Hashalom December 2017 Established 1923 Volume 22. No 4

March 2014 █ HASHALOM 1 Editorial 02 EDITORIAL Out of Perspective 03 Arkin leaves Hashalom for Israel 04 FAREWELL, SHALOM Mishna Impossible 06 Prof Antony Arkin Israel 08 I had hoped to be writing my last editorial after putting together the Israeli Deterrence in a New Middle East 08 100th anniversary edition of Hashalom in 2023, to match the 80th Jewish World 10 commemorative publication I put together in 2003. However, this month Marion and I will be making Aliyah and joining our family in 9 Things you didn’t know about Hanukkah 10 Israel. The Maccabees: Heroes or Fanatics 12

Community News 14 Physically, Hashalom is today a beautiful, glossy full colour, 32 page monthly magazine keeping abreast with the latest technology. An Bubkes 14 electronic version is emailed directly to an online readership each Past Tense 15 month. Yet in its essentials Hashalom has remained true to its Beth Shalom 16 founding principles. The leading article in September 1923 argues KwaZulu Natal Zionist Council 17 that the monthly bulletin “merely desires to serve the interests of our Young Israel Centre 17 co-religionists with fearless honest endeavour, free from prejudice Eden College 19 and partiality”. Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation 19 Durban Jewish Social Services 20 Hashalom has always been a labour of love. The October 1932 editorial states “that our labour is gladly given so that our readers Wotsup Wizo 21 may enjoy the results of our work voluntarily undertaken …” Yet it DHC 22 goes on that this implies “active co-operation” from the community SAJBD 23 which is “not yet established as we should like to see it”. Some of our Durban United Hebrew Congregation 24 organizations are still much more compliant than others. Divote 25 Akiva College 26 Of course in this era of instant messaging, Facebook and Twitter, a monthly newspaper may seem a contradiction in terms. A half UJC 26 century ago South African Jews had a choice of four Jewish weeklies. Limmud 27 Today, the one remaining newspaper has little on the happenings in Union of Jewish Women 28 our community. So Hashalom as a medium simply to provide basic Above Board 30 information on what is taking place is an essential facility to maintain Cooking with Judy and Linda 30 communal cohesion. Social and Personal 31 Diary of Events 31 But Hashalom should be more than a provider of news and views from our various organizations. Our regular features Pundit, Bubkes, Above Board, Out of Perspective, Cooking are locally written, give The views expressed in the pages of Hashalom are not necessarily those of the Hashalom a strong foundation each month, and are greatly enjoyed. Editorial Board or any other organisation or religious body unless otherwise Prof Marcus Arkin wrote in his “In Perspective” column in August

individual. 1999, Hashalom is “very often the only publication of Jewish interest to reach many households, and thus their only link with the broader Hashalom Editorial Board: world of Jewish affairs”. As the local South African media is at times Editor: Prof Antony Arkin Sub Editor: Mr Colin Plen extremely anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist, it is essential that our readers Editorial Board: Mrs Mikki Norton, Mrs Michelle Campbell can access a more balanced view of life. One of the pleasures of being Commitee: Dr Issy Fisher, Ms Diane McColl, Mrs Lauren Shapiro editor is to select articles on developments in Israel, the Middle East Production Manager: Mrs Robyn Bradley and the Jewish World. Notice to Organisations/Contributors: All material to be submitted by email to Each month some sort of balance then has to be struck between local [email protected] reports and items of broader Jewish and Zionist interest, as well as DEADLINE FOR THE FEBRUARY ISSUE: 8 January how far we give free reign to controversial issues. The solution is to Advertisements allow a balanced debate on the issues themselves, as long as the Contact: Robyn Bradley P.O. Box 10797 Marine Parade 4056 discussion does not become a vehicle for attacks on individuals. Tel: (031) 335 4451 Fax: (031) 337 9600 Email: [email protected] Hashalom is issued under the auspices of the SAJBD KZN Council, In the forty years I have lived in Durban, the community has shrunk KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council and the Durban Jewish Club. from 6500 to 1200. Yet it remains a vibrant community of committed Typesetting Supplied. and warm hearted Jews, with a host of activities. Hashalom remains Designed by RBG Studios, email: [email protected] your paper. It is put together by a dedicated team. To succeed it Printed by Fishwick Printers must continue to have your full participation. With love, farewell and Visit our website: www.hashalom.co.za Shalom.

2 HASHALOM December 2017 OUT OF PERSPECTIVE

Army films, art and politics: uneasy bedfellows

David Arkin

Israel will be represented at the forthcoming Academy Awards in the More uncomfortable is how the film deals with soldiers out in Best Foreign Film category with the movie, . Though the final the field protecting the State. The screening of Palestinians shortlist will only be announced early in 2018, it’s a category that has at checkpoints with an antiquated database is a thinly-veiled had perennial Israeli representation through the years. Although, to criticism of the system of information-collection through the Shin date, no Israeli film has ever won this category, Foxtrot does combine Bet. But there can be no easy way of rooting out the bad apples. the necessary ingredients to succeed: a beautiful and artistically A soldier steals from a civilian. Is theft tolerated? Of course not – produced film, wonderful acting, a strong political message, and a it is prosecuted, even in war (the local press widely reported that strong dose of political controversy that accompanied the reviews. soldiers were indicted for looting NIS 2,420 from an apartment in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge in 2014). Are Palestinian When the film is criticised and not endorsed by the local Sports and civilians exposed to the weather elements by soldiers, and is there Culture minister, one may tend to be ambivalent towards its success abuse? Yes, but with all the pressures and instantaneous reporting at the Oscars. Yes, it does portray the Army negatively (and perhaps through digital media, it is thoroughly investigated and dealt with is even unfair at times) but this film isn’t left-wing propaganda. And accordingly. The IDF’s code of ethics, Ruach Tzahal (“Spirt of the IDF”) while its defendants obviously label it as art to justify its messages, represents the values of the army and stands as the foundation for most of the time they are so subtle, that only someone living in Israel its responsibilities to prevent this. Sometimes Ruach Tzahal isn’t for a length of time could fully appreciate and understand them. enough and there are operational failures and innocents get killed. Even worse in the film, a massacre is covered up. The Sports and The Army has been regular setting for local film through the Culture Minister could not accept this as film-art, especially being decades, which is hardly surprising given its influence in society and a former Brigadier-General and IDF spokesperson. But instead on Israeli psyche. There have been actions films, dramas, comedies, of trying to muzzle artists, a better response would have been to satires, and even films about zombies! Sometimes they are topical, point out that this simply couldn’t happen with the IDF’s watchdog like dealing with recruitment of Haredim. Many have been anti-war. Military Advocate investigating and defending the code of ethics Foxtrot would probably fit into the anti-war genre, though “anti- after every incident. kibush” is probably more accurate (kibush being the Hebrew word for military occupation). The cameo of a tattooed survivor-grandmother, juxtaposed to her grandson serving at a checkpoint, propagating the kibush, reminds The film’s detractors will argue it fuels anti-Israel opinion, especially the viewer that the situation is somehow tolerated and necessary tarnishing the Army’s legitimacy. However, in an open and democratic to prevent future atrocities, brought on or inspired by Nazism in the society, with free-speech and where journalistic and artistic freedom past. But this image isn’t forceful. Rather, the Army Brass touting are a given, the film’s core only highlights exiting bugbears of the the maxim “we’re at war” as a justification after the massacre, rings system. In many ways, the Israeli Army is a state within a state, with loud but hollow to the audience. The abuse of Palestinian civilians its own leadership (chain of command), bureaucratic procedures (for is one obvious negative by-product of the kibush. However, the governance and administration), and own judicial system (complete soldiers themselves evoke sympathy, as the squad manning the with military police, CID - criminal investigation division - and checkpoint lives in squalid conditions. They appear as mismatched- military courts). The Army is used to receiving criticism from all misfits, composed of an orator/philosopher, a mute, a technician, quarters, and has built rigorous systems to investigate thoroughly and an artist. And while they battle on with their mission on hand, any misdemeanours in order to protect its integrity. they too invoke pity for being thrown together to man a desolate outpost in order to defend the kibush. With this in mind, any criticisms singled out in the movie, are well- known and familiar with the Israeli viewer. Army protocols to inform It’s a heavy film to watch, and one wonders how many of the nuances the family of fallen soldiers are depicted as mechanical and crass, the will be understood by a foreign audience. In fact, to continue the Rabbinate depicted as emotionally-void to mourners. And while the ironies portrayed in the film, the actor playing the central character, individual relative of a fallen soldier may initially get lost in the vast Yonatan, the soldier around whom the plot revolves, is currently military apparatus, there is also a vast support network for bereaved actively serving as a combat soldier in the Givati brigade. Despite the families which isn’t represented in the film. The message is clear and film’s fierce critics that it should not represent Israel at the Oscars, long-internalised: Israeli society continues to suffer by needing to the role of the oppressor and who is oppressed isn’t straightforward send their sons and daughters to compulsory service in the Armed and clear-cut. And this is perhaps precisely the point: everyone ends Forces, especially when a parent buries their child-soldier. up suffering in some way due to the kibush.

