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south african n Volume 23 – Number 22 n 21 June 2019 n 18 Sivan 5779

The source of quality content, news and insights t www.sajr.co.za Beth Din reinforces prohibition on rabbis attending Limmud TALI FEINBERG the Beth Din would certainly reconsider its Though the SA Jewish Report asked for rabbis, and other orthodox rabbis. position.” more explanation for how the Beth Din had “In South Africa, the demographics of our he Beth Din this week reinforced a In response, Roth explained that across arrived at its conclusion, the dayanim declined community are similar to the demographics ten-year prohibition of local orthodox the world, Limmud is guided by a set of to offer it. of those who attend Limmud. Ninety percent rabbis attending or teaching at Jewish values which are grounded in Jewish ideas. Limmud is a Jewish festival of learning of our participants are orthodox-affiliated,” Tlearning festival Limmud. This was after “There are a range of presenters, and there that originated in the United Kingdom and said Roth. “Although local rabbis do not the South African Rabbinical Association are always orthodox presenters, including now holds more than 80 events worldwide. It attend, we bring in orthodox rabbis and requested the Beth Din’s opinion on their orthodox rabbis, at Limmud. All our learning allows anyone interested in Judaism to attend teachers from overseas. Both shomrei Shabbos long-standing policy. is conducted with the intention of learning and present. In South Africa for 13 years, people and unobservant people say that Following the request, the dayanim more deeply about Jewish history, culture, 2 000 people attended Limmud events across Limmud is the best Shabbos of their year. For (judges) of the Beth Din met the leadership religion, and text. Limmud is a space where the country in 2018. those who don’t keep Shabbat, it becomes one of Limmud to learn what it stands for, as orthodox and observant people feel very In these 13 years, the Beth Din has never of the times when they do,” said Roth. many did not know anything about the comfortable.” before asked to meet Limmud, so when its “In terms of how we put our programme organisation. But, in spite of a productive The Beth Din said the policy extended to dayanim requested a meeting with Limmud’s together, we are guided by Limmud’s values. meeting, the policy remained unchanged. rebbetzins (the wives of rabbis). “The grounds leadership, the organisation saw it as a This includes diversity, as well as the idea “After much deliberation, the conclusion of for the Beth Din endorsing the existing positive step possibly resulting in the relaxing that everybody should learn, and anyone the Beth Din is a complete endorsement of rabbinic policy are as applicable to rebbetzins of the policy on rabbis’ attendance. “We were can teach. We encourage people to empower the policy of the Rabbinical Association for its as they are to rabbis. rabbis to neither attend nor teach at Limmud Any suggestion that because of the latter’s promotion of values a difference should Walking in history’s footsteps which are contrary to the Torah’s philosophy exist undermines and principles,” the Beth Din told the SA the undeniable and Jewish Report on Tuesday. invaluable religious This is in spite of the fact that “Limmud standing and leadership South Africa is strictly kosher under the Beth role which our Din, and shomrei Shabbos [Shabbat observant] rebbetzins rightly hold in public spaces, and 90% of people who and fulfil, with tireless attend it across South Africa are orthodox- dedication to Torah affiliated. In Johannesburg, 35% are shomrei values and principles.” Shabbat,” according to Limmud South Africa Chief Rabbi Dr chairperson Adina Roth. Warren Goldstein said Many international orthodox rabbis and the long-standing Photo: Ilan Ossendryver Photo: rebbetzins attend Limmud in this country. policy of the South South Africa is the only place worldwide African rabbinate not where there is a ban on local orthodox rabbis to attend Limmud was attending. a joint decision made When asked what the Beth Din meant by by himself and the Limmud not promoting Torah philosophy Rabbinical Association. and principles, the organisation responded, Rabbi Yossi Chaikin, “The Beth Din’s mandate is to uphold halacha who heads up the and Torah values within the community. Rabbinical Association, King David High School pupils take part in the commemoration Underpinning everything we do is the said the policy dated of Youth Day by walking the route taken by youthful protestors fundamental belief in G-d and the divine back about ten years. origin of the Torah. “As is the case with at the Soweto uprising on 16 June 1976. “On questioning the Limmud team, we many old policies, these were told that these core beliefs are not are reviewed from time to time to see if they open to meeting, and always will be,” said themselves and rise to the challenge of a prerequisite for educators, nor is it a are relevant in the current context.” Roth. learning and teaching. prerequisite for content that is delivered at The SA Jewish Report heard from an In the meeting, Roth said she and her team “On the same note, we never force anyone the conference. anonymous source that the Beth Din was explained Limmud’s strict policies on Shabbat to listen to someone they don’t want to hear. “As a result of this Limmud policy decision, considering imposing a psak on the matter – a and kashrut, and that there was strong It’s all about making empowered choices. the Beth Din is unable to approve or verify halachic ruling that would make this policy orthodox attendance at Limmud events There are eight sessions per time slot, and this conference, and endorses the policy of official Jewish law in South Africa. It is still globally, both in terms of participants and everyone’s biography is available, so you know the South African Rabbinical Association. If unclear if the endorsement of the policy by presenters. In fact, in England, it is attended what you are going to hear and can make an Limmud would change this policy decision, the Beth Din is officially a psak. by the chief rabbi, Beth Din dayanim, Chabad Continued on page 5>>

The Jewish Community antisemitism? Survey of South Africa assimilation? IS NOW LIVE! eJewish ducation? go to www.jcssa2019.co.za emigration? to have your say about the future of your community identity? • Brief • Wo Appliance Repairs on Site in rld 2 SA JEWISH REPORT s N 21 – 28 June 2019 ew e N w rs, d s e l h r i s n a o the Liverpool Kashrut England,” said the institute’s w B h W is German anti-Semitic r s i e • D v e to , S f , Commission symbol. • director, Ashley Church.

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f • 082 401 8239 / 076 210 6532 subjected to anti-Semitic slurs in to kosher status, and that he FREE QUOTATIONS separate incidents in Germany earlier would soon advise on koshering Quebec bans kippahs, this week. homes, including ovens. turbans, In Dusseldorf, Rabbi Chaim Barkahn Roseman’s reportedly denied rumours hijabs told the German news agency DPA earlier this year that it was closing down. Quebec passed a so-called secularism law on that he was insulted with anti-Semitic Sunday that bans certain public employees slurs and followed on the street, before Victory in school massacre – teachers, judges and police officers, among ducking into a community centre. lawsuit them – from wearing religious symbols Barkahn said it was his first such including kippahs, turbans and hijabs at experience in a city in which he has lived The father of a victim of the Sandy Hook work. and served the Jewish community for 18 Elementary School massacre has won a Critics say the real target of the legislation years. defamation lawsuit against the authors is the Muslim community, and that the In Berlin, in the Prenzlauer Berg of a book that denied the 2012 shooting new law abrogates Canadian human-rights district, perpetrators allegedly tried to took place. charters by invoking an override clause. spit on a young man. Lenny Pozner, whose six-year-old Defenders say the law is in keeping with the In Berlin, the number son Noah was the youngest victim in promotion of secular neutrality by the state, of anti-Semitic incidents the attack by a lone gunman at the and will promote harmony in the province. ‘’I’LL PAY YOU A has increased about 14% Connecticut school, filed the suit against Some Jewish-majority municipalities have since last year. One in publisher Moon Rock Books and the passed motions promising never to enforce five reported incidents authors of Nobody Died at Sandy Hook. the law. have occurred in the The publisher said it would no longer sell nation’s capital. the book. Ukraine construction PRICE FOR A Wisconsin judge ruled on Monday YOUR CAR’’ Kosher outlet that Pozner had been defamed by authors causes outcry caught selling James Fetzer and Mike Palacek. A trial to The World Jewish Congress expressed its decide damages has been set for October. “outrage” on Tuesday about the prospect ALAN FINGER 082 850 0004 treif The book claimed that Noah’s death of construction of apartment buildings The main outlet certificate had been faked, the child on the mass graves of thousands of Jews for kosher food in didn’t exist, and that Pozner and the murdered in the central Ukrainian city of Liverpool, England, parents of the other victims were “crisis Poltava by the Nazis. www.al nauto.co.za has been caught selling actors”. And Joel Lion, Israel’s ambassador to

non-kosher meat and Ukraine, wrote a letter on 13 June to poultry. New Zealand website Oleksandr Shamota, the acting mayor of Rabbi Natan Fagleman omits Israel the town, demanding that the plans be of the Liverpool Kashrut abandoned. Lion noted that Yad Vashem, Commission said in Immigration New Zealand, an official Israel’s Holocaust museum and research a letter to residents government website, published a fact institution, determined the location Michael David that “serious breaches sheet with a map of the Middle East that of the mass graves based on multiple QUALITY WORKMANSHIP of kashrut have taken showed “Palestine”, but not Israel. testimonies. place at Roseman’s Following a barrage of complaints on Delicatessen”. social media, the web page was removed, •All briefs supplied by JTA Tired of your old worn-out furniture? Rejuvenate your home... The letter called on though screenshots remain. the store’s patrons not The Israel Institute of New Zealand Shabbat times this week CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY & FURNITURE REPAIRS to use “all utensils that called for a retraction of the map. “This is Starts Ends Michael 082 820 7091 have ever been used incredibly offensive, and the equivalent 17:06 17:59 Johannesburg to cook meat/poultry of New Zealand Immigration displaying 17:27 18:22 Cape Town 430 Louis Botha Avenue, cnr Main Street, Rouxville bought at Roseman’s” a map of the United Kingdom which 16:46 17:40 Durban and to throw out removes Scotland and Wales, and refers all food bearing to the entirety of the British Isles as 17:07 18:00 Bloemfontein 16:58 17:53 Port Elizabeth Torah Thought 16:51 17:46 East London Positively brilliant n this week’s parsha, some of the grass, which becomes wool, leather, by the outlaws. He Jewish people are taken to task for meat, and dairy products. If a grocery was not given away Icomplaining. First, they complained of company delivered a vast quantity of free by the light of his exhaustion as a result of their travels in merchandise, would the recipient grumble lamp, or the crowing the desert, and second, they complained while his kitchen was being cluttered with of his rooster, or the about the manna that Hashem gave them boxes and crates? braying of his donkey. Rabbi Yonatan as food. In both cases, Hashem was The Talmud in Berachos relates an When he heard about Landau, actually being kind to them! He made incident: Rabbi Akiva was travelling, and what happened, Ohr Somayach Savoy them travel quickly in order to enter the he sought lodging at a certain town. The Rabbi Akiva told the land of Israel, and the manna He fed them people refused to accommodate him people of the city, “Did I not tell you that was a miraculous food that gave energy, for the night. Rabbi Akiva’s response whatever Hashem does is for the best?” satiation, and helped them to think. was, “Whatever Hashem does is for the What was the point of his last A lesson here is that the Torah demands best.” Left with no choice, he went to statement? Ben Ish Chai explains a positive perspective. sleep in a field. He had with him three that Rabbi Akiva was teaching the When thunder and lightning herald possessions – a rooster, a donkey, and townspeople why he had been spared. a rainstorm, people often grumble and a lamp. While in the field, the wind blew Since he reacted to his rebuffing with complain. However, the grey clouds and his lamp was extinguished. Then a positivity and trust in Hashem, Hashem VEHICLES WANTED overhead should appear as a promise of cat came and killed his rooster. Finally, came to his aid. Rabbi Akiva was advising all the good things in life. The falling rain a lion attacked and killed his donkey. As them to get into the habit of doing the is, in a sense, a shower of watermelons, each misfortune befell him, Rabbi Akiva same so that they, too, would reap the cantaloupes, strawberries, cherries, responded by saying, “Whatever Hashem benefits. apples, and every other form of luscious does is for the best.” That night, a group of May we make the effort to see the fruit and nourishing vegetable. The rain bandits pillaged the town, but Rabbi Akiva beauty, and get a true perspective of the means cotton and other fabrics. It means was spared, because he was not noticed amazing world that Hashem has given us!

Editor Peta Krost Maunder – [email protected] • Sub-editor Julie Leibowitz Journalists: Nicola Miltz • Tali Feinberg • Jordan Moshe The source of quality content, news and insights Editorial co-ordinator Martine Bass – [email protected] Proofreader Kim Hatchuel – [email protected] • CEO Dani Kedar – [email protected] • Advertising Britt Landsman: 082 292 9520 Any make, any model, any condition – [email protected] • Design and layout Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] • Distribution: Sandy Furman Accident damaged vehicles and non-runners also wanted Subscriptions Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860 525 200 • Board of Directors Howard Sackstein (Chairperson), Herby Rosenberg, Dina Diamond, Herschel Jawitz, Shaun Matisonn, Benjy Porter. Advertisements and editorial copy do not neccessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff and board of directors. Tel: 011 430 1980. % The SA Jewish Report subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, Arnold Orkin 082 823 7826 fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Public Advocate at 011 484 3612, AUTO AFRICA fax: 011 484 3619. You can also contact our Case Officer on [email protected] or lodge a complaint on their website: www.presscouncil.org.za 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 3 SA woman’ ‘love at first sight’ marriage to Biden’s son NICOLA MILTZ Garyn said that his sister was dating. week of singledom before meeting selected as an exchange student always destined for great things. Kathleen filed for divorce Cohen. as part of the American Field hen South African-born “When she left South Africa at 21, in 2015 citing irreconcilable Cohen herself recently split Service scholarship programme, Melissa Cohen met I said to her, ‘I know one day you differences. The couple have three from her long-time boyfriend, and spent three months in Italy, Hunter Biden – the son are going to be famous.’” children together. Malibu real estate developer and where she picked up the language ofW Joe Biden, former United States He said his sister, the only girl Hunter was discharged from father of three, Rob Mendez. They and developed a love and talent vice president and 2020 Democrat in the family with three older the US Navy Reserve in 2014 after were also apparently together for art, said Garyn. front runner – she told her family brothers, was “a really Hanna Ben Moshe, a it was “love at first sight”. good person who loves long-standing Hebrew The couple married in haste – helping people”. teacher at the school, and by all accounts in secret – on Seventeen years her told the SA Jewish 16 May. The ceremony was held senior, Biden, 49, is no Report she remembers only a few days after they were stranger to controversy. Cohen well. introduced and, according to the Joe Biden may be the “She was a sweet, American tabloids, they already famous one in the lovely girl, with blue sported matching tattoos. family, but his son, eyes, blond hair, and According to Cohen’s brother, Hunter, has made many an angel face. She was Garyn, a podiatrist in Sandton, headlines of his own. charming. Her family the couple were wed by a marriage According to numerous has a long history at the officer in a simple ceremony in newspaper reports, school, Melissa being her Los Angeles apartment. It after separating from the youngest of four took place, he said, 10 days after his ex-wife, Kathleen, in siblings to come here.” they were introduced by mutual 2015, Hunter struck up Ben Moshe said friends. a romantic relationship Cohen was enriched by Garyn told the SA Jewish Report with Hallie Biden, his her experience in Italy. that his family was still reeling former sister-in-law. She “When Melissa came from the news, and knew very was the widow of his late back from Italy in 2003, little. He said his younger sister brother, Beau Biden, she wrote an article seemed blissfully happy, and the the former Delaware saying that she had couple had wasted no time in tying attorney general, who learnt a lot about respect Melissa Cohen in Namibia in 2015 the knot because they “knew they died tragically of brain and tolerance for all were right for each other”. cancer in 2015. allegedly testing positive for cocaine. until April this year. people, colours, creeds, and kinds.” “It’s not difficult to fall in He is an accomplished lawyer. Describing her as adventurous, Ben Moshe said Cohen was a love with my sister – she is He received his bachelor’s arty, and free spirited, Garyn “creative and talented art student, gorgeous inside and out,” degree from Georgetown said that his sister had who produced beautiful pieces”. Garyn said. University, and then went always been a “champion for After matriculating from KDVP, “Melissa said that she on to attend Yale Law nature conservation and the Cohen started her degree at the believes in love at first School. Hollywood Life, an environment, as well as the University of Johannesburg, sight, and after spending American entertainment underprivileged and people from before moving over to the a weekend together, they website, reports that he is a all walks of life. She is truly Greenside Design Center College decided there was no point partner at Rosemont Seneca remarkable, intelligent, and has a of Design. There, she obtained in delaying the inevitable Partners, and works at a special neshoma [soul].” her Bachelor of Arts in interior and made their relationship New York-based law firm. She is interested in indigenous design in 2007. She developed a official. It’s like a fairytale.” The Biden family has conservation, and spent time passion for interior architecture. Speaking from Los been struck with numerous with the Himba tribe in Namibia But her main passions, Angeles this week, the tragedies over the years. according to her family, ethereal bride, 32, Apart from losing his are nature conservation, who has been married brother, Hunter lost his indigenous conservation, previously, told the SA mother and sister when he animal, and women’s rights, Jewish Report that she was very young. “The moment I met Hunter, with photographs and posts knew Biden was the man Neila Biden, the former I knew he was the person I on her Facebook clearly for her. vice-president’s first wife demonstrating this. “The moment I met and Hunter’s mother, was wanted to share the rest of Melissa’s parents, Zoe and Hunter, I knew he was involved in a car crash in 1972 my life with. We have so Lee Cohen, have declined to the person I wanted which killed her and their much in common.” comment. According to Garyn, to share the rest of daughter, Naomi. Hunter and they are still coming to terms my life with. We have Melissa Cohen Beau were also in the car, but with the news. “It’s very much so much in common. We are so they survived their injuries. Joe a fairytale, all they want is for happy together. I look forward to It is understood that even later married Jill. in 2015. She also worked in India Melissa to be happy, and for there seeing my family in South Africa amid Kathleen and Hunter’s The New York Post’s celebrity looking after children for a while. to be a happy ending.” soon, and to introduce Hunter to acrimonious divorce proceedings, news site, Page Six, reported that When Cohen was in Grade Her new father-in-law is my beautiful family, magnificent Joe Biden and his wife Jill Hunter split from Hallie in April, 11 at King David High School planning to run for president of country, and congregation.” supported Hunter and Hallie’s suggesting that he had only a Victory Park (KDVP), she was the United States in 2020.

