VOLUME 33 No 4 MAY 2016 www.cjc.org.za Going to great lengths for cancer Swimming for a good cause

Something wonderful happened at so proud of each and every one of them”. United Herzlia Schools on 4 April — Michelle Scher, a counsellor at Herzlia an event that epitomises the Herzlia Highlands Primary and co-ordinator ethos. of this project, put months of work into arranging this incredible act of chesed. girls from Herzlia primary, middle “At this moment in time, the Herzlia family Theodore Yach completes his 100th Robben Island Crossing is experiencing the pain and anguish 15 and high school volunteered to On Tuesday 22 March, Theodore Yach open-water swimming hall of fame. He of supporting two pupils suffering from cut their hair to make wigs for children (58) spent 3 hours and 10 minutes of was honoured to have the backing of the cancer. I wanted to use the hair-cutting suffering from cancer. This project was his morning in icy 13-14 degree waters City of Cape Town who offered Yach their ceremony as a means of showing our initiated by the Israel based organisation to successfully complete his 100th full support in recognition of his service to support to Rohan [Bloom] and Jaime Zichron Menachem, who provides Robben Island Crossing. the city for more than 20 years. Rose [Whitesman] and their families, and support for parents and their children A surprisingly composed Yach exited who have cancer. As part of this support that they are part of our Herzlia family. We he 10.4km route from Robben Island the water saying, “I am so relieved to have they also make wigs for cancer patients. are thinking of them and holding them in to Three Anchor Bay saw Yach and finally accomplished this milestone and to Donated hair undergoes sorting and our prayers constantly.” T six other brave swimmers (Toni Enderli, have the amazing support of everyone on processing. Hair is “Girls were asked Kieron Palframan, Ryan Stramrood, Mark the beach. I feel truly blessed from the sorted according to to donate their hair, De Klerk, Buff van Westenbrugge and love and support of my family, friends and shade and length and Wigs are very expensive 30cm or longer (we Dean Noik) battle a strong current and the the Cape Town community.” is then washed and did take hair lengths to make but by donating looming threat of Cape Town’s great white Theodore believes strongly that his combed with a special from 25cm) and sharks to join the hundreds of spectators swims need to make a difference and has comb. Damaged and their hair, these Herzlia nominate a member of at Three Anchor Bay beach in celebration been working with six charities to raise split ends are removed. pupils contributed their family to cut their of this record-setting achievement. funds in the name of his 100th Robben Thereafter, the hair is hair. Over 60 family the most important Yach swam his first Robben Island Island Crossing. The charities are; The sewn onto long strips members arrived component. Crossing in 1981, back then it was Children’s Hospital Trust, Paper Video, of material which are at the hair cutting considered aberrant behaviour. 35 years NSRI WaterWise Project, Wynberg Boys’ used to construct the ceremony yesterday, later and his 100th crossing will be ratified Schools Aquatic centre, Highlands House wigs. Each wig requires a lot of hair — lending support to their daughters, with and recognised in the international and the The Herzlia Foundation Trust. usually three complete ponytails. many mothers and fathers doing the Wigs are very expensive to make but cutting themselves.” by donating their hair, these Herzlia There were lots of tears, more from pupils contributed the most important the parents than the pupils, at this component. Herzlia extended this into very emotional ceremony as the girls Miracle Drive celebrations the broader community and identified participated in a meaningful and personal a child through the Reach for a Dream way in this incredible initiative. Foundation. This project embodies the concept of Zichron Menachem was founded in 1990 Tikkun Olam, healing the world. in memory of young Menachem Ehrental, “While the pursuit of a first class z”l, who spent his fifteen childhood years academic education is of critical valiantly battling cancer. His parents importance in any school, it is equally and loved ones aspired to utilise their important that pupils learn the basic shared knowledge and experiences in tenets of respect, dignity and humility. order to benefit and ease the plight of The concepts of Gemilut Chassidim, other cancer-stricken children and their chesed and Tikkum Olam are equally families. Zichron Menachem is a non- important in the education of our children” profit organisation that grants immediate, said Geoff Cohen, Director of Education practical and long-term aid and solutions at Herzlia. “I am in awe of our girls. We to young cancer patients from the know that hair is considered a woman’s moment of diagnosis and throughout their crowning glory and for our girls to donate battle with illness, as well as physical and something so personal and important is emotional support to parents and families an act of immeasurable kindness. We are throughout the long, excruciating ordeal.

Eric Samson and F.W. de Klerk share a L’chaim and a see page 6 for more Sadly, Rohan Bloom passed away on 15 April. Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet laugh with Rabbi Mendel Popack 2 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 No 4 MAY 2016

In every issue In this issue Page 3 Lindy with a why Page 3 Herzlia AGM Page 4 Community Noticeboard Page 6 Chabad Miracle Drive Shabbat times Page 7 Jewish Literary Festival Subscription notices Page 11 Yom Ha’atzmaut Page 8-10 Cape Jewish Board of Deputies Page 17 WIZO Page 12-14 South African Zionist Federation Page 19 Milk&Honey rocks Cape Town Page 16 Telfed Page 36 Sylvia Smaller Winnikow tribute Israel Centre Page 41 Cape Town Torah High Page 18 Union of Orthodox Synagogues Page 20 Family Announcements Glendale Page 21-23 Cape Jewish Seniors Association Page 24 Nechama 38 Page 25 Cape Town Holocaust Centre Page 26 Jewish Community Services Coffee Time Page 27 Temple Israel Page 28-31 Herzlia Page 32 Jacob Gitlin Library Page 33 Astra Page 34 Limmud Page 35 South African Jewish Museum Page 37 Oranjia Page 38-39 Simcha Snaps Page 40 Chronic ads Page 42 Using my Nudel Union of Jewish Women 20 Page 43 Sport

27 6

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For the widest range of Down Apparel

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If you have not already paid your voluntary subscription of HERZLIA AGM — see page 3 R270 for 2016, now is the time to do it UJW presents documentary ‘Women Unchained’ with discussion Rabbi Suiza New banking details: Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; and Ann Harris. Wed 4 May, 8pm. For further details phone 021 434 9555 Branch code: 020 909; Account no: 070 703 493; UJW Breakfast 9 June. See page 42 Account name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Account type: Current. YOM HASHOAH VEHAGEVURA Please email confirmation of payment to [email protected] and kindly Thurs 5 May 12.45 pm. Pinelands Jewish Cemetery No 2. See page 9 quote your communal number, which you can find on your address label. Please also inform us of any change of address. CELEBRATING 175 YRS OF SA JEWRY Cheques to: Cape Jewish Chronicle, P O Box 4176, Cape Town 8000, 8 May 11am — 4pm: CT Hebrew Congregation — Communal kosher braai Credit card: Phone office 021 464-6721 (am) at the Green Point Cricket Club 15 May: 5-a-side soccer tournament at Van Riebeeck field, 9.30am – 2pm. For more info phone Gardens Shul: 021 465 1405

VOLUME 33 No 1 FEBRUARY 2016 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 33 No 2 MARCH 2016 www.cjc.org.za VOLUME 33 No 3 APRIL 2016 Pesach 5776 www.cjc.org.za First day of smiles for Herzlia Highlands Primary Israel and the apartheid narrative Ex-Capetonian awarded Israel Prize 50 years of service to community Telfed comes to Cape Town The Israel Prize laureates in chemistry Institute’s Ernst David The Gerald Kleinman award for You’re off to great By Eitan Arom/JNS.org and physics for 2016 are Prof. Leslie Bergmann Prize, the outstanding service to the United places. Today is Leiserowitz and Prof. Meir Lahav of Prelog Gold Medal Jewish Campaign was confered on your day! Your the Weizmann Institute of Science. from the Swiss Federal Ruth Goldberg in a moving tribute mountain is This prestigious Israel Prize is given Institute of Technology made at the Top Donors Function in waiting, so... get annually for outstanding achievement and the Royal Swedish March. on your way! — Dr. in the arts and sciences. Academy of Sciences’ Seuss Gregori Aminoff he inscription on the award, which was eiserowitz graduated from the Prize. In addition, he Tread out at the event, went as follows: nited Herzlia LUniversity of Cape Town in Electrical was also elected to The Jewish tradition has cast the true US c h o o l s Engineering in 1956, and did an MSc Leopoldina (the German Academy of leaders of our people as those who act YOM HAZIKARON welcomed 162 in Physics at UCT in 1958. In 1959, he Sciences). with humility in dedicated service of Klal Michael Barr and Ruth Goldberg Grade 1 pupils in left Cape Town for Israel and is now a The announcement was made by Yisrael. Ruth Goldberg is the epitome of their shiny new professor emeritus of the Weizmann Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who Jewish leadership and a most deserving hardships and times of simcha her step uniforms to start Institute. accepted the endorsement of the prize first professional recipient of this award. has never once faltered in directing her their ‘big’ school Throughout his career he focused on jury, headed by Prof. Itamar Willner. The For half a century, she has made her people towards its potential as a world- Dr. Mark Todes, Allan Feinblum, Dorron Kline, Philip Krawitz and Lester Hoffman careers. With key problems of solid-state chemistry. ceremony takes place in Jerusalem on life’s purpose the betterment of the class Jewish community. She leads smiles and great His achievements include the Weizmann Israel Independence Day. Jewish community and the strengthening not from the front, but as a doting and Telfed — the representative body of and to promote the new ‘SASI’ academic excitement from the South African student leader Jamie Mithi speaks on 4 February at the University of California, of our brethren in the beloved State of caring shepherd from behind. This award SA Jewry in Israel — has partnered programme, for South Africans who wish pupils and some Los Angeles (UCLA) about the anti-Israel comparison of the Jewish state to apartheid-era to study in Israel. 10 May: 7.30 for 8pm. Herzlia High School Hall. See page 12 affords the community the opportunity to with the Cape community for a South Africa. Photo Credit: Courtesy StandWithUs. Israel. She eschews the limelight but anxiety and tears Memories of Muizenberg her contribution cannot escape the pause and thank her for the tremendous number of decades to facilitate the Top Telfed supporters were invited from parents, Herzlia About two-dozen people file into speaking tour, weighing comparisons spotlight. No member of our community strides we have taken, that are due to her contribution and development of to a thank you breakfast held at Café started 2016 with Dodd 175 at the University of between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians can lay claim to having secured more labours. South African interests in Israel. Riteve, which was followed by an outline one of the largest California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus and the South African apartheid regime. donations, participated in more functions, The award is named for Gerald Kleinman, enior members of Telfed‘s of the organisation’s manifold activities, intakes in decades. on a Thursday night, scouting out “Our apartheid narrative is literally or recruited more volunteers. She has who epitomises dedication to the Cape Smanagement and volunteer lay (including absorption, employment, Constantia and seats and picking at the kosher pizza being stolen right under our feet just an encyclopedic knowledge of our Town Jewish Community. Gerald has leaders (former director, Sid Shapiro; educational, housing and financial Weizmann have in the back of the lecture hall. as our resources have,” Pinini told the communal institutions, our collective a reputation for absolute integrity and chairman of fundraising, Steve Handler assistance, as well as the provision of both added another lecture hall at UCLA on the night. history, and the narratives of hundreds diplomacy. In his gentlemanly manner, and CEO, Dorron Kline) recently spent information, social community events and Grade 1 class to iyelani Pinini knows the drill. A Having ridden the tides of campus of families in greater Cape Town. Ruth’s he has played a larger hand than most a week in Cape Town, which coincided opportunities to volunteer and contribute accommodate the former student president of the politics — she was removed as the youthfulness, vigor and passion for her in ensuring the Jewish Community of with the start of the celebrations to the betterment of Israeli society). “I extended enrolment. M University of Cape Town in South Africa, university’s student president, in part people are simply infectious. She toils Cape Town’s strength and vitality. This commemorating the 175th anniversary am quite impressed by what I saw,” said Grade 1 pupils, Zoe Arelisky, Adam Leeman, Adam Beder and Cheyenne Green, ready to start their school careers she’s attended and even organized her because of her Israel trip — she’s well away each year to ensure that a spark annual award is named after him in order of the Jewish community in South Africa. one of the supporters. “It’s amazing to share of free-pizza events. versed in a political landscape where pro- of passion for Jewish philanthropy is to recognise those professionals or lay- The purpose of the visit was to pay tribute see how one small organisation can But now she and a fellow South African Palestinian students build solidarity with kindled in hundreds of homes across leaders who have offered outstanding to the many Capetonians who support provide all the necessary services for the UJC/YAD Golf Day a success Bnei Akiva show the shape of their student leader were the stars of this one, South Africa’s black majority, winning the fairest Cape. Through both personal service to the UJC. Telfed’s charitable work in this sphere, Southern African community in Israel.” brought to campus by StandWithUs, by default on a playing field where continued on page 15 hearts a pro-Israel education and advocacy opposing Israel is the norm. She views organization, and Students Supporting the connection as illicit. Out and about in March achaneh Dor Shelanu inspired channichim to love Israel and their Judaism. Israel, a national network of pro-Israel The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Supporters take a stand for Israel MMadrichim tried to ensure that everyone felt a responsibly towards Israel and campus groups. (BDS) movement is well-traversed Eli Rabinowitz (Perth), Frances Weinreich, Dr Saul Issroff (London), Mercia Strieman, Joy YOM HA’ATZMAUT to this end they created a map of Israel using their bodies to symbolise how working Kropman, Gwynne Robins, Dinky Braun, Leonard Weinreich, Mervyn Rosenberg and David Having traveled to Israel and the West territory at American colleges, with pro- Lazarus together makes great things possible. Bnei Akiva is happy to announce that this year’s Palestinian students seeking to cut ties Bank on the inaugural trip for the South he Memories of Muizenberg Sydney, Perth and Toronto, is currently Rosh Machaneh is Jordy Sank. Bnei channichim are asked to ‘watch this space’ for with companies doing business in Israel Africa-Israel Forum (SAIF) in January Exhibition which started at the encouraging nostalgia in San Diego. Not what is in store for them in 2016. and pro-Israel students loudly objecting. T 2015, she and law student Jamie Mithi Jewish Museum, and then travelled to bad for a local exhibition. To celebrate, undertook a whirlwind southern California Continued on page 39 the Labia Museum in Muizenberg, to Joy Kropman hosted a gathering with the Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris Community the exhibition’s supporters and the team Centre in Johannesburg, then to Herzliya members who had assisted with the in Israel, then to London, Melbourne, research for the exhibition. 11 May: 5pm. Weizmann Primary School. See page 11 Dallas, Texas for Torah High star see page 26 see pages 30 and 31 David Lurie exhibition opening at the SA Jewish Every month the Jewish Chronicle provides stories of Museum: Former Justice of the Constitutional UJC campaign launch: Avin Lieberman, Court of South Africa, Albie Sachs with Gavin Lauren Lieberman, Alex Groeneweg and interest to the Cape Town Jewish Community. Please Morris and Janet and David Lurie Aron Turest-Swartz pay your voluntary subscription to support us. Banking details: Standard Bank — Branch: Thibault Square; Branch code: 020 909; Account no: 070 703 493; Account name: The Cape Jewish Chronicle Trust; Account type: Current. Please email confirmation of payment to [email protected] and kindly quote your communal number, which you can find on your address label. s Israel Apartheid Week drew to a to show their support. Dancing in the Please also inform us of any change of address. Aclose on Friday 11 March, Christian street waving dual South African and Zionists, together with members of Israeli handheld flags, large Israeli flags Cheques to: Cape Jewish Chronicle, P O Box 4176, Cape Town 8000, the Cape Town Jewish community, and posters condemning racism and Credit card: Phone office 021 464-6721 (am) took a stand against antisemitism antisemitism, the supporters showed see page 34 Madrichim and channichim expressing their and racism. The gathering took place passers-by that Israel indeed is a force to Golf cart shennanigans See page 36 and 37 for the full story support of Israel See page 16 for more Asher Valentini from Cape Town Torah High has been selected to play for the under 19 Ikapa Thank you for your support! Chabad on Campus launch: Gina Reingold, Ryan Jones, Hannah Delit, Nadav Aharonov, outside Parliament and was attended be reckoned with and has great support team who are participating in the Dr Pepper Cup, in Dallas, Texas this month. ISRAEL FAIR 16-17 May. See page 16 Martine Sandler, Samantha Miller and Rob Weiner by approximately 120 people who came behind her.

