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CSO needs your help to make a difference as a community organisation. www.csocape.org.za We are grateful for your continuous support VOLUME 37 No 5 JUNE 2020 www.cjc.org.za From photojournalist WIZO Century City branch launches feeding to fundraiser scheme in

If you’ve come WIZO recently Cohen, as well as across footage of a announced the launch Vaughan Butler, packed locked down Cape of a feeding scheme over 1000 items into 100 Town circulating by its Century City parcels, each filled to the social media in the branch, which is brim with food staples, hygiene products, fresh last few weeks, you working to assist in vegetables and bread. may have been the region of 1000 watching Chad people living in “Sue is working closely Nathan’s content. the Park, with CAN’s Janine McEvoy to ensure that had, better known Phoenix, Summer Greens and Brooklyn the food parcels actually Cas Ginger with a reach the families who Gopro on Instagram areas, via the need them. This is the and Facebook, is Milnerton Community WIZO way, and although also the owner and Action Network (CAN). our primary focus is to founder of Wild Ginga, he initiative supports raise funds for our WIZO a content creation vulnerable families Sue Lipschitz packing food parcels projects in Israel, we will agency that tells T who find themselves in always reach out when stories through social dire circumstances due to the impact of the there is such an enormous need locally, as media. Since the beginning of ’s lockdown, Chad COVID-19 lockdown. there is right now,” added Currie. has also acted as one of the Cape Jewish Chronicle’s two official photojournalists, documenting this unprecedented Janene Currie, Chairman of BZA WIZO The food is purchased via the in-house store time through videos and photographs. What Chad saw during Cape Town, said the feeding scheme is the at Oasis Retirement Resort using funds that the first two weeks inspired him to start an initiative titled brainchild of Sue Lipschitz, Chairman of are donated either in a lump sum, or weekly. Raising Hope. WIZO’s Century City branch. In the first week For more information contact of May, Sue, with the help of two branch The day before lockdown commenced, Chad, a self-taught [email protected]. members Rochelle Bloomberg and Daphne photographer and cinematographer since 2013, was looking for a legal way to capture the city on film and, to his delight, obtained the media pass he had been seeking and began documenting for the CJC. Chad recounts, “The editor said, Protecting the protectors during COVID-19 ‘Chad, you have our blessing; be safe, stay out of trouble and we can’t wait to see your work.’ I feel blessed to be able to Over the last few weeks, a group If you’re a carer looking after an old person document a time like this… I knew it was going to be history of GPs based around the Atlantic or an doctor doing emergency calls. [We in the making.” Seaboard and the CBD have come want to] provide the doctors with instruments and protective gear to be able to help in the For Chad, the most memorable part of capturing the lockdown together to form Masks for Medics. care of patients in our communities.” on film was seeing the way in which communities rallied to he project was first envisioned by help and care for those who so desperately need assistance. Dr Anthony Smith, who is now joined The idea first came about in anticipation of Indeed, he experienced, first-hand, the efforts of individuals T by fellow healthcare professionals, Sonia the surge of cases that is expected in the such as Lucinda Evans, who is feeding 5500 people in the Hough, Sarahan Brophy, Lauren Lee, Julie next few months. Dr Smith explains, “We through Breadline Africa; David Froman who is Ettelin and Natalia Novikova. were given the advantage of time to organise providing food to residents via Courage Africa; by virtue of the pretty hard lockdown. And we and Danny Diliberto of the ever-growing Ladles of Love. It was Masks for Medics wants to provide Personal saw from experiences overseas the degree through observing these acts that Chad was inspired to begin Protective Equipment (PPE) to healthcare to which patients struggled and hospitals his own initiative, Raising Hope. workers across Cape Town and beyond were overwhelmed. — so that they can continue to provide After taking images and videos of Cape Town’s usually- efficient and safe care to patients during the “Out of that came the understanding that bustling-but-now-empty city streets during the early days Coronavirus pandemic. The group of doctors hospitals were probably going to procure of lockdown, he began entering areas where the country’s aims to cover Cape Town and it’s surrounds PPE and various other items which would inequality is the most visible. Chad explains, “I went to go and including the Cape Flats, and be used for monitoring patients and that they document what was happening in Culemborg, at the homeless other areas within a thirty to forty-minute would be looking after doctors in ICU wards. shelter there, and I went into Khayelitsha. I started going into drive of the CBD. But who was going to look after the people out the more volatile areas. What about the less fortunate people? in the community, whether they be doctors, I started documenting that. And that’s when I saw how South Anthony Smith explains that this project is care workers, palliative care workers, wound Africa, and especially the , was going to have about “protecting the protectors. There’s no sisters, emergency personnel or carers for such a problem. I wanted to document it and hear their stories.” discrimination between health-care workers. old people in old aged homes?”

Continues on page 6 Continues on page 6 2 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 No 5 JUNE 2016 VOLUME 37 No 5 JUNE 2020

Regular contributors Features Page 3 Lindy with a why Page 1 WIZO launches feeding scheme Page 4 Community Noticeboard Page 1 and 6 From photojournalist to fundraiser Online information hubs Page 1 and 6 Protecting the protectors Subscriptions Shabbat times Page 6 Telfed Page 7 The Community Coronavirus Helpline Page 8-9 Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Page 10-11 Cape SAJBD 2020 Elections Page 12-15 SA Zionist Federation (Cape Council) 26 9 Page 16 Temple Israel Page 17 Jewish Community Services Page 18 Union of Orthodox Synagogues Page 19 Anton Katz on COVID-19 and the law Page 20-21 Page 22 Page 23 Mensch Cape Town Torah High Page 24 Family Announcements 12 Daniel Rabinowitz on connecting to a therapist online Page 25 Cape Jewish Seniors Association Page 26 Simcha Page Page 27 Craig Nudelman on teaching without technology Maccabi Page 28 Chronic Ads Patrons Panel 23 CJC EDITORIAL BOARD CSO emergency Zapper SnapScan Chairman: Lester Hoffman. Ex-officio: Ben- Banking details: number for security and Zion Surdut. Committee: Julie Berman, Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; medical emergencies Geoff Cohen, Stuart Diamond, Kristy Evans, Branch code: 020 909; Acc no: 070 703 493; Barbara Flax, Rael Kaimowitz, Myra Osrin, Acc name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; 24 hours Jonathan Silke. Editor: Lindy Diamond, Acc type: Current rjHD_Q3Z 086 18 911 18 Secretary: Tessa Epstein, Layout: Desrae Saacks, Digital coordinator: Lisa Shapiro

DISCLAIMERS ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND CORRECTIONS The Cape Jewish Chronicle regrets any errors or omissions that may occur in the paper and, where possible, will attempt to rectify these in a subsequent issue, should such a measure be deemed appropriate. No repeat advertisement or credits will be given for small typographical errors which do not appreciably lessen the value of the advertisement. The appearance of an advertisement or photograph does not necessarily indicate approval or endorsement by the Editorial Board for the product or service advertised or photograph reproduced, and it takes no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the reliance upon the information contained therein. LETTERS AND OPINIONS Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or its sponsoring bodies. Letters submitted anonymously will not be printed. However, by agreement, the writer’s name may be withheld in the publication. Letters are published subject to space being available. The Editor and the Editorial Board have the right to decide on the inclusion of any item submitted for publication. Letters may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. KASHRUT Unless otherwise stated, food and catering services advertised in this publication are not under the supervision of the Cape Beth Din. FINANCIAL You should always obtain independent expert advice prior to making any financial investment, commercial or other decisions. Do not enter into any transactions of the above nature, based partly or wholly on the content of any advertisements or articles published in the Cape Jewish Chronicle. Cape Jewish Chronicle Samson Centre 87 Hatfield Str Gardens 8001 PO Box 4176 Cape Town 8000 phone 021 464 6736 email [email protected] Editor Lindy Diamond Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 3 Lindy with a why Why we should be kind even when we are triggered

By Lindy Diamond, Editor Cape Jewish Chronicle I have an active Instagram At the same time as this ‘triggering account during lockdown. and being triggered’, ‘naming and shaming’ and ‘pointing and laughing’ very day I add pictures of my kids have become tsunamis on social Edoing wholesome activities that media. The other day Eastern Cape I thought of myself. Activities that Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba stimulate their minds and their bodies, allegedly farted during a television and often their taste buds. I curate the interview. Not ideal, I agree. But pictures I take into Instagram posts the relish with which people took each day, with a counter of how many to social media to shame her made days it’s been since my children last me wonder if alles is alright by die crossed the threshold of our property. huis? (And if all is normal in their own I am creating a visual diary of how digestive systems). we thrived though COVID-19. Every And then I realised that this laughing night I get into bed, take a breath at others is just another type of and write my entry, as if it were a coping mechanism, albeit a not very captain’s logbook. kind one. This isn’t meant to be a brag, or I want to start observing how I choose meant to trigger other people who to spend my time and focusing on THE SUPPORT YOU NEED aren’t doing these things. This is healthy coping mechanisms. You my coping mechanism. I’m trying to can too. Notice if you scroll through WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST. cope in the best way I can and this is Facebook when you are feeling honestly what it looks like. stressed or uncomfortable. Does it Most people are trying to do the then lead you down a path that ends same, but it shows, and triggers in guilt for hours lost to screen time? others, in different ways. Or feelings of self-righteous rage triggered by other people’s posts? People who manage to get a 10km run Or, does it fill you with joy to have a in every morning within the lockdown connection with other people? time restrictions? Triggering the ones who wore ‘day pajamas’ to their home Take note of the way you feel and offices today. make adjustments. Think about how you want to feel when this is all over Those who complain about drowning and work backwards from that. in a sea of work? Triggering those who haven’t worked in months. I want to feel like I coped in the most positive way I know how. That we Those who believe we should all made happy memories despite the be free to make whatever decisions days filled with tears and uncertainty. we want regarding our bodies? I want to know that I was kind to those Triggering the healthcare workers who triggered me too, because our who may be overwhelmed with cases responses to others says more about in a few months’ time. us than they do about them. Those who just want to follow the I know that out there is someone rules? Triggered by mostly every- who, when they see my posts, is in thing in Cape Town, and on Facebook, real danger of their eyes rolling right and Twitter. out of the backs of their heads. And I And those who hate the rules and think hope that they’ll remember to be kind them nonsensical? Triggered by them. to me too.

