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CONTACT Mike Morey TEL (021) 426 4440 FAX (021) 426 0777 VOLUME 30 No 7 AUGUST 2013 5773 www.cjc.org.za EMAIL [email protected]
Unite, Inspire, Discover: United16082_Earspace forHerzlia Jewish Chronicle FA.indd Schools 1 2011/08/19 10:40 AM Sinai Indaba 2013 awarded prestigious prize United Herzlia Schools was one of five international organisations to be awarded the second annual Ruderman Prize in Disability.
he prize recognises Torganisations that operate innovative programmes and services that foster the full inclusion of people with disabilities in their local Jewish community. The winners were United Herzlia Schools, B’nai Amoona Synagogue (St. Louis, Missouri), AMIT (Israel), FundaciónJudaica (Buenos Aires, Argentina) and Sunflower Bakery (Gaithersburg, Maryland). Herzlia is a fully inclusive school. Continued on page 8. Photo: Heather Simpson Chief Rabbi Sacks addressing a capacity audience. he third annual Sinai Indaba was a speakers, including Chief Rabbi Lord Tresounding success, with record Jonathan Sacks, provided insight and numbers of community members inspiration on a variety of topics. New Susman Lifestyle Centre opened attending the event. A plethora of top-quality international See more on pages 4, 6, 10 and 11. he new Susman TLifestyle Centre was recently opened at Highlands House. Large SA delegation at The centre is named in memory of the late David Maccabi Games Susman, who played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Home reached the high standards that is has now maintained. The lifestyle centre offers a salon, a new kitchen and entertainment area for the enjoyment of the residents and the community. Eliot Osrin, Ann Susman and Harris Burman at the opening of See page 22. the new centre.
Trevor Morris, Ronen Cohen, Quinton Allies, Moshe Lichtenstein and Herzlia Matric Dance 2013 Hilton Jacobson at the SAZF Maccabiah farewell. This year’s Western Cape delegation numbered 74, a significant increase from 4 years ago. See more on page 14.
Interview with ‘Where have Report on Chief Rabbi all the young President’s Lord Sacks Jews gone?’ Conference page 4 page 6 page 14 Ini iss de th issue... Land for Peace Poetry for Saving Super- - does it work? the corporate man’s Jewish Dance Committee: Ryan Jones, Jessica Stoch, Arielle Robins, Jenna Arnsmeyer, Mrs Di Dos Santos (teacher in consumer creators charge), Ryan Borland, Estee Resnick, Lindi Levin, Mira Friedman, Lauren Joffe and Daniel Horwitz. Page 16 Page 30 Page 32 More photos pages 24 — 25. 2 news & views Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Community Noticeboard
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UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED FOOD AND CATERING SERVICES ADVERTISED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE NOT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE CAPE BETH DIN Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 news & views 3 TaliVision A shared moral vision “There is a deep human need to come not empowered?” together to celebrate and reaffirm the These are points of concern for us all, values and ideals we hold precious, but at the same time we can see how our and to unify around a shared moral leadership are beginning to answer these Certain things may change but the vision,” said South African Chief Rabbi questions with various responses. “When Dr Warren Goldstein at the third young Jewish leaders like Amy take the fundamentals remain the same annual Sinai Indaba in June this year. time to articulate so clearly some of their frustrations, we need to listen,” writes Cape his festival of unity, inspiration and Board Executive Director David Jacobson Tdiscovery was an example of the (page 8). “And more importantly, we need South African Jewish community at its to do something. The Cape Board’s 2013 best, coming together to engage with Conference will be addressing this subject each other, our Judaism and our heritage. directly (see page 13),” he writes. The top-quality speakers were all equally This is just one of many exciting events excellent, including Chief Rabbi Lord advertised in this issue. From Netzer Night Jonathan Sacks. Community member (page 34) to Limmud Conference (page Simon Apfel conducted an exclusive 22); from Chabad of the West Coast’s interview with him, which you can read on concert featuring Yonatan Razel (page 23) page 4. Says Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks in to Friday Night Live where you can enjoy the interview: “The South African Jewish ‘Chivas and Chocolate’ (page 19), our community is altogether remarkable for community certainly offers the very best of a number of reasons… Overall, there is a meaningful and exciting entertainment! strong sense of communal unity, which is It is indeed this very combination inspiring. This is a very special community of enjoyable events with a deeper — one which stands tall among other significance that makes our communal Jewish communities of the world.” space so exciting and so admired. Indeed, this issue of the Chronicle stands More upcoming events advertised in this testament to that statement. These pages issue includes the ‘Gender-Based Violence are filled with exciting articles, news on and Abuse’ series of talks and initiatives upcoming events, fascinating opinion (page 28), which explore this issue in our pieces and a kaleidoscope of community community and society. We can be proud Contact our offices: activities that are of the highest standard. of the numerous Jewish organisations All of this creates a picture of where our that have come together to support Tel: 021 419 2277 community is today — a dynamic, thriving this campaign, especially in August — Email: [email protected] / [email protected] entity that is exciting on all levels and from ‘Women’s Month’ in South Africa. all perspectives. While this spectrum leads As we come together around common www.portfoliobureau.com to energy, involvement and initiatives; the causes such as these, so our community ‘shared moral vision’ that Chief Rabbi will continue to unite in a shared vision of Goldstein speaks about is a common goal the future. that brings us together. The Chronicle is one space to explore Sale starts 6 August 2013 such ideas, and this edition includes CJC EditORIAL Board a number of opinion pieces that ask Chairman: Lester Hoffman. questions about our present and future. Ex-officio: Ben-Zion Surdut. Committee: In Amy Stein’s article ‘Where have all the Julie Berman, Li Boiskin, Elan Burman, young Jews gone?’ (page 6) she answers Barbara Flax, David Jacobson, Ben Levitas, by saying that “we are right here” but Barry Levitt, Marianne Marks, Myra Osrin, emphasises that “The question we should Jonathan Silke. Editor: Tali Feinberg, be asking is how can we inspire youth to Secretary: Tessa Epstein, Advertising: Anita drive the future of our community if they are Shenker, Layout: Desrae Saacks
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IssuedIssued underunder thethe auspicesauspices ofof thethe SASA ZionistZionist FederationFederation (Cape(Cape Council)Council) andand thethe SASA JewishJewish BoardBoard ofof DeputiesDeputies (Cape(Cape Council)Council) 8787 HATFIELDHATFIELD STREETSTREET CAPECAPE TOWNTOWN 80018001 P.O.P.O. BOXBOX 41764176 CAPECAPE TOWNTOWN 80008000 PHONEPHONE 021021 464-6700464-6700 FAXFAX 021021 461-5804461-5804 e-mail:e-mail: [email protected]@ctjc.co.za EDITOR:EDITOR: TALITALI FEINBERGFEINBERG 4 news & views Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 ‘On the brink of possibilities…’ By Simon Apfel Furrow-browed, white-whiskered, now or in any impossibly eloquent; Chief Rabbi Lord conceivable Jonathan Sacks’ sentences emerge future. I found fully formed, his cadence rising and the most falling as he shifts effortlessly from compelling Rimbaud to the Rambam, the Tosafists answers in our to TS Elliot, Bertrand Russell to the Jewish heritage, Berditcher Rov. which is why I became a rabbi. Chief Rabbi Sacks ne of the world’s pre-eminent Perhaps on a similar note, you are Otheologians, the UK’s outgoing Chief obviously highly educated and well- Rabbi was a guest of South Africa’s Chief versed in Western philosophy and Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein at this year’s literature. Do you believe there is space Sinai Indaba, capturing the audience’s for these two spheres to co-exist, and if so, imagination with his soaring oratory where can it be found? and sweeping spiritual vision. In this I have written a book on this subject, called wide-ranging interview, he shared his The Great Partnership. Western thought, experiences at Sinai Indaba III, and offered to the extent that it is the legacy of Plato his thoughts on some of the challenges and Athens, is a very different thing from facing the contemporary Jewish world. Jewish thought. I compare it in the book to You spoke via a video link-up at the Sinai the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Indaba in 2011, and you returned this The Greeks gave the world philosophy year as one of Sinai Indaba III’s headline and science. Jews gave the world the speakers. What would you say is unique fundamental principles of morality: about this initiative, and what attracted freedom, choice, responsibility, the you to speak at the conference? sanctity of life, the non-negotiable dignity The Sinai Indaba is uniquely successful of the human person, the importance in attracting thousands of people to learn of marriage, the sacred obligations of Jewish texts and explore Jewish life. I’ve parenthood, and the idea of a society been exceptionally impressed at how based on justice, compassion, the love it brings together Jews of very different of neighbour and of stranger. I believe backgrounds and levels of knowledge. It is that both can coexist, in the same way wonderful to see the range of participants, that speech and song, prose and poetry, brought together in this way. system and story, can coexist. What were your impressions of this year’s You have spoken about how, over the Indaba? last few decades, a relentlessly negative It is heartening to witness how this Jewish outlook — a preoccupation with initiative has taken root within the South the Holocaust, anti-Zionism/antisemitism, African Jewish community. This year, and assimilation — has turned many the attendance was even higher than in young Jews away from their heritage. previous years, both in Johannesburg and What then, do you believe we should be Cape Town. I was absolutely astonished at focusing on? the size of the audience. It was impossible I think to put these things centre stage not to be moved at is, indeed, a mistake. this vivid expression of “ The South African Jewish As I mentioned at the Jewish togetherness. Sinai Indaba, Judaism community is remarkable You have visited South is about life, not death Africa numerous for a number of reasons.” and hope, not tragedy. times. What are your It is vital that we stop thoughts on the defining ourselves as country and on the South African Jewish the people hated by gentiles, and that we community in particular? start, once again, defining ourselves as the The South African Jewish community is people loved by God. altogether remarkable for a number of And we have much to be thankful for reasons. First, it is deeply respectful of and hopeful about. Indeed, today we Jewish tradition. Second, it is solidly and stand collectively as the Jewish People in passionately Zionist. Third, it has a higher a position that we’ve never been in before proportion of Jewish children attending in all 4000 years of our history. Never Jewish day schools than perhaps before one at the same time have we had anywhere else in the world. Fourth, independence and sovereignty in the land different Jewish groups work together, of Israel, and freedom and equality in the while in most other parts of the world Diaspora. they work separately. Overall, there is a We stand on the brink of possibilities strong sense of communal unity, which is for which a hundred generations of our inspiring. This is a very special community ancestors prayed more in hope than in — one which stands tall among other expectation; and what they longed for, we Jewish communities of the world. have. I believe that by living as Jews — educated in our Jewishness, confident in Tell us a bit about your personal journey. our Jewishness and unafraid of any of the You were a doctoral candidate in challenges of the contemporary world — philosophy under the mentorship of we can be a blessing to the world, lifting up mostly atheistic Cambridge and Oxford others by the way we live, and in so doing, dons, and ended up as Britain’s Chief inspiring young Jews with an immense and Rabbi. What happened in between? enduring pride. I studied philosophy, taught philosophy, See pages 6, 10 and 11 for more and still read and teach it with great perspectives on the Chief Rabbi’s talk and interest. I have learnt a great deal from it. the Sinai Indaba. The Chief Rabbi’s latest But in the end, I came to the conclusion booklet — ‘A Judaism Engaged with the that philosophy does not have substantive World’ — is available to download for free answers to the fundamental questions any at www.rabbisacks.org reflective human being must ask: Who am Simon Apfel is Creative Director at Bay I? Why am I here? How shall I live? Moon Communications. His writing can These are not questions that can be be found at the Daily Maverick, The Wry answered by reason alone, nor can they Republic and the Jerusalem Post. be answered by scientific investigation,
Life stories paula june 2013.indd 2 6/27/2013 7:24:24 AM Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 5
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For the complete property picture, visit www.claremart.co.za 6 news & views Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Safe Spaces Hearing a variety of voices — an initiative of the Nahum Goldmann Fellowship Where have all the young Jews gone? Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks at the Sinai By Amy Stein Indaba — a personal view The short answer to this question is acquiescence to By Sydney Kaye ‘nowhere’. We are in fact right here. authority. Stein calls this Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks was a is disproved and updated oung people within our community generation ‘the most star attraction at the Sinai Indaba, and by new evidence. Of Yhave a voice, yet it is a voice that threatening and for good reason. course that would never the establishment, it turns out, appears exciting generation’. happen in the religious not particularly keen to hear. It is a They are anti- s a philosopher, advocate for Israel world because no proof voice that may challenge preconceived establishment, believe they deserve Aand inspirational rabbi, he is an is required for any notions, already established ideas and better, and are not afraid to effect the accomplished speaker who simultaneously hypothesis or belief, only the status quo. Young Jews are eager to necessary changes in order to realise this. displays an impressive intellect and the faith. take ownership of their future within the Of course this could evoke fear. We common touch. Anybody who has read his Belief without proof community, yet little space is provided for function within a community where books or seen his debates will know that he Certainly the Chief Rabbi knows all this and this. ‘progression’ is often viewed as a has an astonishing knowledge of science, perhaps was speaking tongue-in-cheek, As a community, we are proud of the dirty word, and comfort is found in philosophy and history. but one wonders why he concerned himself fact that our schools produce leaders. the maintaining of the safe and non- As a secular Jew, I was therefore looking so much with defensive proofs in a lecture We see it in post-matric involvement threatening status quo. forward to his lecture on faith, since like on faith, when the essence of faith is to in youth movements and in the South Perhaps there is a fear that a young many non-believers I have found the believe without proof. African Union of Jewish Students voice will steer the community on a incongruity of any intelligent and extensively Why also was he inclined to aggressively course far removed from that on which (SAUJS) work on campuses. We see the educated person having religious faith taunt those he called Atheists (which means the establishment has steered us thus baffling; since faith is defined as a belief momentum of YAD, and the mini-Nahum nothing more than non-believers). Referring far, especially in view of the fact that the without any evidential support. Goldmann Fellowship gatherings, which to Richard Dawkins in a clever, but insulting Millennial Generation is more liberal than I was expecting him to touch upon some bring together young Jews from across play on words he repeated the quote: “an the spectrum to engage in vigorous yet generations before. Perhaps it is simply a of the fascinating areas he explores in his atheist is profound on the surface, but deep constructive discussion on issues relating fear of the unknown and initiated. books: the soul, the essence of a human down superficial”. to the South African being, and the search for meaning; all A practical plan According to the Chief Rabbi the Jewish community of which may relate in some way to faith. So how do we move hypothesis that there is a Supreme now and into the Any insights deriving from his experience “Young Jews are eager forward and what are Being has been gathering such strength future. and intellect in that to take ownership of some ways in which to (notwithstanding that Recently I, along regard would have been find middle ground? all surveys show the with some friends, their future within the valuable, as would his Firstly, I