JEWISH LITERARY FESTIVAL 22 May: 9am – 5pm. Gardens Community Centre, Hatfield Street. See page 7 Shabbat and Yom Tov Times

Date Portion Candle lighting CAPE TOWN HOLOCAUST CENTRE earliest latest Tues 3 May 6pm: Lecture by soprano Julia Bronkhorst 6 May/28 Nisan Acharei 5.42pm 6.34pm Monday 9 May 6pm: Lecture by Robert M Kaplan 13 May/5 Iyar Kedoshim 5.37pm 6.29pm Sunday 15 May 2pm: 22nd Commemoration of Rwanda Genocide 20 May/12 Iyar Emor 5.32pm 6.25pm See page 25 27 May/19 Iyar Behar 5.29pm 6.22pm N.B. Please note that the times indicated are the earliest times for candle lighting. Please consult your Rabbi. The following organisations are affiliated to Jewish Care Cape Cape Jewish Seniors Association • Glendale • Highlands House • Jewish Community Services • Nechama • Oranjia • ASTRA Centre (Jewish Sheltered Employment and Rosecourt Group Homes) www.jewishcare.org.za

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Insure Corp Brokers (Pty) Ltd | 2015/091221/07  0861 COVERED | 0861 268 373  [email protected] is a juristic representative of Lionel Isaacs Insurance Brokers | FSB No. 13343 6 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Celebrating 40 years at Chabad’s Miracle Drive 2016 "For the last fifty years" said former SA President F W De Klerk, "I wake up every morning with a jolt in my heart." Though his is a jolt for the future of South Africa at large, the same could be said for Chabad of Cape Town's Rabbi Mendel and Avigail Popack, whose ‘Celebration 40’ anniversary was marked at the 16 March Miracle Drive dinner where the former president was the guest of honour.

riendship Circle, Gan Izzy, JLI, Chabad Hebrew Rabbi Yossi Goldman shares Mr Steven Cohen receives the Menorah FSchool, Mega Holiday Celebrations, and one Former South African President Mr F.W. de Klerk with a message and introduces the Award on behalf of Eric and Sheila on one learning are just some of the many ‘jolting’ Rabbi Mendel and Avigail Popack Former President Samson activities, but the four decades of Chabad in the Mother City were capped at the dazzling affair and gala dinner with the announcement of yet two more ambitious frontiers: The Eric and Sheila Samson Chabad on Campus Student Centre will be the new home for Jewish Students under the leadership of Rabbi Nissan and Ariella Goldman; and Cteen Cape Town, the world's fastest growing Jewish Teen Network has officially launched in Cape Town with a maiden trip of four teens to the International Cteen Shabbaton, in New Abe Sank, winner of the Turkish Airlines Celebrity personality York. Business Class Tickets with Turkish Airlines Suzelle entertains at The fast paced video presentations, delectable Honorary Chairman Mr Raymond Representatives Miracle Drive catering by Merle Rubin, flowing spirits thanks to Ackerman receiving the Torah Award Glenfiddich, stylish decor and the participation of together with his daughter Suzanne. hundreds of partners and supporters in the Chabad of Cape Town activities, came together to enjoy a night of endless prizes, riveting entertainment, and firm support for the growth and expansion of Chabad's vision to reach out to every Jew with love and inspiration. One moving moment was when the ‘Minyan’ of ten Shluchim and Shluchos serving across the spectrum of Cape Town's centres of Jewish Life and Learning ascended the stage for a special presentation of gratitude and tribute to Rabbi and Mrs. Popack. If Miracle Drive 5776 was anything to go by, after the last 40 years of Chabad all we can say is "you ain't Rabbi Levi Popack, Eric Samson, Former President F.W. de Klerk, Rabbi Mendel Abe Sank, Eric Samson, Gabi Sank and Sheila Popack, Paul Berman, Honorary Chairman Raymond Ackerman, Isak Kogan and seen nothing yet!" Samson Rebbetzin Rosie Popack

Solly and Charly Nankin Former President F.W. de Klerk recite the Tehillim receives an award at Miracle Drive

The Minyan of Shluchim and Shluchos serving Cape Town Communities presenting Rabbi Mendel and Avigail Popack with an award.

Pat Herman, Hazel Kosviner, Avigail Popack and Rene Borstrock

Representatives from Traficc, Miracle Drive Corporate Sponsors, with the Former President Crowds enjoying yet another successful Miracle drive Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 7 South Africa’s Inaugural Jewish Literary Festival: Why it’s all about the book By Caryn Gootkin

I’ve had my nose buried in a book ever in a long time, devouring every word that Literary critic George Steiner refers life and perhaps you've made sense of since I learned to read. Rebbetzin Maizels and Bryan Opert utter. to the twentieth century language one small area.” And it’s the Melton methodology of text- revolution in linguistics and language- These and other Jewish writers, product of a Herzlia education, a BA based study that made me realise that, based philosophy and criticism as "a descendants of our proud tradition Ain languages and a Jewish home with apologies to Meghan Trainor, the second principal chapter, as it were, in of wordsmithery, enjoy far greater (“I do not recall a Jewish home without relationship between Jews and words is the decisive interaction between Judaism literary recognition than their numeric a book on the table.” — Elie Wiesel), ‘all about the’ book. and the genius of the spoken and written representation should allow. Although I eat, sleep, breathe and engage with Melton brings 4000-year-old texts word." (“Some Meta-Rabbis”, 1976). Jews account for around 0.2% of the words every day. Whether I’m teaching alive in the context of the modern world, Steiner’s first principal chapter was the world’s population, Jewish writers have plain language, writing an opinion piece, making it clear why many say ours is not text-centric reconstruction of Judaism by won roughly 13% of the total number of engaging with the world on Twitter, a bloodline, but a textline. The study of the Rabbis in the Talmudic period. This Nobel prizes for Literature. Similarly, reading to my children or Torah and other ensured it survived while occupying editing someone else’s Jewish texts has the ruins of Jerusalem around 2% of the words, words are my I delved deeper into been central to and became what These and other Jewish population of the USA, currency; it’s hard wired religious life ever Steiner describes American Jews have into my DNA. why I — and millions of since biblical as an "indestructible writers, descendants won a whopping 53% Well aware of my my fellow Jews around times, beginning house of words". of our proud tradition of the Pulitzer Prizes own obsession with the the world — feel so with the Torah Israeli writer Amos of wordsmithery, enjoy for Non-Fiction. magical dance of letters nourished and connected (the ‘book’). The Oz and his daughter, far greater literary Over the years, as into syllables, words, Talmud and other Fania Oz-Salzberger, Jews have begun phrases, sentences and when reading, studying, rabbinic literature also refer to the recognition than their uniting over their love verses, I’d never given discussing and talking are early examples Jewish people’s numeric representation of words, Jewish book much thought to the about words. of Jews grappling “deep sense of the should allow. festivals have sprung general Jewish affiliation with and debating importance of words” up all over the world. to words — written, sung the meaning of in their book jews and And on 22 May 2016 or spoken. I mean, I’ve words and their words (2012). South African Jews always known we love books, stories, significance — in this case, those God Jews have a tradition of explaining life will join their counterparts throughout the poetry, plays; I’ve just never linked this to gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. through stories and know all too well there world. I am thrilled to have been involved our Jewish roots. So I delved deeper into Maimonides and other medieval writers is no better way to make a point than with planning the first Jewish Literary why I — and millions of my fellow Jews continued this tradition, always going to weave it into a captivating tale. The Festival in South Africa, to be held at the around the world — feel so nourished back to the Torah for the original text celebrated Israeli author, Shai Agnon, on Gardens Community Centre in Cape Town and connected when reading, studying, before examining the interpretations receiving his Nobel Prize for Literature in on 22 May 2016. If you love books, Jewish discussing and talking about words. of the various rabbis and arriving at a 1966, explained: “People's talk and the literature, culture and conversation, don’t I’m privileged to be a student again after conclusion. And so it continued through stories they tell have been engraved on miss this jam-packed day of fascinating an 18-year break — and this time it’s the centuries of commentaries, teaching my heart, and some of them have flown events. For more information, visit so much more civilised. Every Monday and philosophy of the modern religious into my pen.” The South African Jewish www.jewishliteraryfestival.co.za, like morning, I spend two hours engaging scholars and goes on today in the voices Nobel Laureate, Nadine Gordimer, our Facebook page, Cape Town Jewish with Jewish life and thought in my Melton of modern Jewish writers, both religious explained why she wrote: “Writing is Literary Festival, follow us on Twitter @ Year 1 study group; I haven’t felt this alive and secular. making sense of life. You work your whole JewishLitFest and book on Quicket.

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DIRECTOR’S CUT A light unto the Nations — the Role of Daniel Levitt, Executive Director of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Business in South Africa By Gwynne Robins Jewish history has provided us, to breakdown due course used that knowledge to develop the the Jewish nation, with a clear and weaken our 175 years ago a handful of British and German fashion and furniture industries. lesson that at a time of disunity community at its Jews got together in what is now part of the Philip Krawitz quoted Rabbi Hertz, later we are at our utmost level of core. Never should Mount Nelson, for a Kol Nidrei Service. That British Chief Rabbi, who told a 1905 Zionist vulnerability. we be guilty of the was the beginning of organised Jewish life Conference that Jews should be taught the truth misplacement of positive intent in South Africa, something the community and should look at themselves not as exploiters hen the world is witness to into possible danger which could is now celebrating with a host of events but as active participants in the up-building of ‘Jew vs Jew’ our enemies deeply effect our own people. throughout this year. W the national life. are empowered to implement their This month we commemorate ost of the Jews who arrived here over As they have proved themselves to be. attacks with velocity and strength. Yom Hashoah, the Holocaust the next hundred years landed poverty But the economic development they set in train When we as a nation are broken Remembrance Day. There is M stricken, and what they have achieved and what as Krawitz showed, was only part of the story. from the inside we are by nature no need to express the intimate they have put back into their new country is a In the process of developing their businesses, disempowered to defend our cause sensitivities represented in this good story to tell, indeed, a remarkable story to these leaders set examples as to how workers and we are weakened to the core. commemoration other then to say tell. should be treated and how to plough back However, our history has also the day itself directly affects every The Jewish economic contribution has into the Jewish community and the wider proven that at times of external Jewish person and should be a often been commented on. What is less often community. Universities have benefitted from threat we are driven to unite, to set platform for complete unity. It is recognised is the amazing the establishment of chairs aside differences and to join forces incumbent on us, members of the contribution these Jews and departments and even a with vigorous effort towards the Jewish community, to focus the have made through their Not only have Jewish teaching hospital; art galleries future of our people. passion, anger and emotion arising Jewish value system with and libraries by the donation of This is clear in the epicenter from the thoughts of the Holocaust business leaders created its stress on Tikkun Olam, art and books, and museums of Jewish identity, the State of into a channel of respect for the hundreds of thousands of social upliftment in keeping were established (think of Israel. To call Israel a nucleus heroic survivors and to honour the with Hillel’s words: “If I am jobs... [but] it is hard to the Irma Stern Museum and of vigorous debate would be an great memory of the souls — men, not for others, what am I?” the SA Jewish Museum). understatement. The Knesset is women, children, rabbis, teachers, think of an economic field This is the story that Philip These philanthropists have home to a magnitude of differences inventors, heroes — all murdered Jews have not affected Krawitz outlined before an also looked to the future by where all for being Jewish. enthralled audience in a positively. establishing foundations and representation Yom Hashoah is talk on The Role of Jewish charitable trusts so that even and opinion is We should feel a fundamental Business in South Africa when their contribution to the accepted. The confident to hold time to — A Light unto the Nations — as part of the economy has become a distant memory, their society is at times authentically our representatives 175th anniversary celebrations. His thoroughly names will live on through the grants given by deeply divided offer respect for researched address using information culled their foundations. in its intent and accountable to engage the six million from many sources, was a tour de force. Nor did Many of these leaders, including Philip vision for their with current issues and Jews, our he forget to pay credit to the instrumental role Krawitz and Michael Bagraim (both former country. Media in brothers and find solutions that are played by the wives for their Board of Deputies Chairmen) Israel represent sisters. support and assistance. have become leaders in significant suitable to all members The Jewish Not only have Jewish When the East European Chambers of Commerce and differences of of the community. people are facing business leaders created Chambers of Industry where opinion all of challenges immigrants arrived hundreds of thousands they consistently opposed which have a wide in the form starting from the of jobs. they have helped apartheid legislation and readership and following. However, of antisemitism. We are today to create and develop 1880s, they brought confronted Government in when an external force arises with blessed with capability to defend the fashion industry, the artisanal skills as tailors, respect to the discriminatory the possibility of severely harming and empower our own people. insurance industry, the laws. the nation as a whole, no longer However, unity, loyalty and shoemakers, carpenters, iron and steel and furniture Nor have they forgotten is there separation but rather camaraderie is key to a strong printers, jewelers, industries, wine making, the Jewish community. As absolute unity. This is evident future for the Jewish Nation and food canning, retail trading, locksmiths and cigar Michael Bagraim said in his in the Iranian threat towards the should take precedent over all supermarkets, shipping, vote of thanks, the reason Jewish State, where all Jewish internal issues. makers... and property development. that the South African Jewish parties and representations have Nobel Laureate and Holocaust It is hard to think of an community can function so consistently accepted and united survivor, Elie Wiesel, recounts economic field Jews have not affected positively. well, looking after its community from cradle to in opinion. Unity in both media and his experience when he arrived in Philip outlined an amazing, enlightening and grave, with schools and institutions that can stand society when it comes to Hamas Auschwitz and his surprise when unsung record of examples established by the with pride anywhere in the world, is because and Hezbollah are consistent in the prisoner in charge spoke kindly high standards set by Jewish business leaders of the visionary leadership and exceptional their defense of Israel. to him: for corporate social responsibility, in providing generosity of their benefactors. These people It is therefore disturbing when Comrades, you’re in the staff training, clinics, crèches, schools and have set incredible examples of Tikkun Olam Jewish communities are faced concentration camp of Auschwitz. bursaries for their employees’ children and through their on-going philanthropy. with significant internal attacks There’s a long road of suffering interest-free loans for staff housing. Rabbi Shimon said that the crown of a good by its own people. Yes, there is ahead of you. But don’t lose The early settlers dealt in wool and hides, name surmounts all but, in this article, it is the place for a robust debate and courage. You’ve already escaped setting up chains of trading stations, which, by case of ‘no names, no pack drill’ — because, as the engagement of issues that the gravest danger: selection. So providing long term credit to storekeepers and Krawitz pointed out, verreibles are the last thing deeply affect our identities and now, muster your strength and farmers, were the fore runners of commercial someone with Alzheimer’s remembers. principles. Yes, there is a need to don’t loose heart. We shall all see banking while they also brought out struggling However, as a community we remember and firmly stand for what we believe to the day of liberation. Have faith relatives and set them up in those trading stores. we honour the role of Jewish business in our be important issues on Jewish life. in life. Above all else, have faith. In the nineteenth century Jews were active in city for being a light unto the nations and a life We should feel confident to hold Hell is not for eternity. And now, shipping, fishing and guano harvesting, and saver to our community enabling us to thrive and our representatives accountable a prayer — or rather a piece of played roles in establishing the sugar industry we are fortunate to have living among us some to engage with current issues and advice: let there be comradeship and marketing diamonds and gold. When the visionary and generous community members. find solutions that are suitable to among you. We are all brothers, East European immigrants arrived starting Michael Bagraim pointed out that our small all members of the community. and we are all suffering the same from the 1880s, they brought artisanal skills Jewish community punches much above its But never should we allow our fate. The same smoke floats over as tailors, shoemakers, carpenters, printers, weight and stands on the shoulders of giants, differences to morph into internal all our heads. Help one another. It jewelers, locksmiths and cigar makers and, in one of whom is Philip Krawitz. attacks that have the potential is the only way to survive. www.capebod.org.za Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 9