Visit www.cjc.org.za to read the Chronicle online and keep up with all that’s been going on in the Cape Town Jewish community during lockdown. You can also email [email protected] to be subscribed to our digital offerings and never miss a story again!

back to contents 4 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 Voluntary subscription now due for 2020 Community Noticeboard

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CSO needs your help to make a difference as a community organisation. www.csocape.org.za We are grateful for your continuous support VOLUME 37 No 2 MARCH 2020 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 37 No 3 Pesach Edition APRIL 2020 www.cjc.org.za Young Israeli inspires Celebrating Tu B’Shevat Visit: http://cjc.org.za/cjc-kids-resource WIZO AGM audience in service to community Krawitz awarded for decades of Local entrepreneurs make service to community a business of saving lives

nited Jewish Campaign UChairperson Alison Katzeff presents Philip Krawitz with the Gerald Kleinman Award for outstanding service to the UJC at the Top Donors event held at The Lookout in March. Philip is currently the Chair of the UJC Board of Trustees and sits on many other communal bodies. As information comes in from our communal He has been volunteering Celebrating the official ribbon cutting for their office opening in Austin, Texas in in Jewish communal January are RapidDeploy co-founder and CEO Steve Raucher, SA Ambassador to organisations for over 35 years. the US Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and RapidDeploy co-founder and CTO Brett Meyerowitz. Herzlia and Holy Cross Grade 5 pupils pose with Cape SAJBD director Stuart Diamond and Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. See pages 24 and 25 for more on the Top Donors event In an emergency, every second counts. Born out of the emergency Chairs of BZA WIZO Cape Town branches: Leina Sank, Adele Saven, Shelley In celebration of Tu B’Shevat on proper place to eat lunch outside. If first responder community in Cape Town, local technology Friedman, Janene Currie (Chairman BZA WIZO), Ros Lewenson, Kim Daitsh (for Kim Monday 10 February, the Cape you pass the school at 10am on any company RapidDeploy has captured the world’s attention with Wener), Louise Slavin, Beryl Verblun, Rochelle Bloomberg (for Sue Lipschitz), Ashna weekday, you will see them eating organisations about COVID-19 and the South African Jewish Board of its vision to reduce response times in an emergency and improve Diamond, Cecily Mendelson, Ettie Buch, Temma Gad, Irene Moss and Michelle lunch on the sidewalk of the dead- World WIZO turns 100 Miller. Kneeling: Barbara Schulman and Liz Campbell. Deputies (Cape SAJBD) teamed responder safety and situational awareness. up with one of Herzlia Primary’s end street between the school and the church. n 2012 Cape Town native Brett Meyerowitz, co-Founder and RapidDeploy Close to 130 BZA WIZO encouraging talk on improving Grade 5 classes to undertake a members and guests gathered volunteer commitment and numbers. ICTO, returned from building his career in the UK, where he was the CTO beautification project at Holy Cape SAJBD director Stuart Diamond for one of the world’s largest online casinos, to build Africa’s first cloud-native at the Marais Road Shul hall A guest of the SAZF, Asif is head of addressed the group of around the Carmel Coast Regional Council Cross RC Primary in . retail bank. In 2013 Brett became a volunteer paramedic for the Community in early February for the 100 Grade 5 pupils from the two Security Organisation (CSO) in Cape Town. Brett became increasingly organisation’s 118th annual on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline. he Cape SAJBD identified a need schools, next to the future playground He drew many parallels between to plant trees on the grounds frustrated with the poor emergency response times due to either antiquated or status of our facilities, we are adding it general meeting. T explaining how the mix of orange and the challenges faced by both next to the school that principal nonexistent dispatch systems. Brett developed the RapidDeploy platform to lemon trees will one day bear fruit that serve the local emergency service community. uest speaker from Israel, Asif Israeli and South African volunteer Nomthandazo Zweni hopes to soon they can enjoy, and provide shade GIzak, was a breath of fresh organisations, from the perspective call their playground. At the moment, when they break from classes. At the same time that Brett was building his career in the UK, fellow Capetonian air, giving a most interesting and of the younger generation. the pupils of Holy Cross RC have no Steve Raucher followed a similar path by moving to the UK in 1995, spending the next 20 years of his career in the banking sector; he began in technology, Continues on page 15 Continues on page 31 then to the trading floors of UBS in New York and Credit Suisse and ICAP in London. Steve suffered a personal tragedy in 2006 when his older brother, Robert ‘Bobby’ Raucher, drowned off the shores of the Cape Town Peninsula. to our COVID-19 hub on our website. Chaiyenu arrive in Cape Town on their SA tour See page 44 for more from BZA WIZO Upon returning to Cape Town in 2015 for a sabbatical, Steve decided to ‘pay In February, Chaiyanu brought Each year, when the groups return to it forward’ and started volunteering at the National Sea Rescue Institute’s Israel, the doctors treating them remark Chabad on Campus (NSRI) Station 2 in that had recovered his brother’s body almost a group of seriously ill Israeli nine years prior. children aged 6-18 years, who are that the children are filled with hope and Continues on page 5 undergoing challenging cancer excitement, which helps tremendously brings students together treatment back home, to spend an in their treatment and recovery. In the words of a parent, “The Hope Tour to amazing 11 days in South Africa. If you have information that affects the South Africa is a beautiful dream come COVID-19 in our community his group, made up of children true, a journey that is life-changing for Twho require daily medical and our special children.” OVID-19 is fast-moving and our community needs to be responsive living assistance, some of whom are in and responsible without being alarmist. In the past year Chaiyanu has touched C wheelchairs, brought their tremendous the lives of close to 800 very ill children By the time you read this, any information we would have wanted to ruach on their first day in Cape Town to and their families, bringing hope to those share with you in print may be outdated. We have therefore created an a party set up in their honour, sponsored devastated by cancer. information hub on our website, which is being updated as information by Café Riteve, , Jacob that affects the Cape Town Jewish community comes to us. Cape Town Jewish Community that you Gitlin Library, SA Jewish Museum, Cape They have a jam-packed, exciting Town Jewish Community Centre, Cape schedule planned that will be reported Please visit the hub often, to stay abreast of how our community is Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre on in the April issue of the Chronicle. adjusting to best practice, under both the mandate of the government and and King Cake. suggestion of our communal leadership. Everyone has it in their power to do something to flatten the curve. Do your bit to minimise the effect this Find your Jewish Literary Festival Programme inside — see pages 21 – 24 has on all South Africans. See pages 48 – 49 for more Chabad on Campus Read more at www.cjc.org.za. would like to share here, please email Banking details: Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; [email protected]. Branch code: 020 909; Account no: 070 703 493; Account name: Visit: http://cjc.org.za/covid19-updates-for-the-ct-jewish-community/ The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Account type: Current Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and Please email confirmation of payment to [email protected] and kindly visit our website for more information about quote your communal number, which you can find on your address label. digital events that may be of interest to our Please also inform us of any change of address. community members. Many of our local Cheques to: Cape Jewish Chronicle, P O Box 4176, Cape Town 8000, Jewish organisations are hosting amazing Credit card: We no longer accept credit card payments over the webinars and you don’t want to miss out! phone. Please visit our office between 9 and 1 on weekdays. Visit: www.facebook.com/capejewishchronicle It’s easy to pay with your phone Zapper SnapScan Shabbat and Yom Tov Times

Date Portion Candle lighting Ends

rjHD_Q3Z 5 June/13 Sivan Naso 5.26pm 6.21pm 12 June/20 Sivan Behaalotcha 5.25pm 6.20pm 19 June/27 Sivan Shelach Lecha 5.26pm 6.21pm 26 June/4 Tammuz Korach 5.28pm 6.23pm

N.B. Please note that the times indicated are the earliest times for candle lighting. Please consult your Rabbi.

See page 7

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back to contents 6 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 In solitude and solidarity — remembering our fallen in the midst of a pandemic

At the end of April, as Israel New Oleh and Telfed tenant, Gavin than ever before. As the siren rang mourned her fallen soldiers and Epstein, shared his thoughts on this through our hearts and souls, it was victims of terror, families were emotional day. an honour for me to stand together with my nation, in my home. A place unable to enter cemeteries to “I sat outside on my balcony on a where I belong because I am Jewish. pay tribute to their loved ones, Monday evening, in this strange time 96 ex-South African families of solidarity. I watched people together “8:15pm. Hatikva. I closed my eyes included among them. with their immediate families, putting and joined in the singing of my national up their flags. By 7:55pm I noticed more anthem. I thought about my days at elfed’s Fallen Soldiers Committee people heading to their balconies. Herzlia School, and reminisced about Tis committed to perpetuating the learning the anthem and singing “8:00pm Sirens. Nothing else. memory of our 87 Fallen Soldiers along with my classmates. and nine victims of terror. Due to the Everyone stood with heads bowed, lockdown, we sought a solution to pay deep in thought. “24 hours later the mindset changes. Yom Haatzmaut — Israel’s birthday our respects and invited residents in “All that I could think of during this two- and a time for a celebration. Again, the Telfed’s Ra’anana building to gather on minute siren is how lucky I am. We venue was my balcony. I watched and their balconies, in compliance with the were paying respect to Israel’s fallen listened and sang. The atmosphere government-issued guidelines, as the soldiers. Two minutes to remember the was electric. Across the road, a band first siren sounded at 8:00pm on Yom soldiers who lost their lives protecting was playing, piano and all. Hazikaron. Telfed CEO, Dorron Kline, this nation, the country that a few led a memorial service, culminating in months ago opened her arms to me. I It is crazy to think that I am here. I Residents in Telfed’s Ra’anana building the singing of Hatikva, with residents stood in silence and thought about the am in Israel and living my dream. Am in neighbouring buildings joining in. gather on their balconies to pay tribute families who were remembering their Yisrael Chai!” to Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims loved ones, and I felt more at home of Terror on Yom Hazikaron on 27 April.