December 2017 HASHALOM 3 Arkin leaves Hashalom for Israel By Lauren Shapiro different – sometimes contradictory – viewpoints,” Arkin asserts. He confesses that it’s been challenging to ensure that important issues are discussed whilst no personal attacks are made. “People don’t always understand the difference,” he muses. That, of course, is the role of a great editor. “I was certainly extremely unpopular at times,” he confides, “but you need a free and robust press to ensure transparency in the community.”

Under Arkin’s 15-year reign, the publication has made a gradual progression from a 20-page black-and-white newspaper to a full colour, glossy magazine of 32 pages (more for the Pesach, Rosh Hashanah and Channukah editions). “We’ve strived to constantly refresh the look and feel,” Arkin declares. This included a logo revamp in 2016, and the launch of Hashalom’s digital edition on its own website www.hashalom.co.za in 2013. Of these achievements, he insists: “I’m very proud, but I must say it’s a team effort”.

Arkin’s successor is as yet unidentified. “I’m sure anyone coming in will make changes, which is good,” he affirms. “I’m hoping that Hashalom – like our community – will continue to grow and develop for many, many years.”

This is Arkin’s last edition as editor of Hashalom as he and his wife Marion leave in December to make Aliyah and join their children and grandchildren in Israel. “It’s not a push factor, but a pull factor,” he explains. “I wish every success to the community.”

We wish the family hatzlacha and happiness and send fond greetings t feels almost as though we’ve come full circle: more than a to ex-Durbanites David and Tali Arkin, their children Naama (9), Matan decade ago I sat as a young prospective writer across the table (6) and Aviah (5 months); Talia and Clive Feigenbaum, and their children Ifrom Hashalom Editor Antony Arkin as he welcomed me on board; Gabi (4) and Gina (2). today I sit across from him bidding him farewell. It is my pleasure and privilege to interview one of my favourite editors and human Arkin wears various “hats” in the community in addition to beings. editorship of Hashalom. He is also:

After 15 years at the Editor’s desk, Arkin is leaving his post at Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council Durban’s monthly Jewish magazine to pursue a lifelong dream of Member of the General Assembly of the Jewish National Fund making Aliyah. Treasurer of the South African Zionist Federation Hashalom is SA’s oldest Jewish journal, in print since 1923. Arkin Ex officio member of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies accepted the role of Editor in 2002, but he’d been involved with Member of the Vaad Hapoel, World Zionist Organization the magazine for almost 15 years previously, both as a writer and Member of the General Assembly of the Jewish Agency on the editorial board. “Hashalom plays a significant role in keeping Past President of the Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation the community informed and together, especially given the local National Vice Chairman of the South African Union of Progressive Jewry newspapers’ tendencies towards anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism,” Chairman of Artzeinu, South Africa he points out. “We present a more balanced viewpoint.”

He’s written over 160 editorial columns over the years, covering a vast scope of topics concerning South Africa, Israel and the Jewish world. “I write about things that deeply concern me personally,” he reveals. “I ask what issues need to be addressed, and try to provide an overview or explanation of those issues for our community.” Arkin also sources stories from a range of respectable publications that give Hashalom permission to reprint. Because of Hashalom’s long production cycle of 4-6 weeks, he looks for articles that won’t date, focussing less on news than on background and analytical pieces. “This is important because people seldom get this aspect in the daily papers,” he rejoins.

Life in the editorial firing line isn’t always easy. “I’ve tried to have good working relationships with everyone and to respect and represent

4 HASHALOM December 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS

After 42 years of community service, KNZC wishes Antony Arkin everything of the best as he pursues a lifelong dream of Aliyah. By Lauren Shapiro Prof. Arkin may have earned a Doctorate in Economics, but it’s his commitment to Jewish and Zionist organisations that will be his lasting legacy in our community.

The former Capetonian met his wife Marion Beit at Rhodes University and followed her to Durban in 1974. He had no aspiration to communal politics: “My ambition was to be assistant warden of Bnei Brit,” he chuckles self-deprecatingly at the low-key position, “and eventually I became the national vice president.”

Antony has since worn numerous “hats” in the community, many with a strong Zionist fit. He is chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Zionist Council, Treasurer of the South African Zionist Federation and an ex officio member of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies. He is also a delegate of the Vaad Hapoel (working committee) of the World Zionist Organization, a member of the General Assembly of the Jewish Agency, and he sits on the executive of Keren Kayemet Le’Yisrael (the Jewish National Fund).

Congregationally, Antony has been very involved with Reform Judaism as president of the Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation and national vice chairman of the South African Union of Progressive Jewry, as well as chairman of Arzenu, South Africa. He has also been Editor of Hashalom, Durban’s monthly Jewish magazine, for the past 15 years.

Communal life presents its challenges. “I’ve tried to have good working relationships with everyone and to understand their viewpoints, as usually they are valid,” Antony asserts. He says the key to successful leadership is “learning to respect differences.”

Antony and Marion make Aliyah in December and join their children and grandchildren in Israel. “It’s not a push factor, but a pull factor,” he explains.

The KNZC wishes Antony and Marion everything of the best as they live the Zionist dream! They will be greatly missed.

Hashalom October 2016 Established 1923 Volume 21. No 1

March 2014 █ HASHALOM 1 Hashalom June 2017 Established 1923 Volume 21. No 8 Hashalom

Hashalom October 2017 Established 1923 Volume 22. No 2

March 2014 █ HASHALOM 1

March 2014 █ HASHALOM 1 December 2017 HASHALOM 5 MISHNA IMPOSSIBLE 17

But I said “Sorry!” Tractate Berachot, 12 By Warren Shapiro

Daf 12 contains a brief discourse by Rabbah bar Chanina who said, in the name of Rav, “Anyone who commits a sin and is embarrassed of it is forgiven for all of his sins”. For, the Rabbi says, it is stated “In order that you remember and be ashamed and so that you no longer have an excuse because of your humiliation, when I forgive you for all that you have done, the word of Hashem”.

This got me thinking – why is the word “embarrassed” used instead of “remorseful” or “regretful”. Instinctively, I understand that there is a difference but I was wondering quite what that was. And, as so often happens, my kids helped me towards an answer!

My younger son and my daughter got into a fight about something and a male hand connected with a female head. Once I had separated the junior pugilists, I told my son to say sorry – which he did, in a grumble. My daughter however was having none of it and said “Not OK!” and walked off. When I looked at my boy, he 033 702 0330 looked at me and shouted “But I said sorry!”. WWW.SANILODGE.CO.ZA This little spat struck me – because my daughter was right, it was not OK. They say that “sorry seems to be the hardest word” but actually it is quite easy to say. It is just a word, after all. My little one, about to turn 4, grasped the difference immediately between saying sorry for what you did and being sorry for what you did.

This goes to the heart of why Rabbah bar Chaninah refers to being embarrassed of the sin we commit in order to be forgiven SHOTLANDS for it and why words such as “ashamed” and “humiliated” are quoted. Embarrassment and shame connote a discomfort at what has been done, or how people have reacted to something PACKAGING we did. Much like remorse – it involves self-analysis, admitting your mistake and taking responsibility for your actions. Once you have undertaken this process, only then can you really appreciate what you have done and try not to do it again. It should be only at this stage that forgiveness comes. Because the other side of it is to just say the right words without feeling them – expressing “regret”, which is often nothing more than a grudging acceptance FOR ALL YOUR that your act had consequences (often with the focus being on the consequences for you, not for the other person!). CORRUGATED Put differently, “saying sorry” (expressing regret) is appreciating BOX AND BOARD that what you did caused pain and requires a response – but that might be to avoid pain or consequence for you. It is ticking a box. And box-ticking will not develop anyone to the stage where REQUIREMENTS they can actually take responsibility for their actions and resolve to do better.

“Being sorry” means appreciating that you caused pain to another and genuinely trying not to do that again. TRADE ENQUIRIES: Absent this, it is understandable perhaps why forgiveness will not Tel: (031) 700 4711 • Fax: (031) 700 4723 come – when it comes to wiping the slate, whether by Hashem P.O Box 801, PINETOWN, 3600 or an aggrieved little girl, you have to mean it before you can E-mail: [email protected] clean it! Website: www.shotlands.co.za

6 HASHALOM December 2017 December 2017 HASHALOM 7 ISRAELISRAEL ISRAELI DETERRENCE IN A NEW MIDDLE EAST By Yossi Melman - Jerusalem Post Although the security situation is fragile, Israel has made dramatic strides.

Israeli soldiers stand atop tanks overlooking the border between Israel and Syria Israeli soldiers stand atop tanks overlooking the border between Israel and Syria. (photo credit:RONEN ZVULUN / REUTERS)

ith the beginning of a new Jewish year, Israel’s strategic Although the right-wing Israeli government led by Benjamin position has improved dramatically, an indication that Netanyahu stubbornly refuses to negotiate with the Palestinian W Israeli deterrence is working on all fronts and is disrupting Authority about a respectable and fair deal, the PA security services its enemies’ war doctrines. This is the bottom line presented in still cooperate with their Israeli counterparts and, together, thwart recent weeks by military intelligence’s top echelon to the cabinet. terrorist plans made mainly by their joint enemy – Hamas.