YOM HASHOAH V’HAGEVURAH The Holocaust & Heroism Day

Thursday 5 May 2016 12:45pm Pinelands Jewish Cemetery No. 2 Forest Drive Pinelands Cape Town

Artwork by Michaela Franco 10 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016

Honouring the Righteous By Gwynne Robins Two years ago Lina Kantor (the speaker broadcasts, provided the Amato family taken the clever precaution at the Board’s 2014 Yom Hashoah with news of the war. Just before curfew of backdating the document ceremony) went with her family to one night Albert Amato came to see the to 1941 when they married, Rhodes Island. Sotgius. He told them that all male Jews instead of the actual date over 16 years of age had been ordered to in 1944 just before the he community was commemorating report to the air force barracks to register deportation of the Jews when Tthe 70th anniversary of the deportation for a ‘labour camp’. they agreed to hide Lina. of the Rhodes Jewish community from With tears in his eyes Albert asked Girolamo and Bianca Sotgiu their sunny Mediterranean island to them to hide and protect Lina. He knew were prepared to put their the horrors of Auschwitz. On July 23, the danger that was threatening their lives in danger in order to 1944, 1783 Jews were deported on community and feared for himself and his hide and protect Lina. The three small crowded boats to the Haidari family. The Sotgius agreed to take Lina. Kantors felt strongly that these Concentration Camp near Athens and The next day, Bianca, heavily pregnant, actions entitle the Sotgius then, on the last rail transport of the war, cycled 10km to Consul Ülkümen’s home to recognition as ‘Righteous to Auschwitz. Only 151 returned. where he had moved because of the Among the Nations’. Lina and Rafael Erdreich, the representative of the Israeli Embassy in Rome, with the Yad Vashem certificate. Lina’s father was the manager of the constant Allied bombardment, to beg him The Yad Vashem website Solomon Alhadeff Bank and her mother to use his diplomatic powers to protect notes that in a world of Six months later Lina was overjoyed was a musician. They were saved from Jews with Turkish passports. (Turkey was total moral collapse there was a small to receive a copy of the letter from Yad deportation by the Turkish ambassador neutral in World War II, until a week after minority who mustered extraordinary Vashem that had been sent to Maria, Selahattin Ülkümen the deportation). “You courage to uphold human values. They Antonello and Donatella Sotgiu according who demanded that are like god — what will were “ordinary human beings, and it is their parents this honour posthumously. the German garrison With tears in his eyes you do?” she asked him. precisely their humanity that touches It noted that a medal and certificate commander, von The 30-year-old us and should serve as a model.” They of honour would be sent to the Israeli Kleeman, release Albert asked them to Consul said he would stand in stark contrast to the mainstream embassy in Rome who would organise a all Turkish Jews on hide and protect Lina. think about it and of indifference and hostility that prevailed ceremony and reception in their honour. the grounds of their asked her to return the during the Holocaust. Contrary to the In March, Lina and her family travelled to citizenship. In all 42 Jews following evening. By general trend, these rescuers regarded Cagliari, Sardinia to attend the ceremony from Rhodes and from the neighbouring the next day Ülkümen had decided to the Jews as fellow human beings who and thank the Sotgius in person for giving island of Kos owed their lives to his brave act and went into action to create the came within the bounds of their universe them life. intervention. His home soon after was necessary paperwork for as many Jews of obligation. The Sotgius were such Elie Wiesel has written “And so we must bombed, killing two consular employees as he could, to take them under his people. know these good people who helped Jews and injuring his pregnant wife, Mihrinissa, protection. Lina and Gary submitted a formal during the Holocaust. We must learn from who died from her injuries a week after Sitting on Rhodes just a few blocks application to Yad Vashem to have them, and in gratitude and hope, we must giving birth to their son, Mehmet. from where these events had taken Girolamo and Bianca recognised as remember them.” On Rhodes, Lina reminisced about place 70 years earlier, the family were Righteous Gentiles. This the Kantors have done. the Sotgius, an Italian couple who astonished and excited by the details were friends of her parents, who she so vividly recounted in the book, but remembered had taken little Lina into were saddened to note that both Bianca A night of Yiddish magic their home, and about being taken to (2003) and Girolamo (1998) had passed church to learn Catholic prayers so that away. Gary immediately got in touch Yid Dish — a she would escape identification as a Jew. with the book’s publisher, AM&D, who feast of song from Sitting at a café in the Juderia, Lina’s provided contact details for the Sotgius’ the Old World son Gary, puzzled by how little they three children — Federica, Antonello and presented by the really knew about the Sotgius, looked Donatella, all living in Italy. Lina phoned new. up the family name on the internet. He — and the Sotgius were delighted to nd what a feast was surprised to find that in 2002 Bianca establish contact. They sent her a copy of Ait was. Caely-Jo Sotgiu had published a book, Da Rodi their mother’s book and, ever since, have Levy, accompanied a Tavolara (From Rhodes to Tavolara) been communicating by skype, phone by Robin Cohen and one of the chapters, called the and email, treating Lina as family. on keys, Adi Lazar “Deportation of the Jews” was available Gary also contacted Marco Clementi, on bass, Rayelle to download. Sitting across from the an Italian historian he had encountered Goodman on violin Jewish Martyrs memorial, Lina translated on Rhodes Island at a conference on and Dino Ben Dino Ben Tovim, Caely-Jo Levy, Robin Cohen, and Adi Lazar. Inset: the Italian text to her family. the Holocaust in the Aegean that had Tovim on cajon, Rayelle Goodman Bianca described how her husband, coincided with the 70th anniversary of entertained and honour and conserve these songs and Girolamo, listening illicitly to BBC the deportation. Clementi had recently entranced the audience that filled the Old the deep history, lessons and culture that been entrusted with the care of a long lost Shul to capacity. comes with them so that they are not lost Carabineri (police) archive on Rhodes Caely tells how in 2009 she was invited and so that we are reminded of this rich Island. Unopened for nearly 70 years, it to sing in the Yiddish Song Festival. past. She has described it as a humbling revealed a room with one crumbling wall. She felt a deep connection not only to and moving experience. Everything alongside had been destroyed the beautiful and sometimes haunting The repertoire included Vi Di Levune, but along the others were 90,000 melodies but also to the lyrics of the Yidl Mitn Fidl, Farges Mich Nit, Mir documents in bookcases, boxes and songs. These words described her Lebn Eybik/Zog Nit Keynmol, Chiribom, brown folders, labelled in blue, yellow and heritage, religion, history, and culture and Oyfn Pripetchik, Rebe Elimelech/Az red pencil — the fruits of a long forgotten, suddenly she felt more connected to her Der Rebe, Papirossen, My Yiddishe zealous bureaucracy. Among them was a Yiddishkayt and identity than ever before. Mama, Bay Mir Bistu Shein, Friling, Grine five-column, six-page list of the Rhodes These songs raised the questions Kuzine, Rumenye Rumenye, Abi Gezunt, Island Jews. As part of his work, Clementi — Where do I come from? How did we Rozshinkes mit Mandlen and Rhodes chief archivist, Irene Toliou, get to South Africa? What happened to How fitting that this has been brought to are cataloguing and digitising all the Yiddish? What is Yiddish? How did I not us in the year of our 175th Anniversary documents on behalf of the Washington know all this till now? Is this why we eat honouring the past and taking it into the Holocaust Museum. gefilte fish? Was there a Yiddish theater future. Instructed by Gary, Clementi searched culture? If so, who were the stars? What The question on everyone’s lips at the and found a file with Lina Amato’s name happened to these song writers? Does end was “when is the next show?” — upon it. In the file, Lina’s certificate of this generation know all this? watch this space! Lina Kantor arrives at Cagliari airport and is adoption by the Sotgius. The Sotgius had She felt it was now her responsibility to greeted by her ‘sister’ Federica Sotgiu. www.capebod.org.za Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 11 68 Yo m Ha’at “Somewh maut ere over the rainbow” Weizmann Primary School at 17h00 ates open free y 2016 • G under 3 Wed 11 Ma Children ildren • 10 for ch lt • R re! r adu d mo 30 pe lls an R ite sta avour our f : All y ng ttoo • ki ter Ta boo • Glit ll ooth ta hotob S s • P uk a s ride Sh o.z iddie r c.c s • K e o ctj band ac c1@ Local sp pz 5 g • w 4 sin 714 7h rti 4 6 1 ve 46 v ad 021 ri al te: a it vet a’ dig Y M For ha/ c SOUTH in AFRICAN M Z ionist F ederation CAPE COUNCIL

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View from the Chair SAFI Conference 2016 By Rowan Polovin, Chairman, SAZF Cape Council In its five years of existence It is time for those who criticise Israel sometimes shocked to the South African Friends unfairly to come to terms with their encounter thousands of Israel (SAFI) has become contextual fallacy, that is, looking of armed soldiers, and crucial to communicating at a situation without context, often get the impression that with the broader South reversing cause and effect in the Israel is a militaristic African community and a process, and thus misunderstanding society. This viewpoint flagship project of the SAZF. or misreading it. is magnified by the enemies of Israel in order to make a claim that its military AFI’s primary mission his fallacy is deployed consciously by exists to ‘suppress’ Palestinians. Sis to maintain and build TIsrael’s detractors and unconsciously They fail to recognise Israel as a society relationships with different even by its supporters. It is a classic under constant threat of annihilation. The cultural, religious and ethnic weapon in the propaganda arsenal of reason for the IDF, as well as mandatory communities within South Israel’s enemies, who exploit it for their army service in Israel, is an effect and not Africa in order to educate and advocate for Israel. grotesque purposes. Israel’s security a cause of the threat. Another example Conference guests enjoying music with ‘Diversity’. barrier is a case in point. The barrier, 95% are Jews of Ethiopian descent, who SAFI has not only reached guest speakers, Shahar Azani — of which is a fence and not a ‘wall’, was critics claim are victims of racism. Firstly, out to Christian communities, Executive Director, StandWithUs, designed and built to prevent Palestinian racism is a worldwide problem and thus but has established relationships and Ze’ev Ben Shachar — Director of Israel terrorism, specifically suicide bombings, also exists in Israel, and one should of received tremendous support from Education, Jerusalem U. and Winton which escalated during the Second course combat racism but not unfairly various cultures and faiths, including the Steward — International Pro-Israel Intifada from 2000 onwards. single out Israel. Secondly, placed in Hindu Maha Sabha, Italian, Hellenic and Campus Outreach Director, who kept It has been extraordinarily effective and the correct context, Jews of Ethiopian Portuguese communities. the audience enthralled. The delegates potentially saved thousands of civilian descent are the first Africans in history In an effort to build bridges and fortify were given practical and effective ways lives. Taken out of context, particularly taken out of the continent into freedom as support for Israel in Africa, SAFI has to advocate for Israel using various by those who do not understand or opposed to slavery. Surely Israel should embarked on a number of projects channels including social media. choose to misunderstand the context in be praised for its rescue operations as that uplift and educate the broader Afternoon break away sessions hosted which it exists, it has been denigrated, opposed to being criticised? Finally, it is community about Israel and the local by an array of speakers were well shamed and turned into a symbol of evil, a contextual fallacy to say that Jewish Jewish population. On 13 March over attended with delegates thirsty to learn without even comparing it with the many existence in its ancient homeland is 500 people gathered from all across the as much as possible about the Holy other barriers around the world including a cause of war, Palestinian terrorism, continent at the Killarney Country Club in Land. Notable political figures were in the United Kingdom, United States, suffering and unrest. Rather, these are an Johannesburg for the fourth Annual Israel attendance including senior members of Egypt, India and others who live with no effect of the Palestinian and Arab world’s Advocacy Conference hosted by SAFI. various faith groups, political parties and existential threats. unyielding refusal to come to terms with The event was a massive success with embassies. Upon arriving in Israel, outsiders are Israel’s existence. keynote addresses given by international

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Shurat Hadin training seminar By David Polovin

