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CSO needs your help to make a difference as a community organisation. www.csocape.org.za We are grateful for your continuous support VOLUME 37 No 4 MAY 2020 www.cjc.org.za Fundraising for food parcels Creating a platform of giving As the concept The ‘Good Food of lockdown Network’ was due to accelerated into an launch this year. Anna imminent reality, had been working Anna Shevel on it for two years. It was to be an online realised what this marketplace giving would mean for small businesses South Africa. and producers their ow it would impact own affordable, easy Lizo Madinga of Afrika Tikkun and Brad Stern elbow-bump in Mfuleni during the Hthe 11 to 14 million to set up, easy to first week of lockdown South Africans already manage online micro Like many South Africans, Brad (such as Microsoft, DSTV ad Telkom experiencing extreme stores. As COVID-19 Stern of Cape Town tuned into Mobile), and which is dedicated to hunger. She was approached she was President Ramaphosa’s first youth empowerment. The company immediately gripped devastated that her COVID-19 related address to works with the Department of Basic by an urgent call to do something to big dream and all her work and investment would now be the nation on 15 March. Education and has completed more mitigate what was coming. than 600 activations at schools, meaningless. e was particularly struck by the reaching 400 000 learners throughout Anna is, at heart, a food activist. She is passionate about reinventing She soon realised, however, that Hfollowing words of the President’s South Africa. there would be an opportunity to speech: “Those who have resources, the food system and using food as As a result of this work, Brad was reinvent her work if she looked those who are healthy, need to assist a superpower to change the world. already familiar with the government’s for the opportunity. Incredibly, the those who are in need and who are For the last few years, she’s been school feeding scheme (the National experience and technology platform vulnerable.” focused on creating the ‘Good Food School Nutrition Programme) which Network’. A mapped online national she had built to map the food system Brad founded and owns Superiate, provides almost 10 million children resource for connecting the entire for ‘Good Food Network’ led to the a two-year-old marketing agency with a daily school meal. For many, local, organic and ethical food synchronous creation of mapping that specialises in nationwide youth this is the only source of food received system for suppliers and consumers. care to needs for the #OneloveSA marketing for numerous brands for the whole day. Campaign. Click to read more on page 26 Click to read more on page 20 Creating toolkits and Serving 30 000 meals a week

posters to assist the Ladles of Love (Ladles) started as a single soup kitchen in 2014 by Daniele (Danny) Diliberto. community Today, it has rapidly extended its reach and, during the lockdown, provides food for The Cape SAJBD has been involved in numerous feeding schemes all over the Cape. various initiatives leading up to and during the national lockdown, including anny explains, “It started on the basis of the helping a team of experts and communal Dancient Sanskrit word seva, meaning ‘giving of yourself and wanting nothing in return.’ And when I leaders draft and distribute safety learnt of that word back then, I was on a meditation guidelines tailored to the local Jewish course and it very much resonated with me. Long story community. short, our seva that day was to go out and make and During this trying time, a big focus has been serve the homeless a cup of tea. I decided to arrange “our legal research with Tyla Dallas and the a pot of soup because my restaurant at the time was legal subcommittee, whose work has helped the around the corner from where I was doing this course board break down various legislation that came and it just all clicked for me. The learning of the word into play during the lockdown for the community’s seva, how easy it was to cook a pot of soup; I had the education and information. We’ve made various staff, I had the kitchen space and I thought, let me just toolkits and posters available on our website and start, and I never looked back.” our social media platforms, and provided the Before the onset of the pandemic, Ladles had four community with regular COVID-19 updates as kitchens around Cape Town serving soup to homeless the local situation progressed. Our digital Food people. Additionally, it partnered with four schools and Bank campaign in support of JCS has raised over with four other feeding schemes and supplied them with Danny with Thandie Matikinca, Provincial Site R67 000 towards care packages for vulnerable food parcels so that they could continue to feed needy Coordinator for Hope World Wide, Africa members of the Jewish community.” said Board children and keep their own soup kitchens running. Director, Stuart Diamond Click to read more on page 30 2 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 No 5 JUNE 2016 VOLUME 37 No 4 MAY 2020

Regular contributors Features Page 3 Lindy with a why Page 1 and 26 Cans With Purpose fundraises for food parcels Page 4 Community noticeboard Page 1 and 30 Ladles of Love serves 30 000 meals a week Online information hubs Page 1 and 20 #OneLoveSA creates a platform of giving Subscriptions Page 19-20 Daniel Rabinowitz on social isolation Shabbat times Page 32 Kevin Chapman on his new book, Can Do! Page 6 Community Security Organisation (CSO) Lorna Levy’s May Day reflections Page 7 Mensch Page 34 Hillel International lays off 20% staff Page 8-9 Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies Page 10 Friends of the UJC Cape Town eLimmud Page 11 Telfed Page 12-15 SA Zionist Federation (Cape Council) Page 16 Temple Israel Page 17 Jacob Gitlin Library Page 18 Union of Orthodox Synagogues Page 19 SA Jewish Museum 15 Page 20 Family Announcements United Herzlia Schools Page 21 Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School Page 22-23 United Herzlia Schools Page 24 Anton Katz on freedom in the time of Coronavirus Page 25 The Herzlia Foundation Page 27-29 Cape Jewish Seniors Association Page 30 Astra 18 Page 31 Jewish Community Services Page 33 Simcha Page Page 34 Chronic Ads Page 35 Craig Nudelman on love in the time of Corona 27 JCS Food Bank Page 36 Nechama 23 CJC EDITORIAL BOARD CSO emergency Zapper SnapScan Chairman: Lester Hoffman.Ex-officio: Ben- Banking details: number for security and Zion Surdut. Committee: Julie Berman, Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; medical emergencies Geoff Cohen, Stuart Diamond, Kristy Evans, Branch code: 020 909; Acc no: 070 703 493; Barbara Flax, Rael Kaimowitz, Myra Osrin, Acc name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; 24 hours Jonathan Silke. Editor: Lindy Diamond, Acc type: Current rjHD_Q3Z Secretary: Tessa Epstein, Layout: Desrae 086 18 911 18 Saacks, Digital coordinator: Lisa Shapiro

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

By Lindy Diamond, Editor Cape Jewish Chronicle There was a time, a million me she had a tight chest too and it years ago in January 2020, was such a relief, everything is easier when I thought the best way to when you know you aren’t crazy get to know yourself and learn or alone... or that at least if you are and develop as a person was crazy, you’re in good company. through travel, and meeting Then there have been the unexpected new people, and having parts. I wrote in my last column Why experiences outside of the living in interesting times is a blessing world you know. and a curse, “I have a choice; I can focus on my family only and show my ow COVID-19 has me on children that in a crisis we look in, or Nlockdown in my own home, but I can show them through my actions I am still learning and developing. that we always have the option to be I have learned truths about myself kind, to help those who have less than in the past month that have been us, to lead by example and in these validating and illuminating and I’ve interesting times, set the narrative as realised shortcomings that can no the story unfolds.” longer be hidden behind not having enough time. I’m a great future- As I check in now — in a time where thinker, and that skill has come in you can separate your fashion into handy for successfully planning ‘day-pajamas’ and ‘night-pajamas’, ahead, in a time when even a week where I vacillate between periods can seem like too far away to imagine. of calm and periods of sheer panic with my children’s remote learning I’m big on learning through reading schedules — even in the moments of everything there is to know about a anxiety and self discovery, we have subject, and BOY has the internet tried to set our narrative as the story come to the party. Every time I hit unfolds. We have been kind to each refresh there is a new article, or other and ourselves. We have helped report, or opinion or argument around those who are struggling as much as what is happening to us all, and I we can, and consequently felt more am soaking up the verified bits and empowered. We have maintained an scoffing at the rubbish bits like a pro. attitude of positivity, resigned to the I’m not fond of exercise, and in the fact that some things are out of our past, I would blame my busy schedule control and we have worked every away from home for my constant day to learn and develop ourselves. failure to reach 10 000 steps, but I have posted our daily antics onto now I’m very sure it’s not that that’s my personal Instagram page each keeping me from enthusiastically night so that at the end of all this, we jogging on the spot on my astroturf. can see how much we accomplished These are the joys of self-discovery. without leaving the house. It’s already There are also the not-so-joyous so inspiring to look back and see parts. Realising new triggers for what we’ve been fortunate enough anxiety, and acknowledging that I to be able to do. And I’m grateful as am anxious in the first place. Earlier I recognise how much normality my this month I Googled the symptom of privilege affords me. having a tight chest all the time and Celebrate each day that you the first result that came up was ‘is successfully navigate through this my tight chest COVID-19 or anxiety?’ time, and be kind to yourself on the which made me feel better almost days that you don’t, and be kind to immediately, proving that it was the everyone else always. latter… and that I was not alone in feeling this way. Then a friend told Stay safe and #stayhome.

back to contents 4 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 Voluntary subscription now due for 2020 Community Noticeboard R350 We need your support to provide you with your monthly dose eLIMMUD of all that’s been going on in Jewish Cape Town 17 May. See page 10

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CSO needs your help to make a difference as a community organisation. www.csocape.org.za VOLUME 37 No 3 Pesach Edition APRIL 2020 www.cjc.org.za Herzlia AGM We are grateful for your continuous support VOLUME 37 No 2 MARCH 2020 www.cjc.org.za Young Israeli inspires Celebrating Tu B’Shevat Krawitz awarded for decades of Local entrepreneurs make WIZO AGM audience in service to community service to community a business of saving lives nited Jewish Campaign UChairperson Alison Katzeff presents Philip Krawitz with the Gerald Kleinman Award for outstanding service to the UJC 20 May 6pm via Zoom. See page 20 at the Top Donors event held at The Lookout in March. Philip is currently the Chair of the UJC Board of Trustees and sits on many other communal bodies. He has been volunteering Celebrating the official ribbon cutting for their office opening in Austin, Texas in in Jewish communal January are RapidDeploy co-founder and CEO Steve Raucher, SA Ambassador to organisations for over 35 years. the US Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and RapidDeploy co-founder and CTO Brett Meyerowitz. See pages 24 and 25 for more on the Top Donors event In an emergency, every second counts. Born out of the emergency Herzlia and Holy Cross Grade 5 pupils pose with Cape SAJBD director Stuart first responder community in Cape Town, local technology Diamond and Rabbi Emma Gottlieb. company RapidDeploy has captured the world’s attention with Chairs of BZA WIZO Cape Town branches: Leina Sank, Adele Saven, Shelley In celebration of Tu B’Shevat on proper place to eat lunch outside. If World WIZO turns 100 its vision to reduce response times in an emergency and improve Friedman, Janene Currie (Chairman BZA WIZO), Ros Lewenson, Kim Daitsh (for Kim Monday 10 February, the Cape you pass the school at 10am on any responder safety and situational awareness. Wener), Louise Slavin, Beryl Verblun, Rochelle Bloomberg (for Sue Lipschitz), Ashna South African Jewish Board of weekday, you will see them eating Diamond, Cecily Mendelson, Ettie Buch, Temma Gad, Irene Moss and Michelle lunch on the sidewalk of the dead- n 2012 Cape Town native Brett Meyerowitz, co-Founder and RapidDeploy Miller. Kneeling: Barbara Schulman and Liz Campbell. Deputies (Cape SAJBD) teamed CTO, returned from building his career in the UK, where he was the CTO up with one of Herzlia Primary’s end street between the school and I the church. for one of the world’s largest online casinos, to build Africa’s first cloud-native Close to 130 BZA WIZO encouraging talk on improving Grade 5 classes to undertake a volunteer commitment and numbers. retail bank. In 2013 Brett became a volunteer paramedic for the Community members and guests gathered beautification project at Holy Cape SAJBD director Stuart Diamond Security Organisation (CSO) in Cape Town. Brett became increasingly at the Marais Road Shul hall A guest of the SAZF, Asif is head of addressed the group of around the Carmel Coast Regional Council Cross RC Primary in District Six. frustrated with the poor emergency response times due to either antiquated or in early February for the 100 Grade 5 pupils from the two nonexistent dispatch systems. Brett developed the RapidDeploy platform to organisation’s 118th annual on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline. he Cape SAJBD identified a need schools, next to the future playground He drew many parallels between serve the local emergency service community. general meeting. Tto plant trees on the grounds explaining how the mix of orange and the challenges faced by both next to the school that principal lemon trees will one day bear fruit that At the same time that Brett was building his career in the UK, fellow Capetonian uest speaker from Israel, Asif Israeli and South African volunteer Nomthandazo Zweni hopes to soon they can enjoy, and provide shade Steve Raucher followed a similar path by moving to the UK in 1995, spending GIzak, was a breath of fresh organisations, from the perspective call their playground. At the moment, when they break from classes. the next 20 years of his career in the banking sector; he began in technology, air, giving a most interesting and of the younger generation. the pupils of Holy Cross RC have no then to the trading floors of UBS in New York and Credit Suisse and ICAP in London. Steve suffered a personal tragedy in 2006 when his older brother, Continues on page 15 Continues on page 31 See page 44 for more from BZA WIZO Robert ‘Bobby’ Raucher, drowned off the shores of the Cape Town Peninsula. The CJC has collated a bunch of Upon returning to Cape Town in 2015 for a sabbatical, Steve decided to ‘pay Chaiyenu arrive in Cape Town on their SA tour it forward’ and started volunteering at the National Sea Rescue Institute’s Chabad on Campus (NSRI) Station 2 in Bakoven that had recovered his brother’s body almost nine years prior. In February, Chaiyanu brought Each year, when the groups return to a group of seriously ill Israeli Israel, the doctors treating them remark brings students together Continues on page 5 children aged 6-18 years, who are that the children are filled with hope and undergoing challenging cancer excitement, which helps tremendously in their treatment and recovery. In the COVID-19 in our community doable, fun resources, all in one place treatment back home, to spend an words of a parent, “The Hope Tour to amazing 11 days in South Africa. South Africa is a beautiful dream come OVID-19 is fast-moving and our community needs to be responsive his group, made up of children true, a journey that is life-changing for Cand responsible without being alarmist. our special children.” Twho require daily medical and By the time you read this, any information we would have wanted to living assistance, some of whom are in In the past year Chaiyanu has touched share with you in print may be outdated. We have therefore created an wheelchairs, brought their tremendous the lives of close to 800 very ill children information hub on our website, which is being updated as information ruach on their first day in Cape Town to and their families, bringing hope to those that affects the Cape Town Jewish community comes to us. a party set up in their honour, sponsored devastated by cancer. for you to keep kids busy during this by Café Riteve, Gardens Shul, Jacob Please visit the hub often, to stay abreast of how our community is Gitlin Library, SA Jewish Museum, Cape They have a jam-packed, exciting adjusting to best practice, under both the mandate of the government and Town Jewish Community Centre, Cape schedule planned that will be reported suggestion of our communal leadership. Everyone has it in their power to Town Holocaust and Genocide Centre on in the April issue of the Chronicle. do something to flatten the curve. Do your bit to minimise the effect this and King Cake. has on all South Africans. See pages 48 – 49 for more Chabad on Campus Read more at www.cjc.org.za. Find your Jewish Literary Festival Programme inside — see pages 21 – 24 time. Feel free to send suggestions that you come across to [email protected] Banking details: Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; and we will add them to the list! Branch code: 020 909; Account no: 070 703 493; Account name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Account type: Current Visit: http://cjc.org.za/cjc-kids-resource