Israel faces security challenges of various levels on six fronts: Syria, For the last 10 years, the Islamic movement Hamas, which is an Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza and Egypt. extension of the outlawed Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, has ruled Gaza. Hamas, which came to power after a military coup d’état that The two borders with Egypt and Jordan that benefit from the long- toppled the PA government, doesn’t recognize the right of Israel to standing peace agreements are quiet with the security, military and exist, has armed itself and has already triggered three wars. intelligence cooperation between Israel and Jordan and Israel and Egypt at its peak. Three times the IDF invaded Gaza, a small enclave of 365 square kilometers with 2 million Palestinian inhabitants – one of the most The situation in the West Bank is fragile but manageable. For densely populated and poor areas in the world. Three times the 50 years, some 2.5 million Palestinians have lived under Israeli invasions have wreaked havoc, causing heavy damage to the occupation in the shadow of the construction of more Jewish limited infrastructure, killing thousands of civilians and injuring settlements. Their daily life is controlled by the bureaucratic whims many more. Each invasion dealt a heavy blow to the military of the Israeli army with roadblocks everywhere. strength of Hamas but the group somehow managed to rebuild ‒ usually at the expense of the population’s basic needs of water, And yet, they are largely submissive and accept this reality with the occasional burst of violence and terrorism. electricity and food.

Two years ago, there was a spontaneous effort by young Hamas, aware of its military inferiority, developed a strategy with Palestinians to ignite a new – third – uprising (intifada). It has been three tactical tools to challenge the mighty Israeli military machine. characterized largely by young Palestinians, sometimes teenagers, Its first move was to amass a large arsenal of thousands rockets with no organizational affiliation, using knives and cars as their that were launched against Israeli cities and villages. The second weapons of choice. But a strong response by the Israeli military tool was to build underground tunnels penetrating into Israel and combined with effective intelligence and monitoring of social media use them for surprise attacks against military positions and rural subdued most of the efforts to carry out terrorist attacks. communities. The third tool has been finding cover among civilians who serve Hamas as “human shields” in military confrontations. What also contributed to Israeli success was a smart policy, advised by the security establishment and accepted by the government In these three campaigns (2008-2009, 2012 and 2014), Israeli to allow nearly 100,000 Palestinian workers to continue working communities and cities, including Tel Aviv, were shelled, as Hamas in Israel. In other words, Israel succeeded in fighting the violence aimed to create an effect of psychological terror on the population. by isolating the perpetrators from the rest of the population with Hamas fighters surfaced inside Israeli territories and also caused minimal “collective punishment.” casualties among the invading IDF troops.

8 HASHALOM December 2017 ISRAEL

After each round, the Israeli government was strongly condemned This assessment is enforced by the recent reconciliation by the international community. Yet, the Israeli will was not broken. agreement between the PA and Hamas. The deal avoids the issue of disarming Hamas as an independent militia, but by reinstating Rather, it is Hamas that has found itself in a shaky situation. PA civilian authority in Gaza it diminishes the ability of Hamas to make independent decisions. After the last war, Hamas ended up isolated as never before as the Israeli-Egyptian- Palestinian alliance eroded its status. In the North, according to Israeli intelligence, Hezbollah, like Hamas, has changed its war doctrine because of Israeli deterrence The three parties increased their pressure on Hamas. Egypt and superiority. accused Hamas of colluding with ISIS in Sinai and stepped up its battle against Hamas tunnels between Gaza and Sinai. Dozens Until recently, Hezbollah believed that with its 100,000 rockets of tunnels were bulldozed and destroyed, cutting off the Islamic and missiles capable of hitting any target in Israel, the longer the movement from its economic lifeline because the tunnels served next war would be, the better. Now, however, Israel’s intelligence not only to smuggle in weapons but also goods that were then assessment is that the Shi’ite Lebanese movement has reversed taxed. its doctrine, preferring and preparing for a short campaign because Israel has made it clear that, unlike in the 2006 war, it no The siege of Hamas by Egypt, Israel and the PA has resulted in longer distinguishes between Hezbollah and the Lebanese army their reduction of regular payments to the Gaza administration, and government. To Israel, they are one and the same and, in the especially for covering the cost of electricity. next war, will be targeted equally. This has widened the wedge between Hamas and the rest of the Realizing that Israel has improved its intelligence and fire power, population, who have finally begun to blame their misery on the Hezbollah now understands that prolonging a war would be Hamas government. counterproductive and enable Israel to cause unprecedented On the military front, Hamas is also in dire straits. The blockade damage to Lebanon, as Israeli military and political leaders talk of the tunnels deprives Hamas of its capacity to smuggle in better about “pushing Lebanon back into the Stone Age.” rockets from Sinai and forces it to rely on local industry, which is suffering from a shortage of essential components to produce Another important contributor to this change is the fact that improved, longer range and more accurate rockets. despite Iranian efforts to help its Lebanese protégé, Hezbollah has only a few hundred missiles with a range of 300 kilometers Furthermore, Hamas has realized that Israel is developing or more and they are inaccurate ‒ if such a missile were to be powerful countermeasures that undermine two of its best military launched against Israel’s Defense Ministry and IDF General Staff tools. Headquarters in central Tel Aviv, it could very well just fall into the sea. The first, which already has proven itself in battle, is Israeli’s anti- missile system ‒ especially the Iron Dome, which has intercepted Nevertheless, Israel doesn’t underestimate Hezbollah capabilities. and “killed” many Hamas rockets in mid-air, thus lowering its It’s a strong military force of 45,000 troops, half of them conscripts. success rate in killing Israelis and causing damage to property. The And, despite its heavy losses in the civil war in Syria ‒ 2,000 of its second significant anti-Hamas measure is the deep, underground warriors killed and 8,000 wounded ‒ it gained a great deal of battle wall made of heavy concrete and sensors for target detection that experience in large troop maneuvering. Israel is constructing along the 65 km border with Gaza. Once completed in 2019, it will make it difficult for Hamas to dig more Hezbollah is therefore no longer a terrorist group but a professional tunnels inside Israel. army.

All these developments – the economic- humanitarian crisis, Taking advantage of their contribution to saving the Assad regime diplomatic isolation, and military inferiority – have forced Hamas in Syria (together with Russia), Hezbollah and its Iranian sponsor to change its military doctrine and diplomatic orientation. The are trying to gain a foothold near the Israeli border, but Israeli biggest surprise – its acknowledgement of the necessity to be leaders have declared that they will not tolerate any Iranian or realistic – comes from a new leadership that was considered to Shi’ite presence close to the Golan Heights. be extremely militant. It seems that here, too, Israeli deterrence is working, and Hamas’s top military and political echelon led by Yahya Sinwar neither Hezbollah nor Iranian troops no longer dare to take up consists mainly of activists who have served long sentences in positions close to the Israeli border. However, Israeli intelligence Israeli jails because of their terrorist involvement. assessments emphasize that, despite the current tranquility, the risk of an unexpected confrontation in one or two arenas – Gaza Yet Hamas has shown a great deal of pragmatism in trying to and/or Lebanon – is still relatively high. reconcile with its arch rival, the PA; improving relations with Egypt; disconnecting from Iran (though it still gets an annual infusion of “The situation is fragile,” a senior military officer told me, “and any $70 million for its military wing); and most importantly, reducing minor incident can get out of hand.” the digging of tunnels inside Israel, and excavating more bunkers and tunnels for defensive purposes in Gaza. All parties involved don’t want another round of violence, so war It also means, as Israeli intelligence estimates, that Hamas is is not on the horizon; still the danger remains that a miscalculation being deterred and as a result is not interested in a new round by one or the other could trigger a slide into an unwanted of fighting. confrontation.

December 2017 HASHALOM 9 9 Things You Didn’t Know About Hanukkah Lesser-known facts about the Festival of Lights. By Mjl Staff Hanukkah, which in 2017 starts at sundown on Tuesday, December 12, is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays in the United States. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing new to learn about this eight-day festival. From the mysterious origins of gelt to an Apocryphal beheading to Marilyn Monroe, we’ve compiled an item for each candle (don’t forget the shammash!) on the Hanukkah menorah .

1. Gelt as we know it is a relatively new 2. The first Hanukkah celebration was 3. The books of Maccabees, which tell tradition - and no one knows who invented it. actually a delayed Sukkot observance. the story of Hanukkah, weren’t included in the Hebrew Bible – but they are in the Catholic Bible.

While coins - “gelt” is Yiddish for coins, The second book of Maccabees quotes or money - have been part of Hanukkah from a letter sent circa 125 BCE from the observance for centuries, chocolate gelt is Hasmoneans (the Macabees’ descendants) considerably younger. In her book On the to the leaders of Egyptian Jewry, describing Chocolate Trail, Rabbi Deborah Prinz writes the holiday as “the festival of Sukkot that “opinions differ” concerning the origins celebrated in the month of Kislev rather of chocolate gelt: Some credit America’s Loft than Tishrei.” Since the Jews were still in candy company with creating it in the 1920s, caves fighting as guerrillas on Tishrei, 164 while others suggest there were European BCE, they had been unable to honor the versions earlier that inspired Israel’s Elite eight-day holiday of Sukkot , which required candy company. Prinz notes, as well, that visiting the Jerusalem Temple; hence it chocolate gelt resembles a European was postponed until after the recapture Christmas tradition of exchanging gold- of Jerusalem and the rededication of the There are different theories explaining why covered chocolate coins “commemorating Temple. Many scholars believe it is this the first-century rabbis who canonized the the miracles of St. Nicholas.” connection to Sukkot – and not the Talmudic scriptures omitted the Maccabees, ranging account of the cruse of oil that lasted eight from the text’s relative newness at the time 4. Marilyn Monroe owned a music- days – that explains why Hanukkah is eight to fears of alienating the Roman leadership playing Hanukkah menorah (the Marilyn days long. in control of Jerusalem at the time. Monrorah?).