The Activist Lawyers Training Seminar include brilliant strategic legal minds, is a unique opportunity to learn how to powerful leadership and organisational defend Israel against the propaganda skills and no less than six beautiful war constantly waged in the court of children including triplets. popular opinion. Shurat HaDin wins magnificent victories in court against the funders srael’s enemies have organised and supporters of terror. Its battles Ia well-funded, international and are legendary and include awards of successful campaign to delegitimise her millions of dollars against the Palestinian by presenting Israel as a rogue state, Authority and Fatah who dispatched constantly engaged in the abuse of suicide bombers to Israel and rewarded human rights. This evil strategy succeeds their handlers and families with bonuses in multiple places like the United Nations, and pensions, and institutions like Arab university campuses and worst of all, Bank whose clients funded the Hamas in the minds of impressionable, often bombing atrocities in Israel during past educated people constantly exposed years. In front of the Knesset Menorah located at the edge of Gan Havradim (Rose Garden) to lies that Israel engages in Apartheid- Recent victories include stopping an like practices against the Arab and armada of ships attempting to repeat his humbleness and depth of knowledge. break every possible convention and Palestinian population. the Mavi Marmara debacle when Israel In the afternoon we visited the Bethlehem moral precept in their efforts to hurt and It succeeds too in persuading otherwise suffered massive propaganda damage border check point and surveillance unit, kill Israeli citizens. indifferent individuals who are unlikely to after violence resulted from arresting the an altogether sobering experience on The seminar was not all talk however research the issues independently, that Turkish blockade-buster off the coast of the same day as multiple terror attacks and recreational activities including a Israel does bad things to the Palestinians Gaza. How do lawyers stop a ship from happened in Jerusalem, Jaffa and Peta ride on ATVs in the alongside the Jordan and is therefore a wicked nation. The sailing? By being smart and combining Tikva. The afternoon lectures inspired River in the Galilee, a visit to a kibbutz notion that Jews do evil resonates law and strategy to prevent the ships from with their understanding of high level overlooking ‘Hezbollaland’ (formally with visceral antisemitism, and allies even leaving port after proving that they efforts in the US to counter the BDS Lebanon) and to Tsvat, the legendary powerfully with knee-jerk reactions to were non-compliant with shipping and movement through State legislation, hilltop capital of Kabbalah. A fun and claims that Israel practices Apartheid. insurance regulations. as well as the use of smart rhetoric bonding experience for the international Israel’s unending struggle for survival Lately Shurat HaDin has attacked the and social media to counter anti-Israel lawyers attending the seminar. against Jihad, which teaches that a heads of Palestinian TV stations in the propaganda specially to open minded, Shabbos evening service was Jewish sovereign state is anathema International Criminal Court for airing liberal audiences. conducted at the Kotel followed by a and must be destroyed, is unseen, incitement to stab and kill Jews which Day two included a series of stunning communal dinner at the lovely Mamilla unheard and therefore irrelevant as a is partly responsible for the stabbing lectures and a visit to the military court for Hotel just outside the walls of the Old context and explanation against which of civilians and soldiers on the streets Samaria and Judah. Famous American City in Jerusalem. It is always a joy and controversial events occur. It is no of Israel. This is what going after the Jurist Professor Alan Dershowitz was privilege to be in the City of Gold but surprise that the propaganda war often money really means because terror, like among the speakers and thrilled an the mood was sombre with repeated feels insurmountable but there have been propaganda, cannot function without it. audience of 45 seasoned lawyers with his incidents of terror clouding our natural stunning counter-successes too. What The writer was privileged to attend the brilliant logic and articulate presentation. optimism as we walked the Shabbos- lawyers can do is to confront Israel’s second annual training seminar in March Day three included lectures on the quiet streets. enemies where they are particularly 2016, with the blessing and support of true extent of the threat represented by The seminar ended Sunday 13 March vulnerable and that includes depriving the Cape Zionist Federation. The first powerful enemies like Iran and its client with a series of awesome lectures. The them of the oxygen supplied by their day of the Conference started on a high Hezbollah and a talk by David Benjamin, resources of a large group of passionate benefactors in the form of generous note with a tour of the Supreme Court an ex-Capetonian who we last saw at and committed Zionist lawyers allied to funding. in Jerusalem. This architectural iconic Limmud in 2013. David is an expert on the Shurat HaDin will become a formidable The Activist Lawyers Training Seminar building, a gift of the Rothschild family, laws of war and stood at the side of the fighting force against the likes of BDS aims to become an annual event hosted is the center of Israel’s judiciary and IDF during a previous Gaza war making and others who plan harm to Israel and in Jerusalem by Shurat HaDin, (Israel deals with an astounding 9 000 petitions sure that the IDF lived up to its reputation the Jewish people, and I am confident Law Centre), an NGO led by the inspiring annually divided amongst only 15 judges. as the most moral army in the world. How that attending this seminar will benefit husband and wife team Avi and Nitsana We held a round table meeting with ironic that Israel consults lawyers before the South African Jewish Community in Darshan-Leitner, whose attributes Justice E Rubinstein, who impressed with firing a shot in defense whilst its enemies multiple directions in future. BDS Conference in Jerusalem By Rowan Polovin I was recently in Jerusalem to attend were discussed and debated with the unity in the Jewish World against BDS Cyprus or in any other territorial dispute — the Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet 1500 people in attendance over a series and Jews around the world must stand you see double standards only against the conference on combating the Boycott of panels, talks and workshops. There is up and fight the organisation locally and Jewish state." He concluded that, "if that's Movement against Israel. widespread consensus throughout the internationally until it ceases to exist. not antisemitism, then I don't know what political spectrum in Israel that the boycott Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked is." The European Union Ambassador he conference reflects a strategic movement and its network of racists, outlined legal steps by the government to to Israel, Lars Faaborg-Andersen, who Teffort within the Israeli government fascists and extremists needs to be fight the BDS movement. She highlighted himself resisted calls from BDS to boycott and society to deal with antisemitic exposed, delegitimised and marginalised. the antisemitic nature of the movement and the anti-boycott conference, stated that fringe organisations like BDS that aim President Rivlin stated that BDS does that "it has nothing to do with one policy or the EU is opposed to BDS, but gave the to delegitimise and destroy the Jewish not believe in Israel’s right to exist, and that another of the State of Israel”. The Justice impression that the EU does not fully State. It included Israeli President there needs to be differentiation between Ministry has created a section dealing with understand the antisemitic and destructive Reuven Rivlin, President of the World what he termed legitimate criticism of the issue, with manpower and resources nature of the movement or its desire to Jewish Congress Ron Lauder, key Israeli Israel and illegitimate delegitimisation of as its disposal. Energy and Infrastructure destroy Israel. political leaders, as well as important Israel by her detractors. Rivlin said, “we Minister Yuval Steinitz bemoaned the Through a powerful and growing individuals in the areas of culture, finance, must show the world that the claims of the double-standards of the movement and network of individuals, governments and media, law and academia from Israel BDS movement are based on hatred and its supporters and that "when states or organisations around the world who stand and around the world. The attempted enmity of the State of Israel”. Ron Lauder, groups or universities boycott Israel and with Israel, justice, peace and human boycotts against Israel in the political, President of the World Jewish Congress, then don't take similar actions against rights, I was left satisfied that the tide is academic, economic and cultural arenas told the audience that there is complete Turkish companies investing in Northern turning against this hateful movement.

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NETZER BNEI AKIVA

It has been such Are water shortages my problem? parts of the country, an incredible such as Bloemfontein, month for Netzer! s water something we take for granted? it is now illegal to water We started out IAs a youth movement should we be gardens, and should the with our amazing aware of how this is affecting our lives drought continue we will Netzer Fun Day and the lives of others? Can we draw face similar restrictions at West Coast parallels between South Africa and Israel countrywide. Temple Israel when we talk about water? Water is also a scarce where the kids Based on rainfall measured over the resource in Israel. The Kinneret is the came together for past year, this is the worst drought major fresh water source in Israel, and games, food, and experienced in South Africa in the past the level has been dropping over the past fun by the pool. century. The drought has a direct impact few years. It is feared that if the level falls on our food supply. The growth of flour, too low, the entire water system could be eshet, our Netzer Fun Day at West Coast Temple Israel maize and other crops is severely limited harmed by natural salt water rising from Koldest age topics, ranging from Empowerment and and they become more expensive. This underground. Israel had to limit water group, ran several activities for the Tikkun Olam, to Biblical leadership and leads to increases in the price of bread drawn from the Kinneret, and developed children and proved that they are more Reform Judaism. We also looked at our and challah. So yes, we do care, and solutions for this problem. They have than up to the task of being maddies for branches from around the world, their this is just one example of the knock-on become the global expert in water the duration of the year! As this was our social action projects, challenges, and effect that the drought creates. Living a desalination, and now extract much of first full scale event for this year, it was successes. Finally, Keshet was also given privileged life, these knock on effects take their water supply from sea water through the perfect opportunity to introduce new the opportunity to test out their Netzer longer for us to feel. But for those people a process known as reverse osmosis. faces to the Netzer family, and also give leadership skills through planning and living in poverty, a drought becomes They now export this technology to our returning members an opportunity to running a great activity for their maddies. a crisis, food becomes scarce, people many other water scarce countries, and catch up and reminisce about all the fun As part of the programme, Keshet also starve. generate income and goodwill through we had on Machaneh. worked together to create a wonderful In South Africa over 70% of the this process. Israel also leads the world Netzer also recently held our annual musical show that told the story of Purim. population is estimated to be facing a in water recycling techniques, whereby Hadracha Seminar at Wynberg Temple They then performed this at the Glendale food crisis due to the current conditions. waste water is purified and re-used Israel. HadSem is a three-day leadership Home, where they were also able to meet Because most of us don’t see the effects Between Shmini Atzeret and Pesach seminar for our oldest age group, run some of the residents and share in their of the drought around us, this has not we add in the prayer for rain — we should by Netzer leaders. This year, our theme Purim celebrations. We’ve had some become a concern. realise how significant this prayer is was Empowerment and Leadership. incredible events — but if you missed Can you help to conserve water? Of during the current times of drought. We looked at our role as young South them, don’t worry — look out for our next course you can. Switch the tap off while African Jews and the contribution that Netzer Fun Day event and join us! you brush your teeth and don’t water B’virkat Torah V’Avodah we can make in our communities. We your garden unnecessarily. In certain Nathan Esra Rosh Gurim explored and engaged in a variety of Nilmad vena’aseh Emily Johns HABONIM DROR DILLER TEEN FELLOWS PROGRAMME What makes a secular Jewish The Cape Town cohort has person Jewish? now experienced their two Shabbatonim. have no faith in religion or the Idivine. It sometimes feels there is heir first Shabbaton at the little that makes me part of the same Tend of February was their tribe as my ancestors or my religious Jewish identity Shabbaton. The Jewish sisters and brothers today. It fellows used the weekend to is at times like these, however, that explore their personal Jewish I must remember I am not alone. A identity. The exploration was 2016 Pew Poll has shown that in the done by looking at the different US, only 35% of people who identify streams of Judaism, and as Jewish said observing Jewish are often Jewish). Remembering Jewish finding their place within the Cape Town Diller Teen Fellows on their Jewish Identity law was essential to their Jewish identity suffering and the holocaust is certainly religion. Shabbaton — in Israel just 19%. another. No group of people would or Throughout the Shabbaton Interestingly enough, as much as 49% of should forget a history of such pain and they had the opportunity to Shabbat and food. The fellows were American Jews said being ‘intellectually persecution. understand the meaning behind the separated into four different committees curious’ was essential to their Jewish Ultimately, however, I am Jewish Kabbalat Shabbat service prayers, as to plan. Each fellow had a role within identity, and 56% said a care for justice because of the intertwined, inter- well as the morning service prayers and their committee. The Self-Management and equality. The most essential to dependent nature of these characteristics: Havdallah. The group formed a very Shabbaton deals with responsibility and personal Jewish identity for Jews in the from the culture of debate and strong deep bond with each other, and formed a leadership. The teens planned excellent US and Israel however, was remembering opinion that contributed to a concern for very strong group identity. A Shabbaton workshops based on the theme of the holocaust, with 65% of Israelis and justice and equality, aided by a history of like this, which is dedicated to exploring connection and networking. They ran all 73% of Americans stating its importance. persecution, birthing Jewish paranoia and personal Judaism, is something very their workshops and Shabbat services In analysing Jewish identity, I could see complaint, to the Jewish support networks important. Some of the teens left feeling alone for each other, as well as prepped the above characteristics; an intellectual (schools, camps, and old-age homes) as though they understood their personal all the food. It was incredible to be a part curiosity is certainly relevant — from my that are products of persecution as well Jewish identity better, where as some left of a Shabbaton that they planned from experience Jews are often opinionated as communalism, to the types of dark with more questions and others left having scratch and completely succeeded in. and interested in discussion and debate. A or ‘Woody Allen-y’ humour that emerge received clarification in understanding the Both Shabbatonim were successful, concern for justice and equality is another when you belong to a people others are religion. bringing the group closer and giving them — from Marx, to Trotsky, to Chomsky, always suspicious of. My personality is Our second Shabbaton, which is called a true Diller Teen Fellows experience they even to those who have been involved largely birthed from intertwined Jewish the Self-Management Shabbaton, was will never forget. We now look forward to in activism in South Africa (Jewish anti- culture and Jewish experience, how thus, a great success. This Shabbaton is welcoming our Israeli partnership city, Apartheid activists, and even today, the could I not be a Jew? planned entirely by the fellows. They plan Shoham, to Cape Town. few white privileged individuals who work Jesse Copelyn all the logistics, educational programme, Lee Lobel and cooperate with locals in townships Diller Coordinator HDSA Rosh publications

www.facebook.com/pages/SA-Zionist-Federation-Cape-Council @SazfC Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 15 Looking for a unique

type of school? Applications taken all year. The Boost Educational Support centre offers specialised and individualised home schooling programmes for children from Grade 1 to Matric.

With a maximum of eight children per class with a teacher to child ratio of 6:1, children get the personalised attention and support they need in order to maximise their strengths and reach their full potential. Boost accepts children who

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FOR EDUCATION ISRAEL

DATE: SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2016 TIME: 17:30 BUILDING A VENUE: HELLENIC CLUB MOUILLE POINT COST: R50 PER PERSON BETTER WORLD RSVP: [email protected] 021 464 6753 18 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 19 Milk&Honey Rocks Cape Town If you missed Milk&Honey on 7 April, you missed one of the premiere events of the Cape Town Jewish community.

n the magnificent setting of the transformed Gardens Community ICentre plaza on a balmy autumn evening, the musical lineup of seven phenomenal Jewish artists all playing original music, the delicious food and the incredible vibe of the crowd made this night completely unforgettable. Milk&Honey is an event-series launched by the United Jewish Campaign in 2015, focused on bringing people together, profiling Jewish creative talent and raising funds for the community in a non-political and non-religious context. It aims to bring the diversity of the community together, while raising funds to sustain our 31 beneficiary organisations. We are sincerely grateful for the generosity and support of our sponsors — Investec, the Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation, Pick n Pay, Fabiani and Ethiopian airlines. To everyone who was there, and anyone who missed out this time, we look Keith and Sarina Blacher, Taube Sutherland and forward to seeing you at the next Milk&Honey event! Lynette Resnick Alison Berk-Katzeff and Eli Katzeff

Bernard Osrin with Myra and Eliot Osrin Steven Glanz, Roy Fine with Selwyn and Alisa Zackon Nadia Rosenthal, Dana Aires, Ilana Kahn and Alison Chait

Yehuda and Liora Raff Mandy Sheinbar, Michaela Sheinbar and Lynn Pinn Amy Lilley Band Members

Lauren Cohen, Debbie Cohen, Cheryl Bank and Jeffrey Cohen Naomi Suzane, Manuela Vianaand and Sue Schlesinger Reviva Hasson, Sarah and Greg Stern and Abbi Hasson

Photos by Sheldon Moultrie. Additional pics: Facebook.com/YADcapetown 20 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Family Announcements Glendale function

CONDOLENCES — THANK YOU Glendale proudly celebrated their 50th Jubilee with a marks 50 years HILDA BLOOM luncheon fundraiser on 13 March. Sincere thanks to Rabbi Liebenberg, family and friends for the love and support on the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and he event was an opportunity great grandmother. Tto launch Glendale’s new Your kindness was a great comfort during this sad time. logo and all residents and staff Hilda’s love for family and sense of humour will always be remembered were presented with new branded with love. T-shirts. We also showed the guests at the function the much Selwyn, Merle, Ivor, Gael, Hillary and family. improved facilities after the renovations took place, as well as the new modernised rooms for the Steven and Yonie Sher with Charles Miller BRENDA MILLER residents. The function included a comedic Our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our family and friends for the act by Glen Biderman-Pam, an outpouring of love and support on the passing of our beloved wife, mother and auction by Joey Burke of some grandmother. magnificent items including tapestry Your calls, messages and visits made this difficult time a little easier for us all. work by one of our residents, a Special thanks to Rabbi and Lee Liebenberg and the Claremont Wynberg raffle with fantastic prizes and a Hebrew Congregation. delicious fish braai. A significant amount was raised Brenda is sorely missed and her memory will remain forever in our hearts. at the event in order to help sustain Stan, Hayle, Melissa, Jenna and families the medical fund for our residents. We thank all those who attended the function as well as all the LESLIE WACKS sponsors for their overwhelming generosity. Lyn and Eddie Scheuer with Patricia Bloch We would like to express our deep appreciation to Rabbi Wineberg, Anthony Smith, Margie Meggy, family and friends who supported us with such love and kindness during the months of Les’s illness which he faced with such courage. A huge thank you to the many communal organisations and friends for their calls, messages and visits which have been a comfort to us. Roselyn, Samara, Rael and families.