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Directions: Follow pointers along Club St into Protrea St into Krans St. 3 2 Web Ref: RL52575 4 3 Web Ref: RL51077 4 3 Web Ref: RL51268 4 3 Web Ref: RL50166 Joel 082 926 0287 | Laureen 083 789 0229 Joel 082 926 0287 | Laureen 083 789 0229 Laureen 083 789 0229 Chrissie Hammer 082 568 0440 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Unions claim ‘the Rothschilds’ control state-owned enterprises TALI FEINBERG family with origins in Germany, says Milton Elders of Zion,” says Shain. that in all SOEs, they are appointed directly Shain, emeritus professor of history and an In his book on the history of anti-Semitism, to serve on the boards or act as advisers and nions protesting against the expert on anti-Semitism. Shain gives another example of this kind of consultants in the shadows. The Rothschilds resignation of South African Airways Five Rothschild sons presided over financial anti-Semitic thinking in South Africa. “In the and their proxies are known globally for being (SAA) Chief Executive Vuyani Jarana establishments in Frankfurt, London, Vienna, 19th century, a Johannesburg correspondent, advocates of privatisation – job security is not Uare threatening to shut down the aviation Paris, and Naples in the early 19th century. JA Hobson, wrote that ‘a ring of Jewish their priority.” industry in South Africa if their demands They played an important role in European international financiers controlled the most The statement went on to say that NUMSA aren’t met. commercial life, but were overtaken in time valuable resources of the South African had recently “confronted both the Eskom A large part of these demands board and its group chief relate to “the Rothschilds” – a Workers affiliated to NUMSA and the SACCA executive, Phakamani Hadebe, term implying the wealthy picket outside SAA headquarters about correspondence from the international banking Jewish Rothschilds which was leaked to family – who they say are the union advising Hadebe on controlling state-owned how to privatise Eskom. We have enterprises (SOEs). no reason to believe that it is not The National Union of true, and what is completely bad Metalworkers of South Africa about this correspondence from (NUMSA) and the South African the Rothschilds is that they were Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) influencing, in a clandestine way, have demanded that SAA board how they should be appointed to members Geoffrey Rothschild, advise Eskom.” Thandeka Mogoduso, Martin “These statements smack of Kingston, and Peter Tshisevhe old-style anti-Semitism,” Shain be dismissed, and that Jarana be says “The use of ‘proxies’ and reinstated. ‘clandestine’ influence in the Rothschild has no ties to statement reinforces this. One the Rothschild banking family. would be naive not to think that Fellow board member, Kingston, this would not resonate with at is executive chair of Rothschild least some readers.” & Co in South Africa, and was previously its by larger banks. Republic’.” According to Shain, “Irrational Says David Saks, the associate director of chief executive. Their success made them the embodiment beliefs about the Jews’ drive to ‘global the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, “We deplore While this firm does belong to the of “Jewish international finance”, and anti- domination’, ‘control’ of the economy, and the this unfortunate slippage into irrational renowned Rothschild family, Kingston is not Semitic conspiracy theories about them have ‘corruption of morals’ can only be labelled as race-tinged conspiracy theorising on the part Jewish and not related to them. But it seems abounded ever since. anti-Semitic.” of NUMSA and SACCA. All representative that Rothschild’s surname and Kingston’s “The Rothschilds are tied into the idea of In their statement, the unions say, “We organisations have a particular responsibility day job are enough to convince the unions Jews embodying usury and money. With the are more than convinced that the current to avoid resorting to nonsensical and that SOEs have somehow been influenced by growth of capitalism, this was a particularly minister of public enterprises, Pravin inflammatory rhetoric that can result only in wealthy Jews. toxic brew which would take its ultimate form Gordhan, has a special relationship with the further confusion and needless division.” The Rothschilds are a prominent banking in the conspiracy theory of the Protocols of the Rothschilds. This is because he clearly ensures Rothschild was unable to comment.

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Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 Send nominations to [email protected] Send nominations to [email protected] 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 Cape Town sheikh calls Zionism “a world cancer” TALI FEINBERG as powerful as you think you are, Donald Trump and every despot and tyrant of the world. Benjamin Netanyahu and “As apartheid was a cancer here, Zionism is a world cancer. your ilk and kind, your time is near. You will also go six feet Ba’l Tefila/Chazan It is going to consume the world. I see Zionism as the major down.” Position available 15 July 2019 in Umhlanga threat in the world today. Benjamin Netanyahu and your ilk In response to the sheikh’s comments, Wendy Kahn, and kind, your time is near. You will also go six feet down.” the national director of the South African Jewish Board of The applicant should be both a These are the words that went around the world via Deputies said, “Religious leaders should promote harmony, competent ba’l Tefila for Shabbatot and Chaggim. the internet on a Middle East Media Research Institute not utilise speech that is divisive and polarising. These Remuneration includes: (MEMRI) video. They were not the words of a despot in statements in no way show a desire for peace building and • Accommodation the Middle East. They came from the mouth of Cape Town resolution of this painful conflict. As South Africans and • Study/University benefit imam Sheikh Abduraghman Alexander, at his mosque in especially South African religious leaders, we would hope • Stipend Gatesville, near Hanover Park on the Cape Flats on 5 June. that messaging be of a constructive nature rather than Sheik Alexander is the co-imam of the Masjudul Mosque. these hate-filled utterances.” He was addressing a large gathering of congregants. Rowan Polovin, the chairperson of the South African All CVs should be sent to His sermon was recorded by MEMRI, an organisation Zionist Federation Cape Council, echoed these sentiments. [email protected] that bridges the language gap between the West, Middle “It is unacceptable that these virulent and vituperative East, and South Asia. It provides timely translations of comments that call for the destruction of the Jewish state Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, and Turkish media, as are made openly in South Africa. This kind of inflammatory well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, language shows the anti-Semitic underbelly of anti-Zionism social, cultural, and religious trends. in this country.” Chai FM Helpline “There is no such thing as the state of Israel. Israel is “I am sorry that this sheikh sees his job as stirring a rogue state. Israel is an illegitimate state,” said Sheik hate. This sounds like a call to war, not a sermon with Alexander. “We need to send our voice to Palestine and tell any solutions for the people he claims to support,” said Rabbi Greg Alexander, who has worked Chai FM will be opening a Helpline towards the end of the year. extensively with Muslim religious leaders Sheikh Abduraghman Alexander to build interfaith bridges between The purpose of the Helpline will be to offer telephonic Muslim and Jewish communities in Cape counselling services given by trained counsellors to anyone Town. experiencing personal or emotional problems. “Has he reached out to any local Jewish or Israeli partners to discuss the Completely confidential and anonymous. problems of the Middle East? Does he have relationships with any of the non- We are looking for volunteers to help offer this much needed governmental organisations in Israel service to the community. and Palestine who are working day and night to create bridges for peace?” Rabbi

Screenshot from MEMRI video All training will be provided. Alexander asked rhetorically. “I understand that this same sheikh Our core values are Respect, Compassion and Patience. has called for interfaith understanding. Call us on 0100210808 and speak to Ann Matthews during office I would want any leader who takes the hours or email us at [email protected] pulpit to discuss Palestine to work through the complexity of the issues, and put HELP US TO HELP OTHERS. solutions on the table. I invite him to come forward with his solutions,” he added. TheSA Jewish Report attempted to Fatah and Hamas, it is time that you come to your senses. speak to Sheik Alexander, but he said he was unwell and Leave aside your political differences. Leave aside striving could not respond to questions. for domination and power, and take into consideration the Sheikh Shuaib Appleby, speaking in his personal capacity, desperate conditions of the whole Palestinian people.” said, “I would like to suggest that, first and foremost, there He continued, “This morning, we pray to Allah: grant is a need for faith leadership to engage each other on the liberation to the Al-Aqsa mosque. Grant liberation to the most contested sacred location in the world [Al-Aqsa/ people of Palestine. With all this turmoil going on, there are the Temple Mount] purely from a religious and spiritual heavy drums of war beating against Iran, stemming from perspective. Mount Moriah, which is known as Temple the so-called superpower of the United States of America. Mount/Al-Aqsa, does hold a sacred place for Jews, Muslims, Come to your senses, all the power that you strive for, and and Christians.” Beth Din reinforces prohibition on rabbis attending Limmud >> Continued from page 1 informed decision,” said Roth. values, and drawing on people from a range of ages and “Limmud trusts in people’s ability to make adult choices Jewish backgrounds,” Roth said. about their Jewish lives. They can hear something and She wondered what the basis was for excluding disagree with it, or choose not to go to a particular session members of the Jewish community from participating if they don’t want to. We encourage debate, and no one is and presenting at a Jewish event. “Surely Jewish values put on a pedestal. Another value of Limmud is having an such as ahavat chinam (unconditional love for one ‘argument for the sake of heaven’. We focus on education another) is something all of us should welcome? Limmud and not polemics, and do not take sides,” she said. SA welcomes people of all backgrounds to learn and In an environment in which many youth feel alienated, build community in a respectful manner. We do not Limmud is one of the spaces that attracts young Jews. endorse any stream or denomination, rather we provide “Last year, we had an equal number of 20 to 40-year- an inclusive platform to expand Jewish horizons and olds as 60 and up! That’s unheard of in any other local enhance Jewish life in South Africa.” Jewish community space. This is a 48-hour weekend of She said Limmud’s doors were always open. “We hope intensive Jewish learning from 08:00 to 01:00 every day. to continue conversations with all parties involved, and With the statistics showing increased disengagement find a way through this impasse. We respect the decision with Judaism, we are proud that Limmud is successfully to not attend just as we respect all those who elect to promoting engagement with Jewish learning and Jewish attend Limmud.” Extraordinary Service | Extraordinary Trust israe l Property Sales | New Projects PROPERTIES Land Sales | Rentals | Investments Property Management by stamelman