From page 1 From page 1 Protecting the protectors From photojournalist to fundraiser during COVID-19 By Jaime Uranovsky had’s large social media The influx of donations has meant By Jaime Uranovsky Cfollowing meant that he began that Chad can distribute the money receiving hordes of comments to additional charities, many of t the moment everyone has in a systematic way, and then really from the public in response to which are small and lesser known. sources for PPE with equipment provide in a systematic and diverse way “A his videos and photographs, with For example, Chad has given coming in in dribs and drabs. But in the to healthcare workers who are most people asking how they could help R10 000 to Africa Awake, which event of there being a disaster situation, needing across the board.” the hungry and the homeless. It helps refugees in Johannesburg; there’s going to be pressure and that’s While this project arises out of adverse was then that Chad launched his R10 000 to One Bag Full, which what we’re preparing for. circumstances, Dr Smith says that initiative, “I didn’t want to just film assists communities in Langa and In order to prepare for the surge, it is the need for collaboration between and photograph all these people; I ; and R50 000 to imperative that healthcare workers on all healthcare professionals has broken wanted to help.” an initiative run by Claire Sochen levels are equipped to care for patients new ground: “Family doctors who to support homeless refugees in Chad named the campaign Raising — and not just at clinics and hospitals. previously wouldn’t have communicated Cape Town. As of 14 May, over Hope because “there is hope out There are various reasons for this. with each other are now uniting and R400 000 has been raised but there, and people do want to help, having boundaries broken in ways that Chad’s goal is to get to R500 000. Firstly, it is predicted that hospitals are but they don’t necessarily know couldn’t, six months ago, be anticipated not going to be able to deal with the how. People aren’t really aware of Chad also aims to give back to on any level. So, it’s kind of united us as a high number of patients who require all the feeding schemes going on the Jewish community. He says, “I group to work together which historically care — there will be insufficient space, outside of the bubble. know how much funding is needed. isn’t something that’s happened.” and facilities will be overwhelmed. So, I feel like with my platform on I would also love to give back to Secondly, COVID-19 positive patients at Moreover, the team is “invigorated Instagram, I know my work gets the JCS Foodbank and to Tikvah. home can be with family whereas they by this because it really provides a seen by a few thousand people; I That’s also on the list.” Indeed, often feel isolated in hospital. Thirdly, challenge where we can all make a knew I would be able to make an the photographer attributes his for healthcare workers (working in difference, and where it provides an impact and just show the people initiative to the idea of tikkun olam, both hospitals and in communities) to opportunity for us to really do something ‘look what’s happening outside ‘repair of the world.’ He notes, “It’s deliver effective care and to keep up worthwhile to truly help people, and your bubble and just see how definitely opened up my eyes to their morale, they need to be kept safe to help navigate a very uncertain people are suffering,’ and how giving back and helping people and prioritised. environment, so I think it’s really full it taught me you know don’t take because we all need to do our of opportunities to change some of the anything for granted. We’re all part and, if we all do our part and The PPE that Masks for Medics is looking aspects of the healthcare system which blessed and very privileged. When everyone thought this way, the to provide includes items such as masks, don’t work so well, to something that I take these pictures of these kids word would be a much better place, visors, sanitiser, gowns, thermometers maybe works a little bit better.” holding that piece of bread that and nobody would go hungry. It and pulse oximeters, which Dr Smith they’ll get to eat, that’s their food would just change the world.” explains “tell you what your oxygen The group also encourages other for the day. It’s heart-breaking. saturations are, which is one of the most healthcare workers to reach out if So, that’s why I decided to start vital items required to monitor whether they want to come onboard. Dr Smith For more information go Raising Hope.” people are deteriorating or not.” adds, “If people want to be involved, to Chad’s Instagram page, if they are out there and representing Initially, Chad planned to donate @gingerwithagopro. Chad has The group hopes to provide PPE based healthcare facilities at whatever level the money received to four also partnered with various brands on healthcare workers’ needs in any and they want to be in touch with us, organisations: Cans with Purpose, such as OneDayOnly, Camelot given situation, whether medical-grade it would be good to link up. Because Ladles of Love, Breadline Africa Spa and MeMi Jewellery and or entry-level PPE is required. we’ve just begun really.” and Courage Africa. However, is hosting nightly giveaways on Masks for Medics is also a disaster after only two days, his campaign Instagram. To enter, go to the For more information, contact Anthony management fund, which will be had raised R150 000 and, in under ‘giveaways’ tab on his Instagram Smith on 082 468 4569 used, as Dr Smith says, “to procure a week, had reached 000. page as mentioned above. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 7

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, & PHYSICAL WELLBEING!

The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all, causing great stress, concern, and grief for some. As a result, there are many amongst us who are struggling mentally and emotionally. There are also many who should stay at home, but who lack the support to be able to do so. THE COMMUNITY CORONAVIRUS HELPLINE has been launched to offer emotional support and logistical assistance to the vulnerable in our community.

IF YOU ARE FEELING IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH • Isolated and alone • Food supplies for you/ your family • Anxious • Collection of groceries or medication • Overwhelmed • A COVID-19 related query • The need to talk to someone • Depressed

THE COMMUNITY CORONAVIRUS HELPLINE: 0861 8888 74 OUR OPERATING TIMES Mon – Thurs: 8am to 8pm Friday: 8am to 2pm Weekends: closed

HOW DOES THE HELPLINE WORK? • Our helpline staff will take down your details. • They will refer you to one of our trained counsellors or logistical volunteers. • He/ she will contact and assist you. • Your personal information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT. If you wish to assist and be a volunteer, please go to https://forms.gle/Lfnw6vavhuEcSPFF8

CAPECAPE TOWN TOWN back to contents 8 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020

A call to you

By Rael Kaimowitz, Chairman, Cape SAJBD As our community, together with millions In September this year we will hold elections We call dynamic, experienced of fellow South Africans and people based on a new set of electoral rules enshrined communal leaders to step around the world, grapple with our in a fresh, new constitution. One of the key new forward. We call on talented new reality of pandemic, lockdown and features is electronic voting. Another key change individuals to step forward. We uncertainty it has been striking how is how people will be voted on to serve. call qualified, bold, strategic thinkers to step forward. We • 5 board members will be elected via the public resourceful, cohesive and structured our call on women. We call on ballot, voted for by every Jewish adult over 18 community can be in the midst of a crisis. men. We call on you all. years of age who appears on the communal s the umbrella body of the community, the register. This is a call for leadership. A call for responsibility. ACape Board has led the COVID-19 steering A call for participation. committee for the community. We have been • 10 board members will be elected by delegates overawed by the work performed at all levels by of affiliate organisations attending our conference. This is a call to YOU. affiliate organisations. It’s all systems go… but we need YOU! If you have what it takes to help guide, lead and direct our community, please put your name This September, my extended term of office as Now, more than ever, as our community faces forward, stand for election and make a difference Chair of the Cape Board comes to an end along challenges and changes it could never foresee, in our community. with my fellow board members and current elected we call on you to step forward. leadership. The board we want... In Pirkei Avot By Tyla Dallas, Legal Researcher Cape SAJBD (Ethics of the Fathers) 2.5 In a recent report by the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies at the , Hillel the elder states we were given a snapshot of the Cape Town Jewish Community and the results were astounding. “Al tifrosh min hatzibur” i.e. do not separate yourself from the community. hat materialised from this report was that our Wcommunity is not the same as it may have been Rabbi Berel Wein teaches from this: You are obliged to be involved in the 100 years ago, let alone 50 years ago. community. It can be painful giving up part of one’s ego and compromising in Our community of roughly 13 252 persons is made up of Secular, Progressive, order to be part of the whole. At the same time, we must never give up on our Traditional and Orthodox members — all of equal importance to the Cape principles and core beliefs. And the joy of being part of the community and SAJBD professional team and leadership. achieving goals and solutions for the greater good will override the more painful times. Having served and led a number of our communal organisations Understanding that the community is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ paradigm, there is over many years I can attest to this. The SA Jewish Board of Deputies is right still a certain ethos we share. Our members have a strong sense of communal at the heart of the community and I urge you to put yourself forward to serve connectivity and Jewish identity, support the right of Israel to exist, and and to lead, especially in these most challenging of times. prioritise giving back to the most vulnerable in our community. We want a board representative of our dynamic and diverse community!

Owen Futeran The Cape SAJBD aims to connect Jewish identity to projects and activities Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Chairperson that have a positive impact on local Western Cape communities, whilst also 2009 -2011 building a more inclusive society, encouraging networking, volunteering, advocacy and philanthropic opportunities. We actively advocate for and ensure the rights, interests and values of the Cape Jewish community. We are calling upon you to nominate a member of the Western Cape Jewish community to stand in the upcoming elections who fits the following criteria, someone who— • Has a passion for the local Jewish community; • Has the utmost integrity; • Wants to make a meaningful difference in this community and our Cape society, and; • Is a leader that challenges the status quo. The board we hope to elect into leadership for the next two years should be able to listen to all the different voices in our community and make decisions that will benefit even the most remote or unaffiliated community member. If you think you are ideal for this position or know of someone well-suited for this role, chat to them and fill in a Candidate Nomination Form on www.capesajbd.org/elections-2020 before Friday 19 June. Be the change you wish to see in the world (and in our community)!

Cape Jewish Board of Deputies capesajbd www.capesajbd.org

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 9

Yom HaShoah 2020 — why is this year different from all other years?

By Gwynne Robins

“I thought I had been through in our homes, but united in spirit everything in the camps. I and feeling. never thought I would be This year, we commemorated experiencing this,” a survivor the ceremony online. We did confided to me. not have to hassle with parking. The Jewish Board of Deputies uring the Holocaust — in which put together a beautiful and six million Jews and many D appropriate ceremony, with all thousands of others were killed the accustomed programme because of disability, ethnicity, items, but everything taken from religion, sexual orientation or political recordings made in the pre- beliefs — fear, uncertainty and death lockdown past. surrounded people all the time and was part of their daily experience. Ella Blumenthal (née Frank) (1921 - ) We could not come together at Stella Israel (née Sigura) (1926 - 2014) Pinelands 2, but we could come Now, the whole world was faced year different from all other years?” commemorating the deportation of together on the internet. We could with fear, uncertainty and death, all In all other years, more than 1,000 the Rhodes Island Jews to Auschwitz not watch the survivors struggling in the time and as part of their daily Jews gather at the Pinelands 2 including his mother, but this time he the wind to light their torches at the experience, with more than a quarter- cemetery to remember the six million had been filmed standing in Rhodes Holocaust Memorial, but we could million deaths, but this time from an men, women and children killed Island, not in Pinelands. because they were Jewish. watch survivors who had been filmed equally-unpredictable but invisible And this In all other years, we would lighting lamps in enemy called COVID-19. We are year, watch six precious survivors, previous years. scared to go out, to touch a surface, through the the surviving remnant, We could not see to breathe in the air in case a virus is magic of the the She’erith Hapletah, the choir singing lurking there. internet and light candles at Ani Ma’amim, the work of the Holocaust but could listen Mary Kluk, Memorial. In all to a recording Heather other years, we made another Blumenthal would listen to time. and the the choir singing We could still SAJBD, we Ani Ma’amin, hear Zola Piatka could still and would recite Guiseppe Coné (1910 Miriam Lichterman (née Shuman singing participate kaddish along with - 2005) Teitelbaum) (1922 - ) a song she as a the cantor. In all had composed community united in grief at the other years, we honouring her survivor parents, but loss of our people, but — instead of would watch people from this time it was from a YouTube clip. wishing Next Year in Jerusalem — the armed forces, from We could still listen to Isaac Habib we are wishing a heartfelt Next Year Machal, Nachal, SAJEX reciting a Ladino poem he had written at Pinelands in good health. Henia Bryer (née Fishman) (1925 - ) and the Jewish Maritime League pay tribute to On Pesach, the youngest child asks those brave soldiers who laid down the Four Questions, “Why is this their lives fighting Hitler or for the night different from all other nights?” independence of Israel. On Yom HaShoah Ve’Hagevurah this year we asked, “Why is this Not this year. Our children will tell their children of the year in which the community stayed at home. The Jewish people, however, are resilient. It is our flexibility and adaptability that has ensured that we are still here, despite all the dangers we have faced over the centuries. This year, too, we have commemorated Yom HaShoah Helene Joffe (née Mindel) (1934 - ) Ve’Hagevurah, but in a different way, You can view the SAJBD’s national still together as one Yom HaShoah programme of 2020 on community, but alone YouTube here: https://www.youtube. in lockdown, separated com/watch?v=v3hg7RIF9KY Lina Kantor (née Amato) (1936 - ) Violette Fintz (née Maio) (1921 - 2007)

Cape Jewish Board of Deputies capesajbd www.capesajbd.o.capesajbd.org

back to contents 10 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 ELECTION2020

ANTON KATZ Electoral Commission Chairperson HOW DO THE ELECTIONS WORK?