To place a family announcement, email: [email protected] or phone Tessa 021 464 6736 (am)

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3110 KAdimah JC Ad#2 40 x 110mm.indd 1 2013/04/12 7:09 PM Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 21 Playing the Jewish Mother Out and about with members in a broader sense Hebrew lessons with Rabbi Deren in Milnerton

CJSA values the importance of outreach and ‘giving back’

his year the CJSA has taken Ton the task of giving back to the broader community on a much larger scale. The CJSA Milnerton branch Harry Epstein with Rabbi Deren Registered Psychological Marion Kaye and Doreen Kantor enjoying Counsellor, Hajiera Safiedien- Rabbi Deren’s Hebrew Classes Maloon and the Milnerton committee Purim enjoyed in West Coast A morning with Melton decided to include at least four in Table View outreach initiatives into their planning for the year. Research was food on their own plate was priceless. done and a decision was taken to start with CJSA are seen as the ‘Mother of the the surrounding community in Milnerton. community’ with our members taking pride at being able to look after our community Like all good Jewish mothers, we thought as well as ensuring the upliftment of our about the children first youth. Members feel empowered and We established that Marconi Beam proud to be involved in projects such as Primary School in Phoenix, Milnerton these. Each centre aims at advocating needed assistance with stationery and change, including changing attitudes their feeding scheme. In February an and perceptions by including the broader appeal was made to all CJSA members community into our philosophy of creating of all branches for monetary donations. Shirley Cohen and Alison Feldman a home away from home and adding life Rabbi Deren laying Tefillin with Morris Rozen at These donations were used to purchase West Coast to years. The method of integrating the 261 stationery packs for the grade one ideals of both worlds is equally important to learners together with Freeman Office Sea Point members enjoy an outing to the A morning with Clinical ensure the sustainably of an organisation Supplies who partnered with CJSA. International Wildlife Exhibition at the Clock Tower Neuropsychologist Tali like the CJSA. The need for recognition Our hearts were warmed by the in the Waterfront Lanesman in Table View is far from important; the value of building overwhelming reaction of joy expressed sustainable relationships in a community by the Grade 1 learners and the Principal is by far greater reward and creating a Mrs Bukelwa Plaatjies at the handover. As valuable existence. many of the learners began the year without CJSA needs members of the community any stationery and had to share stationery to volunteer small pockets of your time. in classes with over fifty learners in one Your valuable contribution to the running class, one can only imagine the stress of the organisation and volunteers to assist for the educator who has to contend with in our varied activities. After all, we are a the demands of the new CAPS curriculum volunteer driven organisation and reaching taught at schools and the discontent of the out and displaying kindness assures our pupils who are eager to learn but are held West Coast Member, seniors that we care about their concerns, Maureen Lurie with Tali back due to a lack of essential resources. no matter how small. We live in unusual Lanesman In March CJSA focused on the School’s Sylvia Davids, Merle Shapiro, Yamina Oliver, Michael Jaffe times and need to rethink how we show our and Adele Greenblau feeding Scheme. seniors that we care. Becoming involved Many of the learners come from enables us to teach our children by ACDP Louise Swart visits Sea Point disadvantaged backgrounds and are example how they will come to care for us. therefore not given food to take to school or Hajiera Safiedien-Maloon in some cases have not even had breakfast. (Psychological Counsellor CJSA The school does provide food but did not Milnerton) have utensils and cutlery to serve the food on or for the learners to eat with. CJSA, with Pesach the help of its members and a neighbouring With Pesach on our doorstep and organisation in Milnerton (who wishes to continuing with our theme of outreach, remain anonymous) donated 1450 plastic may I take this opportunity to encourage plates and spoons. families in our community to expand their The Principal was overcome with emotion definitions of family to incorporate people at the handover and expressed her sincere whose families are not nearby when having gratitude to the CJSA and its members your Seders, by bringing them into your for their valuable support. This donation spiritual circle. Chag Sameach from all at allows each learner the opportunity to CJSA. Don’t forget to purchase your enjoy a meal with dignity. The excitement Pesach wine — it’s a great vintage this on their faces when they received their year! Winnie Levy, Sheila Sachar, Dina Levinsohn, speaker Louise Swart, Paula Goldblatt and Diana Sochen — Executive Director. Hannah Goetz enjoy chatting about Random Acts of Kindness

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Births Barmitzvah Marriage We extend our sincere condolences to our Wolf and Glickie Bloom — great grandson Rabbi Greg and Rebbetzin Andi May Andersen — grandson members who have lost family members: Fay Franklin — great granddaughter Alexander — son Hadassah Friedman — daughter Shirley Waldman — sister in Israel Sadie Graziani — great granddaughter Barry and Collette Levin — grandson Sheila Stern — grandson Doreen Wingeren — sister in Israel Goldie Glick — great grandson Mike and Cynthia Marsden — grandson Ann Whine — son in Australia Albert Glass — brother-in-law, Leslie Lessa Gordon — grandson and Rabbi Bryan and Rebbetzin Oppert — son Rae Spector — sister granddaughter Harry and Hilary Sher — grandson We extend our sincere best Pessie Measroch — niece in Australia Rabbi and Rebbetzin Green wishes to our members who had Shirley Stein — husband,Leon — granddaughter Batmitzvah not been well: David and Linda Stein — brother, Leon Jonathan and Bonita Shifrin— grandson Barry and Collette Levin — granddaughter Adelaide Gochin — procedure Linda Krawitz — mother, Leah Rabbi and Rebbetzin Suiza — grandson Leon and Eunice Mofsowitz Helaine Gorin — hip replacement Caryn Alperstein — sister, Brenda — granddaughter Estelle Kaplan — operation Erez and Toni Shaked — mother Birthdays Joan Knopp — not been well Martin and Rose Margolius — sister Stern, Sheila — 90th Engagements Benny Schlosberg — not been well Merle Shapiro — husband, Leslie Trackman, Jessie — 90th June Benjamin — grandson in USA Carroll Schonberg — operation Joan Knopp — sister-in-law, Lily 22 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Cape Jewish Seniors events calendar JUNE 2016

Wednesday 1 Thursday 2 Friday 3 Sea Point 10:00 Craft with Judi R15 Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 Sea Point 1:45 Social Bridge and Kalooki R5 11:30 Exercises R5 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm Milnerton 10:00 Art classes with Karen Cohen R25 2:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 R20 10:00 Knitting Morning. Bring your own knitting and enjoy a Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Milnerton Delicious Pesach wine available chat in the company of others R5 S/Suburbs 10:30 Pop In. A musical morning with Michael Woolfson R5 10:30 Men’s Schmooze with S/Suburbs 10:00 Bnoth Zion Meets 1:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 Rabbi Deren R10 10:00 Pamper morning team R5 West Coast 11:30 Dawn Fish speaks on the incredible work being done by 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 the organisation MOSAIC working in the community providing healing for gender based violence R5 Sunday 5 Monday 6 Tuesday 7 Wednesday 8 Thursday 9 Friday 10 Sea Point 10:00 Talking Point with Marcia R5 Sea Point 10:00 Beryl Eichenberger on growing old disgracefully R5 Sea Point 9:30 Outing to Africa’s Green Hotel — Hotel Verde R20 Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 Sea Point 2:00 Social Bridge R5 2:00 Art classes with Anna R40 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 11:30 Quiz R5 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm 2:00 Bridge classes with Harold R5 2:00 Yoga with Leina Sank R5 Milnerton 10:00 Art classes with Karen Cohen R25 2:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 R20 2:00 Reminiscing with Hazel R5 2:00 Lifts to Highlands House and Gitlin Library R10 10:00 Knitting Morning. Bring your own knitting and enjoy a Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Milnerton 10:00 Pop In. Bingo Morning with Noah Homes. Great prizes R5 Milnerton 10:00 Birthday Pop In. Enjoy a Bibliodrama ‘Ruth and Naomi’. chat in the company of others R5 S/Suburbs 10:15 Freda Davis speaks on her great granddaughter’s S/Suburbs 9:30 Outing to the Cape Town Science Centre R50. Tea for own An interactive morning with Sofia Zway R10 S/Suburbs 10:30 Pamper Morning R5 Batmitzvah in Rhodos R5 account 1:00 Kalooki set tables R5 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 1:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 10:00 Scrabble R5 1:45 Line Dancing with Hannah Seinik West Coast 10:30 Steve Sherman demonstrates the Internet for 2:00 Yiddish mit Rita R5 S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5: New members welcome Technopeasants. Join him on a journey that will WOW you! R5 10:0 Kalooki R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5 West Coast 9:00 Outing to Africa’s Green Hotel — Hotel Verde R20 Sunday 12 Monday 13 Tuesday 14 Wednesday 15 Thursday 16 Friday 17 Sea Point 9:30 Outing to Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. R40 Tea for Sea Point Sea Point 10:00 Pop In. Interactive morning with Alon Ashel Learners own account 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm R5 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 R20 1:30 Art classes R40 Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Shavuot — Office closed 2:00 Yoga classes R5 S/Suburbs 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 Youth Day Office Closed Milnerton 9:15 Outing to the Donald Grieg Bronze Foundry and Gallery. 10:30 Pamper Morning R5 View sculptures and a pouring R20 10:30 Men’s Schmooze with Rabbi Liebenberg R10 1:00 Kalooki set tables R5 1:45 Line dancing with Hannah Seinik S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5 New members welcome 10:0 Kalooki R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5 Muizenberg 10:30 A special morning with Claudia Braudie R5 Sunday 19 Monday 20 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 Thursday 23 Friday 24 Sea Point 10:00 Talking Point with Marcia R5 Sea Point 9:30 Outing to the Amy Biehl Foundation R45 Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 Sea Point Sunday lunch and 2:00 Beginner’s bridge with Harold R5 Sea Point 10:00 Birthday Pop In. Entertainment by Zola Shuman R10 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 11:30 Exercises with Irene R5 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm movie in Sea Point. 2:00 Bridge R5 1:30 Mosaic with Yvette R30 Milnerton 10:00 Art classes with Karen Cohen R25 Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 R20 Booking Essential R45 2:00 Reminiscing with Hazel R5 2:00 Yoga classes R5 10:00 Knitting Group R5 S/Suburbs 10:30 Beryl Eichenberger speaks on growing old disgracefully 10:30 Men’s schmooze group. Milnerton 10:00 Café Bio R5 Milnerton 10:00 Outing to Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch: R40. Tea for S/Suburbs 10:00 Pamper morning R5 R5 A morning with David Polovin. 12:15 Milnerton committee meeting R5 own account 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 West Coast 10:30 Pop In. Glen Heneck speaks on South African and Israeli Updates on Israel R10 S/Suburbs 10:15 An interactive musical morning with Shelley Eppel R20 1:00 Kalooki R5 politics. R5 10:00 Scrabble R5 1:45 Line dancing with Hannah Seinik 2:00 Yiddish mit Rita R5 S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5 New members welcome 10:00 Kalooki R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5 Sunday 26 Monday 27 Tuesday 28 Wednesday 29 Thursday 30 Sea Point 10:00 Talking Point with Marcia R5 Sea Point 10:00 Pop In. Special DVD morning with Hymie Liebman R5 Sea Point 09:15 Outing to the Donald Grieg Bronze Foundry and Gallery. Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 2:00 Bridge R5 1:30 Art classes R40 View sculptures and a pouring R20 11:30 Musical Morning with Shelley R5 2:00 Beginner’s bridge with Harold R5 2:00 Yoga classes R5 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 Milnerton 6:00 for 6:30 Twilight Supper Kevin Chaplin of the Amy Biehl 2:00 Reminiscing with Hazel R5 Milnerton 9:30 Outing to Cape Quarter. Enjoy this interesting centre. Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Foundation and SA Ubuntu Foundation R50 Booking essential. Milnerton 10:00 Pop In. A morning with Patricia Schonstein, novelist and Tea for own account.R20 S/Suburbs 10:00 Pamper morning R5 S/Suburbs A morning with Gabriel Eksteen of The Heart Foundation. poet R5 1:00 Kalooki R5 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 Learn about good practices for optimum health and cardiac S/Suburbs 9:30 Outing to Merrypack stationery factory shop with tea in 1:45 Line dancing with Hannah Seinik wellness. R5 their tearoom R10. Tea for own account S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5 New members welcome West Coast 10:00 Art with Sharon Lopis R25 10:00 Scrabble R5 10:00 Kalooki R5 2:00 Yiddish mit Rita R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5

DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Irene 021 434 9691 [email protected] www.cjsa.org.za

THE CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE RECORDS ITS APPRECIATION OF THE CONTINUED SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS

Rubi and Anne With Compliments With compliments Chaitman FREDDY AND from Ben Rabinowitz in Foundation AGGIE HIRSCH memory of Shirley

MEYER HIRSCH THE HAROLD AND Paul Arieli GOLDSCHMIDT BEATRICE KRAMER Goldschmidt FOUNDATION FOUNDATION Family Trust Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 23