Tel + 972 50 446 -9515 | WhatsApp +27 82 608 0168 [email protected] | www.israel-properties.com 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 south african Is confrontation between the JTheewish source of quality content, news andR insightseport We should pull together, US and Iran imminent? here are fears that a confrontation between not apart the United States and Iran could erupt at any DATELINE: moment in the Middle East. MIDDLE EAST e are a small, tight-knit community with many diverse interests, talents, TBy this time next week, Tehran will be producing Paula Slier and strong views. It is this that makes us interesting and helps us to uranium beyond the limits set by the 2015 nuclear punch well above our weight. deal. It’s not a surprise, as the country has been November, and that his Democratic successor will WPut two Jewish people in a room, and you are likely to have two strong and often threatening to partially suspend its commitment restore the Iranian nuclear accord and ease up on opposing opinions. Put 10 in a room, and you will have 10 different views. That’s sanctions. Why then risk everything by striking at the way we are. We are always right … even when we aren’t. to the agreement ever since the US withdrew from It’s always tough to step down and apologise when it becomes obvious that we it last year. American President Donald Trump tankers now? are wrong. But it has to be that we are proved wrong, otherwise we aren’t wrong. repeatedly called it a weak and dangerous deal, Iran is also appealing to the remaining nuclear- Am I right? and he and Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali deal signatories to deliver on promised economic I know this to be true because I, too, find it difficult to admit that I’m wrong Khamenei have again been exchanging barbs online. benefits. One of the damaged tankers belonged to about anything, but it happens. I do my best to do it humbly and with respect, but On Monday, the Pentagon announced that it was Japan, and the attack occurred while the Japanese it’s never easy. preparing to send an additional thousand troops prime minister was in the Iranian capital. Together What am I going on about? to the Middle East for “defensive purposes”. Acting with Germany, whose foreign minister was also in Last week, we got wind of the Beth Din being asked to create a psak (halachic Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan wrote that it was in Tehran recently for talks, the countries are seeking ruling) about Limmud, and its attendance by orthodox rabbis. The idea was response to “reliable, credible intelligence we have a way to get around American sanctions. In this to ensure that rabbis were clear about the fact that they were prohibited from received on hostile behaviour by Iranian forces and respect, too, it doesn’t make sense why Iran would participating – in any way – in Limmud. (See page 1.) their proxy groups that threaten US personnel and want to scupper such political efforts. An old fire from almost a decade ago has now been reignited. I have no idea why interests across the region”. However, there is one more explanation. The attacks the rabbis would rehash a policy from back then that stood, but had long become The latest announcement comes on the heels might have been carried out by one of Iran’s proxies. an unspoken rule. Now, the issue has been of last week’s attacks on two commercial tankers In Yemen, Iran backs Houthi rebels who are at brought back to rub salt into the wound. travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital war with Saudi Arabia over its support of Yemen What’s baffling is that this is playing out in shipping route and major transit route for oil. It President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, a man the South Africa, while orthodox rabbis around was the second the world not only participate in Limmud, attack of its kind Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump but speak at Limmud in their own and other in little more than countries. It’s only here that there seems to be a month. a problem. Gulf countries Having been to Limmud a few times since are tightening taking up editorship of this newspaper, I was security measures pleasantly surprised. First, I got the sense of in order to protect being at mini machaneh for families. And I their oil exports, used to love going to machaneh. and the American I also enjoyed the diversity of the people navy has arrived who attended, from the very religious to to assist them. totally secular, from ultra-orthodox to progressive, from left-wing to far right in While European terms of both Israeli and South African politics. countries remain There were very old participants, some even with walkers, and opinionated split over who’s young adults giving their vital views. In amongst all these adults were children of behind the attack all shapes and sizes running around having fun in total safety. on the tankers, Shabbos was sacrosanct, and while people gave talks throughout Shabbos, Washington is religion was upheld. The food was 100% kosher. We brought in Shabbos, and there convinced Tehran were shul services to suit personal beliefs. is responsible. I also learnt a whole lot while there. I absorbed information on many varied The US military topics that I would never have had access to, especially over one weekend. One released exception would be Sinai Indaba, which is quite different. declassified grainy The point is, everything about Limmud was 100% Jewish, about being Jewish, video it says and for Jews. shows a small Iranian ship sidling up to a damaged Houthis deem a Saudi puppet. The rebels continue It’s possible that orthodox rabbis don’t want to be there, in which case, it’s their tanker, and people on the smaller vessel removing to pound Saudi targets with drones and missiles, personal choice. However, I can’t say that to be a fact, otherwise why would this an unexploded mine from the larger ship’s hull. and have hit targets in the Gulf. In response, Saudi issue have been brought to the Beth Din? US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Tehran Arabia launched a massive missile strike on Houthi- Could it be that there are a number of rabbis who want to go, so it was taken to “is lashing out” because it wants the “successful controlled areas in northern Yemen. the Beth Din to make a ruling one way or another? The strike on the oil tankers might have been a If that’s the case, these are adult men who are respected and learned, and should maximum pressure campaign” being exerted by be able to make such decisions for themselves. They are all aware that whatever Washington lifted. Pompeo is convinced that response by the Houthis to that Saudi attack, but if they do, they do as orthodox rabbis and they cannot – nor would they want to – crippling US sanctions against Iran have pushed its this is the case, it goes against Iran’s policy which is escape that. leaders into a corner. Indeed, Tehran has threatened to neutralise any pretexts for a military clash in the They shouldn’t be prohibited from going. In the same way that a rabbi may want in the past to block the Strait of Hormuz as a form Gulf. The question, therefore, is whether Iran has to do a course of some sort, he goes to that course wearing his rabbinical mantle. of retaliation. It’s as if it is saying that if it cannot full control over all the actions the Houthis take or However, he has free choice in making the decision to go. sell oil in the Gulf, then it will make sure other whether the Houthis behave without orders from Surely, it boils down to rabbis having free choice about what is right for them. countries cannot ship oil through it. Iran? I appreciate that the prohibition is not one that encompasses congregations, and But on the other hand, the nuclear deal that Another possibility is that there could be a rogue I would hate to hear that rabbis are dissuading their congregants from going to Trump hates so much did not collapse when element among the Revolutionary Guards, a branch Limmud. Again, as it is a Jewish event, we all have the right to decide whether we Washington pulled out of it. The “maximum of Iran’s Armed Forces, who want to wreck every want to be there or not. pressure” campaign has so far not forced Iran to possible political negotiation. It could be that while Now, I understand that many orthodox rabbis believe that the combination of change its behaviour or come to the table for new the Iranian leadership seeks out meetings with different religious practices in the Jewish community is watering down the religion, talks. If anything, it has set up a contest between Japanese and German delegations, some guards which is unacceptable to them. And this is taken in an extremely serious light. the leadership of Iran and America that makes could be acting on their own will. However, we are such a small community and apparently getting smaller. Should backing down harder for either side. Tehran’s The Israeli leadership has chosen to keep quiet, we be creating divisions and barriers within our community? Or should we find clerical leadership, for whom continued existence is for the most part, about the latest events. When ways to understand each other, and accept our differences? a priority that looms above all else, cannot be seen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says I know that I believe in the latter. to be giving into US pressure. something, he talks only in general terms about I want to find a way to meet people halfway. You won’t always agree with me, and Tehran’s leaders might also believe that the risk the risk Iran presents. He’s clearly hoping the US I’m going to find something to disagree with you about – no matter what – if I try. of military escalation is one worth taking because administration will continue to pressure Iran but So, how about accepting that, and finding the things we have in common? How of the lack of alternative options. No doubt, they doesn’t want to be accused of being involved in that about agreeing to differ about what we know we will never agree on? are banking on the fact that Trump has stated pressure. I believe that the rabbis behind this situation did not intend to cause dissent or that he doesn’t want war. But still, they insist Trump may flip-flop on many things but the one division. They did this because they believe it to be the right thing to do for the they’re not responsible for the hit on the tankers. constant in his inconsistent foreign policy is his community. I appreciate that, and recognise that they are learned and wise men. Instead, they’ve hinted at the possibility of Saudi position on Iran. But with so many unanswered However, I can’t help but believe that this is divisive, and we need to pull or American provocation. Lending credence to this questions and probable scenarios, it’s not clear together not apart right now. is the fact that some of the most sophisticated what’s really going on. intelligence services in the world have not, at the Should this latest tanker incident be shown to Shabbat Shalom! time of writing, discovered with certainty who have been caused by Tehran, it will require a US carried out the attacks. response. Trump, who insists he wants to avoid Peta Krost Maunder Tehran might also be playing for time in the hope another Middle-East war, is faced with the choice to Editor that Trump will not be re-elected come next year step back or move ahead and risk a confrontation. 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 7 Education should get to grips with Jewish pluralism

opinion jonathan webber ewish identity is definable, and probably other places. history and culture as part of the educational of the classical diaspora always has been definable, in at least two But these are not either/or definitions. On curriculum in Jewish schools or yeshivot, and Orthodox rabbi, we find a quite different ways. the contrary, what characterises Jews, and they still don’t. Why? secular fundamentalism today. For example, JOne of these is the official, traditional probably most societies everywhere, is that The rabbis clearly were not interested in the take the Zionist ideology which offers a definition: Jews are a unified people who have ordinary people believe in both kinds of identity influence of Polish cooking on Jewish food theoretical insistence on the fundamental unity a spiritual mission, a precisely specified set at the same time. habits, even if it was certainly considered and shared destiny of the Jewish people, but of laws and customs, and an attachment to Jewish identity (the unique, official identity), distinctively Jewish for people to enjoy their in practice enables Zionist Jews to hold such Israel, all of which are eternal and can never be in the singular, exists chopped eggs and beliefs while at the same time feeling free to changed. alongside Jewish pickled herrings. ignore those parts of the Jewish community Jewish identity is fixed, stable, coherent, and identities in the But the problem with which they feel they cannot identify. permanent; it has an intrinsic otherness that plural (the range of runs much deeper. Orthodox rabbis, of course, don’t recognise separates it from other cultures. sociocultural realities Even today, Orthodox the whole concept of a non-halachic Jew. On The second approach is what one might call in which Jews actually But what about Israeli education? Jews are still mainly the contrary, for them it is a contradiction in the sociocultural definition: Jewish identity live). Has that caught up too, or are interested in the terms, even if it is also a fact that the Israeli changes all the time because Jews have always It is certainly a practice of their own state does recognise them, at least under certain secular Israelis still astonishingly had to renegotiate their sense of distinctiveness paradox, and the two Jewishness, and know conditions. But throughout the world, especially in the context of the many different languages, kinds of identity may ignorant about other segments next to nothing about in post-Holocaust Eastern Europe, non-halachic cultures, and political environments in which seem to have nothing to of the Jewish world? the actual beliefs and Jews are everywhere, and in the sincere belief they have lived over two thousand years. do with each other, but behaviour of reform that they do belong to the Jewish people, they Jewish identity, in this view, is not fixed. On they are both perfectly Jews or American post- frequently partake in many Jewish community the contrary, it has always been the product real in everyday Jewish life. denominational Jews – and, most interestingly, activities and in some sense may be treated as of the intense interactions with the culture Even in the Bible, the Jewish people are vice versa. members of those communities, if not even of the non-Jewish majority society in which described as argumentative. However, they The awareness of a pluralist Jewish world becoming the majority of such communities. Jews found themselves. Therefore it constantly are also shown to have a strong sense of unity has been growing a great deal during this Hence the reality of the paradox: a belief underwent change as local conditions changed as and when the need arises, for example, at generation, very probably due to the influence both in the idea of a single people with a shared in areas including folklore, music, dance, art, Mount Sinai. of television and the internet; and reform destiny functioning alongside actual Jewish food, dress, and synagogue architecture. Both things are true. G-d says to Jacob, “Pereh rabbis now know more than just a little about communities or sub-communities which Even in Israel, Jewish identity has not ureveh, goi ukehal goyim yihyeh mimeka. [Be Hasidism. But what about Israeli education? specify their own agendas, their own rules, remained static. fruitful and multiply: a nation and a company Has that caught up too, or are secular Israelis and their own definitions of Jewish identity. According to the traditional definition, all of nations shall descend from you].” (Gen. 35: still astonishingly ignorant about other The challenge today is for Jewish education, Jews have inherited minhag avoteihem. This 11). This is a striking phrase, suggesting unity “a segments of the Jewish world? everywhere, to teach a new discourse of means they are members of one people, have nation” and diversity “a company of nations” at Do the huge masses of secular Israelis who sympathy and understanding to embrace the the same identity (or potential identity), and a the same time. have come to live in London, Berlin, or New substantially increased range of Jewish identity shared destiny. My suggestion is that what we see before us York feel a strong sense of cultural curiosity which characterise today’s Jewish world. According to the sociocultural definition, today is nothing new. The contradiction and the about diaspora forms of Judaism, and the range however, Jews are primarily conscious of their paradox, the theory and the practice, have been of local Jewish identities, or are they still stuck • Jonathan Webber is a British anthropologist and local minhag hamakom. This refers to their local with us from the beginning. in a time-warp whereby any form of Jewishness Jewish activist living in Kraków, Poland. community, their local circumstances, and a A number of things become clear once Jewish other than their own secular Israeli identity is of He will be speaking at Limmud Johannesburg host of local features that differentiate them identity is understood in this way. no intrinsic interest? (16-18 August); Limmud Durban (21 August); from local majority society, and Jews living in Diaspora rabbis never included local diaspora Strikingly similar to the religious outlook and Limmud Cape Town (23-25 August). 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Changing of the guard at the board of education JORDAN MOSHE the board felt engineering and received his rabbinic of the Jewish community which it necessary ordination. Prior to his appointment surrounds them, and need to be he South African Board of to appoint as principal, he taught in the King developed constantly.” Jewish Education (SABJE) someone to drive David high schools, and was the With Seeff’s change of position, the is restructuring its executive appropriate board’s director of Jewish Life before search has begun for a new principal Tbody, appointing the principal of King strategic becoming the head of Victory Park for KDVP primary school. David Victory Park (KDVP) Primary, initiatives. “There Primary. Seeff is now completing his Atie says the search could take Rabbi Ricky Seeff, as general director is nobody better masters in Education through Yeshiva between two to three months. to replace Rabbi Craig Kacev. than Rabbi Kacev University. “Rabbi Seeff remains in the school The SABJE announced the to drive them,” Kacev says he has been working environment, and will assist in the appointment last week. Seeff has says Atie. closely with Seeff for some time to recruitment of a replacement,” he been principal of Victory Park Under Kacev’s ensure a smooth Primary for six years. Kacev has been leadership, SABJE transition of general director of the SABJE for the Rabbi Craig Kacev schools have responsibilities. past sixteen years. grown steadily, “Rabbi Seeff has Kacev will be re-deployed in maintaining achieved great a new position on the executive academic things,” he says. from January 2020, overseeing investment in the infrastructure and standards across the board. The “The change is the implementation of strategic educational offerings of our schools, SABJE has expanded its footprint, fitting in light of initiatives aimed at developing the including the establishment of King most recently by opening King David his own personal King David school network. David Ariel remedial school, and Ariel, the first local Jewish remedial growth in the The decision is in line with the teacher development.” school, which is in its second year of SABJE system, SABJE’s vision and goals, says SABJE Atie says these initiatives include operation. both as student chairperson Eli Atie. “The Board’s continuous curriculum advancement, “Rabbi Seeff has been a superstar in and educator.” responsibility is long-term succession and the development of skills relevant his role at Victory Park for some time, Kacev says his planning for the organisation, and to today’s workplace. In addition, and was identified as a long-term new position has Rabbi Ricky Seeff the delivery of key objectives at King they bolster the Jewish and Zionist player suitable for a broader role,” no title as such, David schools,” he says. “Over the ethos of King David schools. says Atie. “This was an opportunity and stresses that past ten years, we’ve made significant To leverage off its investments, to take him into the broader it is neither a environment of all 11 schools.” promotion nor a demotion. “The says. “We will keep people up to date. Seeff matriculated from King 3 300 students in our care are These are big shoes to fill, but we are David Linksfield High School, after foremost, not titles,” he says. “The confident that we will find the right which he completed a degree in schools in our network are the core fit.” Chaya Singer wins trailblazing award haya Singer, the South African to participate in Gauteng Premier David Jewish Board of Deputies’ commemorative Makhura, Chaya Singer, and MEC for Arts and parliamentary and diplomatic ceremonies on public C Culture Mbali Hlope liaison, was awarded a Gauteng holidays. Provincial Government Premier Youth The project offers Excellence and Service Award on Sunday Jewish scholars the evening. opportunity to visit Gauteng Premier David Makhura and locations of historical the MEC for Arts and Culture, Mbali events that changed Hlope, presented her with the award in the course of our the sports, arts, and culture section for country’s history. the South African Jewish Youth National It allows them to Identification Project. hear the eyewitness Singer has co-ordinated the project testimonies of

for the past four years to foster youth survivors and families Ilan Ossendryver Photo: development and social cohesion. It who lost loved ones during apartheid, media. involves encouraging Jewish youth and to engage with government and the “I am honoured to receive this award in recognition of this innovative initiative,” said Singer. “Our goal is to encourage South African Jewish youth to be part of greater nation-building efforts that include a respect for democracy, human rights, and harmonious relations amongst all South Africans.” The identification project started after the 2016 National Anti-Racism Campaign of the arts and culture department, when communities from all over gathered in Sharpeville for Human Rights Day. Singer co-ordinated the presence of Johannesburg Jewish scholars at the event. Since then, they have attended all the commemorative events facilitated by the Gauteng arts and culture department. The aim of the youth excellence award is to celebrate the positive contribution made by people under 35 years old to improve their life and those of others. It recognises inspiring young people whose development has had a significant impact on people and communities in Gauteng. “It’s difficult to foster social cohesion and a sense of nationhood and belonging in a country that still interacts at a distance,” said SAJBD head of communications, Charisse Zeifert. “This initiative bridges the gap between communities which often don’t interact. More importantly, it allows young and old to share in each other’s history, present and future, by commemorating our past.”   2019