5. The game of dreidel was inspired by a 6. Oily food (think latkes and sufganiyot) German game played at Christmastime, isn’t Hanukkah’s only culinary tradition. which is itself an imitation of an English and Irish one.

When the Hollywood star converted to Judaism before marrying Jewish playwright Arthur Miller, her future mother-in-law gave her a menorah as a conversion gift. The Hanukkah lamp, which the menorah’s current owner says Mrs. Miller brought back Our Eastern European game of dreidel from Jerusalem, has a wind-up music box in (including the letters nun, gimmel, hey, shin) Traditionally, Hanukkah has included foods its base that plays Hatikvah, Israel’s national is directly based on the German equivalent with cheese in recognition of Judith, whose anthem. It’s featured in the Jewish Museum of the British totum game: N = Nichts = liberal use of the salty treat facilitated a in New York City’s exhibit “Becoming nothing; G = Ganz = all; H = Halb = half; victory for the Maccabees. To combine the Jewish: Warhol’s Liz and Marilyn,” but sadly and S = Stell ein = put in. In German, the two unhealthy but delicious traditions, try you can’t wind it up. spinning top was called a “torrel” or “trundl.” this recipe for cheese latkes.

10 HASHALOM December 2017 JEWISH WORLD

7. On Hanukkah, we celebrate a grisly 8. The next “Thanksgivukkah” (sort of), is 9. The largest menorah in the world, murder. only 53 years away. according to the Guinness Book of World Records is 32 feet high and weighs 4,000 pounds.

In 2013, the convergence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah on Nov. 28 inspired everything from turkey-shaped menorahs The aforementioned Judith had an to a giant dreidel float in the Macy’s The Shulchan Aruch stipulates that a ulterior motive for plying Assyrian general Thanksgiving Parade. While experts say a menorah should be no taller than about Holofernes with salty cheese: making him full day of Hanukkah won’t coincide with the 31 feet. Incidentally, Guinness lists at least fourth Thursday in November for thousands three other Hanukkah-related records: thirsty so he would drink lots of wine and of years, the first night of Hanukkah will fall most dreidels spinning simultaneously for pass out, enabling her to chop off his head in time for Thanksgiving dinner (assuming at least 10 seconds (734), most people and bring it home with her. The beheading – you have the meal at dinnertime rather simultaneously lighting menorahs (834) and particularly the fact that a woman carried it than in the afternoon) on Nov. 27, 2070. largest display of lit menorahs (1,000). We’d out – was said to have frightened Holofernes’ So, hang on to this recipe for sweet potato like to know the most latkes ever eaten in troops into fleeing the Maccabees. latkes with toasted marshmallows! one sitting.

December 2017 HASHALOM 11 The Maccabees: Heroes or Fanatics? The Maccabees triumphed over the Syrian Greeks and liberated the Temple, but their legacy is not so clear. By Michele Alperin - My Jewish Learning Although celebrated as heroes who saved Jewish practice and Torah law Reform or Revolt? from suppression and abrogation by the Syrian Greeks, the Maccabees Was the appropriate response, then, to reform Judaism in the spirit of are portrayed in the First Book of Maccabees as religious zealots, Hellenism or to assume a stance protective of traditional Jewish values murdering coreligionists who had chosen the path of Hellenism. by “liberating” Judea from the Syrian Greeks? The Jewish Hellenists chose the first path; they wanted to move beyond separatism and The historical reality is murky, refracted as it is through the political assimilate the positive aspects of Greek culture into Judaism. As First and religious agendas of First and Second Maccabees (books relating Maccabees recounts, “In those days there emerged in Israel lawless the Hanukkah story that the rabbis chose not to include in the Hebrew men [Jewish Hellenists] who persuaded many, saying, ‘Let us go and Bible). Because of this ambiguity, both interpretations have some make a covenant with the nations that are around us; for since we legitimacy, and later commentators choose the one most consonant separated ourselves from them, many evils have come upon us’” (I with their own needs and goals. Maccabees 1:11).

For example, readers who have personally experienced anti-Semitism Jewish Hellenists used the secular power structures for their own may identify Mattathias as a hero who was loyal to his religious identity benefit. First Jason and then Menelaus were able to secure the position in the face of an anti-Semitic Greek civilization. On the other hand, civil of High Priest from Antiochus IV Epiphanes by way of monetary bribes libertarians may judge the Maccabees less generously, criticizing their and other machinations. Yet the involvement of these wealthy Jewish infringement on the civil rights of their coreligionists [the latter of aristocrats and priests in Hellenism complicates any assessment of the whom may also have treated those belonging to the Maccabean party role of the Maccabees. Whereas a liberator is generally one who frees in a similar manner]. a country from domination by a foreign power, the Maccabees seem to have “liberated” the loyal Jewish masses from the Hellenist Jews and their Syrian Greek allies in the context of a civil war. An assessment of the legitimacy of the Maccabean liberation, therefore, depends on whether the Hellenists are viewed as apostates or as Jews who have taken on some Greek ways.

According to historian Elias Bickerman, Jason and Menelaus wanted to preserve aspects of Judaism that fit with Greek ideals, like a universal God, but to remove those parts of Jewish practice that separated Jews from others: dietary laws, Sabbath observance, circumcision. Some Hellenists continued to worship the Jewish God, but moved their worship to outdoor sanctuaries and sanctioned the pig as a sacrificial animal. It is interesting, however, that even in Second Maccabees, which The Role of Hellenism is considered an anti-Hellenist tract, envoys representing Jerusalem at Central to any assessment of the Maccabees is an evaluation of the the quinquennial games in Tyre [the ancient version of the Olympics] role of Hellenism, an ideology whose universalistic outlook was based “thought it improper” to purchase a sacrifice for Hercules. Instead they on Greek ideas and athletic prowess. Following in the footsteps decided to fit out a ship and donate it to Tyre (II Maccabees 4:18-20). of Alexander the Great, Hellenism became a political tool used by Although these Hellenists were willing to participate in the athletic the Syrian Greeks to consolidate their power among the wealthy contests, they appear to have been squeamish about doing something bourgeoisie. In turn, the aristocratic elites who embraced Hellenism completely counter to Torah law. gained access to the social and economic perquisites flowing to citizens of a Greek polis, including the right to mint coins, to take part When evaluating the Maccabees’ role, one must ask whether these in international Hellenistic events, and to receive protection from the Hellenist Jews, deemed apostates by the Maccabees and their city’s founding ruler. supporters, had the right to assimilate their Jewish observance to the surrounding Greek culture. The Maccabees answered with a But Hellenism encompassed more than a pragmatic relationship resounding “no,” and their judgment was confirmed when eventually between the ruler and local economic elites; it also represented an Menelaus convinced Antiochus to enact a decree prohibiting Mosaic “enlightened” worldview considered by many to be the way of the law. Through Antiochus’ decree, observance of the commandments of future. Nations who shut themselves off and did not confront the the Torah became a capital offense, and the worship of pagan gods challenge of Hellenism were falling by the wayside. Because it was was required. viewed as the wave of the future, the pressure to acculturate to Hellenism was quite intense in Judea. Therefore, the people of Judea The Maccabean struggle was also driven by issues of social had to decide whether the universalistic focus of Hellenism constituted class. Because only the wealthy - the urban ruling class and large a danger to their ancestral religion and its God or whether it simply landowners, led by the priests - were citizens, the “democracy” of the represented a more modern and “progressive” way of life that could be Hellenized Jerusalem polis oppressed the vast majority of Jews, who merged with Jewish practice. were powerless. Even before the Antiochan persecutions, social

