30 November 2012 / 16 Kislev 5773 Volume 16 - Number 43 News Opinion Letters Tapestry Community Columns Youth Sports South African

friday 30 november 2012 / 16 Kislev 5773 volume 16 - number 43 news opinion letters tapestry community columns youth sports south african

One of the world’s best orchestras is coming to town! (page 6) jewish report www.sajewishreport.co.za Livni unveils new party for run in the upcoming Israeli elections ISRAEL HAYOM/EXCLUSIVE TO JNS.ORG “Instead of focusing on their [Likud- Beytenu] ultra-extreme Knesset list, now After months of speculation, former Israeli we’re focusing on the fact that there is anoth- Foreign Minister and Opposition Leader Tzipi er little party in the centre. Livni on Tuesday announced her candidacy in “Anyone who believes that Israel should Israel’s January 22 general elections, unveiling have a fair economy and just society, protect her new party Hatnuah (“The Movement”). democracy and the rule of law and be able to According to media reports, Livni delayed promote a diplomatic [peace] process, should launching her new party until after hostilities unite behind the leadership of Shelly Yachi-

with Hamas in Gaza had ceased. Antje Wildgrube/Wikimedia Commons. movich, who is leading the centre bloc with “It was difficult for me to return to poli- confidence and stability. tics,” Livni told a packed roomful of reporters “Next week, the Labour Party will present at a media conference in Tel Aviv. “I came to an economic-social plan that, when imple- fight for our shared vision; to fight for peace. I mented, will give Israeli citizens better, more will not lend a hand to those who are trying to decent lives.” turn the word ‘peace’ into a bad word. I came The other main Centre-Left Israeli party, to fight for Jewish Israel, for democratic Isra- Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid (“There is a Future”), el. I came to fight against social gaps.” also issued a statement, saying: “The ma- Livni said she “didn’t return to politics to noeuvre that Tzipi Livni instigated this morn- be in this or that party”. ing is an embodiment of the old politics, the “My return was motivated by a void that quintessential monster, motivated solely by has emerged,” she said. “When I thought her ego. that [former Prime Minister Ehud] Olmert “It is unfortunate that Livni refused to be may run, I was relieved, because I thought he a partner in making a real change in the lives Tzipi Livni has been criticised for fragmenting the political centre with her new party. would pose a viable alternative to the prime of Israel’s citizens.” minister (Benjamin Netanyahu). Ultimately, Dubbed “Mrs Clean” by one Israeli news- Reactions quickly followed Livni’s media Lapid had also asked Livni to join his par- I stepped in because the political arena re- paper columnist, a reference to her unmarred conference. Labour Chairman Shelly Yachi- ty, and had been refused. mained empty.” integrity while her colleagues were plagued movich, who had asked Livni to join the party Meanwhile, the results of the Likud pri- Livni initially entered politics just over a with criminal investigations, the usually dour but had been rejected, issued a statement say- maries, which ended on Monday after two decade ago, following a stint in the Mossad in- former foreign minister is widely seen as the ing: “Tzipi Livni, who is a worthy woman and days of voting due to glitches in the computer- telligence service - as a legal adviser, some say, antithesis of former Prime Minister Ehud politician, is making a terrible mistake. She is ised voting system, indicated that the party’s while others speculate that she helped hunt Olmert, a glad-handing veteran politician establishing a party of double refugees and list for the next Knesset includes Members of Arab enemies abroad - and then a career as a embroiled in a corruption scandal that forced giving Netanyahu and [Avigdor] Lieberman a Knesset considered as belonging to the right- corporate attorney. him from office. reason to smile. wing side of the party.

Jewish leadership positive of Pretoria anti-Israel billboards Building of Muslim-Jewish ties Special MILNER: SA teams highlight the an open door to government rankle city’s Jewish community brings hope for Mideast Jewish art of how not to lose The meeting was a welcome return When Jews and Muslims meet flesh- Report All sports are made up of offence and to the kind of open, constructive and-blood members of the other com- supplement defence. It is vital to have a balanced dialogue that until recently had munity for the first time, it transforms – Medical share of both. However, defence is always characterised the relationship the previous dynamic of fear and mis- Matters seemingly quickly becoming what between the Jewish leadership and trust into something far more uplifting. South African sport is all about. government. 3 2 4 7-14 20

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Shabbat Times Nov 30 / 16 Kislev Whole, complete and unscathed Dec 1 / 17 Kislev Every challenge brings casualties. lihood in a crooked and unsavory How can this be? How can PARSHAT VAYISHLACH Parshat Vayishlach Whether on the sports field, stock environment, was confronted by we see our individual, collec- Reverend Ilan Herrmann, Doornfontein Hebrew 18:15 19:21 Johannesburg market or battlefield, the result is a his wicked brother Esau and had to tive state as one in which we 18:15 20:21 Cape Town Congregation combination that includes victories endure a battle with Esau’s angel in are whole, with no injury or 18:15 19:19 Durban and defeats. The same can be said of which he wrestled for his very life. loss? Rashi elaborates: Jacob for generations to all times, in all 18:20 19:36 Bloemfontein 18:05 19:52 Port Elizabeth our individual life experience. It is therefore a seeming para- arrives complete in three areas: In circumstances and in every place 18:15 19:40 East London This is true on a national level as dox that in the book of truth, which himself, his assets and in his Torah. and will have emerged full in its well. The Jewish people have expe- is an accurate model for life and “Complete in himself” - The uncompromised originality. KASHRUT ALERT rienced both sides of the pendulum. guides the process we are to strive Jewish people will have elevated The perspective is clear. We are Pie Works offers Chalav The many moments of success are to follow, we are told Jacob arrives their soul components on every not victims of an exile, we are in Yisrael on request coupled with moments of pain. unscathed, uncompromised. How dimension; centuries of heartfelt the process of creating and shap- Both are entertained in the national can this be? commitment to truth and the devo- ing a destiny. The seeming setback The kashrut department of the Union psyche of our people. The description of Jacob is tion to a moral and ethical code, is a mechanism to firstly reveal a of Orthodox Synagogues advises Enter this week’s Torah portion, explained to be metaphorical of the bringing the resultant soul perfec- strength within and thus elevate that Pie Works offers Chalav Yisrael describing Jacob’s arrival home in Jewish people as a whole. Jacob, the tion that is realised through this. our soul dimension yet further; to on request only, as it is produced on the Holy Land at the end of his 20- patriarch who most acutely reflects “Complete in assets” - For mil- accumulate a more valuable asset dedicated equipment. year sojourn. Jacob arrived whole the collective destiny of the people lennium the Jewish people have through elevating creation and fi- The shape of the Chalav Yisrael and complete, unscathed. of Israel, so that his emergence been engaging the world through nally to further deepen and extract pizza is square. Other milchik products are clearly So, what’s surprising about and arrival after the lengthy exile mitzvoth and have thereby elevated a Divine wisdom of the Torah that marked to indicate whether or not this? The dilemma here is that this is explained to be symbolic of the and sublimated it, to such extent resonates with our time, place and they are Chalav Yisrael. comes after he had fled the wrath of emergence of Israel; his state of that they have accrued great spir- circumstance. All three are linked. Esau, engaged the deceptive Lavan completion is the metaphor for the itual wealth.” Jacob arrived whole. The des- Temporary ‘fix’ to for two decades, was engrossed in state of wholeness and complete- “Complete in Torah” - The Torah tiny of every Jew and of the Jewish Linksfield-Senderwood commerce and in the pursuit of live- ness that the Jewish people reflect. given at Sinai will have been applied people is no less. eruv

Although the Linksfield-Senderwood eruv remains down on the eastern side towards Senderwood, as a result Pretoria anti-Israel billboards rankle of ongoing construction in the area, the Union of Orthodox Synagogues among the city’s Jewish community Eruv Team has managed to construct a temporary fix further to the east, so DIANE WOLFSON Nowosenetz pointed out. that John Road and Gibbs Lane are PRETORIA There had already been a size- now included in the eruv. Everything able Jewish population of about half to the east of Gibbs Lane is excluded. A number of anti-Israel billboards a million by 1945. (Anglo American Deborah Road and Cheetham Road have sprung up at various sites in Committee of Enquiry). are also not included. Pretoria since August and are of The claim is often made that in Photo Ilan Ossendryver Community Briefs great concern to the South African 1948 a Jewish minority owning only Jazz from townships to Jewish community. five per cent of the land of northern suburbs, via Chai Pretoria Jews who drove past Palestine, made itself master FM them daily, found these billboards of the Arab majority, which extremely offensive, Advocate Law- owned 95 per cent. Studies Jazz, with its African-American roots, grew rence Nowosenetz, chairman of the showed that the Palestinian in SA townships during the 1950s and Pretoria Council of the SA Jewish version was simply crude 1960s. As a world music phenomenon, Board of Deputies, said. propaganda. The truth was it has evolved into a rich genre with gen- Investigations were underway as that neither the Palestinians Left: Advocate Lawrence Nowosenetz, chairman of the Pretoria eral appeal. 101.9 Chai FM now presents to whether the billboards complied nor the Jews had owned the Council of the SAJBD. Above: One of the distasteful billboards a dedicated jazz hour on Sunday evenings “gracing” a Pretoria highway. between 19:00 and 20:00. Hosted by with advertising standards. majority of the land in 1946 Andile Sokaya, who holds a BMus Tech It is believed the mushrooming (although the Jews already War of Independ- “Yet Israel is unfairly held exclusive- degree from Port Elizabeth and a diploma billboards form part of a broader owned more than the Palestinians). ence, after rejecting the UN par- ly accountable for their destiny.” in radio broadcasting, and who boasts ex- BDS campaign to discredit Israel. According to M Aumann the Jews tition plan in 1947. At most, the Another billboard, he said, perience in as diverse areas as Afro ten- This was a clumsy and amateur- owned 8,6 per cent and the Palestin- number had been 750 000. “makes a claim that the Israeli oc- ors and OppiKoppi, the “Sunday Session” ish attempt to portray Israel as a ian Arabs 3,3 per cent. “This is not a unique, nor the cupation of Palestinian territory is promises unrelenting smoothness and gradual usurper of Palestinian land, Most of the land vested in the largest refugee migration in the illegal in international law. This is will be amenable to listeners to SMS their in order to advance their political British Mandatory authority as 20th century. At the same moment incorrect. There has never been a jazz requests to 34519, or e-mail andile@ agenda to isolate, demonise and dis- crown land, had been acquired from Israel won recognition as an inde- decision on this allegation by the In- chaifm.com. – RONEL ZEFF credit Israel, Nowosenetz said. the Turkish Ottomans after the pendent state in 1948, the parti- ternational Court of Justice.” WIZO screens ‘Sarah’s Key’ as One billboard, showing three First World War. In 1948 it devolved tion of India and Pakistan was tak- Nowosenetz pointed out that a Pretoria fundraiser panels of maps of Israel dated 1946, into the State of Israel. ing place, which led to 14,5 million the resolutions of the UN General 1967 and 2012, typified this canard. Nowosenetz said the billboard refugees. The Pakistanis did not, Assembly were not binding in law, At Henry Sher’s Theatre in Muckleneuk, It could easily be proved false by ref- depicting the three maps, also however, reject that partition plan nor had there been any unequivo- Pretoria, on December 2 at 19:45, the erence to the first panel showing the played to the international obses- and thus avoided permanent refu- cal resolution requiring a unilateral WIZO Emergency Relief Fund will be entire area of pre-1967 Israel as 100 sion with Palestinian refugeeship, geeship.” withdrawal by Israel. screening “Sarah’s Key”, a film starring per cent Palestinian in 1946. claiming that the UN classified 4,7 The neighbouring Arab states “The West Bank was never Pales- Kristin Scott Thomas about Jewish family It was not clear if the panel de- million Palestinians as refugees. had never assisted in absorbing Pal- tinian sovereign land and it is argua- secrets in 1940s Paris and the notorious “Vel d’Hiv” round-up. At R150 per ticket, noted land ownership or simply This overlooked that most of estinian refugees nor had the Pales- ble that this territory devolved upon the event is a fundraiser; all contributions residence by Palestinians, but it was them were the descendants of a tinians been asked why they did not Israel under the Mandate and Israel will be transferred to Israel. Contact Elayne abundantly clear neither proposi- much smaller number of refugees try to seek asylum with their own is entitled to sovereign rights there 082-567-5270 or Diane (012) 346-8712. tion had any foundation in fact, who fled Israel in 1948 during the brethren, Nowosenetz pointed out. until a peace agreement is reached.