Wednesday 1 Thursday 2 Friday 3 Sea Point 10:00 Craft with Judi R15 Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 Sea Point 1:45 Social Bridge and Kalooki R5 11:30 Exercises R5 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm Milnerton 10:00 Art classes with Karen Cohen R25 2:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 R20 10:00 Knitting Morning. Bring your own knitting and enjoy a Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Milnerton chat in the company of others R5 S/Suburbs 10:30 Pop In. A musical morning with Michael Woolfson R5 10:30 Men’s Schmooze with S/Suburbs 10:00 Bnoth Zion Meets 1:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 Rabbi Deren R10 10:00 Pamper morning team R5 West Coast 11:30 Dawn Fish speaks on the incredible work being done by 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 the organisation MOSAIC working in the community providing healing for gender based violence R5 Sunday 5 Monday 6 Tuesday 7 Wednesday 8 Thursday 9 Friday 10 Sea Point 10:00 Talking Point with Marcia R5 Sea Point 10:00 Beryl Eichenberger on growing old disgracefully R5 Sea Point 9:30 Outing to Africa’s Green Hotel — Hotel Verde R20 Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 Sea Point 2:00 Social Bridge R5 2:00 Art classes with Anna R40 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 11:30 Quiz R5 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm 2:00 Bridge classes with Harold R5 2:00 Yoga with Leina Sank R5 Milnerton 10:00 Art classes with Karen Cohen R25 2:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 R20 2:00 Reminiscing with Hazel R5 2:00 Lifts to Highlands House and Gitlin Library R10 10:00 Knitting Morning. Bring your own knitting and enjoy a Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Milnerton 10:00 Pop In. Bingo Morning with Noah Homes. Great prizes R5 Milnerton 10:00 Birthday Pop In. Enjoy a Bibliodrama ‘Ruth and Naomi’. chat in the company of others R5 S/Suburbs 10:15 Freda Davis speaks on her great granddaughter’s S/Suburbs 9:30 Outing to the Cape Town Science Centre R50. Tea for own An interactive morning with Sofia Zway R10 S/Suburbs 10:30 Pamper Morning R5 Batmitzvah in Rhodos R5 account 1:00 Kalooki set tables R5 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 1:00 Bridge and Kalooki R5 10:00 Scrabble R5 1:45 Line Dancing with Hannah Seinik West Coast 10:30 Steve Sherman demonstrates the Internet for 2:00 Yiddish mit Rita R5 S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5: New members welcome Technopeasants. Join him on a journey that will WOW you! R5 10:0 Kalooki R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5 West Coast 9:00 Outing to Africa’s Green Hotel — Hotel Verde R20 Sunday 12 Monday 13 Tuesday 14 Wednesday 15 Thursday 16 Friday 17 Sea Point 9:30 Outing to Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch. R40 Tea for Sea Point Sea Point 10:00 Pop In. Interactive morning with Alon Ashel Learners own account 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm R5 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 R20 1:30 Art classes R40 Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Shavuot — Office closed 2:00 Yoga classes R5 S/Suburbs 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 Youth Day Office Closed Milnerton 9:15 Outing to the Donald Grieg Bronze Foundry and Gallery. 10:30 Pamper Morning R5 View sculptures and a pouring R20 10:30 Men’s Schmooze with Rabbi Liebenberg R10 1:00 Kalooki set tables R5 1:45 Line dancing with Hannah Seinik S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5 New members welcome 10:0 Kalooki R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5 Muizenberg 10:30 A special morning with Claudia Braudie R5 Sunday 19 Monday 20 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 Thursday 23 Friday 24 Sea Point 10:00 Talking Point with Marcia R5 Sea Point 9:30 Outing to the Amy Biehl Foundation R45 Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 Sea Point Sunday lunch and 2:00 Beginner’s bridge with Harold R5 Sea Point 10:00 Birthday Pop In. Entertainment by Zola Shuman R10 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 11:30 Exercises with Irene R5 9:30 Shopping with Malcolm movie in Sea Point. 2:00 Bridge R5 1:30 Mosaic with Yvette R30 Milnerton 10:00 Art classes with Karen Cohen R25 Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 R20 Booking Essential R45 2:00 Reminiscing with Hazel R5 2:00 Yoga classes R5 10:00 Knitting Group R5 S/Suburbs 10:30 Beryl Eichenberger speaks on growing old disgracefully 10:30 Men’s schmooze group. Milnerton 10:00 Café Bio R5 Milnerton 10:00 Outing to Rupert Museum in Stellenbosch: R40. Tea for S/Suburbs 10:00 Pamper morning R5 R5 A morning with David Polovin. 12:15 Milnerton committee meeting R5 own account 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 West Coast 10:30 Pop In. Glen Heneck speaks on South African and Israeli Updates on Israel R10 S/Suburbs 10:15 An interactive musical morning with Shelley Eppel R20 1:00 Kalooki R5 politics. R5 10:00 Scrabble R5 1:45 Line dancing with Hannah Seinik 2:00 Yiddish mit Rita R5 S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5 New members welcome 10:00 Kalooki R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5 Sunday 26 Monday 27 Tuesday 28 Wednesday 29 Thursday 30 Sea Point 10:00 Talking Point with Marcia R5 Sea Point 10:00 Pop In. Special DVD morning with Hymie Liebman R5 Sea Point 09:15 Outing to the Donald Grieg Bronze Foundry and Gallery. Sea Point 10:00 Yiddish mit Veronica R5 2:00 Bridge R5 1:30 Art classes R40 View sculptures and a pouring R20 11:30 Musical Morning with Shelley R5 2:00 Beginner’s bridge with Harold R5 2:00 Yoga classes R5 1:45 Bridge and Kalooki R5 Milnerton 6:00 for 6:30 Twilight Supper Kevin Chaplin of the Amy Biehl 2:00 Reminiscing with Hazel R5 Milnerton 9:30 Outing to Cape Quarter. Enjoy this interesting centre. Milnerton 9:30 Kalooki R5 Foundation and SA Ubuntu Foundation R50 Booking essential. Milnerton 10:00 Pop In. A morning with Patricia Schonstein, novelist and Tea for own account.R20 S/Suburbs 10:00 Pamper morning R5 S/Suburbs A morning with Gabriel Eksteen of The Heart Foundation. poet R5 1:00 Kalooki R5 10:15 Ageless Grace with Yvonne R15 Learn about good practices for optimum health and cardiac S/Suburbs 9:30 Outing to Merrypack stationery factory shop with tea in 1:45 Line dancing with Hannah Seinik wellness. R5 their tearoom R10. Tea for own account S/Suburbs 9:30 Social Bridge R5 New members welcome West Coast 10:00 Art with Sharon Lopis R25 10:00 Scrabble R5 10:00 Kalooki R5 2:00 Yiddish mit Rita R5 2:00 Knitting Group. All welcome R5

DIRECTOR: Diana Sochen 021 434 9691 [email protected] ADMIN: Irene 021 434 9691 [email protected] www.cjsa.org.za SOCIAL WORKERS: S/Point: Monique Nieuwenhuys 021 4349691 Milnerton: Hajiera Safidien–Maloon 021 5551736 S/Suburbs: Yvonne Reynolds 021 6714957 W/Coast: Melanie van Emmenes 074 4055186

THE CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE RECORDS ITS APPRECIATION OF THE CONTINUED SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS

With compliments Stanley and Zea With compliments The Susman from Ben Rabinowitz in Lewis The Jack & Ethel Charitable memory of Shirley Foundation Goldin Foundation Foundation

With compliments With Compliments The Henry Van Embden Kalman, Esther and Family Foundation www.stonehage.com Michael Maisel Trust 24 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 The Mourning After — My year of saying Kaddish for my father

by Terry Friedman Wine

I am a mourner. A My father was blessed in those final back into life. “There’s a look,” he said. “You just stranger in a strange hours to wind down like a grandfather I vowed to continue reciting Kaddish know.” land, with a blurry clock, his rhythm slowing into peace. In for the year I am officially in mourning. I have shown up to a synagogue, late map and a tattered those first moments and hours, our family It wasn’t really a decision, but rather an for daily service but just as a (stranger’s) phrasebook. went through all those practical motions instinct. It’s one of those clear points wedding was about to take place; to a one must go through; the prescribed on that blurry map and I clung to it for local ballpark; to a Sabbath afternoon in hen my father passed away, early on physical steps giving us handles with dear life. Every single day I have found New Jersey; to a jiu-jitsu class in the shul Wa quiet, sunny June day, I suddenly which to carry the overwhelming grief. a minyan, a quorum — a symbolic and basement. “Please,” I’ve asked. “We need became a mourner. A new persona, a Devastated, on automatic pilot, we put de facto community that supports me in a tenth.” I’ve never been disappointed. I darkened mirror image of the daughter. one foot in front of my declaration that have that look. Judaism has been here before, of the other by stepping this year, this is who I This year, as per Jewish law, I do not course. In the last few months, I have on the footmarks set The shiva period am, and this is where attend parties. Well-meaning friends and learned more about the rules, regulations, out for us, watching I belong. Every day, relatives have tried to make exceptions and customs than I ever knew, or wanted for the next one, not of focused support my world pauses for for me, thinking they are being helpful to. And yet, there is safety in having a raising our eyes. acknowledged my half an hour while I when they suggest loopholes through guidebook, annotated over thousands of It was hearing incapability of living in duck into services. which I could participate. A common years by wise and learned observers. myself recite the Saying Kaddish is one is “Your Dad wouldn’t want you to These ancient rules and regulations Mourners’ Kaddish the world I had been part not traditionally an be left out. He’d want you to be happy.” serve as boundaries to surround me — at the cemetery that of until yesterday, and obligation for women, Of course he would, more than anything and I have come to realise that these broke my days-long sheltered me from it. and while there is no in the world. But this is not about being structures are there to support, not trance. Suddenly I prohibition from doing happy. It’s about being protected. My oppress me. When I falter, I have on what became aware of, and so, it is not customary. joy in your simcha is sincere, but not all- to lean. When I stumble, I notice that understood, my place in the universe. I have been met with curiosity, vague encompassing. There is a dark hollow someone before me has left crumbs and The Daughter. The Mourner. The Keeper dismay, encouragement, admiration. within me, and I don’t want to neglect it, clues, though I can’t always decipher or of My Father’s Presence. Most surprising to me is my own ignore it, or bring it to your celebration. even recognise them at first. The shiva period of focused support determination. Inherently shy, I have I want to give it the respect it deserves. My father, a Holocaust survivor, insisted acknowledged my incapability of living found my backbone, or perhaps that I don’t want to share it. Yes, I will miss his children have a Jewish education in the world I had been part of until unbreakable bond to my beloved father. out on some fine times, but I will never in this New World so far removed from yesterday, and sheltered me from it. For In order to say Kaddish, one needs a again have this unique opportunity to the shtetl. He also gave us the freedom seven days prayer services came to us; quorum of ten, and there have been days contemplate all I have lost, to discern to find our own unique strands in this kind friends and capable family members where this was in peril. One regular at my what I will always have, where that leaves magnificent tapestry. I am so grateful to ensured meals showed up and were set usual synagogue once spoke of being in me, who I am, and where do I go from my parents for this gift of identity, and out, served and cleared. People dropped a restaurant and noticing a man peer in here. to the teachers who imparted to me the in, hugged, shared stories. My mother, and scan the crowd. “He’s looking for a When I stand up, every day, and million details. Their commitment has brother and I existed in a survival-mode minyan,” my friend understood, and got recite those timeless words Yitgadal continued to provide me with signposts at cocoon, separately, together. And after a up to participate. v’yitkadash, I am not only asserting my the beautiful lookout points, and discreet symbolic walk out of the house, into the “How did you know?” asked his son place in the community. I’m holding Dad’s. illumination through the dark places. community, we officially began to ease when he returned to the table. Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 25 INVITATION

22nd COMMEMORATION OF GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI IN RWANDA The Cape Town Holocaust Centre invites you to a public lecture by

On this 22nd commemoration, we remember those Robert M Kaplan who were murdered as well as those who survived. We commit to being a strong voice to keep the Clinical Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, memory of the victims alive around the world and University of Wollongong (Aus), forensic psychiatrist and historian to support the survivors whose souls and bodies bear permanent scars. Holocaust Deception

Monday 9 May, 6pm “Let Never Again be 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens our shared responsibility” “Holocaust deception is the most visible aspect of a growing phenomenon, namely Sunday 15 May, 2pm seeking heroic status by claiming involve- ment in traumatic events. Cape Town Holocaust Centre The worst aspect of Holocaust deception, 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens one that puts it on a scale sliding towards Holocaust denial, is that it devalues the experience of the victims and survivors. It raises a special question as a corollary: why would anyone want to claim or exag- gerate Holocaust experiences that never occurred?” – Robert M Kaplan

Light refreshments will be served. Free entry, donations welcome. Booking essential: 021 462 5553 or [email protected]

Contact: 021 463 5553 | [email protected]

The Cape Town Holocaust Centre invites you to a lecture-recital by soprano Julia Bronkhorst (Nether- lands), who will tell the hidden-child story of her late husband, Holocaust survivor Daniel Vermeulen. In this story, the main character looks back to his early childhood when he was hidden by a family in Brabant, Netherlands, during the war. He describes his experiences through the eyes of a sensitive and perceptive child, but simultaneously from the sharply critical viewpoint of an adult. The displacing nature of a history is profoundly explored through this narrative. The story of a Jewish boy in Amsterdam after the Second World War Presented by JULIA BRONKHORST in songs and image

NOW LETTING: 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments on the Atlantic Seaboard in upmarket, TUESDAY 3 MAY, 6PM modern, expertly designed developments. Old Synagogue 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens TO VIEW TODAY CONTACT: Janene Currie 082 777 3770 Booking essential as seating is limited: [email protected] 021 462 5553 or [email protected] Admission is free, donations welcome. 26 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 JCS @ Work: The new face of addiction The National the distinction into a single diagnosis gutter’ conjures a confusion of perception SUD which as a condition can be treated Institute on Drug measured on a continuum from mild to of addicts with the onus of addiction medically. Abuse defines severe. based squarely on the shoulders of The use of relapse translates to lapse addiction as ‘a chronic, relapsing These linguistic expressions have the sufferer. The weight of the burden which respects the progressive nature brain disease that is characterised been bandied about in a fixed, ignorant of control insensitively and ignorantly of treatment vs relapse which better by compulsive drug seeking and use, framework by the lay person unwittingly misconstrues and discounts the widely attaches to more extended and excessive despite harmful consequences.’ imposing an unintentional stigma by inter held view that addiction is a complex use. Resumed, recurrence offers a kinder alia linking dependence with addiction. disease erroneously believed to be a more empathic vernacular. he term was previously considered The historical course of mental health result of their moral failing This includes a person Tequivalent to a severe substance use treatment can be effortlessly traced. A and character flaws. first language where disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and jagged but progressive trajectory that This perception The new substance abuser, a label Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. contrasts the shift to contemporary invites social rejection, which encompasses the A distinction between abuse and trends in mental health and the advance punishment and terminology whole person, defining dependence was previously articulated in treatment. From barbaric interventions sequestration that beckons a him/her by his/her where abuse comprised a mild or and ill treatment the deconstruction of dismisses the fact that transformation dysfunction is replaced early phase and dependence (an stigma is incomplete but obvious. addiction of the face of with a person with a adaptive state that develops from drug However, in a perplexing twist, research • is a treatable medical substance use disorder administration which results in withdrawal has unraveled a significant negative slant condition — no addiction from where the individual is upon cessation of the drug) as the severe in people’s attitude towards addiction as different to mental judgment and no longer defined by the manifestation. The revised terminology against those with mental illness. illness, diabetes or vilification, to an condition. to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) fused The caricatured vision of ‘addicts in the heart disease. This cancels a educated, informed vocabulary of druggie, • is a complex disorder dope head, junkie, where repeated drug and compassionate crackhead — labels use leads to long understanding of a loaded with negative lasting changes in the treatable condition. connotations which stick brain that undermine and perpetuates stigma. voluntary control. It is a The frontiers of scientific multifaceted contributory bundle which research include new vistas in brain includes environment, genetics and imaging, screening of medications developmental factors. previously approved to treat other • involves a compulsive drive to seek out disorders, transdisciplinary research and use substances, loss of control in centers and research into the precise limiting intake and the ugly emergence neurochemical mechanism underlying of a negative emotional state when drug induced neurotoxicity. access is thwarted. What we do know now is that The new terminology beckons a • the brain can recover. transformation of the face of addiction • addiction is preventable, treatable and from judgment and vilification, to an changes biology. educated, informed and compassionate • persons with SUDS can recover. understanding of a treatable condition. • if untreated addiction can last a This new face of SUD is the mouthpiece lifetime. for the translation of linguistics from abuse which conjures a cinematography Jewish Community Services can be of blame, judgment and criminology into contacted on 021 462 5520