NOMINATIONS FOR THE ABSA JEWISH ACHIEVER AWARDS 2019 NOW OPEN Send nominations to [email protected] 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 What we see as the state of our nation As President Cyril Ramaphosa was preparing for his State of the Nation Address that was given on Thursday, the SA Jewish Report asked a selection of influential members of our community to give their views on the state of our nation. Things are getting better In love with South Africa even as they moan Three steps ADRIAN GORE RABBI YOSSI CHAIKIN positivity. After a bad dream, it takes a while to recognise that the shivering and trembling can forward and he economy is weak and people are in difficult I am writing this while sitting on my veranda, end. two steps back circumstances, but we shouldn’t misconstrue this in the dead of winter, under the benevolent True, young people are concerned about being as permanent or inevitable. It will pass. Highveld sun, surrounded by birds chirping in accepted into the faculties of their choice for TWe all suffer from the human trait of “declinism” – the the trees. So, I may be looking at the state of our tertiary education, and about finding suitable conviction that things around us are getting worse, when nation through rose-tinted lenses. jobs thereafter. But on the whole, people are in fact they aren’t. Research shows that this is particularly In truth, the climate and fantastic standard passionately in love with the country, even as true of South Africans. of living are the prime reasons people cite for they complain about the ills of South Africa. We must fight hard to avoid this, especially at this wanting to live in the country I As far as yiddishkeit is concerned, important time. The reality is that across every measure have called home for 33 years. the facilities we have here are that matters – growth, poverty, crime, life expectancy, I arrived in South Africa at unsurpassed in the world for a and more, our country is doing better than before. the beginning of 1986 as a community of our size: shuls, Jewish This is remarkable given the lost decade of the Zuma shaliach, and with the blessing schools, restaurants, shiurim, and administration. It illustrates our country’s substantial of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. To places of learning. We are a tight-knit robustness on one hand, but crucially on the other, the put matters in perspective, community that can overlook our huge inherent potential that year, the queue at the differences when necessary. EDEN PLEIN that can be unleashed immigration desk of the South At a time when anti-Semitism is with positive and good African Consulate General in rising sharply all around the world, we he nation is in a bit of a leadership. New York was short, very short. are fortunate that serious incidents trough. Our new president, Cyril It was just weeks after the have not occurred in South Africa. The election which Ramaphosa, presents that famous Rubicon Speech, and the This is in spite of the fact that the Tsolidified Cyril Ramaphosa opportunity. He is a good, country was in flux and its future uncertain. government doesn’t align itself with Israel, it as the leader of our country wise, and strong man. South Africa has been in transition for decades, hasn’t banned terrorist organisations such as and the African National He needs time to lead. yet through the resilience of its people, we have Hamas and Hezbollah, and some of its members Congress had the potential to Remember also that the come through crisis after crisis. We all know that openly support the Boycott, Divestment, be a peak. The community felt best opportunities avail things could have turned out very differently. Sanctions movement. overwhelmingly optimistic themselves during difficult I like to think that Hashem has a special place In 1990, South Africa was once again in a state about the fulfilment of times, when opportunities in His heart for this blessed country of ours, and of flux. My father-in-law, Rabbi Koppel Bacher, promises to strengthen the and assets are under-priced, and people are distracted. that He keeps a special eye on South Africa. There was then told by the Lubavitcher Rebbe to go economy and streamline My advice is to stay focused, to seek out the positive is no other way to explain how time and time back and tell the South African community that the bureaucracy. However, alongside the negative, and to remember the unique and again, we have not descended into absolute chaos it should not fear as things would be good there as cabinet dissolves before special community we have built. after each period of upheaval. until Moshiach, and thereafter even better. us – perhaps, along with the All of the Jewish leaders I speak to are committed to I gauge the mood in the country to be Amen! economy – it feels like we are building the community into the best it can be – the envy cautiously optimistic. With the elections behind • Rabbi Yossi Chaikin is the rabbi of Oxford Shul, and quickly becoming disillusioned of the Jewish world. us and a cabinet in place, we are emerging from the chairperson of the South African Rabbinical again. • Adrian Gore is Chief Executive of Discovery. a recent nightmare to a period of hope and Association. Continued on page 11>>

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For all enquiries and costings contact our Senior Professional Nurse, FREE ASSESSMENT INCLUDED Danielle at [email protected] or 0861-555-585 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 States can recover – and this one will too ERROL ANSTEY poorest to one of the most successful. These are: a government of meritocracy, where ministers are tates can recover, no matter how bad the appointed for their skills and knowledge; pragmatism, situation. There are many examples of countries where it takes good policies from capitalist and that have recovered from the worst socialist ideology; and Sscenarios in a relatively short period of time. honesty, where corrupt Who would have thought that African states leaders are jailed. like Ethiopia, Burundi, and Rwanda could become When recovery occurs, flourishing nations today? it creates huge benefits There is no doubt that South Africa is on a for everyone, especially a precipice that could go either way. We have been community like ours. at this point before, not only at the last African The president has the National Congress national conference, but under support of the people, even the old regime pre-1994. Each time, we seem to if some of his party’s MPs pull back from disaster. have a different agenda. Let’s The single most pressing issue facing our hope he is strengthened by country today is our catatonic economy, which is that support base to make the failing to halt runaway unemployment, and taxing necessary changes for South to death a dwindling tax base. Africa to recover. South Africa has the natural resources and people to Success is up to us. We need to remain as committed turn it around. Unfortunately, we are now lumbered as ever to the project of building one South Africa for with an administration of many corrupt politicians all. and officials from top to bottom and across all spheres • E rrol Anstey is currently deputy chief whip of the of government. Democratic Alliance in the City of Cape Town. He served We need to follow Singapore’s three principles, for many years on the South African Zionist Federation, which turned its country from one of the world’s and IUA/UCF. Pockets of light in the darkness

SOL COWAN The appointments of the new head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Shamila Batohi, and the head e have come out of ten years of what I refer of prosecutions, Hermione Cronje, are a stroke of to as a dystopian era. We have had the genius on the part of President Ramaphosa. Both breakdown of the process of law, and the individuals come with no baggage, and will carry out sellingW of the state for a mere pottage synonymous their duties without fear or favour. to Esau selling his birthright for a “meal of lentil I believe we will see some high-level prosecutions of stew”. All this took place under the stewardship of individuals implicated at the Zondo Commission, and former President Jacob Zuma and his sycophants and the other commissions of enquiry that are being held. acolytes. As for the country itself, this is a rather more The consequences of this is clear to see. There arduous task. The has been little or no economic growth, complete cabinet itself is a mixed breakdown of all state-owned entities (SOEs), and bunch, but individuals the threat of a downgrade to junk status. There has such as Tito Mboweni, also been a rise of xenophobia, and the deliberate Pravin Gordhan, and promotion of division within society by the usage and Barbara Creecy have promotion of the idea of “white monopoly capital”. proven themselves in However, there were pockets of light amid the the past to be up to the darkness. The courts stood fast against all attempts to task. plunder by various state and non-state actors. The civil service needs Sectors of the media investigated and exposed the to be professionalised, rot. Hats off to them. Various civic organisations such and the main criteria as the Right2Know Campaign (advocating for access for appointments to information and protecting freedom of expression) to posts must be and Corruption Watch applied pressure to have the competency. It is vital to stimulate the economy, and corruption exposed and perpetrators brought to book. formulate policies to attract new investment and The African National Congress (ANC) veterans give certainty to investors in manufacturing, mining, league also played its part in applying pressure on tourism, and agriculture. the ANC in spite of much vilification from various The litmus test in the short term is Eskom. No quarters of the party. matter how many pieces you break Eskom into, you With all this, President Cyril Ramaphosa finds cannot wish away its more than R500-billion debt. It himself in the invidious position of trying to maintain cannot be allowed to fail as it is the bedrock of our unity in the ANC as well as moving the country economy. Certain unpopular decisions are going to forward. have be made regarding SOEs, such as whether we There are definitely forces within the ANC that are need a national carrier. trying to destabilise his leadership and bring back to In conclusion, we must not allow ourselves to put the fore the allies of Zuma. However, as a result of the President Ramaphosa on a pedestal. He is human, and events of the past week, many of these characters have must be judged by the court of opinion, and the court resigned from Parliament, thus weakening the anti- of the land. Ramaphosa faction. • Sol Cowan is an ANC stalwart. Three steps forward and two steps back

>> Continued from page 10 am a born-free/millennial who plans be active. I am disappointed at the state of to dedicate the upcoming years of my As Jews, we need to confront the nation. We might be repeating the life to giving back. However, I would our responsibility to tikkun olam cycle of relying on unkept promises. like the government to give me sound (healing the world), as well as The weather is cold, and rich and evidence for telling so many in our our advantages here, and take an poor alike are tired. The state of the community that I do see a future here. active role in uplifting fellow South nation is simply exhausted with This belief motivates everything I Africans through charity, educational broken promises. This is not to say do. The adoption of this attitude by outreach, and empowerment that there has been no recognisable others in our community would also opportunities. progress, but nationally, it feels as improve matters. Don’t underestimate the role you though our energy has been sapped It’s obvious what the government can play in the flourishing of our from a 25-year celebration dance needs to do to uplift the nation, but precious South Africa. which takes the form of three steps arguably, the more difficult question • Eden Plein is s’ganit mazkira (deputy forward, two steps back. is, what do we do? It’s unrealistic to secretary general) of Habonim Dror I remain devoted to this country. I rely solely on government, we need to Southern Africa. 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 This 94-year-old educator tackles masters degree JORDAN MOSHE career started in 1948 after But, he was soon called to play golf,” he says, “but graduating. I was appointed to a back to continue developing don’t have the money for that. tudying for a masters degree school in Durban for two and a Jewish education in the What else could I do? I chose a in history is a challenge for half years, serving as master of country. masters.” most people, but Isadore the boarding house and the cricket “While I was in England, Kahanovitz resolved to SKahanovitz can’t see why people are coach. Rabbi Isaac Goss sent me do the dissertation degree making a fuss about him doing it at “In 1950, a member of the newly a letter to ask if I knew at the University of South the age of 94. constructed South African Board someone [who could] start Africa by correspondence. But then, Kahanovitz is not your of Jewish Education [SABJE] in a high school,” he recalls. He has spent the past few typical nonagenarian. Johannesburg met to tell me of “I recommended my good weeks reimmersing himself His career as an educator has plans to build a Jewish school. The friend Norman Sandler. He in historical literature and spanned the better part of the challenge was irresistible, and, called me back from Israel, the material he studied in his 20th century, during which time together with Ike Harris, we started and together we built up the BA, and is currently choosing he helped to establish King David King David Primary School in high school which, in a short a research topic. He believes Linksfield. Linksfield in 1951. I was in my early while, became overcrowded.” it will probably be concerned Whereas others his age might 20s at the time.” Together, the pair drove the with Jewish history. spend their retirement playing golf, He says the school had about 30 school forward, investing in it “Jews are too often victims of false historical accounts and he has committed to furthering his students from grades one to six, with an emphasis on Hebrew and Isadore Kahanovitz education. “Much of my retirement him teaching history to the older Jewish identity. accusations,” he says. “I want has been dedicated to various students. “Our project was to build Though they tried to to do research to challenge this. projects,” he says. “The last ended 18 up the school, and await the arrival model it on the school system in the Kahanovitz also received his The acceptance of lies speaks for deep months ago. I had to fill this gap, and of Abe Lipschitz to take over as the United Kingdom, it didn’t always degree in education during this ignorance amongst many nowadays, decided to return to study. I chose headmaster in 1953,” he says. go according to plan. “Norman and time. He then moved on to take up a and this needs to be confronted.” history, my favourite subject, as I “It was tremendously challenging. I thought in our first year that part position as principal of Pretoria Boys He laments that in general, history was struck by how few pupils pursue We used an old bus that travelled all of the uniform should be a straw High School, serving there for 13 is a sadly neglected subject in South history in the upper grades.” over to pick up pupils. Invariably, basher hat,” laughs Kahanovitz. years before retiring at the age of 60. Africa, and an area from which The passion for learning has run it was a problem. I had to ring up “Hell, that was a mistake. What only Kahanovitz spent some time much can be learned, especially by in Kahanovitz’s blood for decades. the city councillor to arrange a city happened at prayers in the morning working at Punt Gesels radio, and at Jews. “We have survived because Born in Johannesburg in 1925, his bus. Our staff was also very small, when the students decided to throw his nephew, Selwyn Kahanovitz’s, of what we have learned from our family moved to Newcastle when he but by the end of the year, we had a them around…” business, but he kept returning past,” he says. “Without history, we was a year old. He was sent to Hillel flourishing school.” Kahanovitz remained at the school to work in education. From 1991, have no foundation that allows us College in Johannesburg as a boarder By the time Lipschitz came, until 1959, moving to Durban to he lent his expertise to various to understand why we have Israel or for two years before enrolling at the school had grown to include assist with founding yet another educational projects in South Africa, who we are as Jews. Jeppe Boys. After earning a BA in more grades, and Kahanovitz was Jewish school, Carmel College. He including a technical college in the “Jews must be knowledgeable in history at what is now the University appointed vice-principal. After recounts, “We started with a few Eastern Cape. general, and Jewish education must of KwaZulu-Natal, he began his serving for two years, he decided to children in 1960, and by 1966, we He did so until quite recently, remain a priority. So many Jewish journey into the realm of education spend time abroad, visiting Israel had our first matric class. We built a when he decided to take up a minds have been recognised for their as a career. and London to conduct research and thriving high school, and always had masters degree in history a few contributions to history. We must Says Kahanovitz, “My teaching travel. excellent results.” weeks ago. “I would have preferred continue to invest in education.”

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Honda Genuine Engine Oil Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 Send nominations to [email protected] HONDA BEDFORDVIEW Tel: 010 593 2866 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 13 The growing trend of the grown-up Batmitzvah