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Unprecedented affordable prices on first come basis!!! 25th March-1st april, 2013 Photo: Ilan Ossendryver tiberias GaLiL JerusaLem Caesarea Bruce Whitfield; Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein; Adrian Gore; and Stephen Koseff SHIRA DRUION the people, ensuring that winning a continuum of opportunities that partnerships could be formed so that have the possibility to create great The Union of Orthodox Synagogues optimal results could be achieved. change in the world.” is impacting the Jewish community “Leadership should not be a “Great leaders invest in others,” Leonardo PLaza HaCienda resort david CitadeL dan HoteL on the KIneRet LaKe In the FoRest In oUR hoLy CIty by the sea and Tuesday morning’s leadership lonely road. If you are too lonely, said Koseff. “Leaders have to cajole *Kids free, conditions apply Scholar: Scholar: Scholar: forum testified to the fact that the you can’t lead,” said Rabbi Goldstein. and to nurture their colleagues and Scholar: Rabbi Ronen Neiwurth Rabbi James Kennard Rabbi Dr. Nachum Amsel Rabbi David Gottlieb Rabbanit Penina Neuwirth UOS has its finger on the pulse of “Good leadership is about inviting employees, so that they can bring Rabbi Professor Daniel Hershkowitz MK Johannesburg Jewry and is taking others to share the journey, to share out the best in them. It’s not about a all our 5 star pesach programs include: Scholars in residence, lectures, Shiurim & Minyanim the necessary steps to enlighten our the vision.” one-man show. A dictatorial leader- Glatt Mehadrin & Kitniyot free, gourmet cuisine Special prices for large families and group rates community with the best intellectual “I recently attended a conference ship style gets you nowhere, so one Heimish Chag atmosphere Tours & hikes with tour guides property on the market. where Henry Kissinger spoke about has to be consistently diplomatic and All inclusive entertainment programs for all ages Concerts, performances & afternoon tea Personally hosted by quality staff Communal & Private Sedorim & 2nd day Chag The breakfast at Investec, opened the Chinese and their outlook on ensure that one’s leadership method- with a panel of experts, chaired by life,” said Gore who is refreshingly ology is being modified consistently.” Israel: 02-992 9801 | USA: +646 240 4118 | Europe: +44 208 819 2620 | Australia: +612 801 44676 www.koShErtrAvElErS.com | [email protected] 702‘s Bruce Whitfield who took no optimistic about the opportunities Chief Rabbi Goldstein spoke Glatt kosher luxury cruises | land tours to Exotic Destinations prisoners with his interrogative style. for growth and development in SA. about the noble virtues accompanied Deluxe Sukkot hotel Programs | kosher Ski vacations | Jewish heritage tours Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, “The Chinese say that life is about with humility. Investec CEO Stephen Koseff, and problem solving, so, as opposed to “The way to avoid arrogance is Discovery CEO Adrian Gore, were the seeing life as an amalgamation of by attaining self-knowledge because three distinguished guests of honour, limitations, this outlook breaks down that connects a person to his reality. all of whom did not disappoint with those self-imposed walls and allows Arrogant people don’t understand shared words of hope and advice a fluid interaction with our circum- themselves. Leadership is about be- about the journey travelled. stances and the opportunities for ing clear eyed, and realistic about the They related to the audience their growth that it presents to us. status quo, all the while maintaining failures and successes and shared in- “I believe that if we employ this a hopeful vision for the world and all sights on how to lead in tandem with perspective, we will open our eyes to of its antics.” Jewish leadership assured of open door DAVID SAKS

Last Wednesday, coinciding with the dying stages of the Gaza conflict, an SAJBD and SAZF delegation met with Minister Collins Chabane and Director General Dr Cassius Lubisi from the Presidency at Tuynhuis, Cape Town. Also attending was Justice Minister Jeff Radebe. The meeting, scheduled before the Gaza conflict erupted, took place following a tense week dominated by reports of strident calls from local activists for SA to sever its ties with Israel. In its media statement, the Office of the Presidency described the meeting as Delegation members present President Jacob Zuma with “fruitful and amicable”. Jewish Memories of Mandela, after the meeting. SAJBD Chairman Mary Kluk said the meeting was a welcome return to the kind of constructive dialogue These questions were again discussed. It was that until recently had characterised the relationship resolved that the Departments of Trade and Industry between Jewish leadership and government. as well as International Relations and Co-operation, The meeting was a follow-up to an initial meeting would further discuss the issues with the Jewish com- in September, where a number of issues concerning munity. After the meeting, President Zuma briefly left SA Jewry were raised. These included the labelling of the meeting he was attending, to greet the delegation goods from “Israel Occupied Territories” and the per- He was presented with a special copy of the SA- ceived travel ban to Israel by government officials. JBD’s 2011 book, Jewish Memories of Mandela. 4 SA JEWISH REPORT Opinion and Analysis 30 November – 7 December 2012

south african Building of Muslim-Jewish ties jewish report brings hope for Mideast What will come Photo by Cassandra Giraldo from Mangaung?

With the ANC elective conference at Mangaung coming up in less than two weeks, it is clear nothing will be done before then by top political figures in government that might antagonise their supporters or jeopardise their chances of election or re-election. They don’t want to rock the boat. For a betting man, the money is clearly on President Jacob Zuma to be elected for a second term. Political paralysis is never a good thing, but it is particularly bad in our situation today, with such a need for decisive political action. In this light the meeting of the Jewish leadership with Zuma’s office, reported on page 3, was unlikely to produce any visible, concrete results. However, the amicable feelings expressed at the meeting stand in stark contrast to the increasing hostility towards Israel that has characterised the ANC of late, as illustrated by the comments from Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies and those of deputy ministers of in- A group of Muslim and Jewish teenagers from the Young Peace Builders club at both Amity High School and Kings Bay Y community centre ternational relations and co-operation, Ebrahim prepare food at the Masbia Food Pantry in Midwood, US, as part of the Weekend of Twinning, an international programme during which Ebrahim and Marius Fransman. Muslims and Jews unite to help those in need. What is the true reality? Do Davies, Ebrahim and Fransman represent the core of the ANC at- MARC SCHNEIER AND SHAMSI ALI and Muslims meet flesh-and-blood ganisations in cities around the world titude to Israel? Or is there under the surface a NEW YORK members of the other community for hold joint events dedicated to building greater understanding of Israel’s situation? And the first time, it transforms the previ- ties between our two faith communi- if the latter, why has the ANC leadership under The recent conflict in Gaza and Israel ous dynamic of fear and mistrust into ties. Zuma allowed the expression of such hostility casts a vivid spotlight on the need to something far more uplifting. During the past several weeks, de- towards Israel? Not a peep from him. strengthen relations between Jews and A paradigm shift takes place during spite the drumbeat in the media about South African Jewry’s stake in what comes Muslims in countries around the world. those encounters, turning the collective the exchange of missile fire in the Mid- out of Mangaung centres on two major areas. It is crucial if we are to avoid importing “Other” into a person with a name and dle East, thousands of Muslims and Firstly, our South African context and how this the violence that has rocked the Holy values that upon closer examination Jews in more than 20 countries chose country is governed; and secondly Israel, and the Land to our communities. turn out to be very similar to one’s own. to go forward with more than 100 government’s approach towards it. The good news is that there is signif- There is also a more concrete ele- planned “twinning” events. The policy by stealth or inaction towards Is- icant building of grass-roots Muslim- ment in the equation. Leaders of both They engaged in comparative Torah rael which we have seen in recent times, should Jewish ties in North America, Europe communities in North America and Eu- and Qur’an study, highlighting com- stop. Not adhering to its stated position - a two- and other regions - an ongoing process rope have come to appreciate that like it monalities in the two faith traditions; state solution - creates confusion. that is yielding positive results. or not, they are fated to live side by side visited soup kitchens together to feed Underneath the superficial political face of In the United States, mainstream in large numbers. They have figured the hungry and homeless; and held any country, there are always different things Jewish organisations spoke up against out that they must strengthen Jewish- discussions on how to fight together going on. We hope that after Mangaung, what- the demagogic whipping-up of anti- Muslim ties on both the leadership and against Islamophobia and anti-Semi- ever political configuration emerges, a more Muslim hysteria like the cries in 2010 grass-roots levels if they are to secure tism. constructive attitude might be fostered towards against the so-called Ground Zero a decent future for both communities. There is a growing global movement Israel, which may actually help in the Israeli-Pal- mosque in New York City. American Moderate Muslim leaders in many of Muslims and Jews who are commit- estinian conflict rather than exacerbate it. Jewish groups also spoke up against the countries understand that the Jewish ted to communication, reconciliation Israel’s attitude towards South Africa has be- passage this year by several state legis- community can be among their strong- and co-operation. They have come out come one of dismissal and cynicism. South Af- latures of patently unconstitutional est allies in fighting against the spread in force in recent days to say that as rica is regarded as basically irrelevant to Israel’s bills to “ban” Shariah law. of anti-Muslim sentiment. For their saddened as all of us were by the recent struggle in the Middle East, given its clear alli- At the same time, prominent Ameri- part, Jewish leaders understand the events in Israel and Gaza, we emphati- ance with the Palestinians and unhelpfulness in can Muslim leaders have spoken out urgent need to build solid working re- cally are unwilling to return meekly doing anything towards resolving the conflict. publicly against Holocaust denial by lations with moderate Muslim leaders to our respective bunkers and just And its unwillingness to even engage in debate representatives of Iran, Hamas and and to help those leaders credibly make abandon our efforts to build positive is sad, particularly in the light of the huge mor- the Palestinian Authority. Before Gi- the case to Muslim youth that they have Muslim-Jewish ties. al gravitas this country once offered and has lad Shalit was released from captivity, a path to success if they study hard, We believe that in time our global squandered. American Muslim leaders also signed play by the rules and reject the call of efforts for Muslim-Jewish understand- Is this likely to change? Can we see another an open letter calling for his release Islamist extremism. ing and trust will also contribute to the “Brazilian President Silva” blossom in this coun- Across the ocean, top European For all these reasons, we are seeing realisation of peace between Jews and try - who, after a lack-lustre first term, had the Muslim and Jewish leaders held a more and more Muslims and Jews - es- Muslims in the Holy Land. Our efforts confidence and political freedom to move Bra- groundbreaking conference in Paris pecially members of the younger gener- will show our brothers and sisters there zil out of its stupor and give it an injection of two months ago at which they vowed ation who are connecting via social me- that Jewish-Muslim amity is eminently vitality, leaving Silva with a lasting legacy with to work together to reduce conflicts dia when they are unable to meet face realisable and that we are not fated to which he is still associated. According to the between Jews and Muslims across the to face - who simply refuse to accept fight each other forever. Washington Post in October 2010: “Under Lula continent. They also pledged to join the conventional wisdom that Jews and There is every reason for hope. All (Silva), Brazil became the world’s eighth-largest forces to oppose efforts in many coun- Muslims are doomed to line up on op- it takes is for Jews and Muslims any- economy, more than 20 million people rose out tries to limit ritual practices that both posite sides of a cataclysmic, century- where and everywhere to step forward of acute poverty and Rio de Janeiro was awarded faiths hold dear, such as circumcision long “clash of civilisations”. Instead, and extend a hand to each other across the 2016 Summer Olympics, the first time the and ritual slaughter. they are choosing to connect with each the barricades. (JTA) Games (were) held in South America.” Why has this blossoming of Mus- other on a human level and hold joint Turning to our own situation: can a second lim-Jewish relations in the Diaspora events. • Rabbi Marc Schneier is president of term Zuma emulate his Brazilian counterpart been taking place even as the Israeli- We saw that in the recent fifth an- The Foundation for Ethnic Under- and be the decisive leader we need him to be? Palestinian peace process has reached nual Weekend of Twinning - a global standing. Imam Shamsi Ali is spiritual This is the most sorely lacking quality we face. its nadir? event facilitated every November by leader of the Jamaica Muslim Centre If he is re-elected, he will have to find the We believe the answer lies partly the Foundation for Ethnic Understand- in New York. They are co-authoring confidence to become an African statesman in the recent profusion of face-to-face ing during which members of mosques, “Sons of Abraham”, to be published by rather than a mere Struggle leader. Muslim-Jewish encounters. When Jews synagogues, and Muslim and Jewish or- Beacon Press next autumn. 30 November – 7 December 2012 Letters SA JEWISH REPORT 5 The Editor, PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 email: [email protected]

