KThe Moesaic| communhiityl maagazine | Chanukah 2014/5775

In this Issue

Vienna revisited Jewish journeys A journey into the past Visiting Gerona and Barcelona

Don’t leave it too late Working Life Speaking to older relatives A life in the media WisHing everyone Upstairs Downstairs Hannah’s Cakes A HAPPY A Jewish butler remembers A passion for cooking CHANUKAH

. About our members From the editor’s desk

HEMS Yvonne & Edmund Goldstein on the birth BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: of their granddaughter, Aerin Katherine Ilse Dokelman (94) Michael Morris (65) Jemma & Robert Vincent on the birth of Marion Ingram (80) their son, Casey Ian Joyce (75) CONDOLENCES TO: Caroline & Lawrence Chadwick on the Dear Reader Henry Altman on the death of his brother, birth of their granddaughter, Eva Mae Max Lifschitz (80) It only seems like a look through; you never know there might Monty Sue & David Pollock on the engagement Elaine Mushlin (75) 12 yesterday that I was be something you fancy! Younger folk should The family of Cecil Cherns, on his death of their daughter, Katie, to Lior David Paerse (70) Working Life signing off the last Kehila also have a look – universities and colleges are Gerenstein Ruth Webber (80) magazine. With a relatively often very interested to see that a prospective 19 Dennis Weinberg (80) HWPS Marilyn & Howard Sanford on the birth of quick turn-around for the student has had volunteering involvement. Vienna their granddaughter, Nicole Graham Zeitlin (85) BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: Chanukah edition, I was Moving on, I have news specifically for the revisited Liz & Richard Specterman on the birth of Gerald Webber (75) Geraldine Kaufman quite concerned that I collectors amongst you – the sequencing of the their daughter, Hannah wouldn’t have sufficient magazine and its sister publication is to change. 24 Joscelyne Kenton Joanne Collett & Lee Greenfield on BEST WISHES IN THEIR NEW material. However, I The magazine will in future be produced just at Volunteering Michelle Latchman HOMES TO: their recent marriage. Mazal tov also to needn’t have worried, Pesach, and around October time. The monthly George Vulkan 30 Loretta & Geoff Collett Loretta & Geoff Collett as within days of the last publication, articles edition will fill the gap to provide up-to-date Hannah’s and features have flooded in. I guess with a information for the Community. So this is the Pauline & Barry Pike on the engagement Sybil Kenton Cakes GET WELL WISHES TO: of their son, Adam, to Meryl Hoffman total membership of over 900 people in our first and last Chanukah magazine you will Jenny Golding Judy & Philip Silverton on the marriage GET WELL WISHES TO: communities I shouldn’t be surprised by the receive. Put it away carefully, and who knows, 35 of their son, Iain, to Rigel Humbert. Michelle Singer diversity of events and happenings, and the in years to come it might be worth something – Upstairs Mosaic Reform Mazal tov also to Hazel Richman on the need for folk to use this magazine to express or maybe not! Downstairs marriage of her grandson CONDOLENCES TO opinion. Of course, it is a ‘no-brainer’ that most Have a great Chanukah, and enjoy the WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS of the activities contained in these articles doughnuts and latkes! 36 Lydia & David Safir on the birth of their Marion Weihs on the death of her Jane Frenchman wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for the support of Best regards Don’t leave it grandson, Gabriel Eli husband, Ernest a large number of dedicated volunteers who too late Lynne & Stephen Dorff on their 45th Jackie Jacobs on the death of her MAZAL TOV TO give up their time for others. wedding anniversary husband, Albert (Alec) Veronica & Norman Noah on the This leads me nicely on to highlighting our 38 engagement of their son, Joshua, to new regular volunteer section which you will Jewish For children’s birthdays see page 49 Deon Mustafa find on pages 42 & 43. Here you will find a journeys variety of tasks which need filling. Some require Robert Pinkus Elaine & Bernard Sinclair on the birth of Copy Date for the February Issue of Kehila-Monthly is 18th January 2015. Views expressed in this Newsletter 48 just a short amount of time, whilst others Editor their grandson, Barney do not necessarily reflect those of the officers or council of Mosaic or its constituent synagogues. Whats on require a longer commitment. Please do have [email protected]

What is Mosaic? Mosaic is a vibrant new Jewish community which comprises the members of three partner synagogues. The three synagogues represent the Masorti, Reform and Liberal strands of Judaism respectively providing Mosaic members with a choice of emphases and ritual across the Progressive spectrum. Indeed, the providing of choice is a key Mosaic principle which extends beyond ritual. Mosaic provides its members with a wide range of social, educational, cultural and recreational activities designed to appeal to diverse interests and age groups. There is an excellent religion school for younger members with innovative opportunities to extend Jewish learning beyond bar/bat mitzvah. Most important, we look out as well as in and offer exciting opportunities to get involved with influential social action and inter-faith programmes, whether locally, nationally or internationally. Mosaic is living proof of what can be achieved with goodwill, mutual respect and a willingness to work together. Find out more at www.choosemosaic.org or contact Membership Officer Lindsey Cohen on 020 8420 7498

2 3 Rabbi Kathleen Middleton’s thoughts on Poppies and Chanukah Lights

speak clearer and define more mentions an 8- day festival which precisely who we are and what we was called ‘Lights’, but he doesn’t are about, than words. Chanukah mention a miracle. Why did he leave is another example; though only a it out? Well, perhaps he didn’t. minor festival, it is to many a festival Perhaps it simply wasn’t there, and which defines our identity far more the Rabbis made it up, because than, for example, a Biblicall chag the tradition of lighting lights on like Shavuot. Chanukah was already so deeply ome things just take you by This is not only because engrained among the people that surprise. Take, for example, the Chanukah finds itself in a religious the Rabbis felt compelled to give Spopularity of the installation competition with Christmas. It it some religious and historical of 888,246 ceramic poppies in the would appear from the omission grounding. moat of the Tower of London by of Chanukah in the Mishnah, and The lighting of lights in midwinter Artists Paul Cummins and Tom a rather odd introduction in the was already practised in other Piper - ‘Blood-swept Lands and Sea Talmud, that Chanukah was an cultures; it is a powerful and of Red’. Although the installation interesting case from its earliest universal symbol which connects itself was not without its critics, times. with our need to dispel the darkness the simplicity of the symbolism - a The Rabbis’ introduction of of winter; it gives voice to our belief poppy for each life lost in the First Chanukah in the Talmud (Bavli that, no matter the circumstances, World War, clearly resonated with Shabbat 21b): ‘Mai Chanukah’ goodness will triumph over the public. (What is Chanukah?) seems odd if darkness; that Judaism will be you consider that Chanukah had victorious over its suppressors, just sometimes been around for quite some time. as the Maccabees, though fewer It is however not such a strange in number, were victorious over the symbols speak question, if we really contemplate more numerous and better trained what it is we celebrate at Chanukah. Seleucid armies. clearer and define Surely, what we celebrate is The Rabbis clearly weren’t keen more precisely who the rededication of the Second on Chanukah and the history Temple after its recapture from the it represented; perhaps they we are and what we Seleucids in 165 BC. (Yet another were weary of its revolutionary story of war, which we remember undertones; or of the military gist are about through symbols and rituals, just of the story and by implication, the like the poppies at the Tower!) It is elevation of violence, but the ritual The seemingly endless sea of not so clear what the rededication symbolism of Chanukah was strong poppies expressed the enormity of of the Temple has to do with lighting enough to inspire generations of the number of casualties in a way candles, though of course, it is Jews, and therefore worth some that a mere number on a piece of because of the miracle: the oil that radical reinterpretation. paper cannot express, whilst the miraculously kept the Menorah Perhaps we can learn from these aesthetic appeal of the installation burning for 8 days... examples that some symbols and confronted us with the darker side of The problem is that sources earlier rituals develop their own meaning: our fascination with the Great War; a than the Talmud, such as the first a meaning which might not be chapter in history which both repels and second book of Maccabees, or historically or theologically accurate, and continually fascinates. Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus’ but if it exerts a positive influence The poppies are an example of ‘Jewish Antiquities’ (XII) do not on those who hold on to it, we may the fact that sometimes symbols mention a miracle of oil. Josephus have to accept it as equally valid.

4 5 Mosaic board

problem. In reality most people have a spiritual membership. Council too have been exploring side that is not being addressed. new ways for involving our congregants and this Reports from the So while continuing to run and offer traditional will hopefully be welcomed by existing, as well as services on a Friday/Saturday for our regular new members who are part of our Mosaic family. members we also need to try new things. We are ever grateful to the Mosaic Community We have decided, at HWPS, to offer a different Group who continue to entice us with interesting Chairmen kind of service once every two months on a Friday visitors and programmes. During this autumn night. That service is a contemplative service alone we have welcomed Edie Friedman from with a completely different approach and feel. A the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, Alexandra service, although structured, with silent passages Senfft who related her painful experiences as Harry Grant – Mosaic Chairman to the beautiful Theatre Royal at Stratford East giving a chance for introspection and the grand-daughter of a Nazi war criminal and Ben I got into trouble with the to see The Infidel, a comic and irreverent look opportunity to share one’s troubles and/or joys. Helfgott a Holocaust Survivor. These are unique Editor of Kehila this month, at Jewish-Moslem relationships, not dissimilar Experience the start of Shabbat in a uniquely opportunities for us all to learn more about the because my article was to a Brian Rix farce. It wasn’t of award-winning and spiritually refreshing way - watch out for world in which we live and I commend you all to even later than usual. standard, and I don’t think it will reach the West these special services, you are all welcome. find time to take advantage of these events when This was because I wanted End. However, it was a light-hearted view of our they come along. December too will be a busy to write about a quite differences, and a justifiable mockery of the petty month when Chanukah and our major Mosaic exceptional week, not issues that divide us. fundraising event, when we welcome Jay Rayner, just within Mosaic, but in will give further opportunity for us to enjoy being the wider Community as part of this community. There is much to do and well, and that week has Barbara Grant – Mosaic Reform much to be done! Please come and support us in only just ended. Chairman whatever way you can – as a participant, a helper, The week started on Remembrance Day This autumn has been a a leader… the choice is yours. Sunday, and I needed to spend a couple of Adrian Cohen – HWPS Chairman busy quarter in Mosaic hours catching up on earning a living. My office Belonging to a synagogue Reform. Our Rabbi and lay is on Ruislip High Street, and I was moved by means different things to leaders worked tirelessly the numbers of ordinary people lining the road different people. over the Yom Tovim, to watch a march past, including a large number For the few, it is especially introducing many of uniformed groups, ranging from Cubs and attending Friday night new ideas into our services Neil Mendoza – HEMS Chairman Brownies to servicemen from RAF Northolt, as and/or Saturday morning and minhag. The new Erev We live in a world of well as ex-servicemen. It reminded me how lucky services when they Rosh Hashanah prayerbook Orange Wednesdays, Grey we all are, and how much we should value the can. For many, service included a number of interesting new readings Thursdays, Black Fridays liberty we enjoy, only at the expense of those who attendance revolves and our Shabbat Shira style Erev Simchat Torah and even Cyber Mondays. have given, and continue to give. around the High Holy service was well received by all who attended. The weird and multi-coloured Remembrance Day saw the climax of the poppy Days. Yet synagogue life is about much more Every Shabbat Rabbi Middleton conducts the commercialism that seems to display at the Tower of London, which has been than ritualised worship. It is also a place of service from ‘within’ the congregation and this pervade the aspects of our taken to heart by the whole population; it is a vivid learning, not just at religion school level but idea was extended to the Yom Tovim this year. calendar rises to a crescendo reminder of how much we owe, to so many. also as an adult through special adult education Inevitably this initiative was met with mixed at this “festive” period Remembrance week coincided with the classes, discussion groups, guest speakers or reception but on balance it was felt by the Mosaic that rapidly crashes into a anniversary of Kristallnacht, and we were simply studying Torah. For others it is a place of Reform Council to be one that we would wish to sea of depression, diet and debt for the wider privileged to have two totally unconnected togetherness, a community through which many repeat. In October, it was all change on Shabbat community after they have chomped through their speakers address us at the beginning and end friendships are formed and sustained. For some it Bereshit when Bessborough Road was the home over-full shopping trolleys that always ignore the of the week. Alexandra Senfft spoke of her life is a place simply to belong and a burial club. Yet for all three Shabbat Services – Reform, Masorti modern fact that supermarkets are only closed for as the granddaughter of a Nazi war criminal, and not many of us fit easily into one category. In truth and Liberal and we came together for a massive merely 24 hours. her work in building bridges in the Middle East, for many of us, we are mixtures of all the above in Mosaic Kiddush, kindly hosted by the Young In stark contrast, and resulting from Sue’s and within Germany itself, often at the expense varying degrees. There is a huge gulf between the family from HEMS in celebration of Nicholas’s US frolic, we have adopted the marking of of being ostracised by her own family. Ben amount of people who regularly attend on Friday Bar Mitzvah. Thanksgiving. All the family gathered together Helfgott spoke of his harrowing life as a Polish night services (10 to 20) and Saturday mornings Our Council has met twice since I last wrote but with no presents, no faux-religion and no child, surviving concentration camps and coming (30) and the amount of people who will turn up for and discussion is increasingly focussed on our one knocking on the door to badly sing annoying to England to build a fulfilling life as an Olympic a headline event such as the Rock Shabbat we members – or more specifically their involvement, carols. It’s all a bit like Friday night but with a weight lifter and successful businessman. hosted at Bessborough Road last summer. Quite needs and interests. During the coming months, turkey. Another benefit is decent wine with no The week ended with Mitzvah day, when simply, and it doesn’t just apply to our synagogue, we are hoping to engage a new member of need for Palwin. Yes, we like combining our members of Mosaic performed various acts churches across the country are finding the same, staff who will assist Rabbi Middleton in her Jewish festivals with this one! of kindness in the wider community, including people are switched off by formal, ritualised pastoral role within the community and in time collecting food for a local Moslem charity. worship. The argument that most people are now develop some new ideas for engaging with our The lighter part of the week comprised a visit atheists or agnostics doesn’t seem to answer the