believe that “I was disappointed opposite) that it is now was involved in the community, yet little definition of faith, from a the established with the lecture atheists who are obliged formation of a Union Jewish perspective. space is provided for this.” community should to prove their non- of Jewish Women However, rather than because of what he said show a greater belief. But he is wrong. Group, the Chevra treading that path, he together with what he commitment to Atheism is not a religion Group, consisting of young professional instead drifted into the mentoring and preparing young Jews for did not say.” or ideology — it is just women in their twenties with a focus the leadership roles and responsibilities minefield of suggesting a a passive non-belief in on outreach in both the Cape Town that they will eventually have to assume. proof for the existence of a deity. The plain fact Jewish and broader communities. Schools and youth movements should a Supreme Being. is that the only rational default position We have received huge support and identify future leaders from school- He compared a hypothesis that there have is to not believe something when there is encouragement, and an overwhelming going age and prime them for a future of to be parallel universes (according to Martin no evidence to support it. It is absurd to impression that this ‘youth’ gap has long involvement in communal life. Rees’ book Just Six Numbers: the deep say that the norm should be to accept the needed to be filled. This means that we will have to get forces that shape the universe) with one existence of that which cannot be proven, There is a general sense amongst young comfortable with the idea that there that states there has to be a Supreme Being and then expect the non-believer to prove Jews within the community of aging may not be one homogeneous voice to explain the universe, and concluded, its non-existence. communal organisations, and communal sitting around the proverbial table. If this on the basis of the principle, that one was I had hoped that he, as a philosopher- structures increasingly perceived as non- concerns you, perhaps you need to take obliged to choose the idea with the least rabbi, would have set out his analysis of faith, representative and even irrelevant. a look at the diverse beliefs and views assumptions — that the second hypothesis perhaps how he experienced or rationalised The questions we should be asking are within our community. Like it or not, this was correct and that therefore there was a how can we expect young Jews to take reality is not likely to change. Supreme Creator. it from his own or from a philosophical over the leadership responsibilities of Secondly, I propose an official Jewish Now the gap in logic is obvious and viewpoint; or perhaps whether his faith was the community if their voice is muted? ‘think tank’ comprising of young Jews begs the question: ‘Why must the choice certain or conditional, how he arrived at it How can we inspire youth to drive the who wish to make their voices heard and of hypotheses be restricted to only two and was it possible to bridge the chasm future of our community if they are not contribute in a meaningful way to the and what about hypotheses yet to be put, between faith and reason. empowered? sustainability of our community and to which may arise from ideas not yet formed In his book To Heal a Fractured World, The Millenial Generation ensuring that our communal structures or facts not yet discovered?’ Moreover, he makes much of the difference between Of course it is understandable that the remain relevant long into the future. For choosing one hypothesis over another does the ‘good’ and the ‘holy’, and conceded prospect of the Millennial Generation, this to succeed in the first place, the not produce a proof; it only means that the that one doesn’t have to be religious to be roughly those born between 1980 — establishment must be able to better ‘sell’ selector finds one guess more likely than moral; yet he contended that society cannot 2000, rising to the highest echelons of communal involvement to young Jews, another. This proof is suspiciously like the successfully maintain moral life without leadership within our community may thereby enabling them to see tangible simplistic and flawed Intelligent Design of religion. Spinoza, the arch-rationalist, who evoke fear amongst the Traditionalist and value in it. the American evangelists: ‘Wow, creation is the Chief Rabbi compared favourably with Baby Boomer Generations (roughly 1925 Sure, there may be justifiable reasons so awesome; we can’t explain it; ipso facto, the ‘new’ atheists thought that “religion — 1945 and 1946 — 1964 respectively). As to be concerned about a future where the there must be a Supreme Creator!’ performed a useful social function in Time’s Joel Stein puts it in his cover story, Jewish community is run by Millennials. He also recounted how he put to Richard breeding an obedient spirit and making ‘The Me Me Me Generation’, Millennials Yes, there is comfort in the safety of the Dawkins: “Scientists had originally thought people pliable to civil law”. But these are not are narcissistic, over-confident, entitled tried and tested. But if guided and given 98% of human genome was inactive (then arguments for faith per se, only for its use as and lazy. Millennials have no problem the right tools, we could see Millennials called ‘junk DNA’) but had now changed a management tool in the maintenance of skipping over rungs of bureaucracy, or become a great generation — a force their minds after discovering that a vast social cohesion. creating an entirely new system so they for positive change, able to deal with the amount of the ‘junk’ actually performed To sum up, therefore, I was disappointed can avoid it completely. challenges that confront them. As Stein important functions. Maybe then, he with the lecture because of what he said On the other hand, according to Stein, puts it, Millennials may be the generation suggested, “Scientists are equally wrong together with what he did not say. While Millennials are resourceful and adaptable. that saves us all. in their opinion that 98% of religion is junk!” on the one hand denigrating and ridiculing They have a unique understanding of But clearly there is a vast difference non-believers who are no threat to the faith technology and social media, and they Amy Stein is an attorney practising at between an unsupported hypothesis that of others was unbecoming; and on the other see strength and power in collaboration. Bagraims Attorneys, specialising in seeks to explain a phenomenon such as he delivered what was a basic ‘have faith’ Perhaps most significant, Millennials Employment Law. creation, and a scientific hypothesis that sermon, which could have been given by carefully consider their choices rather has been based on testable observations. any number of less-elevated rabbis, leaving than displaying blind acceptance and See a response to this article on page 8 Moreover there is nothing surprising when it much that could have been said, unsaid. Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 7 8 Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 A response to the article ‘Where have all the young Jews gone?’ on page 6. News Space. The final frontier. continued from page 1 Amy Stein’s thoughtful article echoes the time to articulate so clearly some of their the frustrations of many of our youth. frustrations, we need to listen. And more And it is asking a tough question of importantly, we need to do something. The Herzlia wins prestigious award community leaders: “What can we do Cape Board’s 2013 Conference on 5 — 6 n only its second year, the prize has education. It is so to create the space for new voices, new October will be addressing this subject Ibecome an international one, as 244 gratifying to know vision and new leadership to emerge?” directly (see page 13). We will be asking organisations from almost every continent that our work in the members of our community to address applied this year. Each of this year’s area of inclusive his is a question that perplexes me a number of issues relating to ‘space to winners received $50,000 to continue their education has Ta great deal. It is through our young engage’. And one of those discussions will work and pursue new opportunities for been recognised leadership development projects, SAUJS, indeed be ‘the role of the youth’. inclusion in their local communities. and we are the newly launched ‘Ignite’ leadership So thank you Amy for your percipience United Herzlia Schools has a fully-fledged humbled and programme, the Schusterman ‘Make it and we look forward to seeing you at our inclusive programme that welcomes honoured to be a Happen’ project and the Mini Nahum Conference, and to hearing your important children with learning and physical recipient of this most prestigious prize,” he Goldmann gatherings that we are voice. disabilities. “Herzlia School adopted an said. attempting to address this lacuna. David Jacobson inclusion philosophy in 1997 and today “All of this year’s winners around the However, there is a great deal more to do. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR all our 10 campuses can proudly boast globe are organisations not focused on When young Jewish leaders like Amy take Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies that we are inclusive schools that cater for the issue of disability but have developed all the children of the Cape Town Jewish innovative programmes to include people community no matter what their academic, with disabilities in the overall mission of physical or financial situation may be,” their organisation,” said Jay Ruderman, says Geoff Cohen, Director of Education. President of the Ruderman Family “The transformation of Herzlia into a Foundation. “We hope that they serve as school that offers a fully-fledged inclusion shining examples for the rest of the Jewish programme has been the most important, world of how people with disabilities can rewarding aspect of my 33 years in be included in all aspects of life.”
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Icons, visionaries, philosophers and It served as a reminder that Sinai SA Jewry’s storytellers. Global statesmen and Indaba has grown considerably since Everything is in it celebrity psychologists. Rosh Yeshivas its inception in 2011 and is now Cape Sinai Indaba’s guiding principle “Woodstock” and community builders. An assort- Town’s most well-attended Jewish is that Torah Judaism is not ment of great minds and personalities, gathering. Indeed, proportionally, and merely a religion, confined to reared in the West, but rooted in the for the second year in succession, the the transcendental or the cere- unites depth and values of Torah Judaism. In turnout in Cape Town exceeded that monial, but rather, is an all-en- June, they descended on the Mother of the Johannesburg Indaba, with compassing way of thinking and City for Sinai Indaba III: an event un- some 1,700 Capetonians passing Cape Town living – an idea illustrated by the precedented in terms of its scope, va- through the gates, representing well Mishnah in Pirkei Avot which riety and vision – and not just among over ten per cent of the city’s Jewish community states, “Turn it (the Torah) over South African Jewry, but perhaps even community. and over for everything is in worldwide. But Goldstein was quick to empha- Simon Apfel it,” and the Midrash that relates The Cape Town International Con- sise that this was about more than just how G-d “looked into the Torah vention Centre pulsated, as crowds numbers. and created the world.” Sinai Indaba III bustled between venues, scanning “Those who attended the Cape Town draws unprecedented their programmes, animatedly dis- Indaba were a living example of what “Torah is indeed the blueprint for cussing the speakers, embodying the Sinai stands for,” he says proudly. “It every facet of human existence,” crowds to Cape Town’s “Unite, Inspire, Discover” ethos. was amazing to see Capetonians com- Goldstein explains. “The Torah “Cape Town, you have been awesome,” ing together from across the spectrum offers us the framework with ICC to hear an all-star South African Chief Rabbi Warren – religious, secular, traditional; young which to create a loving mar- line-up of internation- Goldstein exclaimed, unable to hide and old – to be inspired, to discover riage and nurture children, to be his delight. “Sinai indaba III in Cape more about our amazing heritage, and ethical in business, to be sensi- al Torah speakers. Town has been tremendous – the buzz perhaps most importantly, all in a tive in our interpersonal relation- the energy, the sheer numbers...” spirit of warmth and togetherness.” ships and compassionate and No one held a mountain over As for the speakers themselves, Chief generous with those in need, anyone’s head, but the blizzard of Rabbi of the United Kingdom Lord to run a modern economy and banners, billboards and biographical Jonathan Sacks was, for many, the judicial system, and to relate to flyers which descended upon greater conference’s major drawcard. One G-d and lead a meaningful life, Cape Town was surely impossible to of the Jewish World’s great univer- connecting to ultimate truth.” dodge. Sinai Indaba materials arrived salist thinkers, and with a knack for by emails, text messages, and even by delivering big, important addresses on post. They adorned the streets of sub- big, important occasions, Sacks didn’t urbs and highways, dwarfing all other disappoint, delivering impossibly elo- signage, as the forlorn faces of John quent explorations of subjects such as Cleese and some unfortunate local act “Faith in the modern world” and “The could only stare out in envy. nature of Shabbat”, the latter of which he describes as the bedrock of Judaism.
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01 Flags lining the corridors of the CTICC 02 Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 03 Capacity crowd at CTICC
03 Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY & CULTURE 11
Sacks shared top billing with Ambas- The award-winning ensemble, The “There is a deep human sador Yehuda Avner. Languid, graceful Heart and the Wellspring, beguiled Record Attendance and dignified, the 85-year-old advisor audiences with their unique blend need to come together to This year’s Sinai Indaba saw and speech writer to five Israeli Prime of traditional Jewish folk music and Ministers, and former Ambassador to celebrate and reaffirm record attendance figures Chasidic niggunim, setting the seal on across the country. Great Britain, oozed statesmanship. He what can perhaps be described as the the values and ideals we spoke in world-weary tones but with “Woodstock” of the South African Jew- Overall, some 6,500 people exquisitely ornate diction, lamenting ish community, but with more clothes hold precious, and to passed through Sinai’s gates. Israel’s position as a “tiny land on a huge and better toilet facilities. continent of enmity” contending with “a unify around a shared hostile and souring public mood”, but at South Africa’s incorrigible Chief moral vision,” says Gold- 01 Ambassador Yehuda Avner signing the same time, filling his audiences with Rabbi closed out Sinai Indaba III by copies of his bestselling book The hope and a sense of responsibility. launching a countrywide campaign to stein in closing. “This Prime Ministers Among the other speakers, the great keep one entire Shabbat as a commu- is what Sinai Indaba is 02 Rabbi Ozer Glickman and Chief Rabbi Jewish icon and Holocaust survivor, nity, and deserves much of the credit Warren Goldstein Esther Jungreis, brought audiences to for another remarkable conference about – a Torah-inspired 03 Gary Neuman tears with monumental talks on faith – one which, as Avner quite rightly 04 Rabbi Berel Wein and Chief Rabbi after the Holocaust and finding mean- magical moment of Warren Goldstein launching their new remarked, “simply has no peer any- book . ing in life’s vicissitudes; Rabbi Paysach where in the world”. Jewish unity.” 05 Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi Krohn, perhaps the great maggid of 06 Rabbi Yossi Chazan being interviewed this generation, threw himself into his tales of the remarkable and the inspirational, leaving his audience 01 02 spellbound and spiritually enriched; and Oprah Winfrey’s resident psy- chotherapist, Gary Neuman, cut an immediately likeable figure, delivering a series of warm-hearted, practical, and often very funny seminars on raising happy children and creating flourishing marriages. Also popular were Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, one of Israel’s most well- known personalities, whose words tumbled forth with barely pause for breath, full of care and concern, warmth and humour, and with an 03 04 Israeli straightforwardness that was immediately engaging; and the effer- vescent, hugely charismatic Dayan Yonoson Abrahams of the London 02 Beth Din, who wooed locals with his surprisingly in-depth knowledge of South African rugby and cricket sporting trivia, before launching into searing discourses on the nature of Jewish Law. Other standouts included Rabbi Ozer Glickman, a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva University and distinguished merchant banker, who applied his Torah knowledge and business 05 06 acumen to a forensic examination of economic enterprise as a vehicle for 03 spirituality; Manchester’s celebrated Rabbi Yossi Chazan, who drew on a deep reservoir of Torah knowledge to convey complex mystical concepts in a way that was both clear and accessible; and noted Jewish historian, Rabbi Berel Wein, who discussed his latest work, The Legacy: Teachings for Life from the Great Lithuanian Rabbis, with co-author, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein.