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Driven by a sense of responsibility to remedy past apartheid wrongs CASH PAID FOR I am writing after careful thought, in re- vestment of time, effort, fortified by promote our Jewish leadership and the sponse to the article by Dr Ivor Blumen- financial capital, is required to bring values of tzedakah that are the core of our thal, in Jewish Report of October 12, enti- about permanent change within commu- efforts. If each of our beneficiaries net- Silver, cutlery, tled “Jewish philanthropy: Is it charity or nities that were deprived of both financial work with 10 people, we are able to, in our merely reparations?” and intellectual resources. small way, influence over 200 000 black gold jewellery, I would like to address this to Dr Blu- As a fellow Jew, who takes his respon- township community residents in a num- menthal: My usual reaction in situations sibilities toward our Jewish community ber of positive ways. silver coins such as this is not to make matters pub- here and in Israel seriously, I do not be- This is all driven by community devel- lic, but as this article appeared in a pub- lieve that the policy of only supporting opment motives rather than by “bleeding and broken lic journal, I necessarily must respond to “our own” is appropriate or wise. Firstly, hearts” motivated by guilt. Equally as a counter negative public perceptions. I am I believe we have a responsibility as South Jewish led organisation, dealing with a jewellery happy to meet with you to debate this is- Africans to care for our own broader South large number of South African companies, sue privately should you wish to. African community while not neglect- we direct funds into community develop- The view you expressed, that Jewish ing the fraternity to which we religiously ment initiatives that promote hope, sta- support, be it through philanthropy or belong. bility and a more liveable and productive through corporate social investment, is Secondly, we have a self-interest mo- environment for many. driven by legacy guilt, is factually incor- tive in doing all we can to co-ordinate our On a personal level, as a South African rect. One of the motivations that drives efforts with other efforts that are going who grew up during the apartheid years in Contact Aaron many of the donors - Jewish as well as on in the country to build a more produc- this country, I do carry a sense of guilt for 072-358-9404 non-Jewish - is a sense of responsibility tive, safer South Africa, as we live within not having done more to alleviate the suf- [email protected] that we have to remedy a past situation the broader context of a multicultural fering of people whose lives were handi- where the structure of apartheid crippled multi-ethnic South Africa. capped by an unfair and immoral system. the development of the majority of our I certainly do agree with you that the I will carry this guilt for the rest of my population. incredible efforts of so many Jews and life, but instead of allowing it to paralyse The damage done during these apart- Jewish organisations working toward a or victimise me, I and many other Jews heid years was not simply an issue that better South Africa for us all, are not giv- with similar sentiments, choose to do could be remedied by monetary compen- en sufficient credit by our government or something about it. sation; a mindset shift was necessary in many of our social leaders. So by not being myopic in focusing addition to homes and schools being built. In truth, we often have to work only on Jewish causes alone, my family People who once felt incompetent against anti-Semitic biases when deal- and many others, names like the Menell and incapable, had to be taught that they ing with local and even regional au- family, Samson family, Krawitz family, could indeed fashion their own futures. thorities, but on the ground, deal- Rosenberg family, Forman family, Acker- Managerial competencies, skills and the ing with the individuals who are the man family and countless others, are able mindset that orients toward long-term direct beneficiaries (we work with over to support both Jewish institutions and planning, were only some of the challeng- 20 000 direct beneficiaries a day) I can as- individual as well as previously disadvan- es that we as South African’s collectively sure you that our efforts are appreciated taged communities. faced at the end of the apartheid era. and valued. Respectfully, “guilt money” alone does While we do not present ourselves as Marc Lubner not achieve this result. Responsible in a faith-based organisation, we certainly CEO, Afrika Tikkun

ProfESSOR Peter Alexander AND COMPANY make a mockery of academic freedom

By denying Professor Jeffrey Kantor, a visiting Israeli professor, philosopher, Eric Hoffer, who won the Presidential Medal of an opportunity to present a research paper before an audience of Freedom in 1983: “I have a premonition that will not leave me; his peers, at a sociology conference at UCT, Professor Peter Alex- as it goes with Israel, so will it go with all of us. Should Israel ander and his associates have succeeded in making a mockery of perish, the Holocaust will be upon us all.” academic freedom and intellectual debate. One can only speculate whether the Conflicting theoretical positions characterise the domain of same lack of courtesy would be afforded tertiary education and contesting relevant issues through argu- delegates from Iran, Syria, China, Myan- Senderwood mentation is at the core of scientific research. By definition, an mar , the Republic of Congo and the like, academic argument is debatable and requires opposing views whose records attest to gross violations BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME that different groups of people support. of human rights and religious intolerance In the Socratic tradition, it is incumbent upon scholars to be and where, in most instances, females are 9A Byron Street - ±1000m2 receptive to dissenting voices and argue logically from widely dif- not permitted the privilege of a basic edu- Located close to excellent schools and within fering perspectives. Universities, in fact, are mandated to instil cation. walking distance of Linksfield Shul, this property in their students a spirit of enquiry and to encourage them to ex- The fact that such selective discrimi- has excellent potential. Set on a secluded and amine critically their own belief systems and compare them with nation emanates from a discipline dedi- secure pan-handle this is the perfect opportunity the belief systems of those who may not share their worldview. cated to local and international co-opera- To discourage any accredited academic, either overtly or cov- tion and cross-cultural understandings, is to build your dream home. Plans are available, ertly, from arguing his or her case in an open forum, because of a serious indictment of our commitment or you could let your imagination soar! ideological differences, is indefensible in any academic society, to intellectual integrity. VIEW BY APPOINTMENT especially in a society that espouses democratic principles. When our scholars deliberately choose By doing so, Prof Alexander and his associates, in my opinion, to breach the code of academic ethics in succeed in stifling not only freedom of speech, but also freedom the name of political expediency, we be- GIFT 082 680 7127 of association and demean not only their own academic status, gin to understand why South African AUCTION [email protected] but also the reputation of the institutions they represent. institutions of higher learning rank so AUCTION DATE: 2 December 2012 @ 15h00 WEB REF: 0162 A case in point is that of the president of Iran who has on poorly among the world’s top universi- AUCTION VENUE: On Site several occasions been given a platform at the United Nations ties. AUCTIONEER: Gift Ngwenya to present his distorted premise that the Holocaust is merely a For the Rules of Auction and Sale Agreement go to historical fabrication conjured up by the “Zionist imperialists”. Dr Judy Seligmann www.auctionexchange.co.za Subject to a Reserve. In this context, allow me to quote the influential American Sandton Refundable Auction Registration Fee: R30 000 www.auctionexchange.co.za