The newly constituted and independent Five new members of the Cape SAJBD will be elected by public ballot election to serve for Electoral Commission has been two (2) years (2020-2022), the digital election of which ends on 18 August 2020. appointed for the Cape SAJBD to ensure A further 10 members of the Cape SAJBD will be elected by affiliates of the organisation at free and fair elections. the Annual General Meeting on 6 September 2020. The commissioners are required to This will present us with a new Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, made up be independent of all interest groups, of 15 members, to be announced on 14 September 2020. whether they be secular, religious (orthodox and progressive), right or left-wing. HOW DO I BECOME ELIGIBLE TO VOTE? The mandate of the Electoral Commission is to ensure that the To be eligible to stand for nomination, and/ or to nominate potential candidates, and/ or election of the Cape Board is credible, to vote in the upcoming election, you must be a Jewish person over the age of 18 and free and fair per the law and the Cape currently residing in the Western Cape, whose name and particulars appear on the SAJBD’s electoral regulations. Communal Register. In the election process, the following To register to vote or update your details on the Communal Register, please fill in a values will dominate: respect, integrity, registration form available on our website: http://www.capesajbd.org/elections-2020. inclusiveness, accountability, and To simply confirm that you are on the Communal Register and thus eligible to be transparency. nominated, to nominate and to vote, you can email Jodi Goldberg on [email protected]. The Cape SAJBD plays a significant role You will be able to register up until 17 July 2020. in communal affairs. It is the voice of the community, and as the community spokesbody, it campaigns against HOW DO NOMINATIONS WORK? hatred. It is a voice against the scourge of antisemitism, and more broadly, You can fill in a Candidate Nomination Form yourself, or a friend can fill in a Candidate racism. It interacts with government Nomination Form on your behalf, provided they have the correct information at hand and on all levels, and the larger community. your permission. They also need to know whether you want to be included in either the It also plays a coordinating role within public or affiliate ballot. the community: the many Jewish organisations dedicated to so many Candidate Nominees may run on either the public or affiliate ballot, but not on both. No worthy causes may, and often do, current sitting board member, or anyone who was a member of the board in the previous rely on the Cape SAJBD for practical, five (5) years may run on the public ballot. The affiliate ballot is open to anyone to run on, financial and other assistance. Thus including those on the communal register, current board members and past board mem- bers who served on the board within the last five (5) years. each of the fifteen members who sit on the Cape Board plays a crucial role. Each Candidate Nomination Form requires the full names, ID number, residential They can enrich, stimulate and give address, email address and contact number of the Candidate Nominee, to be supported meaning to many aspects of Jewish life by the same details for two referees. Thus, each Candidate Nomination Form lists three in Cape Town. people: One (1) candidate, and two (2) people who support the nomination. Anyone making a nomination is responsible to gather this information themselves before filling in The Commission encourages every the form. If you are nominating someone else, be sure they are aware of your intention member of the Jewish community to and accept the nomination before proceeding. be interested in, and if possible, take an active part in the election process. The The Cape SAJBD will Call for Nominations between Monday 25 May and Monday 15 Electoral Commission has chosen to June. All current members of the Cape Board who want to stand must also complete a nomination form and may run on the affiliate ballot only. utilise the services of Stuart Diamond as the Electoral Operations Officer. He All nominations are to be received by the Cape SAJBD no later than 17:00 on Monday 15 can be contacted on 082 387 7315 and June, after which no further nominations will be accepted. [email protected] for any queries and All candidates nominated, once they are vetted by the Electoral Commission and accept all election issues. the Candidate Code of Conduct, will be placed on the Candidates Roll.

Check www.capesajbd.org for election updates back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 11 2020 #Standing Up, #Opting In PUBLIC BALLOT ELECTION ELECTORAL COMMISSION The biennial election of 5 members to the Cape By democratic vote and with social input, we’ve elected three wonderful professionals to Council [‘Cape SAJBD’] by public ballot election, oversee the electoral process and procedures are adhered to, and remain fair and equal. as required in terms of Section 7(c)(ii) of the CJBD Our Electoral Commission is made up of three (3) Commissioners, of whom two (2) are Constitution and s11(a)(i) of the CJBD Electoral people qualified in law with 15+ years of experience respectively. Regulation, will take place between 27 July and 18 Meet Doron Goldberg, Richard Freedman and Anton Katz below. August 2020. To be eligible to vote, you need to be over the age HOW DOES THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION WORK? of 18, reside in the Western Cape and your name The Electoral Commission functions as an independent and impartial body that oversees needs to appear on the communal database. and regulates the elections for membership of the Cape Council in order to ensure the Registered voters will cast their votes online process is credible, free and fair. The Commissioners serve a term of five (5) years, which using a unique username and password and may be extended for one additional five (5) year period. These Commissioners do not stand for election to the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies nor assist in campaigning entering a unique voters code, which code will be for a candidate standing for election. Their decisions are to be reached by consensus, failing communicated to you by 24 July 2020. You may which by a majority voting. vote for a maximum of 3 candidates. After public ballots close on 18 August 2020, the OUR COMMISSIONERS 5 candidates who received the greatest amount of votes will undergo a vetting process, conducted by Doron Goldberg Currently an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, Doron is an independent Electoral Commission, to ensure a member of the Cape Bar and also serves as Commissioner of they are indeed a member of the Western Cape the Small Claims Court in Cape Town. Doron previously acted for Jewish community and otherwise fit to serve the community entities in community-related issues, including for board. SAUJS, the Hermanus Hebrew Congregation, the , the Cape SAJBD and Jewish Community Services. His practice largely The 5 successful candidates elected by public focuses on commercial law. He is married with three children, who ballot will be announced by 21 August 2020 on the are all in the Herzlia system. Cape SAJBD website and social media platforms.

Richard Freedman Retired in 2019, Richard has a particular interest in Holocaust and Make change happen. Human Rights education and has served on the board of various Have your say in our NPOs and associations. From 2006 until retirement, he was the director of the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre. Before that, community leadership Richard had a 30-year career in education, including as principal of and your views and a Herzlia school and serving on various national teaching bodies. values represented by its He currently serves on the Faculty of the Florence Melton School of leadership. Adult Learning.

Anton Katz HOW TO PARTICIPATE Anton Katz SC was born in Cape Town in 1960, schooled in Sea Point and awarded a BSc in Mathematics and an LLB at UCT, and an LLM IN ELECTIONS 2020 at Columbia School of Law. He is a member of the Cape Bar and New Are you registered to vote in Cape York Bar and has acted ad hoc as a High Court judge. He served on SAJBD’s Elections 2020? the United Nations HRC’s Working Group on Mercenaries from 2011 to 2018. He has appeared in the Constitutional Court on more than Exercise your democratic right in 3 50 occasions, in all electoral constitutional issues, including floor- easy steps and vote 5 new members crossing cases, secret ballot cases, and motions of no confidence into the Cape South African Jewish involving the President. He is married with two children. Board of Deputies.

11 2 3

REGISTER TO VOTE NOMINATE CANDIDATES VOTE IN THE ELECTION You must register online to vote. Any Jewish person who is over the age of 18, Voting will take place between 27 July and Registration runs from 4 May to 17 July 2020 currently residing in the Western Cape and is 18 August 2020, and the results will and is completely confidential. listed on the Communal Register is eligible to be announced on 21 August 2020. stand for elections. Ensure that your views Register here: on the local community, civil liberties and All votes will be made digitally. www.capesajbd.org/ elections-2020 Judaism is represented on the Cape Board. A link to vote will be made available to See segment dealing with you in due course, along with your unique ‘How nominations work.’ voting code.

Public vote deadline: Tuesday 18 August 2020 Affiliate vote at AGM: Sunday 6 September 2020

back to contents 12 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020

VIEW FROM THE CHAIR By Esta Levitas, Chairman, SAZF Cape Council Israel offers hope to all of humanity

Whilst under lockdown it is Israel is one of the top five Yet, while Israel supplies protective Barghouti, the difficult to visualise a return contenders to find a vaccine. When gear and essential medical supplies founder of the BDS to some kind of normality, but it comes to health care research and to Gaza on an ongoing basis, Yahya Movement, approved like Jews throughout the ages, innovation, Israel is a superpower Sinvar, the Head of Hamas, said that the principle that it it is the hope of finding a way and has an impressive list of health if breathing machines are not brought was OK for boycotters and non-health start-ups involved in into Gaza, his group will “stop the to use Israeli medical out of the current predicament the search for solutions to fight the breathing of six million Israelis”. breakthroughs like that keeps us going. COVID-19 pandemic. However, Israel’s innovation may a vaccine for COVID-19, if it saves provide a new paradigm and an millions of lives. ut of the depths of despair of Despite its own challenges in fighting opportunity to break the logjam OCOVID-19, a unity Government the spread of the pandemic, which So, hopefully reason will prevail and between perpetual foes and of the Likud led by Benjamin has affected nearly 14 000 Israelis, people will realise that humanity offer a new path to inter-regional Netanyahu and Blue and White led Israel is also very concerned about shares a struggle to survive against cooperation. On 12 March, one of by Benjamin Gantz came into being, its neighbours, Egypt, Jordan a common invisible enemy, and that Iran’s highest religious authorities, offering new hope after 17 months of and the Palestinian territories. after COVID-19 there will be other Naser Shirazi, a Holocaust denying uncertainty and political vacuum. The prospect of a health disaster, threats that affect everyone, like extremist, agreed to use a vaccine particularly in Gaza due to its failing climate change, which overshadow We need a vaccine and we need made by the ‘Zionists’ if there was health infrastructure and its high people’s concerns about religious it now! no substitute. On 7 April, Omar population density, is very real. and ideological differences. Working together to help Cape Town’s most vulnerable Cape Town may be under lockdown but of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat. the spirit, heart and empathy of the city’s Let all who are in need come and celebrate Jewish community is most certainly not. the Passover.” he SAZF Cape Council in conjunction with The Torah and Jewish tradition give clear TSouth African Friends of Israel and Bnoth Zion instruction regarding feeding the hungry. “When WIZO have been working hard to help alleviate the you are asked in the world to come, ‘What was plight of some of Cape Town’s most needy and your work?’ and you answer: ‘I fed the hungry,’ most hungry communities. you will be told: ‘This is the gate of the Lord, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry’” (Midrash to SAZF Director Julie Berman has been collecting Psalm 118:17). food and monetary donations and has been overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion Through various outreach projects, Cape Town’s of the Jewish community here in Cape Town. All Jewish community has risen up and extended a money has been used to purchase various food hand of support and comfort to those who are items, face masks and hand sanitizers. To date, struggling greatly through this lockdown period we have delivered individual family parcels to 24 and we at the SAZF Cape Council feel privileged greatly impoverished families. Further, by working to be playing our part too. alongside local pastors 12 different church feeding Galya Tregenza Hall schemes have received these amazing food Media Liaison Pastor Aaron Mhakile and his wife collect parcels from parcels too. South African Zionist Federation (Cape Council) SAZF Cape Council Director, Julie Berman for his church Through this beautiful collaboration, we have been feeding scheme in Khayelitsha Site-C. able to reach out and make a difference to those who need it most in several areas of Cape Town including , , Guguletu, Philippi and Khayelitsha. We would like to extend our thanks to Pick n Pay who discounted all the food that we purchased and donated carrier bags as well. We are also so grateful to Shelley Trope Friedman of the Elkin Charitable Trust for donating face masks and hand sanitizers. We have just celebrated Passover, a time during which we are reminded to not forget the poor. Besides providing ma’ot chittim (funds for purchasing matzah and other holiday necessities) for the needy before Passover, during the Seder meal, we reach out to them: “This is the bread of affliction, which our ancestors ate in the land A church feeding scheme in Mitchells Plain that benefitted from the food parcels

Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 13

Commemorating and celebrating — apart but together

By Michal Ilan As Yom Hazikaron and Yom celebrate Israel together at Yom broadcast on Facebook and while Later in the day we joined different Ha’atzmaut approached, I was Ha’atzmaut has been a highlight of we were watching, we kept seeing sessions designed to celebrate getting nervous. Of all the our time here. This year, we knew messages from people from all over varied aspects of Israel. From food Jewish dates on the calendar, it was all going to be very different the world who were watching it with to fashion and from sport to music these are the two I was really and I was nervous. The SAZF and us. On WhatsApp, people from the — things and people we could never the Israel Centre spent a lot of time community were commenting and have exposed the community to in dreading spending in isolation. planning and preparing for those sharing how powerful they found normal days. We watched a music In the past two years I was two days but I was nervous that the ceremony and somehow, sitting video featuring Matisyahu singing amazed at how meaningful even though there were different on a couch surrounded by my family with eight singers from around the these two Israeli days felt for programmes offered, it was still members alone, I felt surrounded by world, including two members of our my family and I, here in going to be lonely and isolated and so many more. Partnership2Gether, Mia Shaked Cape Town. may not appeal to many people. from Cape Town and Layla Kagan On Yom Ha’atzmaut the feeling grew from Beit Shemesh, who both sang hat made them meaningful These Corona times keep teaching even stronger. on our Yom Ha’atzmaut stage just a was spending them with us new lessons about ourselves, W We started the morning with an art year ago. the community. It was always so the world and our assumptions. I workshop led by Israeli artist Hanoch moving seeing people come to am happy to say that I was so very As the day was about to end, I was Piven. Hundreds of kids from all the Yom Hazikaron ceremony, wrong about how I thought I would looking back at everything we did over South Africa joined us on commemorating with us those who feel during these two days. that day and realised that not only Zoom and on Facebook, listened to have been lost to wars and terror and were we part of a community, but this On Yom Hazikaron we watched Piven’s story, learned his technique feeling we are in it together because year we felt part of a global Jewish the Masa Global Ceremony. Yes, and created an image of ‘What we we are one people, no matter what community. One that cares, shares we were alone at home, watching are made of’ placing items that ID we have. resources, commemorates and a ceremony on screen, but we did signify their connection to Israel in celebrates together. A day later seeing thousands not feel isolated. The ceremony was their portraits.

Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents 14 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 15

Keeping busy in quarantine A time of separateness,

During a Seder with a Habo together these twist. We used this as an uncertain times, HDSA opportunity to use our new Even though has learned to adapt HDSA Haggadah (available we have and improvise our from our Facebook page) all been in composed by Shauna programmes to help lockdown, Rosendorf and Amber it has felt keep our chaverim Gordon with the help many involved. like we have fellow Bogrim. all been uring lockdown, The front page of Our Rosh Channichim together. our new haggadah we have taken the (Daniel Flaum and Jesse D here has opportunity to hold many Lees) have released the been an of our programmes nationally instead first edition of a newsletter for our T incredible of separately in Johannesburg channichim that includes many fun sense of unity and Cape Town. We have had activities, interesting facts and lots amongst the many weekly meetings over Zoom, of things to keep busy during the Bnei Akiva Cape Town, Joburg, and Durban together for a shiur Bnei Akiva by Bnei Rabbi, Rabbi Kagan. engaging our Bogrim in many fun and lockdown. They have also begun family, as well educational activities. releasing episodes of a new show and all the separation, Bnei Akiva as the community as a whole. We for our channichim. They have plenty branches all over South Africa have We recently had our annual Third were blessed to be able to listen to more in store so keep your eyes had the chance to connect through Seder over Zoom. This is where Ella Blumenthal on Yom Hashoah peeled on our social media! shiurim, learning and celebrations our Bogrim come together to have telling the Bnei Akiva family about over Zoom. her amazing, heart wrenching and brave story of how she survived Together with our branches all over Diller continued: the Holocaust. South Africa, we wish the community health, happiness and joy during this On Yom Ha’azmaut we celebrated the virtual chapter tough time. our beautiful homeland, Israel, by Amidst these doing Hallel together with Morasha Kadima Bnei Akiva! challenging and and a community in Jerusalem, thus Hayden Norrie bringing communities from around the Bnei Akiva Cape Town Chairman changing times, world together! Despite the lockdown Diller Teen Fellows Cape Town has found creative ways to continue Netzer keeps the good times programming and making global coming during lockdown connections with fellows from our 32 communities. Diller Teens continue to engage over video conferencing iller Teen Fellows communities to share and compare Dis more active than ever — Jewish experiences. supporting each other and using this • Guest speakers sharing insights time to learn, network and grow as into world views including renowned a cohort. motivational speaker and comedian Although our Israeli partnership, Pamela Rae Schuller. Shoham, was unable to visit us this • A Diller style Yom Ha’atzmaut year for our annual exchange, we have celebration — a virtual celebration still ensured opportunities to create of Israel’s independence on a meaningful connections virtually. In global platform. one of these partnership sessions • Fellows’ Stage — A session we participated in a song-writing prepared and run entirely by workshop led by indie supergroup our Cape Town cohort, sharing ‘Distant Cousins.’ Together we wrote their passions and teaching us and recorded a personalised song new skills. that reflects our partnership spirit. And much more! Some other exciting events We would like to take this opportunity that have taken place over the to thank our Cape Town Diller family past few months include — parents and fellows — for their continued encouragement and • A Cape Town and Johannesburg support during this time! Because of virtual challah bake. you, our programme has been able • Several ‘Global Zoom Mixers’ with to continue and to flourish during this various other international Diller difficult chapter. Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents 16 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020

Consider This Shiurim go online We are all experiencing One of the gifts of this crisis is trauma. Right now. our inter-connectivity and the ability to link not just our shul By Rabbi Emma Gottlieb but the entire world online. Trauma is the response to deeply distressing or o a programme to offer online disturbing events that overwhelms our ability to cope, causes Sshiurim by our rabbis has now feelings of helplessness, diminishes our sense of self and our included rabbis from all over the ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. world, sharing their Torah with Temple We have been reaching out to our community r Betsy Stone, a retired psychologist who currently teaches Israel and all those who connect with to connect meaningfully, learn and grow Drabbinical students in North America, wrote recently that, “many of us on our website and social media. over this time. us are already traumatised — startling at sirens and afraid of the grocery Besides our talented team of rabbis offering shiurim, meditations and online store. We’re fighting with our loved ones and regressing into adolescent services, we have heard so far from Rav Tamara Schagas in Jerusalem about behaviour. Our sleep is disturbed and our moods are grim. And we live in the mystical power of Shirat Ha’Omer, the counting of the Omer and from Rabbi fear of even more trauma and loss.” Charley Baginsky from London about the history of the Liberal movement. Rabbi Dr Stone introduces five basic principles to help keep us ‘grounded Emma recounted the important story of Regina Jonas, the first woman to be and sane’ in the face of ongoing trauma: safety, choice, collaboration, ordained as a rabbi and then tragically killed in the Shoah. trustworthiness and empowerment. Safety is about ensuring that our We also offered a unique double-act when Rabbi Mark Goldsmith from London basic needs are met. Choice is about making decisions that impact co-taught a shiur with our own Rabbi Greg on Zoom for a class made up of our lives. When our choices are limited by circumstances, naming and congregants from his synagogue and ours. You can follow our shiur programmes claiming the choices we still do have can make a huge difference to on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings by clicking on the links on our our emotional well-being. Collaboration is when we recognise that some website, www.templeisrael.co.za or liking our page on Facebook. our choices impact others and decide to make those choices together. “Social distancing”, Dr Stone points out, “is a form of collaborative behaviour.” Collaboration, when done well, builds trust, which lessens our sense of trauma. Temple Israel Youth keeping busy Empowerment, the fifth principle helps us to feel less out of control and during lockdown powerless. Dr Stone writes, “We need to begin to think about the places we do have power. We have the power to see good in others, to act from our most generous and caring selves.” Dr Stone notes that meaning- making is a form of empowerment as well, so finding ways to identify what you are learning during this time and how it might change you, can help you to feel stronger and more in control of your future. “We know that naming bad feelings lessens their power,” she writes. “Talk about how you feel. Find meaning in rituals. Spend time with people you love and people who will listen to you, even over the phone. Don’t only use social media to connect. Reach out.” In my relatively short time in South Africa, I’ve noticed that South Africans are very stoic when it comes to bearing up in hard times. Feelings are not always easily shared. I imagine this comes from already having lived through serious national trauma. Stoicism is what helps us to stay calm, Our Hebrew School has continued with weekly online lessons, to focus on what’s important and under our control, not wasting thoughts with tasks to complete at home and Hebrew and Jewish Studies or time on what we can’t affect. But sometimes we are too stoic, thinking happening over Zoom. that emotions make us weak, not dealing with our feelings or addressing them. This is actually an unhealthy form of being stoic. ur young families have been meeting regularly for story time, music and Oactivities to keep their young minds inspired by Jewish thoughts under the There is a Midrash which teaches that despite all the miracles God had guidance of Andi Kuti. We also held a young family Pesach Seder on Zoom which performed before the Exodus, no one had ever sung a song of praise was an absolute hit! until the splitting of the Red Sea. Rabbi Yosef Yehuda Leib Bloch, who founded a new branch of Jewish ethics that he named Shiurei Da’at in Netzer, our Progressive Jewish Youth Movement, have run an array of afternoon the early 1900’s, taught about this midrash that, rather than this being activities, including, yoga, pilates, exercise routines, origami and other crafts, a failing on the part of our patriarchs and matriarchs, it was actually, “a story times as well as a weekly ma’ariv service (and more). Netzer also ran an demonstration of their immutable faith”. Rabbi Bloch felt that true faith in online Shabbbaton in place of the annual mini-mach in April. God means that we accepts whatever comes our way as the will of God. This is a form of Religious Stoicism. But Moses himself presents us with another option, by refusing to accept the suffering of his brethren. Time Temple Israel cares Mazaltov to those who and again, Moses advocated for his people when God was angry with celebrated Bnei Mitzvah them, even when they had sinned against God. Moses’ capacity to be with us last month stimulated by the distress of his people, was the flipside of his ability to be ur Temple Israel care programme is moved and therefore rejoice in song when he witnessed their miraculous Ohard at work making sure those in salvation. As the greatest prophet ever known, Moses models for us the need are being looked after by keeping in importance of sharing our feelings — those that we like to feel, as well as contact with the elderly, arranging groceries those we may wish not to feel. and delivering meals. We are also running various social action projects. Though we are physically pent up right now, it is vital that we not allow our emotions to be pent up as well. We must empower ourselves and If you know of someone in need or if you can one another to battle our collective trauma by sharing with one another help, please don’t hesitate to contact Gill on Kiran Bloom Cole Rubin in conversation, in poetry, in song, or perhaps in prayer with God. 0217621745 or [email protected]. 9 May 16 May back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 17