Please email confirmation of payment to [email protected] and kindly quote your communal number, which you can find on your address label. Please also inform us of any change of address. As information comes in from our communal Cheques to: Cape Jewish Chronicle, P O Box 4176, Cape Town 8000, organisations about COVID-19 and the Credit card: We no longer accept credit card payments over the status of our facilities, we are adding it phone. Please visit our office between 9 and 1 on weekdays. to our COVID-19 hub on our website. If you have information that affects the It’s easy to pay with your phone Cape Town Jewish Community that you would like to share here, please email Zapper SnapScan [email protected]. Visit: http://cjc.org.za/covid19-updates-for-the-ct-jewish-community/

rjHD_Q3Z Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit our website for more information about digital events that may be of interest to our community members. Many of our local Jewish organisations are hosting amazing webinars and you don’t want to miss out! Visit: www.facebook.com/capejewishchronicle

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Shabbat and Yom Tov Times

Date Portion Candle lighting Ends 1 May/7 Iyar Achare/Kedoshim 5.46pm 6.38pm 8 May/14 Iyar Emor 5.40pm 6.33pm 15 May/21 Iyar Behar/Bechukkotai 5.35pm 6.28pm 22 May/28 Iyar Bemidbar 5.31pm 6.24pm 28 May/5 Sivan Shavuot 1st day 5.28pm 29 May/6 Sivan Shavuot 2nd day 5.27pm 6.22pm

N.B. Please note that the times indicated are the earliest times for candle lighting. Please consult your Rabbi. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 5

CENTURY CITY . CAPE TOWN

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL PROFESSIONAL, WARM AND LOVING CARE IN A LUXURY ENVIRONMENT We have been providing professional warm and loving care in a luxury environment since 2007. We aim to ensure that our residents and our patients live each and every day to the best of their potential, according to their individual preferences in a happy and homely environment.

OASIS CARE CENTRE ACCREDITATIONS • Board of Health Funders of South Africa Practice Number 049003 0472670 - for Physical Rehab • Physical Rehab licenced by the Department of Health • Long Term Frail Care licensed by the Department of Social Development • Adult Mental Health licence Alzheimer’s / Dementia care • Member of National Hospital Network • Contracted to Discovery Care Co-ordination Program for Physical Rehab

Lizzie Brynard-Brill - Care Centre Manager Owen Futeran - Care Centre Director

Assisted Living • Physical Rehabilitation • Frail Care • Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care PLEASE CALL Lizzie Brynard-Brill 021 528 7301 • email [email protected] • www.oasiscarecentre.co.za IB1346 VJD

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As the coronavirus spreads across the country, protecting and caring for the Western Cape Jewish community Is our first priority. The CSO feels it necessary to track every case so that the right support and resources can be provided and those individuals and their families can be kept safe.

ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 ARE ENCOURAGED TO FILL IN THE SECURE FORM WHICH CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.CSOCAPE.ORG.ZA/COVID-19

WHY IS CSO CAPE TOWN ASKING FOR THIS INFORMATION?

To check-in with those who need support, and ensure they are making a recovery

To analyse community cases, and ensure the right resources are being deployed to where they are needed most

To protect our medical responders who continue to work on the front lines, and prevent us from inadvertently spreading the virus

If you have already tested positive, we urge you to fill out this form which does not replace any Government processes, but rather is in addition to them. Please be assured that CSO Cape Town is here to support the community during this challenging time.

Please help us help you.

IF YOU HAVE TESTED POSITIVE, PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM ON WWW.CSOCAPE.ORG.ZA/COVID-19 CAPE TOWN

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www.mensch.org.za/covid-19-appeal

mensch network Jewish South African Change-makers leapt into action ramping up their usual organisations activities, pivoting to focus their efforts, and creating new collaborations to best & individuals respond to the urgent needs highlighted by the virus outbreak. corona virus Below are just a few organisations, projects and people Mensch is proud to work with, support and promote during this unprecedented time. There are sure response to be many others we have not mentioned here - Kol ha’kavod to you all!

nashua childrens foundation food afrika tikkun cans with purpose H18 foundation ikamva labantu corona care ikhayalami union of jewish women souper troopers danielle klaff onelovesa sa harvest & many, many Mensch Network members Souper Troopers have raised over R120,000 and collaborated with more more! than 40 organisations to deliver food to the homeless and vulnerable township communities.

health afrika tikkun aquabody jedi tedi cadena sa cape town together dr Andrea mendelsolhn gauteng together h18 foundation the counselling hub and many, many more! Mensch Network members Cadena South Africa volunteers have been making and distributing non-surgical masks to densely populated high risk communities in Gauteng. shelter and community-building cape town together gauteng together onelovesa ikhayalami and many, many more!

Mensch and Ikhayalami have raised over R89,000 in donations to build 12 new shacks via Project Bayit.

the mensch vision: Jewish South Africans co-creating positive social change for all #inittogether

back to contents 8 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020

KEEPING IT REAL COVID-19 fears are a breeding ground for intolerance

By Tyla Dallas (Legal Researcher at Cape SAJBD) Staying in The Cape SAJBD welcomes our new legal race and ethnicity researcher, Tyla Dallas to the team. She must sensitise us the present, recently completed her postgraduate LLB to those who suffer degree, and in her internship she hopes inequalities and growing to gain experience in the legal field and intolerance today. NGO space. Whilst some, such as President Donald through the he preamble to our constitution promises equality Trump, may refer and unity for all South Africans, whilst Section 9 T to the Coronavirus crisis prohibits unfair discrimination based on — inter alia as “the Chinese — race, religion and ethnicity. It mirrors the position virus”, and others of the international community, as expressed in Stuart Diamond, Executive Director, classify it as a “white instruments such as the International Convention on Cape SAJBD man’s disease”, we the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination. must be mindful not Tyla Dallas, new legal The 55th Mayor of Chicago, Rahm researcher at Cape SAJBD Manuel, is famously quoted as saying As we globally adjust to our new state of normality to associate this “You never want a serious crisis to go under this 21-day lockdown, let us not forget the global pandemic to waste. And what I mean by that is reason we have national and international legislative with one specific race or ethnicity. This rhetoric left unmanaged, will perpetuate a stigma that may an opportunity to do things that you instruments promoting equality and freedom for all, whilst simultaneously prohibiting intolerance and instigate violent acts of discrimination — as currently thought you could not do before.” discrimination. seen in the US towards members of the Asian- American community. he world of communal life is changing, and Whether we look at the gross human atrocities Tthe question we need to ask ourselves committed in Germany under the Nationalist Socialist Instead of laying blame to an ethnic group or race, is whether we as a community will use this regime, or those committed in South Africa under the let us recognise that this is a global fight. This is a opportunity to assess ourselves, and assess Apartheid rule of law, we can see that discrimination time to band together, to pray and to be considerate. what we want from our communal leaders manifests itself in different ways at different times. While we are told to ‘not shake hands’ and ‘stay one and professionals and use this to improve and metre away from others’, do not forget unity and develop resilience as best we can or whether Now, collectively, there is a fear consuming us. Fear compassion. While we are told to ‘stay inside our we will let this crisis go to waste. for our families, our businesses and our futures. Fear homes’ and practice ‘social distancing’, do not stop for our country, for all the healthcare workers on the caring about your community. At the Cape Board we are using these moments frontline and for what will become of our increasingly to unpack what we do, how we do it and how we vulnerable public healthcare system. As Nelson Mandela said, “May your choices reflect want to serve. This period continues to be one your hopes, (and) not your fears.” of growth as communal organisations break out Fear is too often a breeding ground for intolerance, of their silos to cross pollenate and best serve as people desperately find someone or something I hope that when we do overcome this virus, and we our constituents. to blame. The Holocaust and Apartheid regime start to integrate into our community once more, that are only two events that demonstrate just how far we remember our past to promote a truly united and For some in our community, thoughts are racism, discrimination and intolerance can go. democratic South Africa that ‘belongs to all who live focussed in the past with feelings of longing in it.’ and regret. Others look to the future with Our collective experience as members of a group anxiety and fear, but what COVID-19 demands historically persecuted because of our religion, Stay safe, stay healthy and be kind to one another. is that we remain in the present and act with focus and resolve. It is through being present that I believe we can really focus on the short term planning we require through this crisis: Campaign for JCS’ Food Bank raises R67 000 • Purpose: What are we trying to do, why are we trying to do it, who are we doing it for? By Mathilde Myburgh • Picture: What will success look like in the time A Kosher food drive started during Purim As the decision was made to close the office and frame we can envision? to support the Jewish Community Services’ continue our functions at home, the JCS food drive became a digital campaign, appealing for either food • Plan: What is our plan for doing that? (JCS) Food Bank transformed into a weeks- long online campaign. donations to then-still-open shul offices or donations • Part to play: What are the roles and via SnapScan. responsibilities of everyone on the team, n 9 March, the Cape SAJBD first appealed to community organisations and social media While the campaign will continue digitally, the Cape where are the interconnects and who has the O SAJBD has raised R67 000 to date through the accountability for what? to help the JCS ‘foodraise’. At the time, the appeal was to do Matanot Laevyonim (‘Give to the needy’) generosity of the Cape Jewish community, not to Planning for the end game when each day feels as a Purim tradition. Collection boxes were made mention the Kosher food contributed by individuals. so unpredictable will not allow us to see this available in the Cape SAJBD office as well as in The total was raised through 32 SnapScan donations through to the finish line. I know that when Rosh schools and shul offices. The collection would aid and eight donations via EFT. The biggest single Hashanah 5785 comes, I want to be able to say JCS in preparing care packages for over 300 Jewish donation was R18 000 and the average donation that I did not let this crisis go to waste. I want families in March. Little did we know that within a was R1 560. to be able to say that I was present to assist week, Jewish schools would close, shuls would be Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts to those those who needed me, I was kind even when limited in their services and our community would who supported this campaign and will continue to being kind was hard to do, and I helped develop need guidance as COVID-19 cases were detected do so. It is your generosity and compassion that will a resilient community that is now better placed in Cape Town. ensure care for Jewish families in need during this to deal with any future crisis. tumultuous time.

Cape Jewish Board of Deputies capesajbd www.capesajbd.org

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 9

Jonny Steinberg offers Announcement following insight over breakfast Special General Meeting

By Mathilde Myburgh By Stuart Diamond

Cape SAJBD director Stuart Diamond presents Jonny Steinberg with a book in recognition of the important conversation tabled On Thursday morning 12 March, the Cape SAJBD presented a talk by Jonny Steinberg, as breakfast was served at Café Riteve in Gardens. A delicious hot and cold, sweet and savoury breakfast buffet was made available. he talk was well attended by members of the community, astute business people Tand board members. The event was meant to lead up to the Jewish Literary Festival, which has since been postponed. Jonny shared with his audience insight into possible options for President Cyril Ramaphosa in his next few years leading the country. Steinberg praised some of President Ramaphosa’s decisions as well as discussing shortcomings and Chairperson Rael Kaimowitz takes attendees through new opportunities. constitution and electoral process. On 16 February 2020, the Cape SAJBD hosted a Food parcels support our refugee special general meeting to seek approval from its affiliates for its new constitution. Chairperson Rael communities during lockdown Kaimowitz took the delegates through the new constitution and electoral document. The 52 voting By Mathilde Myburgh delegates voted on the following resolution: SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO. 001-2020 SPECIAL From one minority RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION community to another, the Cape 1. RESOLVED AND AGREED TO amend the clause 10.2g) in SAJBD supported the circulated proposed new constitution, reading as follows: refugee Burundian, “Successful applicant’s details must be forwarded to the SAJBD”, to be changed to read as: “Successful applicant’s Congolese details must be forwarded to the SAJBD for acceptance.” and Rwandan communities with It was passed by a unanimous decision by a show of hands of food parcels in 52 in favour. April to see them SPECIAL RESOLUTION NO. 002-2020 SPECIAL through the RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A NEW CONSTITUTION OF THE national lockdown. SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES (CAPE COUNCIL) saiah Mombilo of the ICongolese Civil Society 1. RESOLVED in accordance with Par 29 of the constitution (CCS) with pride and adopted on 10 August 2004 and as amended on 18 July thanks reported that Isaiah Mombilo of CCS (middle) with two volunteers who helped 2013 together with Special Resolution 001-2020, to adopt, in him distribute the donated food parcels. the R5 000 donation full, a new constitution of the South African Jewish Board of meant a week’s stock of some in our community, where there would Deputies (Cape Council). food could be distributed to 25 families in be nothing to eat tonight, we got to work It was passed by a unanimous decision by a show of hands of the community. distributing the parcels that same day,” he 51 in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention. said, the CCS distributing to families in “I lack words in how to thank you, Stuart, Woodstock, Salt River, Brooklyn, Wynberg, On 29 March, the matter of the Cape Constitution was tabled at and the Jewish community,” he wrote. Grassy Park and Retreat. a South African Jewish Board of Deputies National Executive On 17 April, the CCS received 25 Council Meeting and passed. Aside from challenges with affording food parcels delivered by Pick n Pay groceries, Isaiah noted that many of the Thanks to the constitution committee, lay, and professional Gardens Centre. families they visited were challenged in leadership for their time and effort, and our affiliates “Knowing how urgent the situation is for making rent in April. for attending.