Presented by the Johannesburg Jewish Male Choir Conducted by Russel Lurie | Accompanied by Evelyn Green | Solo performance by Ilan Herrmann A Musical Tribute To The Lions Shul Sunday | 2nd December | 3pm | Lions Shul | 120 Siemert Rd, Doornfontein Refreshments served - Secure Parking - Tickets R200 - RSVP - call Dala - 083 794 6358 - [email protected] 6 SA JEWISH REPORT Tapestry 30 November – 7 December 2012 Jonathan Taylor ‘with the household face’, a formidable Pirate King ROBYN SASSEN wanting to be a vet. “But my roles big enough to be nominated father could not afford the uni- for best supporting actor; small Born on a chicken farm on an versity fees, so I opted to become enough to not be responsible for Israeli moshav to “gung-ho young a school teacher instead. I was the whole thing flopping. Zionist socialists”, actor Jonathan nabbed by the theatre industry “People underestimate the The Square. Theatre On Photographs courtesy Old Mutual Taylor - aka the Pirate King in the before I had the chance to gradu- power of the imagination,” he current production of The Pirates ate as a teacher, however. says. “Acting lends itself to Members of the girls’ chorus: David Dennis, Michael Richard and of Penzance directed by Greg Ho- “It was in the mid-1970s and vicarious experience of a range Jonathan Taylor. man - has a face and a voice you I was given the chance to under- you could never dream of in ‘real rently enjoying a return season by principals and three choruses to somehow recognise more readily study Bruce Millar and Richard life’. I’ve been everything from a popular demand, Taylor sings the one of five men, it becomes all the than his stage presence. Loring in the production of Jo- doctor to a fighter pilot to a racing praises of the work, while he sings funnier. It can be prosaic, it can be “I have a household face,” he seph and the Amazing Technicolor driver. a bar or two, basking in its supple- melodramatic, but it does need a laughs. “I’ve been in situations as Dreamcoat, then at the Alexander “This career has also given ness and wit. certain level of performance to be diverse as cricket umpiring and Theatre.” me the chance to experience the “Gilbert and Sullivan were pio- carried off as well as it does.” social horse-riding,” he explained, From stage to radio to televi- world,” he says, speaking of how neers of English musical theatre. • In this version of Pirates of Pen- “where professionals associ- sion, Taylor built himself a career productions have taken him They made opera accessible with zance, at Old Mutual Theatre on ated with the field knew me, but as a freelancer. In the 1980s, his everywhere from Munich to social satire, sending up Victorian the Square, Sandton until Decem- couldn’t remember why, so in the gigs included writing and star- Seoul, over 38 years. verbosity in the best possible way. ber 22, Michael Richard replaces interests of their own straight ring in the Springbok Radio series Associated since its hilarious It is such fun. James Borthwick; Keaton Ditch- faces, they assumed my umpiring “Squad Cars”, and he’s enjoyed debut in June with the potted “The music is so wonderful to field replaces Brandon Lindsay and or horsing skills were top class.” small stints in all the soapies. version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s sing. And with Greg Homan mag- Kevin Kraak replaces Rowan Bak- Taylor started off adult life He’s also sought after in films “in Pirates of Penzance, which is cur- icking it down from a cast of 10 ker at the piano. (011) 883-8606. Arts in Brief The Sugar Man story is Royal Concertgebouw for KZN Phil’s celebrations Earlier this week, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra announced, in a Johannesburg much stranger than fiction celebration of its 30th anniversary, its season for 2013, which features the Amsterdam- based Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’s first South African tour. Celebrating its 125th SHIRA DRUION anniversary the RCO is one of the oldest orchestras in the world, and is rated by Gramo- phone magazine as among the world’s best. The RCO will tour Cape Town, Durban, Rodriguez was surely being prophetic when he Pretoria, Soweto and Umlazi in a bouquet of three concerts, under the baton of Charles scripted the lyrics for his hit song, ‘Sugar Man’, du Toit, with violin soloist Janine Jansen, as well as several children’s workshops. Tick- back in the ‘70’s. Little did he know that 40 years ets range between R250 and R750. At the launch, the managing director of the RCO, later, Johannesburg-born Stephen Segerman, aka Jan Raes commented on how the orchestra’s outreach and skills transfer elements, as “Sugar”, would redeem him from his life as a down- well as its performance acumen, are about “listening to one another and absorbing the town Detroit construction worker and present to energy of the country.” This RCO tour is part of a 48-concert, six continent tour, which the world, the real Rodriguez. will result in a full length filmed documentary. Visit www.concertgebouworkest.nl/en/ “Rodriguez (now 70) was so much a part of our youth in South Africa,” recalls Sugar, who grew up in the Johannesburg suburb of Emmarentia. Some very good reads “So many of our memories from back then have his (now viral) album ‘Cold Fact’ as their nostalgic REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY soundtrack.” The movie, “Searching for Sugar Man”, has won Good Self, Bad Self by Judy Smith (Simon worldwide acclaim and has won awards at film & Schuster, R350) festivals such as Sundance, LA, Canberra, Durban, Moscow and others. But more than the movie’s Internationally acclaimed American cri- recent fame, is the many lives it has touched with Photo supplied. sis management expert Jody Smith helps the countless memories it has brought to the fore Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman with Rodriguez. readers identify, explore and, ultimately, for thousands of South Africans who recall the On the success of his movie, Segerman says: transform their worst and most obstructive “Rodriguez revolution” with tenderness. “There will be financial rewards for those involved, qualities into strengths. She examines the Sugar details the almost mythical tale of how he most of all Rodriguez and his family. But this whole fears driving self-defeating behaviours, offers came to be involved with Rodriguez. ”After working experience has enriched me in far more valuable, practical guidelines for overcoming them and in the jewellery business for many years, I decided spiritual and non-material ways. demonstrates how several of her own coun- to leave Johannesburg following a short illness. I “ It has given me a sense of purpose and great try’s most memorable political and social moved to Cape Town with my family and have been satisfaction and some very meaningful encounters, scandals might have been prevented, had the individuals involved in here for the past 17 years, running a music store in gifts which business deals don’t usually bring to the them had a better grasp of their own (and others’) motives. The book Cape Town’s CBD. table and are far more priceless in my eyes, not to sheds light on many problematic areas within business, leadership “If I trace back through time, it is obvious that mention the joy of seeing Rodriguez finally receiv- and interpersonal relationships. there was a grand plan in place, because if I had not ing the worldwide recognition for being the star he left Johannesburg, and got into the music industry, always was and should have been. I would not have experienced one of the proudest “The fact that I was nicknamed ‘Sugar’ because Best of Getaway Funny Signs achievements of my life, which was finding and of that song, 20 years before this all happened, tells edited by Tyson Jopson (Jacana, meeting the real ‘Sugar Man’ in 1998. me that this was no fluke or coincidence. This whole R95) “To me, Rodriguez is an almost ethereal being, story pre-dates the internet, straddling the ‘60s a man of great humility and wisdom and very and ‘70s all the way to 2012. I am a follower of rock A compilation of signs erected inspirational. My two greatest heroes are Madiba ‘n roll history and to date I think this is the craziest on roads and outside emporiums and Rodriguez, both of whom coincidentally re- rock n roll story that I have ever encountered. around the world, ranging from the turned to the world after 27 years of solitude and “It is an epic filled with sheer elation and fasci- deliberately obscene to the blissfully hard labour; Mandela after having been denied his nation, but more than all that, it has been a voyage (but hilariously) ignorant. Examples freedom and Rodriguez after having been deprived of discovery that has culminated in the triumph include a poster in a Klerksdorp shop window: “April Special: Free of the fame he should have enjoyed much earlier on of the human spirit, in one of the greatest music Lotto With Every Tombstone”. Not to be outdone, another stone- in his musical career. stories of all time.” mason, in Kimberley, offered: “Buy One Tombstone, Get One Sheep “But these two men emerged from their very Free”. (Business seems to be… er…. dead?). In Saudi Arabia, a large challenging journeys as humble, generous, forgiv- • Rodriguez will be performing in SA in February in five notice outside a construction site cautions: “Danger - Men Work- ing and understanding human beings. To me, they concerts. Three will be taking place in Johannesburg ing With Large Erections”, while a notice on a stairwell in a building epitomise all that it means to be noble.” and two in Cape Town. in Australia advises: “In Case of Fire, Exit Building Before Tweeting About It”. Great fun. Medical Supplement SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 7

Compiled by Marlene Bilewitz tel: 083-475-0288Medical e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.sajewishreport.co.zaMatters Finding the right medical scheme WILLIAM OSBURN the region (family of 4) R650 per named Gap Cover, which will or a family investigating options MD CIRCLE HEALTHCARE adult x 2 and dependents @ R450 cost you approx R120 pm; this in the marketplace for the first x 2 and a health saver contribu- insurance will cover all you excess time, is to contact a medical Medical Aid contributions per tion of possibly R1 200, all per above medical aid fees to hospi- insurance broker office, where family vary dependent on indi- given month. tals, doctors, anaesthetists, hospital you may acquire various options vidual needs and the health status Total average monthly spend = co-payments, etc. in the market suitable to your of the family. R3 400. Coupled to this monthly Should you not wish to be needs and pocket. Various medical insurers offer contribution, when one of your burdened with all these head- One such proposed bro- high to low options, subsequently family members is required for aches and shortfalls and the effort ker would be Optivest. Their with equated fees attached, such hospital admission, you may to recoup your monies through client service centre number as the principal member and readily be required to pay a co- additional submissions, then be is 0860 860 860. This team spouse/partner being the high payment - in the region of R950 prepared for a monthly contribu- is most helpful and will assist end contributors, with dependents - R1 500. tion of a high-end medical aid op- you in finding the most suitable of a marginal lower cost affiliate A suggestion would be to tion plan of plus-minus R5 500. medical insurer for your level thereafter. also pay for a newly-introduced A recommendation for a of affordability and will be a A medium scheme will ask in system to the healthcare arena change in medical insurance, helpmeet for queries, etc. Willowbrook - quality living for the discerning senior citizen Situated in the beautiful suburb of Sandown, a specialised Alzheimer’s and dementia care near Village Walk Shopping Centre, Willow- centre. The advantage of living in our villages brook is a home from home for the selective is that there is always someone around to senior citizen. It offers residential living in respond to an emergency call. Nursing staff homely bachelor and 1-bedroom en-suite are always on-site or on call. Activities and apartments, most overlooking the beautiful entertainment are arranged to keep residents gardens. active, healthy and interested in loving life. Assisted living and full care are also available with qualified and caring staff. Willow- • For further information on the Founda- brook has a podiatrist and physiotherapist who tions Villages, respite or holiday care, please visit regularly and there is a GP on call (or you contact a marketing consultant on (011) The lush gardens are the perfect setting for can use your own) and easy access to hospitals. 781-4920 or e-mail [email protected] parties or to sit in and be enveloped by peace. Residents have a choice of enjoying the sweet fragrances of the rose garden, which W I L L O W B R O O K R E T I R E M E N T V I L L A G E is at its spectacular best from November, or ndati HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AND RESPITE CARE

enjoying the shade from the massive trees in ou on F s the well-manicured garden. r If you require accommodation for the holidays with meals and laundry provided, then Willowbrook is the place for you, Poppies, lilies, hydrangeas and many other e e offering Holiday and temporary accommodation in our lovely residential suites with entertainment and activities to

plants, also give a magnificent show. The rose o promote companionship and interaction. Assisted and Full Care also available on a short-term basis.

l o F Contact Matron Karin on 011 884 7305 for holiday or respite accommodation garden is a favourite venue for afternoon tea. H It’s like being on a permanent holiday! All deli- t PRIVATE SUITES FOR RESIDENTIAL LIVING R n cious meals and laundry are done for you and e e t irem Our approach to healthy residential living is to let you enjoy your there is plenty of entertainment and activities. life while we cater to your needs. Willowbrook’s upmarket Whether you like daily walks or stretching Since 1963 residential living suites in the Jacaranda wing overlook beautiful exercises, trips to shops or special outings to and serene gardens. We take care of providing delicious meals, clean laundry, domestic services and we can provide the theatre, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Wil- Flower Foundation daily living assistance to suit your needs. lowbrook. We also have various card games, arts and crafts, guest speakers and parties are Retirement Homes PRIVATE SUITES FOR ASSISTED LIVING planned regularly, especially over the Decem- NPO 000-836 If you decide you’d be more comfortable close to a nursing ber period when the garden and weather are station, you’ll be delighted by our assisted living suites in the at their best. Only need a temporary holiday Maple wing, which overlook a sunny, formal rose garden. Nursing staff provide professional yet empathetic and sensitive while your carer or family are away? Willow- assistance with aspects of daily living. We provide meals, brook offers holiday care especially for you. KENSINGTON assistance with bathing, dressing and medication, laundry, Book for a week or a month and enjoy all that HOUGHTON cleaning services and activities to promote healthy Willowbrook offers, along with the care and OAKLANDS interaction and companionship. hospitality of all staff. Also on offer is a respite WAVERLEY facility, which is useful after an operation. SANDTON PRIVATE WARDS FOR 24 HR FULL CARE CRESTA Willowbrook is proud to be managed by Our Full Care facility in the Protea Wing is a secure environment with RANDBURG the Flower Foundation. Established in 1963, 24 hour nursing care. Whether you are looking for holiday care or NORTHCLIFF the Foundation has 10 villages around Johan- long-term nursing, you can be assured that our full care will provide WITPOORTJIE nesburg, offering independent living for the professional, supervised care. active person in 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom cot- tages, and in apartments for residential living. For future care needs, Flower Founda- Please contact us if you would like to know more tion offers assisted living accommodation in spacious bedsitters, where meals and laundry are catered for, and nursing staff assist with Tel: 011 781 4920 daily living activities.We are also proud to have [email protected] www.flower.org.za Medical Supplement 8 SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 Make sure your medical aid caters for your changing needs Most medical aid schemes have recently should be fully aware of the risk of having released their benefit increases for 2013. It’s to cover certain healthcare costs out of their now time to re-assess your medical aid and own pockets,” he says. decide whether the benefit structure of your Members should compare rates and current scheme is adequate to cover your benefits of different schemes and look at rate needs in 2013. increases over the last couple of years. Peter Jordan, principal officer of Fed- “One must, however, remember that health Medical Scheme, says that every year price should never be the only key deter- each member should assess their current minant, as service levels are, if not more, as healthcare needs based on their age, family important,” he says. composition and health status and select an “It is important to look at service in terms appropriate option which will cater for this of how claims are paid, as well as the com- level of need. munication in place to allow members to

“A member2521 Fedhealth selecting Jewish an option Report based Ad.pdf on 1 2012/11/22keep track of4:26 claims PM processing. A superior affordability rather than healthcare needs, call centre as well as dedicated client liaison

officers for companies to meet with clients and resolve member problems on site, are essential.” When analysing different scheme options, Jordan says intermediaries can play a vital education role in assisting members. “When discussing options with their

FEDH/2521/JR The Cheese Has Moved The FEDH/2521/JR medical aid expert, members should confirm the financial stability of the scheme they are considering, including the credit rating and solvency. All schemes are required by law to maintain reserves of at least 25 per cent of total contributions,” says Jordan. “Global Credit Rating is also a good indicator of any scheme’s claim-paying ability and ratings of AA- is considered acceptable.” Understanding the level of cover you will receive, is another important aspect to take into consideration. “Members need to check and understand the reimbursement rates when it comes to specialist rates. It is also important to check benefit limits on certain options to ensure appropriate cover.” Jordan urges members to ensure they understand what claims get paid from what benefits. “Members need to understand where money is drawn from, for example, does the scheme pay for certain out-of-hospital ben- C efits from risk or only savings?” he says. M “They also need to ensure they make the

Y most of their benefits. For example, if members have a chronic condition they should be CM applying for chronic medicine authorisation, MY otherwise it will be paid for from their day- CY to-day benefit.”