A unity project of the Office of the Chief Rabbi 12 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013
CAPE SA JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES
talking tachlis By David Jacobson Learning from the Americans By David Jacobson, Executive Director, Are we doing enough to transform and Dan Brotman, Head of Media & Public Affairs, Cape SAJBD the Jewish-Muslim conversation? We are part of a remarkable Jewish community with an appropriately Insanity is often defined as doing the break the impasse that exists proud history. same thing over and over again, yet between the Jewish and expecting a different result. Muslim communities in South et our geographic remoteness from Africa is to transform our own Ythe epicentre of Jewish life often leads t seems to me that our approach to reality. to ideological and spiritual isolation. IMuslim-Jewish relations in South Africa I am not trying to suggest Although our history and reality are unique, could sadly be classified fairly accurately that there are not real some Jewish communities have found under this definition. differences between the two communities effective solutions to challenges similar That is the ultimate conclusion I arrived — particularly from its traditional communal to those we face here in South Africa. at during my recent trip to Washington DC organisations. There are some serious We recently had the privilege of travelling as part of a ‘Jewish-Muslim Mission’ for issues that have to be addressed. But to Washington DC, where we attended leaders from South Africa, Australia and we can find a way to have disagreements several conferences and met with dynamic New Zealand — an without resorting to demonising. We have leaders and innovators who are having a ‘interfaith tri-nations’ to ensure that the transformative impact on the American if you like. But instead “It is merely logical that politics does not seep Jewish community. Benji Shulman and David Jacobson at the of facing the haka, we in a tug of war between into the personal and Synagogue membership in the United AJC Access Summit confronted our own taint our perceptions of States is at an all-time low, especially fears, prejudices and two forces, something individuals and of the among young adults. Property developer ignorance. or someone has to give mighty faiths that are Shelton Zuckerman and Esther Foer Arranged under in order to shift the Judaism and Islam. drastically changed the notion of what a the auspices of an It is time for the balance.” synagogue does when they established organisation in the voices of sanity and the Historic Sixth & I Synagogue. They United States called humanity to drown out recalled that shortly after purchasing the ‘The Foundation the voices of cynicism building, a well-known rabbi told them: for Ethnic Understanding’, this intense and darkness and create a space in which “You bought such a beautiful building, but two-day gathering in the US capital was we can have a different conversation and too bad it’s going to remain empty!” a remarkable demonstration of what is create a different narrative. Nine years later, the Sixth & I’s over- possible. I have no doubt that the voices I will write further on my trip in due course. subscribed events and growing reputation of cynicism on all sides will call this a Yet the details of this ‘mission’, although as the ‘sexiest’ Jewish brand in DC have ‘façade’and ‘naïve’. But I received an interesting, are not as important as the made their point and have the buy-in from intoxicating sneak preview of a reality ultimate message. As Palestinian professor the Federation and rabbis. Independently different to the one in which we are currently Majid Al-Haj said at the recent Israeli funded and thus less constrained, the ensconced, and it left me filled with hope. Presidential Conference when referring Sixth & I is one of the few American Dan Brotman (R) with Ben Barth, a resident at the Moishe House in Beijing, China. Nothing in life is ever achieved by to the possibility of a peace agreement synagogues that does not charge an acquiescing to the status quo, by clinging between the Israelis and the Palestinians: annual membership fee. Instead, it charges cultural events, such as book readings, desperately and depressingly to the raw “Agreements are made when there are $10 per ticket for High Holiday services, concerts and art workshops. Past events reality. Sometimes we have to ‘lift up our shared interests and lack of an alternative”. which makes synagogue attendance have featured singer Adele, Nobel Prize- eyes’ and look beyond the narrow confines We have a unique opportunity to create affordable and does not require an winning author Salman Rushdie, several of our natural myopia and imagine a better a renewed connection between the Jewish annual contribution of several thousand Supreme Court Justices and of course, future. and Muslim communities of South Africa; dollars. Since 2004, services at the Sixth Esther’s son, author Jonathan Safron- It is merely logical that in a tug of a connection based on our shared history, & I, which cater to all streams of Judaism, Foer. Unlike most synagogues, the Sixth war between two forces, something or shared monotheistic theology, shared love have become so full that it rents several & I attracts young adults to its events someone has to give in order to shift the of this country and most significantly, on additional buildings for the High Holidays. and services by marketing outside of the balance. There has to be an alternative to our shared G-d given humanity. Jews and non-Jews alike are welcome Jewish community, such as at popular digging in one’s heels and pulling harder. It is the only viable alternative. to attend the Sixth & I’s much sought-after coffee shops and other hip hangouts. You can actually make a choice to let go, to Shelton and Esther purposefully hire young release the tension and thereby create an Jews who would not ordinarily work for a immediate and enormous shift. SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES (CAPE COUNCIL) Jewish communal organisation, as this Transforming our own reality cohort knows best how to market to their I believe firmly that this is something we can BURSARIES unaffiliated peers. A tangible result of their do as a community. We can let go of some success has been a grassroots request for of our preconceived ideas. We can loosen Jewish undergraduate students, and postgraduate students, more Talmudic and Torah studies — an our tight grip on our desire to be right. It is resident in the Western Cape, should note that the Board of Deputies indication that their open door policy has true that we cannot control ‘the other’. The co-ordinates various estates and trusts. These are not scholarships but resulted in an increased interest in Jewish only real power we have is over ourselves. bursaries for needy students. Students in need of financial assistance for learning and culture. But that is true power. Transformative study during the 2014 academic year at university, technical college or A fresh vision for the future power. If we just continue running on this similar educational institutions should apply to the office of:- Stuart Kurlander is a prominent hamster wheel of accusatory thrust and philanthropist and outgoing President of the reflexive parry, nothing will change. THE SECRETARY, BURSARY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE Jewish Federation of Greater Washington But if we, as individuals and as a P.O. BOX 2009, CAPE TOWN, 8000 (soon to be replaced by Lisa Levy, an ex- community, can confront our own fears and Tel: 021 464-6700 e-mail: [email protected] South African). He also happens to be the prejudices, and imagine a different reality, first and only openly gay president of any the balance will shift organically. It will not CLOSING DATES: Jewish Federation in North America. Stuart be easy. In the face of fear, we will have to Re-applications – 03 October 2013 believes that given the rising percentage of show faith. In response to suspicion, we New application - 15 October 2013 unaffiliated young Jewish adults in the US, must demonstrate optimism and courage. But the most effective way in which we can NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTER CLOSING DATE. Continued on the next page www.capebod.org.za Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY & CULTURE 13 Continued from the previous page
the organised Jewish community cannot to continue volunteering. The Moishe Cape Town loses an interfaith leader afford to shut anyone out, especially House model provides Jewish university Once upon a time LGBT Jews. He made his vision a reality graduates with an affordable option to live a rabbi, an imam by funding the Kurlander Programme for independently, and in exchange for highly and a priest were Gay & Lesbian Outreach and Engagement subsidised rent, continue to create fun and arrested for taking (GLOE) at the Jewish Community Centre meaningful Jewish experiences for their part in an anti- (JCC); GLOE even has a full-time staff peers. apartheid protest member dedicated to enriching Jewish The two young Jews we met at their DC and were locked life for gays and lesbians. Stuart also Moishe House painted a picture of a vibrant, together in the back personally mentors young LGBT adults young and passionate Jewish existence. of a police van. who aspire to one day serve in Jewish Not only do they keep themselves Jewishly communal leadership positions. Not unlike activated, but they also reach out to their hey started many in South Africa, Stuart believes that respective social circles and keep them in Tdiscussing in order for established the so-called ‘Jewish theological Jewish institutions to loop’. Moishe House implications of remain relevant, its International is looking compassion and “Sometimes one needs justice and enjoyed the boards must reflect to step out of one’s own to re-launch a Moishe Li Boiskin and David Jacobson with Guru Krishna and Reverend the diversity of the House in South Africa, dialogue so much that, John Oliver at the opening of WC Provincial Parliament . Jewish community in reality in order to get a which we believe after they were bailed its entirety. Gays and broader vision for what is would appeal to many out, they approached accept religious diversity has resulted in the Board of Deputies to ask if a venue lesbians are only one possible.” of our young adults Cape Town becoming the role model for of many potentially and create a totally could be arranged for them to continue interfaith in the country. untapped sectors in new space for being such debates. This is how interfaith started His sudden death on 4 July left the the US that Stuart is trying to reach with his Jewish in Cape Town. in Cape Town three decades ago, and interfaith community in shock and the visionary and inclusive strategy. Sometimes one needs to step out the Board has Chairman and The Moishe House model is simple of one’s own reality in order to get a been part of the “His passion for interfaith committee of the and operates 58 houses in 13 countries, broader vision for what is possible. What movement since its Jewish Board of including most recently in Australia: 5 we encountered in the United States has inception. outreach... has resulted in Cape Deputies joins — 6 post-university young adults rent allowed us to come home with a fresh Undoubtedly the Town becoming the role model the wider society a house, and in exchange for hosting vision for a future of infinite possibility person who was for interfaith in the country.” in mourning his up to six monthly programmes for their in the South African Jewish community. the public face of untimely passing. Jewish peers, get up to 75% of their rent We look forward to building meaningful the movement was We can only echo subsidised. It is up to each Moishe House partnerships with all of the established and the Rev. John Oliver, rector of St Marks’s the words of Imam Dr Rashied Omar who to decide what type of programming it puts grassroots organisations we encountered in District Six, who played an instrumental expressed gratitude for his remarkable on, which can range from stand-up comedy in the US, and believe that we can and must role in the formation of the Cape Town contribution in preserving and building on shows to Sukkah parties and everything incorporate some of their innovative Jewish Interfaith Initiative and the Western Cape the great legacy of the interfaith movement in-between. Our community struggles thinking into our small Jewish community Religious Leaders Forum, both of which he in Cape Town. to keep young adults engaged in Jewish on the southern tip of Africa. We have a lot has chaired. May his family find some consolation in life after they graduate from university, as to teach the rest of the Jewish world, but His passion for interfaith outreach, for the knowledge that there are many who the communally-involved often get burnt we also need to be humble enough to learn uniting religious leaders of different faiths mourn this sad loss with them. May his out and do not have the time or energy from others where we can. and for encouraging wider society to memory be as a blessing.
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Richard Joel Fourth President of Yeshiva University in New York Renowned legal scholar Former President and International Director of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
Cape Conference 5-6 October 2013 Making room for your views 14 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION (Cape Council) A view from the Chair SAZF leaders attend By Ben Levitas, Chairman, SAZF Cape Council President’s Conference For twelve years, our Christian broad daylight by two By Ben Levitas friends have been standing outside Muslim fundamentalists. parliament every Friday at midday. It baffles me that media This year the President’s Conference commentators always express surprise in Israel centered around President heir agenda is not political. Rather, it at these acts of terrorism committed by Shimon Peres’ 90th birthday. Tdeals with Biblical references linking ‘home-grown’ terrorists. the Jewish people to the Promised Land. For Western and democratic countries t kicked off with a memorable gala Nothing has deterred the protests thus far to continue to foster and uphold traditions Iconcert featuring Israeli performers, — not rain, heat or cold. of diversity, multi-culturalism and religious messages from around the world and two Exactly one year ago, a lone pro- tolerance, attention needs to be focused songs by Barbra Streisand. Palestinian activist, waving two Palestinian on the messages that run counter to these The opening plenary session focused flags, planted himself in the midst of the values, particularly as they are preached in on principles of leadership, with both Christian group. He was left in peace. mosques. In Britain, the likes of Abu Qatada, Tony Blair (former British Prime Minister) However, on the anniversary of his crusade, who in 1995 issued a ‘fatwa’ justifying the and Rahm Emanuel (Mayor of Chicago) Regarding attracting the youth to support a group of eight pro-Palestinians arrived to killing of Muslims who renounce their faith; drawing upon their personal experiences Israel, he urged a rationalisation of Jewish issue threats to ‘decapitate the Christians’ and in 1999 advocated the killing of Jews to communicate that true leadership is not organisations, because the youth will only should they return. and praised attacks on Americans, have effective unless expectation of mistakes be galvanised if they see organisations as For the first time, as the reality of the fostered hate and justified gratuitous acts and changing realities are part of the relevant. threat was deliberated, consideration was of violence. context. “It is a cliché”, said Malcolm Hoenlein given to calling off the pro-Jewish/Israeli In South Africa, the Head of the Muslim “The first thing I always think about, when “that it is easier to protest against demonstration. Judicial Council, Moulana Hendricks, it comes to leadership,” said Emanuel, “is something than for something. In this Fortunately, the resilience of our should instead of making harmful sermons failure. Every person in leadership fails. regard we need to expose why BDS is community was revealed when they arrived about Jews, follow the example of the And the important thing is for them to learn objectionable,” he explained. in large numbers the week after to show Islamic Society of Great Britain, which from their failures.” In a panel discussion on leadership, that they would not be intimidated. The deplored the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby “The skill set that takes you to leadership Rosner mentioned that the Jewish word commitment of the and condemned all forms of extremism. is not necessarily the skill set that makes for leadership is ‘manhig’ which reflects on Christian community you a great leader,” said Blair. “As a how one behaves. It is not enough to live by also shone through, leader, there is only one course, which is Jewish values — we must also be prepared as they rallied in to do what you think is right and of making to take action. “A people without leaders, unprecedented difficult decisions.” are condemned to perish,” he said. numbers. Israeli flags “Never allow a good crisis to go to waste” Johanna Arbid Perugia emphasised the bedecked the whole added Emanuel. “It’s an opportunity to do need for leaders to build a better future façade of parliament. the things you’ve never been able to do than to lament on the tragedies of the past. These threats before.” During the closing plenary session, Natan assumed an During the two days of stimulating panel Sharansky joked that by making Aliyah, amplified reality discussions, by some of the best minds Russians added 15 years to their lives due when in the days in the world, it was the ideas offered that to Israel enjoying one of the best rates thereafter, Lee Rigby, moved me the most. of longevity. Prime Minister Netanyahu a British soldier Literacy and leadership again emphasised his offer to enter peace in Woolwich, was Speaker Majid al Haj said that dealing talks without any preconditions and savagely attacked with cultural differences, multi-culturalism, spoke of the rosy future of Israel, with its and decapitated in or the right to be different is the most commitment to grow the economy through challenging issue facing governments. huge infrastructural investments and its In the 21st century, internal conflicts are readiness to share with all its citizens the Farewell to Maccabiah participants the most salient feature. “Peace requires benefits of the massive gas discoveries. It was with heartfelt pride that the objectives of the organisation. They also cultural literacy,” he said. The conference was important, SAZF Cape Council recently held aimed to create sustainability through Talking about BDS, Jeremy Newmark enlightening and extremely fascinating, a farewell for the WP Maccabiah regular training sessions, matches and said that ‘it is not what our enemies do, and gave us much inspiration to continue participants. tournaments and introducing new sporting but what we fail to do, that is important.’ our work in South Africa. codes. Other sports being represented by Maccabi march at the opening ceremony he Maccabiah, known as the ‘Jewish SA National Chairman Cliff Garrun Western Cape participants are: Junior on 18 July, where some 35,000 Jews were Olympics’, brings together Jews said that the national delegation is the T Swimming; Junior Boys Football, Junior present. The banner depicted former from throughout the Diaspora to Israel to largest ever, and for the first time South participate in various sporting events and Africa would be represented in Junior Rugby; Junior Tennis; Junior Table Tennis; president Nelson Mandela, whose birthday interact with fellow Jews. Basketball, Junior Girl’s Football, Senior Junior Chess; Junior Netball; Junior is celebrated on that day, and states This year’s Western Cape delegation Futsal and Junior Fencing. All four codes Cricket; Open Football; Senior Cricket; ‘Celebrating Our Legacy …. Mandela numbered 74, a significant increase from are predominantly made up of WP Senior Golf; Senior Tennis, Senior Cycling Day… 18 July 2013’. Thank you to all the the 17 who participated four years ago. representatives and are reflective of the and Senior Bowls. sponsors of the kits, gifts and more. WP Maccabi Chairman Darryn Lazarus continuous work done by WP Maccabi and Prior to the kits and gifts being handed Should you wish to obtain further details commented that increasing the numbers its outstanding leadership in the past few over to the participants, a banner was regarding WP Maccabi, please contact of participants has been one of the main years. unveiled, which formed part of the SA [email protected]
Back: Kyle Datnow (Basketball), Nathan Sher (Basketball) Gary Kahn (basketball) Zach Bresler (Basketball) Brent Shone (Rugby), Nathan Herr (Rugby) and Sholem Hack Ruth Valentini (soccer), Jade Wunder (Netball), Michaela (table tennis) Front: Adam Romyn (basketball) and Tivon Franco (soccer) and Ali Gutman (Soccer). Suzanne Ackerman Berman and Eliza Metz. Shuman (Basketball). Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY & CULTURE 15
Afrika Tikkun - How it all began... Ann Harris reflects on the beginnings of Afrika Tikkun and the organisation it has become today
In the exciting days of 1993/4, when our new The first years were filled with reaction - basic country was born, the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris assistance from the Community for victims of and Dr Bertie Lubner resolved that the Jewish floods, fires, hunger and disease. The next phase Community would be a part of the vital rebuilding was the provision of basic adult skills training - of the South African nation by providing assistance literacy, numeracy and dressmaking. www.afrikatikkun.org to their many under privileged fellow citizens. By the turn of the century, Afrika Tikkun was They were soon joined by Herby Rosenberg and mature enough to embark on proactive projects. Ann Harris in Johannesburg and Jack Tworetsky In partnership with many local Community Based and the late Benny Reich in Cape Town. Organisations (CBO), the foundations of the six country wide centres were laid and the principles To partner with Afrika Tikkun TIKKUN - meaning “putting the world to rights” was of holistic family care established. Today Afrika the buzz word of the day! Tikkun’s five core programmes focus on the or find out more about provision of food security and nutrition support, our valuable work please When the early projects were visited by the newly education and skills development, social and contact Laura Markovitz elected President Nelson Mandela he was so health services and the preservation of the family on 021 551 7129 or delighted with what he saw that he readily agreed unit. This support strengthens families and develops [email protected] to become the organisation’s Patron in Chief - a children from “cradle to career”. position he still holds.