6 7 Like Dan Bar-on, Alexandra is deeply involved with dialogue and A Rabbi’s Word conciliation. She is very aware of Rabbi Albert Friedlander’s words, Alexandra’s family maintained ‘It’s not for me to forgive and I If YOU don’t, the fiction that her grandfather cannot forget; but we must live was merely a decent civil servant together anyway’. Her efforts also despite his active membership in include peacemaking between the NSDAP. This complicit silence Israelis and Palestinians and who will? was too much for Alexandra’s acknowledging the stories of the emotionally deprived mother Erika two traumatized sides of this (1933-1998) who learned of her conflict. In this regard, Professor father’s execution while at boarding Bar-on was an inspiration, too. school at the vulnerable age of Those who attended Alexandra’s Jewish Legacy is working with over 46 Jewish © Portrait by Italiaander – www.italiaander.co.uk fourteen. Like other children of evening held in the packed HWPS charities to raise awareness of the importance of perpetrators, Erika died too young sanctuary on Bessborough Road after decades of depression and were deeply moved by her courage leaving a legacy to a Jewish charity. or German writer Alexandra alcoholism. and vision. At the end of the Senfft, who spoke to Mosaic In her very respected book evening, when I asked for members Many of the charities we work with rely entirely Fmembers and guests on the published in 2007, Schweigen of the audience to join Alexandra anniversary of Kristallnacht , 10th tut weh: Eine deutsche in a photograph, the very first to on donations and legacies. Without your help, the November 2014, there can be no Familiengeschichte (The Pain of volunteer was Hana Schlesinger, such thing as a family secret. Silence: A German Family History), a child of Slovakian Jews who lost future of some of our favourite causes will be a very Alexandra’s maternal grandfather Alexandra conveys her personal many relations in the Shoah. This uncertain one. was Hanns Elard Ludin who was journey to discover the truth of was a precious moment of healing. born in 1905 in Freiburg, Germany her grandfather’s crimes and and hanged for war crimes in 1947 the subsequent silence that also Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith To find out more about our work in Bratislava, Slovakia. Ludin joined destroyed her mother. Along the the Nazi party and the SA-storm way, she lost relationships with both or for help with leaving a legacy, troopers in 1931. Reputedly lucky relations and friends. But she gained visit www.jewishlegacy.org.uk, to survive Hitler’s murderous purge new and supportive friendships against the SA in 1934, Ludin such as with the visionary Israeli call us on 020 3375 6248, email us on eventually became the German psychology professor and filmmaker [email protected] envoy to Slovakia. He may have Dan Bar-on (1938-2008) who been a diplomat by title but he brought together descendents of or just visit your solicitor to add a From Right to Left: Hana Schlesinger was judged guilty of being directly Shoah victims and perpetrators. His (HWPS), Alexandra Senfft and Marie Jewish charity to your Will today. involved in the deportation of some passion was to overcome walls of Heymann (MR and was in hiding in 70,000 Jews. silence and hostility. France during the Shoah). Leave a SYNAGOGUE JOB ADVERTISEMENT COMMUNITY SUPPORT Jewish Legacy CO-ORDINATOR (PART-TIME) Mosaic Reform Synagogue 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow, HA1 3BS

You will be the principle point of contact in the synagogue for matters relating to the care and welfare needs of the community, as well as being responsible for the recruitment, training and development of Community Care volunteers. You will have proven administrative skills and the ability to work with sensitivity and confidentiality in a care support setting, with knowledge of Jewish customs and practices. The appointment will be on a part-time basis for 24 hours per week with a salary up to £20,000 p.a For an application pack contact 0208 864 0133 or [email protected] Applications are invited for the above post from individuals with a suitable professional qualification and relevant experience If YOU don’t, who will? Registered Charity 1144193

8 9 Reflections 07894 911 060 L By Rabbi Paul Arberman

ll who are faithful, follow not part of our practice EVER to me!” cried Mattathias fight on Shabbat – whatever the 75% first time pass rate with HEMS youth “A to his fellow Jews. And circumstances. I believe our Masorti ancestors The Maccabees displayed Also Available answered that cry and followed. flexibility in the law. When they saw Why do I say Masorti Jews? the Greeks taking advantage of Confidence building for qualified drivers Because the Maccabees were very their religious practice and cruelly similar to the people we are today attacking them on Shabbat – they Eco-driving course: get more mpg – they were innovators of Jewish made what was then a radical and reduce your repair bills Law. decision. In I Maccabees (2:29-37), we find the following narrative about a Greek attack on the Jews: “The Too often liberal [Greeks] arose, suddenly, to fall Jews fall into the © Portrait by Italiaander – upon [the Jews] on Shabbat, saying www.italiaander.co.uk to them: How long will you refuse trap of believing that to obey the king... And the men in their midst did not raise their traditional Judaism hands to hurl a stone or to silence is the REAL Judaism them... and they [the Greeks] fell that we must continue to be active upon them on Shabbat and killed and we are engaged in the development of halachah in all those in the cave... about 1,000 in Judaism ‘lite.’ It’s our day. My personal belief is that people.” women’s equality, gay and lesbian The deaths of 1,000 Jewish men, time for us to stand rights and human rights in general, women, and children prompted fall into the category of “important Mattathias and the Maccabees to up and say: “I’m enough” to re-examine Jewish respond. They decided, the text not afraid to be a law to see how we can save and continues, that if they were again improve lives in our day. attacked on Shabbat, they would zealot for moderate Too often liberal Jews fall into fight a defensive battle: Judaism” the trap of believing that traditional “They said to one another: If Judaism is the REAL Judaism we all act as our brothers have, and we are engaged in Judaism and refuse to defend our lives The Sages concluded, “It is “lite.” It’s time for us to stand up and beliefs, we will shortly be preferable to violate one Shabbat and say: “I’m not afraid to be a destroyed. They decided on that in order to observe many other zealot for moderate Judaism.” day: Whosoever will attack us Shabbatot.” In fact, in Israel today, The Maccabees remind us that it on Shabbat, we will fight back; we the considerations that allow the was the very flexibility in law that will not die like our brothers in the waging of war on Shabbat, both allowed us to survive this long. caves.” defensive and offensive, have Chanukah means rededication, The regulations now permitted continued to guide the IDF. This is specifically a rededication of the not just self-defence but a posture a particularly valuable legacy of Temple after it was desecrated of defensive readiness (pre- the Maccabees. by the Greeks. Masorti and liberal emptive strikes against the enemy I would take it one step further. Jews are already dedicated to on Shabbat were still prohibited). I would argue that Masorti and authentic religious life – we light Of course to us, this seems like a Reform and Liberal Judaism are our Hanukiot with a spirit of ‘no-brainer’ – defend your lives! the true inheritors of the rabbinic observance of tradition and an But back then, it was simply tradition, because we acknowledge openess to change.

10 11 charms worked on EU leaders as off the screen as economic crisis Maggie well as US presidents and Soviet and currency crashes dominated leaders. Even when she was on the the news in the early 1990s. was without losing side she managed to present Chancellors and Prime ministers the outcome as a great victory. were interviewed Howe, Lawson, doubt the most Indeed at EU summit meetings the Major, Lamont, Blair and Brown, diplomatic editor of one Tory paper, while on the international scene I always had his final story came up against Nelson Mandela, impressive pre-prepared. They always began: Shimon Perez and US presidents “Mrs Thatcher returned in triumph from Carter to Clinton. This was first prime minister tonight as...“ at the BBC and then at Channel 4 Fleet street’s demise to new News. I ever met technology and Rupert Murdoch I was privileged more recently to was sad, but for me it opened up a be asked to do another interview Maggie was without doubt the new vista as a founding journalist with Nelson Mandela on his 90th most impressive prime minister for the newly created Independent birthday. More than any other I ever met. Not because of her newspaper. It is the only paper person I interviewed he was a policies but because of her drive, that survives that rebirth of print man that exuded calm and focus and sheer willpower to get titles – The Sunday Correspondent, authority without ever needing to things done. Odd as it may seem Today etc all fell by the wayside. raise his voice. she was also very sexy, and used I was rather flatteringly poached So from Nasser to Mandela with her charms to bring in line her by the BBC from The Independent a few detours on the way – and fawning male cabinet colleagues. and embarked on a completely hopefully more to come – that’s a On the international stage the same new career in TV. I was hardly ever brief resume of my story so far.