12 HASHALOM December 2017 JEWISH WORLD antagonisms existed between the zealots of the traditional faith - murder for the sake of what he perceived to be a greater good. the urban craftspeople and village dwellers - and the free-thinking Judah continued the fight begun by Mattathias by actively attacking Hellenizers, suggesting that the Maccabees may have been liberators, apostasy - destroying idolatrous altars, compelling observance of but that they were also driven by some degree of self-interest. Torah by force, circumcising newborn infants, and killing apostate violators of Torah law. Legitimization Through Zealotry Whereas some modern sensibilities will be offended by the Maccabees’ Later in the story, the Maccabean self-interest also led them to vicious treatment of the Hellenist Jews, First Maccabees not only reinterpret Torah law so that the Jews hiding with them in the wilderness lauds Mattathias’ zealotry against his coreligionists, but uses that could defend themselves from government attack on the Sabbath. very zealotry to legitimize the Maccabean dynasty. In First Maccabees, By interpreting the law on their own authority, the Maccabees were Mattathias acts in the tradition of other zealots in the Torah by setting themselves up as an opposition government, infringing on the murdering a fellow Jew in Modi’in who approaches a pagan altar to prerogatives of the sitting High Priest. offer a sacrifice when requested to do so by a royal official. When this apostate Jew steps up to the altar, Mattathias kills him as well Although the text of Maccabees views Judah as a liberator whose as the government official and then tears down the altar. Mattathias zealotry was necessary to preserve the Torah and the Jewish people, declares, “Let everybody who is zealous for the law and stands by later rabbinic commentators frowned upon such zealotry, realizing the the covenant follow me” (I Maccabees 2:27). With this self-conscious danger of individuals taking the law into their own hands and interpreting echoing of the words of Moses when confronted with the Golden it in accord with their own interests. Consequently, normative Jewish law Calf – “Whoever is for the Lord, come here” (Exodus 32:26) – First limits “legitimate” zealotry nearly to the point of nonexistence: A zealot Maccabees begins its justification of Maccabean zealotry. is not allowed to act preemptively in expectation of a desecration, nor punitively after the desecration has been completed; if he does so, he is First Maccabees continues by explicitly comparing Mattathias to the treated as a murderer. Because a zealot is considered to be acting outside biblical figure Pinchas, who killed a tribal leader and his Midianite the law, the desecrator has the right to kill a zealot in self-defense. In partner to stop the spread of idolatry and was rewarded by God with a addition, rabbinical courts were forbidden to give permission to zealots “brit shalom” - covenant of peace - of eternal priesthood (Numbers 25). to act or to teach zealotry. The implication is that Mattathias derives his political and religious authority from this very act of zealotry, this taking of the law into his In the end, the Maccabees must be judged to be both liberators and own hands, based on his perception that the continued existence of zealots. Like many figures in the Bible, these apocryphal heroes are the Jewish community was in danger. multi-layered, and their meaning is unraveled by successive generations based on their own needs and experiences. In the world today, we may Although Mattathias saw himself as acting in a situation of conflict identify with the Maccabean fight to preserve Judaism in the face of between an earthly power and the law of God, his act might be viewed assimilation and anti-Semitism, while at the same time working to from the outside as one of political terrorism; he had committed mitigate religious zealotry that threatens to turn Jew against Jew.

December 2017 HASHALOM 13 Don’t pray for what you want

By Lauren Shapiro

People pray for the darndest things. This afternoon while my G-d’s eye view can truly know what is best for us. That’s why we nine-year-old was playing Mine Craft, I overheard him praying sometimes only realise in hindsight that what seemed like a curse to Hashem to let him find enough diamonds to make a pair of was really the best thing that could have happened. leggings. (For those readers not yet familiar with the computer game, diamond leggings are apparently a thing.) And that’s why I say we shouldn’t pray for what we want. Personally, I’ve started praying for what is best. I ask Hashem, in His infinite People pray for soccer teams. For concert tickets. For parking wisdom, to do what He knows is right. spaces. For their kids to earn accolades (as if every kid could – or should – achieve these titles). In generations past, parents have This development in my prayers has taken some humility, let me prayed for their left-handed children to be right-handed and all assure you. The most difficult prayers I’ve ever made have been sorts of things that have no real bearing on life. when someone I love was deathly ill and I prayed to Hashem to do what He knew was best. The same can go for meeting a partner, I’m certainly not immune to this. I caught myself the other day getting that job, or winning the lottery. If we pray for what we want, praying for it to rain so that I could justify watching TV instead of we may end up with the wrong person, a miserable career, or with going for a walk. Prayer can be a pretty powerful medium, but I more money than is good for us. Heck, just look at the divorce think sometimes we misunderstand how it works. It’s not a wish- stats, work-related suicide rates, and the record of lottery-winners list with a money-back guarantee. who end up more broke (and broken) than before they hit the jackpot. I couldn’t think of a flashy, pun-filled title for this month’s column, so I’ve simply decided It’s much, much harder to pray for what to call it like it is: “don’t pray for what you Hashem knows is best, because it involves want”. There are two aspects to this title. We’ll showing our egos the back door and trusting start with the first emphasis: don’t pray for what you want. That’s in something we probably don’t understand very much. But the not to say pray has no place in fulfilling our dreams, but simply results are amazing. (On a personal note, I don’t mind admitting that praying usually isn’t enough. Think of all the students who pray to I initially dismissed my husband – whom I adore beyond measure – Hashem for an A aggregate, and then spend their after-class hours as “not my type”, and I’ve floundered briefly in corporate positions watching MTV. Or (I look covertly in the other direction) those who that clearly were not good for my soul simply because I’d done pray to lose a couple of extra kilos while already planning their everything in my power to ace the interview. I am eternally grateful next snack. Hashem isn’t a catalogue from which we can simply that neither of those situations worked out the way I’d hoped! I’ve place orders. We have to actively partner with Him to make our only ever bought one lottery ticket and I know I’ll never get my R5 prayers come true. back but I’m making peace with it.)

The second emphasis is this: don’t pray for what you want. This This month we celebrate Chanukkah, which story perfectly may feel counterintuitive, but if you haven’t learnt it yet, we often illustrates my point(s). Firstly, Judah and the Maccabees show us don’t know what is really good for us. Young kids want to stay up that we can’t just pray for what we want and wait for Hashem to all night, but then they – and everyone around them – are ratty deliver it; they had to rise to the challenge and partner with Hashem and miserable the whole of the following day. Many adults want to bring about their victory. Hashem certainly creates miracles, but to eat the entire cheesecake, but when we do we spend the next the Maccabees still had to fight to make them happen. week feeling bloated and guilty and cursing every time we put on our running shoes (of course here I’m not talking from personal Secondly, the little jug of oil that lasted for eight days instead of experience but from what my, er, friends have told me…) one reminds us that, if something is really right, Hashem will make it happen against all odds. That’s the true power of miracles. It’s a sign of emotional maturity to realise the difference between what we want and what is best. It usually involves developing the So this festive season, go out there and make your prayers come ability to see the bigger picture. The most mature of all will realise true. Then sit back with a latke and a pina colada and trust in that we can never see the full picture – that only Hashem with his Hashem. Chag sameach and have a great holiday. Until next time.

14 HASHALOM December 2017 HASHOLOM - December 1942 Extracts. HASHALOM – December 1967 extracts.

HASHOLOM in those days sought always to prove that it was up to date. EDITORIAL – THE AGM AND AFTER The editorial expressed The Editorial, entitled “A MILESTONE”, recorded with pleasure the opening of the Maon, the new home of the Zionist Youth movement. Readers of Past the view that the AGM had failed “to come to grips with the malaise Tense, of course, know that HASHOLOM had enthusiastically reported the that has inflicted this institution”. It suggested that fruitful discussion fact the previous month. might “encourage that sense of identity with the Kahal and that feeling of high purpose that animated the founders of the Club.” ANNUAL MEETING OF THE DJC reported the election of the new Council and Executive, accompanied by photographs of Messrs. H. Lipinski THE GREATEST MIRACLE MEDICINE: BLOOD (President), M. Solomon (chairman) and H.D. Freed (Vice-Chairman). Would it be sacrilegious to suggest that the latter photograph could well This was an appeal for blood donors which had previously appeared have served as an advertisement for Brylcreem? in the Sunday Tribune. A note reminded readers that during the Six Day War an appeal for blood donations to assist in the Israeli YOUTH BETWEEN TWO WORLDS was an interesting article by Leslie Emergency had produced 750 pints of blood in just one weekend Shandel on the problems facing Jewish youth in the modern (wartime) and the Blood Transfusion Service was appealing for regular donors. world in which he stressed the importance of Aliyah.

MR. WARTSKI’S 90TH BIRTHDAY was the headline to a brief history PERSONALITY PAGE of Mr. Philip Wartski’s Durban activities illustrated by the usual photo of the This was devoted not an individual, but to a partnership – Abe subject featuring his regular large cigar. Dubin and Alan Zulman. It recorded their extraordinary success in business and their joint and several communal commitments. IN TOWN AND OUT Congratulated: • Sgt Bernard Lindsay and Miss Freda Jacobs (of Boksburg) on their CAUSTIC COMMENTS FROM U.S. recent marriage. Malia Grant (formally Adley of Durban) was highly critical of much • Miss Nita Barnett and Mr. Joe Jacobs on their forthcoming marriage in she had seen and experienced in various parts of the United States. Johannesburg. PROFESSOR ARNOLD TOYNBEE vs. PROFESSOR J.L. COUNCIL OF NATAL JEWRY Gave notice that the S.A. Jewish Board of Deputies had resolved to observe TALMON Tuesday, 29th December 1942, as a day of mourning by the Jewish people The July issue of the American Journal “Encounter” had carried an “in consequence of the atrocities and inhuman cruelties which continue to exchange of letters between Toynbee (who called himself “Western be inflicted upon Jews in enemy territories.” spokesman for the Arab Cause”) and Talmon (Professor of Modern History at the Hebrew University) relating to possible solutions to 75 years later we know that what happened after December 1942 was even worse than what had gone before! problems arising out of the Six Day War. HASHALOM published their respective views on the future of Jerusalem, which must barely DJC Sectional Notes. have scraped the surface of the whole debate. The Professors’ The Culture Section reported on a very well-attended meeting addressed thoughts were obviously poles apart on almost everything but “the by Dr. Ellen Hellman on “Jewish Nationalism and Socialism”. The lecturer future of Jerusalem” appears 50 years later still to be an insoluble expressed the view that capitalism had served its purpose and that the problem. future would evolve into Internationalism.