CMY What’s more important to give your staff, a Jordan advises members to ensure they understand the pre-exclusion clause and how K pointless reward programme or unlimited it will impact on them. He explains that while medical schemes are not allowed to exclude access to a GP? any pre-existing conditions, they can impose a waiting period of up to 12 months on all claims related to a specific condition. Should a member have more than two years’ continuous cover, Jordan says the scheme can only apply a three-month general waiting period. However, if the member has less than two years’ continuous cover, the We believe that medical aid should be about real benefits, like GP visits paid from Risk throughout the year, without ever touching Savings - that’s unlimited access to over 4000 network doctors, even once day-to-day cover is depleted. scheme can apply up to 12 months pre-existing condition specific exclusions. So if you want a healthier staff, give them the benefits of belonging to a Real Medical Aid. Ranked among the top 5 in the country and with a consistently high Global Credit Rating of AA-, we’re stable and here to stay. Choose Fedhealth. Because nothing replaces real.

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Medical Supplement 10 SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 B4-Play: The goodness Living longer, while feeling is euphoric enjoying life with diabetes ROSEMARY FLYNN frequent urination, blurring of vision, and CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, CENTRE weight loss. In its most severe forms, ketoaci- FOR DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY dosis can lead to stupor or a coma, and if not treated, to death. Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions Type 2 diabetes can go undetected for a and affects more than 170 million individu- long time unless a blood glucose level is tested BARRY BILEWITZ extremity DVT which is the major cause of als worldwide and the numbers are growing and found to be higher than normal. But pulmonary embolisms and has led to the especially in Africa, Asia and South America. symptoms of excessive thirst, excessive urine Our feet are the foundation of our entire death of over 25 000 people per annum in In more developed societies, the preva- output, dry skin and mouth and blurred vi- body and the underside of the foot, called the US. lence of diabetes mellitus has reached about sion and a lack of energy, can also be present. the plantar fascia, is often a source of trouble The main therapy for the treatment of six per cent, but even more alarmingly, The normal range for blood glucose is be- that communicates up through the entire DVT is anti-coagulation (usually Heparin or among obese white adolescents, four per cent tween 3,5 and 8 mmol/L. Any blood glucose body. When problems with the feet or bad Warfarin), but for the cost of only one treat- had diabetes and 25 per cent had abnormal level greater than 8 mmol/L is considered to circulation occur, the entire body structure ment, you can help prevent DVT by using a glucose tolerance. be hyperglycaemia (glucose levels too high). becomes faulty and out of balance. B4-Play massage ball. When getting into your Diabetes in children is usually Type 1 and The B4-Play product is essentially a rub- seat for the flight, remove your shoes and What is diabetes mellitus? presents with severe symptoms; very high ber ball made from monoprene (elastomeric simply place the flexible rubber strap around Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a disorder in blood glucose levels, excessive urination, and polymer) with small, protruding pimples on your ankle and the ball under your foot. which circulating insulin is very low or ketones in the urine. the surface to stimulate the skin, during use. Rolling B4-Play underneath each foot absent in the body. The beta cells which In most children the diagnosis is con- The compression factor is very specific and (plantar fascia) for approximately one to two produce insulin in the Islets of Langerhans in firmed without delay by blood glucose meas- consistent, not being too soft nor too hard. minutes will release the tension in the muscle the pancreas are destroyed sufficiently to stop urements, and treatment, including insulin B4-Play has a virtually unbreakable lines and help increase blood circulation. insulin being produced. injection, is initiated immediately, often as a non-toxic silicone rubber tubing which is These effects will travel up through the entire Insulin is a hormone that is needed to life-saving measure. simply twisted around the ankle, securing it body, giving relief and relaxation to the fascia convert glucose, starches and other food into under the user’s foot, allowing the B4-Play to and muscle structure. If used regularly, B4- energy that is needed for everyday life. The Managing diabetes be used during aircraft flights and in other Play can improve posture, muscle tone, body body’s own immune system attacks these cells The most important thing in managing confined seating situations and is patented: alignment, blood circulation and flexibility. - so Type 1 diabetes is known as an auto- diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels Patent- No 2008-04701. B4-Play is available from Sportsman’s immune disease. as near normal as possible. This requires People who fly long-distance are suscep- Warehouse branches throughout South Type 1 diabetes accounts for only about home-monitoring of blood glucose levels tible to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can Africa for R200 or directly from supplier. See 5-10 per cent of all cases of diabetes, but its and responding appropriately to the read- be a killer as one in 1 000 people get lower our website www.b-4play.net. incidence continues to increase worldwide ing. and it has serious short-term and long-term Lifestyle changes are usually needed. implications. The disorder has a strong ge- For those who are overweight (BMI 26 netic component, - 30) or obese (BMI 31 +) every effort Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90 per should be made to reduce weight. cent of the cases of diabetes. It may be a A good weight can be the difference genetically inherited or an acquired disease. between having the uncomfortable symp- Obesity is thought to be the primary cause toms of hyperglycaemia and developing in people who are genetically predisposed the complications of diabetes and living a to the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic healthy, symptom-free life. Some research disorder characterised by high blood glucose has shown that a 600 cal/day eating plan because of insulin resistance and insulin can reverse diabetes but this is a very rigid deficiency. way of living and most people cannot keep Insulin resistance means that the body it up on a long-term basis. cells do not respond appropriately when in- In Type 2 diabetes, keeping blood sulin is present. As the glucose levels in your glucose levels in their right place can be blood rise after a meal, the process which done in three ways: oral medication as enables glucose to be received by the muscles prescribed by a doctor, exercise and eating is impaired so that the glucose levels in the the right foods in the right way. Conscien- bloodstream remain high and the muscles do tiously following these treatments will en- not get the energy they need to work able good health with fewer complications How do you know if you have diabetes? for much longer. Type 1 diabetes mellitus may present Diabetes is best managed by a team of with characteristic symptoms such as thirst, professionals who can care for its different aspects. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin which can only be given by injection. Knowing when and how much to inject is a learned skill and a diabetes educator can assist learning that skill. A dietician with a good knowledge of diabetes can suggest appropriate foods to eat. Usually a plan of six small meals a day is preferable to eating large amounts at the usual three meals. Exercising is highly encouraged and is also a learned skill (particularly for those with Type 1 diabetes), and a biokineticist who un- derstands diabetes is very helpful in this endeavour. Care of the feet is also recommended because of the possibility of poor circulation and neuropathy (nerve damage) which can develop. A podiatrist can keep track of any changes that may occur and help prevent and treat any damage to feet. Diabetes need not be a death sentence. If it is well managed, it is possible to live for a long time with a good quality of life. Medical Supplement SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 11 Sandton Bagel and Odyssey Assist co-ordinates Bistro epitomises the home health team Odyssey Assist uses internation- provide supervised care work- healthy eating ally accepted tools to evaluate ers, companions, and activities and monitor patient needs and for the frail, lonely elderly. So- The Sandton Bagel & Bistro, first chocolate brownies smothered in co-ordinate the home health cial Worker: Home visits, social opened its doors to clients on Belgium chocolate.” services team - doctors, nurses, activities and outings August 22 this year, offering a Even the décor is retro- physiotherapists, occupational Companion at Home: From 2 range of enticing kosher dishes modern. “I wanted a traditional therapists, speech and hearing hours twice weekly to fulltime in a relaxed setting in the heart Italian style with a South African therapists, social workers, psy- Community Mental Health of Sandton. touch.” The restaurant has mod- chologists and carers. Service: Monitoring psychiatric “This restaurant was borne ern fans hang from the ceiling from my love of cooking,” says with pictures accented on South We work with the patient’s patients in their own home, owner Natasha Grunebaum. Africa’s history on the wall to current health team, augment- and providing occupational “The frustration of not being add to the charm and ambiance ing services - such as 24-hour therapy and psychology group able to find restaurants which of this bistro. nursing care - where needed. support offered my favourite dishes in “We are very lucky to have Our success lies in our co- Frail-Care At Home: Nursing an ambient and fun atmosphere, been able to get expertly trained ordination of these quality ser- and medical support, and man- encouraged me to take on this pizza and pasta chefs. Together vices. This correlates with inter- aged daytime or fulltime carers new adventure”. with our very own executive national studies that have shown (healthcare workers) Our services include: The bistro offers sublime chef, Amy Price, who is a very that well-co-ordinated, quality, Hospital At Home: Complete • Health co-ordination services versatility on the menu, which accomplished in her own right, home healthcare results in sig- multidisciplinary care for those • Independent needs assessments caters for everyone’s taste, from you have a recipe for delicious nificant benefits for the patient discharged from hospital and and dementia assessments mouthwatering pizzas to tanta- food which is kosher! lizing pastas, salads and sushi. “We also offer an extensive such as increasing life quality, requiring rehabilitation at home, • Advice on care homes, frail- “Because, of growing aware- catering menu for functions and reducing disability, reducing the very ill, those with terminal care centres and retirement ness of the effects of bad eating corporate events and are able to the frequency of acute hospital illnesses such as cancer, and villages habits, as well as the dangers host functions on our premises. readmissions; and reducing the those with neurological and • Home companionship services, they pose, we have added gluten- Operating hours: overall cost of healthcare. psychiatric disorders. 24/7 care-givers and 24/7 free pasta, spelt rolls and spelt Monday - Thursday from American studies have noted Our team provides health- nurses pizza bases,” says Natasha. “We 09:00 to 21:00; Friday from that co-ordinated home healthcare, rehabilitation and support • Doctor and nursing sister home also offer slimmer’s portions on 08:00 to 15:00; Sunday from care reduces healthcare costs services for people in need - in visits both our pasta and salad dishes.” 08:00 to 17:00. over a five year period by one the comfort and dignity of their • Physiotherapy, counselling, oc- The menu consists of of Phone: (011) 783- 0411. For third. own homes or in retirement cupational and speech therapy freshly squeezed juices, such as a bookings: mark@sandtonbagel. We provide a wide range of homes. We care for the frail, at home beetroot, orange and mint. “Not co.za to take away from the health Corporates/events/functions: multidisciplinary, patient-fo- elderly and dementias, as well • Medical equipment equipment conscious, but we also have some [email protected] or cused, home-based care pro- as patients recently discharged supply: We supply medical decadent goodies such as sticky [email protected] grammes, including: from hospital following serious equipment for purchase or Home but Not Alone: We illnesses and operations. rental to optimise home care.

Our team provides multidisciplinary healthcare, after-hospital care, rehabilitation care, frail care, and support services for people in the comfort and dignity of their own homes or in retirement homes.

We specialise in frail elderly patients, those patients with dementias such as Alzheimer’s Disease, and adult patients of all age groups with severe illnesses, such as cancer and neurological disease.