A working life... PRIMARY TUITION Steve Levinson of Mosaic Reform gives a brief car crashes, and fires – Lesson 3: Help your child to resume of his professional career as an award- you can always track down a fire winning journalist, working for the BBC, Channel engine by the water trail it leaves as catch up > keep up > get ahead it rolls round corners. 4 News and the Independent newspaper I made it to Fleet Street in the Preparations for SATs, 11+ and all heyday of that famous address. entrance exams y journalistic career was even any Arabs. Where journalists met in pubs and odd from Day one. Turning But apparently the Arabs of worked out their stories together Qualified and experienced primary teacher Mup as a new boy at the South Shields were a long-standing between pints of beer and in a fug of offers helpful and supportive lessons in English, offices of the Shields Gazette and community from before the first tobacco smoke – Lesson 4: you can maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning to raise Shipping Telegraph and expecting world war and were actually seaman phone in your story from a noisy pub standards and boost confidence to be the tea boy, but ending up and their families originally from and your news desk thinks you are • Highly recommended • References on request with the front page splash in that Aden. At the mosque I learnt my first on the front line. “Apologies for the • Excellent track record • DBS/CRB checked evening’s edition. lesson in journalism – never go to noise mate but there’s a lot going on And who did I have to thank work with holes in your socks. here – it’s difficult to think straight”. for this strange twist of fate but But I got my interview with the By now I was the economics President Gamil Abdul Nasser, the Imam, who spoke English with an editor of the Press Association and 90% president of Egypt who had gone Arab/Geordie accent, and my story. had a prized “lobby ticket” allowing to war with Israel in both 1956 and That night’s headline; “Shields Arabs me access to Downing Street of pupils get into the school of their choice 1967? mourn death of Nasser. By Steve briefings. I had already interviewed My news editor that day greeted Levinson.” Second lesson – you can the drowning Labour Chancellor, For more details call me with the words: “go down to the always find a local angle if you look Denis Healey and Prime Minister mosque and get reaction to Nasser’s hard enough. Jim Callaghan as the winter of 020 8200 0766 death”. This was 1970 and I was The local newspaper route into discontent put paid to them, but this ‘Record of success with our perplexed as I had no idea there journalism is tried and trusted and was now the heyday of Margaret was a mosque in South Shields, or highly effective. You start with local Thatcher. members’ children’

12 13 This page kindly sponsored by Stephen and Rebecca Flash Are you

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14 15 “This Used To Be My legendary Quincy Jones. When I first some stage and if I’ve had the ability Playground” by Madonna, heard this song in 1982, I realised to memorise a tome like this, I could 7 the theme track from the there was something really special give myself a large pat on the back Desert island film “A League of Their Own”. This going on in the chorus. The choir and be the world’s greatest expert song, released in 1992, belongs to consisted of about 20 well known on anatomy and physiology. Why the period of Madonna’s work which singers including Michael Jackson, would I wish for this? Dunno! I love. She has the most wonderful James Ingram, Dionne Warwick, voice when singing ballads. She’s Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. Luxury item: An electric piano/ discs gone through quite a number of WOW! As if that wasn’t enough, synthesiser (with unlimited supply reinventions, which I’m not so keen there was a bonus of guest guitarist of batteries). I don’t play the Our castaway this month is David Martin from Mosaic Reform, who says one of his hardest on, but her ballads? Knockout! Eric Clapton. I will never stop loving keyboard and have always wanted tasks was choosing just eight records. However, it has not gone unobserved that he has this track and once again, Donna to learn, but have never allowed requested an endless supply of batteries for his luxury item – sorry! The best we can do is to “State of Independence” Summer - a great loss to music. myself the discipline and time offer him a set of rechargeable batteries and a wind generator! by Donna Summer. Now, required to practise. Looks 8 this has a pedigree like few My choice of book would be like I could have both of these on others…written by Jon Anderson “Gray’s Anatomy”. I’m hoping I the island. Many “Africa” by Toto. The instead of running around the ship and Vangelis, and produced by the stand a chance of being rescued at of my constantly changing African saving Jack, the film would have choices 2rhythms and harmonies are so been half the length and therefore are film contagious that I can’t help singing much less music, so well done themes, along with them. I’ve loved this song Rose! as I have ever since it was released in 1982. always “Give me a Smile” by loved “Chichester Psalms” by John Barry from his “The large orchestras and three of my Leonard Bernstein. As 5 Beyondness of Things” composer heroes are here. There 3 a member of The Zemel album. For some reason, this track are some singers whose voices Choir I have had the pleasure of reminds me of holidays in New are so pure, they just amaze me. singing this beautiful work at St England and I have no idea why! I may not necessarily be a mad Albans Cathedral and at St John’s, John Barry is my favourite composer fan of the artist, but occasionally Smith Square, with the honour of all time. He wrote well over 140 someone will release a track of a small solo part. The work sound tracks as well as numerous which really makes me sit up was commissioned for the 1965 other compositions. His melodies and listen. Southern Cathedrals Festival at don’t go where you expect them to Chichester Cathedral and Bernstein go which, in my eyes, makes him Tonight”, the live album wrote such varied sections, there is unique. A terrible loss to the world of version sung by George something to please everyone here. music when he died three years ago. 1Michael (not to be confused with the song from West Side “The Titanic Theme” by “A Beautiful Mind”, another story). His voice on this track is James Horner. Here we have by James Horner. A great spot-on and he sings with such 4one of my heroes. The Titanic 6film based on the life of passion, pleading not to have theme is actually not the tune (as mathematician John Nash. The yet another night of fighting and Juliet, my better half, puts it) sung hauntingly beautiful theme is sung arguing, just wishing to quietly go by “that awful squawking woman”, by Charlotte Church and I never tire to sleep. The orchestral introduction but is the theme which is played of listening to it. Definitely one of lasts well over two minutes and is throughout the film. This is one of James Horner’s finest works, in my wonderful as a standalone piece. my favourite films and although it’s opinion. This track doesn’t fail to bring a tear quite cheesy in the main, it is the to my eye. music which clinches it for me. If Rose had stayed put in the lifeboat

16 17 Viewpoint

A gay Liberal convert described Vienna Revisited his ongoing struggle for acceptance by mainstream Jewish Daniel, George and Mary Vulkan take a denominations, which meant many trip into the past. were forced to seek support from communities they had formed themselves. We learned how in December RAINBOW 2005 the Liberal Jewish Movement By Mary Valkan from HWPS produced the Berit Ahava (the Covenant of Love) for same sex JEWS couples. This was first step in the any of you will know much neglected state, overgrown fight for the right to marry. Rabbi that George fled Vienna and dilapidated. As a consequence Sheila Shulman, who recently Movernight with his parents of heavy bombardment in the area By Kevin Ziants of HWPS passed away, was the first openly in 1938 and until 2003 had returned towards the end of World War lesbian rabbinical student. She was there only reluctantly on two brief II, many stones are broken and able to become a well-known rabbi occasions. This changed when an overturned. There is a programme hen deciding what in a synagogue who once opposed official invitation from the City of of restoration work being modules to opt for at the The early her entry to Leo Baeck College. Vienna afforded us the opportunity undertaken by Christian volunteers, WLiberal Judaism Biennial She played a great part in 2014 in to explore scenes of his childhood but this is inevitably very time- Conference, the subject of Rainbow message given the Masorti movement’s decision to and also to visit the cemetery and consuming and progress is slow. Jews appealed to Olivia and I. We allow some same sex commitments. the graves of his grandparents. One section in which we were liked the idea of learning about was that in the We need to be mindful that one His mother’s parents had died in particularly interested was laid matters that some may consider course of a single can be Jewish and LGBT as this 1938, shortly before the family’s completely flat, an area with against the “norm” and have had is something that happens inside departure. His father’s mother died occasional shattered stones personal experiences amongst lifetime, LGBT without choice. Why should this in 1941 around the time of the protruding through the weeds friends regarding the subject matter be hidden? The wheel has turned deportation of her husband and and ivy, all traces of orderly rows in hand. We therefore attended a Jewish identity has a long way, but there are still four of her children. Consequently, having disappeared. Somewhere session dedicated to exploring the personal struggles and the Orthodox he found that none of the graves in this desolation was the grave history of lesbian, gay, bisexual been transformed movements have a long way to were marked. We resolved of George’s maternal great- and transgender (LGBT) Jews from go. I am proud that HWPS have to have gravestones erected grandmother who died in 1907, a the 1950s to today. This session to something supported and positively embraced with appropriate inscriptions, lady whom he had never known introduced us to the Rainbow Jews any LBGT issues. commemorating not only his grandparents but also but whose photograph is in the family album (see pioneering lottery-funded oral not mentioned I’ll finish with a quote from a those of the family who had perished in the Shoah. accompanying photograph). We were looking for history and archive project hosted to something woman bought up in the United The work was carried out by a local stonemason Section 8, Line 50, Grave 16a, but all semblance by Liberal Judaism. Synagogue who recalled her (designs submitted and approved by e-mail) and of order had gone. Our first instinct was to give up The session was attended by celebrated thoughts on a trip to the Krakow upon completion in autumn 2004, we decided to and go sadly away. However we persisted. Treading around 15 delegates, including to Holocaust camp with her partner. visit the graves again. The Zentralfriedhof Cemetery carefully backwards and forwards over the area we our surprise two elderly ladies who “I am here, we survived despite of Vienna is vast, housing more than 3 million roughly calculated where the plot should be. A few gave us the impression they were were moved by a Hassidic lesbian everything that you did to both gay graves and occupying 6 acres of land. Two very names on broken stones confirmed the location from the “old school”. This was our who described not being able to live and Jewish people. You wanted to large sections are devoted to Jewish graves, with to be correct – but still no trace of what we were first error regarding stereotyping. her life as she lived in a “bubble” destroy us, and here I am walking the majority of Jewish burials having occurred after searching for. Then Daniel became aware that he The early message given was in her community. With the help of out with the person who makes me 1874. Finding a particular grave is no easy matter, was standing on a much harder piece of ground. We that in the course of a single the Jewish LGBT, she was able to happiest in this world”. but the bureaucratic efficiency of the authorities started to push the soil away and within seconds lifetime, LGBT Jewish identity has lead a more secular Jewish life and I hope this article will help further has produced a detailed list of the location of every revealed the name we had sought: Perl Gottlieb. Ten been transformed from something embrace her true identity. open our minds. plot, its occupants, date of burial and last known minutes later after much scraping and with very dirty not mentioned to something address of the deceased. Maps are provided. All this hands, we had revealed the entire stone, amazingly celebrated. We saw a moving film information is now available on the Internet. legible after sixty years beneath the ground. It was a depicting LGBT Jews’ struggles. Armed with the cemetery database on our son’s moment of triumph and deep emotion, moving us all The common themes amongst them hand-held computer, the three of us, Daniel, George to tears. We recited Kaddish and left the cemetery were suppressing their feelings, and myself, were able to track down not only the filled with great satisfaction that we had made the then a battle to accept themselves Anyone interested in Rainbow Jews see website new gravestones but also the graves of many of journey. Later in the day, on checking the date, we and finally the fight for acceptance www.rainbowjews.com George’s ancestors, great aunts and uncles and realised that we had made the discovery on the day amongst family and friends. We cousins. Large parts of the Jewish sections are in a of Perl’s Jahrzeit.

18 19 Bar mitzvahs Adrian Cohen Antiques – quality silver, silver plate and objets d’art My Bar Mitzvah Looking for a unique and unusual gift for that special occasion? Antique kiddush cups, Shabbat candlesticks or pretty and useful items for the table will make excellent gifts and/or enhance your own home. An enormous variety of carefully selected good – Harry Latham quality Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco tea sets, cutlery, baskets etc is always in he build up to my bar mitzvah was extremely stock. Prices from £30 to £10,000 so there’s sure to be something to suit your budget! nerve-wracking. However, on the day when Tit was my time to shine, the nerves quickly I also arrange silver repairs and replating work disappeared and I made myself and all my family and friends proud. FREE verbal valuations to Mosaic members It was tough learning my Parsha as I had a lot to do, including a significant part of the service. Every Sunday before ... yes, before Hebrew classes, I would go to Rabbi Kathleen’s house and she would help me learn my portion. She was really great and made sure I knew exactly what my portion was all about. It made me ask lots of questions and was really interesting. I had been at Hebrew classes for 10 years before my big day and after all those years it finally paid off. © Portrait by Italiaander – www.italiaander.co.uk My actual bar mitzvah was really good and the party in the evening was amazing and with all my friends and www.adrian-cohen.co.uk Tel:+44 (0)7973 222520 [email protected] My Bar Mitzvah family there, it made it a really memorable day.