Cape Jewish Board of Deputies capesajbd www.capesajbd.org

back to contents 10 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 TTrriibbuuttee TToo AA LLeeggeenndd S O L K E R Z N E R | 1 9 3 5 - 2 0 2 0

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Sol Kerzner, a true legend in his industry, an entrepreneur of the highest order, family man, friend and philanthropist.

Sol became one of the first Patrons of the Friends of the UJC Cape Town some 11 years ago.

He supported the vision of the Friends and ensured our Community was on his annual list of beneficiaries.

We will miss his mischievous smile, his larger than life presence and his participation at our annual events.

We wish Andrea, Beverly, Brandon, Chantal and the entire family sincere condolences.

We remember Sol with respect and gratitude for the life he lived. He will be missed.

?

We are excited to launch an opportunity for our Limmud community to learn and engage with some of our most favourite and beloved international and local presenters and to connect with each other online, in full Limmud style. eLimmud

? Sunday 17 May 2020 ?

South Africa

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 11 SA community rallies to support the elderly

We watched with dread as an came to her aid. ‘The volunteers Telfed organised international pandemic crept closer were so kind and helpful,’ said Mira. ‘I am so to home. grateful to everyone.’ Another tenant added that ‘although this is an incredibly frightening time, rom the outset, guidelines issued by the we feel blessed to be in the Telfed building, we FMinistry of Health mandated that citizens have such amazing, supportive neighbours.’ over 60 and the immunocompromised, the most vulnerable, remain at We have been inundated home. In true Israeli style, South African Olim in all with requests for assistance. In one case, Telfed’s social our huge extended family walks of life have, each rallied to support the elderly. worker received a desperate South African Olim in all in their own capacity, call from a couple in their 70s walks of life have, each in stepped up — groceries whose bank account had been their own capacity, stepped have been delivered, frozen. Unable to meet with the up — groceries have been medications have been bank manager in person, or to delivered, medications have solve the issue over the phone purchased, documents with their basic Hebrew, our been purchased, documents have been translated and have been translated and social worker mediated with countless phone calls have countless phone calls have the bank, ensuring the couple been made. been made. had the ability to pay their rent and purchase food. Telfed’s student volunteers, PRAS scholarship recipients who volunteer The Telfed Tiyul Team has provided much- with the elderly and new Olim, have continued needed comic relief with new ‘tours’ where their regular ‘meetings’ with their clients by they recommend pacing the corridors. New phone or video calls. They have assisted with Olim who have gone straight into quarantine online shopping, given crash courses on how have received welcome meals from Telfed’s to access a multitude of online resources and, countrywide network of regional volunteers. most importantly, they have offered company Telfed’s employment department has offered during these quieter times. free online webinars and, together with volunteers, have assisted with applications for Tenants in Telfed’s buildings, many of them new unemployment grants. to Israel, have their own network of support — their neighbours. Mira was unable to purchase We often speak of the importance of being part medication upon her return to Israel due to the of a strong and dynamic community of Olim in required two-week quarantine. She contacted Israel and in times of crisis, our very big Olim A Telfed PRAS scholarship recipient does a pre-Pesach Telfed’s property manager and her neighbours family surpasses expectations. grocery shop for an elderly Oleh in quarantine in Jerusalem.

back to contents 12 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020

Unity through adversity

time when here, in the State of Israel, people. If not now, when? technology and beyond. Israel is a VIEW FROM THE CHAIR we are burying our dead simply, country that we can and should look My fellow Israeli citizens, once I was holding weddings without guests, to during times of trouble. a young man and now I am old. As closing yeshivot and synagogues, a child I personally experienced the At the time of writing, we find schools and universities; in these siege of Jerusalem. As a people ourselves in a dire situation. South moments of crisis, we must also By Esta Levitas, and as a nation, we have known the Africa is on lockdown and this learn the art of obedience. To follow Chairman, SAZF most severe moments of existential invisible enemy named Corona is the instructions of the Ministry of Cape Council threat, and we beat them. I have no spreading across the globe like a Health, to follow the instructions doubt in my heart that today, too, if plague, leaving sickness and death of the government, to follow the we hold fast to public and personal in its wake. I don’t know what our For my View from the Chair instructions of the emergency and responsibility and to the mutual reality will be when this goes to print, this month, I would like to rescue forces. Even if we criticize the obligations we have to each other, we but the call from President Rivlin instructions, and even if we think they share some of President Rivlin’s can beat this. to put our differences aside and are wrong, we must listen to them words from his address to work for the common good is a call and carry them out. We will overcome and will come out of the nation of Israel at the end we should heed at all times. In the this stronger. Take care of yourselves of March. And yet, despite the deep fissure Psalms, HaShem reminds us that and of those around you. where there is unity, He commands ven though his speech was made between the camps and despite a blessing (Psalm 133). Whether over a month ago, his words the ferocious rhetoric between the God bless you” E sides, I know that the vast majority of we are fighting Corona or not, may remain important and are words Israel is a tiny country that has against Israel’s leadership, from left and from we always seek to be families that that we in South Africa can take all odds continued to grow and right, knows that it is the duty of every are united, a community that is encouragement and inspiration from. flourish. Despite constant adversity, one of us to obey the rulings of the united and a country that is united Israel has been determined to love “We are in complex and difficult times courts, and that it is inconceivable for in this unity we will be blessed, life and make positive contributions for Israel’s leaders, Israeli society and that anyone would not do so. Join we will overcome and we will grow to the world through medicine, as part of the family of nations. At a together for the good of the Israeli and flourish.

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

An Israeli Christian Arab speaks up for Israel

We in South Africa were most Cape Town. In Johannesburg, he strides he is making as he works to fortunate to have Yoseph conducted several interviews with promote dialogue and stands up for Haddad visit our different media outlets and was also the truth. A robust Q&A also took shores recently. a guest at an event organised by place where Yoseph received and Africans for Peace. He addressed a answered various questions during oseph is a young Israeli Christian local church of over 1000 members the live feed. Arab who works tirelessly to who received him warmly, engaged Y There is no doubt that the highlight defend Israel. He does tremendous with some political parties and of his trip to South Africa was his work advocating for Israel and also participated in SAUJS Israel participation in a debate on the is dedicated to showcasing the Advocacy training. beautiful sides of the State of Israel national TV station, Newzroom Afrika. and the true situation of the Israeli Unfortunately, his Cape Town The debate included Muhammed Haddad continued to question Arabs. He speaks before many schedule had to be cancelled due Desai, a co-founder of BDS South whether Muhammed would use an audiences, especially students, and to COVID-19. However, thanks to Africa, and during the discussion antidote for the Corona virus if it was he disputes and fights organisations technology, a Facebook Live event Haddad responded instantly to created by Israel. Mohammed’s lack that boycott Israel. Further, Yoseph took place whilst he was visiting Desai’s claims that Israel had not of response to this question also is the founder and CEO of the Cape Town. It was organised by the notified citizens of the Corona virus went viral. organisation ‘Together – Vouch for South African Zionist Federation and in Arabic. On hearing this, Haddad Link for the debate on Newzroom Each Other’. This organisation seeks SA Friends of Israel and it was a great responded to say that he was lying Afrika – https://tinyurl.com/y7t34ppx to be a catalyst of change amongst success. On 19 March Yoseph went and gave proof of the notification in Israeli Arabs and works to encourage online and shared his own personal Arabic. This particular clip went viral Yoseph served in the Israeli Army’s the integration of the Arab sector of story as well as several examples of and was aired on National TV in elite Golani Brigade and has proven Israeli society into Israeli society as his work in Israel advocacy and his Israel as part of a good news story. to be not only a brave soldier on the a whole. efforts to bridge the gap amongst the Israelis (both Jewish and Arabs) battlefield but also a brave man who different sectors of Israeli society. contacted Yoseph to thank and fights for truth, combatting the many During his visit in March, Yoseph His talk was most enlightening, congratulate him for the work that he enemies attacking Israel with lies and spent time in Johannesburg and and we were inspired to hear of the did for Israel. Following the debate, propaganda. Doing things differently

By Michal Ilan Writing this article, I ask myself: What invention, which will we be talking about when this is the story of issue of the Chronicle is being read probably every by members of our community? Will good invention. we read a print version or will it be He talked about strictly online? Will our kids be back that time when at their schools? he was giving a presentation As I am writing these lines, all of our and his planned events have been cancelled computer and even Aliyah is on somewhat of a wouldn’t turn hold due to COVID-19. Usually in the on. He talked May issue of the Chronicle we share about the time stories from the School Twinning when he had delegation to Israel, where teachers a problem that meet their peers, learn from each didn’t have a other and plan joint activities for their solution, so he pupils. This year, the delegation has had to invent been cancelled and teachers are not one. Israel, going to Israel BUT, and it is a huge being where it BUT, peer learning is happening and is in the world events are still happening, albeit in and dealing different and innovative ways. with many We recently celebrated Israel’s issues, makes new challenge… but just like Dov world. We now see that there are Independence Day. This tiny little a great hub for identifying problems Moran and just like Israel, we try always new ways to do things and we country managed in its short 72 years to be solved by creative, innovative to think outside the box and look can be inspired even when we are all to reach heights that many more thinking. at the challenge as what it can in our own homes. established countries haven’t reached These last few months have made be – an opportunity. So, using yet, including some groundbreaking I hope that by the time you read these the whole world halt. In our world technology, we didn’t celebrate innovations. Dov Moran, Founder lines, our life will be back to normal, of programming and creating Israel’s independence only with our of the Israeli company M-Systems, but even if it is not, trust that the Israel content that brings people together, community but we celebrated with who invented the first flash drive, Centre will keep offering content and social distancing brought a whole Jewish communities all around the shared in an interview the story of his opportunities to connect with Israel.

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

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 15

Interesting times Introducing our Ken VP in Bnei Akiva h e s e Purim was a massive success! Tare the We sold over 300 Mishloach individuals Manot to the Cape Town who are Jewish Community and had working hard a Purim Seudah for in 2020 to our Madrichim. make sure Habonim nfortunately, the joy of Purim Cape Town has the best events Ucouldn’t last forever. Though for your kids. Corona has made its way into South Rosh Ken — Aaron Sher. This Africa, we have not let this get us tafkid oversees the rest of the Ken down. Bnei Akiva Joburg and Cape VP and manages all Ken activities Town joined together to do our first and events. ever combined EQT! (Extreme Der Heever and Brynn Goldblatt. Quality Torah). Madrichim and Rosh Channichim — Jesse This power duo manages and Channichim from both Joburg and Lees. Jesse oversees all events organises all events for our bogrim. Cape Town learnt together via and activities for our channichim, video chat, and managed to get including Mini-Machanot, school Shaliach — Matan Aizan. Matan some Torah inspiration during this visits and the Chocolate Seder, to helps bring the Israeli flavour to our tough time. name a few. movement and helps out with the rest Rosh Bogrim — Aaron Kruss Van of the Ken VP. At the same time, due to the Idan and Liora, who have returned to Corona outbreak, we have had to say Israel. B’ezrat HaShem we will see them back in Cape Town soon. a temporary goodbye to our Shlichim Leadership Shabbaton Meet our Mazkir for Diller

Jason Bourne has been in Netzer since 2012 and has attended every summer camp since. n 2017, he went on Shnat Netzer and is currently Ithe Mazkir [Chairperson] as well as Gizbar [Treasurer] of Netzer South Africa and has rosh’d two camps while on the Mazkirut. When he is not doing Netzer work he is most likely at Stellenbosch University where he is in his second year studying Humanities. In his free time he likes to hang out with friends and play the ukulele, and if he is feeling brave, attempt to learn guitar. He has already travelled to three Netzer branches around the world where he Back: Shallya Samakosky, Allana Morris, Kaila Jaffee, Julia Kaimowitz, Jethro was a leader on their summer camps, and he hopes to travel to as many more Klitzner, Ariella Cohn, Jake Videtzky, Adam Julian, Jade Rahmani, Rachel Rod, Georgia Helfrich, Ben Zar, Mia Shaked, Joseph Marcus, Dylan Friedman. Front: Jesse as possible in the future. Sher, Gilad Sherman, Daniel Marsden, Eva Maraney, Rachel Wohlman, Tziyona Cohen, Jonty Schkolne and Martine Kawalsky From 6-8 March 2020 Diller Fellows had the responsibility to plan, Halted by Corona Teen Fellows experienced a prepare and self-manage the entire Leadership Shabbaton. weekend. Led by Roshim Daniel Marsden and Tzioyona Cohen, they he aim of the Leadership prepared all logistical elements such to do this, we have to answer the As UCT closes and students Shabbaton is for fellows to gain as accommodation, transport and question: ‘What now?’ As SAUJS, we T return home, we find ourselves more self-awareness and enhance food items. They ensured we had a will be working with the community in an unprecedented situation. their ability to make responsible spiritual and meaningful Shabbat to help address the difficulties that decisions, communicate effectively t is a situation that no SAUJS experience and ran engaging, our community will face. We will be and work in partnership to achieve committee before us has creative and educational units. I looking for volunteers among those shared goals. experienced and hopefully one that students who we have tried to serve The Shabbaton was a great no committee after us will ever have over the past six months. Fellows were given the opportunity success! We are very proud of the to go through. Over the past year, to apply these leadership skills to level of teamwork, capability and For those interested be sure to check we have aimed to bring students real world challenges in the form of a responsibility all the teens displayed. together. Now, without the ability out our social media pages. Shabbaton at High Africa in Worcester. Find us SA Zionist Federation - Cape Council @SAZF_Cape @sazfcapecouncil www.sazfcape.co.za back to contents 16 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020