The Canteen it was reported “is slack”. In the past month it had served only LODGE SINAI No 31. (!) 19000 men. The article recorded the founding of this Lodge of the Hebrew Order of David under the Presidency of Mr. Mendel Green. YOUTH CHANUKAH SERVICE IN DURBAN. It was reported that an “impressive and beautiful Chanukah service took place on 6 December at the Park Street Synagogue. We are told that: THE HOUSE IN RAMLE “According to Durban tradition, the service was conducted by the pupils The issue ends with this short story by Anan Safadi, published with of the Durban United Talmud Torah”. Pundit wonders whatever happened acknowledgements to the Jerusalem Post. It’s a moving story (you to that tradition? didn’t know that Pundit was an old softie, did you?) alleged to be true which is unfortunately too long to be reported in detail here. We are told that “the Chazan, Master A. Schaffer fittingly rendered the Mincha service.” In later years, Master A (that’s Aubrey) Schaffer became Mr. Editor, what about some space in a future issue. probably Durban’s best ever lay Chazan. Pundit has recently heard that Aubrey and Muriel Schaffer recently celebrated their 65th Wedding Well, as they used to say in the old cartoons, that’s all folks, at least anniversary. Mazaltov to them both and many more happy anniversaries. until next month.

December 2017 HASHALOM 15 ISRAELCOMMUNITY NEWS

By Sylvia Collins

Beth Shalom has enjoyed lovely entertainment over this period. We were very blessed to have Shirley Masgado singing to the residents with Desi Halse on the Piano. We had a delightful afternoon of fun for our residents, who all sang along to the old tunes. This lovely afternoon was arranged by Jenifer Kaplan, our very own resident. Residents were also treated to Colin Penn entertaining them in the evening which was a real delight. We are also very grateful to the residents Rolene Lyons, Audrey Levy and Arthur Zimmerman who continue to entertain our residents with musical events at the Home.

We are also so proud of Sylvia Heyman who received an award in Johannesburg from the UJW for doing community service for a total of 50 years. Sylvia, on behalf of our President, Mr Stan Liansky and our Executive Committee we salute you for your outstanding loyal service to the Community. A hearty Mazaltov to you.

We are pleased to welcome Mrs Paddy Meskin and Sylvia Magid to our family at Beth Shalom. We hope that Paddy and Sylvia will be happy and we wish them many healthy and happy years with us.

Lots of our residents had birthdays this month: Elyse Jooste, Maizy Shandel, Joyce Rogoff and Neville Klein. We wish all our birthday residents Mazaltov.

16 HASHALOM December 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS

Ben Gurion: Epilogue By Michelle Campbell

Mike Hirshovitz and Ori Leizer from the WZO During October, the Kwazulu Natal Zionist Council hosted the Premiere screening of the film “Ben Gurion: Epilogue”. This well attended event was opened with an introduction by Ori Leizer of the World Zionist Organization under whose auspices the film was brought to South Africa.

This extraordinary documentary is based on black-and-white footage discovered at the Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive in Jerusalem, but was missing the soundtrack. That the audio portion was subsequently retrieved from the Ben-Gurion Archives in Negev was nothing short of miraculous. To create the film, the six-hour interview, conducted in 1968, is interwoven with news Stan and Bev Oshry with KNZC Chairman Antony Arkin footage and other clips that contain everything from historic moments of oratory, to charming shots of the elder statesman doing a headstand on the beach. Filmed just months after his wife Paula’s death, Ben Gurion’s very spartan life on Kibbutz Sde Boker is vividly portrayed in windswept dessert splendour. The film conveys a wonderful portrait of a well-read man who looks back at his life, good decisions and bad, with wisdom and intelligence. Ben-Gurion at 82, spry and quick-witted, almost comes across as a kibbutznik Yoda. The film is an absolute delight, offering an intimate look at what was going on inside Ben-Gurion’s heart and mind at the time. WZO Shaliach Adeno Adebe with Ezra Altshuler

Young Israel Centre By Jess Stout

Sukkot is always a fun and busy time at the Young Israel Centre. This year 4 students from Yeshiva College joined us for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. We took the opportunity to invite as many of the youth as possible to meals with them.

Shabbat fell straight after Simchat Torah, so without missing a beat the Young Israel Centre hosted a youth lunch with the Yeshiva College students as well as some of the youth in Durban.

As soon as the Chaggim were over, it was time to start planning for the Shabbat Project. This year we hosted a fantastic Shabbat supper. We were joined by the usual Shabbat crowds as well as many others who do not normally get involved. It was a fantastic evening and we look forward to having everyone over to experience many more Shabbatot.

Camp time is around the corner and Bnei Akiva sent down 3 dynamic madrichim for school visits and to speak to the parents. They were a joy to have in the Young Israel Centre and we look forward to having them again in the near future.

We take this opportunity to wish everyone Channuka Sameach and a fantastic December break.

December 2017 HASHALOM 17 COMMUNITY NEWS

18 HASHALOM December 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS

Eden College

By Norma Bloch

Shalom

On Tuesday the 12th of October we boarded the school bus with great excitement. We were on our way to Chabad to enjoy a Sukkah party with the Masadniks. Upon arrival we managed to sit in the sukkah, do the mitzvah of Lulav and Etrog and enjoy a snack, and then...... chaos.....!! a massive, devastating storm had hit Durban. The phone began to ring incessantly, anxious parents concerned for our safety and teachers worried about how we were going to travel back to school. We received so much conflicting advice, some said - wait there and be safe until the storm subsides, others said -no come back now it is going to get worse and soon the roads will all be blocked. What to do? Well ....we decided to wait in the warmth and safety of Chabad house. Deborah kindly fed the starving but extremely well behaved kids. The Masadniks decided it was time to leave , and after assuring us that they had arrived home safely, we reboarded our bus and thankfully returned to school safely without any incidences. This is certainly one Sukkot we will not forget.

L’hitraot until next month

By Diane McColl

The Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation celebrated Simchat Torah as usual with a reading of the final and first verses of the Torah. The children of the congregation stand together with Rabbi Avidan as he reads repeating the words after him. Young and old enjoy this festival, its music and singing and sweet treats. This year the congregation honoured Roger and Tessa Armitage as Chatan Torah and Kallat Bereishit in appreciation for their support of the congregation.

Pictured from left: John Manduell (Vice chair DPJC) Tessa Armitage, Rabbi Hillel Avidan, Roger Armitage Rabbi and the children of the congregation Pictured above are Roger & Tessa Armitage and Rob Sinclair (Chair DPJC)

December 2017 HASHALOM 19 COMMUNITY NEWS

DURBAN JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES BOX IT. WRAP IT. GIVE IT.

The message from Chief Rabbi Goldstein and his team was clear and easy;

Spread the Shabbos love. Pack a Shabbos Shoe Box for beneficiaries of local organisations with essential daily toiletries and help us make a real difference.

We immediately approached the Durban Hebrew Schools Association who jumped on board.

Thanks to Solly Berkowitz and Sue Jacobson who galvanized into action and before we knew it, the children from Akiva, Eden, Talmud Torah and Temple David Hebrew School creatively decorated and filled the boxes with toiletries.

The community rose to the challenge and were, as we’ve come to appreciate, abundantly generous. Those members in our community who are less fortunate will benefit from your generosity. Our family at Jewel House received their boxes with great enthusiasm and excitement. Celebrating our 60th AGM DJSS recently celebrated their 60th AGM and as our President Gaynor Lazarus so aptly explained ‘DJSS’s diamond jubilee is a great cause for celebration. As with a diamond, the organisation has many facets which have had to be cut with human hands to make it into its unique and beautiful shape.

We are only able to offer a lifeline to our clients through the kindness and generosity of our donors and volunteers.’

20 HASHALOM December 2017 DURBAN Wotsup Wizo DURBAN

Contact us: 031 337 7070 | [email protected] WIZO South Africa December 2017 HASHALOM 21 #16 | December 2017 DHC IN NUMBERS IN 2017

4435 school learners 16 formal adult groups 7 international tour groups have passed through the Durban Holocaust Centre this year.

To help continue this work, please consider donating to: Durban Holocaust Centre, Standard Bank Kingsmead (040026), Account number 240 265 882

A Pictorial Reflection of 2017 It’s been a bumper year at the DHC, full of international visitors, school groups, new educators and feverish preparation for our upcoming tenth anniversary… By Lauren Shapiro

Guest speaker Laurence Rees talks to the DHC educator Michelle Murray runs a workshop with DHC educator Gugu Radebe with DHC volunteer guides. students from Umkhumbi High School. students from Durban Girls College.