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 19 A view from the bar COVID-19 and the command of the law

By Anton Katz An attorney colleague of some away. From the colleague’s family examples of ugly social engineering laws seeking to gravitas recently died during in London to the rabbi in Perth in a are the Nazi laws and . But implement social the Coronavirus lockdown.* different time zone. there are other legal commands that engineering, even may be regarded as making society for a short time, The rabbi’s point went further. He e had endured some health safer and more decent. The ubuntu is an unacceptable intrusion into our explained that just as our reality is challenges for some time. I was charter of the Constitution requires private autonomous lives. H so different from those who lived not able to attend the funeral; but I all members of society to respect and through the Spanish Flu, so was the And what happens if the state starts attended the one evening of shiva be “nice” to each other. Hate speech attorney’s reality different to ours. We putting micro-chips in every person’s prayers on Zoom. The Orthodox is not to be tolerated. But, of course, are on this earth as living humans, arm. The state’s argument could be rabbi led a meaningful service for freedom of expression must be whereas the late attorney had moved “we need to know where you are about 30 people, who joined the respected. How to balance so many to another reality. Who knows, the at all times to protect you and all Zoom prayers. Also, joining was a competing and contradictory rights is rabbi mused: perhaps one hundred others.” Would that be a bridge too rabbi from a synagogue in Perth and a tough task ahead. family members of the late colleague years from now a person who had far? That is what the anti-vaxxers who live in London. moved to another reality through And that is where the Zoom prayers claim on religious grounds about death would be able to somehow join come in. Clearly the right to freedom compulsory measles vaccinations. I found the prayers particularly our Zoom prayer meeting. Wow! of movement, the right to religious But then consider the sadly high meaningful. All the mourners were freedom, the right to privacy, and outbreak of measles in the anti- on mute until after the rabbi had particularly the right to dignity are all vaxxers community. The law always completed his eulogy and sang People’s reality had violated by the legal bans imposed has and will have tough choices in the Hebrew prayers. After he had changed unimaginably by the disaster lockdown. But if the coming years. A balancing of completed his part any of those who in a short time. And we there was no legal lockdown and we so many competing interests will attended could say a few words. The could all carry on our lives as usual be the golden thread. These new, hour had a power and spirituality on Zoom were in our without the command of the disaster interesting and in many ways difficult different to all the shiva prayers I seemingly different laws, would many thousands of our times will demand so much from the have attended in person. I was able to realities; I at my house by neighbours, colleagues, friends and courts, lawyers and the law. concentrate and reflect on the life of myself just a few physical family get sick, and possibly die? *Attorney at law Maurice Phillips the colleague in a special and unique steps away from others at None of us want that dire situation. passed away on 14 April 2020. way. And there was a sort of strange the shiva prayers, yet So the law commands all of us to intimacy in that we could through behave in a certain way to protect Anton Katz SC, a senior counsel our screens be in each other’s home I was also in the company all of us. Some would suggest that practicing at the Cape Bar, was spaces. Although I was physically of those many thousands this draconian controlling approach a member (2011-2018) of the UN alone at home with my memories and of kilometres away. From is desirable to make society a better Human Rights Council working group thoughts about the departed attorney, the colleague’s family in environment. Others may claim that on mercenaries. my ‘aloneness’ was in a strange London to the rabbi in metaphysical way in the company of those attending on Zoom. Perth in a different time zone. We could use our computer instruments to ‘chat’ during the hour by typing up comments, which all of And where does the law fit in. Does us could read and respond to. You the law follow our human reality or may wonder what this has to do with do our lives play out through the the law? Well, the law banned us from commands and dictates of the law? attending prayers in person. So we I think the answer is a mixture of were forced to attend through digital both. In some instances, scientific means. Secondly, I thought the rabbi and human development require made an incredibly powerful point the law to accommodate the newly during his meditations. He reflected established reality. For example, just something along the lines that a like the creation of the printing press hundred years ago the Spanish forced the law to move in ways it Flu of 1918 killed so many millions otherwise would not have, so climate and millions of people; and those change and digital technology who lived during that pandemic 100 requires States all over the world to years ago would not have believed develop the laws to recognise our it if it would have been suggested new reality. But the law also leads. to them that prayers after a funeral could have been held like we were MPs enact laws and the executive doing. People’s reality had changed make regulations to ‘protect’ and unimaginably in a short time. And advance the interests of society we on Zoom were in our seemingly and its members. These laws and different realities; I at my house by rules force people to change their myself just a few physical steps away behaviour. The laws are put in from others at the shiva prayers, place hopefully for the purpose of yet I was also in the company of making a better society. Some call those many thousands of kilometres this social engineering. Obvious Follow the Chronicle online

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back to contents 22 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 JACOB GITLIN LIBRARY Please visit www.gitlinlibrary.co.za to view all new books and the entire Gitlin collection FICTION HOLOCAUST THE PERSIAN GAMBLE by JOEL ROSENBERG. The Russian THE NINE HUNDRED by HEATHER MACADAM. In 1942 president has been assassinated with the head of Russia’s almost one thousand young and unmarried Jewish women secret service. The killer is his son-in-law Oleg Kraskin. Marcus boarded a train in Slovakia believing they were going to work in Ryker, a former US secret agent, is in Moscow to help Kraskin a factory but were on the first ‘official transport’ to Auschwitz. defect and both are helped by CIA agent Jennifer Morris. Ryker Using copious interviews with survivors, historians, relatives tries to convince his contacts about the dangerous deal that and Shoah archive testimonies, Macadam tells their tragic places nuclear weapons inside Iran’s grasp. story as only a few were able to survive.

THE GERMAN HOUSE by ANNETTE HESS. In this historical THE UNWANTED by MICHAEL DOBBS. The small Jewish novel Eva Bruhn is hired as a German interpreter to translate community of Kippenheim in Germany were interned in at the Frankfurt-Auschwitz trials. Eva’s growing awareness of concentration camps in France. They desperately sought the atrocities perpetuated by the Auschwitz defendants leads visas to escape but only one in four gained entry to America. her to question why her parents, owners of the German House Dobbs intersperses text with haunting pictures- a shattered restaurant, did not care about the trial. She slowly begins to synagogue, Germans deporting Kippenheim refugees, a uncover buried family secrets. father’s final scribbled message to his daughter in 1942. INDEPENDENCE SQUARE by A.D. MILLER. A story of corruption and political betrayals during the Orange Revolution HISTORY in the Ukraine. British diplomat Simon Davey stationed in Kiev gives aid to dissidents in Independence Square with fatal RED SEA SPIES by RAFFI BERG. An in-depth look at the consequences. Years later after being abandoned by his family Mossad’s daring undercover operation in the 80’s using a he sees his former contact Oleysa Zarchenko on the London holiday resort in the Sudan to rescue Ethiopian Jewry. Berg subway and is plunged back into his past. bases his book on interviews with operatives involved in the mission and offers insight into Menachem Begin’s anguish over THE GRACE KELLY DRESS by BRENDA JANOWITZ. It’s the fate of the Ethiopian Jews and key decisions of Mossad. A 1958 in Paris. Rose a seamstress has been entrusted to sew heroic mission that reads like a spy novel. a Grace Kelly look-alike gown for a wealthy bride. When she finds herself falling in love with the bride’s brother, she makes a TEHRAN CHILDREN by MIKHAL DEKEL. An absorbing decision that puts her career at risk. Sixty years later Rachel is account of the refugee children evacuated by the Polish military encouraged to wear this dress by her mother without realising to Iran during the Holocaust. They became part of the Persian the secret that changed her mother’s life. Jewish community. A group of Zionist caregivers brought them via India to Palestine in 1943. They were known as the ‘Tehran RELIGIOUS INTEREST Children’, amongst whom were Mikhal’s father and aunt. Dekel MAVERICKS, MYSTICS & FALSE MESSIAHS by RABBI blends memoir with history. PINNI DUNNER. Renowned Orthodox Rabbi Dunner details sages together with sinners and charlatans. He includes JEWISH IDENTITY Shabbetai Tzvi who claimed to be the Messiah; rabbis searching for subversive meanings of Amulets; the Get of GOD IS IN THE CROWD by TAL KEINAN. A thoughtful Cleves case from 1766 and Hungarian born con man Avraham assessment of the current state of Judaism. Kienan provides Schwarz, the ultimate Jewish maverick of modern times. the intimate story of his Aliyah and service in the Israeli Air Force. Jews today face different threats such as dwindling INCREDIBLE! 2 by RABBI NACHMAN SELTZER. This book Jewish population, complacency, fundamental divisions and is filled with more inspiring personalities from Rabbi Wallis’s intermarriage. These may change our survival. He hopes that dynamic life. We read about his first steps to Torah observance by redefining Judaism we will keep it alive. where he experiences mysterious encounters. He writes of the African prince who became a religious Jew, the reporter who A RIVER COULD BE A TREE by ANGELA HIMSEL. Raised went to an Arachim seminar to prove it was a scam and the 89- in Indiana as a fundamentalist Christian, Angela celebrated year old ‘bar mitzvah boy.’ the Sabbath, Passover and Sukkot without knowing they were IN THIS HOUR by ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL. A Jewish holidays. Her connection to Judaism grew through collection of English translations of Heschel’s writings from his Jewish friends and her faith in her parent’s church waned. time in Nazi-ruled Germany to his exile in London before finding A Jewish boyfriend and a pregnancy forced the issue of her refuge in the United States. It reflects this superb historian’s conversion, leading to a new spiritual journey. teachings; essays on rabbis of Mishnaic period; biography of Don Yitzhak Abravanel and four recently found meditations on JEWISH BIOGRAPHIES suffering, prayer, spirituality and God. HOLOCAUST MEMOIR WHEN TIME STOPPED by ARIANA NEUMANN. After her father Hans’s death in Venezuela Ariana receives a file of documents, letters and diaries revealing his Jewish roots. She never knew this before. Correspondence from Terezin reveals that many family members perished. She opens with images of his 297 pocket watches, his metaphorical attempt to replace time stolen by Hitler. LAST STOP AUSCHWITZ by EDDY de WIND. The author, a young Dutch doctor was sent to Auschwitz with his young wife Friedel in 1943 from Westerbork in the Netherlands. Being a nurse she worked in the block where medical experiments took place. A touching theme throughout are the appalling things de Wind witnessed daily while risking his life to see her. An eloquent account of love and suffering. Discover the benefits of becoming a Friend of the Gitlin. Email [email protected] or call 021 462 5088 back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 23 New Education mensch change-maker of the month for a New World Dalia Katz