Consider This Temple goes digital Light and darkness The team at Temple Israel is immensely proud at in a time of lockdown the speed at which we reacted to the shutting of our shuls (the first time in our history) due to the By Rabbi Greg Alexander Corona Virus outbreak and subsequent lockdown. As I write this I, along with the rest of so thick that not only could they not see, but hanks to the amazing availability of free/cost effective the country and much of the world, they could not even move. What paralysed the Ttechnology today and our team’s adaptability and am in lockdown. Egyptians? Was it exhaustion or depression creativity, we have been able to produce our usual high- from the onslaught of the plagues? Seeing quality services for both Shabbat and daily minyanim, as hile in many ways this is an their country ripped apart and brought to its well as Pesach services and seders. unprecedented crisis, there are knees? Or even realising how much their W These online services were our very first and we were parallels in Jewish history that call out economy and their lives depended on the further honoured by being able to host two b’nei mitzvah over time. Reading the famous Diary of abuse of these “foreign workers” who had (Ben Duncan and Daniel Cohen) in the first two weeks of Anne Frank or the less famous but just as lived in their midst for 400 years? inspirational teachings of the Piaseczno shut down. In these very strange times, we believe that the Rebbe, Reb Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, Here again, the fact that no man could see his sense of community is more important than ever, and we who tried to give his chassidim hope in the brother replays in our ears. For surely there is have been delighted with the interest shown in our events Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation no greater darkness than those who choose and services by members and non-members alike. and who was eventually murdered along with not to see? To recognise their fellow human? his students, gives a sense of the feeling of Perhaps the plague that struck the Egyptians crushing pressure they experienced. For me, was their inability to see their fellows’ suffering thank G-d, I have food in the fridge, my family whether their slaves or their countrymen. around me and the internet to connect me to There is a discussion in the Talmud over what the world and you at this time. And the only time one can say the Sh’ma in the morning. Nazi seeking my death is a tiny microscopic When is morning? Rabbi Meir says that virus aiming to wriggle through my soapy you can say the morning Sh’ma from the defences and hunt me down. I won’t let it. time that one can distinguish between two But there are other parallels that go even similar animals, e.g. a wolf and a dog. Rabbi further back in time — it struck me in Akiva provides a different sign, and says preparing for Pesach that the Jews in Egypt that the day begins when there is sufficient Weekday shiur with Rabbi Mark in London and Rabbi Greg in Cape Town experienced a lockdown too as they waited light to distinguish between a donkey and a for redemption. As the Angel of Death made wild donkey. But then the other rabbis join its destructive path through Egypt, the the conversation and suggest a different Israelites were instructed to daub blood on measure. They say the time for the morning the doorposts and “you shall not leave the Sh’ma is when one can see another person entrance of the house until morning.” (Ex from a distance of four cubits and recognise 12:22) Can you imagine the fear and horror them. (B.Talmud, Brachot 9b) cooped inside with the sounds of massacre Two striking things here — firstly that distance and mourning in their ears? of four cubits is more or less two metres, the But it is actually the ninth plague that social distancing measure of today. Secondly speaks to our current reality — the plague of that in Jewish legal discussion ‘dawn’ is Megilah readers Daniel Nasson, Rabbi Emma, Jeff Cohen, Rabbi darkness. As a sidebar, the last three plagues defined as when one can recognise the face Greg, Scott Roberts, Karen Cohen and Rachael Bootcov all involved darkness of some kind — the of someone you know. locusts (plague eight) covered the earth so In other words, the way to overcome that it could not be seen, eating up every darkness, to move from night to dawn, is to scrap of potential nourishment, and the death recognise the other, from across the social of the firstborn (plague ten) was a physical distance. And here lies the greatest Torah and spiritual darkness unlike any other. In teaching for our lockdown. We have been the face of these horrors, what could be so given tools the Egyptians did not have, or if bad about the ninth plague, a bit of darkness? they did, chose not to use. We can reach out And what was the plague really? Surely no with all the technology that we have to make problem. Unlike each of the other plagues the walls of our confinement permeable. We over which they had no control whatsoever, can call or WhatsApp our beloved family and Kids’ storytime with Rabbi Emma the Egyptians could have simply lit a candle friends. We can Zoom in or join countless or two to dispel the gloom? lectures, concerts and shiurim around the But here the phrase that tellingly opens the world, which has never felt more connected. tragedy to our minds is the one that says, lo We can go to shul virtually. And we can lean ra’u ish et achiv – “but no man could see his over the fence or balcony and say hi to our brother” (Ex 10:23). It brought back the very neighbours that we might never speak to in reason that the Israelites were in Egypt in the normal circumstances. And of course, we first place — that the sons of Jacob never have that most ancient technology of all Daniel Cohen's barmitzvah really ‘saw’ Joseph as their brother at all. — prayer. And because of this, threw him in the pit, sold If we use these tools, we can keep the plague him into slavery and eventually joined him in of darkness at the door, and even more than Egypt in the famine. that, help to bring light to our lockdown pod Why didn’t the Egyptians light candles — it and the world outside. May we read this in was a darkness greater than any other, “a continued good health for us and all those darkness that could be touched” (Ex 10:21), who dwell on this Earth, and may we all have light and bring light in these times. Ben Duncan's barmitzvah back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 17 JACOB GITLIN LIBRARY Please visit www.gitlinlibrary.co.za to view all new books and the entire Gitlin collection BIOGRAPHY FICTION FROM MINISKIRT TO HIJAB by JACQUELINE SAPER. A THE TEACHER by MICHAL BEN-NAFTALI. The author’s memoir of Jacqueline who was born in Tehran to Iranian and English-language debut is about the life of a lonely teacher British parents. She recalls her privileged, charmed Jewish Elsa who survived the Holocaust as imagined by one of her childhood in Iran until everything changed in 1979 under the former students. The narrator tries to piece together Elsa’s Ayatollah regime. Saper was discriminated against as a Jewish history and the hidden trauma that led to her suicide. Blending woman and her young daughter experienced radical Islamic history and fiction, she traces her path from Hungary in 1944 indoctrination. They fled in secret when her husband attended when she escapes with her husband on the Kastner train to a medical conference in Texas. Palestine. An insightful, tragic novel. LIVING THE LUXE LIFE by EFREM HARKHAM & MARK HOUSE OF TRELAWNEY by HANNAH ROTHSCHILD. The BEGO. A rags to riches memoir of renowned hotelier Efrem author takes us into the satirical world of a family of English who left Israel at 12. Beginning his career in fashion, he moved aristocrats. Their stately home is in ruin and their finances to Los Angeles establishing a chain of hotels. He shares his are dwindling. Kitto lives at Trelawney with Jane and their experience about life and business and the way he used daughters. When they receive a letter, announcing that a new obstacles as leaning opportunities. He focuses on Talmudic relation Anastacia is coming to stay Jane needs to bury the teaching as his business strategy —“everyone is a world hatchet with Kitto’s sister to save the castle. A story of lost and everyone a life”. A profound and insightful read. found friendships between three women. FINDING CHIKA by MITCH ALBOM. When Mitch Albom and TEN MINUTES 38 SECONDS IN THIS STRANGE WORLD his wife met Chika at the orphanage they operated after the by ELIF SHAFAK. This profound narrative dives into the mind earthquake in Haiti, Chika stole their heart. When she was of sex worker ‘Tequila Leila’ who is dying. As her brain shuts diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, they took her to down Leila assumes the role of her own biographer tracing the America to seek treatment and travelled to other countries story of the little girl from the provinces who ends up as a crime attempting to seek a cure. Albom narrates the story by scene statistic. The first part places us in her brain as we count imagining what Chika was thinking and feeling. A sad memoir down to her death while the next is about the five treasured showing that love has no boundaries. friends who shaped her life. FAMILY PAPERS by SARAH ABREVAYA STEIN. A fascinating THE FIFTH COLUMN by ANDREW GROSS. Charles Mossman history of the Levy family, Sephardic Jews with roots in confronts a Nazi sympathiser with deadly consequences. After Salonika. They were leading publishers and editors and helped his release from prison, he tries to reunite with his wife and chronicle modernity as experienced by Sephardic Jews across daughter. However, when he meets a seemingly amiable Swiss the Ottoman Empire. Stein draws on their correspondence couple who have befriended his daughter Emma, he begins to and photos to trace four generations across five continents. suspect they may be German spies. After the attack on Pearl Through their letters, she tells their family history together with Harbour Charles realises that only he may save his daughter Sephardic Jews in the twentieth century. from being an innocent pawn. FURTHER UP THE PATH by DANIEL OZ. Brief fables by Israeli HOLOCAUST author Daniel Oz, son of the acclaimed writer Amos Oz. They THE ETERNAL NAZI by NICHOLAS KULISH & SOUAD are timeless, open-ended parables, which offer no answers, MEKHENNET. The story of Nazi doctor Aribert Heim, a ruthless morals or conclusions and are filled with uncommon imagery. physician at Mauthausen in 1941. After the war, he escaped to These include a patient who has to use a spoon with holes for Baden Baden until he heard he was being pursued. However, medicine, a mayor who cuts celebratory ribbons finding more through vigilant research, German police investigator Alfred under each one, a village whose single tree bears a bitter fruit Aedtner worked together with legendary Simon Wiesenthal to sustain the townspeople. to hunt this man. Heim evaded capture hiding in Cairo for 30 HOUSE ON ENDLESS WATERS by EMUNA ELON. Yoel years while the hunt for him continued. Blum reluctantly agrees to visit Amsterdam to promote his WHY? EXPLAINING THE HOLOCAUST by PETER HAYES. book. He had promised his late mother he would never visit The author tackles fundamental questions: why were the Jews his birthplace. While touring the Jewish Historical Museum he the target of the Nazi regime; why did the persecution of Jews stumbles across footage of his beloved mother with a child he turn, over time, into total annihilation; and why didn’t the Jews does not recognise. This begins his search into Amsterdam’s receive more help from outside? He explains how a mix of wartime history and the networks that hid Jewish children. He complicity, fear, greed and indifference paved the way. Hayes’s finds the reason behind his mother’s silence. research provides a chilling compendium of the warning signs, past and present. SPIRITUAL AWAKENING THE ART OF INVENTING HOPE: INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS THE SECOND MOUNTAIN by DAVID BROOKS. The world WITH ELIE WIESEL by HOWARD REICH. Music critic Reich tells us to pursue our self-interest: career wins, high status and looks back on conversations with Wiesel ranging on many topics. acquisition of material things. Brooks uses the metaphor of this Both Reich’s father and Wiesel were liberated from Buchenwald being our first mountain climb, which may let us down as we on the same day. Reich established a unique friendship with sense there must be a deeper journey awaiting us. He invites Wiesel when he interviewed him for his newspaper. Wiesel’s the reader to scale a second mountain not rejecting the first but legacy and life enabled Reich to understand the fate of his changing your motivation to other-centred. This climb leads to parents whose story is interwoven throughout the book. a happier purposeful life. SHEDDING OUR STARS by LAUREEN NUSSBAUM. The HERE ALL ALONG by SARAH HURWITZ. An account by author owes her life to a courageous German lawyer Hans former speechwriter to Michelle Obama on how she reengaged Calmeyer. When Jews had to register the origin of their with Judaism. At 36, after dealing with a bad breakup and work grandparents in Nazi occupied Netherlands Calmeyer was able stress, she began to rediscover Judaism’s allure by diving to remove names by declaring them to be Aryan. Nussbaum’s into the Torah and exploring different traditional practices. parents were able to shed their yellow stars and be saved from This transformed her life. She portrays Judaism as open to deportation and death. The author interweaves the story of questioning and recounts her own spiritual challenges. Part Calmeyer with that of her family in this memoir. memoir, part meditation.