Simon and Elaine Glass from – Nicholas HEMS – just returned from Young their Indian holiday said: n Saturday the 18th October I had my bar mitzvah. I was just a little nervous as I knew “Every day was a Othere were going to be so many people in new day, what a shul but I delivered my portion really well and without any mistakes which surprised me! wonderful vacation. We are your local tour operator based in Harrow. I think I made my parents very proud. It was great We offer tailor-made holidays to India, Nepal, Bhutan Thank you Indus for to have so many family members in shul that had Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and putting together this travelled from overseas. Burma. Our destination consultants will offer you I would like to thank Mosaic Reform for letting us advice and help you plan your holiday. holiday for us” use their shul for my bar mitzvah and all concerned for making that even possible. Jonathan Fenster was If you like more information please call us or a fantastic teacher who really helped me prepare for book an appointment to see our consultant 020 8901 7320 my bar mitzvah and I would like to thank him for that. for the destination you wish to visit. [email protected] Call: 020 8901 7320 or On the Sunday I had the most amazing party www.indusexperiences.co.uk with all my family and friends and everyone kept e-mail: [email protected] congratulating me and saying how well I had done in shul the day before. Once the speeches were finished Indus Experiences | KBC Harrow Exchange | 2 Gayton Road | Harrow | HA1 2XU I partied the night away. I would also like to thank my mum and dad for making this weekend so special and one that I will never forget. Indus is fully ATOL bonded and a member of ABTA

20 21 Mosaic | book club Wobbly legs? A tale of two P e r f e ct creaky arms? scholars Established 20 years ago For everydaynai ls Maria Landau from HWPS offers a personal or just perspective on two books special occasions

• Experience the delight in a set of beautiful natural Just generally falling apart? ecently I was in the Synagogue library looking Sea. The doctorate was just the beginning. Years looking artificial nails I can’t fix you, but I can for something ‘worthy’, perhaps historical or later, Vermes (no longer in the priesthood) and with a repair your furniture Rbiographical, rather than theological. I pulled out distinguished career as a scholar, writer and academic • Enjoy a relaxing “AN ENGLISH JEW-The Life and Writings of Claude (he became professor of Jewish Studies at Oxford in manicure or pedicure...or Montefiore”. And then, in one of those serendipitous 1989), would be forever connected with the Scrolls. moments that happen when one browses in libraries, His knowledge of ancient Hebrew and Aramaic allowed both! All in the comfort Philip: my eyes landed on “Providential Accidents- An him to analyse them and reach the generally accepted of your own home 07443 625 602 Autobiography” by Geza Vermes. hypothesis that they originated in the middle of the 2nd Geza Vermes, as a name, has been in the back of century BCE at the time of the Maccabean crisis. 0208 723 4275 what passes as my memory for years. Not so long ago Claude Montefiore was born into an upper class it came up in a discussion with a friend, who knew of Anglo-Jewish family in 1858 and had an intensive [email protected] him and had some of his books. He passed away at education which included attending the Hochshule 0208 866 9879 the age of 88 in 2013, just a few days before my friend in Berlin. He considered himself a scholar and only and one of her books by Vermes is now mine. I took reluctantly agreed to be involved in reform Judaism. both books from the library in the end, but decided In the event, he became a founder member of Liberal to start with Vermes (rather guiltily) as it appeared an Judaism and was instrumental in persuading Israel easier read. Although a linguist, Vermes only learned Mattuck to become the first Rabbi of the Liberal Sweet Tree English in adult life so the writing felt a little awkward Jewish Synagogue. at times. But it was in a lively style and if one is at This book was introduced and edited by Edward Home Care Services helping you to all interested in European history and scholarly and Kessler and I found that very helpful. Claude remain at home religious intrigue, not to say malpractice, this is the Montefiore’s style can at times be ponderous and book. It is also an insight into the fate of the Hungarian difficult to follow, but he is not without humour and Jews. They were assimilated and that may have lulled his meanderings often lead you somewhere worth them into a false sense of security as when, in 1944, the journey. I was surprised that a considerable part Eichmann decided to occupy Hungary, the ‘final of the book is about Jesus and his doctrines, but Don’t know what to do solution’ was implemented with speed and ferocity. then Montefiore considers him a prophet after Amos, with your used inkjet Now, when Vermes reached school age, his parents Isaiah and Ezequiel. He applies criticism and praise had decided that they would all convert to Catholicism to his teachings and to his practices, in the same way printer cartridges? ‘to give him a better chance’. In the event, at the time as he does to all the other prophets. It seems to me of the invasion, he was already a seminarist and the that Claude Montefiore equates the tenets of liberal church protected him, but not his parents; their fate Judaism with the prophets’ teachings, but this is Want to help a local charity? was never known. After a hair-raising crossing of war- much better explained in the chapter “The survival of Then all you need to do is to bring the • Personal care • Household ravaged Europe, he joined a religious order in Louvain. Judaism”. I am not sure how far we have moved away cartridges in to the Synagogue, and chores • Handyman/Driver • He became a priest and in another providential move, from Montefiore’s ideals. He died in 1938 and therefore we will pass them on to the Harrow MS he completed a doctorate on “The Dead Sea Scrolls” he was spared the Shoah and did not witness the birth Therapy Centre in Watford Road, Harrow, Activities/Outings at the University of Louvain. News of the Scrolls had of the state of Israel. The last chapters would have hit the world in 1947 when an Arab shepherd chanced been different otherwise and I, for one, would like to who can recycle them and receive cash. To request a brochure or a FREE upon them in cliffs in the North West shore of the Dead have read them. They will also take your unwanted mobile phones. assessment contact us on:

Mosaic has a book club that reviews and discusses a whole range of books. For further Let’s all help local MS 020 7624 994 information contact Janet Solomon on 020 8866 0335, or [email protected] sufferers in this way www.sweettree.co.uk

22 23 The following are required by Hatch End Masorti Synagogue If you are interested in any of the jobs listed please contact the Shul Office on The following volunteering tasks are required by Mosaic Reform. 020 8864 0133 If you are interested in any of the jobs list please contact the Shul Office on [email protected] 020 8864 0133

[email protected] Task: Finding Friday night & Task: Collecting the kiddush Shabbat lunch venues when food from Noshers and Rabbi Arberman is here delivering it to the Girl Guide Time commitment: Approx 1-2 hours Headquarters Task: School visits host Task: Stuffing envelopes prior to per Rabbi visit Time commitment: once every 6-8 Time commitment: Occasional distribution Either can be done by e-mail or phone weeks or so. Approx 20 mins each time mornings by arrangement Time commitment: 1 hour, usually on call – whatever suits in Hatch End area. Job description: Explaining our ritual the last Thursday of each month Needs someone who drives to visiting youngsters aged 7-10, Job description: Put members’ accompanied by teachers/parents. magazines into Kehila envelopes Task: Sending out birthday Full training given – Come along and see Working as part of a team - you can e-mails Task: Helping with stuffing of what happens before you commit! even chat while you work! Time commitment: approx 1 hour per Kehila on an occasional basis month Time commitment: approx 1 hr per Needs access to a computer mailing at Bessborough Road – when Task: Labelling envelopes for Task: Visiting members in their needed Kehila magazine homes Time commitment: 2 hours per month Time commitment: By arrangement Task: Helping compile rotas Job description: Put members’ labels Job description: Visiting members twice yearly Task: Helping with delivering onto their Kehila envelopes on an occasional basis following Kehila monthly either in the Time commitment: 4 hrs each time hospitalisation or on a more regular No special skills required spread over 2 days Northwood, Stanmore or basis as a befriender. Bushey areas on a monthly or Needs access to a computer and know Ideal for someone who can engage occasional basis Excel with other members of the community Time commitment: approx 1 hr per for whom life may have become a little mailing including collecting magazines challenging from shul office

24 25 HaMakom visit the Succah Mosaic moments (October/November ‘14)

Simon Glass lays a wreath from HEMS

Mazel tov to Jason Miller and Tanya Miller (nee Smith) on the occasion of their wedding on Sunday 26th October 2014 at the New North London Synagogue N3

Board of Deputies Reps on Parade Rabbi Kathleen on Remembrance Sunday at Harrow Civic Centre

A word from the editor! A big ‘thank you’ to all the feature writers, proof readers, copy co- ordinators, advertisers, advertising editor, and other people who kindly Eva Mae Bown, thirteen-day-old daughter of Jo and offered their time and James, made her debut at Shabbat morning services support in the making of this magazine. on 25th October and Rabbi Frank welcomed her to our community. After the service, Eva joined our Quiz night at HEMS distinguished group of October birthdays

26 27 A recycled life Lost and found

A report by Jack Lynes on the Harrow Bereavement Care conference on 22nd October at Bessborough Road

Going into aeroplane that landed in the early 1990s was dekitted and restocked. It is never too late to rubbish bins, We showed Sir Richard Branson one week’s waste of toilet rolls and he overcome despair. To turn scavenging, sorting, agreed that this should stop, and now part-filled toilet rolls are left in sifting, weighing, place, until they are used up, just sorrow into resolve and pain like one would do at home! were all part of My airline work took me to to purpose South Africa where the airport © Portrait by Italiaander – www.italiaander.co.uk my new found caterers were way ahead of their counterparts in the Western World. excitement Packaged food which could that we take our liberty so much for given to him after his talk, and found By Edwin Lucas of HEMS not be used is donated to local granted. The Seder table flashed the verse by Harold M.Schulweis orphanages. In the West, health and through my mind, but only briefly, as “It is never too late to overcome I started in recycling by accident, the editor as he is the only other safety, and the possibility of litigation he spoke about the filthy conditions despair. To turn sorrow into resolve when I worked for Marks and Jewish person I have known who prevents this from happening. I went that awaited him and the shock, and pain to purpose.” Spencer and was challenged way also worked in prison!) In one to Soweto and saw the difference John McCarthy speaking terror, bewilderment, even disbelief There were times when he was to Rabbi Kathleen back in the late 1980s to prove that prison I found a 5 feet tall crucifix the airline packaged food items (“was it all a dream?”) of the allowed to read. Not surprisingly, recycling was a waste of time and in the waste. I was very upset and made to the needy. In one home situation. choice was limited, and the Bible money. My then boss would not the observant Catholic prisoner they had run out of food, and they his was the 33rd Conference But John was an optimist and so was read from cover to cover and accept that Tesco and Sainsbury’s I was with was horrified. He took blessed the kindness of the airlines of Harrow Bereavement Care, there were findings alongside the analysed sentence by sentence, not were saving money and told me I it out of the waste and hung it on and caterers for supporting them. Tand the first for its successor, losses. There was even humour, always affording him answers as to had to “rubbish” them – I couldn’t! the workshop wall. The effect was Hotels are a cornucopia of ‘Bereavement Care’ which has ‘lost’ especially when after several moves, ‘Why?’ but often a source of comfort With my interest in recycling amazing as bad language and enjoyment. Waste abounded in the ‘Harrow’ to better define its he was able to have a companion and always offering puzzles to while lit, I left Marks to begin my own behaviour were eliminated. every area. Someone else was boundaries. with whom to share his company. away the day. company called Rethinking All prisons employ prisoners to paying for it, so why save it. Linen, To judge from the response by The loss of solitude gave way to the John had learnt of his Mother’s Recycling, where going into rubbish salvage and recycle. It generates paper, toiletries were always found delegates, mainly volunteer visitors finding of another person. A hidden passing whilst he was still a prisoner bins, scavenging, sorting, sifting, work and more importantly in our haul. Gone are the days when to bereaved people, it certainly has reminder to us all of the misery of but decided (yes, decided, it was weighing, were all part of my new gives prisoners a chance to gain towels are automatically replaced ‘found’ the right formula to keep us solitude, often within minutes of our no mere coincidence) to waive any found excitement. You may ask how qualifications which they can use daily and in many hotels, it is the all well informed and enable us to own abode. mourning until he was free, which anyone can get excited about waste on release. guest that controls the hotel waste. improve on what we already do so During his years in captivity John was some six months hence. His or garbage or junk. Well it is easy My company promotes products So with our motto – waste well. Britain’s longest ever kidnap had many losses. As a journalist, reference to this waiting period was and it does have its funny moments. made from prison waste. We have not want yes – we endeavour to victim, John McCarthy was the the means to communicate were a reminder that there is no statutory I recall that on one occasion bought a lot of goods over the make the best of our planets rare keynote speaker and he addressed obviously high on the list together time limit for grief. Even more so before I was married I was walking years, including products made resources. our theme ‘Lost and Found: Finding with the loss of dignity, possessions, was this evident when he ended his along Golders Green Road with from phone cards, soap, bread, your way through bereavement’ in and much more. But perhaps what talk by describing his last minutes Linda, my wife to be. She was egg shells, clothing, cardboard and a spell-binding, exciting, awesome, he found was something of great spent at the hospital bedside with an optometrist with an interest in plastics. In one prison they made a compelling, and often emotional value, and as unexpected as the his brother, quite some time ago. opticians’ windows and I as recycle hundred five-foot Xmas trees out of manner. kidnapping. He found himself. He As he told us, it was a though we man would look in bins. Again on a Cola bottles - they looked amazing. He started by describing his 1943 created ‘space’ for ideas and ideals. were all listeners in a large drop-in visit to Vienna with my father-in-law, I also have always taken a keen days in captivity, following being He found self-respect and respect centre and he had come to re-live Fred Stern (from Mosaic Reform), interest in the work of the Koestler high-jacked just twenty minutes for others, even for his guards that awesome experience, when the he was interested in the culture from Trust which supports serving from the airport from where he was and, he said, “those who have set nurse had advised him that to touch his youth, and I used my time, guess prisoners in the Arts and Crafts – to fly home. His nightmare began themselves against him.” It was as his brother’s arm might be stressful what – looking in bins! some making exhibits from when he was kidnapped and thrown if he had already seen ‘A Jewish for the dying man. We all listened. Over the years I have done a lot recycled goods. blind-folded into the boot of a car. Book of Comfort’ edited by Rabbis We each empathised with him. And of work in prisons. (It is a common We have also worked for airlines. This was his first loss, liberty. And Charles Middleburgh and Andrew these were John’s own moments of talking point between me and Our research indicated that every for my part, a sudden realisation Goldstein, a copy of which was mourning. It was time for a break.