At article 2.indd 1 2013/06/27 10:00 PM 16 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION (Cape Council) LAND FOR PEACE - DOES IT WORK? For many years, a great amount of emphasis has been placed on the ‘land for peace’ formula in the hope that it will bring about a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ‘Land for peace’ has become a mantra in the region and has featured centrally in the peace process. This page examines the concept through one of the biggest examples — the Disengagement from Gaza — and seeks to determine how viable it is as a principle. WHAT IS THE ‘LAND FOR PEACE’ FORMULA ALL ABOUT? The formula suggests that Israel should surrender land to the Arabs who would then establish a Palestinian state, and that this would usher in peace. Is the ‘land for peace’ formula an old idea? NO! The concept is a completely new one that was formulated to pressure Israel to give up the territories it has administered since the Six Day War of 1967. D oes the ‘land for peace’ formula work both ways? NO! It would be fair to assume that it the Arabs would also have to make some territorial concessions as a means to peace. This, however, does not come into the equation. All obligation is placed on Israel to make territorial sacrifices and it is clear that the ‘land for peace’ formula is very much a one sided notion. THE DISENGAGEMENT FROM GAZA AND PART OF JUDEA AND SAMARIA In 2005, Israel carried out its Disengagement, handing over part of Judea and Samaria and all of Gaza to the Palestinians.This large scale ‘land for peace’ initiative was taxing on Israeli society and triggered an intense internal debate. Nevertheless, Israel pressed forward with the hope of peace after the Disengagement. What were the hopes? It was hoped that the Disengagement would be good for both Israelis and Palestinians and that it would bring more security, safety and prosperity. In the words of then Deputy-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, with Disengagement ‘a new morning of great hope will emerge in our part of the world,’ and that Israelis and Palestinians together would make the Middle East ‘what it was destined to be from the outset — a paradise for all the world.’ What was sacrificed through the Disengagement? • 100% of the Gaza Strip was evacuated and handed over to the Palestinians • 300 square miles of Judea and Samaria were evacuated. • 21 Israeli settlements were uprooted in Gaza. • 4 Israeli settlements were uprooted in Judea and Samaria. • Roughly 9000 Israelis who lived in the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria were forcibly evicted from their homes. • 38 synagogues in the Gaza Strip were dismantled. • Approximately 5000 school-age children had to find new schools. • Almost 1000 acres of greenhouses were abandoned in the Gaza Strip • 10 000 people who were employed in agricultural industries in Gush Katif, including 5000 Palestinians, lost their jobs. Did it work? NO! The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza has not resulted in peace and calm in the area and has not been good for both Israelis and Palestinians. DID IT BRING MORE SECURITY AND SAFETY? Ever since the Disengagement took place, Arab terrorist organisations have flourished in the region, expanding their arsenal of weapons. It has not reduced acts of terrorism, but has led to more. To date, over 10 000 rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza. The ruins of the Jewish communities of Gush Katif, once vibrant and industrious, today serve as launching pads for Arab terrorists to fire their missiles at Israeli civilians. DID IT BRING MORE PROSPERITY? It was hoped that the Arab residents of Gaza would make the most of the territory and that the several well-equipped greenhouses that were left for them would provide a budding economy. However, almost immediately the Arabs disdainfully trashed the buildings and began building terrorist training camps. DID IT ENCOURAGE MODERATION AMONGST THE PALESTINIANS? No. The Disengagement energised Gaza’s most extreme proponents. Hamas swept to victory and seized total control after getting rid of Fatah in a civil war.
IS THE LAND FOR PEACE FORMULA A VIABLE SOLUTION TO END THE CONFLICT? • The Disengagement is but one example of the land for peace formula failing. Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon and Hebron are further examples of the fact that territorial concessions are not bringing about peaceful solutions. Instead, it is resulting in increased terror and hostility towards Israel. • Most Palestinians did not view the Disengagement as a brave act of goodwill and an invitation to peace but rather as a retreat under fire. This attitude and reality leads directly to more terror and the goal of forcing Israel to give away more land. • It has been said we should judge a tree by its fruits. The fruits of the Disengagement include the following: - A corrosion of respect for Israeli strength and deterrence - The Second Lebanon War of 2006 - The Israel-Hamas War that began in 2008 - The embedding of Iran through its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah on Israel’s southern and northern borders - The miserable plight of Gaza’s Palestinians under a fundamentalist Hamas dictatorship • The conflict includes the Arab world around Israel too. Not one of these countries has hinted that they would make peace with Israel if she yielded these territories to the Arabs. There isn’t even a gesture of accommodation, such as a lifting of the over 40-year-old Arab economic boycott against Israel, an apology for the slander that ‘Zionism is racism’, or a discontinuation of the yearly charade at the UN, in which the Arab states attempt to expel Israel from that body.
Israel desires peace and is willing to make concessions and sacrifices to attain it. However, the notion that giving away land to a sworn enemy that has expressed time and time again to destroy Israel and who refuses to even recognise the Jewish state is ludicrous. As is clear to see, it does not result in any positive or peaceful solutions. If the Disengagement had worked and resulted in security and prosperity for all, then the sacrifice would have been worth it and further concessions would make sense. The opposite is also true. Resources: Legal Insurrection, Facts and Logic about The Middle East, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Stand With Us, The Israel Project, Arutz Sheva, Jeff Jacoby, Israel Matzav By GALYA GREIG Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY & CULTURE 17
Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation TEMPLE ISRAEL
Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation בית ישראל Consider This Bringing the Divine Presence into the world By Rabbi Malcolm Matitiani The People of Israel had not been of righteousness and compassion and The Eternal passed before him and always have the potential in the wilderness long when they God’s Presence is denied when people proclaimed: “The Eternal! The Eternal! a to change for the better, complained to Moses that they had no act contrary to the life-affirming values God compassionate and gracious, slow to grow spiritually and water. of Torah. This symbiotic relationship is to anger, abounding in kindness and intellectually closer to the expressed in the Aleinu Prayer, recited faithfulness, extending kindness to the Divine Source of Creation. oses, in desperation, cried to God three times a day: thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, This is the reassuring Masking for guidance and expressed “All the world’s inhabitants will recognise transgression, and sin; yet He does not thought that underlies the fear that he will be stoned to death. In and know that to You every knee should remit all punishment, but visits the iniquity the Yamim Nora’im, the reply God instructed Moses to strike a rock bend, every tongue should swear. Before of parents upon children and children’s ‘Days of Awe’, and that underscores the with his staff so that water would issue from You, O Eternal, our God, they will bend children, upon the third and fourth midrashic notion that God may be found it. God says to Moses: every knee and cast themselves down generations.” ‘in every place where you find the imprint I will be standing there before you on the and to the glory of Your Name they will A living reality of men’s feet’. It is this notion that gives rock at Horeb. Strike the rock and water render homage, and they will all accept Because human beings are created us a strong sense of hope in the future of will issue from it, and the people will drink.” upon themselves the yoke of Your kingship bezelam elohim, ‘in God’s image’, we are humankind, a hope that is expressed in that You may reign over them soon and (Exodus 17:6). duty-bound to emulate our Creator by rabbinic tradition by the concept of Yemot Commenting on the phrase Hineni omed eternally. And it is said: The Eternal will be our actions and attitudes in order to fulfil HaMashiach, ‘the messianic era’, which lefanekha sham, “I will be standing there Sovereign over all the world — on that day our true potential as human beings. By will see the eradication of all malevolence before you”, Rabbi Ishmael in his midrashic The Eternal will be One and God’s Name being merciful, compassionate, gracious, and violence. May such a time come interpretation of the Book of Exodus will be One” (the Siddur). patient, kind and faithful, forgiving and speedily in our day. (known as Mekhilta deRabbi Ishmael) This prayer originally composed for principled we make God’s Presence a teaches: amar lanu Hakadosh Baruch Hu the Rosh Hashanah musaf service and living reality and not just an ideal. The mikol makom she-ata motzei roshem raglei ascribed by the Jerusalem Talmud to the application of these positive traits when Mazel tov to those who celebrated their adam sham ani lefanekha, “The Holy One, third century Babylonian amora, Rav (Rosh relating to the world about us leads to B’nei Mitzvah with us in the last month: Blessed be He says to us: in every place Hashanah 1:3, 57a), suggests that God can greater holiness and a deeper devekut where you find the imprint of men’s feet only truly be the Ruler of the world when all (connection) to God. there I am”. of humanity acknowledges God as such. Conversely when human beings choose This exposition of the Biblical verse Acknowledging God does not simply to relate to others in a destructive and expresses the idea that God relies on mean pronouncing a belief in God as manner which negates the sanctity and human beings to acknowledge the Divine the Creator and sole object of worship, dignity of life the world moves further away Presence, just as much as we rely on it means relating to others and the world from God and the Divine sparks of holiness God to be our deliverer and source of according to the Shelosh Esrei Middot, ‘the grow dimmer. Yet God’s Presence is not strength. Thus God’s Presence is manifest Thirteen Attributes of God’ as delineated in entirely absent, leaving the possibility of Dayla Zimbler Ryland Foulkes 20 July 27 July wherever men and women perform deeds Exodus 34:6-7: teshuvah, of repentance. Human beings
THIS PAGE IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE DAVID AND BERTHA SHERMAN FOUNDATION 18 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Fun and friendship at CJSA West Coast T he ROI Community Summit CJSA’s West Coast By Yehuda Raff branch recently In June, I was very celebrated its first fortunate to attend the birthday. ROI Community Summit. e started OI Community or the branch W #ROIcom on Twitter, with tremendous R is an associated unit enthusiasm and after a within the broader set of needs assesment, our philanthropic programmes Social Worker Melanie established and funded van Emmenes worked through the Charles and with passion to build it Lynne Schusterman further. Foundation. ‘ROI’ stands Initially welcoming for ‘Return in Investment’. guests speakers on two Estelle Manoim, Sheila Sofer, Shirley Luyt and Bev Jeureson We spent five days Thursdays every month, enjoying tea at Giraffe House. in Jerusalem being members eagerly Juggling our vehicles to enable each entertained, enthralled, attend the gatherings to socialise and make branch to go on outings is not easy, but inspired, challenged, The Africa Delegation at the ROI Summit in Israel: Yehuda Raff friends. Fortunately we have managed to where there’s a will there certainly is a way, coached and connected; (Cape Town), Gina Flash (Cape Town) and Youness Abeddour secure a third morning, where the group (Fez, Morocco). and West Coast members recently enjoyed and what all for? Well Lynne enjoy their first outing at Giraffe House — the first summed it up when she for social entrepreneurs; and Jewish different of many happy outings for the branch. As stood up on the last day and said “I know community activists from Chile to Italy, crafts you can see by the photos, they bravely you are all doing wonderful work and that Morocco to Russia. These are the peers, a n d got into the swing of things by embracing you don’t often get thanked for what you not the experts, who they brought in to o t h e r the huge reptiles there! do, so that’s what we are doing here, that’s inspire, coach, teach and entertain us. activities. why this has all been put on for you — I’m I can’t really tell you everything the ROI saying ‘Thank You’ to you”! Community Summit was about, like all It is amazing that there real experiences, you have to do it to is someone in the world understand; doing this kind of work, or I could tell at 75 nogal, and it was “I was surrounded by so you but I would unbelievable to have many wonderful young need five days been in a room with 149 because every other people that Lynne people, all just getting on moment was and the ROI team thought with what they believe in.” just that full. It is it was worth bringing to like jumping out Jerusalem to say ‘thank of an aeroplane you’ to. So who are these with a parachute Estelle Manoim at Giraffe on and you have 20 seconds before you House. Lenny Cohen and Jules Goldwasser. people you ask? Well, they are young Jews in their 20s and 30s who are doing pull your chute — and you can remember something to change the world, in a small every little thought you had during those 20 or a big way, in a community-oriented or seconds, unlike most minutes and hours a commercial venture. The mix was 50 that go past without very much detailed Israelis, 50 Americans and 50 people from recollection. Well that’s what it was like, like other parts of the world. There were two jumping out of an aeroplane for five days, of us from South Africa this year and 37 but with great food! countries were represented. The other thing I can tell you about ROI is Contributing to the world that I came back believing in myself again. The gamut ran from people organising To have been surrounded by so many Jewish community centres on campuses wonderful young people all just getting in the US to people who have started their on with what they believe in, and in full own tech companies at 25. And I am not confidence that they can achieve anything just talking about any tech company, I’m that is authentically on their path, soon taking about guys who have raised 13 turned any unbelief that I arrived with into million US dollars to scale technology a healthy kick in the tuches to get on with that helps verify ecommerce transactions; contributing to the people around me and a law school graduate who has been the planet at large. ranked the number one debater in the So if you want to contribute to your world world; government officials responsible and you’re looking for friends to help, then for building the coolest coworking hubs look up ROI and come get involved. Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY & CULTURE 19 20 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Jewish Community Services Family Announcements Greetings Service BIRTH CONDOLENCES — THANK YOU Jewish Community Services offers a greetings service for TRAUB SOLLY GORDON ALL occasions. At the cost of a monetary donation, we will convey an appropriate Grant, Nicole and Aiden are pleased to Our sincere thanks and gratitude to message to all those you wish to greet. In lieu of gifts for Rosh Hashanah, announce the birth of their precious son family, friends and organisations for we will send cards to your family and friends. and brother, Deacan, born on 24 April the very generous support and love All proceeds will benefit the less fortunate in our community. in Australia. after the sad loss of our husband, Contact Ethne Abramowitz 0214625520 [email protected] father and grandfather, Solly. THANK YOU 003-172NPO A special thanks to Rabbis FREDA BRAUDE Wineberg and Hecht and the greater Marais Road Shul family Thank you to my beloved sister, family for their invaluable guidance and and dearest friends for the gifts, wining, support. dining and picturesque trips during my K faSIM Ha eez He will be lovingly remembered memorable holiday. by Rita, Jonathan, Leonard, Gail, Good health, much happiness and David and families. Shana Tova to you all, Love you. RAE JOFFE RECUPERATION — THANK YOU We would like to express our PHOEBE SAVILLE sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks for all the warmth, kindness, I have been absolutely overwhelmed letters, visits and calls on the by the warmth, kindness, love and passing of our beloved Rae, a concern, the letters, phone calls, sms’s, special sister, aunt, friend and emails, flowers, gifts and food after my a truly wonderful human being. recent stay in hospital. Our gratitude also to Rabbis My heartfelt and sincere thanks to all Wineberg and Hecht as well as family, friends, Rabbi and Rebbetzin communal organisations, family Oshy and Sarah Feldman for constantly and friends for their support being there for me, the Gardens Shul, and comfort. Bnoth Zion and other organisation Once an ardently anti-Israel and anti-Semitic radical Muslim, whose support has hastened a speedy Rae was a true inspiration to all now a proud Zionist recovery. and will forever be remembered. This is deeply appreciated. Arthur, Rowena and Sharon Joffe 12 August 2013, 19h30 Venue: Auditorium, , 88 Hatfield St, Gardens To place a family announcement, ESTELLE STEIN phone Tessa 021 464-6736 (am) For further info contact Yvette on 021 464-6714 Our sincere thanks to family, friends, Rabbi Wineberg and HERMANUS communal organisations for their support on the sad loss of Estelle, HEBREW our beloved wife, mother and Do you enjoy reading the CONGREGATION grandmother. She will be sadly missed. Chronicle every month? Herschel and family Invitation to services Then pay your voluntary subscription for 2013: Friday evening services during JOE TALMUD winter: 6pm R260 Full services on ROSH HASHANAH We would like to express our and YOM KIPPUR sincere thanks to relatives and • Direct deposit to ABSA Heerengracht branch, friends for the letters, emails, visits Acc no 405 545 9012, Branch code: 632005. conducted by Shlomo Kessel and phone calls during the illness Please email confirmation to [email protected] The congregation offers an and subsequent passing of our • Cheques to Cape Jewish Chronicle, P O Box 4176, evening meal on first night Rosh dear husband, father and grandfather. Cape Town 8000 Hashanah and a supper to break • Credit card: Phone office 021 464-6721 (am) the Fast. Many thanks to Rabbi Green and members of Constantia Shul for the All welcome Kindly quote your communal number, which you can find on your meals supplied during Shiva. address label. Please also inform us of any change of address. for further information email Shirley, Barbie, Mark, Tali and Maya. [email protected] Thank you for your support!