Discover the benefits of becoming a Friend of the Gitlin. Email [email protected] or call 021 462 5088 back to contents 18 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 19 Not coping with social isolation? You’re not alone

By Daniel Rabinowitz Yossi Ghinsberg, an Israeli help mitigate the adverse effects of a routine. This seems to facilitate to exercise. adventurer and author who quarantine: a sense of control in their lives You can visit survived a harrowing three and helps to reduce uncertainty a YouTube Limit negative contact weeks alone in the Amazon by building a consistent structure channel and do rainforest, said that even into each day. They plan out their a movement It may seem paradoxical, but activities to keep them busy; hourly class from before being attacked by fire reaching out to everyone you know if need be. Map out a daily schedule your lounge ants and termites, it can have an extremely negative that works for you. Remember to or bedroom. was loneliness that he impact on our mental health. include social activities, such as Always seek suffered most. People who have lived in extreme spending dedicated time with the medical advice isolation emphasise the importance family around the dinner table. For before trying a new exercise routine. solation is especially difficult for us of being gentle on yourself and to Jews who live our lives based on the those who live alone, schedule an I foster self-care. This means limiting electronic meeting with friends. Combat boredom strong sense of community. We often the negative information that you ‘assemble’— be it at school, work, Divide your time at home into consume. Often, others will make you sections: Home time, work time, People in isolation talk about the simchas and congregations in and feel more anxious about a situation, challenges of doing the same thing out of shul. It is completely unfamiliar social time, and exercise time. If you for example, talking about a news are trying to work from home, but you every day, with lack of variety, and for many people in our community item they recently read, or wanting sensory deprivation. Although we to adapt to a life of quarantine, which are being distracted by the people to share with you their own misery around you, plan out activities that can try to keep ourselves entertained is so antithetical to our customs about the situation. Make an effort by watching TV, spending time on the and traditions. will keep everyone busy so that you to stipulate when people can call and can get some work done. Internet, and on our phones; it might Fortunately for us, there are people keep the conversation positive to be helpful to fill your time by engaging like Yossi, who have survived avoid exacerbating negative thinking. Be physically active in other creative pursuits or activities isolation to tell their tale of endurance Try to make the communication with that can be done away from screens and how they survived. Although others helpful for them and for you: Short periods of physical activity can (especially away from social media). the enormous stressors that they prior to the call think about what sort improve your state of mind. People experienced are somewhat different of topics you want to engage in and in isolation engage in exercise, even Mood, emotions, and to our domestic isolation and which topics you would not like to walking from one room to another motivation confinement, the lessons that they discuss. The same goes for the news room in the house can be helpful. Emotions are like warning lights — brought back with them may help that you consume, social media sites, There is verifiable and reliable when they go off, they’re telling you us to deal more effectively with our and messaging applications. research that shows us that being that something is wrong. It is quite current crisis. Here are some tips sedentary, even for two weeks, normal to have a variety of emotions from people who have survived Adapt by making a routine leads to reduction in muscle mass and low energy levels. You don’t in stressful and unusual situations. extreme isolation that you may want A common strategy used by people to integrate into your own life to need expensive gym equipment in isolation has been to establish continues on page 20

Zvi_Suchet_Advert_3.indd 1 back to contents 2020/04/01 9:53 AM 20 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 Family continued from page 1 mensch change-maker of the month Announcements Anna Shevel CONDOLENCES #OneLoveSA creates a platform of giving — THANK YOU nna put a call out on Facebook explaining her across South Africa. It made perfect sense for idea for an online platform to map and match Anna to align with them. For them to leverage off CORA BERGER A those providing care with those in need. She invited the #onelovesa platform that had now extended Our dearest wife, mother anyone interested to join a call. To her surprise to fundraising; and for #onelovesa to benefit from and grandmother seven people rocked up all eager to help with their Operation Hunger’s operational efficiency as an passed away 8 March 2020. impressive skills, drive and resources. By the end established NGO. of week one, www.onelovesa. Loved and admired by everyone One day later they launched their com was launched. They were and a true Eishet Chayil. #OneLoveSA #FeedAFamily connecting people and initiatives Through the power of Her love for her family and friends campaign calling on donations across the country to activate social media #onelovesa was not negotiable and her ready from R200, enough to feed one nationwide civil support for ALL beautiful smile lit up the whole world. got the attention of family for a week. Thanks to vulnerable people. ‘Operation Hunger’ and both organisations’ teams and Our gratitude for their support While mapping and matching their initiative to feed networks, within a week (and and kindness during her illness volunteers and care only their second week as a live go to Rabbi Osher Feldman vulnerable families in organisations was important, platform) they raised R100 000 and Rebbetzin Sara 43 locations across Anna soon realised that as — enough to feed 500 families. and so many members of the lockdown became a reality South Africa. They were already halfway to the Gardens Shul and supply chains shut down, their goal of R200 000. Dearly missed by Solly, distribution would become restricted and wages Anna reflects, “I am so grateful for this platform Rosalie and Mike, would disappear. Food aid was now paramount. to write as a proudly Jewish social change-maker, Beverley, Larry and Elena They now also needed to get behind the food sharing my work. Being a member of Mensch has and grandchildren distribution challenge, and fast. played a significant role in opening up professional Sam and Oscar Through the power of social media #onelovesa networking opportunities for me in South Africa got the attention of ‘Operation Hunger’ and their and Israel, connecting me to the global Jewish initiative to feed vulnerable families in 43 locations world of social change.” To place a family announcement, email: [email protected] Anna Shevel is a member of Mensch, a network of Jewish social change-makers, co-creating positive or phone Tessa 021 464 6736 (am) change in South Africa for all. Visit www.mensch.org.za for more details. To view the full article, visit www.cjc.org.za

continued from page 19 Not coping with social isolation? You’re not alone

hey are the body’s way of informing you that you need to pay attention Tto the environment around you. That is why acknowledging emotions is so powerful. You can tell them: “I hear you! I recognise that you are trying to help me.” Journaling is an effective way of acknowledging uncomfortable feelings, including frustrations and worries. It also has an added advantage by occupying your time in a constructive way. Dealing with anxiety and fear of the future

The uncertainty of not knowing what lies ahead can lead to an ongoing cycle of worry and fear. People who are in threatening, dangerous, and scary situations describe how they weigh up their thoughts against opposite thoughts. In other words, they think about ways to contradict their own thought patterns. You may be thinking that this situation will last forever. The opposite thought is that it will not last forever. You may think that you will not have enough money to feed the family; the opposite thought to that is that the family will never go hungry. You may want to try writing down all your thoughts and feelings on the left-hand side of a page, and then write down alternative more balanced ways of thinking and feeling on the right-hand side of the page. It is important to try bring yourself back every minute to the thought of what is happening right now, instead of what might happen in the future. These are some of the lessons to be learned from people who have suffered the extremes of isolation. We can recognise that there are negative consequences for people who are normally so social and gregarious. However, we may also consider that being apart from each other does not imply that we are segregated. What could be a better way of fostering and maintaining our Jewish community than by taking collective responsibility for the health and well-being of every member of society? Shalom aleichem. Daniel is in private practice as an associate clinical psychologist at Cape Town Psychologists in Sea Point, where his main modality of treatment is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). He also facilitates Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) groups every Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm at his practice. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 21 PURIM PURIM PURIM! AT PHYLLIS JOWELL JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

Preschool Purim Grade 6's and Rav Gav dancing Grade 1 & 2 boys enjoying the Superheroes! with the residents of Highlands Purim selfie frame House

Eliyahu Saban speaking Grade 6 class ready to spread joy and happiness Ori Melzer speaking to to the audience at the to various community organisations on the day of the audience at the Purim Shpiel Purim Purim Shpiel

PJJDS staff dressed up as the 101 Rabbi Yochi Ziegler reading parts of Tehila Netter dancing with dalmatians the megillah for the Preschool one of the residents at after their entertaining carnival Highlands House C o n t a c t : r e c e p t i o n @ p j . o r g . z a back to contents 22 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 23

back to contents 24 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 A view from the bar Freedom in the time of Coronavirus

By Anton Katz The most important for every person to do whatever they and protected how can other rights be right and freedom constitutional rights and want right up until the point where regarded as protected? to education is what they want to do infringes on the limited. values are freedom, equality Out of the ruins of World War II the rights of others. So, a person may be and dignity. United Nations was created. One But these violations are implemented free to smoke cigarettes as long as of the UN’s ideals is to promote to protect our right to health. Our he Pesach commemorating the smoke or noxious fumes from the social progress and better standards freedom on so many levels is freedom and governmental smoker don’t harm or come into the T of life in larger freedom. The UN restricted. So we are not free from regulation world-wide of peoples’ space of another person. General Assembly in 1948 adopted government dictate in this time. conduct in the Coronavirus the Universal Declaration of Human There are obstacles to live as we pandemic have sharply focused on Eleanor Roosevelt described four Rights. The UNDHR proclaims both choose. We are not free from State what freedom means. How can a basis rights: These are the right to civil and political rights on the one control. We are not living in a free person be said to be free when they equal education, the right to work hand, and on the other economic, country or world. Restrictions and are required to remain at home in a for equal pay according to ability, cultural and social rights. The latter impediments exist on so many lock down? On the other hand should the right to justice under the law, the rights are framed in the language levels, superficial and deep. But in people be free to interact with others right to participate in the making of of aspiration. In other words States this radical new world freedom to is possibly allowing the spread of a the laws by use of the ballot. And should strive to protect the economic also heavily impacted. We are not dangerous virus? Erich Fromm defined two types of freedom: freedom from (negative) rights of its citizens gradually. But civil in any way our own masters whilst The old adage that anyone can freely and freedom to (Positive). To be and political rights are to be protected an all-encompassing lockdown is in enter the Ritz on Fifth Avenue as free from is to be no slave, to live in immediately. But the Cold War place. So we are not free to be our long as they pay. And what about a free country, to have no coercion, developed. The civil and political rights own masters. the notion that anybody can freely to be free from restrictions and so respected in the This entire saga work in circumstances when there impediments. But to be free to is to West, were regarded reminds one of Nelson is no work available. Is that really be able to choose, to control and as impediments to the Restrictions and Mandela’s many years freedom? Or is freedom of religion direct one’s own life. Freedom from Soviet aspiration of impediments exist striving for freedom. violated when the government pass is lack of obstacles; freedom to is economic equality. on so many levels, He didn’t care a law which demands that there can presence of control. Put simply, I am This clash of cultural superficial and deep. about the nuances be no discrimination on the basis of free from if I am no slave, and I am values and the But in this radical new of the differences gender in the practice of religion. And free to if I am my own master. approach to rights between freedom is freedom of speech threatened by world freedom to is is brought into focus from and freedom a law which criminalises hate speech The Constitutional Court has accepted also heavily impacted. in the Coronavirus to. All Mandela knew or publishing terrorist pamphlets? that freedom, like the right to dignity, is a core right in the panoply of human pandemic. The was that he and the Freedom is at least in part the ability rights. If freedom is not respected sacrifices of every individual’s people of South Africa were not free freedom to leave our homes and go and that his mission was to achieve about our daily business, including that freedom. He sacrificed so much, our work for the greater good — and in such a dignified manner to that is the protection of health and achieve the freedoms so taken for possibly many lives covers huge granted until this Coronavirus time. terrain. Is it a violation of freedom We should all use the lockdown time of religion to ban public gatherings? to reflect and contribute to healing. Synagogues, including bar and bat Healing ourselves by recognising mitvahs and funerals are effectively that unless all persons are free to prohibited. And cell phone location pursue physical and spiritual health tracking for all persons is being and happiness then our own freedom rolled out in violation of right to is somehow compromised. privacy. And access to courts is extremely limited. Government has Anton Katz SC, a senior counsel made fake news about COVID-19 a practicing at the Cape Bar, was crime. Such criminalisation is a clear a member (2011-2018) of the UN violation of the right to freedom of Human Rights Council working group speech. Schools are closed, so the on mercenaries.

Fields of interest General foot-care, Corns, Callus, Nail disease, Ingrown toenails, Warts, Lazer treatment for nail fungus, Customised fitting of orthotics/insoles, Paediatrics (child foot-care), Diabetic foot clinic. Been in practice for 22 years.

Sea Point & Plumstead 11147234 ACM 021 797 6967

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 25

back to contents 26 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 From page 1 Cans With Purpose fundraises for food parcels

By Jaime Uranovsky ith this knowledge, and the the likes of Lee-Anne Liebenberg and WPresident’s words echoing her husband Nicky van der Walt, Siv in his head that night, Brad knew Ngesi, Gareth Cliff, Francois Pienaar, he had to do something about Claudia Henkel… just to name a few the devastating effect that school supporting us with their time and closures would have on child hunger. sharing on social media.” The very next morning, Brad and his After this lockdown, Brad wants to brother, Jared, who also works at extend even further by asking South Superiate and lives in Johannesburg, Africans to donate cans and other devised the initiative and Cans with essential items at retailers, banks Purpose was born. They created a and shopping centres. Cans with basic website and spread the word Purpose will partner with school on social media among family and principals to help distribute to the friends. At the end of the first day, chatted to Suzanne Ackerman; could be distributed via them— and most vulnerable. they had raised R25 000. Each subsequently both Pick n Pay and then donations really increased. Brad attributes this project to how brother in his respective city bought Boxer stores came onboard and Three weeks after that, R350 000 he was raised: “A combination of a canned goods to the value of the donated. Through Suzanne, Brad had been raised which has been Jewish upbringing and my family donated amount and distributed then connected with Marc Lubner of enough to feed 50 000 people upbringing have inspired me to get them at two primary schools each Afrika Tikkun. Brad says, through 7500 food care parcels something like this off the ground. day so that children would have food during the lockdown (as of 16 April). “He runs the amazing organisation. …This has been a hugely rewarding when schools closed. They were I was uncomfortable with money Cans with Purpose’s next goal is to experience. I wish I could name all told by principals that without these coming into my bank account; reach R1 million’s worth of donations of the Jewish people and companies donations, they did not know how Superiate is an agency, not an NGO by the end of lockdown in order to feed that got behind us. Some preferred some of these children would be able or charity. Marc was inspiring on 100 000 more people. The initiative to stay anonymous, but those that to eat. the phone call, telling me about the has also generated more than R2.5 are listed on the website as donating They realised that they needed to aim work Afrika Tikkun does and I knew million’s worth of PR value coverage partners, I insisted and had to twist bigger. Brad recounts, “We realised straight away I wanted any money or with no budget! Brad credits this to his most of their arms for me to show we had a big problem on our hands cans donated to Cans With purpose network of friends: “I’m fortunate to their brand logos or family names.” from day one. I recall Jared and I to go to this amazing organisation.” have some amazing friends who have some great social media followings. having a conversation that starvation Brad then changed the banking So, I got on the phone with some of For more information will kill more people in South Africa details to those of Afrika Tikkun so them and before we knew it we had visit www.canswithpurpose.co.za than COVID-19.” Soon after, Brad that all Cans with Purpose donations

back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 27 Life is a challenge, Out and about with but can also be a blessing members