28 29 Collections of the following:- Hannah’s Cakes Clothing STOP PRESS Bric-a-brac Gill Gurner meets 20-year-old Hannah Jewellery Linen Glass from HEMS to talk cakes! Last minute items ....raising money for Household items Rita Asbury’s November UK Registered Jewish Charities can be arranged by contacting us! report on money raised for Kiev Kopper At the start of 2014 total donations demonstration from a Great British to our Kiev Kopper account stood at Bake Off contestant. Despite all £14,600. I have just added a further these extra-curricular activities, she £100 in November and our total for achieved good results in the first two the end of this year has reached years of her Business Management £15,200. That is £600 for this year, degree and is currently on a year’s unless we can make it more by the end of December. placement in the Human Resources On behalf of all our friends in Kiev When I went to talk to Hannah team at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). NOW COLLECTING and especially the children in the two MONDAY TO FRIDAY Glass about her new enterprise Although Hannah would like her kindergartens, thank you to everyone ‘Hannah’s Cakes’, her enthusiasm career eventually to be in the food who is still collecting coppers for what was originally just a hobby sector, she decided that a business and silver coins. If you are not yet shone through. She told me she degree would give her the best collecting it is never too late to start A d ll t has always loved cooking, starting foundation for her future plans. supporting this important cause. Our A L bo ps at school where she won a prize for Inspired by her brother Ben’s money is so much needed and every ard Sho being ‘Gifted and Talented in Food success in building a business, penny counts….so as always… Technology’, the prize being to cook Hannah decided to turn her KEEP the KOPPERS KOMING. hobby into a business and started with a leading chef. Holiday jobs in We turned your unwanted items into much needed equipment and services for over 50 charities in 2013! Debenhams’ restaurant followed ‘Hannah’s Cakes’, baking cakes and then at Birmingham University for sale at local fairs, taking over she was on the Friday Night the Glass’s kitchen to make and Meeting Board of Deputies Committee for the Jewish Society ice up to 300 cupcakes at a time, 16th November Brief report back from Michael Reik (JSOC), which meant she was as well as larger cakes. Any cakes on the comments made by the Israeli responsible for planning, ordering, she has left over from her fairs (not Ambassador Daniel Taub. preparing and cooking every Friday too many, I’m sure) are donated to Israel had great concern that night for up to 300 people, up to local homeless shelters. Gaining interim agreement had to be reached the highest standards of kashrut, confidence, Hannah has now had with Iran in 7 days. There is no which Hannah says was tough. a banner printed for her cake stalls conflict in the Middle East that is Each week she thought of a different and although her work at GSK a classical territorial conflict. All theme and, being a vegetarian, means she can’t do as many fairs, conflicts are based upon fanatical Hannah says she really improved she has taken lots of orders (you will extremism. All of Israel’s conflicts are the menus, offering interesting and have tasted her delicious desserts at based on the 1948 war and Israel’s unusual veggie and allergy-free the recent HEMS quiz). right to exist. In the recent Protective Edge options. As well as her involvement Hannah has taken courses on War with Gaza the major difference with JSOC, she was on the catering decorating cakes as well as a course was that Israel used its weapons to team at the University and joined the at Leiths, the famous cookery protect its citizens. Hamas used its Baking Society as publicity officer to school. She has volunteered at citizens to protect its weapons. publicise events, which included a Gefiltefest, the Jewish Food Festival, Hamas’s main war effectively and has recently joined ‘Free Cakes was not only with Israel but also for Kids’, anonymously baking with its own people. Ten percent of birthday cakes for children who their rockets landed within Gaza in wouldn’t otherwise have one. crowded area. So as you can see, apart from her There is presently in Israel a work at GSK, her life has been taken greater consensus of a deal of land for peace but also a greater belief over by her passion and she plans to that there will be no peace. finish her degree and go to catering One improvement in recent times, college. I’m sure that she will especially with the Iran and Isis be successful however she situation, is that there is an increase decides to follow her dream. in Strategic Alliance now between Good luck Hannah. Israel and its neighbour.

30 31 www.sarahkatzphotography.foliodrop.com There can’t be with his father in waste textiles, for the blind and visually impaired. many couples who which he described as “horrible,” Jack said: “When you meet the before entering the air force for his listeners and they say, “Oh, you’re have dedicated so National Service. Jack! - it’s a very lovely, warm After returning, he met his future feeling that they have recognised much of their wife, Daphne Davis. He said: “I your voice.” Jack loves writing was chairing a meeting and she and is a regular contributor to the lives helping both came in late so I glowered at her. Times and JC. He also takes a keen Jewish and non- She thought I was smiling and we interest in interfaith matters and married about a year later!” Jack is involved with Harrow Interfaith Jewish people cope and his late wife Daphne, who Council; he recently spoke at a were married for 43 years, had Stanmore mosque. He says it’s very with the loss of a three children and Jack has six important, especially now, that we loved one grandchildren. all talk to each other. Jack is also Jack opened a menswear shop an active member of the Rapid in Ealing in 1955 and later took over Response Ring, which reacts to mis- Jack, who was evacuated the sports shop opposite although information and slurs against Israel, during the war, recalls having his he says he didn’t know a squash through contact with the media. Barmitzvah in a Wesleyan chapel racket from a badminton racket, The couple, who are addicted to in Wiltshire. He said: “They had to – but quickly learned! Scrabble, enjoy their beautiful, send a Hebrew teacher down from He was president of the Ealing part-Persian cat called Pussy. We London to take the service. It wasn’t Chamber of Commerce, twice wish Bobbi and Jack, a special like barmitzvahs are today. My president of Ealing Rotary and couple, all the best for the future and parents came down and every boy is still involved in Ealing Talking thank them for all that they do for had a shilling. That was the party!” Newspapers, where volunteers our Community. Jane Harrison meets As a young man he went to work record articles from the local paper Bobbi and Jack

here can’t be many couples who MNS had started a group”. She challenging, but enjoyable. Later on have dedicated so much of their never dreamed she would stay Bobbi did find herself once again in Tlives helping both Jewish and involved for so long with the group the acting world when she married non-Jewish people cope with the which she now runs. her husband, Oscar, an award- loss of a loved one. Jack became involved with winning amateur film maker, famous Bobbi Riesel has worked with Bereavement Care soon after a for his documentaries, travelogues Mosaic Reform’s Bereavement mutual friend introduced him to and short feature films. Bobbi said: Support Group for over 30 years Bobbi 12 years ago. He said: “I see “That’s when my drama training and is responsible for training. She myself not so much as an intellectual came into its own. We became a is also on the planning and fund- but more of an ‘ideas’ person. two-man band running all over the raising committee, as well as being Bobbi said I always had good ideas, country and abroad”. Bobbi was a trustee of Bereavement Care so I am now on the conference married for 22 years and had one (formerly Harrow Bereavement Care). committee!” son Nicky with her late husband. Her partner, Jack Lynes, is a Bobbi, in her 60s, was born in Bobbi has also been involved in past chairman and trustee of Belfast and aspired to be an actress. Jewish Women’s Aid for the past Bereavement Care and they both She went to a drama school in 15 years. She said: “ Jewish People play a leading role in the annual London and worked in Irish theatre, aren’t aware that there is domestic inter-faith Bereavement Conference, mainly in stage management. She violence in our community. JWA which has boasted such reputable said: “Due to the Irish troubles, many provides essential support to women speakers as Trevor Hicks, who lost theatres were closing, so when my living in threat”. his daughters in the Hillsborough father started a new business in She also spearheaded the disaster, and this year, a major coup, the waste trade, I said I would help 18-month-old Cameo group for John McCarthy, one of the hostages him until I got my next job - I never bereaved people of all ages, which from the 1980s Lebanon crises. worked in the theatre again!” meets once a month at Bessborough Bobbi, who is a trained Counsellor, Much to her surprise she found Road. She said: “It is a successful said: “I became interested in working for her father, driving social and therapeutic group – new bereavement matters when I heard across the country as sales director, members are always welcome.”