Our Home Based Care services include: • Coordination of Health Services • Independent Needs Assessments and Dementia Assessments • Advice on Care Homes, Frail Care Centres and Retirement Villages • Home Companionship services; group outings and activities • 24/7 Care Givers and 24/7 Nurses • Doctor and Nursing Sister home visits • Home Physiotherapy, Counselling, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Medical equipment and supplies; Food supplies & prepared meals • Ongoing liaison with specialists, and local and overseas families “Home but not Alone” Gauteng: Call Rolene on 082-337-5230 or [email protected] Please visit us on: www.odysseyassist.co.za or call us on 083 66 66 211 Medical Supplement 12 SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 Exercise care when choosing a medical scheme JOHANNESBURG - The tough economic climate is a First and foremost, a medical scheme should be challenge for many South Africans and making ends financially secure and meet the legal reserve ratio meet is a constant juggling act. Access to quality health- minimum of 25 per cent. A healthy reserve ratio is an care is an important budgetary factor and with the medi- indication that the medical scheme will be able to pay a cal scheme change over period just around the corner member’s claims and members can enjoy peace of mind many people are considering their options. knowing that their benefits are guaranteed. The question then arises: How does one go about “It is not uncommon for medical schemes, large selecting medical aid cover that addresses our specific established ones too, to dip below this level, while others healthcare needs, while remaining within budget? might boast a reserve ratio much higher than the legal “Finding the right balance between adequate cover minimum, but this leads one to question whether the and affordability can be complicated and the key to mak- excessive reserves are an indication of poor investment ing the right decision is thorough research,” comments practices,” adds Fritz. Bestmed’s Alan Fritz. A solid track record and sizable membership base are There are several factors that you should consider be- further indicators of how healthy a medical scheme is. fore making a decision. “For example, Bestmed has a 48-year track record with

“I love making hard decisions. THE OLD SHANGHAI FIRECRACKER FACTORY 703231 FACTORY THE OLD SHANGHAI FIRECRACKER At least I know that when it comes to medical cover, the decision is easy.”

a solid member base of 155 000, which includes many second-generation dependents who have opted to become principal members,” says Fritz. Other considerations are mutual trust, integrity, accessibility, personalised advice and flexibility, as well as easy and convenient internal procedures and processes given the complex nature of medical schemes, as well as the legislative requirements that govern them. Another key factor is the variety of options available as medical cover needs vary according to one’s stage in life, as well as personal and financial circumstances. This is a guiding principle that has assisted Best- med in developing its range of options. Furthermore, one needs to consider whether a medical scheme is innovative and continuously enhances and improves its product offer to meet the changing needs of its members. Bestmed firmly believes that prevention is better than cure, which over the last few years has resulted in the implementation of various preventative healthcare activities and benefits. In 2013, preventative care benefits such as flu vaccines, paediatric immunisations, preventative dentistry, as well as glucose, cholesterol blood pressure and BMI bio- metric screenings, will be standard on all Bestmed options. Communication is also a key focus for Bestmed going forward and they have in- vested in improved digital platforms. These include a dedicated communication portal for all members and other stakeholders and the webmail service provides members with a summary of their registered chronic medication and conditions, as well as recent claim information. Intensive investigation and gathering of Appreciate the little things. all the necessary information are integral steps you should take in making a well in- For more information on the best suited medical cover and preventative bene ts, for you formed choice about which medical scheme and your loved ones, contact us on 086 000 2378 or [email protected] is best for you and your family. www.bestmed.co.za

Bestmed Medical Scheme is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP no. 44058) • To find out more visit www.bestmed.co.za Medical Supplement SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 13 Sub-Acute: The level between acute care and traditional home nursing WILLIAM OSBURN tic procedures, with the exception of grade in the care of rehabilitation and medically MD CIRCLE HEALTHCARE 3 patients. Those are patients interpreted complex cases. to be virtually non-ambulant requiring Circle Sub-Acute Hospital offers a I would like to take this opportunity to in- maximum nursing assistance. diversity of medical, rehabilitative, and troduce: Circle Sub-Acute Hospital Group Sub-Acute care requires the co-ordi- therapeutic services at a level of care to you and the benefits of allowing our nated services of an interdisciplinary team, between acute care and traditional home facility to become a part and parcel of your including physicians, nurses and other nursing. Our sub-acute programmes use an community. relevant professionals, who are trained and interdisciplinary team approach to patient Sub-Acute hospitals are relatively a knowledgeable, to access and manage spe- assessment and treatment. new “in-patient” hospital service offered cific conditions and perform the necessary Doctors, therapists, nurses with advanced in South Africa, that merges the sophisti- procedures. clinical skills, case managers and other health cated technology of a general hospital and Sub-Acute care is generally more and allied health professionals, work together the efficient operation of a skilled nursing intensive than traditional nursing facility with the patient and his or her family to make facility to reduce the cost of services, while care and less intensive than acute care. It sure that the patient receives the finest man- maintaining the high quality of care. requires frequent (daily to weekly) recur- aged care available today. Sub-Acute care is emerging as one rent patient assessment and review of the Circle Sub-Acute Hospital operates of the key solutions to reforming South clinical course and treatment plan for a with lower overheads than hospitals with Africa’s healthcare delivery system. It is limited (several days to several months) expensive services such as intensive care a comprehensive “in-patient” evidence- time period, until the patient’s condition is units and operating theatres. Studies of the based medical rehabilitation programme stabilised or a pre-determined treatment industry consistently validate the cost-effi- designed for someone who has an acute course is completed. ciency of sub-acute care while continuing illness, injury or exacerbation of a disease to provide the highest quality of care. process. About Circle Healthcare Caring for people is a responsibility It is a goal-orientated treatment plan At the forefront of sub-acute care, Circle we take seriously. We know that helping released immediately after, or instead of, has its own individual identity and distin- people achieve their personal best requires acute hospitalisation, to treat one or more guished history that combines to provide a knowledge, experience and the ability to possible. specific acute complex medical conditions, unique and comprehensive range of reha- keep pace with developing technology. Most medical aids cover Sub-Acute or to administer one or more technically bilitative and healthcare services Our services reflect our commitment Hospital Care. Management is prepared to complex treatments in the context of a Circle’s clinical management systems, to quality care. We want to provide the negotiate private rates based on individual person’s underlying long-term conditions which aims to ensure that patients receive patient with care and support they need, merits. and overall situation. safe care practices that are up-to-date and in an atmosphere they will appreciate. Our Further to, being willing to accom- Generally the individual’s condition is timely, is the catalyst behind everything we goal is to get the patients to their commu- modate our elderly folk at various times of such that the care does not depend heavily do. Circle’s dedicated staff of profession- nity as quick as possible, while attaining the year, when families may wish to vacate on hi-tech monitoring or complex diagnos- als use only the most advanced techniques the highest levels of functioning that is their homes for a period of time.

Medical Centres • Sub-Acute Hospitals Your Circle Of Patient Care

Circle Healthcare facilities offer sub-acute rehabilitation therapy that supports the patient’s transmission from hospital care back to the community.

Post - Acute medium to long-term “step-down” medical care A fully professional team for your care

Consists of: Physicians, nurses, case management and social workers, • Comprehensive rehabilitation programmes (physical, rehabilitation therapists, (physical, occupational and speech) occupational and speech therapy) CIRCLE • Pulmonary and respiratory care Recreational activities co-ordinator, dietician, respiratory therapy • Advanced wound care team, pharmacists Healthcare • IV antibiotic therapy • Pain management The facilities utilise a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare • Cardiac care The services include: • Dialysis • Family practice (Normal business hours) • Post-surgical care • Ambulance and medical transport (as per medical aids) CIRCLE • Basic pathology services • Basic X-Ray services Healthcare • Allied medical disciplines

Circle encompasses GAUTENG HEAD OFFICE KWAZULU-NATAL 400 Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove, 2 Marbleray Drive, Newlands the ideals of Johannesburg, Gauteng Durban, KwaZulu-Natal absolute quality and Tel: (011) 485-2918 • Fax: (011) 640-1959 Tel: (031) 577-1259 • Fax: (031) 577-9305 professionalism. Their [email protected] [email protected] ethical and cost- effective care are the www.circlehealthcare.co.za deﬁ ning elements of clinical leadership

Circle Healthcare advert 20x8 281112 UPDATED.indd 1 2012/11/28 4:53 PM Medical Supplement 14 SA JEWISH REPORT - 30 November 2012 Akeso and Crescent Clinics for specialised psychiatric in-patient treatment At Akesco and Crescent Clinics we offer specialised sociated with a range of psychiatric conditions. These private psychiatric in-patient treatment. We take great symptoms may have been brought on by extraordinary pride in treating each patient as an individual with life stressors, a traumatic event, an underlying psychi- unique needs, in a safe and tranquil environment. atric vulnerability, a chronic illness or a combination Akeso was the mythological goddess of healing. of these. Unlike her sister Panacea, Akeso believed that cure in- Whatever their cause, these symptoms are such volved process, rather than a magical, elusive cure-all. that they impair daily functioning to such an extent At Akeso and Crescent Clinics, we believe that healing that the patient requires a safe and comforting thera- occurs through an integrated, proven process involv- peutic environment in which assessment, containment ing multi-disciplinary teams of professionals at the and healing may occur. highest international standards of clinical ethics and Such a therapeutic milieu may be found at all our practice. facilities. At our clinics, the patient and his or her Akeso and Crescent Clinics admit patients requir- family can expect to be treated with dignity, respect ing in-patient care for the treatment of symptoms as- and professionalism.

Akeso and Crescent Clinics are a bit like an emotional ER. Most of the patients admitted into our facilities are in crisis. Our aim is not only to alleviate the im- mediate crisis, but also to allow patients the opportunity to change the direction of their lives and to gain new momentum. We do this firstly by providing a con- taining “safety net” to contain the free fall that the patient’s symptoms have cre- ated. We then assess and manage so that the downward momentum is arrested. Finally, we refer the patient into a stream of process-driven therapy that will help generate an upward momentum towards recovery and health. Akeso and Crescent Clinics offer specialised programmes for major depression, bipolar and other mood disorders; dual diagnosis programmes for patients suffering from the twin diagnoses of a primary psychiatric condition as well as substance abuse or alcoholism; eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, food restricting or overeating; disorders associated with adolescence; post-natal depression; post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders. The Akeso/Crescent Response Unit is available 24/7/365 to respond to emergencies of a psychiatric nature such as suicidal threats or attempts, psychotic episodes as a consequence of either an underlying psychiatric problem or drug use (or both), or other psychiatric crises. Our call centre 010040 HELP (4357) will be able to assist with admissions, appointments, information or an emergency response. • For more information about our clinics, visit our website www.akeso.co.za or www.crescentclinic.co.za or call us on 010040 HELP (4357). 30 November – 7 December 2012 SA JEWISH REPORT 15