MOIRA SCHNEIDER “Now that they’re older, they really want to deepen their understanding of yiddishkeit.” aren Kallmann celebrated her Batmitzvah in May The women, ranging in age from their early 30s to late at the tender age of 48. She is just one of a number 60s, met every Sunday morning for a year to tackle topics of Cape Town women who have recently chosen to such as belief in G-d, Jewish history, and the Big Bang Kmark this milestone in retrospect – and as adults. Theory, along with analysis of the first chapter of Bereishit. For Kallmann, an independent researcher in A chesed (lovingkindness) component of the course socioeconomics, the seed was planted at the time of her involved decorating the Rosh Hashanah table of the Oranjia daughter’s Batmitzvah two years ago. “We’re a Modern Jewish Child & Youth Centre, as well as engaging in a Orthodox family, and I wasn’t happy with the whole de- challah bake that ensured the children had home-baked emphasis of girls in Judaism,” she says. challah for yom tov (the festival). “So, we had a Batmitzvah at the shul, but later in “The ladies were incredibly dedicated,” Liebenberg reflects. the afternoon, we did a [private] halachic partnership “They were so inspired and motivated to continue learning – minyan* where the Torah service was led by women, and they’ve all asked me when I’m going to do their PhD. my daughter leined (read from the Torah). It was a very “What was beautiful was to see people of different ages inspiring event. A lot of people enjoyed it.” and stages uniting through learning Torah,” she says. “They For her 48th birthday, Kallmann decided to do something were strangers when they met, and they’ve really formed similar, identifying opportunities within the halachic into a group of friends.” partnership minyan where a woman could lead the service, Nicole Sherman didn’t have a Batmitzvah at the age of and allocating those parts to female friends. A “very 12, so when Rebbetzin Liebenberg offered the course, she supportive” male friend performed the parts of the service jumped at the chance. “I guess because I’d missed out when I that could not be led by women. was younger, and I really wanted to do this for myself. I had “We had a mechitzah (partition between men and no idea what I was going to learn,” she says. “I thought we were going to Karen Kallmann reads from do challah baking (which we did) the Torah at her Batmitzvah and visit the mikveh (ritual bath) – which we also did – and learn a little bit. I was more worried that I was going to end up doing a d’var Torah (sermon interpreting text from the Torah) at the end of it. Thank goodness that wasn’t the case!” The course has “absolutely” inspired her to continue learning, “but in topics that I would really be interested in, and something that was more on my level”. Sherman says she now has a better understanding of Jewish history. She also relates, for example, that the group went through the Eshet Chayil (special women), but men and women were leading the service.” tribute to Jewish women) line by line. “I never knew any of She says the halachic acceptability of women reading from that. Now I want to learn more if I can.” the Torah, and leading parts of the service in the presence of Since graduating, she says she feels “like I’ve completed men is “up for debate”. something really amazing with a much deeper meaning. I “When I asked my rabbi, he sought opinions from feel excited that I spent an entire year doing something for other rabbis. The response was that it is halachically fine, myself.” but it isn’t done. It’s not accepted in the mainstream, While she is “very happy” to have her Sundays back, she but it definitely is accepted in many Modern Orthodox would “probably” do a PhD. “You must always carry on communities around the world.” learning – you can never learn enough,” she states. Kallmann stresses that in constructing the private During the course of preparing young girls for Batmitzvah service, she relied on guidelines on partnership minyans in Johannesburg, Adina Roth, Torah scholar, teacher, and (the quorum of ten adults required for religious obligations) clinical psychologist, has also had many mothers tell her published by the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance that they either didn’t have a Batmitzvah, or that it was (JOFA). This alliance aims to expand spiritual, ritual, without meaning for them. They say they wish they’d had intellectual, and political opportunities for women within the “full curriculum” their daughters were experiencing. the framework of halacha, or Jewish law. It inspired Roth to start a course for adult women later “It was wonderful. For someone who’s observant and this year. Roth has, in fact, prepared an 82-year-old woman really wants to connect more, it was empowering,” she for her second Batmitzvah, although she did not have a first reflected on the occasion. “In a way, it was probably better Barmitzvah. “She gave a d’var Torah – it was very beautiful,” than having it as a child because I could do what I wanted.” she remembers. Roth’s Batmitzvah course will span a year, during which 12 biblical women or women from the Talmud are studied, one every month. “It will bring up themes that will allow the women to explore themselves spiritually and “What was beautiful was to see people of psychologically,” she says. “They will also have the option of different ages and stages uniting through leining within a strictly halachic context.” learning Torah ... They were strangers when She agrees that this growing phenomenon demonstrates that adult women are serious about advancing their they met, and they’ve really formed knowledge of Judaism as well as developing their skills and into a group of friends.” wanting a ritual to mark the transition. “After adolescence and marriage, there are very few life-cycle moments that mark our transitions, yet as human beings, we move into In a more traditional vein, Rebbetzin Lee Liebenberg of different phases of our lives all the time,” she says. the Claremont Wynberg Hebrew Congregation, has over the “Without the appropriate rituals, we don’t always have past year been offering Master of Batmitzvah Advancement the support to grow as we might into these next phases. The (MBA) classes to a group of 10 adult women whose course will be about harnessing Jewish texts and Jewish graduation took place recently. This is the first time that learning to help.” something of this sort has taken place in Cape Town. “Over the years, I’ve heard from many women either that * A halachic partnership minyan is a prayer group committed to they never got the opportunity to celebrate a Batmitzvah maintaining halachic standards and practices while including when they were 12 years old, or if they did, it didn’t have women in ritual leadership roles to the fullest extent possible that much resonance for them at the time,” she says. within the boundaries of Jewish law. 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Choosing her own time to die NICOLA MILTZ a result of a organisation, Dignity SA. Davison was this week previous hip sentenced by the Western Cape High Court he late Sonia Goodman, 88, was always replacement. to an effective three-year house arrest after a fiercely independent woman with a She required pleading guilty to the charges of assisting three mind of her own. So, it was no surprise further surgery people who wanted to end their lives. Tto her son and family when the terminally ill and antibiotics The legalisation of the right by terminally grandmother chose to end her life on her own for the rest ill patients to choose when to end their life terms. of her life, conjures up intense ethical and moral debate. In November last year, Goodman, originally something she Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has been a from South Africa and now living in Toronto, did not want. vocal proponent of assisted death. Canada, opted for medical assistance in dying She would In a heartfelt letter to family and friends last (MAID). The practice is illegal in South Africa, have been in month, Sonia’s granddaughter, Sandy Murray, and many parts of the world. persistent pain. revealed an intimate conversation she’d had Her son, David Goodman, 66, who lives “She wanted with Juurlink shortly before he posted his in Johannesburg, told the SA Jewish Report no more tweets. He told her that “at least one person will this week that his late mother did not want surgery,” die differently, and better, because of her”. to endure prolonged suffering, and become a Juurlink “That’s what she wanted. I think she would be burden on her family. tweeted. “Her absolutely thrilled to hear this. I can’t think of a “For as long as I can remember, she made it mind was sharp, better testament to her and her character,” said clear she wanted to die with dignity,” he said. and she was Murray. Now, almost seven months following her clear about “I understand there are sensitivities around passing, Dr David Juurlink, who was with that. Antibiotics this. But this was definitely her story to share, her until her last breath, has shared her final alone weren’t and she wanted that to happen. I am so proud moments and his reflections on her death on going to cure the Sonia Goodman of her and her choice, and so glad she got the Twitter. His posts have since gone viral, being infection; they end she wanted.” read 6.5 million times, according to an email would only supress it.” “I saw her every day after that. Managed sent by the doctor to the family. An even greater concern, going forward, her pain. Listened to her stories … I grew very Juurlink, a Canadian pharmacologist and was her quality of life, or lack thereof. “She fond of her, especially her wit, and clear-eyed Euthanasia from a internal medicine doctor, is head of the clinical foresaw being confined to her apartment, in stoicism,” Juurlink said. pharmacology and toxicology division at pain, struggling with her walker. No more David visited his mother in hospital in halachic perspective Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, walks outside. No trips to the grocery store. No November. He spent time with her and his NICOLA MILTZ Ontario. This was the hospital where Goodman playing bridge with her friends, as she had done devoted nieces (Sonia’s grandchildren living in died. for years. She wasn’t interested in living like Toronto who affectionately called her ‘Yaya’). Jewish tradition and law assigns extraordinary On 18 May, he tweeted, “She gave me explicit that.” There had been numerous emails back and forth value to human life. Saving a life, creating a consent to tweet the details of her case about She insisted that palliative care was not for concerning Goodman’s deteriorating condition. life, and not taking a life are at the very core of four hours before she died. Her hope was that her. At that stage, she was already hospitalised There had also been discussions about MAID. Jewish law, ethics, and morality. someone might benefit from her experience.” and practically bedridden. So, in consultation His mother was still being assessed for What then is the Jewish perspective on According to Juurlink, Goodman experienced with her family and a team of dedicated doctors eligibility by the time he left to return to South euthanasia, medical assistance in dying, or a great deal of pain in her thigh and groin caused and medical practitioners, Goodman opted for Africa. physician-assisted suicide? by an infected and septic pseudo aneurism as MAID. “My mother and I said our goodbyes. She told End-of-life discussion is extremely sensitive me not to come back when she passed away.” and emotional. It is a minefield, say medical About ten days later, on 30 November, David experts and religious leaders. Volumes have Goodman had his last FaceTime chat with his been written on the subject. mother before the two bade each other farewell. Rabbi Yossy Goldman of Sydenham Shul said,

 “She seemed upbeat and happy,” he said. “While Judaism is extremely sensitive to the  An hour later, she passed away with the help pain and suffering of any and every individual, 2019 of medical assistance. this is not permitted by Jewish law.” Medical assistance in dying occurs when Goldman said there was an unfortunate an authorised doctor or nurse provides or misunderstanding about euthanasia or mercy administers medication that intentionally killing, but all these things were “simply taking ENTREPRENEUR AWARD brings about a person’s death, at that person’s a life”. request. “People think they are being kind and Awarded to a Jewish person who has a proven track Goodman slipped away surrounded by loved compassionate, but life and death are in ones, having had her hair done and wearing a Hashem’s hands,” he said. record in entrepreneurial ventures. fresh coat of lipstick. She sipped cognac with “G-d is the author of life and death. G-d some Canada Dry Ginger Ale, and enjoyed her knows everyone’s purpose in life. For us to choice of music by Johann Christian Bach. interfere in His role is arrogant and misguided. Juurlink tweeted, “There were tears, of It may be prompted by the sincere desire to course. All around. But mostly the atmosphere alleviate pain and suffering, but we should try to in the room was one of serenity and gratitude, find alternative ways. and a genuine sense of having done the right “This is not in our realm of understanding, thing. this falls in Hashem’s province alone. We dare “I’m no MAID expert, and I get that some not even begin to take upon ourselves to play people are opposed to it for various reasons. G-d. It’s dangerous.” But I’ve been a doctor for 25 years, and I’ve seen He said it was a slippery slope, and asked enough deaths to know a good one from a bad where we draw the line. one. This was, without exaggeration, the best “If it is subject to human rationalisation, death that I have ever witnessed.” we may well decide to terminate the lives of Medical assistance in dying offers patients, senior citizens who are unproductive by our who may be experiencing intolerable suffering standards.” due to a grievous and incurable medical Goldman said the discussion had a spiritual, condition, the option to end their life with mystical component. “Every soul has a the assistance of a medical practitioner. It is mission on earth. Sometimes we are meant to provided only to legally eligible patients. There experience difficulty in this life, it is part of the is a strict system of safeguards designed to soul’s journey. By ending a person’s life, we protect vulnerable people and support all people may be causing them greater pain and suffering in making an informed decision. prematurely in the world to come. In June 2016, the Canadian government “Our role is to make the patient as legalised MAID in Canada for competent adults. comfortable as possible. Doctors have told me The law sets out specific criteria for eligibility. that there is sufficient medication available to The practice is legal in some countries under assist patients with pain management that will Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 certain circumstances, including Belgium, keep them pain free until they die of natural the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Colombia, causes. Send nominations to [email protected] Switzerland, Germany, Australia, as well as “We must do the best we can for every Washington, Oregon, California, Montana and patient while placing our faith and trust in G-d. Vermont in the United States. Ultimately it is He alone who determines our Cape Town euthanasia advocate, Professor destiny.” Sean Davison, is the founder of right-to-die 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 Zimbabwean woman strives to strengthen Jewish community

TALI FEINBERG This has not put Mhlanga off her plans to revive the Jewish community in Zimbabwe. She attends nesu Bridget Mhlanga is on a mission. shul regularly in Harare, but points out that despite First, she wants to convert to Judaism, and the community being so small, there are still divides second, she wants to build a thriving Jewish along Ashkenazi and Sephardi lines. “What unites us is communityA centre in Zimbabwe. Shabbat. Because there are so few men, we can’t make She greets me with a n enthusiastic “Shalom!” on the a minyan alone. We have to share the men, and we phone from her home in Harare. A qualified lawyer, have alternate services at the Ashkenazi and Sephardi businesswoman, women’s economic empowerment shuls.” expert, public speaker, and government advisor, her She says an elderly man in the community told enthusiasm and dynamism are infectious. her that, “When one person dies, we lose 10% of our Indeed, Mhlanga is anything but ordinary. “I grew community.” up in a Christian home, and since I was a teenager, I Yet she points out: “As Jews, being part of always felt Jewish. It’s strange because I went to an community defines you. Yes, this is an ageing Anglican private school, and I didn’t know anyone community and it’s small, but the people are still who was Jewish. But I just never fitted in, and as I got here, and we can’t discard that. We need to convene older, I started questioning the doctrine,” she says, around something, which is why I am hoping to build a explaining her unusual path. community centre.” With the support of investors and possibly the Israeli government, she hopes to fill vacant land next to the shul with a centre to host events, workshops, festivals, and simchas (celebrations). It will have a kosher restaurant, and accommodation for Jewish businessmen and travellers, especially anyone coming from Israel. There will be a gift shop with memorabilia from Israel, Anesu Bridget Mhlanga which she sees as especially important as most local community members can no longer travel to the country because of their age. Mhlanga even hopes to build a mikveh (ritual bath). She sees the community centre as a way to “keep the lights on”, as it would attract investment and visitors, and support Jews who are still living in the country. In particular, her vision is for it to attract Israeli and South African businessmen to Zimbabwe, where she says there are plenty of opportunities for “It didn’t really occur to me that this could lead growth, investment, and expansion. She also believes towards a conversion – I didn’t know you could! I sort that Zimbabwe and Israel could strengthen and of stumbled upon it. At the age of 30, I knew I needed benefit each other. to contact a rabbi as I wanted to convert.” That was Despite the challenges Zimbabwe has faced, five years ago, and it hasn’t been easy. Mhlanga remains positive. “Part of the Jewish soul “I’ve been trying to get into the South African is to be optimistic – it’s what has kept us going as a conversion programme, but it’s like pulling teeth. I nation. I don’t think my job here is done. I will remain was told to wait until marriage, but it’s a Catch 22, involved in Zimbabwe because I would like for it to be as I know I can’t get married while converting. I’m the country it ought to be.” 36 years old, so it’s a huge sacrifice when it comes to If readers want to support her with the community relationships as I’m not sure if I should try to meet centre, she asks for investment of material resources, someone who is Jewish.” but most importantly, she would like people to visit the Jewish community in Zimbabwe. “We would love support from our sister community in South Africa,” she says. In terms of her conversion, she would like “As Jews, being part of community community members and leaders to make it easier defines you. Yes, this is an ageing for converts to join the fold, and to have a welcoming community and it’s small, but the people attitude. Shortly before this article was published, she was thrilled to confirm: “Rav Hendler who heads are still here, and we can’t discard that.” up conversions in South Africa is currently kindly assisting me with relocation for my conversion.” She would also like the South African Jewish Thankfully, she has the support of a rabbi in the community to play a role in resolving the issue of the United States and friends in South Africa, but she Lemba Jews, who want to be part of klal yisrael (global says, “No one would do this for fun. It’s expensive, and Jewry) but are not recognised by the Beth Din in Israel. leaves me in limbo between two communities. Yet, Mhlanga sees huge potential in Zimbabwe and its my neshama (Jewish soul) will not let me stop until I Jewish community, and believes it can still play a role complete the process. It’s almost like getting a sense on the world stage. “There is so much potential, and of the birth of Judaism, and what it took Avraham to I don’t like to see potential being wasted. Hashem cut ties and follow what he believed in. It’s a strange placed us here to be a light – we need to leave a mark feeling of being in transition, when you are not part of wherever we go. Zimbabwe used to be the breadbasket one or the other.” of Africa, so why should it not be so again?” 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Call to Christians to stand up against anti-Semitism