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Brit Milah ● Bar / Bat Mitzvahs ● Birthdays Engagements ● Weddings ● Any celebrations

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Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 27 TEMPLE ISRAEL CAPE TOWN PROGRESSIVE JEWISH CONGREGATION

Consider This By Rabbi Greg Alexander ‘Mama Mia’, What a Purim Party A Thought on the eve of at Temple Israel! my son’s bar mitzvah Wynberg shul was once again the venue for one of the We have tried in the As I write this, I am preparing for my eldest highlights of our year. son Mani’s bar mitzvah this Shabbat. I transformation work that we finally know what the other side of the have done at Temple Israel, to upgrade the ight from the creative bimah feels like for those parents in the Hebrew and Jewish skills of the bnei mitzvah, Megillah reading by our final days leading up to this transformative that they (boys and girls) lead the service, R rabbis, to the rhyming Maariv event. chant maftir and haftarah, do a mitzvah project Service, to the awesome and study their parshah with the rabbi before carnival with great activities and n the immediate level, everything is about they write their own dvar torah. But more food and drink for sale, this was furious preparations, leyning to practise, importantly, we have tried to create spaces for O a Purim to remember. This year, dvar Torah to write, clothes to buy, catering, the year leading up to the bar/bat mitzvah for however, Rabbi Paul Freedman, décor, family arriving and more each hour. them to ask the big questions, to be challenged our visiting rabbi from England, And that is all fine and getting done. But on to think about the world they live in and their added a whole new dimension the bigger level, this is my son’s bar mitzvah. place in it. We have tried to give them a sense by having the story of Purim set Bev May, Greg Flash and Carl May The moment to recognise the transition from that a bar mitzvah is not a graduation out of out to ABBA tunes for all to sing and volunteers who combined childhood to maturity, from tween to teen, from Judaism. And I hope that in our parenting as and dance to. for a wonderful night for our my son the child to my son the young man. well, my son has been given the opportunities We are grateful to all the sponsors congregation. Mixed in with the celebration there is a disbelief to grapple with the bigger questions of what that this being, who only recently was a tiny it means to grow up in Cape Town in the 21st toddler, is about to step up to the bimah and Century. read from the Torah. Outside our home, the movies, You Tube clips Two questions occur to me — What world is and billboards give a model of masculinity that my son becoming a man in? And what man is is sexually predatory, physically aggressive, he becoming in it? This world is so different and emotionally impoverished. The notion from the one that I became bar mitzvah in. I that a flashy watch or a fast car will win the remember the shul service, I remember buying beautiful girl in the very short dress seems to my jacket at the Oriental Plaza, I remember power every music video and advertisement my Granny making the most incredible fruit in cinema, TV or tab. Without our consent, cake, I remember wanting to laugh when the world around him tells him that boys play Pops (my maternal grandfather, Emanuel for soccer and girls play netball, that men are not whom Mani was named, and who I had never emotional, ‘cowboys don’t cry’. I remember Gillian Matitiani, Rabbi Malcolm Matitiani and Purim Karaoke with Rabbi before seen set foot in shul, and who refused when my son was three, me walking around Pearl Jantjies Paul Freedman to speak Yiddish around the grandchildren shop after shop looking for boys clothes that unless he was playing Klabberjas) chanted the didn’t have ninjas, skulls or superheroes Torah blessings in Ashkenaz pronunciation. on, and seeing shelves of very beautiful and I remember my uncles making speeches, creative girls’ clothes all in pink. my many first cousins gathered round the How do I give my son the guidance and food tables (all of whom would emigrate to strength to navigate this world and keep a the UK and USA over the next three years). I sense of himself throughout? remember two of my school friends who dared Which brings me to the second question, each other to get brandy and coke from the what man is he becoming in it? barman and then felt sick later. That world I am blessed to be the father of a son who seems so uncomplicated, so clear as to what gets that being a Jewish man is synonymous was expected of me. with being a mensch. That men can be strong And yet I knew that there were things I wanted and still gentle. I am blessed to be the father to explore, to know, that no-one had prepared of a son who I love deeply and who makes me me for. I wanted to talk about G-d, about the proud every day (wait, he infuriates me every Tamara Kesner, Marni Reise, Nina Hoffman and Sivan Zeffertt meaning of life, about why death happened day too) and I know that I will cry when I stand and what different religions believed. I wanted on that bimah to bless him. to know if the servants that waited at my tables Most of adolescence seems to be the trial of had sons and where they were and did they trying to work out who you want to be when you New Television and Sound have bar mitzvahs [“No, silly, of course not, have no idea who you really are. The best thing they’re Black”]. But all my tutors, rabbis and that I can give my son is a stable home, a loving System at Highlands House teachers at school wanted to teach was the family and a broad and diverse education. And n Sunday 13 March a new Richard Newman before the “how to” of life in Johannesburg in the 1970s a Judaism that is deep and rich, that speaks to Otelevision and sound system screening of the new Andre Rieu and 80s. What you need to do to have a barmy, the questions that he asks without shrinking or was donated by Jonathan and concert Wonderful World Live in or to pass matric, what was the ‘right way’ to preaching, that celebrates a diversity of voices Cheryl Smiedt and organised Maastricht. sit at the table. It took many years of searching and challenges traditional gender roles. On the by Eric Cohen. All Temple Israel An enjoyable afternoon was had and especially a magical place called Netzer eve of his bar mitzvah, if I can manage that, I members were blessed by Rabbi by all at Highlands House. machaneh every December to start to reach will have given him the foundation for being a those deeper questions. true ‘son of the commandment’.

Mazaltov to those who celebrated Bnei Mitzvah with us last month:

Mani Kuti-Alexander Jonathan Cohn Jake Lockitch Daniella Beswick 2 April 9 April 16 April 30 April Residents and visitors enjoying the show 28 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 29 30 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 31 32 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 JACOB GITLIN LIBRARY GARDENS COMMUNITY CENTRE PHONE: 021 462 5088 EMAIL: [email protected] FICTION Book of the month THE CHOSEN. BY KRISTINA OHLSSON. A thriller set in Stockholm where the lead detectives Fredrika Bergman and Police Inspector Alex Recht hunt for the ruthless killer of a pre-school teacher and two ten- THE PATER By Elliot Jager year-old boys who are abducted and then shot. All three victims belong to the Jewish community. They are helped in their search by the Swedish he son of a Romanian-born Holocaust survivor, Jager secret service and the Mossad. The case is diverse but everything leads Twas left alone with his mother when he was eight to one place — Israel and a mythical or real person called The Paper Boy. years old. He reconciled with his ultra-Orthodox Hasidic THE THIRD TARGET. BY JOEL C. ROSENBERG. When New York father decades later on leaving Manhattan to live in Israel. Times foreign correspondent J.B. Collins hears rumours that ISIS has However, his relationship with his ‘pater’ did not go well once captured a cache of weapons inside Syria, Collins knows that this is a he found he was unable to bear children. This impacted on story he needs to pursue. Does the jihadist faction have the weapons and his life within the Jewish community and he felt a sense of if so, who will be the target — the United States or Israel? Knowing that helplessness and failure as he tried to fill the void. “A secular terrorist forces are already trying to bring down two Arab governments Jewish man abroad wouldn’t be expected to be a father, but and under extreme pressure, he risks his own life by travelling to Syria to here in Israel, he is”. A poignant, uncompromisingly honest interview the terrorist commando. His findings may cost him his career memoir as well as a sociological study. or his life. THE MURALIST. BY B.A. SHAPIRO. Alizée Benoit, an American mural THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE. BY STEVEN PINKER. An painter vanishes in New York amid personal and political turmoil in 1940. engaging work stating that even with war, crime and terrorism, violence Her family in German-occupied France, her patron Eleanor Roosevelt has been diminishing for millennia and we may be living in the most as well as her friends including Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock and Lee peaceful time of our species’ existence. He presents a tremendous Krasner do not know what has happened to her. Seventy years later her amount of evidence that humans have become less violent and more niece, a cataloguer at Christies, finds some canvases that may have been humane. He provides insights into how to achieve positive outcomes and painted by her aunt. Entwining both fictional and real characters, past how to encourage a more just society strengthened by empathy, rules, and present, Shapiro tells a riveting tale of two unforgettable women. codes and laws. Mixing psychology with history he explains that demons THE JAPANESE LOVER. BY ISABEL ALLENDE. A magical tale incline us towards violence and the angels steer us away. focusing on two survivors of separation and loss: elderly designer Alma MASTER OF CEREMONIES. BY JOEL GREY. The remarkable life story Belasco and young Irina Bazili who works at the retirement home where of Tony and Academy Award winning actor, Joel Grey. He began his life Alma lives. Their narratives retell Alma’s remarkable love for Ichimei in the theatre at the age of nine and this book charts his evolution in Fukuda, the son of her family’s Japanese gardener as well as Irina’s the world of American entertainment from Vaudeville and the gangster heart breaking struggle to free herself of her troubled past. The book is nightclubs of the forties with his father. Then to Broadway and finally the interspersed with poignant letters written to Alma by Ichimei, revealing glamour of Hollywood, culminating in his iconic performance as M.C. in their enduring passion which lasted for seventy years. the stage play and film Cabaret. A story of love, loss, redemption and THE DEBT OF TAMAR. BY NICOLE DWECK. During the 16th century, success. Dona Antonia of Portugal is arrested and charged with being a secret Jew. With the help of the Ottoman sultan, Suleiman, she escapes with HOLOCAUST her children to Istanbul. Life is idyllic until her granddaughter Tamar and KL: A History of the Nazi Concentration Camps. BY NIKOLAUS the sultan’s son fall in love. Over four centuries later, Selim Osman, last WACHSMANN. In this landmark work, Wachsmann offers an descendant of Suleiman flees Istanbul for New York and in a twist of fate unprecedented, integrated account of the Nazi concentration camps from he meets Hannah, the daughter of a French Holocaust survivor. Unaware 1933 to 1945. He tells the history of the camp system and its development, of their connection they are drawn to each other and as the story of their everyday experiences of its inhabitants, both perpetrators and victims and ancestors begins to unfold, they are threatened by the tragic decision all those living in Primo Levi’s ‘grey zone’. He presents startling revelations that bound two families centuries ago. A spellbinding tapestry of love. based on archival research about the camp system and the lesser known ORPHAN # 8. BY KIM VAN ALKEMADE. The novel takes place between aspects of the KL, revealing their sheer evil. He demonstrates that for a 1919 and 1954 in New York City, telling the story of Rachael Rabinowitz. dozen years they did their foul work, mostly ignored by the Allies despite She was placed in the Hebrew Infant Home and separated from her growing evidence of the Nazi genocide. brother when her mother was tragically murdered by her father. Once MY REVENGE. BY YAAKOV WODZISLAWSKI. The author was 13 there, she was subjected to an experimental course of X-ray treatments when Hitler invaded Poland and he survived ghetto life and the labour which had an impact on her throughout her life. Thirty years later while camp in Czestochowa by finding shelter with Barbara Hajdas. This Polish working in the hospice section of a home for the elderly, she encounters ‘righteous gentile’ put her life in jeopardy by saving 14 Jews from the a new patient, Mildred Solomon, the doctor who conducted the medical Nazis. They had to hide in a dug-out hole in the ground with boards above experiments on her. Inspired by true events, this is a powerful novel of them, covered by straw for eight months. Upon liberation, having lost his revenge and mercy. parents at Treblinka, he entered Israel as an illegal immigrant and later VALLEY OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. BY JONATHAN ZAUSMER. A joined the Haganah. Together with his wife Irena, they founded the Ariel compelling work of narrative fiction set in the fishing village of Hermanus Holocaust and Heroism Memorial House. where the author grew up before immigrating to Israel during the seventies. THE ARCHIVE THIEF. BY LISA MOSES LEFF. The book is about the Throughout the book his main character, Jason Mayer reminisces about Russian Pole, Zosa Szajkowski, who made a life for himself as one of the small religious Jewish community of his youth. He shares anecdotes the world’s foremost experts on the Jews in modern France. However, about living in a town fraught with ethnic tension and racism amidst its beneath his scholarly success lay the secret that he had stolen archival spectacular natural beauty. Written with humour, Zausmer reflects on his documents from private synagogue collections and public archive in childhood and the locals as his memories are reignited on revisiting years France and moved them illicitly to New York in 1941. He sold them to later. Delightfully illustrated. American and Israeli research libraries and published scores of studies till he was caught in 1961 and charged with theft. His motivation was altruistic — to preserve endangered materials — however, he needed the NON FICTION money from their sales to survive. FROM THE WILDERNESS AND LEBANON. BY ASAEL LUBOTZKY. GOEBBELS. BY PETER LONGERICH. Sifting through historical records A harrowing memoir of this young IDF commander who was wounded and utilising Goebbel’s diary which he kept from 1924 till a few weeks during the Second Lebanon War while leading his troops into combat. before his suicide on 1st May 1945, Longerich writes of one of history’s He was hit by a missile and suffered irreversible damage to both his legs. most evil men. He was in constant need of his Hitler’s affirmation and his Lubotzky recounts two battle of his life — the first against Hamas and love for him led to his rise from low party functionary to editor and then Hezbollah whereby he had to deal with the loss of his comrades amidst Minister of Propaganda. He is revealed to be a man filled with insecurities moral dilemmas and the second more difficult one to learn to walk again and bound up in self-delusion. The joint suicide of Goebbels and his wife, and return to life. This book was written during his convalescence and Magda so shortly after Hitler’s own shows that a life without him was ends with a moving tribute to his friend Amichai Merchavia. unthinkable for them. HERE AND THERE. Leaving Hasidism, keeping my family. BY CHAYA THE LONG NIGHT. BY ERNST ISRAEL BORNSTEIN. This absorbing DEITSCH. An inspiring personal account of Chaya’s struggle to fit into book is a true story of one man’s experiences in seven concentration the Hasidic world of her childhood. She obtained her parent’s permission camps. In 1939, his family was sent to Auschwitz where his parents and to attend college where she discovered a wider world in which she could siblings were sent to the gas chambers. Dr Bornstein began writing this live a life unconfined by the strictures of the belief system she was born testimony soon after liberation making his memories immediate even into. She was accepted and loved by her family despite choosing a after 70 years. Through his profound, dignified narrative he describes lifestyle that contradicted their own, making her situation unique. Written the dehumanisation of camp life and those who did what they could do with sensitivity, she shows how lives lived differently need not be lived to withstand the darkest of times. This remarkable man never lost faith apart. in humanity eventually treating and befriending Germans after the war. Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 33 Purim Celebrations @ Astra stra’s Purim AParty was once again kindly sponsored by Jeremy and Ruth Chaitman with Gabriel Shai providing the best entertainment to keep the party going. Singing, dancing and delicious treats were enjoyed by all. Jeremy and Ruth Chaitman with Gabriel Shai (centre)