Rubi and Anne With Compliments With compliments Chaitman FREDDY AND from Ben Rabinowitz in Foundation AGGIE HIRSCH memory of Shirley
THE CAPE JEWISH COMMUNITY RECORDS ITS GR ATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO OUR PATRONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ‘CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE’
Meyer Hirsch THE HAROLD AND Paul Arieli Goldschmidt BEATRICE KRAMER Goldschmidt Foundation FOUNDATION Family Trust Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY & CULTURE 21 A portal to the past ‘Virtual Shtetl’ is an ‘online museum’ that allows you to access and explore your Jewish roots in Lithuania.
he website Wonderful Range of T(www. shtetl.lt) is a Baby Gifts • Engagement/Wedding multimedia • Birthday/Anniversary • Get Well project carried out by the Museum of the All on view in our shop @ 20 Breda Street Gardens History of Polish or our website www.giftime.org.za Jews, the Jewish Historical Institute An abandoned former shul in Alytus, Lithuania. Avoid disappointment - place your Yomtov orders now! Association in and educational activities. Not only does Poland and the Centre for Jewish Culture it show us the history of shtetls, but it also PHONE 021 465-6500 FAX: 021 462-1967 EMAIL: [email protected] and Information in Vilnius. highlights their contemporary context. Launched in June 2009, ‘Virtual Shtetl’ The ‘Virtual Shtetl’ database is the largest is a unique online space and is the largest one regarding the history of Lithuanian online collection of articles on the history shtetls. You simply choose any town and of local Jewish communities, including then visit the web page describing its life stories of Jews in Lithuania and their cultural heritage after the end of World history up until the present day. Historical War II. monuments, memorial sites, synagogues The portal also serves as an educational and cemeteries are designated on maps. website, containing school materials for The descriptions of towns comprise both teachers and students. Furthermore, photographs, films, articles and memories. it is a valuable source of information Thus far, over 2100 towns have been Yom Tov Greeting Service regarding current projects that aim to documented. preserve and promote Jewish heritage. Finally, the mobile version of ‘Virtual ‘Virtual Shtetl’ fits in with the idea of an Shtetl’ has been compiled especially for Send your family and friends a meaningful open and generally available ‘museum smartphone users so that, while travelling, without walls’, which complements the they can find information about Jewish Yom Tov greeting in one of the following ways: traditional forms of cultural education and heritage in different areas. They can also paves the way to engage the museum’s connect the website to GPS, identifying Visit: visitors in creating a virtual exhibition. the best route to each place of history and www.ujc.org.za to take advantage of our e-cards The website bridges the new and the heritage. old approach in the areas of research Visit ‘Virtual Shtetl’ at www.shtetl.lt Or contact: Gail Ginsburg: at 021-464-6700 or [email protected] to have your greeting letters posted
Oranjia Jewish Child and Youth Centre
Make this Rosh Hashanah special for your family and friends Rosh Hashanah Greetings as well as for those in the community with special needs. A donation to our home in lieu of a gift is a great gift as well as For a donation (in lieu of gifts) we will send Yom Tov greetings on a wonderful way of performing the mitzvah of tzedakah. your behalf. Your mitzvah will add value to our workers’ lives. We will send a lovely card informing the recipients of your REMINDER: Rosh Hashanah is early this year! donation. Kindly e-mail your list timeously to: [email protected] All you need to do is send us the list of names and addresses 20 Breda Street, Gardens, 8001 Tel: (021) 465 4200 and we will do the rest for you. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE Contact details: Office: 021 462-5520 Fax: 021 462-5866 in accordance with our PBO status E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
With compliments The Susman With compliments The Jack & Ethel Charitable Inge Marks and family Goldin Foundation Foundation in memory of Solly THE CAPE JEWISH COMMUNITY RECORDS ITS GR ATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO OUR PATRONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ‘CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE’
With compliments With compliments Stanley and Zea With Compliments The Henry Van Embden Lewis Kalman, Esther and Family Foundation Foundation www.stonehage.com Michael Maisel Trust 22 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Ann Susman visits the newly opened Susman Lifestyle Centre
On 7 June, Ann Susman, wife of the late equipment. This is definitely the place to sit David Susman; and Eliot Osrin, our past and chat about what’s going on at Highlands Chairman of the Board of Trustees were House! In front of you is state-of-the art digital introduced to the new Susman Lifestyle media equipment with cinema-view seating and Centre at Highlands House. a large television screen. TV is on throughout the day; guest speakers can use it for their he late David Susman played a pivotal role in documentaries or presentations and movies are Tensuring that Highlands House reached the shown on a regular basis. standards that we have now attained. The new A new modern kitchen provides the residents Susman Lifestyle Centre, which was previously with a space to enjoy cooking demonstrations the Social Activities Centre, provides a space or a cup of tea or coffee. In the future we that residents of the Home can use on a daily intend holding cooking demos for the broader basis. community. Small tables with comfortable As you walk in, you will be struck by the sense chairs are situated throughout the room and of calm and relaxation. On your right, ‘Sylvia’s residents can spend their time reading the daily Salon’ boasts the latest hair care supplies and newspapers and magazines or catch up with friends. This new centre continues to provide space for art classes, exercise classes and other meetings. This is definitely a place to visit! Rhoda Gordon, Sylvia Walters, Jennifer Topic and Judith Myers playing cards at the new centre. Bonnie Berkowitz — New Communications and Public Relations Consultant onnie Berkowitz has been appointed as Highlands BHouse’s new Communications and Public Relations Consultant. Bonnie has previously worked with the Home on its 95th Anniversary and comes with a host of experience in Public Relations, Research and Communications. Bonnie has been a member of the Cape Council Board of Deputies, A Fellow of the Partnership 2000 programme and worked in many community organisations. If you would like to get hold of her, please email her on [email protected] . Esther Sank doing crafts at the new centre.
ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND CORRECTIONS The Cape Jewish Chronicle regrets any errors or omissions that may occur in the paper and, where possible, will attempt to rectify these in a subsequent issue, should such a measure be deemed appropriate. No repeat advertisement or credits will be given for small typographical errors which do not appreciably lessen the value of the advertisement. The appearance of an advertisement does not necessarily indicate approval by the Editorial Board for the product or service advertised, and it takes no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the reliance upon the information contained therein.
The Cape Town Holocaust Centre presents the Ernest & Renee Samson 14th Anniversary Lecture in association with The Ralph & Sue Stern visiting scholars programme and the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, UCT
Hidden Rescue, Hidden History saving Jews in Nazi Germany
By Mark Roseman Pat M Glazer Chair, Jewish Studies Program, Indiana University Tuesday, 13 August 2013, 8pm 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens RSVP: [email protected] or 021 462 5553 Historian Mark Roseman has a particular interest in the History of the Holocaust and in modern German history. His books include A Past in Hiding and The Villa, the Lake, the Meeting: Wannsee and the Final Solution. Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 23 24 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013
Back: Rachael Coxen, guest, guest, Matthew Bowey, Georgia Saacks, Adam Kaliski, guest, Back: Chanan Suiza, Storm Heyburgh, Mischa Kleeblat, Naeem Levy, Matthew Bowey, Jake Tamsin Kantor, guest and Daniel Marcus. Front: Sivana Stevenson, guest, Zachary Helfrich, Gluckman and Daniel Sack. Middle: Dean Kaplan, Jarrod Burts and Yossie Ackerman. Front: Dara Kometz, Adam Edelberg, Jamie Traut, Ariana Singer and Gabi Slot. Ryan Borland, Lauren Joffe, Ariella Sher, Mika Marcuson and Lisa Stein.
Back: Lauren Kawalsky, Aiden Suskin, Gabbi Sank, Mark Borland, Zac Fleishman and Martine Kawalsky. Front: Lindi Levin and Brad Reingold. Back: Jake Klass, Kezia Varkel, Max Reich, Hannah Delit, Jason Sher, Liora Freeman, Rael Borochowitz, Mira Friedman, Asher Weinstein, Alex Furman and Miron Sarembock. Front: Gabi Tadmor, Cleo Candy, Lebone Matshitse, Gina Reingold, Marc Levitt, Kayo Fay Tilley and Carly Sutherland.
Micaela Jacobson and Ryan Samantha Miller and Adam Kaliski and Georgia Daniel Marcus, Rael Alexander and Sarah Zinn. Kopping. Lauri Burke and Mikael Harris Joshua Berkman. Saacks.
Gabbi Sank, Brad Reingold, Lindi Levin, Martine Sandler and Robbie Weiner. Jason Holtzberg and Saul Bloch. Gali Slotow, Lara Alhadeff, Joshua Luck and Estee Resnick.
JUNE ticket draw — we wish our winners a big Mazal Tov! • R2 500 Beverley Kaganson - 1016 • R1 250 Brent Hirsch - 1431 • R625 Gavin Schachat - 1036 • R200 Hugh Herman – 1372 • R200 Saskia Gofman – 1153 • R200 Sheryl Schkolne – 1208 • R200 Stellenbosch Hebrew Congregation – 1084 • R200 Stuart Stone – 1081 Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY AND CULTURE 25
A Night In Paris: Matric Dance 2013
High School staff. Back: Sergio Dos Santos, Brian Roy, Daniela Samakosky, Sydney Samakosky Back: Guest, Gary Finkelstein, Ryan Kopping, Arielle Robins, Alon Bresler, Saul Bloch, guest Joan Rex, Di Dos Santos, Hadleigh Abrahams, Nicky Paulse, Lance Job, Anne Russell, Rob and guest. Front: Jamie Froman, Tayla Goldberg, Micaela Jacobson, Talia Anstey, Tao Wucherpfennig, Jeremy Fortuin, Jacqui Meskin, Michael Morris and Len Marks. Front: Paula Klitzner, Jenna Arnsmeyer and Georgi Sandak Lewin. Tucker, Avril Roy, Marianne Marks, Sarah Morris, Nicole Gorton and Simon Ford.
Back: Guest, Gali Slotow, Byron Lowenstein, Sasha Johns, guest, Julia Hollander guest, guest and Jesse Brooks. Front: Asher Woolf, Micaela Lurie, Tarryn Sher, Greg Simon, Kayla Manne and Ryan Borland. The Bensching Boys: Daniel Horwitz, Joshua Berkman, Saul Bloch, Aidyn Breiter, Aaron Weinstein, Levi Todes, Ben Rubin, Richard Harrisberg, Dean Kowalski, Daniel Sack, Ariel Rubin, Chanan Suiza and Adam Alhadeff.
Back: Jesse Copelyn, Rachel Serraf, Kayla Shaban, guest, Nicky Saacks, guest, Raphaella Lewis, Tevya Shapiro, Martine Sandler and Robbie Weiner. Front: Nicholas Carson, Jessie Froman, guest and Joshua Stein. Back: Benjamin Munro, Brandon Hall, guest, Gadiel Margolin, Chad Melnick, Jess Spiro and Joshua Grant. Front: Siobhan Adams, Savanna Mendelsohn, Aviva Lerer, Jessica Stoch, guest, Photos by Shawn Benjamin Shira Zinman and Shifra Ross.
JUNE ticket draw — we wish our winners a big Mazal Tov! • R2 500 Beverley Kaganson - 1016 • R1 250 Brent Hirsch - 1431 • R625 Gavin Schachat - 1036 • R200 Hugh Herman – 1372 s• R200 Sa kia Gofman – 1153 • R200 Sheryl Schkolne – 1208 • R200 Stellenbosch Hebrew Congregation – 1084 • R200 Stuart Stone – 1081 26 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Glendale residents visit GLENDALE HOME Montagu Springs During May, 16 residents, Sister Make use of Glendale’s Kannemeyer, two general assistants and our driver greeting service this embarked on an outing to yomtov Montagu Springs for three nights. he residents were very excited A beautifully worded letter will be sent to your family and Tand were talking about the trip for friends advising them of your warmest greetings several days beforehand. On the day of departure the weather Let us have your lists early to avoid delays was sunny and warm, and with all their luggage it looked like the C ontact Hazel: 021 712-0270 fax: 021 712-0873 residents were going for a month! email: [email protected] They were warmly welcomed in Montagu Springs. This service is available worldwide by email, fax and post A tractor ride and potjie kos lunch were some of the highlights of the Join us for second night yomtov dinner for adventure. They were taken on a long a great Glendale experience ride up the mountain and once on the top they could admire the most G lendale thanks the community for your continuing support beautiful scenery. This was enjoyed by all and they are still talking about the large tractor! Our grateful thanks go to Marlene for coordinating this outing. Other activities included visiting the SECURE ONLINE SHOPPING hot water springs, a braai, long walks and playing ball games. Our most grateful thanks go to Julia Rabie, for being instrumental Visit the only South Africa in organising this camp for our residents; The Singer Group for their wonderful sponsorship; Mr Bernard based online Judaica store! Zive for his kind donation of fried fish and to Claremont Kosher for their donation of meat. Many thanks to all for your continued interest www.judaicaza.com and support of our Home and our residents. Wide variety of products to choose from just a click away. 10% of pro ts go to Tzedakah.
Buying and selling Krugerrands War Medals Gold coins Silver coins Tokens Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY AND CULTURE 27 Holiday Robotics with ORT SA CAPE ORT T JE Cash More than 50 students from diverse backgrounds joined ORT SA CAPE Flow Training at the Iziko Museum for a Robotics holiday workshop from 23 — 26 June. n 13 June, ORT JET hosted Oa successful Cash Flow nited by a love of science; students Training session presented by Uconvened for the second annual Barry Pogrund, from MGI Bass Ross Horak, David Shleifman and Ryan Shandel. Robotics holiday workshop, sponsored Gordon GHF at Edward Nathan by ORT SA CAPE and the Iziko Museum. Sonnenberg. The training The workshop offered museum activities provided the delegates with augmented by LEGO Wedo and practical cash flow tips to be Mindstorm Robotics. used in their business. Kicking off the activities, students learned about aviation as they raced their newly- crafted paper aeroplanes through the museum halls. E xciting The students toured the museum (a first experience for some), wowed by dinosaur skeletons and South upcoming African nature. Concluding the workshop was a celestial experience from the planetarium. events: As a highlight, students worked in pairs, engaged in problem-solving and creating complex, functioning • ORT JET SMALL Jeff Marcus, Howard Shagom, Amanda Rabinowitz and LEGO robots. Piecing the LEGO together, they were BUSINESS NETWORKING Paul Harris. challenged to programme the robots themselves. BREAKFAST, on Thursday Birds twirled, cars raced, and some students even 15 August. An opportunity innovated their own operational machines. to boost business sales and With funds raised, ORT SA CAPE was able to learn about other businesses, sponsor a group of students from Delft for the products and services within afternoon sessions, none of whom had ever visited our community. the museum or touched a computer before! • ORT JET Mentorship Smiles were infectious as learners’ confidence and Programme enrolment in skills grew throughout the workshop. Proud of their September. Get support and hard work, students left energised and passionate grow your business! about science and determined to return for another Please contact Lisa Sandler chance to ‘Robotise’. at [email protected] or Written by Chelsea Bollman, a visiting intern from Brenna Frankel at brenna@ Michigan State University, studying International ortjet.org.za to secure your Relations, Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy. place or for further information. A variety of businesspeople attended the event.