JORDAN MOSHE Also present were Congress of the People Cardoza-Moore suggested that governments doctrine, or drawing a line in the sand?” (COPE) President Mosiuoa Lekota; Ayellet Black, worldwide are acting contrary to the will of Her words were met with enthusiastic r Laurie Cardoza-Moore, the president the deputy ambassador of Israel in South Africa; their citizens, pushing Israel away when they applause. It was clear that those in attendance of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations and Gavi Sacks, the chairperson of South African should be doing the opposite. The launch of were confident that institutions such as PJTN (PJTN), has called on Christian leaders Friends of Israel. PJTN in South Africa is thus a call to society to would help to amplify the voice of the Christian Dto step-up efforts to combat anti-Semitism. South Africa must rise to the task of make its voice heard. community. Many said anti-Semitism was PJTN is a United States-based organisation that combatting anti-Semitism and the lies spread “We cannot sit by and allow government to at odds with the Judeo-Christian principles seeks to educate about Israel, dictate what is true,” said Cardoza-Moore. “We entrenched in South Africa, and must therefore and advocate Dr Laurie Cardoza-Moore said Cardoza- will stand, and we will speak out. It’s tragic but be addressed. in support of Moore. true that Christians killed Jews in Crusades, The South African chapter of PJTN will host Israel and Jews “You know in pogroms, in the [Spanish] Inquisition, in its inaugural conference on 12 September at worldwide. that this is the Holocaust. Now, we see anti-Semitism on the Mosaïek Teatro in Fairlands, Johannesburg, South African your hour. the rise, unlike anything seen in our lifetime. affording Jews and Christians alike a space to Christians must It’s time to Where is the Church? Is it promoting a false show their support. reclaim their act. What space, Cardoza- happened at Moore said, and the United ‘Everyone is Present’ sees make it clear Nations that groups World history anew such as Boycott Conference Divestments on Racism MATTHEW KROUSE the important arguments that the book makes is Sanctions (BDS) in 2001 in that the past always comes to us via testimonial do not speak for Durban is ocal artist and writer Terry Kurgan’s objects – the family album, the photograph, the them. not what we autobiographical book that begins with her diary, the anecdote, the song. These are small, “It’s time for stand for.” grandparent’s flight from Poland has been everyday forms that we think we understand. you to draw a The threat Llonglisted for an Alan Paton Award for non-fiction. They appear to be self-evident, and we hardly line in the sand, isn’t only It covers her grandparents’ crazy journey to ever look at them twice. South Africa,” she political, it’s Cape Town via Istanbul, Baghdad, and Bombay; “What this book does is teach us how to pay said. “South Africa is a Judeo-Christian nation, religious, she said, pointing to a rapidly rising their complicated personal relationships, attention. It says that if you take these things that and what happened in Durban ends here now. tide of “replacement theology” experienced her discovery of her grandfather’s exquisite you think you know, what you need to do is look We will not allow someone else to dictate what by the Church. This promotes a false narrative handmade journals, and her own journey at them with this extraordinary potential curiosity. we believe about our Jewish brethren or the which aims to remove Jews from the history of backwards to Poland. “It is a book that is asking us to look at these state of Israel.” Christianity and write them off. Everyone is Present is a landmark publication things, and to look at them anew.” Cardoza-Moore was speaking at the launch of “Replacement theology is anti-Semitic. It’s a in the sense that it takes a distinctly 21st century One of the things Kurgan looks at “anew” is the PJTN’s first chapter on the African continent at lie. It suggests that the covenant with the Jews view of a story that bears vague resemblance to computer application Google Street View which Beyachad in Johannesburg on 13 June, where is over. There’s no text in the Bible, and no book others told in the Jewish world. allowed her to examine the exact spot her family she addressed a gathering of local Christian or verse to substantiate this position. Yet it’s Many families have these sagas of flight and inhabited in the town of Bielsko, about 60km leaders. preached and promoted across the West.” arrival. But we tend to conflate facts, overlooking from Krakow, where the Nazis attacked Poland the minutiae of personal relations in favour of in 1939. sweeping conclusions that tie up loose ends, allowing us to maintain

 the social order we’ve  constructed in a new 2019 land. Not so with Kurgan, who is an EUROPCAR WOMEN IN accomplished visual and conceptual LEADERSHIP AWARD artist stationed in Johannesburg. Her Honouring the leadership, impact, achievements, main body of work Photo courtesy Terry Kurgan Terry Photo courtesy success and overall contribution of distinctive Jewish examines images, women in business or in the broader South African and the way that they A photo from Everyone is Present community. throw history back at us. Using mostly vernacular The narrative of her family’s flight from Poland photography, she looks at the way we explain takes on nail-biting proportions. But, it is the who we are, creatively, in ordinary spaces loaded mechanical simplicity of Google Street View, seen with personal significance. in 2013 when Kurgan was doing her research, The award citation tells us that, “If there is that is cause for introspection about the impact truth in the assertion that catharsis is the road of conflict on our daily lives. By tuning into Street to healing, then the annual Alan Paton longlist View, Kurgan found that the building her family reflects a nation imbibing and dispensing some had lived in had not changed substantially in serious mass medicine.” more than 70 years. And, while Kurgan’s memoir, based on looking Reflecting on the mass migration of refugees at family photographs, might not dispense “mass in the present day, Kurgan writes about irony and medicine”, its writing has been an act of healing on the movement of refugees towards the Europe her part. her family once fled from. At the book launch at Johannesburg’s But in the end, it is in evoking her family Holocaust & Genocide Centre late last year, members’ triumphs and disappointments, through Kurgan said that by viewing her late grandfather’s photography, that makes Everyone is Present a photographs and by reflecting on his writing, she triumph of storytelling in a contemporary way. had attempted “some kind of return, some kind of While her grandfather was “living the wrong reparation, some kind of retrieval”. life”, according to Kurgan, he tolerated his Through the book, Kurgan tries to reimagine wife’s infidelity as much as he tolerated change. the drama and dynamics of the Kallir family. Perhaps it is in Kurgan’s mother’s fascination with They were well-to-do, lived in a cosmopolitan fairytales that we find a sad inability to deal with Polish setting. They holidayed for months at the harsh facts a generation down the line famous Zakopane health and holiday resort, with Not so Kurgan herself. The book, like its author, a governess for their children. Here, her devoted comes to the conclusion that there is no one truth grandfather took snapshots of his wife, Tusia, to arrive at when we look back at our lives. She Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 while she had an extra-marital affair. uses the photographic medium to make her point. Isabel Hofmeyr, professor of African Literature “Ultimately, in the same way that memory and Send nominations to [email protected] at the University of the Witwatersrand, and narrative have very unfixed meanings, so too global distinguished professor at New York do photographs,” says Kurgan. “People confuse University, pointed out that the book poses the photographs with truth, with fact. But most question: “How do we inherit the past?” One of photographs are fiction.” 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 17 Memoir makes apartheid activism personal JORDAN MOSHE things I didn’t fully understand,” she says. possible to use another’s material in a “I had no conception of what a hunger personal way,” she says. “I have used my hen both your parents strike was. To a sixteen-year old who mom’s own writing to express myself. It’s are arrested and held for has never gone without lunch, ten days quite hard to take another’s writing and three months without without food is difficult to understand. make it your own.” trial,W and you – a young teenager – “This is really the distant past, and it The inclusion of her mother’s writing have to look after your three younger feels almost like somebody else’s story. adds a personal dimension to a political siblings, you are left with much more There were events after that which were history. “We often come across the idea than a story to tell. much more traumatic. The Rivonia Trial that political people were not effective This was the shock awakening and going into exile were both much bigger parents,” Strasburg says. “But my of Toni Strasburg, the daughter of events. This was just a short time in our mother’s letters show her concern as a activists Rusty and Hilda Bernstein, lives.” parent, and her love for her children.” shortly after a state of emergency was For this reason, Strasburg believes her “This was an ordinary family. declared in South Africa in 1960. book is readable and different. “This is Obviously my family wasn’t ordinary, Strasburg has combined the voices the story of three months in the lives of Mandla Langa and Toni Strasburg at the launch of Holding the Fort: A Family but at the same time, we were. We had of her father and mother with her people during the state of emergency, in Torn Apart a house in Observatory with a pool, we own to give a face to the traumatic particular that of a group of white women in prison While the book’s creation gave her satisfaction, went on holiday, we attended school – all part of a history of apartheid South Africa. In about whom my mother writes,” she says. it was not an exercise in psychological catharsis. normal, white life. It wasn’t all drama.” her book, Holding the Fort: A Family “It’s an easily accessible book, and not a big story. “We dealt with what happened a long time ago,” This duality is ultimately the message her book Torn Apart, she makes the experience I’m not trying to speak about the revolution or she says. “There was a time for that to be dealt with, imparts best. “The message is that you need to of living under a brutal regime suggest that I’m a hero of the struggle. There are and that has passed.” stand up to inequality, but support your family at personal. enough of those, which is why I have pitched this What she has gained from the exercise, however, the same time,” says Strasburg. “ You can’t keep It is a memoir of the author’s differently. The inclusion of other voices, writings, is an understanding that the voices of others can your mouth shut in the face of discrimination, but experiences in South Africa in the and drawings adds to the appeal.” be used to give expression to your own voice. “It’s family always matters as well.” 1960s, pieced together from her own memories and the writings and diary entries of her late parents. Jewish theatre by women, for women Strasburg was in Johannesburg to launch her memoir at Love Books in GILLIAN KLAWANSKY those who are appropriate to the parts. Some heartbreak is involved, Melville on Tuesday. unfortunately.” She told the SA Jewish Report that bservant women rarely have the opportunity to show their talent Yet, what resulted was a highly talented group of singers, actors, and the book’s creation began with her for theatre, dance, and song, but they proved their abilities last dancers. “We’ve also got a wonderful production team including top mother’s death in 2006. week in The Power of Song. managers, choreographers, and musical directors. It’s given those of us “My sister and I came across reams OThis adaptation of the Sound of Music, held at Eden College in who are observant in the production team a chance to express ourselves. of my mom’s diaries after she died, Johannesburg from 13 to 19 June, was an all-woman production for an People are very excited about this production. We’ve had capacity most of which I don’t even want to all-women audience – and it was all-out phenomenal. audiences.” look at,” she says. “The three months “There are many observant women who, because of halachic restraints, Zulberg says the play brought women from all corners of the Jewish which the book cover was a short won’t perform in front of men,” says Linda Zulberg, the brainchild of community together. “Every single part of the community has been period in her life. I read through the production. “Our idea is to ensure an all-female audience, giving involved,” she says. “Amongst the cast, there are people from every them, and found it was a time I [performers] more creative outlets. It religious background. For example, just by chance, each of the remembered.” gives them the opportunity to sing, seven children of the household in the play came from different Strasburg says the diary entries, dance, and act on stage, an opportunity schools – from King David to Hirsch Lyons to Torah Academy to many of which were penned during many thought they’d never have.” Sandton Sinai. It’s really a unity project.” her mother’s incarceration, made it Zulberg, who over the years has “It’s given those of us who The story of a young governess who comes to look after seven clear that she remembered less than written, directed, and produced many are observant in the production wayward children, and fills their home with light and music has she thought she did. Supplementing acclaimed school plays, first conceived team a chance to express entranced audiences for decades. her memories with the text, she of the idea of the Joburg Jewish In this version, the governess is the impetuous Ashira, who integrated the diaries into her own Women’s Theatre a year and a half ago, ourselves. People are very comes from a Jewish seminary. “We decided to do The Sound narrative, adding her father’s writing inspired by similar companies in Israel excited about this production.” of Music because it’s an absolute favourite with everyone,” says at the last minute for a man’s voice. and the United States. Zulberg. “It’s a delightful musical, well-rounded, and the songs It posed considerable challenges. “There are women’s groups doing just are gorgeous. I adapted it to have Jewish relevance, and wrote the “Getting my writing to flow alongside this, and I’ve watched their productions,” says Zulberg. “Both my children words to the additional songs. my mother’s writing – which I who were involved with such groups in America and Israel said to me, ‘If “It’s a difficult musical to do because the demands on the voice are really wanted to showcase – was a you’re going to do it, do it now’. extremely high – it’s only really for sopranos. Baruch Hashem, through challenge,” Strasburg says. “I really “So, a year and a half ago, we did it for the first time with The Fortunate Two. auditions we found our lead, Daniella Winer. She was literally the last wanted to do it for her, because It was like jumping into cold water, but we had an overwhelming response,” person to audition. We were just completely dumbstruck. What a voice! she deserves to have her personal Zulberg says. “For me, this is a project that’s come out of a very full communal “This production has been an amazing experience because everyone experiences shared.” and family life. It’s a wonderful outlet, and I love doing it.” Having now worked together well. They’ve all done it voluntarily, and they’ve all been Her mother’s experiences have completed their second production, the theatre group is flourishing. very committed.” helped Strasburg to better understand Word about the auditions spread throughout the community via shul The play was financed through ticket sales, with additional proceeds her own past. As Strasburg was and WhatsApp groups. donated to the charity DL Link. sixteen at the time, there was much “Many, many people came, and we saw very talented women,” says “Sitting in the lighting box watching this show, I’m already thinking she couldn’t comprehend. “There were Zulberg. “It’s tough, because if you do it by audition, you can take only about what the next play will be.”

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Download our free online bidding App 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Kosher Butcher’s wife gives us a taste of home NIKITA SINGH Her debut cookbook aimed to educate home This is challah made in a pot and cooked over a recipes as they are a reminder of home. “You cooks about meat. “The first book was about fire (especially useful for load-shedding nights). just want that connection… with kosher, and he “Kosher Butcher’s wife”, Sharon Lurie, teaching people. No-one really knew all the cuts The recipe was developed for members of the with South Africa.” whose recipes are a favourite among the of meat there were, and how to cook them,” says community climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The She will launch her cookbook in London in community, launched her third cookbook, Lurie. climbers needed a pot recipe as there wouldn’t September, and possibly in New York later in TA Taste of South Africa with the Kosher Butcher’s “I used to work in the butchery, and obviously be ovens to make challah for Shabbos. “No the year, giving her expat following an authentic Wife, last Wednesday evening at Nussbaums I wouldn’t be allowed all the prime cuts. So, I doubt this was a first for Mount Kilimanjaro,” taste of South African Jewish cuisine. “Wherever Butchery in Glenhazel, Johannesburg. would get what the customers didn’t want, and I says Lurie. you are in the world, may you always enjoy the Lurie combines uniquely South African used to think to myself, ‘How can they ignore all Lurie has a strong following overseas. She tales and tastes of your home, your heritage, flavours with the requirements and traditions these beautiful cuts?’ There’s some delicious cuts believes the expat community appreciates her your traditions, and your culture,” she says. of kosher cooking. She has developed ingenious out there.” ways of using leftovers and modernising Lurie became the butcher’s wife when she traditional recipes. married Ian Lurie 37 years ago. Ian is the Jislaaik ribelicious ribs She explains, “Traditionally, when we make owner of Nussbaums Butchery, which has been Whenever a South African says jislaaik fish balls and fried fish for the Jewish holidays, providing the community with kosher meat for (pronounced “yis-like”), it’s normally said we tend to go a little overboard, ‘just in case four generations. with some sort of surprise. For instance, we don’t have enough!’ So, leftover fried fish is “I always say… G-d knew what he was doing in rugby, if a man scores a try by running always a given.” In the book, Lurie transforms 59 years ago when he put the two of us together from one end of the field to the other leftover fish balls into sweet and tangy “Curried in heaven. He knew how much I love cooking. It avoiding all the other players, that’s Cape Malay fish” for a flavoursome South was the right lid for the pot,” says Lurie. jislaaik. Or, if something tastes delicious, African twist. The new book demonstrates the Lurie family’s you say, “Jislaaik this is good!” Recipes like “Soweto salad with bubbe’s adoration of meat in the chapter, “Let’s meat borscht twist”, “chakalaka corn latkes”, and and eat”. The chapter features drool-worthy Three racks meaty-smoked steakhouse “bobotie fish blintzes” showcase Lurie’s skill in meat recipes from “Jislaaik ribelicious ribs” ribs, cut up individually (about 20 ribs, adapting South African flavours to traditional to “Joburg-style jerk chicken”. Lurie says that each about 12cm long) Jewish dishes. Her recipes are simple and in her home, she’s in charge of the braai. “My • 2 litres cola modern, and her sense of humour shines husband works with meat all day – smoking, • 1 tsp crushed fresh garlic through in her writing. cooking, cutting – so the last thing he feels like • 1 heaped tbsp grated ginger A firm favourite in the Lurie household is doing is repeating that all over again when he • 1 tsp dried chilli flakes that all the ribs are cooked evenly in the cola. “Bobba Shar’s no-bake melktert”. Traditionally, gets home,” says Lurie. 2. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the ribs to a milk tart filling is made with milk, sugar, and If Lurie’s first love is meat, her second is Basting sauce: 1 cup tomato sauce (e.g. All a roasting dish, discarding any cola that hasn’t eggs; but Lurie adds a tin of condensed milk for bread. “If you were to ask my friends what I Gold) or ketchup; ¼ cup hotdog mustard (your already cooked out. a luxurious and decadent twist. could never live without, they would all answer favourite); ¼ cup soy sauce; and ¼ cup smooth 3. To make the basting sauce, mix the tomato Lurie’s first book, Cooking with the Kosher in unison, ‘bread and meat’. I love, live, and apricot jam. sauce or ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and Butcher’s Wife, was published in 2006. “The first breathe bread.” From challah, to bagels, to 1. Wash the ribs well to remove excess salt from apricot jam in a bowl until well combined. book took me 25 years to write,” she says. With potbrood, Lurie loves to bake her own bread. “I the smoking process. Place them in a large Baste the ribs with this mixture, then roast in encouragement from her sister-in-law, Lurie love fresh bread. I love to be able to tear it apart, pot and cover with the cola, garlic, ginger, and the oven, covered, for one hour, turning after worked to condense decades worth of recipes and eat it with layers and layers of… biltong.” chilli flakes. Don’t worry if they are not covered 30 minutes. After an hour, reduce the heat to and cooking notes from her files, and eventually The new book features a never-before-seen completely, as there should be sufficient liquid 160°C and roast for another hour, uncovered, approached Struik publishers. recipe, “Xoliswa’s Ndoyiya’s umbhako challah”. to steam them. Bring to the boil, then reduce until the ribs are dark and crispy. the heat to a simmer, and allow the ribs to cook • Serves 6 for at least 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, swap This recipe is provided courtesy of Sharon Lurie the ribs at the bottom of the pot to the top so and is in her latest cookbook.