No-one has gone unscathed during For example, in later life changes in the the past few weeks. Life as we knew it prefrontal cortex at the front of the brain mean will never be the same with the new we can get more easily distracted, which norm still to be discovered. For all, impacts on your short-term memory. You are and especially our older members not forgetting; you are just getting distracted thinking about something else. of the community, it has been a very unsettling time — a time of isolation, There is also age bias in memory — people time for reflection, mindfulness, with hearing loss perform just as well as compassion and kindness, which our younger adults when tested in a quiet place. community has shown in a million Changes in the orbitofrontal cortex which sits different ways. just behind your eyeballs, means that after 60 your body clock is likely to shift forwards a he seven welfare organisations, together couple of hours with broader community leaders have T Of course, many people do suffer from extreme Guest Speaker Marlene Silbert and Milnerton members worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone has memory loss and dementia as they age, but celebrating birthdays in January and February been held, heard and assisted at all times, it’s not inevitable and there is plenty we can going beyond their expected calls of duty to do to reduce this risk, like eating healthily, not provide the best service and assistance to all. smoking and drinking less alcohol. There will be a life after Covid 19 and it will If you start suffering from signs of dementia, surely be a good one. Maybe we will all be don’t assume you have it. Check medication kinder, more mindful and supportive after this first as this is the number one cause of surreal experience and hopefully we will have confusion and disorientation in older people. learned important life’s lessons after all we Make sure your doctor knows what medication have been through. you are taking before starting on a new one so The older brain is wise, compassionate there is no unintended adverse interaction. We and creative. should replace the stigmatisation of dementia with hope as it is not the end of one’s life and The idea that your mind has to decline with there is still plenty one can do. Make sure that age is false and there is plenty we can do you are taking as much control as possible to keep it sharp, as leading neuroscientist over your life, even if you are in a care home. Goudini 2020 Dr Daniel Levitin explains in his new book Your brain needs to be constantly challenged The Changing Mind. According to him, one to stay sharp. can drastically increase your healthy years Levitin’s number one piece of advice is “don’t by looking after your brain. In fact, old age is retire”. You should also pay attention to the a time of extraordinary, and beneficial brain physical health of your brain — eat well, development. Dr Levitin, when writing the exercise and get enough sleep. A hungry book, was looking for advice to give his own brain has to stay sharp to look for food. parents who were in their 80s and he realised Exercise is especially protective when done that much of what we have learnt had not outside. Levitin’s core point is that you should trickled down to the average reader. never just give up in old age — keep on Marcia Raymond and Fay Salamon There are distinct advantages and growth pushing yourself. opportunities that come from the later stages of life. There are remarkable improvements in Ten rules of looking after an Social and Personal mood as older adults become more emotionally older brain stable and more compassionate. Anyone who • Don’t retire — don’t stop engaging yourself As we have not received any social and personal news has noticed an older relative mellowing with in meaningful work. It doesn’t have to be this month, all congratulations and condolences will age may be correct, as changes in the older paid work, just purposeful. appear in our next newsletter. brain tend to make people become more • Look forward, don’t look back. Reminiscing tolerant and grateful. doesn’t promote health — socialise, work Hoping that all our members are keeping well and staying safe. You don’t have the same neurochemistry at and stay healthy. age eight or 38 or 68. Dopamine, a chemical • Exercise and get your heart going. associated with drive and pleasure, decreases • Embrace a moderate lifestyle with healthy Special events in May with age, while norepinephrine and serotonin practices. remain stable. It’s impossible to narrow down • Keep your social circle exciting and new. BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL FUNCTIONS the effects of one chemical in the brain, but Add new people to your life. changes in even a single neurotransmitter like • Spend time with people younger than you. OUTINGS dopamine can cause the remaining chemical • See your doctor regularly, but not S/Suburbs 4 May Long Walk to Freedom Statues receptors to function differently. Dr Levitin obsessively. Health problems are best 18 May Toeke Specialist Shop explains that some people who have had picked up early. Sea Point 6 May Dunes Restaurant in Hout Bay chronic mental problems throughout their • Don’t think of yourself as old. Stay 27 May Long Walk to Freedom Statues lives find that their symptoms disappear when independent as much as possible. Milnerton 21 May Long Walk to Freedom Statues they reach old age, and there is no longer the 26 May Montebello Centre, Newlands need for treatment. • Appreciate your cognitive strengths. You West Coast 19 May Long Walk to Freedom Statues bring experience to the table that younger There are even intellectual improvements people don’t have. MEN’S SCHMOOZE to look forward to including certain kinds of Milnerton 8 May Stuart Diamond problem solving, especially those that require • Promote cognitive health through Sea Point 13 May Stuart Diamond compassion and empathy. The wisdom of experiential learning — travel, spend time S/Suburbs 20 May Stuart Diamond older people is real and could be explained with grandchildren and immersion in new TWILIGHT SUPPERS by changes in the brain that allow the left and activities and situations. S/Suburbs 13 May Judge Dennis Davis right sides to communicate more freely with Sea Point 19 May Jonathan Bloch each other, allowing you to combine analytical Milnerton 21 May Dave Steward and creative thinking. Diana Sochen Executive Director back to contents 28 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 Cape Jewish Seniors Events Calendar JUNE 2020

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION, THE CJSA HAD SUSPENDED ALL ACTIVITIES DUE TO COVID-19. EVENTS ADVERTISED IN THIS CALENDAR ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CJSA.CO.ZA OR WWW.CJC.ORG.ZA

Monday 1 Tuesday 2 Wednesday 3 Thursday 4 Friday 5 Sea Point 10.00 Richard Mendelsohn talking on his walk on the Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Colin R10 Sea Point 10.00 Craft with Yvette and Jeanette R15 Sea Point 9.15 Alon Ashel JOY Programme Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with Camino R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 1.45 Social Bridge and Kalooki R10 10.15 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Reminiscence with Hazel R10 2.00 Bridge classes with Irving R10 Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 2.00 Kalooki R10 10.30 Men’s Schmooze 2.30 Yoga with Leina Sank R10 Milnerton 9.30 Outing to Coffee Time R30 Tea for own account 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 Milnerton 9.30 Kalooki R10 Group With Rabbi Milnerton 10.00 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a 1.30 Craft and mosaics with Sonia Norrie R20 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 S/Suburbs 1.00 Kalooki R10 Richard Newman man’s world R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- West Coast 10.30 A morning with Hedi Lampert speaking on her speaking on Jewish 2.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10 orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 insightful novel The Trouble with My Aunt R10 minorities of the world orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 West Coast 9.30 Outing to the Red Shed and Indoor Market at the R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing and horticultural tour of the Vineyard Hotel Waterfront R30 Tea for own account R150 including tour and tea 2.00 Yiddish mit Rita R10 Monday 8 Tuesday 9 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Friday 12 Sea Point 10.00 A morning with Chris Eden and Bridges for Peace R10 Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Colin R10 Sea Point 9.30 Outing and horticultural tour of the Vineyard Hotel Sea Point 10.00 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with 2.30 Yoga with Leina Sank R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 R160 including tour and tea 2.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Reminiscing with Hazel R10 12.00 Bridge classes with Irwing R10 1.45 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Milnerton 9.30 Kalooki R10 Milnerton 10.00 Jazz Club with Irving Freeman will present a special Milnerton 9.30 Outing to Soet Emporium in Durbanville R30 Tea for Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 S/Suburbs 10.30 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a programme on Great Sopranos R10 own account 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 man’s world R10 12.15 Milnerton committee meeting R10 1.30 Craft and Mosaic Classes with Sonia Norrie R20 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 1.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing to the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens R45 S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- West Coast 10.30 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on what Israel has to offer Tea for own account 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10 orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 through Tikkun Olam Muizenberg 10.30 A morning with Hedi Lampert speaking on her 5.30 Twilight Supper with Glynnis Breytenbach R80 insightful novel The Trouble with My Aunt R10 Booking essential Monday 15 Tuesday 16 Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 Friday 19 Sea Point 10.00 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on what Israel has to offer Sea Point 9.30 Outing to the Red Shed and Indoor Market at the Sea Point 10.00 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with through Tikkun Olam Youth Day Waterfront R30 Tea for own account 2.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Yoga Classes with Leina R10 1.45 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Milnerton 9.30 Kalooki R10 2.30 Reminiscing with Hazel R10 Office Closed Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 S/Suburbs 10.30 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on the coalition of the new Milnerton 10.00 A morning with Chris Eden and Bridges for Peace R10 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 Israeli Government R10 3.00 Shiur with Rabbi Bernstein R10 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 1.00 Kalooki R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Enjoy a morning at Boeresjiek R30 Tea for own account 10.00 Men’s Schmooze with Adv. Steven Powell R10 West Coast 10.30 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a 2.00 Yiddish mit Rita R10 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- man’s world R10 orthodox wife leaving her marital home R10 Monday 22 Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 Thursday 25 Friday 26 Sea Point 10.00 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Roni Sea Point 9.15 Outing to Coffee Time R30 Tea for own account Sea Point 10.00 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with SUBSCRIPTION 2020 man’s world R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 10.30 Men’s Schmooze with Adv. Steven Powell R10 2.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Reminiscing with Hazel R10 12.00 Bridge classes with Irving R10 1.45 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Milnerton 18.30 Twilight Supper with Judge Dennis Davis R80 S/Suburbs 6.00 Shabbat Your CJSA subs for 2020 2.30 Yoga Classes with Leina R10 2.00 Mosaic with Yvette R30 Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 S/Suburbs 10.30 Optometrist Avron Goldstein on good eye care R10 Claremont Shul Milnerton 10.00 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on the coalition of the new 5.30 Twilight supper with Author Tony Heard R80 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 1.00 Kalooki R10 R60 for Members are due in January and we Israeli Government R10 Milnerton 10.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- 9.30 Kalooki R10 West Coast 10.00 Art with Sharon Lopis R180 for non-members. appreciate it greatly if your S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing to Coffee Time R30 Tea for own account orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 Booking essential. subscription is paid timeously. 13.30 Craft and Mosaics with Sonia Norrie R20 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- Subs can be paid at any of S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 our branches or via EFT 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10 West Coast 9.30 Outing to Boeresjiek R30 Tea for own account R180 Monday 29 Tuesday 30 Our banking details are Sea Point 10.00 Bingo with prizes R10 Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Marcia 2.00 Reminisce with Hazel R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 ABSA 2.30 Yoga Classes with Leina R10 12.00 Bridge classes with Irving R10 Cheque Account Number Milnerton 10.00 Birthday Pop In: Craige Dietrich speaking on Our Milnerton 10.00 Visit the magnificent bronze sculptures at the home 4062830510 Golden Years — Ageing Disgracefully R10 of artist Jean Doyle R30 S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing to the Red Shed at the Waterfront R30 Tea for 13.30 Craft and mosaics with Sonia Norrie R20 Branch Code 632005 own account 2.00 Line dancing with Cathy Hudson 2.00 Yiddish mit Rita R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10

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back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 29 Events Calendar JUNE 2020

AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION, THE CJSA HAD SUSPENDED ALL ACTIVITIES DUE TO COVID-19. EVENTS ADVERTISED IN THIS CALENDAR ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CJSA.CO.ZA OR WWW.CJC.ORG.ZA

Monday 1 Tuesday 2 Wednesday 3 Thursday 4 Friday 5 Sea Point 10.00 Richard Mendelsohn talking on his walk on the Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Colin R10 Sea Point 10.00 Craft with Yvette and Jeanette R15 Sea Point 9.15 Alon Ashel JOY Programme Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with Camino R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 1.45 Social Bridge and Kalooki R10 10.15 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Reminiscence with Hazel R10 2.00 Bridge classes with Irving R10 Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 2.00 Kalooki R10 10.30 Men’s Schmooze 2.30 Yoga with Leina Sank R10 Milnerton 9.30 Outing to Coffee Time R30 Tea for own account 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 Milnerton 9.30 Kalooki R10 Group With Rabbi Milnerton 10.00 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a 1.30 Craft and mosaics with Sonia Norrie R20 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 S/Suburbs 1.00 Kalooki R10 Richard Newman man’s world R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- West Coast 10.30 A morning with Hedi Lampert speaking on her speaking on Jewish 2.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10 orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 insightful novel The Trouble with My Aunt R10 minorities of the world orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 West Coast 9.30 Outing to the Red Shed and Indoor Market at the R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing and horticultural tour of the Vineyard Hotel Waterfront R30 Tea for own account R150 including tour and tea 2.00 Yiddish mit Rita R10 Monday 8 Tuesday 9 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Friday 12 Sea Point 10.00 A morning with Chris Eden and Bridges for Peace R10 Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Colin R10 Sea Point 9.30 Outing and horticultural tour of the Vineyard Hotel Sea Point 10.00 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with 2.30 Yoga with Leina Sank R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 R160 including tour and tea 2.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Reminiscing with Hazel R10 12.00 Bridge classes with Irwing R10 1.45 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Milnerton 9.30 Kalooki R10 Milnerton 10.00 Jazz Club with Irving Freeman will present a special Milnerton 9.30 Outing to Soet Emporium in Durbanville R30 Tea for Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 S/Suburbs 10.30 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a programme on Great Sopranos R10 own account 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 man’s world R10 12.15 Milnerton committee meeting R10 1.30 Craft and Mosaic Classes with Sonia Norrie R20 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 1.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing to the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens R45 S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- West Coast 10.30 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on what Israel has to offer Tea for own account 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10 orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 through Tikkun Olam Muizenberg 10.30 A morning with Hedi Lampert speaking on her 5.30 Twilight Supper with Glynnis Breytenbach R80 insightful novel The Trouble with My Aunt R10 Booking essential Monday 15 Tuesday 16 Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 Friday 19 Sea Point 10.00 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on what Israel has to offer Sea Point 9.30 Outing to the Red Shed and Indoor Market at the Sea Point 10.00 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with through Tikkun Olam Youth Day Waterfront R30 Tea for own account 2.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Yoga Classes with Leina R10 1.45 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Milnerton 9.30 Kalooki R10 2.30 Reminiscing with Hazel R10 Office Closed Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 S/Suburbs 10.30 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on the coalition of the new Milnerton 10.00 A morning with Chris Eden and Bridges for Peace R10 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 Israeli Government R10 3.00 Shiur with Rabbi Bernstein R10 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 1.00 Kalooki R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Enjoy a morning at Boeresjiek R30 Tea for own account 10.00 Men’s Schmooze with Adv. Steven Powell R10 West Coast 10.30 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a 2.00 Yiddish mit Rita R10 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- man’s world R10 orthodox wife leaving her marital home R10 Monday 22 Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 Thursday 25 Friday 26 Sea Point 10.00 Helen Millson speaks on the role of a woman in a Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Roni Sea Point 9.15 Outing to Coffee Time R30 Tea for own account Sea Point 10.00 Yiddish mit Veronica R10 Sea Point 9.30 Shopping with SUBSCRIPTION 2020 man’s world R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 10.30 Men’s Schmooze with Adv. Steven Powell R10 2.00 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Malcolm R20 2.00 Reminiscing with Hazel R10 12.00 Bridge classes with Irving R10 1.45 Bridge and Kalooki R10 Milnerton 18.30 Twilight Supper with Judge Dennis Davis R80 S/Suburbs 6.00 Shabbat Your CJSA subs for 2020 2.30 Yoga Classes with Leina R10 2.00 Mosaic with Yvette R30 Milnerton 9.30 Art Classes with Karen Cohen R25 S/Suburbs 10.30 Optometrist Avron Goldstein on good eye care R10 Claremont Shul Milnerton 10.00 Galya, SAZF media liaison, on the coalition of the new 5.30 Twilight supper with Author Tony Heard R80 9.30 Ageless Grace with Cathy Hudson R20 1.00 Kalooki R10 R60 for Members are due in January and we Israeli Government R10 Milnerton 10.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- 9.30 Kalooki R10 West Coast 10.00 Art with Sharon Lopis R180 for non-members. appreciate it greatly if your S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing to Coffee Time R30 Tea for own account orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 S/Suburbs 10.00 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R20 Booking essential. subscription is paid timeously. 13.30 Craft and Mosaics with Sonia Norrie R20 11.00 DVD Series Unorthodox. The story of an ultra- Subs can be paid at any of S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 orthodox woman leaving her marital home R10 our branches or via EFT 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10 West Coast 9.30 Outing to Boeresjiek R30 Tea for own account R180 Monday 29 Tuesday 30 Our banking details are Sea Point 10.00 Bingo with prizes R10 Sea Point 10.00 Talking Point with Marcia 2.00 Reminisce with Hazel R10 10.00 Ageless Grace with Joycelyn R25 ABSA 2.30 Yoga Classes with Leina R10 12.00 Bridge classes with Irving R10 Cheque Account Number Milnerton 10.00 Birthday Pop In: Craige Dietrich speaking on Our Milnerton 10.00 Visit the magnificent bronze sculptures at the home 4062830510 Golden Years — Ageing Disgracefully R10 of artist Jean Doyle R30 S/Suburbs 9.30 Outing to the Red Shed at the Waterfront R30 Tea for 13.30 Craft and mosaics with Sonia Norrie R20 Branch Code 632005 own account 2.00 Line dancing with Cathy Hudson 2.00 Yiddish mit Rita R10 S/Suburbs 9.30 Kalooki R10 2.00 Knitting Group. All welcome R10

DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Amanda 021 434 9691 [email protected] search CJSA on Facebook PROFESSIONAL STAFF: Sea Point: 021 434 9691; Milnerton: Hajiera Safidien–Maloon 021 555 1736; S/Suburbs: Monique Nieuwenhuys 021 761 7960; W/Coast: Stacey Melmed 074 405 5186

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back to contents 30 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 Unprecedented times ADVERTORIAL for Astra Wouldn’t you like to have

As Astra entered its 70th a European passport? year it was confronted by the world-wide phenomenon of By Avi Horesh lockdown and for the first time, In today’s world, more people had to close its doors. are looking to expend their he challenge of meeting the needs horizons and their possibilities. Tof mentally disabled Jewish ince European countries have adults has been turned upside down Schanged their laws, enabling by the closure of the workshop, the descendants of citizens who left coffee shop and the gift shop. Our Europe to reinstate European philosophy is that the benefit of being citizenship, obtaining dual citizenship occupied has enormous therapeutic has become very popular. value but in these unprecedented been contacted and offered support. Many South African Jews have is good, and cheaper than in many times, we had to close. Since closing our doors, much work ancestors originally from Europe, and other places. However, we want to has gone on in the background, Our Group Homes, providing even these whose ancestors came know that if we want to leave, we working together as a united force. supported residential care remain from North Africa or the Middle East have other options abroad.” open. Some of the residents were Thank you to the community who are considered to be descendants of Others admitted that besides wanting able to go home to their families, supported Astra with dropping off Jews exiled from Spain, so most Jews to have a backup plan, holding while the others remain in Rosecourt books, board games and colouring in South Africa stand a fair chance of dual citizenship is about having House and Vriende House. This has books for the residents, these have obtaining European citizenship. keys to unlock doors locked for presented a different challenge for been gratefully received. South Africans. They can operate the house-parents. The residents The main question is why would you Astra is looking forward to seeing all businesses and study in universities are home all day, unable to attend want a European passport? our staff, workers and visitors back in Europe and be able to travel the workshop. at the Centre and at Coffee Time South Africans who try to obtain without having to apply for visas. Instead they support each other and Giftime. European citizenship site worries about an uncertain future for their Aliyah and the Israeli Passport? and help their houseparent’s with Astra Jewish Sheltered Employment domestic chores and the daily children as a primary reason for Centre provides a comprehensive Israel is always an option! However, routine. We would like to commend doing so. network of services to members of in order to obtain an Israeli passport, the house-parents and the residents the Jewish Community who have an 1. In terms of economic uncertainty, one has to make Aliyah. Some Jews for the amazing way they have intellectual disability and/or a mental having dual citizenship and being would like to move to Israel, but worry adapted and shown their resilience. health issue. The three Group Homes, a European citizen is a safeguard about language, culture and the The staff and residents receive Rosecourt House, Rosecourt Terrace which also enables them to work and higher cost of living. constant support and counselling and Vriende House, provide supported run businesses around the world. A dual citizenship with a European with remote group meetings, accommodation for residents, where 2. In terms of family safety, ensuring passport is a way to have all the individual meetings and options to they receive an opportunity to develop that they can live in communities with benefits of Europe while staying at keep everyone occupied as much independence and life skills, to enjoy lower crime rates. home. as possible. At the same time all the social contact with their peers, as well workers who attend the Centre have as supported accommodation in a Most people here share the same Visit https://eu-passport.ussl.co.il for safe and secure environment. feeling: “At the moment, life here more information.

Continued from page 1 Ladles of Love serves 30 000 meals a week

By Jaime Uranovsky

nce the lockdown came into organisations. This week we’ll pump also started its own sandwich drive around 30 000 meals per week Oforce, however, everything out about 4.5 tons of food amongst and called on households to make for individuals across the Cape changed. Since Ladles’ soup those 18, consisting of food parcels and donate sandwiches. Danny through its food parcel and sandwich kitchens are almost entirely volunteer that are taken back and cooked in says that the project has exploded. initiatives. Ladles will continue based, they had to be shut down. their kitchens and serve to their He notes, “Today [22 April] alone, supporting these 18 organisations The enormity of the loss of support communities.” These organisations our entire network collected 24 000 for as long as it can. “I can tell you for the homeless during the lockdown are located in various areas including sandwiches, so it’s just insane these organisations won’t have the drove Danny to find new solutions. Mitchells Plain, Manenberg, Lavender what’s happened with this sandwich support after the lockdown either, Thus, Ladles of Love began working Hill, Vrygrond, Khayelitsha, Delft, drive. So, this is what’s happened so we need to constantly pump in with The Haven Night Shelter to Wesbank, Blikkiesdorp, Tafelsig now, we’ve grown tenfold in the last this kind of quantity for the next I distribute food. Individuals staying and Bonteheuwel. three weeks.” don’t know how many months. It’s at the shelter help to serve food to going to cost millions. But I’ve never Each food parcel contains a mix At the beginning of the lockdown, others and, in this way, Ladles can seen communities come together of vegetables, mainly potatoes, Danny had one volunteer helping him use the Haven’s support system to like this. Our sandwich drive is just carrots, butternut and onions; maize to prepare soup but there are now 12 reach more people. Additionally, an example of how people want to meal; rice; a mix of pulses such as who are either cooking, maintaining Danny’s organisation began serving help. The number of donations we’re lentils, soup mix and beans; oats stock supplies or monitoring lunch every day at the Safe Space getting, it’s unbelievable that people and Maltabella with salt and sugar. deliveries and collections. Shelter, which is situated under the are doing that during this time. I need A single organisation might collect Culemborg Bridge. Danny’s main concern are the vast the public to know that we are very about 240 kg of ingredients at a time, numbers of hungry children requiring grateful for their support and we’re But Danny wanted to do more. and this happens twice a week. food on a day to day basis. He says, just blown away by how people have He says, “I knew once that was As if all these ventures weren’t “What’s frightening is how many come together during this time. We sorted that we had to get food out enough, Ladles is also working with children are queuing up for food. I really appreciate it.” into the communities and locations Constantia Can, which is supplying can tell you there’s thousands and To learn more about Ladles of Love, around the city, so we have now cooked food to 1000 children every thousands of kids.” visit www.ladlesoflove.org.za or find partnered with about 18 other day in Khayelitsha. Recently, Ladles Currently, Ladles of Love is providing them on Facebook. back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 31

back to contents 32 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 May Day: International CAN DO! Making the Impossible Possible! Workers’ Day — Kevin Chaplin’s new book

personal reflections By Jaime Uranovsky

with Lorna Levy Kevin Chaplin, who is most well- combatting known for establishing the South antisemitism This special personal narrative was shared with the African Ubuntu Foundation and and racism. Cape SAJBD ahead of Workers’ Day 2020, when trade for rescuing the Amy Foundation Kevin imparts unionists and political activists Leon and Lorna Levy (previously the Amy Biehl lessons he will celebrate 58 years of marriage, purposefully has learnt Foundation) from bankruptcy from a host of choosing May Day as their wedding date all those published his long-awaited book, years ago. Mazel Tov on your anniversary. figures in the CAN DO! Making the Impossible community Possible, at the end of February. such as Helen he book, which has been seven years Lieberman, Tin the making, is described by Kevin Aviva Pelham, as “a memoir based on my challenges and Adele Searll highlights of my personal and corporate and Myra Osrin life, different experiences, wisdom gained to name a few. that I want to share, that I want to impart, Another part of the book is dedicated to whether you’re young or old, whether Kevin’s international travels, among which you’re 21 or you’re 70. It’s about lessons are his trips to Auschwitz and Dachau. and insights and stories gained throughout Included in this section is his meeting with my entire life, and especially the influence Holocaust-survivor Eva Schloss, where he of the Jewish people and religion on me shares her own inspirational story. There Leon Levy Lorna Levy and sharing some of their stories.” is also the amusing tale of Kevin’s visit to Georgia in the US where, on account of his Over the decades, Jews have played a prominent role Years before Kevin had undertaken to write the book, he was continuously surname, the media were convinced that in the Labour Movement in South Africa — and a few he was a descendent of Charlie Chaplin names come to mind. approached at conferences and corporate events at which he gave and continues to (he is not!), to the extent that he unveiled a statue and appeared on national television. n the 1930s, Ray Alexander, Morris Kagan, Katie Kagan, give motivational talks: had he published a IBeila Page, Issy Woolfson, Eli Weinberg and Solly Sachs book? It was in 2013 however, when Kevin Kevin says that the book “is really meant to figured prominently. Much later, more contemporary figures connected with niche memoir writer Toby show people that nothing is impossible and who worked in the trade union movement were Jonny Copelyn, Shenker at an Ubuntu breakfast event, that that when you meet people, you learn from Mike Morris, Alan Fine and Bernie Fanaroff. writing a book became a real possibility for them, so it’s about what you can learn from him. He recounts, “I knew I couldn’t write a others… There’s something in it for every On 1 May 2020, Leon and Lorna Levy will have been married book on my own. I believe that everything reader... Whether you’re Christian, Jewish, for 58 years. When they married in Johannesburg in 1962, in life is about surrounding yourself with the Muslim, Hindu, whether you’re black or Leon Levy was President of the South African Congress of right people. That’s one of the lessons in white, whatever your views are, there’s Trade Unionists and Lorna Levy was Assistant Secretary of the book… so it was just a blessing, and something in it for you.” the National Union of Distributive Workers. I said to Toby, ‘Let’s do it.’ I couldn’t have CAN DO! is available at Exclusive Books It was Lorna who decided that the date to get married should done it without her.” and retails for R349.00 or it can be ordered be on 1 May, Labour Day. Today, it may sound rather corny that Kevin enjoyed a highly successful career directly from Kevin for R320.00 via www. two trade unionists chose that day for their marriage — but it in banking for 26 years before deciding to saubuntu.co.za or kchaplin@saubuntu. didn’t appear that way at the time. leave the industry to found the SA Ubuntu co.za. There are also special prices for bulk “We had two celebrations on that day because it was how Foundation, a decision which he credits, orders: ten copies or more will cost R300 South Africa was at that time. First there was the conventional among other factors, to Cape Town’s each, and orders of 50 or more will cost family luncheon held in an up-market venue. We made this a Jewish community and to the connections R280.00 each; this makes for a perfect gift family-only occasion because of the limitations on who could he had made with its members: “I had met for business owners to buy for their staff, attend an event like this, due to all the race restrictions of so many amazing people from the moment management and executives. the time. I moved down here… They had such a huge impact on my life. That was one of the In the evening, we held a huge party in Michael Harmel’s house big factors and I realised I wanted to stay for the political movement, our friends. It had professional in the Cape.” catering and alcohol available, although this was forbidden. In fact, it was unlikely that a party of ours was legal at all, so much The book centres around stories of so that the Special Branch arrived outside in a number of cars, achieving one’s goals and emerging but luckily, they did not come into the venue. Their presence triumphant when the odds are stacked was noted by all our guests. against one. Indeed, it provides lessons for success and motivation in the face of It was 1 May 1962, and there was really a roll call of the political naysayers insisting that “it’s impossible, movement present at our wedding party. Among our guests you can’t do it, you’ll never do it.” Kevin were Winnie Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ruth First, Joe Slovo, explains, “It’s written in such a way that Ahmed Kathrada, Moses Kotane, Hilda and Rusty Bernstein, every page or second page with a story, and so on. It was a very crowded event. there’s a lesson to it, there’s messages It was a time when we liked to party and our wedding was an throughout the book about how to deal with occasion for people across the colour line to meet. An event different situations.” like our wedding that May Day 1962 was rare. Soon afterwards Kevin talks about his two mentors, Raymond the changed legislation would have made that wedding party Ackerman and Philip Krawitz and the impossible. lessons he has learnt from them over the A year later, and the Levys’ lives had changed. On May Day years. He also discusses the work he has 1963, Leon was in prison, detained under the 90-day detention done with Marlene Silbert and the interfaith law, and Lorna was in London, living in exile. Over the years, initiative that she started. Numerous lots of people have remembered that party, the wedding connections with the Jewish religion, such celebration in Orchards, Johannesburg that was the last big as the practice of Shabbat, are delved into, non-racial event of an era. and there is also a chapter entirely about back to contents Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 33 SIMCHA PAGE SEND US YOUR WE WANT TO BUY SIMCHA SNAPS! SILVER JEWELLERY Have you recently celebrated the birth of a baby, a birthday, CHINA GLASSWARE barmitzvah, batmitzvah, ART SCULPTURE anniversary, an engagement, HOUSEHOLD GOODS, etc wedding or any simcha or achievement? Burr & Muir Send us a photo and share your Antiques/Collectables simcha with the community! Wedding pictures can be The Mirage, Shop 5, submitted at no charge. 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back to contents 34 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 CHRONIC ADS Amid Corona pandemic, Hillel