By Rabbi Avi Shlomo Insights from a volunteer

Starting this school year, no one could have predicted the global Like so many others, crisis that would soon force school closures with barely a warning. community involvement is not unfamiliar to me. ampus closure has provided a fascinating case study that put Cape CTown Torah High’s unique methodology of independent and progressive his is why when approached by learning to the test, and in a way, lockdown closed a circle — it returned the TMensch to write this piece and school to its homeschool origins. Despite the obvious challenges, what actually share my new experiences and occurred surpassed our most optimistic expectations. Learning continued learnings during COVID-19, I found with barely a glitch, and the feedback has been remarkably positive. Students it difficult to differentiate between my are showing tremendous discipline and motivation, producing excellent work, old and new experiences. and continuing to achieve, in some ways more than before! I didn’t see my immersion in the ever- Here are a few lessons that we have learned from our experience: growing needs brought about by this surreal and unimaginable pandemic School did not close — it migrated: We made it clear in all as something new. They are an Ground Zero, a Professor of African communications to stakeholders that only the campus closed. The school extension of what has always driven studies, NGO professionals, many had migrated to an online format. This set the tone for students and parents me and so many others with whom in the film industry, and others. Very that attendance, accountability, and assessment would continue as before. I’ve collaborated. soon our spare garage became the distribution hub for the generous Consistent and familiar schedules: One of the great challenges of A good place to start my story is my donations received from the ‘Food studying at home is the lack of structure, setup, and schedule. Keeping a fixed connection with The Angel Network for All’ non-perishable and toiletries and predictable timetable helps provide a sense of stability and discipline in — a national voluntary organisation drive that have drop off points at the the chaos. At CTTH, we kept our exact daily and weekly times tables providing and registered NPO, founded by various shopping centres in our area. familiarity and stability. the wonderful Glynne Wolman, and All curriculum resources are on the cloud: Migrating an organisation run via the power of social media. My learning curve from our as complex as a school online cannot happen in a day, a month, or a year. The goal of The Angel Network is regular Zoom meetings has been Over the last seven years, CTTH has always ensured that every aspect of to create a gateway for accessible exponential. We share best practices the curriculum was available online via Google Education Suite and that all giving. To facilitate and mobilise acts and brainstorm ideas on how we students and parents were equipped and set up to access them. of kindness. Their virtual structure can make a difference. And we and technology together with their have, through supporting four soup Social learning and classroom dynamics: Online interaction can committed team and networks has kitchens, a drive for woman exposed never replace the relationship between teachers and students, and between enabled an immediate scalable to domestic violence in need of data, students and their friends. That said, Zoom is an incredible teaching tool, and response to COVID-19. This NPO and the feeding of ± 200 families with allows teachers to recreate the classroom dynamic somewhat. It is important supported by an amazing group of food parcels in collaboration with to balance Zoom teaching with project-based independent and off-screen women has collaborated, dovetailed Yebofresh. learning, and at CTTH we have found that balance by making Kodesh subjects and networked with organisations As Vice Chair for Oranjia, the primarily social (live on Zoom), and General Studies more independent. like Ladles of Love, Mensch and children within our care became our An integral aspect of remote teaching various CANs (Community Action Learning guides and projections: priority. The staff and committee is the manner in which content is packaged, and it is not sufficient to simply Networks). rallied together to ensure the safety transfer the curriculum onto a learning platform, the content needs to be Community work has always of our precious cargo. It was beyond delivered in a language that speaks to the child. The CTTH curriculum has taught me to access underutilised heartfelt. I am enormously proud to a day by day outline laying out the expectations for each lesson embedded resources. So, when Ladles began be involved with such an amazing with links to every resource needed, and the projected deadlines for the work their sandwich drive, I co-opted my organisation with such immense in the module. The language adopted in these guides is the teacher’s voice willing husband as my Uber driver. We commitment, leadership and heart! addressing each student as if they were in the same room. went door-to-door collecting lovingly Whilst for me, this pandemic has Academic results in lockdown: Fascinatingly, we have found many made sandwiches and hard-boiled only exacerbated the already students performed better on tests in the remote learning system than before! eggs. The kindness and generosity existing disparity of the need in our In unpacking this, teachers felt that this was due to students taking the time to of this initiative necessitated Ladles beautiful city, it has also united many do less, better, and the new impetus placed on relationships. to automate and move to the CTICC. into action. The growing needs, Parental support: Another silver lining is that as learning is taking place The 54 people I’ve collected inequalities, hunger, unemployment at home, parents become more aware of what learning looks like on a day- from have certainly brightened and uncertainty of our future, can no to-day basis, providing an uncommon but hugely valuable keyhole view into my Tuesdays and Fridays as we longer be ignored. their child’s academic lives. This allows them to listen in on lessons, engage exchange warm greetings and brief I have witnessed the unbelievable their children in discussion and debate about what they are learning, and anecdotes, making these collection symbiotic dovetailing of partnerships provide positive feedback and praise for a job well done. trips longer than they should be, but develop, and many selfless certainly worthwhile! Challenge of excessive screen time and ‘extra murals’: While communities mobilise together to technology provides many answers to the problems created by distance The CAN initiative started to pair make a difference. I look at my role in learning, it also raises new ones. With children spending more time on suburbs across the Western Cape this web of connections and realise devices and on the internet, internet security and filtering is of paramount with those impoverished communities more and more that ‘the whole really importance for their physical and spiritual wellbeing. One big challenge is in need, has rolled out successfully is greater than the sum of its parts, keeping kids active so extramurals were exchanged for ‘student societies’ far and wide. I joined the Gardens and that ‘involvement is good, but to find creative outlets in confinement, like online yoga classes, baking and CAN (paired with Nyanga), and have making a difference is better’. creative writing. The school’s weekly outreach programmes (Chessed) were been blown away by the passion I am reminded of the parable about switched to helping out with chores at home, and weekly calls to a senior who and dedication of the group. Being the starfish washed up on the may be feeling isolated or lonely. action orientated, I soon became beach. Everyone has the power part of the subcommittee made up Our new normal: As schools begin to tentatively re-open their campuses, to do something small, to make a of a group of highly competent and and resume in-person teaching, it is clear that so much has changed, but big difference for someone else. A skilled individuals. A GBV human that many of the lessons from lockdown, and the effective and creative concept that if each of us adopts, right’s activist, a journalist for new teaching modalities will continue long after Coronavirus is a distant creates a culture of sustainability. memory. Hopefully, school communities will emerge from this with newfound appreciation and solidarity, and we pray that the ‘Brave New World’ we are Dalia Katz is a valued member of Mensch, an NGO that supports Jewish entering should be one with more kindness and sensitivity, with more good change makers in South Africa. Contact [email protected] to join the and more G-dliness. Mensch Network of change makers. www.mensch.org.za back to contents 24 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 Connecting to a therapist online Family Announcements By Daniel Rabinowitz A lot of people are finding it difficult to connect right now. Many are isolated and alone, or CONDOLENCES — THANK YOU trapped in a confined space. any are forced into quarantine with people with HERTZOG AND LOUISA BERZEN Mwhom they have toxic relationships. Many are cut Dad, aged 91 (Harry, Hertzie, Hertzog, OOM, Oupie, Yaya or our off from their work colleagues, class mates, or their Dad) passed away on Sunday evening 26 May, from complications communities. As the gravity and seriousness of the of age and lymphoma. COVID-19 outbreak grows, people are increasingly feeling despair and uncertainty about the future. Rabbi Mom aged 89½ (Lou, Louisa, Louise, Granny or Mom) followed him Yonatan Cohen of Congregation Beth Israel in San Francisco says, “I think 36 hours later in the early hours of Tuesday 28 May from an epic people in these kinds of situations [of COVID-19] are looking for facilitated battle with cancer among other things! connection. There’s a profound thirst for meaning right now ...” If you are Dad always wanted her to go first, but she hung on for him to go. looking for a meaningful connection, you may consider reaching out to an online therapist. Whether you are in an emotional crisis, or want to learn some The Cape Chevra Kadisha were unbelievably kind skills, there is no better time to start looking after your mental health. (with special mention of Benny Sandler and his team). They managed to get permission for them to buried not only together Does online therapy work? but in the same grave. Many of the potential clients that I’ve welcomed into therapy in the last few So not only did we get to bury them on Tuesday 28 May, weeks have asked me if online therapy will be beneficial or not. I tell them that but Dad will always be able to protect her. it is the quality of our relationship that matters. Together with your therapist, you will decide on the best way to conduct the online therapy such as Skype, Our gratitude to those able to attend this laying to rest on such a Zoom, or WhatsApp video chat. All of these have built-in end-to-end security, beautiful day especially the comforting words and guidance from so you needn’t worry about a breach in confidentiality. So, can you really Rabbi Ryan Newfield of . develop a quality relationship sitting behind a screen? Well, think of some We missed all those family, friends and colleagues who would have of the movies that you have watched which have touched you or moved you. traveled to be there if it wasn’t for COVID-19. Online therapy can be just as profound. And, won’t it feel weird or strange? Well, think of what it is like to see your children or other relatives online who This was especially hard for our extended family around South Africa live far away from home. In a flash, you forget about the screen, and you and the world. become completely immersed in the conversation. Of course, there is bound We take strength in knowing that they are at peace and to be a bit of nervousness or awkwardness when you are meeting someone they are together. for the first time. But, hey, who said that sitting in a psychologist’s office for the first time isn’t just as nerve-wracking or awkward? Mourned by Len, Anne, Robyn and their families. What are the benefits of online therapy? To place a family announcement, email: [email protected] There is a lot of emerging research that suggests that online psychology is just as effective as traditional in-person psychology. Some research suggests that online therapy is actually more beneficial in many ways. For example, it can save you time and money. You don’t need to take a chunk out of your day to drive to the therapist’s office. You won’t need to sit in the waiting room where you might see someone you know, or risk contracting (or spreading) COVID-19. At the agreed-upon hour, you’ll log in to your computer or press the application on your cell phone and, voila, say hello to your therapist, just as if you were sitting in their office. There are some clients who prefer meeting their therapists online, such as those with a phobia of elevators, or those with an obsessive-compulsive disorder who struggle with germs. Some of my clients who travel regularly get benefit from the continuity of the online experience — no matter where they are in the world, their therapist is right there with them. Why can’t I just phone a friend?