  Tribute to communal leader par excellence 2019 JORDAN MOSHE held one afternoon during Pesach just to share the unique experience with colleagues beyond ape Town communal organisations are faith. She was always breaking barriers in issues LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD reeling from the loss of Nilly Baruch, who concerning religion and Israel.” - in honour of Helen Suzman passed away unexpectedly last Thursday Baruch was also involved in the SAZF in Cape Cat the age of 75. Town, serving as a member of the management Baruch, deeply involved in community service, committee for 24 years. Julie Berman, her close Awarded to a Jewish person who has contributed in was admired for her selfless devotion to others and friend and executive director of the Cape Council of an extraordinary manner over a long period of time. her commitment to several Jewish organisations. the SAZF, remembers her as one of the most active Baruch underwent surgery to her ankle on members she knew. Monday last week, and although she seemed to be “Nilly was instrumental wherever she worked,” recovering, collapsed unexpectedly on Thursday. says Berman. “Her heart way exceeded the size She passed away that evening. Her funeral was of her body. She could only think of doing good for held on Sunday at the Jewish others and making their lives cemetery in Pinelands. easier.” An activist for several local The two were friends for Jewish organisations, Baruch’s 21 years. Berman spoke involvement in the community about Baruch’s support of brought her into contact with many communal causes many who recall her fondly. and organisations, within They paint a picture of an and without the Jewish indefatigable woman, who community. She was a major was always elegantly dressed, sponsor of the control room sporting her signature red of the Community Security lipstick and earrings. Organisation, and was “Nilly always went beyond involved in strengthening ties the call of duty,” says Lisa Nilly Baruch with Christian Zionists, forging Sandler, the joint head of ORT strong connections with the Cape Town where Baruch served for about 20 African Christian Democratic Party. years. “She wore many hats in her time. Whether Baruch put others before herself, even after [it was] ORT, the Union of Jewish Women, the suffering a personal loss. The proud mother of South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), Bnot Tzion, three children, she lost her son, Nir, in a motorbike Partnership2Gether, or any other, she always gave accident, but is said to have been unflagging in of herself entirely.” her duty to the community in the aftermath of the Baruch was known for her ability to break down tragedy. Says Berman, “She just kept going. She Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 barriers, shunning all protocol and formality in did all she could to keep herself occupied, and kept reaching out to people from across the religious giving to the community. It was remarkable. Send nominations to [email protected] and ethnic spectrum. Says Sandler, “She always “Like any person, she had her moments,” tried to make a difference in the Nilly way. Berman says. “Still, I would give anything to hear “Her home was always open, and people visiting her talking about her latest project. Though she will from overseas were always there with her and her be sorely missed by the SAZF, this is a loss for the husband, Tzvi. I remember a communal seder she entire community.” 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 19 What the popularity of ‘Shtisel’ tells us about the non-orthodox majority

DANIEL TREIMAN – JTA brother Nuchem to decry unseen but as a painter is scorned by his father – a subject. It is, rather, the show’s context. hostile outsiders. religious scholar with a low regard for any For the entire first season, we do not so ould the builders of New Even Akiva, whose dream of a career arts that are not culinary – but encouraged much as see the inside of a synagogue. But York’s Temple Emanu-El ever by a secular every aspect of the Shtisels’ everyday lives have imagined that their Shtisel has a certain patron, is suffused with Jewishness, from the way congregation’sW sanctuary would one day voyeuristic appeal to keeps the the characters dress to the words they use Jewish viewers be packed to the balconies with thousands nonreligious to the way they greet one another to the of devout followers of a black-hatted world at arm’s blessings they utter before they take a sip orthodox rabbi and his family? length. of water. That was the scene last week when While This is one way in which Shtisel differs the citadel of high reform Judaism Shtisel is a from the recent bumper crop of shows with on Manhattan’s Upper East Side was show about a Jewish protagonists. overtaken by Shtisel-mania. haredi family, The show’s characters inhabit a thick and Fans of the Israeli TV series about the Judaism rich Jewish context. And that is what makes day-to-day dramas of a haredi – that is, is not the the universal human stories at the heart of DY Screening Ad, South Africa, 2019 198mm x 300mm Final.pdf 1 2019/06/14 12:15

ultra-orthodox – family in Jerusalem filled Netflix/Dori Media Photo: show’s Shtisel into a great Jewish drama. the Fifth Avenue synagogue to see the show’s three stars discuss their surprise Netflix-streamed hit. Demand was so intense that the organisers – Emanu-El’s Streicker Center, The Jewish Week Media Group, and UJA-Federation of New York – added a second night when the first quickly sold out. About 4 600 attended over the two nights, according to the event’s sponsors. The first night at Temple Emanu-El, the three “Shtisel” actors – Dov Glickman, who plays family patriarch Shulem Shtisel; Michael Aloni, who plays his son Akiva; and Neta Riskin, who plays daughter Giti – and show producer Dikla Barkai seemed as surprised as anyone at their show’s success, marvelling at the crowd of thousands assembled before them. They recounted their more modest initial expectations for the show. Aloni said Shtisel didn’t exactly have the hallmarks of an international hit: there is no sex or car chases. “We all shared this feeling that we were doing something great that no one would watch,” he said. Yet, this quiet show about private family dramas in Jerusalem’s insular haredi community made a big splash. In Israel, where Shtisel first aired in 2013, its popularity bridged the secular-religious divide. Its two seasons cleaned up at the C Israeli Television Academy awards, while M

TV-less haredi Jews found ways to watch Y avidly and surreptitiously. CM But it wasn’t until Netflix picked up the show in December that Shtisel got a secondMY life as an international sensation. Now, CY there are plans for a third season and alsoCMY for an American version set in Brooklyn. K To what does Shtisel owe its popularity? For starters, it’s just excellent TV: superbly written, well acted, with compelling characters, and rich story lines. There’s also, no doubt, a certain voyeuristic appeal: an opportunity to gaze into a mysterious and cloistered world. For many Jewish viewers, I suspect, curiosity about our haredi kin is a significant part of the show’s attraction. We non-haredi Jews can appreciate that haredim are connected to us, that they are, in some sense, our mishpocha (family). Yet, our connection to the haredi world is attenuated by a profound religious chasm. Shtisel allows us to bridge that divide from the comfort of our couches. That’s because the show’s themes are deeply relatable: love, longing, loss, fidelity, and infidelity, filial and parental responsibility, conformism and rebellion, and dreams, both chased and crushed. Shtisel is fundamentally about its characters’ relationships played out within the confines of their community. The outside world intrudes only sparingly – the American soap operas enjoyed by Shulem’s mother, much to her pious son’s dismay; the overheard roar of a military air show on Israel Independence Day; the “damned evil people”, a phrase invoked by Shulem’s 20 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Manners maketh parenting A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies I am aware that any column I write in which SAJBD staff on the move and in the news I complain about the behaviour of children at s has often been pointed out in this forum, shul will paint me as an old kvetch (persistent INNER VOICE our professional staff make up the engine complainer). And whereas I might be, I need to room of the South African Jewish Board of disclaim the following: Howard Feldman DeputiesA (SAJBD). ABOVE I love the fact that children are in and around It is they who are ultimately responsible for BOARD shul; and I enjoy the fact that they happily play, community is a lesson that goes well beyond the the day-to-day running of the organisation, and Shaun Zagnoev laugh, and make a noise – even if it’s so loud that I shul brocha. for putting all decisions made by the elected lay can’t concentrate on the conversation I’m having. Recently at another shul, a four-year old leadership into action. Their work routinely takes whom the SAJBD partnered to assist cyclone But last week, in a shul that will remain child escaped from the brocha and thankfully, them beyond the confines of the board’s offices, victims. He followed up on relief projects in the nameless for the purposes of this column, it was found in the street by one of the security including to Parliament, and often beyond our areas worst affected, assessed the needs of the made me a bit mad. guards who returned him safely to his parents. country’s borders. This week, three SAJBD staffers communities, and distributed further humanitarian And I don’t blame the kids at all. I blame The parents saw fit to berate the security guard were involved in noteworthy initiatives that helped aid (including water filters, solar lights, pads, and the parents for what is an appalling lack of and the shul security team for not being on the to raise the prestige and profile of our Jewish hygiene kits). parenting. lookout for roaming children. community. We thank all those members of our community This kiddush was a special occasion, which The parents also failed to understand that From 16-18 June, National Director Wendy Kahn whose generous support made it possible for us meant there was biltong, dry wors, and all sorts protecting a shul requires one to stand with took part in the 6th World Jewish Congress National to join our international counterparts in bringing of other goodies. But as soon as kiddush was one’s back to the shul – at most shuls anyway – Community Directors’ Forum in Bucharest, Romania. critically-needed aid to our neighbours during a said, the children surged forward and grabbed as as the threat comes from the outside. This is an annual event for Jewish communal most difficult and traumatic time. much as their filthy little hands were able to. They The “brocha lady” at the shul I was at on professionals from throughout the world to share Last week’s column referred to the board’s role heaped their plates with so much of the “good Shabbat told me that she was lambasted by some experiences and expertise, and forge working in ensuring Jewish participation in events organised stuff” that there was hardly any left for an adult. parents for setting up a coffee station at the back relationships for the future. In 2017, the SAJBD was for national holidays such as in Sharpeville on I witnessed one of these 10-year-old of the hall because of the danger it posed. privileged to co-host this prestigious event in Cape Human Rights Day, Soweto on Youth Day, and pirates weaving through the crowd with his When she queried why the parents were not Town. Tshwane on Heritage Day. This forms part of a booty piled so high, that it was genuinely able to supervise or teach their kids about heat, Also taking place in Bucharest at this time was broader SAJBD initiative to foster youth development quite perplexing. His gleeful expression and she was told that she was not being sensitive to the first International Meeting of Special Envoys and and social cohesion by involving young Jewish evil chuckle, along with smug victorious their needs. Co-ordinators Combating Antisemitism, where the South Africans, particularly school pupils, in national expression, was bone chilling. This is significant because to not teach a child Romanian presidency of the council of the European commemorative ceremonies. For good order’s sake, I don’t blame about the dangers of heat, but rather to choose Union issued a declaration officially affirming its We were most proud and gratified that this the miniature scoundrels at all. They are to guard the hot-water urn, is to disempower commitment to “supporting international initiatives initiative, called the South African Jewish Youth programmed this way. Hard wired to forage. that child. To not teach a young one that there directed at tackling the challenges facing Jewish National Identification Project, earlier this week They hunt and they gather like the uneducated are other people around, all of whom need to communities”. received the Gauteng provincial government’s hillbillies that they are. They cannot differentiate share the food on the table, is to raise selfish, Unlike Kahn, political officer Yanir Grindler’s Premier Youth Excellence and Service Award for between this and the excited collecting of sweets entitled adults. travels took him just across the border to Sports, Arts, and Culture, including Social Cohesion. when they are thrown at someone called up to To shout at a security guard for allowing a Mozambique. Once there, however, he moved Congratulations to the board’s parliamentary liaison, the Torah. Not without their parent’s guidance. little one to run further than you would like is to about considerably, visiting remote parts of the Chaya Singer, for receiving the award, and for the For further clarity, I certainly wouldn’t have deny taking any responsibility or ownership. In country that were especially hard-hit by the cyclone part she played in obtaining this welcome public won any parenting awards when our children none of these cases will a child learn anything. disaster earlier this year. Grindler was joined by recognition for this important aspect of our work. were young. However, I do believe that teaching Shul is a great place to spend a Shabbat representatives of Cadena, a Mexican-based • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, children to be sensitive to the fact that they morning. It’s also a great place to teach children Jewish-headed humanitarian organisation with 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday from 12:00 to 13:00. should be aware of the other people in the how to function in society. This column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies Still rearranging the deckchairs? To an observer, obsessive attention to whether the international Jewish learning  TAKING ISSUE  programme – Limmud – is kosher enough, or 2019 who can sing at the cemetery, is bizarre. Geoff Sifrin And, some people object to the orthodox leaders’ use of European holocaust rhetoric to Fingers are being pointed everywhere following bolster arguments against Israel’s critics rather KIA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD the tragic results of the latest survey of South than exploring whether this dying community African Jewry by the Kaplan Centre for Jewish can be rescued by gathering together its Awarded to a Jewish person who has served the Jewish Studies, a summary of which went out to remaining resources. community with remarkable distinction. community members this week. Examples of this trend were published in Who is to blame for the heartbreaking decline Haaretz in an article about South African Jewry in the numbers of South African Jewry, from on 16 June, in which the South African chief 120 000 in 1970 to 50 000 today? Those who rabbi is quoted as saying that the apartheid say this is not tragic are putting on a brave front accusation against Israel is “on the level of blood or fooling themselves. libels in Europe”. Part of the explanation is that Jews are And, the national chairman of the South leaving the country as part of the broad trend of African Zionist Federation is quoted as saying white people leaving. Between 2013 and 2018, that BDS (the Boycott Divestment Sanctions the white population dropped by 2% to 4.5 movement’s) tactics, which have included million, out of a total population of 57 million. storming events with Israeli guests and Where is the Jewish religious leadership? boycotting stores that carry Israeli products, are Religious leaders are a major influence in how a “Kristallnacht”. Jews see themselves. It would be good if those Historians and pro-Israel quarters find this leaders of whatever rank would do what they trivialisation of the blood libel an insult to Jews could to build bridges and bolster morale, not who were persecuted in its name over centuries. divide. Similarly, the use of the word “Kristallnacht” The iconic Titanic has been a cipher for many in this way, is an insult to Jews who were metaphors of collapse. South African Jewry fits destroyed by it. here. Some may say that the community can Leaders use these analogies irresponsibly, be small, but still vibrant, with active Jewish while the Titanic that was once South African schools and so on. That might be true for now, Jewry quietly begins to list. Rationally analysing but the numbers tell their story. the facts and listening to critical voices would be In ten years’ time, there won’t be 50 000 better than demeaning critics. Jews, but maybe 10 000. Afterwards, as more Jewish leaders are constrained by their old people die and younger ones leave, who positions from expressing personal views knows? openly. They have to stick to the standard line: Within a few years, there will probably be that the community will survive; Jews are loyal Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 no African country with a sizeable Jewish South Africans. community. Most Africans will never meet Alarm bells are ringing; this Titanic is sinking. Send nominations to [email protected] a Jew in their life, and will be left only with In years to come, there may be a reckoning stereotypes from books. about who tried to man the lifeboats and save Many believe the orthodox component of this something, and who let everyone go down as community – the largest – has failed to show the band played on because they wouldn’t sit at necessary leadership. the same tables as other Jews. 21 – 28 June 2019 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 Sewing empowerment Victory Park pre-primary Daddy Liberty reflects builds school with ecobricks on Jerusalem