32 33 Another group of adults and children wrapped themselves up warmly and were near Stanmore “For me it was a Common. Under the direction great experience Entertainment at the Haven Upstairs of Stephen Bolsover from the because we were not Harrow Nature Conservation thanked me and said that so do people like only helping people, we Forum they cut laurel, holly and me who give up their spare time and then he Downstairs small sycamore at the Master were enjoying doing it!” dashed off down the moving staircase.” Oak in Bentley Priory. This year Zoe Buchalter We have also asked members to donate Harrold Curry reminisces about we were joined by BBYO Pinner their time and volunteer for a variety services being a Jewish butler! who had seen what we were doing which they would offer to others in our and wanted to join in. Stephen community. At the moment we have the Bolsover said “the young people back at Kol Chai. They also sang offers but no-one has come back to say they By Robert Pinkus Collecting at the Supermarket did a great job on Sunday. We songs and handed round cakes would like to take anyone up on their offer of now have a great pile of material and sandwiches which had been help. This is the list: As a regular visitor to the Princess Alexander to feed into the chipper, and a lot generously made by different • Raking leaves or Gardening Home in Bushey, I often meet up with 93 of invasive laurel and holly has people. Many thanks to everyone year old Harold Curry for a chat. Harold is been removed from that woodland who made cakes for these • Mending clothes an active member of HEMs who still turns area, which will encourage growth activities. • Baking a cake up for services - he also is responsible for of ground level flowers like wood A fourth activity was collecting • Helping with computer skills/ sending out the rota reminders. Whilst I anemone and bluebell.” shopping at the new Morrison’s knowledge was aware that as a younger man he was In previous years we have always in Harrow. A team of adults asked a fighter pilot, I was fascinated to hear that been to a Residential Home to shoppers to buy an extra item of • Providing a lift after retiring from business, he took up the entertain the residents. This year grocery which we collected on • DIY position of head butler at The Athenaeum we thought we would try something behalf of the Watford New Hope Gentlemen’s Club in Pall Mall. different and invite many of the Trust and Sufra which is a Muslim He told me that the Club’s membership over 80’s from all four synagogues Food Bank initiative. Thanks to the included some of the most important and for “Elevenses”. We had a large shoppers’ generosity we collected “I liked putting toys highly regarded people of the day, including number of children doing this 5 full trolleys of goods in the four in the shoe boxes.” an above average number of Jews! Visits activity, so on the day we actually hours. According to Ali Goldenfeld, Adam Feldman by the Royal Family were frequent, and on split them into two groups. Some “One man gave me a whole trolley. these occasions he was always listed to Choosing gifts for the Barnardo’s Boxes children and adults including When I started taking bags out, he head the waiting staff. “The Three Plonkers” went to The said all the shopping was for the He says ‘the most frequent Royal visitor ll four communities, along Haven in Hatch End. There they Food Bank! He had come specially was the Queen Mother, “a most delightful with HaMakom, joined entertained the residents with some to donate! I wanted to take a photo Lady who eventually called me by first Atogether to take part in songs and afterwards chatted of the trolley with him, but having “I liked filling shoe name”. During one visit she was walking Mitzvah Day on November 16th. to the residents whilst handing thanked him and saying that people boxes and watching around the club, and stopped to laugh at We were very busy with a variety of round cakes and sandwiches. The like him make a great difference, he the video about a a member laying asleep on a couch and activities. other group entertained the older man who helped snoring. He also recalls that on one occasion We wrapped 50 boxes and members of all four communities children by giving a junior Royal attended without a collar & tie, filled them with toys and gifts which was in breach of the rules – without which have been taken to the them homes.” fuss he was quickly provided with a jacket Barnardo’s Freeman Family Centre and tie to enable him to stay! in Harlesden where they will Given Harold’s past experience maybe be distributed to families using “It was so much fun Jewish Care might consider employing singing to the elderly the centre at their Christmas If you want to use any of these offers butlers in their residential party. Anita Feldman, whose as they were all singing homes. With silver service, children helped fill and decorate along. It was really nice please contact the synagogue office. it could be the next best shoe boxes, said, “Both boys to see them smiling and A big thank you to all those who thing for our very senior had a great day helping in the citizens, after cruising! enjoying themselves.” Working on Stanmore Common took part. community.” Ben Green

34 35 I was very lucky that A blog from Don’t leave it too late I had a second chance to find some of the the CST Below is an extract from 52% said that it is “not a to ask… answers the CST’s Antisemitic very big problem” or “not a Discourse Report 2013 problem at all”. (These reports are useful The survey found Peter, were left in the care of their remain a lifelong close friend (and subsequently, in helping to understand that British Jews were grandmother and unmarried aunt a member of MNS as well as HWPS). how Jews perceive the more likely to attribute in Breslau. Despite the difficult Back in London establishing himself as a complicated relationship antisemitic sentiments to a circumstances, Lore really enjoyed physician in Wimpole Street, Lore’s father between anti-Israel views person who used classical her year in Breslau. She was very couldn’t bear the thought that his only daughter and activities, and anti- antisemitic tropes to be fond of both her grandmother was in a prison camp. He used every contact Semitism). antisemitic, than they were and her aunt who ran the family he had to get her out. After just 6 weeks in the IN NOVEMBER 2013, the for people who criticise business, a men’s outfitters. camp, Lore was released. A little reluctantly, she European Union Agency for Israel or who campaign During that year in Breslau, Lore went back home and back to school. Fundamental Rights (FRA) against it. For example, attended a Jewish school – her Fast forward to the 1960s, Lore was now living published a groundbreaking 80% of British Jews said first real exposure to Judaism. in Wembley Park, had qualified as a doctor, survey of Jewish that a person who says She described feeling really at married another refugee and doctor, Gerard people’s experiences “The Holocaust is a myth home, probably re-enforced by the Stein, and had 3 children (me, Robert and and perceptions of hate or has been exaggerated” increasingly overt anti-Semitism at David). She and Gerard had been persuaded by crime, discrimination and is “Definitely antisemitic”; her previous school in Berlin. her cousin, Hilde Glazer, to join a local Liberal antisemitism in eight EU 77% said that a person In December 1939, Lore was Synagogue, the then Wembley Progressive member states, including who believes “Jews separated from her family again. Synagogue in Preston Road. She became the United Kingdom, are responsible for the She had joined her parents in increasingly involved there, rather than at the covering around 90% of current economic crisis” is London (as had her younger brother, Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood, Jews in the EU. “Definitely antisemitic”; and Margaret Levin of HWPS writes about her Mother’s life and grandmother and aunt) and had where she and Gerard had married. The survey asked 67% said the same about emphasises the importance of speaking and listening to older settled into a school in London. The height of her involvement with HWPS was respondents whether a person who claims “Jews family members However, the school was evacuated in the early 1960s when she was asked by the they considered different have too much power in from Hammersmith to High Rabbi’s wife, Eileen Hooker, to set up a Women’s statements about Jews the UK”. ow did a 12-year-old girl feel decided to search for these tapes Wycombe, where it shared facilities Society, to replace the dated Ladies Guild. In and Israel to be antisemitic, Only 6% of British when her parents left her and which I eventually discovered had with another well-established her recorded testimony, she said that Eileen had and also asked in what Jews said that they would Hher younger brother with her been lodged in the British Library. school. Within a few weeks, her advised her that if she could delegate, she could contexts they heard those consider a person to be grandmother in Germany while her Younger members of the family school decided to return to London do anything! The society’s activities included a antisemitic statements “definitely antisemitic” if older brother and parents went to transcribed the tapes. Some were despite the bombs. monthly lunch and guest speaker; I came across most often. they criticised Israel, while live in Britain? After having moved repetitive (those of you who met In May 1940, there was a a photo showing one of the guest speakers, The survey was carried 27% said that they would to Britain, what was it like being told my mother may remember that she real threat of an invasion. The Claire Rayner, surrounded by committee out online from September consider such a person to she was an enemy of the state and was very talkative), so I decided Government panicked about members: Nora Seymour, Martha Lowe, Sally to October 2012 by the be “probably antisemitic”. would be sent to an island prison to edit them to make them more German nationals in the UK, being Goodfriend, Kitty de Winter and Lore. polling company Ipsos Therefore around a third camp? How did a child growing up readable. One of the most enjoyable unable to distinguish between After her father’s death in 1962, Lore inherited MORI, working with the of British Jews think that in a very assimilated family in Berlin aspects of creating the testimony refugees and spies. Because she his involvement with some of the old age homes Institute for Jewish Policy somebody who criticises become so involved in synagogue was adding suitable photos to had recently been living in High run by the Association of Jewish Refugees. She Research (JPR) in the UK. Israel is definitely or life as an adult in Wembley? accompany Lore’s life story. Wycombe (which at the time was went on to become Chair of Osmund House, Across Europe, 66% of probably antisemitic, while These are some of the questions I What more did I learn about my a militarily sensitive area), Lore a home for people with severe dementia. How respondents said they around two-thirds said that should have asked my mother, Lore Mum? and the other refugee pupils were ironic that over 40 years later, she needed care consider antisemitism to such a person is “Probably Stein (née Rachwalsky) when she In 1935, Lore’s father was a considered enemy aliens. So that from a similar home. be a “very big” or “fairly not antisemitic” or was able to answer them, before her successful physician living with his month they and many others who The moral of these snippets from Lore’s life? big” problem in their “Definitely not antisemitic”. devastating illness robbed her of the young family in a fashionable Berlin still had German nationality were Ask questions of older people so that their countries. In the UK, 48% ability to understand the question, suburb. Due to increasing anti- sent to the internment camps on the experiences help your understanding of larger of respondents said that let alone give a considered reply. Semitism, he and his wife decided Isle of Man. scale events. Although just a single thread, it antisemitism is a very big I was very lucky that I had a to move to the UK, where he would Then aged 17 and showing an can be fascinating to see how an older friend or or fairly big problem (the second chance to find some of the have to re-train in order to continue aptitude for languages, she settled relative’s story fits into history’s larger tapestry. lowest figure of all eight answers. working. Already in his late 40s, he very happily into the women’s Don’t leave it too late! countries surveyed), while I remember Lore telling me that would have to study basic medicine internment camp and gave lessons a volunteer from the Holocaust again in an unfamiliar language. to help fellow prisoners improve Margaret Levin (née Stein)An electronic The rest of the report can be Survivors’ Centre in Hendon visited Lore’s older brother Henry was their English. She had gone to the version of Lore’s testimony can be obtained her at home in 1995 to record her sent to board at Mill Hill School, Isle of Man with a school friend, from [email protected] found at www.thecst.org.uk life story. After her death in 2012, I while Lore and her younger brother Lieselotte Montagu, who was to

36 37 Jewish Journeys Michael Reik of Mosaic Reform recalls his recent visit to Jewish Barcelona and Gerona

ill and I took part in our The next morning, we continued this included a few thousand Jews, 5th Jewish Journey with to walk the Call which was directly who fought under their own banner; GJeremy Leigh (and 32 others) around the area of the Cathedral in particular, a group known as the to learn about the history of the (always in the 13th century in Dombrowski Brigade. We went up Jewish Community in Barcelona and whichever city the Jews lived). We to the cemetery of Montjuic to hear Gerona. finally stopped on the steps of the about these Jewish Heroes and Back in the 13th Century, 4000 Royal Palace, where we discussed to see the graves of these valiant Jews lived in reasonable comfort in the ‘Great Dispute’ of July 20th fighters. Barcelona and 800 in Gerona. 1263. In the presence of Lord King On the Sunday morning we went This all changed with the of Aragon (King James) and many to Girona, where we learnt of the expulsion and conversion of the barons, prelates and clerics, Moses founding of Kabalah, and of Jewish Jews in 1492. the Jew (Rabbi Moshe Ben Nahman Mysticism, which continued into the Only when the fascist dictatorship known as Nachmanides) was middle Ages, in particular in Safed in of Franco took over in 1936 did summoned from Girona to defend Israel of today. Jews start to return, specifically to the Jewish People against the I have provided the bare bones of fight Fascism. teachings of the Christian Church. our Jewish Journey in Barcelona, As a result, the Jewish After three days King James agreed a beautiful city where of course we Community has grown, such that the Jewish People should be also enjoyed many of its beautiful that there are now a number of allowed to continue to live and pray sights. Progressive Jewish Communities as Jews in Spain and even two emerging in different parts of Spain. months later, agreed to the building Two in particular in Barcelona are of a Synagogue in the Jewish growing, Atid and Bet Shalom, both Quarter of Barcelona. The official emblem of the Spanish with new premises. During my stay However, in 1391 there was a Inquisition I attended a delightful erev Shabbat Pogrom in Barcelona and many service at Atid with our group Jews died;and whatever Jews were and 20 or so members of the Atid left had to give up their homes congregation. and property, and the conversions We started our journey in started. Barcelona on the Thursday evening, However, it was in 1492 that the discovering the relatively small area decree was finally issued and the where the Jews lived ‘in the Call’. Jews all over Spain left, mainly We visited a small underground for other shores, the immediate Synagogue, with a plaque outside and closest being to France and that referred to Jews having been Portugal. A number converted, and there since the year 692 CE. those who did needed to prove their (A photo of this plaque is sincerity after baptism on many provided. However I took this twice, occasions, under threat from the Our Leader/Guide Jeremy Leigh in front of a memorial to the one with and one without a flash. Spanish Inquisitors in the century Independent Brigade on MontJuic These are attached below.) The that followed. Photo with the flash, amazingly, We now move forward to 1936- showed paint over the plaque 1938, and the Spanish Civil War. suggesting ‘free Palestine’ in When General Franco started to French. This was not visible to the take over Spain, in particular the human eye. We also saw a ‘Free Catalan area of Spain including Gaza’ Banner above an apartment Barcelona, the Communists, the by the Call. It seems there is an Anti Socialists, the Anarchists and the Israel faction today right in the area Republicans, men of many different where the Jews lived 700 years ago. colours, but all anti fascists came There were inscriptions in this area together to fight for the freedom and referring to Public Baths founded in independence of the Spanish Land. 1160, which included a mikvah. Known as the International Brigade,