YESHIVA COLLEGE All for one and one for all GILA GLAZERSON with obstacle courses, workshops and don’t share blood, but we share the air that GRADE 11 plenty team spirit. keeps us alive. Growing up in South Africa, youth are Johannesburg Council allows learners For many years, Yeshiva College has had plagued by buzzwords: “discrimination”, from across all classes to interact, regard- the honour of associating itself with the “racism”, “equality”... Many perceptions of less of race or religion. It enables the youth Johannesburg Junior Council. Every year, others are preconceived, influenced by to appreciate the diversity of this exciting two learners are awarded the privilege what is heard on television or read online. city. For when it comes time that we are all of representing their school in a forum of Many learners are unaware of the melting stripped to bare bones and facing eternity, learners from across the city. pot of nationalities by which young South we will understand that the only law we The definite highlight of a councillor’s Africans are surrounded. were meant to follow, was to love ourselves term is the team-building weekend at Bush- They say that ignorance is bliss, but it and each other unconditionally. Nothing trail camp which took place early this year. doesn’t take more than three jam-packed more, nothing less. The air was abuzz with excitement days to concur that we are all the same; This epitomises the motto of JJC 201: as 72 learners boarded the bus, ready to we are united by the reality that all colours “We are now, we are change, we are coun- Chanan Emdin and Gila Glazerson – Yeshiva embark on a life-changing weekend, filled and cultures are distinct and individual. We cil. We dream, we dare, we do. College JJC representatives 2012 Beyond words of rebellion et al YAFFA ABADI Each speaker engaged in a different argument supported the need of some exposing the lighter side of humiliation: GRADE 11 perspective of the topic and after much healthy teenage outlets and this left the this humour is explored in some of our research and practice, presented speech- crowd in stitches. favourite comedy shows. This year, the grade 10 and 11 public es with insight and confidence. Aviva, Following her, Devorah Wolberg Natasha Shimoni then focused on speaking teams were given the challeng- their chairman, marked the rebellious educated the room on the topic of humiliation and bullying as a pattern in ing task of selecting a word, any word, beginning by greeting the audience in the rebellion of the masses. From the relationships. ending in “ion”. ‘ an unusual fashion and capturing the French Revolution to the more current Finally, chairman Sarah Weinberg “Rebellion” is still a very emotive term crowd’s attention. “Facebook Revolt”, she discovered that concluded by linking all these facets of in this land of sunshine and diversity and She concluded by introducing the sometimes a little uprising is necessary to humiliation and giving the alternative on so it provided the four grade 11 contest- first speaker, Gila Glazerson. Gila identi- bring about necessary change. focusing rather on people’s strengths, ants from Yeshiva College with plenty fied with the subject of rebellion in youth The third and final speaker, Yaffa Abadi, than highlighting their embarrassing of resource work to explore in order to and their struggle to gain individuality delved into the minds of creative geniuses weaknesses. This rousing presentation construct their speeches. and attention. Her witty and persuasive such as Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley, and merited an A+ symbol. showed how those artistic minds instigat- The task for the junior teams was ed rebellion in the world of art. to design a speech around any slogan. She reasoned that all remarkable crea- Our grade 9 girls decided to speak on tions stemmed from fighting against the “power, beauty, soul”, the advertising norm. slogan of the Aston Martin sports car. By the end of these speeches, the Dalya Abadi explored the theme of audience themselves had bought into power and related this to the personal the world of rebellion and was sold by dynamic of the subject. Pnina Herring the persuasion of our convincing speak- spoke about the exclusivity of beauty ers. As a consequence of their hard and just like not every person will own work and the excellent guidance of their an Aston Martin, neither will beauty coach Bianca Pit, they were awarded an belong to all. Therefore, it is absolutely A symbol. imperative to appreciate this quality The grade 10s chose the word when it appears. “humiliation”. First speaker Gabi Urdang The Aston Martin car is one that has focused on humiliation in the world of matured over the ages and this is simply the media. Sympathising with the rich because it has soul - and so Adina David- and famous, she felt that they were owitz argued that the spiritual character- undeserving of their embarrassing fate, istic of anything is vital for its longevity. made up of harsh scrutiny and constant Gila Rosen tied these ideas together limelight. in a very successful evening and the Grade 8 public speaking girls: Gila Rosen; Adina Davidowitz; Penina Herring Gabi Chipkin continued the topic, team scored a well-earned B symbol. and Dalya Abadi. Rosh Chodesh Adar: A day to remember Liberty Life DANI BELELI, DEVORAH classrooms were turned upside month of Adar, there is much to forget that we are Torah learn- “We at Liberty are delighted WOLBERG, GABRIELLA down, creating a more suitable celebrate and on this day, we ing girls. Thanks to the Yeshiva to be involved with the JNR NUSSBAUM backdrop for this quirky day. take our joy to Hashem. Informal Department and the GRADE 11 Despite the initially cloudy Always, there is lots of fun on grade 11s of 2012, this definitely Jewish Report. At Liberty we weather, the Girl’s High School this day, but we never fail not to proved to be true. believe passionately in the Rosh Chodesh Adar is celebrated trip to Sydenham Pools was yet value of education and have annually at Yeshiva College. This another day crammed with fun. Jewish holiday is always antici- Between soft serves, sun and been supporting education pated with gusto as the grade swimming, the outing was a initiatives for over 40 years.” 11 class guarantee a day to huge success! remember. “Mi-shenikhnas adar marbim Steven Braudo Arriving at the school premises be-simcha.” The holiday’s motto Chief Executive: Liberty before sunrise, spray paint in translates: When the month of Retail SA hand, this year’s grade 11s, re- Adar arrives, joy is increased. decorated, refurnished and left And on this day we recognise the grounds looking unrecognis- the full dimension of Torah; of able. course there are times to be seri- The shul was relocated and ous, but most certainly, in this Grade 11 girls celebrate the delights of the month of Adar. 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 30 November – 7 December 2012 Yom Hashoah Larry Joe’s motivational at West Park melodies strike a chord caught by the police, for him to realise that what he was doing DIASHA BLOCK was not right. Understanding that he had to face the conse- Cemetery: GRADE 11 quences of his actions, he handed himself over to the police. He was sentenced to five and a half years in jail, and was A man graces the wooden stage. He stands tall and his released early for good behaviour. We will never passion-filled eyes scan the faces of rapt learners who fill the His career as a songwriter began in prison and to this day shul hall. he has composed over 40 songs in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, “Hey, hey, hey, hey, listen to the words I say.” His harmonious Spanish and Portuguese. Larry now gives motivational talks and voice sends shivers down my spine. concerts to schools and prisons, encouraging people to stay forget... Former convict turned musician, Larry Joe, visited Yeshiva away from gangs and drugs. RACHEL HODES College at the beginning of the year. His story is one of hope, He left us with the powerful message that we need to make GRADE 11 inspiration, and discovery. His songs tell the tale of how he a difference in the world. This relates to the Jewish concept of found himself into trouble, including gang involvement. “tikkun olam”. On April 19, with the sun blazing across the sky, the It took his grandfather’s passing away and the fear of being His story is truly inspiring. Yeshiva College juniors commemorated Yom Hasho- ah by means of a Shiur Klali back at school, while the seniors and Jews from all different schools and parts of Johannesburg, came together at the West Park Cemetery to remember the six million of our brothers and sisters who perished in the Holocaust. Once everyone had been seated, the remem- brance ceremony began. Names of some of those who perished, were read out. Each name depicted a different life, with a different story and history behind it. A flame in Judaism is used to represent a soul. Torches were lit in memory of the precious souls that were taken so brutally and heartlessly from the world in those cruel Nazi years of the Holocaust. Various speakers shared stories and memories. The crowd sat listening intently, with heavy hearts and bowed heads. As if from nowhere, a dark cloud slowly etched its way across the bright blue sky. The rain started to fall, first in small drops but in minutes it was as if the sky had opened up and thunderous tears poured down upon the cemetery. The ceremony was forced to come to a close earlier than planned, as everyone had to rush to the shelter of their cars to escape the downpour. It is almost as though the skies shed tears for the lost souls. The ride home was a reflective one as we considered that it is up to each and every one of us to keep alive the memory of those six million. We will never forget. Larry Joe shares his prison experiences with Yeshiva College learners. YC’s tuckshop for food to warm A search for spirituality the cockles of your heart SHANA HUPERT CALI LEMMER healthy soul. Every parent, teacher and GRADE 11 GRADE 11 learner is delighted about our newly- renovated facility. All parents are faced with numerous A tuckshop is an essential part of every Friends Bakery has successfully decisions when contemplating the school. It is an interesting, relaxed and and happily taken over the school’s right high school to provide their happy place where tired learners gath- tuckshop and has made it not only children the best education possible. er to buy eats, to huck and koch about the place to eat, but the place to be! An important consideration should the pressures of school. Not only the There are convenient, comfortable be the extracurricular programmes learners, but the parents themselves and clean benches which create the which the schools have to offer. support the tuckshop at Yeshiva Col- atmosphere of a self-service restau- Yeshiva College presents to its lege. rant. It makes every break-time visit learners two wonderful and exclu- From breakfast to lunch, to snacks, exciting and such a treat! sive programmes in grade 10. the tuckshop has a large variety from We can now look forward to our Kfar and Nachshon create unique which to choose. break, as we are guaranteed a so- opportunities over the last three Kfar participants camel riding in the Negev desert This is a first for Yeshiva College; the cial, distinctively tasty meal, with a months of grade 10 to learn and school has never had such a luxurious, fun and calm atmosphere. to love the Land of Israel. The pro- nutritiously conscious and delicious All meals and snacks are charged gramme exposes the learners to an tuckshop. Not only does it encour- at a moderate price. Binge, or array of inspiring and eye-opening age a healthy body but, with the re- healthy eating, this tuckshop caters facets of Israeli life. laxed environment, it also promotes a for all! Through engaging with local leareners, tiyulim across the country and a few days on Gadna a new ap- preciation for the Holy Land is en- gendered. The Kfar programme affirms and opens one’s eyes to Yiddishkeit,as many of the halachic principles they were introduced to prior to the programme, are clarified and enriched. Above all, important traits such as independence, friendship and re- sponsibilities are acquired. Kfar participants by the Kotel prior to Shabbat, 2011. Grade 9 Girls enjoying the company at our tuckshop. May this Festival of Lights bring joy and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

Happy Chanukah. Liberty Group Ltd – an authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of FAIS Act (Licence no 2409) * Terms and conditions apply. Act (Licence no 2409) * Terms in terms of FAIS Services Provider – an authorised Financial Ltd Liberty Group 18 SA JEWISH REPORT 30 November – 7 December 2012 YC Primary learners take to ‘election’ with relish

OWN CORRESPONDENT Photograph supplied

A mock election was held recently at Yeshiva College, with the grade six pupils, as part of their social sciences syllabus, which deals with democracy and how the government is run. To assist them with this exciting event, members of the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission) helped run the actual voting process, in which the grade 4, 5 and 6 learners voted. There were six parties who spent two weeks cam- paigning around the school, with posters, give-aways and campaign speeches, using powerpoint presenta- tions. The six parties promised a variety of improvements for their school. The election was won by Legit, ably led by Eitan Chipkin and Micaela Levy. As new leaders of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), they will meet with Primary School Headmaster Joseph Beer, to discuss what changes they hope to see. This event has proved to be a most worthwhile edu- cational experience with a great time being had by all. YC grade 4 learners waiting to vote. YC Primary School kids ‘walk the walk’ with relish for chessed

The grade ones of Yeshiva College Primary, with their books for the Help2Read organisation. OWN CORRESPONDENT nate to this worthy cause. This collection formed part of a The grade 4s sold serviettes to help Yeshiva College fami- Photograph supplied chessed project throughout the primary school where each lies in need and raised over R3 000. of the different grades was involved in different initiatives. The grade 5s went to pack boxes at Yad Ahahron, fol- As their chessed project for 2012, the grade 1 learners of Ye- The grade 2s collected seeds for an organisation called lowed by a “swimathon” where they were able to raise over shiva College Primary School did a collection for Help2Read. Roots and Shoots and they have also started a vegetable R6 000 for Yad Aharon. Help2Read trains volunteers to assist learners in underprivi- garden from which the proceeds will go to the school’s The grade 6 learners were privileged to take part in a leged areas with their reading. ground staff. CPR and first aid course run by Hatzolah. They then did a The grade ones went beyond what was expected and The grade 3s are visiting Lyndhurst Primary School for a lucky packet sale and raised R2 000 for Hatzolah. Well done were able to collect a car full of games and books to do- fun morning with the learners there. Yeshiva Primary! Under-14 and under-16 YC soccer teams shine OWN CORRESPONDENT Photograph supplied