ihle Ngobese, aka “Big Daddy Liberty”, enthralled the Women’s International Zionist Organisation (WIZO) on 13 June with his love of Israel, Jerusalem, and Sespecially the Torah. Ngobese, the host of Big Daddy Liberty on YouTube, and head of strategic operations at the Institute of Race Relations, appeared at WIZO’s 52-year celebration of Jerusalem, talking about the city’s beauty and relevance as the essence of Jewish spirituality. Ngobese is currently converting to Judaism, and is a passionate advocate for Israel. He also brought a liberal perspective to the future of South Ariane Henneck (UJW exec member), Cimanga Ornella (student), Chido Tsodzo (teacher), and Cindy Kree (executive director) Africa, leading to poignant discussion amongst the audience. A short film on the recapturing of Jerusalem by Israeli forces he Union of Jewish Women (UJW) Sewing was screened. Empowerment Project held its graduation at the UJW’s offices in Johannesburg on 13 June, celebrating Tempowerment and the creation of new skills. The project’s students, many of whom are unemployed, are now able to use a sewing machine and do beadwork. At KDVP Pre-Primary displays their collection of ecobricks the graduation ceremony, they related their experiences on the course, and many were overcome with emotion at the he seniors at King David Pre-Primary School Victory positive change the project had made to their life. Park recently made ecobricks for Ditshego House of The students modelled outfits they had made during the Laughter, a school and place of safety situated in an course, as well as displaying their beaded items. It is difficult Tinformal settlement in Mooiplaas, Centurion. to believe that four months ago, they didn’t even know An ecobrick is a plastic bottle densely packed with a variety how to use a sewing machine. They received a certificate of of non-recyclable waste that can be used for building. It’s an completion, and each student received a non-perishable food exciting way to reduce the amount of waste that lands up on parcel, courtesy of the Lions Club. landfills, and the errant bits and pieces that land up in our The school ultimately aims to equip the unemployed with drains, water-courses, and oceans. the skills to be able to support themselves. Its graduates The children’s outreach project included making goody bags now produce yarmulkas, bags, aprons, tablecloths, and other for all 101 children at Ditshego, which contained a beanie items which can be ordered through the UJW. (woollen hat), toys, and sweets. WIZO’s Yvonne Jawitz, Sihle Ngobese and ChaiFM MD Kathy Kaler Jewish families subsidised to Letters relocate to Pretoria POPE PIUS XII DOESN’T DESERVE BEATIFICATION Readers may be interested to hear that the France’s foremost anti-Semite. Young Jewish families who are willing and able to take an active role in the Pretoria Catholic Church is looking into beatifying Pope In 1939, Pius had written a “secret community are being drawn to live in the city through generous subsidies of accommodation Pius XII. encyclical” against racism, which Pius II seized; and school fees. Pope Pius XI, against the advice of then it was only released by the fine Pope John In an extension of the school-fee subsidy programme, now in its second year, Jewish Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, issued the encyclical XXIII. families living outside of Pretoria willing to relocate are invited to apply for school fee Mit brennender Sorge (With Burning Concern) On 7 April that year, Mussolini invaded subsidies for the 2020 academic year. to be read in all churches, much to Hitler’s Albania. “Not one word from his mouth about The subsidy programme is organised by the Pretoria Jewish Communal Services Trust anger. The encyclical condemned breaches of this bloody Good Friday,” wrote prominent through the Pretoria Council of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies. It is designed the 1933 Reichskonkordat agreement signed French Catholic Emmanuel Mourier. to incentivise young families to move to and take an active part in Pretoria’s close-knit and between the German Reich and the Holy See. Mussolini was encouraged by the report hospitable community, whose numbers are dwindling. Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, soon after of the Swiss papal runcis, who said that Jewish scholars resident in Pretoria at any of the acknowledged Jewish schools in becoming Pius XII, showed that he was to be the atmosphere in the Vatican was like “a Johannesburg are offered partial or full subsidies. Daily transport to and from the schools is very different to his predecessor, which pleased breath of fresh air”. The pope spoke with provided by the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation from its Groenkloof premises - at no charge. Mussolini and Hitler. “much sympathy for fascism and with sincere In addition to school fees, the Young Couples’ Program provides rent-free accommodation One of Pius XII’s first actions was to re- admiration for the Duce”. for such families. establish relations with the right-wing Action It is thus disturbing to hear of an ongoing School fees have become a major financial burden, even in the budgets of well-to-do Française, in response to its leader, Charles process for Pius XII’s beatification; he hardly families. Communal organisations hope that the subsidies will elicit a strong response, Maurras, reversing Pius XI’s ban. Maurras was merits it. – Peter Onesta, Johannesburg and in so doing, help Pretoria’s Jewish community to survive and thrive. For more information, contact Mark Seligman at [email protected]. The closing date for applications for the 2020 academic year is 5 August 2019.

Sunday (23 June) CONVENIENTLY YOURS! • Second Innings hosts Jack Bloom, Democratic Alliance caucus leader in the Gauteng AT provincial legislature, on H ’S the May 2019 elections. W

Time: 09:45 for tea, O 10:30 for speaker. N Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, 2nd Floor, Golden Acres, 85 George Avenue, Sandringham. Cost: R20 Second Innings members; R40 visitors (includes tea/coffee and refreshments). Contact: 011 483 7425. Wednesday (26 June) • Second Innings hosts an outing to the Modderfontein Dynamite Museum, Frans Hoenig House, and the Flamingo shopping centre. Time: Bus departs at 09:30. Venue: Meet the bus in the parking below Golden Acres. Cost: R150, includes bus and guided tours. Book with Ivy Grushkin, Jewel Gold, or Ros Traub. Contact: 011 483 7425. • Join the Women’s International Zionist Organisation (WIZO) every Thursday for a Lunch & Learn shiur with Rabbi Michael Katz. Time: 13:00 at Beyachad, 2 Elray Street, Raedene. T: 011 646 4657 KILLARNEYMALL.CO.ZA Contact: WIZO office: 011 645 2515. *

Killarney Mall-Final Friday Foodie Market 2019-SA Jewish Report Advert-198x130mm.indd 1 2019/05/29 3:48 PM 22 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 Long-distance autobiography befits running legend SAUL KAMIONSKY One of those mountains was a do a mitzvah (good deed). running. I loved it so much, that I to be classed as a legend of the feeling of being restricted by the “I was caught taking out some did too much at certain times.” Comrades alongside fellow five-time erseverance is a trait five times- rules, regulations, and discipline bread to someone who had missed It was this love for running winners Hayward, Newton, and winning Comrades Marathon imposed by the Jewish orphanage. a meal. I felt a mighty clout at the that pushed Mekler on when he Hardy Ballington. “It is a humbling icon Jackie Mekler possesses When he was 13 years old, Mekler back of my head, turned round, and encountered surprising obstacles. experience because these are people Pin abundance. Not only did he win regularly bunked out of the grabbed a pair of hands. It was the In the 1960 Comrades, Mekler was I really looked up to. I used to get this, the world’s largest and oldest institution to go for runs to overcome matron. They expelled me – within cruising to victory and a second their autographs, and there I was ultramarathon, in 1958, 1960, 1963, this feeling. This is how his insatiable 24 hours I was gone.” winners medal when he gashed his ranked with them. Great moments.” 1964 and 1968, he also persisted for appetite for running began. He used this fairly devastating leg on a board placed across a ditch One of the reasons his 45 years in writing his autobiography. “My frustration led me to explore experience as an opportunity to for the runners to cross. The board autobiography has taken 45 years Mekler, who grew up in the Arcadia ways of loosening the shackles of reunite with his father in a boarding caused a painful blow on the leg, to complete is that Mekler is Orphanage in Parktown, completed confinement. The best and easiest house in Berea. from which blood was streaming. an intensely private individual. 11 Comrades and 403 races under way was to start running,” says When Mekler made an early start But, being a person who has While he shared very little of his the standard marathon distance. Mekler. to his Comrades career at the age always pushed his limits, Mekler hardships growing up even with his He also won 14 of the 41 standard He was so canny at of 20, he was prepared. “I started refused to allow this obstacle to closest friends, he poured his soul marathons he contested in South this, he never got running when I was 13, running a thwart him, and he soldiered on onto paper. Africa, Canada, England, Scotland, caught. But, he half mile (0.8km) at the time and to breast the renowned Comrades “When I was 13, I started a diary Greece, and Finland, and 13 of his was eventually gradually building up. By the time I finishing tape in what was then a and recorded all the training and 32 ultra-marathons – including the kicked out ran my first race, I had run about 7 record-breaking time of 5 hours, 56 races I did, how I fared, and how Comrades, Pieter Korkie, and London by the 000 miles (11 265km) in training. minutes, and 32 seconds. I felt. That became volumes and to Brighton. institution “I ran to get fit, and I ran as many Mekler had no one to encourage volumes across the years, and it He set new records at many of even though races as possible, sometimes 10 him or offer him a lift home. “At became the crux of the book,” he these events. He also set world he tried to marathons a year. There was no such times on my training runs, I became says. records on the track for 40 miles thing as scaling down or peaking. I so tired that it surely would have The quality of his running (64km) and 50 miles (80km) running would run 50 miles (80km) on been beneficial to cut short my data is such that Professor Tim against the clock. He is the recipient a Sunday morning, and session or stop altogether. But early Noakes used Mekler’s logbooks of the Spirit of Comrades and Living in the evening I would on, for better or worse, I trained as the cornerstone of his research Legends Awards. do a fast 10 miles myself never to give in, only to drive into distance running. While a Mekler’s newly released (16km),” he says. harder. scientist like Noakes gleaned hard autobiography, Running Alone, “I remember going “But, when I joined Germiston information from them, it is the tells the story of a man with a to the Drakensberg Callies, I found the Morrison stories behind them that feed into fiercely competitive spirit to train. I would run family who were almost like foster the richness of the book. that carried him through before breakfast, parents to me. They encouraged His advice to aspirant Comrades harsh experiences in an era in after breakfast, and and helped me along. As part of the runners is, “if you are driven, work which the first glimmerings do a third run in the Germiston team, I went with Wally hard, enjoy what you do, and are of medical and scientific afternoon. One week, Hayward and Fred Morrison to run able to motivate yourself, you are advances in the sport were I ran 440km. My the London to Brighton race, and good to go”. emerging. It illustrates that biggest downfall and we stayed with Arthur Newton. At the age of 87, Mekler still runs no mountain proved too biggest asset was It was magnificent, a wonderful alone in Cape Town because “no treacherous for Mekler to exactly the same experience.” one is slow enough to keep up with navigate. Jackie Mekler thing – my love for Mekler says he is honoured [him]”.

    2019 2019 HUMANITARIAN AWARD ART, SPORT, SCIENCE - in honour of Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris & CULTURE AWARD Awarded to a Jewish or non-Jewish person who has contributed substantially to the betterment Awarded to a Jewish person who has excelled in any of the lives of the people of South Africa. of these spheres.

Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 Nominations close at 17:00 on 14 July 2019 Send nominations to [email protected] Send nominations to [email protected] www.kia.co.za

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24295 - Facelift Sorento Print Ad Jewish Report 390x265mm FA.indd 1 2019/03/26 09:26 24 SA JEWISH REPORT 21 – 28 June 2019 SA Jewish rugby on the up and up LUKE ALFRED who helped the “Maroon Machine” on of the players. “Ideally, we’d Budapest awaits and supporters. to the 2019 Varsity Cup title a like a Test against Israel next year There is just more than a month According to Elan Sawitsky, ewish rugby in South Africa couple of months ago. as part of our preparation for to go before the departure of the South African team’s head of is flourishing, says Brad This weekend, Cullen Collopy Maccabi the following year,” says #TeamMaccabiSA to the 15th delegation, planning is on track Berger, Maccabi South Africa’s will be sitting on the Sharks Berman. “And we’re definitely European Maccabi Games in to ensure that #TeamMaccabiSA Jdirector of rugby. The system is bench when they travel to aiming for a camp have a successful and slowly producing good young Canberra in Australia for their to bond and get the enjoyable event. “We are players. Also, with the appointment Super Rugby quarter-final against guys together.” taking a large delegation of former University of Cape Town the Brumbies. Collopy, who is All of this which requires a fair coach Kevin Musikanth as King comfortable playing at either represents amount of logistical David Linksfield (KDL) Director of hooker or flank, has shown good a significant planning. We are now rugby, schools like KDL are raising domestic form and, without either improvement from finalising the last details their game after what some might Beast Mtawarira or Phillip van eight years ago, to ensure that our games say have been years of under- der Walt in the touring party, has when rugby for the run efficiently, allowing achievement. cracked the nod in the 27-man Jewish community our athletes to focus on With this in mind, Berger has Sharks squad. was in the doldrums. competing.” thrown down the gauntlet to Such players might ultimately The schools weren’t The games are not only those hoping to make the South be a step or two beyond Maccabi particularly a sporting extravaganza, African Maccabi squad come the structures (indeed, Chait has interested, but a cultural celebration. next games in 2021. “The level is spoken recently about going structures were Running parallel to the getting much better,” says Berger overseas after graduation at the poorly-developed, games in Budapest is the approvingly. “There are some good end of the year), but they do and talent was Jewish Cultural Feast, the players out there, and King David provide others with a template of wasting away. largest Jewish cultural has just put in a high-performance what is possible. Enter Maccabi event in Europe. The centre – its under-18 side have Besides the inspiration these SA Chairperson teams will have a unique also just had a very good season. players provide, the system itself Clifford Garrun and Shabbat dinner at the “We’re going to take sides has become more streamlined. a couple of like- famous Great Synagogue in three age groups – open, Berger monitors every player in minded rugby-fans of Budapest. Otherwise under-19, and under-16 to the the country, just over 60 all told. who didn’t want to Jordan Chait known as the Dohány next games – and I’m hoping that That is whether they play at either see the game they Street Synagogue, the getting into the next Maccabi side of the two main English-speaking loved vanishing Great Synagogue is the is going to be difficult.” universities, Pirates, or College before their eyes. largest in Europe, seating Every sport needs its Rovers, as is the case with the In essence, they started taking the Budapest, Hungary. With a 3 000 people. generational pioneers, and Jewish much-travelled Collopy, who has game seriously, and giving it the delegation of more than 90 “We wish all our participants rugby is no exception. Hacjivah played some of his rugby as far respect they believe it deserves. participants and officials, the best of luck,” says Garrun, the Dayimani, the former Jeppe afield as Barcelona in Spain. “Now we’re looking for the #TeamMaccabiSA will be competing chairperson of Maccabi SA. “We Boys schoolboy and Igbo Jew, A Jewish side now participates community to start taking notice,” in tennis, table-tennis, futsal, trust that the experience will be has played a barnstorming role regularly in the Cape Town Tens, says Berger. “If it knew a bit more swimming, and the half-marathon. rewarding and meaningful, taking in recent seasons. Then there’s and the system is generally more about what was going on, maybe it They will also be joined in Hungary place, as it does, in a city steeped in Jordan Chait, the Maties flyhalf, sensitive to the day-to-day goings- could help a bit more financially.” by a 70-strong party of well-wishers Jewish history.”

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