38 39 Q&A to Gary Italiaander of HEMS on the recent publication of his book, of world celebrities including: Fred As a kid, at about 16 years of age, Musically, Astaire, Gene Kelley, George and he was cornered at an entertainment Ira Gershwin, Charlie Chaplin, party one evening by an older man Larry single- Lawrence Olivier, Arthur Rubinstein, who said he should go to shul Vladimir Horowitz … simply far too regularly and also send his mother handedly many to list here! flowers every week. After the man Reflections Musically, Larry single-handedly left, he turned to a friend saying turned the turned the harmonica into a “who the hell does that guy think he recognised classical musical is?” An ashen-faced friend replied, A Tribute to Larry Adler, Harmonica Genius harmonica into instrument. When you think “That was Al Capone!” Harmonica you think Larry Adler! a recognised What next? Some little known facts? I am now planning an audio version Larry was an American, born of the book which is extremely classical musical in Baltimore in 1914. He was exciting as a CD of Larry performing blacklisted during the McCarthy in Australia in 1997 was made instrument period and accused of Communist available to me to distribute as a leanings which he refused to accept download (which is now available in or deny as he said it was simply more than 80 countries). This was What was Larry like as a person nobody else’s business. It meant the only concert recording where and musician? that he could no longer work in the Larry played and told his incredible Great company, full of fascinating United States. However, he was stories. stories and an outstanding willing to go from being one of the This recording will allow me to musician. Larry was often accused highest paid entertainers in the incorporate Larry speaking on the of being a name-dropper which world to starting afresh in Britain audio book version. he never denied. The truth is that where he felt people were treated his friends made an amazing list more fairly.

Why Larry Adler? Hotel just after I had opened the What was your motivation for When I was approximately six year Italiaander Gallery at Harrods, writing the book? Ben Helfgott old I was handed a harmonica or specifically to meet him. I felt a very personal need to do so. mouthorgan which no one played. He invited me to arrange a sitting It isn’t often that you get to meet Apparently, I picked it up and played (aware that I wished to photograph someone you have such respect for By Trudy Segal it (which I don’t remember)! It started him) but I had no way of knowing and to then share time with was very me onto a very important road – to when we met that we would become special. When he died, I wanted to On 16th November Mosaic Community welcomed becoming a professional music good friends. By coincidence, he create my own personal tribute. Ben Helfgot MBE to speak about his extraordinary teacher having studied under the lived very close to my studio which journey from Holocaust survivor to successful guidance of a Dr WS Lloyd Webber, was then in Primrose Hill and would What really pleases you about the businessman and champion weightlifter the father of Andrew and Julian. pop by regularly and invited me book? representing Great Britain in 2 successive Olympic My early musical life was entirely often to concerts where he was Larry was hugely respected Games. He spoke movingly about his early life in taken up with the harmonica, which playing. Our friendship provided around the world – he was known Poland; deportation to Buchenwald, Schlieben and I slept and breathed and the name me with the opportunity to create internationally – and when I invited Theresienstadt; the tragic loss of his parents and Larry Adler became important to me. many portraits – a collection that is others to contribute their own other family members and friends. published in the book and will also memories, I was delighted that Sir His interest in sport and the team work involved What was your connection with be syndicated worldwide through George Martin, Itzhak Perlman, was something he fostered when he came to the him? my agent. Sting, Julian Lloyd Webber, Cher, UK in 1945. He also launched the ‘45 Aid Society Although I have met many and many others were willing to do for Holocaust survivors and spoke of the need celebrities through my work, I so. One of the contributors, Peter to educate others so that this darkest period in wanted to meet Larry more than Stringfellow, kindly provided the modern times is never forgotten. anyone else due to his influence venue for the book launch which A truly remarkable man. on my life from an early age. I was was extremely appropriate, as every extremely fortunate to be invited to a year he gave Larry a birthday party Variety Club lunch at the Dorchester at Stringfellows nightclub.

40 41 “There are three types of accountants... Those who can’t count... A special visit to Israel And those who can!” For all your accounting requirements contact: Daniel Marx recalls a recent trip to Israel with Noam – the youth wing of the Masorti Movement Ronald Spiegel Chartered Accountant oam of emphasising the equality “One of the things tour was within the movement and the Na very equality of the way they view that made this aspect important and those outside the movement. meaningful Not only did this make me of tour particularly experience feel very accepted amongst for me. Not the group, it also gave us the special was that only was it an chance to learn about the we were spoken to opportunity different groups of people 5 Ledway Drive, Wembley to visit all of living in Israel. One of the by a wide variety the sites and most meaningful experiences Middlesex HA9 9TH attractions of I had on tour was the day of people with an the land of Israel, it was also an we spent in Haifa. During the Tel/Fax 0208 930 2485 opportunity to learn about the day we went around the city, equally wide variety history of the country and the facts meeting people of different of views” regarding the current conflict. religions. These included: the Email: [email protected] As one would expect from this Baha’i, the Druze and a Muslim were able to form our own opinions. kind of trip, we spent a good sect called the Ahmadis. The visit Now that tour is over, I feel like I amount of time going to iconic to the Ahmadi mosque was really have a well informed, balanced view places around the country such important for me as we met a group of the conflict. All of these talks as Masada and the Kotel. What of people perhaps equivalent, in and meaningful group experiences really made those places special the Muslim world, to Noam and its meant that I didn’t feel like I was for me, however, were the different beliefs regarding other religions. missing out on anything despite angles from which we saw them We learned that it is halachically the fact that certain activities were (figuratively and literally). An permitted to pray in a mosque, so cancelled in order to ensure our example of this is that rather than our leaders thought it would be safety. going to the main area of the a nice idea to hold a shortened As someone who has been to wall, where we would have been shacharit service in the mosque in Israel before, I can safely say that gender segregated, we went to order to share a spiritual space with Noam Tour was the best Israel the egalitarian section of the wall. these people. experience I could have hoped This made the experience far more One of the key themes of tour for. Not only did it give me the evocative as I was able to share it was that of the current conflict opportunity to see Israel and all withpeople with whom I had made with Gaza. One of the things that of its highlights, but it showed me a relationships, instead of just being made this aspect of tour particularly how the people there live. I am also able to do so with those of my special was that we were spoken incredibly thankful for the group gender. to by a wide variety of people with with whom I spent those three and a This is why I’m particularly glad an equally wide variety of views. half weeks. Tour has given me new that I chose to go on tour with This meant that we were shown an friends, well informed opinions and Noam. They really made a point unbiased view of the conflict and brilliant memories of the country.

42 43 Boris – a photographer who bought glamour to Whitechapel Road

oris Bennett was born Sunday. Crowds would often Boris Sochaczewska to a gather outside to witness the Following a feature on Boris BJewish family in Ozokoff, scenes. Boris‘s distinctive style the photographer in the Poland, in 1900. He was one of used romantic flowing dresses, HEMS magazine some years eight children. His father had a lavish bouquets and immaculate ago, we were delighted to small cloth factory, and the family tailoring. Perfection and beauty see that Joy, and her late later moved to Lodz, which was was his purpose and he made the centre of the textile trade. all his brides glamorous. He was husband Gerry, were recently At the age of 18, Boris left the man who brought Hollywood Wolfie Heymann featured in a book review of Poland for Paris, partly to to the East End. As one person Boris’s life in the Mail online. avoid military conscription. He was quoted saying “You knew Philip Silverton reports on Michael Reik’s interview with Wolfie Heymann Joy and Gerry Collins photo worked in a photographic studio, you’d arrived if Boris took your was taken in 1954 and and later as a salesman for a photograph!” German company producing Just before the Second World or the third of our “Elder Wolfie’s family, with friendships and was one Boris’s last studio photographs on celluloid. In 1922, War, Boris opened the first of Statesman” interviews, inspiration from Rabbis Van der Zyl, He was not at photographs. Joy’s wedding he was sent to London as a sales his five studios in the West End FMichael Reik met Wolfie Cassel, Maybaum and Leo Baeck. all put off by the dress was cutting edge, representative. at 27 Oxford Street, though he Heymann. It was a privilege for On Christmas day 1938, he left being made from ‘nylon’– a Boris stayed in London and, in also continued with his studio the community to hear about for England by sea to stay with Messerschmitt that new fabric in those days! 1927, set up his first photographic in Whitechapel Road. With the Wolfie (or Wolfgang, his given name). an Aunt in Maida Vale. His mother studio at 150 Whitechapel trend away from formal studio With Marie’s occasional interjection, travelled via The Hook of Holland crashed through the Road. It was an instant success. photography, he opened a retail he set about clarifying a wealth in September 1939, whilst a few headmaster’s office The highly organised studio camera shop, Bennett Cameras, of chronological information. months earlier his father escaped, emulated the glamour of in Oxford Street, in partnership My notes are a brief reflection on rather less conventionally, in a wine window! Hollywood photography, and with his brother-in-law Sidney this occasion and its significance barrel on a barge down the Rhine! was able to photograph up to Vines. Further shops were to to our community. Wolfie went to a boarding school children to West London Synagogue 60 bridal couples on a single follow, run by his sons Michael Wolfie was born in 1925 in what is in Bury St Edmunds and with his for Cheder led a group of friends and Maurice. This part of the now part of Berlin, where his father developing interest in engineering from the Wembley area to start a business was sold to Dixons was a Junior Minister in the Weimar and being surrounded by Bomber reform shul locally, so Middlesex in 1963 Republic. His early education Command airfields, it seemed New Synagogue was born. Wolfie As Boris achieved fame and was in a school with pupils of a natural step to join the RAF. became the first Senior Warden fortune he used his position to all nationalities; there was no He was not at all put off by the and had a wide ranging remit. His help others, including assistance discrimination and all pupils spoke Messerschmitt that crashed and Marie’s involvement and their with the purchase a house in only French in their lessons. As the through the headmaster’s office influence on the community’s growth Finchley Road to provide shelter 1930s progressed, the restrictions window! Unfortunately, because since 1959 have been invaluable. and support for young Jewish on the social and business activities of his nationality at birth, he was I write this article just after refugees from Nazi Germany. of the Jewish population grew, not accepted. Simchat Torah where Wolfie Later he left photography to although in Berlin, where the social His studies and apprenticeship paraded and danced a Sefer become a successful financier. and diplomatic ‘network’ was led him into a long and distinguished Torah around our new Mosaic Towards the end of his life he closer, only ‘lip service’ was often career in engineering. This Reform service. This was indeed would look back on his days in paid to many Nazi edicts until after eventually took him across Europe, a very poignant reminder and the East End with much affection Kristallnacht. to South Africa and South America. celebration of his carrying the and say, “What a wonderful The thread of our community’s He and Marie and the family moved Sefer Torah on Simchat Torah into Jewish World it was!” Boris future development and inspiration to Kingsbury in 1957. Middlesex New Synagogue at its Bennett died at the age of 85 was already running through In 1959, the long haul of taking inauguration in 1959. in 1985.