Purim celebrations in full swing Rosecourt House osecourt residents, parents and Rmembers of the community bade farewell to Alon Lewis who is relocating with his family to the UK. Alon was Rosecourt’s house parent for 25 years. He was nurturing and supportive and added value to the lives of the residents in his care. He will be sorely missed. Davina and Alon Lewis

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full page advert-paths.indd 1 2016/04/04 11:21 AM Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 35 Zakhor! Imaginations of the former Jewish Vilne in modern Lithuanian Art A group exhibition by some of Lithuania’s top contemporary artists reflecting upon the Jewish history of Vilne, a city once called “The Jerusalem of the North” 4 May – 8 June 2016

Kunigunda Dineikaitė | Bronius Gražys| Audrius Gražys | Algis Griškevičius | Adomas Jacovkis | Aleksandra Jacovkytė | Jolanta Kyzikaitė | Linas Liandzbergis Vilmantas Marcinkevičius | Eva Pohlke | Raimondas Savickas |Adasa Skliutauskaitė | Alonas Štelmanas | Arūnė Tornau

Share your story The SA Jewish Museum is compiling a collage of short stories that speak to our tribal DNA and that collectively weave a tapestry of who we are: South African Jews, the product of 175 years of SA Jewish history. Where you were during the Six Day War; how you came to inherit your Shabbas candlesticks; how your family got its name; stories of immigration and emigration, simchas, sorrow, synagogues, charismatic rabbis, religion, arts and business… We are looking for tales that cover the gamut of our history, our everyday life, our communal identity and our impact on the wider South African society. If you have a story that relates to Jewish identity in South Africa — be it of epic and widely significant proportions or simply an anecdote as pedestrian as a treasured domestic who makes the world’s best bulkas — share it. These stories will form the basis of an exhibition to be held at the South African Jewish Museum and an accompanying book on South African Jewish life. To contribute, please email your story to [email protected] or go to www.sajewishmuseum.co.za for more details. 36 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 A tribute to a life well lived French far- By Irma Chait right party On 24 February this year former October 1968, when she was just 51. She However, in doyenne and leading light within our mourned the loss of her husband and 2004, while still Cape Town community, Sylvia Smaller partner, and then — in an amazing step living in Israel founder fined for Winnikow, passed away peacefully in for a woman in those days — she ‘moved she was struck Sydney at the age of ninety nine. around to the other side of the desk’, and down with two downplaying the took over the company, to be joined by serious health abbi David Freedman of Sydney’s her son, Peter and son-in-law Roy. The conditions, Holocaust RCentral Synagogue in Bondi business went on to become a public including delivered a moving eulogy, encapsulating company with Sylvia at the helm and cancer, which (JNS.org) The founder and former the essence of this remarkable woman she held the distinction of being the first she handled leader of France’s far-right National as he reflected on the unique, humane, woman chairman of a public company in with bravery and Front party, Jean-Marie Le Pen, 87, has generous-spirited and trail-blazing South Africa — and known throughout the positivity. She been fined for denying crimes against personality that she was, and the business world as the Iron Maiden’! Peter spent her 87th humanity over a remark he made unconditional love she gave to her family recalls a headline at the time they listed birthday on life Sylvia Smaller that the Nazi gas chambers are just a earning, in return, their deep love and on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange — support, with Winnikow “detail” of World War II history. respect. Smaller and Smaller getting bigger and little chance of Born in Cape Town on 29 January 1917, bigger! She loved that. survival, but survive she did, to enjoy 12 n April 2015, Le Pen told BFMTV, “Gas Sylvia was the eldest child of Isaac and While one of the pillars of her life was more years, mostly in good health, passing chambers were a detail of the war, Lily Vilensky. She completed her formal her business success, there was in away peacefully at home, surrounded, as I unless we accept that the war is a detail schooling at the age of 15, thereafter addition a deep community involvement. was her wish, by the beloved family she of the gas chambers.” Le Pen has made studying accountancy. She assisted in the growth of Herzlia had raised and nurtured. similar comments over the course of In December 1939 Sylvia married Cecil School in Cape Town, served on the Sylvia was loved, respected and several decades. This latest statement Smaller and together they started a steel Board of Deputies and was involved with admired by all who knew her. She has created a feud between Le Pen and his business with a mere 12 shillings and Israel focused institutions like ORT and left behind a huge void, but her legacy daughter Marine, who is currently heading 10 pence! An excellent accountant and the JNF. Ever a passionate Zionist, she — the wonderful example she set — the National Front party and is trying to administrator, she supported Cecil, who worked tirelessly for Wizo in South Africa, will live forever in the hearts and minds distance the party from its history of always respected her as his equal, giving including being chairman, and eventually, of her family and all who knew her. Her anti-Semitism. The elder Le Pen was her the confidence to establish herself as after marrying her second husband, generosity, her principles, dedication and subsequently suspended from the party, a brilliant businesswoman. Shlomo Winnikow, lived in Israel — the loyalty, her commitment to community, AFP reported. After the war their three children came fulfilment of a dream. But with all of her her strength and determination. And France criminalizes denying crimes along in quick succession and while she children and grandchildren having located they are sure to remember her favourite against humanity, especially Holocaust remained committed to the business, her to Sydney by 1989, she would spend five expressions — “What can I do for you?” denial. Le Pen has been fined 30,000 children Penny, Peter and Liora, never months a year with them there, and after and “Do you have everything you need?” euros ($34,000), in addition to 10,000 felt anything but love and care from their Shlomo passed away she moved there What a wonderful thing to say of someone euros ($11,400) in damages payable to mother. She always had time or made permanently — that her greatest joy was giving! three associations that were plaintiffs in time for them. A matriarch and a role Throughout her life, Sylvia possessed Those who remember her from the case. Le Pen was also convicted for model. incredible energy. She exercised days past and the Cape Town Jewish the same offense in 2010 for saying that Sylvia and Cecil shared the same regularly, walking daily and even took community as a whole pay tribute to this the Nazi occupation of France was not desk for 28 years, until his death in swimming lessons well into her 80s. fine woman. “particularly inhumane.”

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4.indd 1 4/11/16 1:29 PM 42 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 Using my Nudel A dummies’ guide to becoming a dictator

By Craig Nudelman

Politics. It’s always been the same. actions, but from those of ‘the people’ People grasping for power, others too. You can create actual legislation holding on to democratic principles. that can protect you and your allies from The war between dictatorship and those pesky few (or many) who (much to The Union of Jewish Women democracy is not just a modern your consternation) just don’t want you to manifestation (and by modern I mean succeed. You create jobs for your family, is delighted to invite you to enjoy from the birth of modern democracy your friends and their family, make sure in the United States and/or France). It that only good things are reported about a fun filled morning with has been happening for millennia. you and your dealings in public. You can Siphokazi Mdlankomo even reach so high in your pursuit of ast year I was hooked on Robert power that you become the leader of your from MasterChef South Africa LHarris’s trilogy about the life of Cicero. country (or organisation — remember, the His first novel, Imperium, followed by rise to dictatorship isn’t limited to national and a surprise guest on 9 June Lustrum and finally, the ominously titled domination. It can even happen in a Dictator, is about just that: the balance communal body). between the values of democracy and After this, your mission is complete. the manipulation of the structures which There will be rough patches ahead; Join us for delicious breakfast hold it in place. In the book, Cicero’s people will always rebel against your slave, Tiro, is the narrator of the book, complete power over a governing body. and great entertainment going into detail about Cicero’s own rise The patches can get so rough that you to power, becoming the youngest Consul could land up being assassinated, like in Rome at the tender age of 42. He was Julius Caesar or overthrown via a military not infallible, having to sacrifice much to coup, like Peron in Argentina. If you remain the political animal that he was, aren’t really a dictator but you’ve done but he always upheld the values of a something a little naughty, and you live Call 021 434 9555 or email us at [email protected] democratic Roman republic. Through a in a country which has basic morals, to book your space. series of very unfortunate events and the impeachment is likely. manipulation of those structures which This is just a rough idea, and to really were in place to maintain the Republic’s become a dictator takes a lot of hard work Follow our Facebook page or call the office for more details values, we read how Caesar and others and dedication. Remember, Rome wasn’t grew to turn Rome into what we think built in a day. of it today, a place where a supreme But now we come to the serious part, commander ruled with an iron fist. the one which matters to us in South So now, how do you become a dictator? Africa. Our country is in a precarious First, you have to build yourself up, getting position. We do have structures in place the necessary street cred. You can either to hold together our ‘new’ democracy, come from a prominent family or a legacy with the separation of powers between of money (e.g. Caesar), or you have to the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary come up from nothing (e.g. Chairman in place to keep it that way. We have Mao, Stalin, Castro, Hitler). The former people who remain bastions of free demonstrates that power runs in your speech, promoters of anti-corruption and genes, and you can do nothing but follow responsible for creating a South Africa on from where your predecessors left which ensures that all who live in South off. Poor roots, charisma and strength in Africa (citizens or not) have the basic adversity — these are the ways in which rights which are afforded to them, from you can rise in prominence and have the water security to a decent education, all ability, through your street-smart ways, to included in the Bill of Rights. become a leader amongst men. However, we are seeing, through a But all this comes to naught if you slow and perhaps deliberate process, don’t have your acolytes, your groupies the breaking down of the institutions who dedicate their lives to making sure which are so important to deliver South you are great. You need people to be so Africans their rights to a free and just dedicated that they will ensure that every society. Corruption on a grand scale, move you make, every law you break, bureaucratic incompetence, a Parliament every step towards power you take, they’ll which houses members who do not vote be watching you, and your back. Now, this in favour of principles but rather toe the can happen because they think that you’re line to remain in power and attacks on amazing and will follow you no matter the Judiciary. This does not bode well for what. But normally it involves some sort our country. With the ANC and President of patronage, a bond that will guarantee Zuma violating the Constitution and not that both you and they get your/their just doing anything constructive about the desserts (you scratch my back, I’ll scratch Constitutional Court’s ruling, like Mr. yours). Zuma resigning or the ANC showing Second, you need your support base that they have the moral back bone to do to grow. It’s fine to have a few people something positive for the country, we are in your pockets, but you need to have a in for a rough ride. massive fan base. Your supporters grow, When reading books like the Cicero they spread, they become so entranced trilogy, I cannot help but be concerned by you and your story that you become about the future of South Africa and how the darling to your constituency. Your fragile a country it is. As a collective we do constituency must love you, so much so have the power to change things, through www.sothebysrealty.co.za that there are those who say, “I am willing voting, joining a civil society organisation to kill for you”. or anything else which may make those Third, you get into power. Public office is responsible for any damage see that they where you can have the ability to change need to listen to the people. You choose. 021 439 3903 the law to make sure that you and your However, we can hopefully take note of friends can benefit from not only your the past and ensure that all roads do not lead to Rome. Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016 43 Sport The Holocaust legacy that packs a punch By Jacob Kamaras/JNS.org

Shot three times by the Nazis in boxing record of 112-18 and qualifying for Poland, Bernard Fleischer was down the Olympic Trials for the 2008 Summer for the count. But just as he was about Olympics in Beijing. He lived in the U.S. to be finished off, the German soldier’s Olympic training camp at the tender age gun froze. Assuming he’d die anyway, of 15. the soldier left Bernard in a barn. “A lot of people thought Dustin could be the one. A lot of people were very high ernard survived and later joined on Dustin about making this [Olympic] Bthe Jewish resistance movement. team,” recalls Phil. Decades later, his son and grandson are Dustin, however, came down with perpetuating his Holocaust legacy in the mononucleosis and got sidetracked. boxing ring. On Saturday, Sept. 26, junior “When he came back [from the Olympic welterweight Dustin “The White Tiger” camp], he was very depressed, but he Fleischer (4-0, 4 KO) defeated Ira Frank learned something from it,” Phil says. “He (1-1, 1 KO) with a first-round knockout at said, ‘Dad, all my life I pushed for this, but Veteran’s Memorial Park in Beach Haven, I’ve got to have something else in my life N.J. — with his father, Phil Fleischer, in case I ever get hurt with boxing, so I’m as his lead cornerman for the first going to finish up my education, and once time. Dustin says it is his grandfather’s I finish school I will then turn pro.’” message that gives him strength. Indeed, Dustin earned a degree in Specifically, he wants to be the answer to transportation and worked for his father’s the trivia question, “Who is the first world trucking company to help the business “The way he talks is just kind of like I and wishes to partake in a boxing match champion boxer to be the grandchild of a during the economic recession. All the pictured him…He talks as cool as he in the Jewish state one day. Holocaust survivor?” while, he kept up his boxing skills and raps, really,” Dustin says. But on the immediate horizon is the fight “It helps me bring a message, helps would eventually be signed earlier this Within the world of boxing, Dustin says with Ira Frank. Bernard Fleischer died give my career more of a meaning. year by Roc Nation Sports, part of the he seeks to emulate the heart of Timothy seven years ago, but the late Holocaust Especially when it comes to my heritage consortium of entertainment-related Bradley, the smarts of Terence Crawford, survivor would have most certainly and my religion,” Dustin Fleischer, 25, of entities owned by the rapper Jay Z. and the longevity of Floyd Mayweather. beamed with pride at the father-son team Monmouth Beach, N.J., tells JNS.org. On Jan. 9, 2015, at Madison Square “There really has never been a fighter that will enter the ring Sept. 26. “I just kind of knew he had his Garden in New York City, during the who’s been able to stay that dominant “This is one step in Jewish history that grandfather’s strength in him,” says Phil inaugural “throne boxing” event hosted throughout all the years he’s been boxing we’re gonna make Saturday, and we’ll Fleischer. “There was something about by Roc Nation Sports, Dustin made his and really not have a scratch on him,” keep rolling from there,” says Phil. those two. They just kind of clicked.” professional debut — scoring a second- Dustin says of Mayweather. “You’ve For more information on boxer Dustin In his will, Bernard Fleischer left Dustin round technical knockout victory over really got to admire that as a boxer.” Fleischer, follow him on Facebook, @ his Star of David necklace, which Dustin Frank Jordan. Soon after the fight, Roc Dustin has never been to Israel, but says TheWhiteTigerDustinFleischer, or wears while he walks into the ring every Nation Sports signed him to an exclusive he regularly follows Israel news websites Instagram and Twitter, @dustinfleischer. time he fights, in addition to sporting a promotional agreement. Star of David on his trunks. “It feels like everything happens for a “I actually wanted it, but he gave it to reason,” Dustin says of his journey to the his grandson,” Phil quips regarding the pros since falling short of the Olympic necklace. team. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. Dustin — 5-foot-9, 140 pounds— The age that I turned pro, the people that recalls getting picked on because his I’m with. My career is just moving the way mother dressed him up in bow ties and I pictured it would move.” suspenders. His response was starting to Roc Nation “will only sign a certain learn martial arts from age 5, and boxing level of fighter, and to be at that level is four years later, following in the footsteps definitely a confidence-booster,” he says. of his father. Dustin doesn’t work directly with Jay Z, He thrived, compiling an amateur but has met him. Victory at Synergy Cup aya Gomez Rosenbaum has won the Synergy Cup in singles, with her partner MSharlene Chigariro in doubles and partner Jarryd Visser in mixed doubles. Three intense days of matches were played resulting in three consecutive victories. (Maya is pictured in the front row, first on the left)

Synergy Cup participants 44 Cape Jewish Chronicle May 2016

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