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By Craig Nudelman COVID-19 has wrought havoc that we have not yet discussed the this pandemic will not affect our happening to avoid upon the world. The thousands cost that the pandemic will have on marriage. However, it is much more feeling fatalistic of deaths that the Novel social suffering. And although we difficult for those whose relationships and resigned to Coronavirus has caused is have new technologies that allow are fragile. the worst possible us to have ‘facetime’ with our loved outcome. Couples beyond belief, and this virus When it comes to disasters, people ones, physical contact is crucial to a have to navigate in relationships will either come will surely be seen as the healthy emotional and mental state. these waters carefully and try to together or split apart. Financial deadliest disease since the understand one other by being The physical toll that those who lack and logistical tensions of dread and Spanish Flu in 1918-1919. sensitive, caring and loving. routine social contact is staggering. uncertainty can lead couples to either lobally, we have seen countries Researchers for the National work with or against each other. As I write this column, we have been Gacting in different ways, yet Academies of Sciences reported that However, the pandemic has caused in lockdown for one week. There are it is clear that the decisions taken “Social isolation has been associated even more uncertainty — how much 1 505 confirmed cases of COVID-19, by many governments will define with a significantly increased risk of more can the economy tank?; how with seven confirmed deaths. The their politics for the next couple of premature mortality from all causes,” will the country deal with the rise in government has been amazing with decades. Meanwhile, in South Africa, including: a “50 percent increased COVID-19 patients?; will there be communication and I feel at ease, the decisive leadership of Cyril risk of developing dementia”; a “29 enough hospital beds?; what is going knowing that they are in control — Ramaphosa has been incredible. percent increased risk of incident to happen politically in the country? for the most part. But this pandemic We’re yet to see the results of his coronary heart disease”; a “25 Jennifer Senior, writing in the New will not just be about numbers. It will actions, but the hope is that he acted percent increased risk for cancer York Times, spoke to Esther Perel, a be about how humans acted in the quickly enough to contain the spread mortality”; a “59 percent increased noted therapist and podcast celebrity. face of adversity. It’s about what we and ‘flatten the curve’ — a phrase has risk of functional decline”; and a “32 Perel described several differences did to help those in need, how much entered our collective vocabulary, percent increased risk of stroke.” a couple may take on key questions time we spent with our family in a much the same as ‘social distancing’. However, the lockdown and isolation that are relevant. These include: how positive way, and how we created a But COVID-19 is not just a physical does not only mean individuals one approaches information at a time nurturing environment for those who disease. It is now something that with pre-existing mental or physical of crisis; how consumed one is by may not have the opportunity to have has massive social repercussions. issues are affected. Those who are an emergency; and how one moves one. This pandemic is a test of our The first factor is definitely the in abusive relationships will also through the world when disaster humanity. I hope that we will keep economic issues that the virus suffer greatly. strikes. One person might be more showing that we can come together open and engaged, thorough in and face this challenge united has brought upon global financial Women and children are in greater research and up to speed, while and strong. systems. Stock exchanges have danger during the lockdown then they the other person wants to block out tumbled, emerging markets’ were before it. Escaping one’s home the ‘noise’ and not discuss what is Keep safe and stay strong. currencies are in tatters (besides is one way of avoiding abuse. Children for China), and unemployment is can go to school and women to work, rising in almost every country as among other safe places. However, isolation and quarantine have led in this time of a complete lockdown, to retrenchments. Not only this, but these vulnerable people are trapped businesses, cultural institutions, and with their abusers 24/7. Last year I restaurants which rely on peoples’ wrote about femicide and the absurd physical presence are being run into figure of abuse against women in the ground. South Africa — research shows that But the economic toll is not the only a woman is murdered in South Africa effect of social isolation. Isolation every three hours. That is the norm in can have severe repercussions on South Africa. However, the lockdown emotional health for individuals (which is a new norm. How many women can lead to physical issues), domestic will now be abused and murdered abuse and gender-based violence, at the hands of their partners? How and household relationships. many children will be mentally, emotionally and For those who do physically scarred not have partners The physical toll that those at the end of the or people who who lack routine social 21-day period? live in the same contact is staggering. “Social Thankfully there house as them, are call centres isolation can be isolation has been associated set up for those traumatic. People with a significantly who are victims are normally increased risk of premature of gender-based surrounded by mortality from all causes,” violence, but how people in their successful will everyday lives; they be? the gym, shops, work, religious, and social gatherings are obviously There is one last issue that needs all people-based. And those who to be addressed: the toll that the are mostly affected by isolation are lockdown and isolation will have those whose immune systems are on couples and their relationships. most compromised. Older adults, I am lucky enough to be married to people with disabilities and those an incredible woman and mother; I with preexisting health complications cannot imagine going through this are going to be hit with a breakdown without her. Gabi and I have been in social contact. In an article on Vox. working hard and parenting even com, Eric Klinenberg, a New York harder — it’s been tough not having University sociologist, was quoted as school for Jessica and not having saying “we’ve entered a new period things for Livi to do. But it has shown of social pain”. He goes on to say me that our relationship is strong; back to contents 36 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2020 That discomfort you’re feeling is grief

by Scott Berinato for hbr.org

Some of the Anticipatory grief is also more goal is to find balance in the things for situations like this. I’ve also Harvard Business broadly imagined futures. There is you’re thinking. If you feel the worst studied the 1918 flu pandemic. The Review (HBR) edit a storm coming. There’s something image taking shape, make yourself precautions we’re taking are the right staff met virtually the other bad out there. With a virus, this kind think of the best image. We all get ones. History tells us that. This is day — a screen full of faces in a of grief is so confusing for people. a little sick and the world continues. survivable. We will survive. This is a Our primitive mind knows something Not everyone I love dies. Maybe no time to overprotect but not overreact. scene becoming more common bad is happening, but you can’t see one does because we’re all taking And, I believe we will find meaning in everywhere. it. This breaks our sense of safety. the right steps. Neither scenario it. I’ve been honoured that Elisabeth We’re feeling that loss of safety. I should be ignored but neither should e talked about the content Kübler-Ross’s family has given me don’t think we’ve collectively lost dominate either. Wwe’re commissioning in this permission to add a sixth stage our sense of general safety like this. harrowing time of a pandemic and Anticipatory grief is the mind going to to grief: Meaning. I had talked to Individually or as smaller groups, how we can help people. But we also the future and imagining the worst. Elisabeth quite a bit about what people have felt this. But all together, talked about how we were feeling. To calm yourself, you want to come came after acceptance. I did not this is new. We are grieving on a One colleague mentioned that what into the present. This will be familiar want to stop at acceptance when I micro and a macro level. she felt was grief. Heads nodded in advice to anyone who has meditated experienced some personal grief. all the panes. What can individuals do to or practiced mindfulness but people I wanted meaning in those darkest If we can name it, perhaps we can manage all this grief? are always surprised at how prosaic hours. And I do believe we find light manage it. We turned to David this can be. You can name five things in those times. Even now people are nderstanding the stages of grief Kessler for ideas on how to do that. in the room. There’s a computer, a realising they can connect through is a start. But whenever I talk Kessler is the world’s foremost expert U chair, a picture of the dog, an old rug, technology. They are not as remote about the stages of grief, I have to on grief. He co-wrote with Elisabeth and a coffee mug. It’s that simple. as they thought. They are realising remind people that the stages aren’t Kübler-Ross On Grief and Grieving: Breathe. Realise that in the present they can use their phones for long linear and may not happen in this Finding the Meaning of Grief through moment, nothing you’ve anticipated conversations. They’re appreciating order. It’s not a map but it provides the Five Stages of Loss. His new book has happened. In this moment, walks. I believe we will continue some scaffolding for this unknown adds another stage to the process, you’re okay. You have food. You are to find meaning now and when this world. There’s denial, which we say a Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage not sick. Use your senses and think is over. lot of early on: This virus won’t affect of Grief. Kessler also has worked for about what they feel. The desk is us. There’s anger: You’re making What do you say to someone a decade in a three-hospital system hard. The blanket is soft. I can feel me stay home and taking away my who’s read all this and is still in Los Angeles. He served on their the breath coming into my nose. This activities. There’s bargaining: Okay, biohazards team. His volunteer work really will work to dampen some of feeling overwhelmed with grief? if I social distance for two weeks includes being an LAPD Specialist that pain. everything will be better, right? eep trying. There is something Reserve for traumatic events as well There’s sadness: I don’t know when You can also think about how to let Kpowerful about naming this as as having served on the Red Cross’s this will end. And finally there’s go of what you can’t control. What grief. It helps us feel what’s inside disaster services team. He is the acceptance. This is happening; I your neighbour is doing is out of your of us. So many have told me in the founder of www.grief.com, which have to figure out how to proceed. control. What is in your control is past week, “I’m telling my coworkers has over 5 million visits yearly from staying six-feet away from them and I’m having a hard time,” or “I cried last 167 countries. Acceptance, as you might imagine, is washing your hands. Focus on that. night.” When you name it, you feel it where the power lies. We find control Kessler shared his thoughts on why and it moves through you. Emotions in acceptance. I can wash my hands. Finally, it’s a good time to stock up it’s important to acknowledge the grief need motion. It’s important we I can keep a safe distance. I can on compassion. Everyone will have you may be feeling, how to manage acknowledge what we go through. learn how to work virtually. different levels of fear and grief it, and how he believes we will find One unfortunate byproduct of the and it manifests in different ways. self-help movement is we’re the first meaning in it. The conversation is When we’re feeling grief there’s that A coworker got very snippy with me generation to have feelings about lightly edited for clarity. physical pain. And the racing mind. the other day and I thought, That’s our feelings. We tell ourselves things Are there techniques to deal with that not like this person; that’s how like, I feel sad, but I shouldn’t feel HBR: People are feeling any to make it less intense? number of things right now. they’re dealing with this. I’m seeing that; other people have it worse. We Is it right to call some of what Let’s go back to anticipatory grief. their fear and anxiety. So be patient. can — we should — stop at the first Think about who someone usually is they’re feeling grief? Unhealthy anticipatory grief is really feeling. I feel sad. Let me go for five anxiety, and that’s the feeling you’re and not who they seem to be in this minutes to feel sad. Your work is to essler: Yes, and we’re feeling a talking about. Our mind begins to moment. feel your sadness and fear and anger Knumber of different griefs. We show us images. My parents getting One particularly troubling whether or not someone else is feel the world has changed, and it sick. We see the worst scenarios. aspect of this pandemic is the feeling something. Fighting it doesn’t has. We know this is temporary, but it That’s our minds being protective. open-endedness of it. help because your body is producing doesn’t feel that way, and we realise Our goal is not to ignore those images the feeling. If we allow the feelings to things will be different. Just as going or to try to make them go away — his is a temporary state. It helps happen, they’ll happen in an orderly to the airport is forever different from your mind won’t let you do that and it Tto say it. I worked for 10 years in way, and it empowers us. Then we’re how it was before 9/11, things will can be painful to try and force it. The the hospital system. I’ve been trained not victims. change and this is the point at which they changed. The loss of normalcy; In an orderly way? the fear of economic toll; the loss es. Sometimes we try not to of connection. This is hitting us and Yfeel what we’re feeling because we’re grieving. Collectively. We are we have this image of a “gang of not used to this kind of collective grief feelings.” If I feel sad and let that in, in the air. it’ll never go away. The gang of bad You said we’re feeling more feelings will overrun me. The truth is than one kind of grief? a feeling that moves through us. We feel it and it goes and then we go es, we’re also feeling anticipatory to the next feeling. There’s no gang Ygrief. Anticipatory grief is that out to get us. It’s absurd to think we feeling we get about what the future shouldn’t feel grief right now. Let holds when we’re uncertain. Usually yourself feel the grief and keep going. it centres on death. We feel it when someone gets a dire diagnosis or when we have the normal thought This article was first published on that we’ll lose a parent someday. www.hbr.org on 23 March 2020. back to contents