44 45 Abraham Fund Michael Reik introduces the Abraham Fund Initiatives – an essential Mosaic|HaMakom programme of our time in Israel 2014 Report back from Jacky for the staff at the start-of-the-year many decorations were made and Back in 2000 when the previous police and the Arab community Martin (Headteacher) staff meeting. With this guidance, put up and the following Sunday, Intifada occurred, 14 Arabs were and in deepening a civic/public there have been some lessons on all the classes were able to enjoy killed within Israel and fighting took service approach to policing. At the this topic in the classroom and as the fruits of their labour and spend place between the Israeli Police same time the Arab communities As we started the third year of part of our Option sessions. some time in the Succah at Mosaic. and its Arab population. During themselves have taken up a far more HaMakom, our successful joint Some children took the morning By the end of the first term we the current war with Hamas, 1,500 responsible attitude to the difficulties synagogue venture, the children after Yom Kippur to recover from will have taken part in Mitzvah Palestinian Arabs within Israel have as they see them. were welcomed by Rabbi Frank their day in synagogue, but many Day activities and will be ending been arrested but there have been What are the main priorities of the Dabba-Smith, Rabbi Hilton and came along either to help decorate the term with a Chanukah craft The recent conflict Operation no fatalities. This has not been by Abraham Fund? To build a shared Rabbi Middleton at our initial the Succah. With great enthusiasm, morning. Protective Shield, where many accident. society of coexistence, inclusion and assembly. We also welcomed a new Palestinian residents in Gaza were In the intervening time, The equality for Israel’s Jewish and Arab Gan class to HaMakom, as well as Children receiving Birthday Certificates killed as a result of the fighting Abraham Fund within Israel has had citizens. a few new families who all received at the start of year assembly brought on by the rocket attacks by a major involvement in addressing The Abraham Fund has a strategy a jar of honey to wish them many Hamas on Israel, has again created the issues, particularly in a trust- of ‘Advocacy through Action’ which more years of sweet learning at strife within Israel. building process between the Israeli involves: HaMakom. As Rosh Hashanah 5775 saw the start of the Shmitah Year, we have 1 Education for a Shared Society – ‘Diversity and Citizenship’ • 2 Economic Development and been looking at the idea behind this Inclusion – ‘One Country-One Economy’ • 3 Equality, Access and Opportunity – ‘Levelling the during the term. Libby Burkeman, Playing Field’ • 4 Democracy and Participation – ‘Creating Shared Spaces’ from the Movement for Reform Judaism, came in to do a session

1 Education for a Shared Society 3 Equality, Access and citizens and the police, to providing In co-operation with the Ministry Opportunity job opportunities for Arab women, to of Education, the Abraham Fund’s The successful work of building integrating Arab teachers in Jewish aim is to improve the language skills trust between the police and the schools. within the Israeli Arab educational Arab community will continue. system to better prepare Arab The Fund is trying to establish a A message from Daniel Taub, the students for higher education and for specific mechanism for community Israeli Ambassador to the United competing in the labour market. At volunteering for young Arab adults Kingdom – the Abraham Fund Mosaic|Film the same time there is a programme and also to advocate for equitable Initiatives have developed unique of teaching the Arab language and and fair security inspections at programmes to foster a more Arab culture to currently 25% of border crossings. inclusive civic society with specific Proudly presents for your entertainment Israeli Jewish public elementary programmes designed to help At 20:00 on Tuesday 20th December 2015 schools. The Abraham Fund is 4 Democracy and Participation hundreds of Israeli Arab citizens out continuously advocating for the The Fund is working to recruit and of poverty and a specific programme At 39, Bessborough Rd, Harrow HA1 3BS The Multi Award Winning Ministry of Education to expand train Arab women and young adults to train Arab teachers who teach this programme to all Israeli Jewish for civic and political leadership; Arabic to Jewish students. POKLOSIE (2012) schools. encourage young women to take (Aftermath) up higher education, and achieve My personal view given the 2 Economic Development and qualifications to enable them to considerable disharmony generated (In Polish with English Subtitles) Inclusion compete in the job market; and in the past two months is that This accomplished Polish Movie deservedly won numerous awards on its release. It is the story of a Polish The Fund works with the Equal maintain an annual and ongoing leadership is required from the top expatriate returning to his home village from Chicago, in an attempt to understand why his younger brother Employment Opportunity dialogue on the core issues in in Israel. President Rivlin spoke has lost his wife & family, and the friendship of the entire population of the village in which he grew up. The Commission to raise awareness Jewish-Arab relations. recently of the need for good Arab- revelation that the younger brother has taken a sudden and unwarranted interest in a hidden Jewish Cemetary within Arab society and to combat Jewish relationships. However, to which he has started to clean and tend, on the family land is something that the returning sibling finds almost impossible to comprehend, until… anti-Arab discrimination in the Two supporters express their date no similar statement has come Poklosie is part of the Polish new wave Cinema, which doesn’t flinch from dealing with Poland’s anti-Semitic workplace. It also addresses the views: from the Prime Minister’s office. This past (and present). economic and social consequences Matthew Gould, the UK Ambassador is very much needed with suitable Winner of the Yad Vashem Chairman’s Award at the Jerusalem Film Festival in 2013 of the early exit of Arab men from to Israel, stated that the Abraham action taken should anti-Arab Film MOSAIC is open to anyone, why not bring a friend. the workforce. Fund’s success for the past 25 years sentiment be prevalent to avoid far As usual there will be time for an informal discussion or a chat with friends, with tea, coffee and biscuits after lies with its ability to engage Israelis greater potential problems. In this the screening. throughout society – from improving scenario the Abraham Fund has a Donations for our chosen charity would be appreciated if you care to give. the relationship between Arab major role to fill in Israeli society.

46 47 December | January

Unless otherwise stated, all events take place at 39 Bessborough Road, Harrow HA1 3BS. The times/locations of weekly services are as below, unless otherwise stated: HWPS: Bessborough Road: Friday 19:00, Saturday 11:00 (Chavurah Supper last Friday every month, after the evening service) HEMS: Girl Guide Headquarters (GGHQ), Hatch End: Saturday 9:30 am Mosaic Reform: Bessborough Road: Friday 19:00, Saturday 10:30

December Every week: Sunday 14th 14:45 Stone-setting - David Emanuel - Cheshunt Monday 11:00 Tuesday 16th Chanukah 1st Candle Harrow Friendship Club (See below) 20:00 Mosaic Film - “To Kill A Mockingbird” Monday 20:00 Wednesday 17th 12:30 HWPS Seniors Lunch Club HWPS Group 326 Wednesday Chanukah 1st Day Sunday 09:45 Friday 19th 17:00 Mosaic Chanukah Family-Friendly Friday (see page 39) HaMakom Saturday 20th 10:30 Shabbat shira and lunch for 80+ year olds. RSVP Children’s Birthdays (12 years and under) January Thursday 1st Fast of Tevet Wednesday 7th 20:00 Council meetings HWPS Mosaic Reform Tuesday 13th 20:00 Mosaic Photography Group Talia Solomon, 10 Benjy Maginn, 6 Saturday 17th 09:30 Parashat haShavuah with Rabbi Middleton Dylan Stiassny, 9 Max Maginn, 6 Saturday 11:00 Shabbat Shira service Sunday 18th February Kehila copy date Tuesday 20th 20:00 Mosaic Film - “Poklosie” (see page 47) Wednesday 21st 12:45 HWPS Seniors Lunch Club Wednesday 20:00 HWPS Book Group - “Crime” Thursday 29th February Kehila distribution Friday 30th 19:00 HWPS Erev Shabbat service followed by pot luck supper Saturday 31st 09:30 Torah Tots service Harrow

February Tuesday 3rd 09:00 U3A art class Day Limmud Tuesday 3rd 20:00 Mosaic Tu b’Shevat Seder Saturday 7th 09:30 Education: Parashat haShavuah Monday 9th 11:00 Harrow Friendship Club Monday 9th 20:00 Group 326 2015 Tuesday 10th 09:00 U3A art class Tuesday 10th 09:00 Photo group We are delighted to announce that Harrow Day Limmud 2015 will be held at our Monda 16th 11:00 Harrow Friendship Club new venue of JFS School on Sunday 15th March 2015. Monday 16th 20:00 Group 326 Wednesday 18th 12:30 Lunch club Come and find out why this Limmud is different and experience a stimulating Monday 23rd 11:00 Harrow Friendship Club and inspiring day-long cultural event in Limmud’s unique style offering a variety Monday 23rd 20:00 Group 326 of sessions at any one time. There is something for everyone, young and old Tuesday 24th 09:00 U3A art class and from all backgrounds. Saturday 28th 09:30 Torah Tots You can participate in text study, discussions, debates, workshops, art and music, singing and much more.

For the latest information and weekly parashot information please check Registration is now open online at: limmud.org/day/harrow

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NSON G LI O W L Get in touch! Rawlinson Gold are celebrating D A R

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Office: 020 8864 0133 Office 020 8864 0133 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Chairman: Barbara Grant: 01923 711 991 Address: 39 Bessborough Road, Hon. Secretary: Juliet Grainger 01923 822 682 Harrow HA1 3BS Rabbi Kathleen Middleton: 020 8866 9225 (use only when Chairman: Harry Grant 01923 711 991 Office is closed) Email: [email protected] Bereavement Support (Bobbi Riesel): Membership Officer: Lindsey Cohen 020 8428 7977 020 8420 7498 JJBS: 020 8989 5252 Email: membership@ choosemosaic.org Website: www.choosemosaic.org

Office: 020 8864 5323 Email: [email protected] Chairman: Adrian Cohen: 020 8420 7498 Vice Chairman: Alan Solomon: 020 8866 0335 At Rawlinson Gold we can offer you unrivalled, expert advice, a tailored Office 020 8864 0133 Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith: 020 8864 5408 Email [email protected] Membership Secretary: Lindsey Cohen: marketing solution and a customer service that is second to none. Chairman: Neil Mendoza 07710 146 353 020 8420 7498 Hon. Secretary: Edwin Lucas 07973 312851 Rites and Practices: Kevin Ziants: 07841 375458 Rabbi Paul Arberman (via email in Israel): Care Co-ordinator: Joy Katz 020 8904 8037 rabbi@ hems.org.uk Liberal Judaism: 020 7580 1663 If you are considering selling or letting a property, call us today for expert advice Burials Officer: Edward Kafka: 020 8904 5499 Undertakers: M M Broad & Son: 020 8445 2797 on the current market conditions and for a free, no-obligation valuation. JJBS: 020 8989 5252

Pinner Harrow Jonathan Shaw David Goldman telephone: telephone: Free transport to Shul 020 8866 2300 020 8861 2020 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] HWPS and Mosaic Reform members who are unable to travel to Shul for services are welcome to use a specially funded minicab facility. Please contact Lindsey Cohen on 020 8420 7498 or the Synagogue office on 020 8864 0133 for more information. rawlinsongold.co.uk ESTATE AGENTS

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