THE NEW JAGUAR F-TYPE. YOUR TURN. Step into the new Jaguar F-TYPE. Experience everything we’ve ever learnt about making legendary sports cars. Now it’s your turn. REQUEST YOUR TEST DRIVE AT JAGUAR CAPE TOWN. [email protected] | jaguarcapetown.co.za 28 Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 JCS@Work: Domestic violence in the community Strong emotional and psychological of the Jewish Board of Deputies: themselves as abusers or victims. Victims forces keep the victim tied to the abuser. Domestic violence in the Jewish may be silent because of embarrassment Sometimes realities like a lack of finances community must be addressed without or shame, or for fear that the abuser will Q: Is there domestic violence within keep the victim from leaving. The reasons reservation in our homes, our families and hurt them further if they tell others. our community? A: YES: 10% of for staying vary from one victim to the next, our shuls. We must commit to creating Abusers often minimise their actions Jewish Community Services’ caseload and they usually involve several factors: a coordinated community response or blame the victim for provoking the involves a form of domestic violence. • Belief that the abusive partner will that provides a network of collaborative violence. Both the victim and abuser may What is domestic violence? change because of remorse and support and services among mental health characterise their experiences as family Domestic violence is when one partner in promises to stop abusing professionals, rabbis and lawyers. quarrels that ‘got out of control’. an intimate relationship abuses the other. • Fear of the abuser who threatens to kill A comprehensive public awareness What you can do to help: There are various forms of abuse: physical, the victim if abuse is reported to anyone campaign about domestic violence has • Talk to the person, but only when her sexual, emotional, economic, verbal, • Lack of emotional support been developed (see poster below), while partner is not around. Approach her in intimidation and harassment. It is rare that • Guilt over the failure of the relationship additional research is required to grasp a non-blaming, non-judgmental, and you will find just one type of abuse in a • Attachment to the partner the full understanding of the prevalence, understanding way. Tell her she is not relationship. Most often there is an ‘abuse • Fear of making major life changes nature and scope of domestic violence in alone and that there are many women package’ present. • Feeling responsible for the abuse the Jewish community. like her in similar situations. While women are most commonly the • Feeling helpless, hopeless and trapped Funds and options must be identified • Say things like “I’m concerned about the victims of their male partners, domestic • Belief that she is the only one who can to support the longer-term transitional safety of you and your children”. If the violence can happen between all sorts of help the abuser with his problems needs of abused women and their person does not respond or minimises people and in all sorts of relationships. It Situational reasons for staying can be: children; including housing, employment your concerns, respect it in the moment happens between couples who are married • Economic dependence on the abuser and financial assistance. Rabbis must but try again a few days or weeks later. and those who are not living together. It • Fear of physical harm to self or others be encouraged to speak out about • Ask what would be helpful to them. A can be by a man against a woman, or by a • Fear of emotional damage to the domestic violence and supported through victim is in the best position to judge her woman against a man. It can occur in gay children over the loss of a parent, even educational training opportunities, so that needs. Her decision should be her own. or lesbian relationships, between parents if that parent is abusive they can effectively face the challenges of • Don’t say bad things about the abuser. and children and between siblings. • Fear of losing custody of the children dealing with domestic violence issues in Don’t lament that she got involved with Domestic violence occurs in all social because the abuser threatens to take their congregations. him. This blames the victim. classes, ethnic groups, cultures and them if victim tries to leave As a community, we cannot afford • Remind the person that they deserve to religions. Most people don’t realise how • Lack of job skills to continue the stereotypical view that be happy and healthy in their relationship. common it is, because very often victims • Social isolation and lack of support domestic violence is not a significant issue • Stay in her life by being supportive and of abuse keep quiet. because the abuser is often the victim’s in Jewish homes. We must chart a course by creating a safe space for her to talk. Why do victims of domestic violence stay only support system to end domestic violence for all women • Provide the person with information like in the relationship? • Lack of information regarding domestic and children. The Jewish community must the GBV Campaign ‘hotline’ number: “You’re telling me that your husband beat violence resources mobilise so that together, with compassion 0725386871 or Jewish Community you up. I would never put up with that • Cultural or religious constraints and resolve, dignity, safety and security Services number: 021 462-5520. If are found in all Jewish homes. abuse. Why don’t you just leave him?” We What is the community doing you are concerned about someone often imagine ourselves leaving at the first to create awareness to prevent What you can do if you suspect someone you suspect is a victim of domestic signs of abuse. But breaking free of abuse domestic violence? you know is being abused: violence, please do not hesitate to is not simply a matter of walking out of the Most people remain silent about domestic contact Rhita of JCS on 021 462- The GBV+A Campaign under the auspices door. Leaving is a process. violence; very few people identify 5520 or [email protected].
Are you a survivor or victim August is GBV&A Awareness Month! of gender violence or abuse? Concerned about a family member, neighbour or friend? Call the Gender-based GB+ GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & ABUSE What’s coming Violence and Abuse VA Education & Awareness Campaign FIRST GBV&A EVENT: up this month... Line: 072 538 6871 Violence or abuse can take many forms: Wed 19 June TRAINING THE TRAINERS: - Confidentiality assured. What is ŔphysicalProfessional aggression Development or threats thereof; For up to date information SoGender-Based far in the Ŕsexualfocus abuse on community medical TRAUMAabout the events listed below Ŕemotional abuse Services and support Violence and COUNSELLING Campaign... Ŕcontrolling,health practioners, intimidating parentsbehaviour withplease Debbi Rozowsky go to: Abuse (GBV&A) organisations The Campaign launched in June with ŔBOEandeconomic families. deprivation call www.capebod.org.za/gbva021 464 6724 for venue Jewish Community Services a focus on professional development South Africa has recently seen an increase in AIMS OF THE CAMPAIGN This 2-4campaign AUGUST is a collaborative initiative Servicing entire Western Cape region: awarenessfor practioners around and gender-based education violence and and Debbie brought a of the organisations below. If you are ŔRaise awareness about gender-based violence and interested in being involved, please 021 462 5520 abuse.awareness Though foron parentsmany counts and we families. are fortunate abuse through a series of wealthevents andof knowledgeworkshops, and contactLimmud Gina (details belowpanel left): discussion in the Jewish community, we are? not free from the FAMSA: 021 447-7951 about its prevalance in the andJewish sensitivity community. to our concerningIsraeli GBV&A statisitics specialist which prove psychologist that gender- 6 AUGUST ŔEducate and empower firstcommunity professionals and rabbinical Lifeline: 021 461-1111 or tollfree basedDebbie violence Gross and was abuse brought are occurring to Cape among Town us. leadership, Herzlia educators and counsellors. UJW host sexual abuse survivor 080012322
Cape Town Progressive ŔRaise awareness of supporttraining services availablesession, within the Jewish Congregation Thisby community-widethe UOS and campaign campaign will partners run from June and activistTEMPLE Manny Waks community and externally. ISRAEL RAPCAN: 021 712-2330 to August this year and is a collaborative initiative hosted by the JCS. as part of her two week training visit to ŔFacilitate a conversation for the broader South African AUGUST Rape Crisis: 021 21 447 9762 9 - בית ישראלbetween many organisations and individuals. WOMENS DAY South Africa. community on this importantTrauma and topical counsellor issue. Artscape Women’s Festival Parent Centre: 021 762-0116 ForHaving more information, founded the contact first Ginacrisis Flash, centre Cape for SA Jewish Board of Deputies 021Debbi 464 6700 Rozowsky, or [email protected]. religious women in Israel and heading all offered an informative Public Lecture: Mosaic: 021 761-7585 of the rape crisis centres in the country, workshop on the effects “Sexual woes of a Jewish princess” Western Cape Network Against Women 10% or 35 of 350 current clientsand signs of traumaof Abuse: 021 448-6180 Movie screening - Gitlin Library and Rolene Millerare and Shelters for battered Women – Loaves Jewish Community ServicesRhita Russon Introduction to Mindfulness & Fishes: 021 4 48-5900 presented a detailedStatistic S a a r t j i e B a a r t m a n S h e l t e r : 0 2 1 6 3 3 - 5 2 8 7 victims/survivors of some form of supplied Community leadership training and constructive by Jewish Community St Anne’s: 021 448-8513 breakdown of the Services CT Herzlia counsellors Sisters Incorporated: 021 797-4190 FACT domestic or gender violence definition of GBV&A,as of May 2013 29 AUGUST - IA HAll Sonke Gender Justice: 021 423-7088 the causes, effects in ‘Transformation Conversation’ later life and the law Legal Aid: 021 426-4126/0861053425 Cape Board to host top thought leaders that protects survivors. Women’s Legal Centre: 021 424-5660 in the GBV&A discussion today in South Please contact us for Human Rights Commission: Africa. Melanie Judge to facilitate a more information. 011 877-3600 or www.sahrc.org.za panel discussion and Q+A session. Psychological Society of South Africa: 011 486 3322 or www.psyssa.com The Gender-Based Violence & Abuse Education & Awareness Campaign is a collaborative initiative of: The S. A. Council for Social Service Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation Professions (Social Workers): TEMPLE ISRAEL 012 356 8300 or www.sacssp.co.za Social Workers in Private Practice: 011 887-1968 or www.saaswipp.co.za בית ישראל Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 29 30 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 A rTS and culture Poetry for the corporate consumer “Poetry for the Corporate Coffee Table organisations.” passion for the arts. We are a people with NGO that does so will be a total eye-opener for people Stuart is motivated and inspired to write a rich legacy of great thinkers and artists; much more than sell who think poetry is dull on every poetry “whenever I notice a challenge that and to some extent we may be at risk of a magazine at traffic level,” says community member Stuart somehow cannot be expressed clearly or losing the talents as the world pushes us lights,” he says. “Like Kantor about his new book of poems. loudly enough... when you really need the to become more work-oriented. The speed so many NGOs it is world to listen,” he says. His book covers of life today may be forcibly removing the struggling to raise y aunt describes it as ‘poetry topics such as luxury of ruminating in arts funds, so I thought I “Mfor yuppies’, but really it is a work, life and and culture.” would do my best to compilation of insights written in a poetic intimacy, “which I “I strongly feel that there He says that the most help.” way,” he explains. Stuart, who is Managing guess is anything rewarding part of writing the This is a poetry Stuart Kantor Director and Wealth Manager at Kanan and everything, is a place where business book is that it has “been very book like no other, Wealth, says that “The book is intended for although I don’t and humanity can thrive; special to watch people’s which is sure to energise the ‘emotional businesses that see the value of imbuing write about vases where machine and the eyes light up when they read intelligence’ of businesses and corporate ‘emotional intelligence’ throughout their or flower petals!” artist can merge.” it.” institutions. For more information, visit he quips. “My Stuart’s poems may not www.poetryforthecorporatecoffeetable. Corporate Social Responsibility passion is the directly relate to Jewish com or like the Facebook page: www. human experience.” themes “but I think that many of the facebook.com/Poetry-for-the-Corporate- You are an enabler In terms of wanting this to be ‘a corporate poems will resonate with the Jewish soul, Coffee-Table. Contact Stuart if you or For without you, goods and services poetry book’, Stuart admits that “I know especially Corporate Social Responsibility your organisation would like to order a few would not be delivered. how ‘left field’ it may be, but can you and The Alchemist,” he says. books: [email protected]. Book You are a leader and a beacon imagine a world where employers or In terms of advice he would give to those also available to download on Amazon. For, as you make your mark, you anyone within an organisation took the want ing to succeed in encourage others to do the same. time to mentor better, listen better, and poetry or in publishing Each rung you climb tried to be a little kinder without feeling their own book, Stuart Must be ascended with humility ‘weak’? I strongly feel that there is a place says that while he doesn’t And as you reach new heights where business and humanity can thrive; feel successful in this So too must your giving. where machine and the artist can merge. space yet, “the advice I Life is swift The most this book can be expected to do give myself is to listen to And love is your reward for creating a is spark some additional EQ (Emotional your inner voice.” better world. Intelligence) when engaging in decision- Stuart aims to donate Your path is a map for others to follow making or everyday work life.” some of the proceedings poetry for And your story is a fable from which to A passion for the arts of his book to The Big the corporate learn. Stuart recommends that Cape Jewish Issue. “I have come to coffee table know the people who run By Stuart Kantor — A poem from ‘Poetry for the Chronicle readers buy the book “primarily because Jews have such a history of The Big Issue over the Corporate Coffee Table’ by Stuart Kantor years and it is a terrific
Remembering Yoram Kaniuk (1930 — 2013) By Devis Iosifzon On 9 June, Israeli writer Yoram Kaniuk regard to modern day Israeli literature. It by a constant weaving of the fictional with passed away at the age of 83. tells a story that few wished to remember the biographical and the autobiographical after the war; a personal journey of betrayal experience; neither a narrative nor based orn in Tel Aviv in 1930, he grew up in alongside the better-known and celebrated on logic, but rather writing according to the Bthe first Hebrew-speaking city, and heroism, with songs of glory pitted against consciousness of the protagonist, using later with the emerging State of Israel, a backdrop of the utter wretchedness of associative and non-linear shifts from where he was amongst those who fought the deserted fighters. sentence to sentence. for its independence. His godfather was With similar sensitivity and criticism he This particular style is found in another Chaim Nachman Bialik, and Kaniuk’s own wrote in what later became his seminal masterpiece, The Last Jew, which brought father was the personal secretary to Meir novel, Adam Resurrected — his own Kaniuk back from partial obscurity and Dizengoff, and also amongst the founders observation of Holocaust survivors, forms a personal narrative of Zionism of the Tel Aviv Museum of Modern Art. which fellow Sabras (native Israelis) of and the greater Diaspora. In the intimate At age 17, Yoram Kaniuk joined the his generation chose to disregard. In light writings of The Last Berliner, he deploys Yoram Kaniuk Palmach and participated in the bloody of this, and 30 other the use of personal University, the Sapir Prize, and in 2012 the battle of Nebi Samwil, where he and novels and many short self-examination French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order his comrades were abandoned by their stories, Kaniuk was “ Despite being one of with regard to his of Arts and Letters). commander, a story which was later told perceived by many as Israel’s greatest authors, relationship with the A few years ago, Kaniuk suffered a in Kaniuk’s book Vultures and Bastards. the ‘pariah’ of Israeli he was, until only German state, its severe stroke, and thereafter, whenever A week later, also in 1948, as part of the writing. Despite being citizens, its Holocaust mention was made of the incident, his war of liberation, he was injured during the one of Israel’s greatest recently, one of its least survivors and his own reply was that he ‘had returned from the battle of the Monastery of San Simeon on authors, he was, until celebrated.” father, who was a dead’. In more recent years he was an the outskirts of Jerusalem. Furthermore, only recently, one of German national. ardent supporter of the social revolution he participated in bringing Holocaust its least celebrated. He attempts to go in Israel, and a passionate advocate for survivors to the Promised Land via the now Only many years later was he rediscovered further by trying to seek personal clarity for the betterment of Israeli writers; as well as infamous sea routes. by a younger generation of readers who the new identity adopted by the German launching a campaign for the right of self- Following his studies of fine art at the acknowledged his unique style of writing, state. This book remains my personal determination for Israelis with no religion. Bezalel School of Art under the renowned and he was finally given recognition as one favorite, and one which I have found He won the right to delete the word ‘Jew’ tutorage of Mordecai Ardon, Kaniuk of Israel’s most innovative literary greats. myself returning to time and time again, from his identification papers following began practising as an artist in Paris and Given the period during which he grew rediscovering in it parts of myself and links a protracted court case with the Israeli later in New York, where amongst others, up in Israel, Kaniuk forms part of the to those around me. Ironically, at the time of Supreme Court, in reaction to the fact that he befriended Charlie Parker and Billie ‘Palmach generation’ of writers, although his passing, I was reading Kaniuk’s recent his grandson was not recognised by the Holiday. In 1963 he published his first his technique is identified more with that short story An Old Man, which is a unique State of Israel as being a Jew. collection of Hebrew short stories, titled of the latter ‘stream of consciousness’ and honest retrospective and revealing Kaniuk championed new writing amongst The Acrophile. (narrative mode) authors, in whose works summation of his own autobiography, young Israelis and was renowned for his Only recently was his 1966 novel Himmo the narrative shifts between what is real imbued with intimate memories and enthusiastic support of them. According King of Jerusalem added to the collection and what is hallucinatory; from the mythic notwithstanding, written whilst nearing the to his last wish, his body was donated to of the Jacob Gitlin Library, in which he to the real-life experience. time of his own death. science. depicted his memories of battles and Zionism and the greater Diaspora Amongst the many awards and prizes May his soul find the rest it so richly personal scars that he had carried with him Kaniuk shared this style with other Kaniuk received for his writings are the deserves. since his youth. This was the first of many contemporary icons of Israeli writers such Brenner Prize, The President of Israel novels to come and remains a testament to as Yizhar Smilansky, David Grossman and Award for Literature, the Bialik Prize, an Devis Iosifzon is the Head Librarian of the his monumental influence and value with AB Yehoshua. This genre is characterised Honorary Doctorate from the Tel Aviv Jacob Gitlin Library. This page is kindly sponsored by the Eliot & Myra Osrin Trust and an anonymous donor. Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY AND CULTURE 31 JACOB GITLIN LIBRARY ALBOW CENTRE PHONE: 021 462-5088 FAX: 021 465-8670 email: [email protected].
