Chanukiahs; and also a ring, amongst other benefits, offers with its spirited and Ger- voiced chazan. On reflection, their Basel home following his about antisemitism because, etched atop with a menorah, half-price admission to all manic, ‘Weihnacht’ markets however, I decided it would escape from Nazi Germany during my pre-visit re- that has been the only Jewish museums and galleries with spreading most significantly likely be better if I just enjoyed after ‘Kristallnacht’. searches, I’d read of an inci- archaeological find from the free travel on the town’s over expansive Munsterplatz listening to them during the country’s Roman times. The I I I I dent affecting Chabad House trams and buses. You can and Barfusserplatz. One Shabbat morning service the previous December. Evi- second building, a brief stroll spend some appealing and re- evening, we attended a pre- (which begins, invariably, at dently, its ground-floor picture from the other, holds tempo- laxing, viewing time on them. miere performance of Puc- the quite early hour of 08:30). I Having noticed a couple of windows had been smashed rary exhibitions. The exposi- Best picked up at the trans- cini’s opera La Boheme at the was privileged to be given an young Jewish men, conspicu- with a hammer one night, and tion we experienced told of port nodal point in the city ‘Theater Basel’, one of the ‘aliyah’ and for which I felt the ously wearing black kippot, which seemed like a possible the Swiss underground net- centre – Marktplatz, domi- many cultural venues in – you need to increase my normal walking unconcernedly around antisemitic act. Sadly, how- work that had obtained South nated by the old Rathaus might say – a quite ‘Bo- volume of ‘musical’ rendition the downtown quarter, I asked ever, the rabbi explained that American passports for thou- (City Hall) with its distinc- hemian’ city! PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 31 Thank you

This issue was produced in some very unsettling circumstances, as our community and country moved into lockdown in order to fight the coronavirus. We would like to thank our volunteer team, contributors and advertisers who made this online edition possible. We look forward to producing a bumper edition to coincide with Rosh Hashanah and would welcome your news and pictures so that we can bring you a full round-up of life in the communities of North East and East London, Essex and East Anglia. See the panel in page 2 for our contact details. If you would like to advertise in our next issue and future editions contact Deborah Mulqueen at [email protected] The Editor and the team at EJN hope you all have an enjoyable, safe and healthy Passover. ESSEX JEWISH NEWS 32 ESSEX JEWISH NEWS PESACH 5780/APRIL 2020 PURIM IN PICTURES SOME of our Essex ❍1 communities and organisations were able to celebrate an early Purim before the coronavirus changed Jewish life as we know it. Here are some of the lovely pictures from a very fun festival … and hopefully everyone can come together and enjoy next year.

CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations to PAMELA and EDDIE MELNIKOFF of Clayhall, who celebrated their 2 Golden Wedding in ❍ March. Pamela is an author and journal- ist, including many years as the film critic for the Jewish ❍3 Chronicle, while Eddie spent his career as a GP. They were mar- ried 50 years ago in Edgware and are long-term members Gavriel Sher was of what is now Barmitzvah at Chabad Cranbrook United of Buckhurst Hill Synagogue. PHOTO: ANDREW H WILLIAMS

❍4 ❍5

Elijah Gerald Michael was blessed and named at East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue ❍7 ❍6

1. Jewish Care's Redbridge Jewish Community Centre 2. Jewish Blind & Disabled Aztec House 3. Jewish Blind & Disabled Milne Court 4. Chabad Buckhurst Hill 5. Kantor King Solomon High School 6. Loughton Synagogue 7. East London & Essex Liberal Gilda Melnick from Hainault and Ron Lyons Synagogue ❍8 from Chigwell marked their 80th and 90th 8. Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School birthdays respectively