Waitress Sam Nzama shows off some of the delectable Hilton College educator Andrew Douglas with UK Prof Stuart Taberner helped us commemorate treats available at the Circle Café. students at the exhibition. international Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Talented handymen Msizi and Mxolisi Hlongwane hard at Leora Rakin (pictured here between Maureen Caminsky and Mary The Bremen Youth Group work preparing the renewal of the exhibition in honour Kluk) brought her great-uncle David Labkovskiʼs made a special trip to the DHC and were of our 10th birthday in March. artwork to the DHC. impressed with the calibre of our centre.

The DHC wishes all its supporters a joyful holiday season and a happy new year. During this period we suggest our visitors access the DHC via the gate in Brickhill Road as the municipality often closes K E Masinga Rd.

We will be closed on the 17, 25, 26 and 27 December and 1-2 January.

On Sunday 28 January the DHC will commemorate United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day. For more information on this function, be sure you’re on our mailing list! Visit www.dbnholocaust.co.za/join-our-mailing-list/ or contact 031 368 6833 to sign up. COMMUNITY NEWS

By Lauren Shapiro

Supporting each other is a hallmark of any Jewish community. KwaZulu-Natal Jewry further spelled this out on 31 October, when they gathered at the Durban Jewish Centre for the annual launch of the Israel United Appeal-United Communal Fund (IUA-UCF) campaign.

“We look after our own – from cradle to grave,” read the slogan emblazoned on the screen. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to do so in challenging economic times. “The economic climate is causing pain in our community and we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of the IUA-UCF to help look after our own and ease some of the pain for our most vulnerable,” observed Jeremy Droyman, President of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) KwaZulu-Natal Council.

Michael Selikow, Chairman of the United Communal Fund, noted that the fund is “totally reliant on the generosity of our donors, without whom we would not be able to provide our beneficiaries these much needed funds and continue to make it possible to let them live with dignity.” He thanked the JAKAMaR Trust, The Victor Daitz Foundation, The Beare Foundation and The Lazarus Family Trust for their continued support, and appealed to the community to “dig deep” to help this worthy cause.

Some of the fund’s biggest recipients are Durban Jewish Social Services, Durban’s Jewish senior citizens’ home Beth Shalom, and the community’s youth, including Bnei Akiva and Netzer.

Selikow also praised It’s Durban Calling, a new social media project that aims to raise both awareness and money for the Durban Jewish community. To date, It’s Durban Calling has collected hundreds of thousands of Rands. 2284 individuals engage across the various digital platforms, reuniting globally dispersed members of a very special community.

SAJBD KZN Council’s vice president Susan Abro introduced the keynote speaker, Mmusi Maimane. Maimane is the current leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and leader of the opposition in the national assembly. Maimane spoke confidently and eloquently, assuring the audience that “when things fall apart, they do fall into place”.

Despite the nine million people in our country who cannot find work and the 53% categorized as poor, Maimane is “more hopeful about South Africa now than I’ve ever been”. He hopes the pivotal 2019 election will result in a coalition government leading a country united by values, not divided by race. “People see things as black or white. It’s not ‘or’. It’s ‘and’. It’s black and white, it’s urban and rural, it’s labour and business – it’s all of us.”

He continued: “I can see state capture. I can see corruption. We can all see that. But the question I would like to attempt to answer is what about the future? What changes do we hope to see?” He then outlined his economic vision, which includes city-driven schemes to avoid national corruption. He wants to focus on education, sustainable energy, entrepreneurship, tourism, manufacturing and mining, amongst other things. He also advocates a smaller cabinet to reduce expenses, and 15-year sentences for corrupt politicians.

Maimane attended the 2017 ABSA Jewish Achievers Awards and said he was “impressed not just by the capital in the room but the skills and innovation”. He congratulated the South African Jewish community on their participation in the national economy. “Your contribution is more needed today than at any time in the past,” he implored.

Maimane closed with reference to a recent visit to Yad Vashem – Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust – which he said inspired him with “the triumph of human beings over a particularly devastating aspect of history”, and reminded him that anything is achievable. “I’d rather talk about what is possible,” he concluded. “Not what is happening, but what is possible.” Maimane received a standing ovation.

December 2017 HASHALOM 23 COMMUNITY NEWS

“The Shabbos Project” 5 at the DUHC By: Michael Greenbaum

With great anticipation and excitement, the Durban Jewish community and the DUHC eagerly participated in the fifth “Shabbos Project: Keeping it Together”, an initiative started by Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein 5 years ago to encourage the South African Jewish community to fully observe the laws and practices of one Shabbat. This first Shabbat Project saw the support of congregations, families and individuals with huge numbers attending shuls. The number of people observing this special Shabbat yearly throughout South Africa has exceeded all expectations. Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein expressed his amazement at the support for the project based on hundreds of reports from South African Jews at all levels of religious observance. He said that the energy of “The Shabbos Project” has been felt, not just on a communal scale across the country, but on a global scale including postings on Facebook, YouTube and emails from Australia, Canada, England and Israel while international journalists and Jewish media wanted information about what happened in South Africa. Subsequently, the “Shabbos Project” concept has gone worldwide over the past years with Jews all over the world “keeping it together” with city-wide pre-Shabbat Challah Bakes, Shabbat programs and Havdallah Concerts after Shabbat. For many, this was the first time in their lives they had observed Shabbat in full. The international “Shabbos Project” took place this year on the Shabbat of 27 and 28 October 2018, in 1357 cities in over 96 countries, bringing together 1 million Jews worldwide.

The Durban Jewish community was no exception and everyone spoke of how they would be observing Shabbat completely for the first time or, at least, improving their Shabbat observance. Throughout South Africa and the world, the project began on the Thursday prior to the Shabbat with countrywide and worldwide group challah-baking in Israel and Jewish communities throughout the world. In Durban, over 200 ladies participated in the Challah Bake at the Umhlanga Jewish Centre under the auspices of the Union of Jewish Women. An outstanding shiur was also given by Rebbetzin Estee Stern, an inspiring introduction to the forthcoming Shabbat programme.

Shabbat events began on Friday night at the Silverton Road Synagogue with candle-lighting by WIZO members of the “Spreading the Light” Unity Candle. This was followed by the Shabbat evening service. After the service, a delicious Kiddush L’Chaim with a “Scotch and Sushi” theme evening was enjoyed by all . On Shabbat day, the well-attended morning service was followed by a splendid brocha. Before the communal lunch, Rabbi Lebowitz gave an exceptional shiur on “Lech Lecha”, the Parasha of the week where Abraham is commanded by Hashem to leave his land, family and home to go to an unknown land and make a new nation. This was followed by an enjoyable and lively lunch with song and food including the traditional Shabbat cholent. The DUHC thanks Selma Lurie for catering the excellent lunch.

In the evening before sunset, congregants gathered again at the Silverton Road Synagogue for Mincha and a lively and lavish festive Seudah Shlishit with wonderful food and Shabbat songs in the Sacher Family Hall, sponsored generously by Charlotte and Susan Abro. After the Seudah and the conclusion of Shabbat, Maariv was followed by a beautiful “campfire” style Havdallah ceremony led by Chazzan Jaron Kalmonowitz to mark the end of a wonderful Shabbat filled with community warmth and chaverschaft.

The DUHC extends thanks to Norman Ganz and Mark Werner for arranging Shabbos Project events and to the congregation for their participation in this wonderful initiative. We look forward to next year’s Shabbos Project.

24 HASHALOM December 2017 COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY NEWSNEWS

By Cheryl Unterslak

During my last trip to Israel I delivered backpacks filled with letters and gifts for the siblings of Officer Hadas Malka who was murdered by terrorists in July of this year. This beautiful vibrant young woman was stabbed to death at Damascus gate outside the Old City of Jerusalem when she and her police unit heard gunshots and went to help.

I travelled down to Moshav Givat Ezer to meet with her lovely family. I came on a very emotional day as Hadas’s whole family was there for the Hachnassat Torah. A Torah was being dedicated in her name to the community. In one photo you can see the trailer where the Torah would be placed when it was going to be taken around the community to the shul. There is a photograph of Hadas in the ark. In another photo is Hadas’s two youngest siblings with their bags full of gifts from the children at Yeshivah College in JHB and on the table behind is the Torah. The family were very grateful and emotional, for the love and support that they received. I left with a very broken heart for this beautiful family who had lost their precious daughter/ sibling/grandchild. Please see attached a letter that an older sibling sent via email, after they had received a wedding box from DIVOTE.

There are a few photographs here of some of the children in Israel affected by acts of terrorism with their gifts from the primary school students of Yeshivah College. The children received their grey packets with a child’s name on it and they filled them with gifts as their Elul chesed project. They also wrote the most magnificent letters that were full of love. This project was a huge success. With this article are a few of the many photos of some of the children with their bags of gifts. The children in Johannesburg gave the children in Israel a great deal of happiness.

Hello,

My name is Tamir Malka, 29 from Israel. My sister Hadas, a border patrol police officer was murdered in a terrorist attack over 2 months ago just 1 month before my wedding. A wedding she so wanted to be a part of. This week you have came to our house to offer your condolences and sympathize with us, I wasn’t present but my mother Geula was deeply inspired and touched by this gesture, she really appreciated it. Even through our darkest hour - we cannot ignore all of the support we are getting from the Jewish community across the world and from police organizations.