Unlike a friend, you are not in a reciprocal relationship with a therapist. That means that therapy is all about you. A friend is subjective and could tell you what you want to hear, subtly keeping you in the same ineffective patterns of thinking or behaviour. Though friendships allow for safety in many ways, there are things that we would disclose in therapy that would be deeply unsettling for them to hear. Therapy is an objective, safe, supportive, and empathetic space to explore the aspects of yourself that you could never reveal to a friend. A conversation with a friend is just that — a conversation. Therapists, however, are trained professionals who have had years of training in advanced human behaviour, relationship dynamics, and effective interventions. How do I contact an online therapist?

It might be as simple as doing a Google search, or asking for word-of-mouth recommendations. Finding a therapist is relatively straightforward as most therapists who offer in-person sessions also offer virtual sessions. Remember that different therapists have different approaches (compare CBT and psychodynamic) and different specialisations (compare depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma etc.). The most important criterion is to make sure that your chosen online therapist is qualified to practice psychology and that they are registered by a recognised body such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa. You may find out that your Internet connection is the best way to establish a meaningful connection in these disconnected times. Daniel is in private practice as an associate clinical psychologist at Cape Town Psychologists in Sea Point. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 25 Cape Jewish Seniors Association DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Amanda 021 434 9691 [email protected] search CJSA on Facebook Getting used to Take a trip down memory lane — pictures the new normal of events that took place before lockdown

Six weeks into lockdown it is a sobering reality that life as we knew it will not be returning for a long time, if ever. he good news is that the CJSA team is not taking this news Tlying down and we have been working at full tilt throughout this period to ensure that all our members remain part of our community in every way possible. Members receive regular phone calls from their social workers and this interaction has been much appreciated. Every one of our members who have internet access receives daily news items, exercise rituals, virtual tours of art galleries and cities and a host of excellent talks, videos and shows. Telephonic Marge Lee, Anna Glass, Freda Farkis, Cecily Kaplan, June Benjamin and Pearl Selikowitz enjoying counselling has been ongoing to our vulnerable members and a morning at Chart Farm we know that this lifeline of being able to speak to a social worker at any time, is greatly appreciated. We are trying to upskill our members and enhancing their lives as our most vulnerable members of the community remain indoors. Especially with the cold weather just around the corner, it is important that those who are infirm or have pre-existing medical conditions stay safe and indoors and we are planning a variety of programmes to assist is alleviating boredom and isolation. We have already started zoom exercise classes and will shortly begin our weekly Pop In sessions via zoom. We are assisting members to become proficient in using the internet and zoom and although it is time consuming, many of Southern Suburbs members receiving roses on Valentine’s Day our members are managing fantastically. We managed to deliver over 200 special Seder Meals to our CJSA members and also have been reaching out to the community by partnering with Berkies and Merle Rubin to provide weekly Shabbat meals to our members. These meals have been so appreciated and, thanks to our great team of volunteers, we have reached members from Tableview to Muizenberg and every suburb in between. Berkies have truly gone the extra mile and it has been a pleasure to deal with them. Thanks to our ever-willing Malcolm and Emmanuel who are assisting members with shopping, and Emmanuel is also driving the Glendale carers to and from work on a daily basis. Unfortunately, our calendar of events, the centrefold of the Members enjoying Goudini Spa Chronicle, will be paused during this lockdown period as none of the events are possible. We hope to reintroduce this as soon as possible. Our Social and Personal Column is much shortened at this time but we share in the joy of those who have had any celebratory occasions and feel the pain of our members who have endured losses. Sincerely

Executive Director CJSA Milnerton Members enjoy an outing to Little Stream Social and Personal

Birth: Edie Busch 6th great-grandchild Special Birthday: Lilian Sheldon 90 Welcome to new members: Abe Casper, Denise Frank, Hillel Goodman, Mel and Val Goot, Pat Josephson and Shelley Trope Friedman Condolences: Maureen Sacher on the passing of her husband Jackie Rita Wagenheim on the passing of her grandson Jaron Family of our member Doreen Kantor Southern Suburbs members enjoying Babylonstoren PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Sea Point: 021 434 9691; Milnerton: Hajiera Safidien–Maloon 021 555 1736; S/Suburbs: Monique Nieuwenhuys 021 761 7960; W/Coast: Stacey Melmed 074 405 5186 back to contents 26 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 SIMCHA PAGE

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The 21st Maccabiah Games, scheduled to take place in Israel By Craig Nudelman in 2021, has been postponed for a year due to the ongoing I’m writing this on day 47 of the can focus on the Coronavirus outbreak. development of a lockdown. he Games will now take place from 12-26 July 2022. The main reason child’s learning and for the postponement of the event was the separate postponement of the y alcohol supply is nearing its the potential of that T Olympic Games from 2020 to 2021. Although our preparation plans have been Mend. A trip to the Woolworths child. One example changed, it gives us an extra year to work hard and ensure all our sporting up the road is exciting. Schloomping they give is that of sides are in better shape, enabling us to win more medals for team SA. around in my tracksuit pants and young girls, who are often burdened slippers around the house is not by domestic work, being offered self- We encourage all juniors, currently aged 13-16 to get involved in Maccabi as the worst thing in the world. I have paced learning. we continue this journey together. become used to many things during this global pandemic. Other things that children can We hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this time and we look forward focus on now are the arts. Science, to resuming Maccabi activities in the near future. I have also become used to teaching Technology, Engineering and Math WP Maccabi Sports Director, Saul Jackson, [email protected] online. It’s been a fascinating (STEM) education has been a priority experiment, one which has become area for many years. Perhaps now the new norm. Herzlia was really on we can develop children’s linguistic top of online teaching from the get- skills, such as listening, reading, go. All the systems were in place for writing, and performing other Q & A with the Maccabi coaches this to happen. I am lucky enough to activities that the school day does sit on the Ed-Tech committee for the not have time for. A creative child is What age group are you coaching? school and the feedback from every often left behind if they do not excel Favourite Maccabi Games moment as a player/coach? principal and teacher so far has been in the structure of the curriculum as What are you most excited about for the next Maccabi Games? incredibly positive. From Seesaw to set out by the Department. Schools Meets, Zooms to video tutorials, and now have an opportunity to support REON SIYAYA everything in between, we really have children who have different ways of am coaching the u18 boys Futsal Team. I feel very been able to keep the standard of learning. Another critical issue is that Iprivileged to coach this bunch of boys. teaching at the same level as before. of language in education. Yes, it has taken staff hours to put This will be my 3rd Maccabi Games. I would say a couple material together (I think that we have Language is key in children’s of my best moments were when all the nations sing the worked harder than ever to achieve understanding of a concept. If the Israeli Anthem together, proper goosebump moment. Also these results!) but it has paid off. children of 2020 cannot access from an on the pitch perspective, when we won Bronze at education via electronic means, the 2017 Maccabi Games. Technology, once seen as a luxury, perhaps it is an opportunity for the Firstly, to be as successful as we can as a team. Also to is now a necessity. Teacher training children to learn in their mother in basic computer literacy is also not see those people from different countries I have met over the years and lastly tongue. Now that there are no longer the sight-seeing. acceptable. The teacher today has ties to the formal curriculum, there to become adaptable to change. The is the potential that they will be ZACH ISRAEL basics of being able to use Word and able to learn with their families in a ylan and myself are the coaches of the u16 Maccabi PowerPoint and being able to turn on language that they understand. This South African futsal team. a projector, is not enough. Teachers will give African languages a priority. D must be lifelong learners who can No child should be forced to learn in My favourite moment from my Maccabi Games experience access key skills to enable their a language they do not understand, was the ability to captain the South African futsal team and learners to engage with adequate which is an unfortunate by-product of walk us out the tunnel for our opening game in Germany learning tools. the South African school system in in 2015. This was a much-awaited milestone for me and it gave me great pride to have this opportunity. But the acquisition of tablets and post-apartheid South Africa. other devices is not available to These ideas might seem idealistic. I am most excited to be able to relive many of my most. Wifi is not free, and even In reality, parents and grandparents experiences through those of the u16 players. I remember my experience in though learners and teachers can are being called on to teach their a very positive light, so will make sure to allow for the team to experience use data, South Africa has some of own children and access to devices the Maccabi Games in a similar manner. I feel very privileged to be offered the highest data costs in the world. and technology seems crucial. Also, the chance to be back at the Maccabi Games and look forward to another The universities have made deals formal assessment is still understood competitive and enticing affair. with network providers for their sites as necessary, even though children to be zero-rated (meaning access of are not at school. However, none JADE SPIRO these sites and their data are free to of these are possible. We cannot am the U18 Boys Futsal Manager.... access). However, similar deals have expect something to be done in an IThe most memorable parts of my 2017 Maccabi games not been made with schools. impoverished community which is not experience were the interactions I had with people from even possible in many middle-class So, what is to become of 2020 and around the world — trading badges and curios at the communities. the school year? Minister of Basic opening ceremony, as well as being a proud young Jew Education Angie Motshekga has held Lockdown may look like it has representing South Africa and of course, the special numerous press briefings, and as I damaged the 2020 school year bonds i made with my teammates. write this there is no formal guideline beyond repair. However, it might be I am most excited to be able to... of when learners are going back to the perfect opportunity to rebuild the It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will take with them forever. school. If schools have been closed South African education system; for for this long, and perhaps will be for children and their parents to reclaim even longer, what kind of education something which to date has not DYLAN GREENBERG can the majority of South African catered to them. This is the moment am currently a Co-coach of the U16 futsal boys. children be receiving? for the State to ask for advice, for IMy favourite moment would be representing South The Bua-Lit Collective has pointed grassroots organisations to formulate Africa at the European Maccabi games in Berlin, in 2016. out that this is a time where actual ways for the South African education learning can take place. Instead of system to advance the education of Since 2016, there has been a dramatic improvement, schools having to cover the curriculum all its children and begin a system specifically in futsal within the South African junior set out by the Curriculum Assessment which is sustainable for future delegation. I am excited to see our team compete and Policy Statement (CAPS), they generations. hopefully return with some silverware. back to contents 28 Cape Jewish Chronicle June 2020 CHRONIC ADS Rates: R50 per line incl VAT Phone: 021 464 6736 (mornings) RELIABLE PET/HOUSESITTER BLINDS Mature single guy. Excellent refs. Contact Elaine’s Blinds for all new Short/long term. Keith 084 604 1194 blinds, servicing, repairs and cleaning. Email: [email protected] Stephen and Elaine Guinsberg BECK ’N CALL 083 270 9352 Shuttle and airport transfers. JOFFE PLUMBING For all sanitary plumbing repairs, Avail 24/7. Covering the peninsula. maintenance and renovations. Phone Air cond vehicle. 072 252 6989 Hilton 082 789 2897 or 021 439 5550 COURIER, SHOPPING, TRANSPORT MAZAL MOTORS 24/7, let me assist you! Reasonable Leon Levitt — Maintenance and rates. David 082 297 4425 repairs to all types of vehicles. Try us. SORT IT Ph 021 797 1550 or 082 410 2756 Downsizing home? Retirement move? 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