Muizenberg, to Woodstock, Salt River, Hermanus, and beyond. FICO TI N XENOPOULOS Rahla, A Memoir of Love and Madness. After being diagnosed with DALOS Gyorgy, The Circumcision. A self-proclaimed ‘Hungarian Communist Jew for bipolar disorder, Xenopoulos found an abundance of literature on various mental illnesses; Christ’, 12 year old Robi Singer has a lot on his plate. Set in 1950s Hungary and filled with none of it seemed applicable to her. This situation inspired her to write a book chronicling quirky characters, Dalos writes with a peculiar comic sadness and understated irony. her ongoing efforts to come to terms with her disease. FLUXMAN Maurice, Double Justice. When Charles Brook secretly rents a flat in a fictitious name, he unwittingly sets in motion a chain of events that enable him to turn DVDs into a multi-millionaire. What he has not foreseen, however, are the consequences of his WAUER Britta (Dir.) German with English subtitles (2010) In Heaven, Underground: The deception. Jewish Cemetery in Berlin-Weissensee. An international award-winning documentary, HALFON Eduardo, The Polish Boxer. The narrator believed as a youngster that the about the 130-year-old Weissensee Jewish Cemetery in Berlin. Amazingly, it survived the green tattoo on his grandfather’s arm was a phone number. Grown up, he tries to make deliberate destruction of all things Jewish during the Nazi era. sense of his Polish grandfather’s past and the story behind his numbered tattoo. FERROUKHI Ismael (Dir.) French with English subtitles (2011). Free Men. Set in German- HERZL Theodor, Altneuland. This special edition has been printed for the major occupied Paris in 1942. Younis, an Algerian, is arrested by the police and agrees to spy on immigrant communities in Israel. Thus, it can be read in Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian a Paris mosque, which is suspected of aiding Muslim resistance and North African Jews. and Amharic. This utopian novel encapsulates the dream of the founding father of the KLOTZ Nicolas (Dir.) French with English subtitles (2007). Heartbeat Detector. A Zionism. Appearing in so many diverse languages, this edition confirms the success of psychological thriller in which a corporate psychologist, who is asked to investigate the Herzl’s Zionist dream in bringing Jews from the ends of the earth to their ancestral home. erratic behaviour of a CEO, discovers troubling links between Nazism and modern-day MANFREDI Valerio Massimo, Pharaoh: A Novel. In the present Middle East, a chance big business. archaeological discovery might rock consolidated religious ‘certainties’ and destabilise SPENCER Peter C. (Dir.) English (2007). War of Resistance. Holocaust feature film. When the balance of power. The Babylonian siege of 586 BCE — Jerusalem is on the verge a student witnesses terrible atrocities being carried out against the Jews, he becomes of annihilation. In the chaos, the prophet Jeremiah escapes, saves the sacred Ark of the involved in the Dutch Resistance and a series of attacks on the rising Nazi empire. Covenant and hides it in a cave in Mount Horeb. Fast forward to the present: a renowned Egyptologist is consulted on a top secret matter. As he starts to unravel the mystery of CHAIT Lisa (Ed) Simmy Lewis. Simmy Lewis is a legendary South African boxing a solitary grave, a disturbing theory forms in his mind – a theory that could explode the statistician/columnist and chess player. He grew up in Oranjezicht; went to Sacs; was powder keg that is modern geopolitics. captured in Tobruk and imprisoned in Italy and Germany for 5 years during WWII. He married Pauline and has lived in Cape Town all his life. A fascinating story told in November OZ Amos, Between Friends. The story is set on a kibbutz where everyone is ‘supposed to 2012 by a 96 year old. (Part of the Life Stories collection – preserving memories forever). be friends but very few really are’. Political disagreements, intense arguments and lifetimes See: www.lifestories.co.za of words left unspoken unite this community of misfits. Amos Oz leaves us with the feeling that what matters most between friends is the invisible tie of our shared humanity. PICOULT Jodi, The Storyteller. Sage Singer is a loner, until she befriends an old man WISH LIST who’s beloved in her community. Josef Weber is everyone’s favorite retired teacher and Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 18.5” LED R 1.100,00 Little League coach. One day he asks Sage a favour: to kill him. Shocked, she refuses— Scanner: HP Scanjet 5590 Digital Flatbed (L1910A) R 3.235,00 but he confesses his darkest secret – he deserves to die because he had been a Nazi SS iPad: iPad 3 with WiFi + Cellular 64GB Black MD368 R 7.500,00 guard. Sage’s grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. If Sage even considers the request, Kaplan Arie From Krakow to Krypton - Jews and Comic Books R 252.00 is it revenge…or justice? Wiesel Eli Open Heart R 190.00 SOU TH AFRICAN INTEREST DVD Re-Emerging: The Jews of Nigeria US$ 22.00 BRODIE Nechama (Ed), The Joburg Book. This book tells the history of Johannesburg in an unconventional way – through space as well as time. Most chapters target a specific Books of the month urban geography by looking at the communities that inhabited these spaces. For those interested in the history of multi-cultural Johannesburg, this book is highly recommended. EOAN History Project, Eoan: Our Story. This long-awaited history of a major player in From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books the country’s dance, choral and opera scene is an astonishing portrayal of perseverance in the face of institutionalised and social discrimination. Of particular Jewish interest is the by Arie Kaplan fact that in the early years, the Isaac Ochberg Hall in District Six served as a home for the lesser known fact that is revealed in this Eoan Group. A book is the unique contributions that Jews KURGAN Terry, Hotel Yeoville. This book captures a collection of essays, photography have made to this art form. Indeed, many comic and texts under the theme of participation on a socio-economic, political and cultural storylines and characters have a Jewish subtext, sphere. The participants chiefly consist of immigrants in Johannesburg from the African drawing on the life experiences and worldviews continent. of their creators. Among the most famous of the comic artists were Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, MEGAREE Geoffrey (Ed), Encyclopaedia of Camps and Ghettos 1933 – 1945. (In who in 1938 produced their blockbuster comic 4 volumes) This encyclopaedic study of the Holocaust has utilised the work of a great creation, Superman. Superman represents the number of historians, archivists and researchers. They have benefitted from the massive authors’ penchant for social justice which, Kaplan amounts of archival material that has only recently become available, particularly from observes, came from their Jewish background. Eastern Europe. In incorporating the latest research, this encyclopaedia helps to close Jewish ethics largely revolve around the concept the gaps in our knowledge of the most tragic period in history. AVAILABLE IN THE of ‘tikkun olam’ and Superman’s role in battling REFERENCE SECTION ONLY crime and corruption emanate from this ethical NIRENBERG David, Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition. ‘Anti-Judaism’ is not simply stance (see page 32 of this Chronicle for an article an attitude towards Jews and their religion, it is also a way of critically engaging the world on this topic). through a set of ideas and attributes. For this reason, the word ‘antisemitism’ is inadequate as it captures only a small portion of what this book is about. RENNER Elianna, Bobe Mayses: Works 2008-2012. Performances and installations capture scenes of remembrance and memorialisation of the Holocaust. The subjects The Weissensee Jewish ranging from her family to Nazi persecution and to Jewish tradition, which hover upon a fault-line between archival preservation and emotive narration. Cemetery WEIN Berel & GOLDSTEIN Warren, The Legacy: Teachings for life from Great By Britta Wauer & Amelie Losier Lithuanian Rabbis. The book stresses the moderate tone of rabbinic Lithuanian ne of the highlights of the 2013 leadership as they grappled with a host of problems in age of ideological rancour, political Encounters Film Festival was the and economic uncertainty and ever-present violence. South African Jewry is the heir of O showing of ‘In Heaven, Underground’, the Litvak traditions. This book will strengthen our ties with that tradition and clarify our which had its Cape Town premiere at the understanding of Torah. Albow Centre, proudly hosted by the Jacob Gitlin Library. The 130 year-old Jewish BIOGRAPHY Cemetery astonishingly survived Nazi MARKS Herzl, In the Cheeks: Out of the Shtetl… into Africa. This book is a labour of destruction and provided a safe haven for love. It traces the remarkable story of a family’s journey in the early 1900s from Eastern some who lived through those times. This Europe to Cape Town. From their poor beginnings, the Marks family grew in numbers and book elaborates on the film, adding more wealth. Their odyssey makes fascinating reading, from the ‘snake pit’ and Balmoral in voices and experiences, as it unravels the moving story of this cemetery. 32 Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 Saving Superman’s Jewish creators By Rafael Medoff/JNS.org
Hundreds of South Africans flocked to first 13-page Superman comic strip, and have a proper pension or health movie theatres to see ‘Man of Steel’, the rights to the character, to National coverage. And these were the in which Superman was once again Periodicals (later known as DC Comics) guys who had basically created called upon to save the world. for $130. our entire industry.” Within a few years, the character had In one early conversation, ut back in 1975, Superman’s Jewish branched out into movies, cartoons, a Shuster told Adams about a Bcreators found themselves broke, weekly radio show and a daily newspaper new ‘Superman’ Broadway nearly homeless, and desperately in need comic strip. Siegel and Shuster took show. “Joe described to me of a hero of their own. It’s a story with no steps to reassert ownership of their how he would watch all these the pathos and drama of a comic book creation. They were making a good living celebrities going into see a adventure — and it has a happy ending. as the full-time creative team on the show based on his character, As teenagers growing up in Cleveland’s Superman comic book and decided not to movie stars and politicians and mostly-Jewish Glenville neighbourhood in rock the boat. other famous people — he was the 1930s, writer Jerry Siegel and his artist In 1941, Siegel pitched DC the idea of so proud and flattered. I asked friend Joe Shuster created Superman, the ‘Superboy’, a series based on their hero’s him, ‘Joe, what did you think mighty costumed hero who has been a adventures as an adolescent. DC turned of the show?’ and he said, ‘I fixture of American pop culture ever since. down the proposal. But when Siegel and couldn’t afford to see it; I didn't Siegel later wrote that he and Shuster Shuster returned from service in World War have enough money,’” Adams were influenced by a combination of II, they were stunned to find DC publishing recalls. Joe Shuster, Neal Adams, and Jerry Siegel shortly after ‘being unemployed and worried during the a Superboy comic book, for which they Adams knew that from a their victory over DC Comics, which gave Superman Depression and knowing hopelessness received no credit or royalties. They sued legal perspective, Siegel and creators Shuster and Siegel financial assistance, medical and fear’, and ‘hearing and reading of DC and won a $400,000 judgment. Shuster did not have much of a benefits, and credit by name in every Superman comic. Photo: Courtesy of the David S. Wyman Institute for the oppression and slaughter of helpless, But it was a bittersweet victory. Most case for reclaiming Superman; Holocaust Studies. oppressed Jews in Nazi Germany.’ The of the money was eaten up by their legal they had knowingly signed Superman character emerged from their expenses, and comic book publishers grew away their rights, no matter how ‘great urge to help the downtrodden wary of hiring them. By the early 1970s, bad a decision that was. “But masses, somehow.’ Siegel was working as a $7,000-a-year something doesn’t have to be Jewish immigration and the Moses story clerk and Shuster, who had been working legal to be right, and it doesn’t Comics historians have compared as a messenger but gave it up because he have to be right to be legal,” Superman’s origins to both the Jewish was losing his eyesight, was boarding with Adams says. immigrant experience and the biblical story relatives. Instead of going to court, of young Moses. With the planet Krypton Fighting the good fight Adams decided to go to on the verge of destruction, desperate Enter Neal Adams. Bursting onto the comic the court of public opinion. parents send their infant off in a rocket ship book scene in 1967, Adams’s powerful It was not an easy fight, in to Earth, where he is raised by strangers — and ultra-realistic style of illustration — part because Shuster was Jonathan and Martha Kent taking the ‘role’ rooted in his background in the world not especially forceful in of Pharoah’s daughter. Whether disguised of advertising art — quickly won him the advocating their cause. “Joe as the Midwestern newspaper reporter admiration of his peers and the adoration was just such a nice guy,” Clark Kent, or as an Egyptian prince of comic book fans. Adams says. “One time he whose Jewish roots are hidden, our hero The innovative and articulate Adams was was on the Tomorrow show would prefer to quietly assimilate into his soon elected president of the Academy with Tom Snyder, and Snyder surroundings, but his outrage at injustice of Comic Book Arts. It was then that he asked him how he felt about propels him into the role of rescuer. learned what had happened to Siegel what had been done to him, Not realizing the fortune Superman and Shuster. “It was shocking,” Adams and he answered that it was would reap, Siegel and Shuster sold their tells JNS.org. “Joe was sleeping on a cot hard to feel bad when millions in front of a taped-up window. They didn't of children were reading comic books with his character. Which is very sweet, but it’s no way to win a fight.” Siegel and Shuster needed a strong voice — someone from inside the industry who could also reach out beyond GYM the comics world. Adams, Superman. Image: DC Comics. who was the most popular artist at DC and the cover artist Dina Babbitt when she was a prisoner in for Superman, became that voice. Even the Nazi death camp. A comic strip drawn SAVE BETWEEN 70% & 80% OF YOUR though it meant going up against his own by Adams about Mrs. Babbitt’s plight was employer, Adams launched a series of published by Marvel. Mrs. Babbitt herself MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTIONS media appearances, press conferences, passed away from cancer two years ago, and meetings to drum up support for the but her family is still battling for return of Superman creators. the paintings. • LEADING SA GYMS “It carved four months out of my life,” Adams is now illustrating ‘They Spoke Adams recalls, “but they were pretty Out’, a series of animated shorts about • SINGLE / FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS good months.” He was fighting the good Americans who protested against the • PEAK HOURS INCLUDED fight — and he won. DC finally agreed to Holocaust, with Disney Educational • MOVIES, TRAVEL, GOLF AND SHOPPING provide Siegel and Shuster with financial Productions and the David S. Wyman assistance and medical benefits. They Institute for Holocaust Studies. The first DISCOUNTS were also credited, by name, in every six episodes will be released on DVD by T’S AND C’S APPLY subsequent Superman comic. Siegel Disney. (who passed away in 1996, at age 81), and Siegel and Shuster created a fictional Shuster (who died in 1992, at 78) were able hero devoted to truth, justice, and the to live their remaining years in dignity. American way, and now ‘Man of Steel’ For more information please contact: For Adams, it would be just the first in a will bring that story once again to movie Laurie Singer on 082 777-6577 or series of campaigns for underdogs.In the screens around the world. Neal Adams, for his part, continues to bring those ideals [email protected] 1970s and early 1980s, he won a long battle to convince both major comics publishers, into his own real-world struggles for truth DC and Marvel, to return pages of original and justice. To arrange an appointment with either: artwork to the artists. This reversal of Roy Kurland – B. Comm CA (SA) industry policy was a remarkable victory Dr. Rafael Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Geoff Saevitzon – CA (SA) CFP for creators’ rights. In recent years, he has led the effort Studies, www.WymanInstitute.org and David Shargey – B.Proc Law to pressure Poland’s Auschwitz State coauthor, with Craig Yoe, of the forthcoming Museum to return portraits painted by Mrs. book, ‘Cartoonists against the Holocaust’. Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 COMMUNITY AND CULTURE 33 N GF: A hidden gem of the Te h jaCOB Gitlin Library and the SA Jewish Museum invite you to a book launch of Jewish world From the Baltic to the Cape By Lauren Kessler Only those who discover the hidden messages of Kabbalistic teachings would know how I felt to experience the 25th International Nahum Goldmann Fellowship in Israel this June; it truly is a hidden gem of the Jewish world. Some of the ‘Fellows’ enjoy time out at the pool. Included in this picture are Jews from Bucharia, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Russia, Cuba and Australia . or one week, FJews from for people to actually articulate their highly across the Diaspora and Israel broke bread different value systems to each other in a together on the banks of the Kinneret. They respectful and considerate manner despite came from almost every continent as both only being acquaintances for a few days individuals and community ambassadors; and furthermore, to do so because they with the intention of studying, debating, valued the perspectives of the other. This arguing, engaging, socialising, listening became that elusive middle ground for and expressing themselves as Jews. which I had been searching so desperately. The Journey of Three Families As with all Jewish communal events — Suddenly I found myself agreeing with By Ivan Kapelus in fact with any form of Jewish interaction the perspectives of a Chabad Rabbi — the fellowship was both fascinating and despite being Reform; I found post- frustrating. Fascinating because for the Zionists connecting to ardent Zionists; I 27 August 2013 first time I became aware of Jews I never found Orthodox rabbis espousing more knew existed — Indian Jews, Cuban Jews liberal views than some of South Africa’s The book explores the journeys of the Kapelus, Hotz and Dorfman and Bukharin Jews; Jews with families biggest humanitarians. I found myself families from Lithuania to South Africa, and in so doing provides an more diverse than South Africa’s 11 refreshingly dumbfounded and surprised. in-depth history of South African Jewry’s roots in Lithuania and the national languages, Jews who lived under I found answers as a result; answers to Cape’s country communities. communist regimes, Jews who constantly questions I had not found a way to answer, face antisemitism, Jews who knew no answers that I didn’t think were possible or Contact the Gitlin Library for more information: 021 462-5088 more than 5 other Jews in their city and acceptable before. Jews who think their city is the centre of These included that there was legitimately the Jewish world. I was fascinated by the more to Israel than a conflict over national way that this ancient tradition and historical identity; that there is more to Jewish lineage has moulded and manifested itself national identity than Zionism and that across the world in ways that charge this there is more to Zionism than the state of proud Capetonian with a surge of humility. Israel altogether. I found out that changes But I was also frustrated. As the youngest in Judaism are far more nuanced and fellow there, I donned the hat of ‘upstart’, organic than the formal Reform-Orthodox raising my youth-related cynicism and divide, that essentialising one’s Jewish concerns about a Jewish world run by an identity is even more difficult as an Israeli older generation. My frustration grew out of than it is as a secular, humanist-inspired feeling somewhat uninspired by the level of Diaspora Jew. GOOD academic discussion on issues relating to I found out that Jewish continuity cannot the future of Zionism and the relationship simply be solved with Aliyah, stopping between the Diaspora and Israel. assimilation or becoming post-Zionist. I I simply could not shake the highly found out that Judaism is never a secure, politicised and potent divisions evident stable centre but is constantly in crisis and in the Cape Town Jewish community. I chaos; criticising and conditioning itself to adapt and be relevant to the individual FOOD wanted convincing answers; I wanted these thinkers and leaders to say confidently why and the collective and the context. I found the South African left should not simply out that Jews are always on the forefront throw the Jewish and Zionist baby out with of change, and that this change is Jewish continuity. TO YOUR the Israeli bathwater. I wanted pressing reasons to open the Cape Town right to Thus I found the Nahum Goldmann the reality of Israel today. In essence I went Fellowship an experience of soul- there wanting credible solutions to solve searching conversations that sought not the mini Middle East crisis within the Cape to provide textbook answers to demanding Town Jewish community. obsessions in which I am immersed back Finding the middle ground home; but rather to expose the complexities But I soon realised that my obsession to and hidden dualities of what it means to be HOOD find that elusive middle ground was ill-fitted a Jew today, devoid of labels, boxes and for such an environment. ‘Nahum’ is all divisions. NGF has the rare ability to sit about exposing divisions and giving them diversity around the same table and get the credibility they seek. That is why it is them all to eat the same meal. precisely agenda-less. It has no solutions, If this is possible on a global scale then only open, safe spaces to respectfully it is testament to the crucial development engage and constructively articulate one’s of the Mini Nahum Goldmann Fellowship own agenda without being polarised. within the Cape Town Jewish community as It was thus after many intense a hidden gem that needs to be uncovered conversations over unnecessary 2-hour as well. meals that I suddenly realised the beauty of If you are between the ages of 25 and 40 National Call Centre: this hidden gem. There were more to these and want to find out more about the Cape divisive labels than I first had assumed. I Town Mini Nahum Goldmann Fellowship 0861 85 85 85 came to realise that the ‘right’ and the ‘left’ and the International Nahum Goldmann or order online at www.mrd.com were just as elusive as the middle ground. I Fellowship, contact David Jacobson on found that Nahum provided a unique forum [email protected] 34 COMMUNITY & CULTURE Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 SAZF YOUTH COUNCIL HABONIM DROR What’s in a name? Youth Council ‘Aliyah2gether’ event Being a member of Habonim Dror a new generation of South Africans. While In the spirit of inter-youth movement of my term as Youth Council chairperson Southern Africa (HDSA) is about we no longer face apartheid, its legacies collaboration and Zionism, the to a close. In retrospect, I am very glad standing for what is just; and being of inequality and disenfranchisement run Youth Council recently attended the to say that it has been a great first half of inspired to change the status quo in deep, and we must be a movement that ‘Aliyah2gether’ event, an initiative of 2013, and I look forward to the second half pursuit of a dream. does not shy away from this struggle. the Israel Centre Cape Town. of this year, which already looks incredibly We are also part of a new generation promising. e are a group of tolerant, intelligent, of Zionists. Our movement has strived to he evening comprised of two talks I would also like to wish all the councillors Wpassionate youth who believe in build the State of Israel even since before Tfrom ex-Bnei Akiva and ex-Habonim all the best for the mid-year exams that just equality and freedom. We recognise our her independence, and generations of members who made aliyah when they were passed, and hope that their marks were responsibilities to each other and to the chaverim have responded to Israel in her in their early twenties. They shared stories satisfactory. I am excited to reconvene world around us. We demand more of times of need. Today, a new generation of of their amazing experiences and spoke and resume our work following the much- ourselves and we demand more of society. Israelis lead the world forward in innovation about the pros and cons of settling down deserved vacation. We are a new generation. and technology. Our generation must work in Israel. Eshed Cohen HDSA is proud to present our machaneh to ensure that Israel leads by example in all The event also brought the first semester SAZF WP Youth Council Chairperson name for 2013: ‘Dor Chadash’ — a its values too. It is our generation’s duty to New Generation. The camp name is fight for the integrity of Israel’s democracy. important because it encapsulates the Yet the most fundamental change NETZER central message expressed throughout starts with the kind of person we are in the machaneh. It speaks to the relevant our everyday interactions. Machaneh is discussions and issues facing the about creating a space based on values movement, and unites the educational of respect and equality, where friendships Gearing up for Netzer Night focus of machaneh under a broad vision. are meaningful and people are more At Netzer, we have a policy that no This year we are going even bigger. Habonim chaverim look at the world valuable than material possessions. To be eager participant will be turned away We already have over 15 amazing items with an eye for what we think should be engaged, caring critical thinkers will be the from attending a Netzer machaneh (or up for auction, including spa vouchers, different, and we must continue to do so. most powerful way to mark ourselves as a any event for that matter) on the basis delicious meals and hotel stays. The Yet often we fail to think about what that departure from the current culture. of financial difficulties. evening will be hosted by our very own means for ourselves and our lives: how we We cannot be a new generation if we hilarious Nik Rabinowitz, and promises to need to be different, and the role we have remain tied to ways of the past. This e pride ourselves on this attitude, be a wonderful night for all! Children are to play in promoting change. machaneh, best friends will unite once Wwithout which very few of our more than welcome, and we encourage ‘We are the ones we have been waiting again in the most beautiful place on earth, participants would be able to experience everyone to show their support and join us for’, the machaneh slogan, comes from and together we will think about what Netzer machaneh as they do. Although we for an evening of fun and laughter. June Jordan’s ‘Poem for South African we want to define us: a new generation are a non-profit youth movement, run by There is always a brilliant energy at any women’, written about a group of women building a new reality. students and volunteers, we always find a Netzer event, and Netzer Night will be no who stood up against the ‘dompas’. The We look forward to seeing your children way to raise the funds and allow any young different. We are so looking forward to message rings loud we must take it upon at Machaneh Dor Chadash! member of our community to be part of the it, and we hope you are too! Helping us ourselves to fight for what we believe in. Ilan Price Netzer family. allows us to give young Jewish children in With every shichvah of channichim Rosh Chinnuch (Head of Education), As we all know, fundraising is a difficult our community the chance to experience having been born post ‘94, we are part of Machaneh Dor Chadash job, and can be disheartening at times. camp — something we all know is a much However, we in Netzer Cape Town have bigger experience than simply those two come up with a way to put the ‘fun’ back in weeks on site. It is the chance to start ‘fundraising’. Our fundraising event known a journey of learning and growing, self- BNEI AKIVA as ‘Netzer Night’ had its debut last year, discovery and identity building — I’m sure and proved very successful. We had a you can all see why we would never deny variety show, with great performances, as a child that opportunity. Help us to make Fun and farewells with Bnei Akiva well as an auction. The audience got very an even bigger difference in the lives of our This month has been involved, and the bidding was enormously young community members! very exciting for Bnei entertaining to watch! Akiva, with lots of amazing activities.
reparation for Pnext year’s Torani programme has been in full swing with visits from rabbis from the various Yeshivot and Midrashot during June and July. Rav David visited from Channichim having fun on Gurim Winter Camp. Midreshet Ye’ud and Rav to Israel. Over the past year Malka has Milston visited from Midreshet HaRova. been an incredible shlicha, madricha and From the two Yeshivot, Rav Sussman friend. She has always been passionately visited from Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi and involved in everything we do, from school Rav Pini from Yeshivat Har Etzion. We are visits to running events and camps. Malka looking forward to sending madrichim next has really made a positive impact on our year on Torani to learn in Eretz Yisrael! chanichim, madrichim and on Bnei Akiva in From 2 — 5 July our Machaneh Executive general and we will truly miss her. We wish team headed up to our campsite in her every success for the future and cannot Hartenbos to plan for camp. Preparations wait to visit her in Israel. are fully underway and we are making sure With regard to our Israel programmes, to have the best end-of-year machaneh we have heard only positive feedback. We ever! This year there are two Capetonians look forward to welcoming the participants on the Camp Exec team: Jordy Sank back in a few months time and working with who is the Cape Town Co-ordinator and them in Bnei Akiva Cape Town next year. Benyamin Kahn who is Rosh Site. If you want to be added onto the Bnei From 10 — 12 July channichim attended e-mail list to hear about all our events our Middle School Winter Camp where and activities, please e-mail our office they enjoyed kayaking, game drives, sand- [email protected]. For any queries, boarding and other incredible activities. suggestions, or feedback, please don’t The team of madrichim spent much time hesitate to contact your local madrich or planning this incredible event to make sure the Bnei Akiva CT Office by e-mail or by it was an awesome experience phone (021-4392740) or e-mail Josh Todes During the next month we will sadly be at [email protected]. saying farewell to one of our incredible B’vrikat Torah V’Avodah, Josh Todes shlichot, Malka Solomont, who is returning Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2013 spt or 35 Israel aims for success in chess Benjamin is making waves By Viva Sarah Press Israel’s Grandmaster Chess Research Project is a one-of-a-kind initiative to develop a novel academic approach to the skills and culture of chess.
oris Gelfand made all the right moves Bto become Israel’s highest-ranking chess player. Now, he’s partnering up with an Israeli university to launch the country’s first scientific research project on chess. The Grandmaster Chess Research Project is a one-of-a-kind initiative to develop an academic approach to chess- playing that can, contribute to social and scientific development. Those involved in the project will Grandmaster Gelfand pondering a move. Maccabiah Swimmers at SA Age Group Nationals 2013 in Durban. Back — Cassie Shear research the correlation between chess (Crawford College Benmore), Gregg Price (Maccabi Coach), Joshua Mills (Reddam House and cognitive enhancement; develop the project. Constantia), Ethan Roque (Crawford College Benmore) and Raffi Zasas (Crawford College the first Hebrew-language educational Advanced studies in the department of Benmore). Front: Joshua Gersohn (King David Linksfield), Chelsea Mills (Reddam House software programme for teaching chess in computer sciences and other facilities at Constantia) and Benjamin Sack (Herzlia High). preschools; and establish an international the university, together with the ongoing enjamin Sack (Herzlia High, Gr. 10) his age group in South Africa. Benjamin programme for training chess instructors. guidance of Gelfand, will ensure the Brecently competed at the SA Open was joined by fellow top South African “The programme will provide an prospect of achieving sophisticated Water Swimming Nationals, the SA Age swimmers representing South Africa opportunity to achieve breakthrough research, noted Gaver. Group Level 3 Nationals and the SA Senior in Israel in July to compete at the 19th research and social outreach in a field “In just one year, chess [instruction] National Swimming Champs. Maccabi Games, contesting both the pool that has not yet been fully explored,” said will improve a student’s learning abilities, He is currently ranked 4th, 6th and 8th events and the inaugural 5km and 1.5km University of Haifa Vice President and concentration, application, sense of logic, in the 50, 100 and 200m breaststroke in Open Water Endurance events. Dean of Research Prof. Michal Yerushalmy. self-discipline, respect, behaviour and The researchers will examine the impact the ability to take responsibility for his/her of chess on students’ abilities in maths, own actions,” according to World Chess T he Cape Jewish Chronicle is on Facebook! language acquisition, and other areas. Champion Garry Kasparov, who runs a he Cape Jewish Chronicle has a Facebook page, meaning that Following a stunning performance at foundation that offers a chess curriculum Tyou can stay in touch with the community, family, friends and the 2012 World Chess Championship to American schools. “This is empirical happenings on a daily basis. in Russia, Gelfand called on the Israeli knowledge,” says Bushinsky. “We’re trying To join the page, search ‘Cape Jewish Chronicle’ on Facebook and government to increase its funding of to prove [it] scientifically.” ‘like’ our page. You will instantly be able to take part in discussions, the mind sport: “It’s important that we While chess clubs are offered in many make comments, and send us your letters, photos, events and ideas! continue to develop this field and initiate schools in Israel, the University of Haifa international competitions that will see project could put it on the curriculum.“It’s Israeli chess players recognised.” the first time an Israeli academic institution And while the government did promise to is taking upon itself a scientific research do its part, the University of Haifa has taken project focused on chess,” says Bushinsky, it one step further. “I am sure this will make who will draw a blueprint for teaching our society better,” Gelfand said during a chess in schools. “It’s a joint educational toast to launch the new research initiative. and professional effort. “I know leading intellectual professionals On the international stage, Israelis have who succeeded thanks to their playing always succeeded in chess. “Israel is chess in school and continued playing blessed with many elite chess players and alongside their professional development.” there’s an awareness that these skills are Proving it scientifically going to vanish. We want to help facilitate Gelfand’s ranking as vice world champion and preserve these skills in the realm of an is what triggered the Grandmaster Chess academic tribute and build a framework Research Project, researcher Shay for professional chess training,” Bushinsky Bushinsky tells ISRAEL21c. Bushinsky and concludes. the university’s Vice President for External This article is published courtesy of Relations Amos Gaver teamed up to initiate Israel21c. Visit http://israel21c.org.
jewish chronicle.qxp 03/04/2013 11:03 AM Page 1
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