You are the meaning of “Kol Israel Achim” (all of Israel brothers) and hearing about your visit gave me power & hope.

I am attaching a goodbye letter from our family to Hadas, we have read this at the end of the “Shiva’a” at the cemetery

Thank you & Shabat Shalom!

December 2017 HASHALOM 25 COMMUNITY NEWS

Mrs Montgomery and her Grade 2 & 3 students presented an assembly on the choices we make. How we have the choice to respond in a positive manner to our difficult situations. To look at what we have rather than what we have lost. “The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.” ― Viktor E. Frankl

The Israel Centre visited the school and spoke to the older students about programs available as a gap year in Israel. Our Grade 10 students, Danielle Burne and Ethan Plen, are in Israel on the Kfar program and are having a wonderful experience. When they return in January they will continue their active participation in our community.

26 HASHALOM December 2017 From Beth Shalom to Birmingham

DURBAN 2017

Wherever you find yourself, H u g e t h a n k s t o e v e r y o n e w h o Limmud will take you one participated in and contributed to Durban Limmud's journey this year. We step further on your may be small but we hold our own Jewish journey among the 80 communities in 43 countries on 6 continents that host Limmud events each year.

Lynn and Heidi are proud to represent our community at the flagship Limmud Festival in Birmingham, England in December - to be one of the more than 2500 people from all over the world partaking in this amazing one week long Limmud. We're sure they'll return with some inspirational ideas for 2018.

WHAT DOES LIMMUD REPRESENT:

DIVERSITY - among Jews RESPECT - no one is more important than anyone else LEARNING - anyone can be a student and everyone can be a teacher EMPOWERMENT - we inspire and encourage people to tell their story PARTICIPATION - volunteering is a key feature of almost everything we do ENABLING CONNECTIONS -we aim to create opportunities for communities and individuals to connect COMMUNITY - Limmud is a community of learning RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE - we seek to create an inclusive environment for all participants whatever their religious observance practices EXPANDING JEWISH HORIZONS - we strive to create individual, collective and communal experiences through which we strengthen and develop our Jewish identify

Help us make 2018 even better. Be involved in the planning of these exciting events or registerWE LOOK as a volunteer FORWARD. We lookTO SEEINGforward toY OUhearing IN 2018from you. Contact: [email protected] for more information December 2017 HASHALOM 27

COMMUNITY NEWS

Women of Actiom Durban’s annual Shabbos Project Challah Bake, hosted by the Union of Jewish Women Durban, was another huge success. Thank you to all 190 ladies who joined us for a moving, beautiful, uplifting evening which was filled with ruach and much laughter. We are so grateful to Rebbetzin Estee Stern, Robyn Smookler and Ronit Sarakinsky from Johannesburg for giving up their time to enrich our experience. We love the sense of unity and community which the Challah Bake always manages to create. We look forward to an even bigger and better Challah Bake next year.

28 HASHALOM December 2017 COMMUNITY NEWS

December 2017 HASHALOM 29 Above Board Above Board Mary Kluk Mary Kluk, National Chairman National Chairman A column of the SA Jewish Board of DeputiesCHANUKAH A Column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies LET’S CELEBRATE!

Safe-guarding the Israel-South Africa Relationship Traditional Potato Latkes

At the time of writing, Board primary focus is its response to a • 6 large potatoes, peeled proposed downgrading of the South African embassy in Tel Aviv. • 2 onions The proposal was put forward at the ANC policy conference in • 1/2 cup flour June and will be voted on at the party’s much-anticipated elective • 3 egg, lightly beaten conference in December. Much of our time and effort has since • 1 teaspoon baking powder gone into conveying to the ruling party that such a step would • 2 teaspoons salt not only be harmful to this country’s own interests – economic, • oil for frying diplomat, technological or otherwise – but would result in South Africa effectively precluding itself from playing any meaning role Grate the potatoes and onions – squeeze the liquid out of each in furthering peace prospects in the region. using a dishcloth. Once liquid is removed, place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Drop batter into hot oil and brown The campaign against the downgrade is itself just the latest till golden on both sides. Place latkes on greaseproof paper or instalment in what has been an ongoing political battle against BDS paper towel to soak up excess oil. Serve either plain or with apple attempts to persuade government to adopt its hard-line anti-Israel sauce OR with a dollop of cream cheese/sour cream and a slice of agenda. While the outcome of this particular matter is still uncertain, smoked salmon. we can nevertheless point to a number of positive developments in recent months. August saw a visit by a delegation representing Fluffy Corn Fritters various parties in the Knesset which, despite vociferous opposition, had positive meetings with political leaders from across the • 1 cup flour spectrum. In November, Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation • 1 teaspoon baking powder Tzachi Hanegbi was in the country, inter alia meeting with Minister • 1 teaspoon salt Edna Molewa, head of the ANC committee on International • white pepper Relations and Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe. The two • 1 cup cream style sweet corn initiatives constitute the most significant governmental-level • 1 tin drained corn kernels interaction between South Africa and Israel in a long time. When • 2 eggs, slightly beaten one adds to this the visit to Israel by the Zion Christian Church, • oil for frying Southern Africa’s largest Christian movement, we see that despite the incendiary anti-Israel rhetoric emanating from certain quarters, Combine all the ingredients and fry in hot oil until golden dialogue and engagement between the two countries is continuing. The Board will continue to work with all parties to help ensure that Churros such interaction continues, and indeed is stepped up. • 1 cup flour SA Jewry and International Jewry – Connected and Respected • 3 tablespoons sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt The World Jewish Congress National Directors’ Forum, held in Cape • 2 tablespoons canola oil Town from 22-24 October, combined focused formal discussions • 1 cup cake flour and presentations on core issues facing global Jewry with the • oil for frying equally important informal interaction that took place between individual delegates outside of the formal sessions. Representatives Combine the water, sugar, salt and 2 Tablespoons oil in a small of Jewish communities numbering in the millions, as in the case of saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil and remove from heat Israel, through to those numbering just a few thousand, took part – Add the flour and stir until mixture forms a ball. Heat the oil for in what was truly a memorable experience for all concerned. The frying – Place the batter in a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. conference was also an opportunity for us to introduce our own Pipe strips of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden. Remove community - its history, structure and current activities - to our from the oil and drain on paper towel. Mix the castor sugar and international colleagues. Visits to communal projects showcased cinnamon together and roll the churros in this mixture. Serve with three key aspects of what our community is committed to: outreach warm chocolate sauce to disadvantaged South Africans in the wider society, imbuing the next generation with a knowledge of and attachment to their Jewish Chocolate Sauce heritage and assisting those within our own community in need of a helping hand. • 4 Tablespoons water • 2 Tablespoons sugar It was gratifying indeed to see once again how highly SA Jewry is • 150g dark chocolate regarded in global Jewish circles, to the point that we are described • 2 Tablespoons cocoa as being a model for other Diaspora communities to emulate. • 90g butter or margarine Delegates were astounded by how much the community, despite its relatively small numbers, is achieving, from the comprehensive Melt all ingredients on stove EXCEPT the margarine. When range of communal activities and services it is able to maintain to chocolate is melted, add margarine. the high level of on-the-ground involvement by its members. Keeps in fridge for ages………just reheat!

30 HASHALOM December 2017 MARRIAGES Mazaltov to Shimon and Bev Cohen on the marriage of their daughter December 2017 Shani to Eitan Eloz; to Les and Zelda Levin on the marriage of their grandson Dovi Chait in Jerusalem. Date Time Event Venue

Final Assembly and Prize giving- ANNIVERSARIES 1 8.30am Akiva Mazaltov to Natie and Shirley Klein on their 70th wedding anniversary. AKIVA DPJC Farewell to Antony and 3 3.00pm DJCentre BIRTHDAYS Marion Arkin Mazaltov to Stan Oshry on his 70th birthday; to Sandy Getz on her Community farewell to Antony 7 6.30pm DJCentre 60th birthday. and Marion Arkin

CONDOLENCES Our deepest condolences to Dr Julie Frankel on the passing of his brother Myer, husband of Josephine and father of Larry, Linda and Melanie; to Rev Gilad Friedman and family on the passing of their father Jonathan; to Avron, Elion, Gavin, Nadine and Shaun on the passing of & Co (Pty) Ltd their father Natie Krok; to the family of June Berkowitz; to the family BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS of Jacqueline Dodo Adley; to Jonathan Manduell on the passing of his father Sir John Manduell in England. With warm wishes for you BAR/BAT MITZVAHS at Chanukah. Mazaltov Leon and Maureen Pevsner and Larry and Lindy Sack on the barmitzvah of their grandson and son, Ethan.

Hashalom is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please submit your information in writing to The Editor, PO Box 10797, Marine Parade 4056 or fax to (031) 3379600 or email [email protected]. Hashalom is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please submit your information in writing to The Editor, PO Box 10797, Marine Parade 4056 or fax to (031) 3379600 or email [email protected].

December 2017 HASHALOM 31 baby city advert

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32 HASHALOM December 2017