The under-14 and under-16 soccer teams of Yeshiva College, made it into the finals of the Term 2 Independent School Soccer Back: Dovi Krinkin; Joshua League. It is one of the most diverse soccer leagues, covering Winer; Joshua Kaplan; Leigh most areas of Gauteng. Weinberg; David Herbert; The under-14s played a magnificent game against Water- Dean Rubin; Brad Lichtenstein; stone Sports Academy and were runners-up in the final. and Mandla Phangula (coach). Our under-16 team won against Kings School, with Joshua Front: Yuval Harton-Hotinsky; Kaplan scoring the winning goal in the second half of extra Amir Taylor; Yoni Mindel; Eitan time. Shor (manager); Jonathan Kir- We are so proud of both teams and wish much luck and suc- kel; Illan Biddle; Bini Perelman; cess to all Yeshiva soccer teams participating in the Northrand Jordan Picker; and Joshua Football Association Cup Tournament. Marks. 30 November – 7 December 2012 Classifieds Community Columns SA JEWISH REPORT 19 To book your classified notice or advert contact: A column of the Chevrah Kadisha Tel (011) 274-1400, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] It’s holiday time! HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: Though adults often don’t acknowl- mainstream camps. 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised on cost & edge it, kids get tired too and relish One child has been payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. Our banking details: SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405. DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT the relaxed holiday atmosphere of sponsored to attend Bnei is Tuesday 12 pm. (If deadline is missed the advert will appear – when payment is received – in the next time spent with family or friends at Akiva camp because for edition). 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Following the negotiated conclu- many other Diaspora communi- sion to the conflict in Gaza, the ties should be emphasised. *Analog Data Capture. 076-533-1440 Board and the SAZF, in a joint The annual total of anti- *Custom scientific message to the community, wel- Semitic incidents recorded here instrumentation Experienced, reliable driver comed the end of hostilities and over the last two decades, has *Electronics commended those world states- consistently numbered in the able to lift you anywhere/ hobbyists welcome. men who were instrumental in dozens rather than in the hun- anytime 24 hours. www.rcc.za.net bringing it about. dreds, as is the case elsewhere in Courier work undertaken. [email protected] We concluded by expressing the world. the hope that the suspension of This does not mean that we Please call Paul Jeffrey hostilities would mark the begin- should be complacent, but at 083-542-6480 (011) 640-4019 ning of a positive new era between the same time, we must not fall SERVICES the people of Israel and Gaza, in into the trap of regarding our LIFTS SMILE-LEE’S LIFTS Home services which the futile, self-defeating situation in South Africa as being REPAIRS violence of the past would be re- somehow uniquely bad. IVAN WANTS TO VEHICLES placed by the peaceful co-existence In previous columns, I have LIFT YOU! A reliable lift service. Appliance Repairs on-site WANTED that the great majority of people made no secret of my unhap- Punctual, Specialising in lifts to and on either side longed for. piness over our lack of success Stoves, washing-machines, Above Board reliable. Times of conflict between Mary Kluk this year in communicating our Jhb/Sdtn/Tambo, from airports, shops, tumbledriers, dishwashers & IF YOU WANT TO Israel and its neighbours are al- National Chairman concerns to government. Increas- Lnsria & Pretoria appointments, casinos fridges. Free quotations! BUY OR SELL ways difficult for Diaspora Jewry. ingly, it seemed we were being Doctor’s app, Call Jason The heightened anti-Israel sentiment this met with closed doors wherever we went. etc. 082-401-8239 PROPERTY and courier. A VEHICLE engenders, almost inevitably spills over into Last Wednesday, however, we had the Reasonable anti-Jewish sentiment as well. opportunity of meeting at length with TO LET rates. Call Charne 083-391-6612 South Africa is no exception and cer- Minister Collins Chabane and Director 082-962-5007 Contact: tainly we saw an increase in negative media General Dr Cassius Lubisi from the Office coverage, public statements and civil society of the Presidency in Cape Town. A report Airport Solly Kramer action. Of most concern were inflammatory on what was discussed appears elsewhere in statements made at a protest rally in Cape this issue. Shuttle 082-922-3597 Town, in which it was said that supporters What I will comment on here is that we of Israel were like the Nazis and should not were encouraged by the reassurance we re- Holiday Special be allowed to function as citizens in our ceived that government is indeed aware of Until end December society as if they were “normal”. what our issues are and is willing to discuss N/E Suburbs The speaker named two respected them seriously with a view to arriving at a to Tambo members of our community as examples of resolution. R170 those who needed to be isolated. This kind We are hopeful that this will be followed Sam of rhetoric crosses the line into dangerous up in the new year by a renewed process of (011) 728-5219 incitement and is unacceptable. We are dialogue and engagement of the kind that 083-627-8516 following up the matter to see what our we could count on in the past. JEFF EDISON TOURS options are. Currently, all eyes are on Mangaung. We & TRANSFERS Despite this incident, we experienced on wish the ANC well in their deliberations, the whole a fairly quiet week. In the past, and hope that these will result in provided Israel-related unrest in the Middle East has the direction and leadership that our coun- 082-979 4664 usually resulted in a spike in anti-Semitic try desperately needs if it is to address its incidents, but this was not the case this time. current challenges and go forward. CAPE TOWN DOOR TO In addition, we received heartwarming DOOR AIRPORT messages of support from leaders in the • Listen to Steven Gruzd on Jewish Board Christian community. Once again, the re- Talk on 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00- TRANSFERS AND TOURS markably low rates of outright anti-Semitic 13:00. LICENSED OPERATOR UP TO behaviour in this country compared with 9 PERSONS This column is paid for by the SAJBD 20 SA JEWISH REPORT Sport 30 November – 7 December 2012 Perfecting the art of how not to lose game one needs to defend a lead. Howev- er, defence is seemingly quickly becoming what South African sport is all about. While the Boks held England at bay in the north, managing to cling to a one ROCKING THE BOAT point win, the Proteas looked to be head- Jack Milner ing for certain Test defeat Down Under as they ended the fourth day under the I do not profess to be an authority on cosh at 77 for four wickets, chasing 430 rugby. During my time at school I actually to win. developed a hatred for the game because The match looked all over, with a win it was continually jammed down our for Australia certainty, but AB de Vil- throats. liers, Jacques Kallis and especially Faf du However, as I got older and became Plessis, had other ideas. De Villiers kept more involved in the world of sport and Du Plessis company for 68 overs and a began to understand the nuts and bolts nobbled Kallis for another 40 overs in of the game, I actually began to enjoy the searing Adelaide heat, as Du Plessis it very much. Whatever I might think I tenaciously defied the Australian bowling know, I will always bow in admiration to attack for nearly eight hours. the likes of commentator Dan Retief who Cricketer Faf du Plessis is supported by his team as he pulls off a stunning save of the second Many people would have found the has a marvellous understanding of the Test match against Australia in Adelaide. pushing and prodding mind-numbing to sport. he took advantage of a lucky bounce of in the final minute was one of the most watch, but it takes a special kind of pro- However, what I have learned during the ball to score the only try - and fur- inane I have ever seen. That was total ficiency and mental aptitude to stay out my tears as a sports journalist is how to thermore superb defence by the Boks. capitulation, as if to say they were happy there for seven hours and 46 minutes, in analyse a game. As I said last week, I have I have said for the past few years that to lose by one point. mainly 34 degrees heat and high humid- always tried to maintain my objectiv- the Boks are unable to play 80 minutes of On that subject, I was the one person ity, with five different partners, one of ity and not become a “fan with a pen”. attacking rugby. In the final 20 minutes absolutely delighted by that decision whom could barely run, to defy a vora- Last Saturday I only managed to see the of the game they were probably lucky to as I had backed England on a minus 2,5 cious and tenacious Australian attack and second half of the Springboks versus Eng- have spent two of those minutes in the spread and that whacky decision sealed save a crucial match for his country. land Test but on Sunday morning I sat England half. The remaining 18 minutes me my win. This was a monumental effort, through the replay. Knowing the result, was played somewhere on the Boks’ 22m There is no doubt we have some performed on debut and already written I could put the excitement of a close line. wonderful players in our team, but one into the folklore of South African cricket encounter behind and dispassionately There is little doubt that England, is never certain down which garden path history. interpret what I had watched. when it comes to attacking, are equally coach Heyneke Meyer is leading them. So, while we might lack the attacking After a little thought I came to the inept and they certainly had enough But coming back to defence: All sports prowess of a Genghis Khan, South Afri- following conclusion: In simple terms, all chances. We kept conceding penalties in are made up of offence and defence. It is can sport has elevated the art of defence that won us the game was an inspiration- the dying moments but one has to say vital to have a balanced share of both. It to another level. I suppose there is an al moment from Willem Alberts in which that England’s decision to go for posts is also an art to know at which point of a advantage in playing not to lose...

What’s On Sunday (December 2) professor of English at Wits, on “Please Sir, I Want Some More”, Charles Dick- • RCHCC is rescreening the award-win- ens and children in this his bicentenary ning film, “The Debt”, directed by John year. Time: 09:30. Contact: (011) 648- Madden and starring Helen Mirren, 1053, fax 086 273-3044. Donation: Sam Worthington, Jessica Castain and R20. Join UJW for an informal tea after Tom Wilkinson. Venue: Clive M Beck the lecture. Auditorium. Time: 19:30. Donation: R60. Booking: Hazel or René (011) 728- Thursday (December 6) 8088/8378, after hours (011) 728-8378, e-mail: [email protected] or rene.s@ • UJW CT adult education division hosts telkomsa.net or www.greatpark.co.za Isaac Habib who will talk on “Jewish Life in the Island of Rhodes – From Begin- • JJMC, with musical director Evelyn ning to End”. Venue: Stonehaven. Time: Green presents a musical tribute to the 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: R20 (incl Doornfontein Hebrew Congregation refreshments). Enquiries: (021) 434- (Lions Shul), “Memories of Yesteryear”, 9555. as a fundraiser for the shul. The reper- toire will encompass traditional Jew- Friday (December 7) ish songs. Secure parking. Time: 15:00. Tickets available from Darla at R200. • The United Sisterhood has its year- 083-794-6358 [email protected] end book sale at the Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. Unwanted books and Monday (December 3) magazine donations are gladly accepted. Contact: Tel (011) 646-2409; fax (011) • UJW is hosting Marcia Leveson, former 646-4654.

World News in Brief Pope calls for end to persecution of Christians, new ME peace efforts

ROME - At a gathering in Rome with Lebanon’s new cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI launched a new appeal for peace in Syria and the Middle East, the Associated Press reported. “The church encourages all efforts for peace in the world and in the Middle East, a peace that will only be effective if it is based on authentic respect for other people,” Pope Benedict told the gathering, which included several Lebanese pilgrims. He also spoke out concerning the plight of Christians from their traditional homelands throughout the Middle East, calling for them to be able to “live their faith freely”. Christian communities have come under assault by Muslims amid the upheaval related to the “Arab Spring”. Tens of thousands of Syrian Christians have fled from the civil war there, while Egypt’s Coptic Christian community fears the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood and the ultra-extremist Salafi groups to power. Recently, several Coptic Christian teenage women were been assaulted by other women on Cairo subways because their hair was uncovered. Many Coptic women are now afraid to ride the transit system in fear of being assaulted or sexually harassed, according to Morning Star News. (JNS.org)