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Norrice 020 8455 8126 www.hgss.org.uk News & Views from Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue Leader Pesach 5781/2021

Purim Unmasked his year we enjoyed lively Purim cele- brations from the comfort of our own homes. We were able to relax and enjoy spectacular live entertainment by the amazing band, Neshama, led by one of Tour own, Jonny Shine. We were able to dance along to hits from the 60s to the 80s featuring, particularly, the Beatles – well, not quite the words we are used to thanks to lyrics from Adam Bass and Simon Maurice as well as the usual Purim suspects, Claire Rosen, Simon Durkin, David Mass with a star role from Rabbi Friedman await the return of partying so that they can celebrate who put on the annual themed Purim Spiel. Celebrants in style. were invited to compete for best Purim costume. We received messages from Chazan Avromi and Announced by judges Hilary Halter and David both Rabbis with a special song, Imagine, performed Galuan, the winners, Naomi & Andrew Newman were by Rabbi Friedman. Our community enjoyed this live, rewarded with a basket of fruit from Leon’s. musical event with many conveying their thanks for During the Purim Unmasked event, the beaming at least some feeling of the joy of Purim, and here’s faces of 26 bar/batmitzvah boys and girls were to hoping for a live celebration next year in the Max broadcast to celebrate with simcha music whilst we Weinbaum Hall.

Seniors’ Tea n Monday afternoon, 22 February, Norrice Seniors

Oenjoyed a delicious Purim-themed tea which had been delivered in advance, while listening to a talk entitled The Petticoat Lane Foxtrot by Alan Dein, who recounted stories of ‘Yiddishe Jazz’ in London’s East End during the 1920’s to 50’s. Organised by Ann Goldstein and Rabbi Guttentag, this was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the wonderful big bands of the time which had been preserved by Levy’s record shop in Petticoat Lane. 2 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 3 “You will see, you will see, how good it will be next year” The Chief Rabbi’s Pesach Message, Pesach 5781/2021 hy, at every Seder, do we enthusiastically INDEPENDENCE. sing, “leshana haba’ah biyrushalayim” – next the fact that we could not celebrate DIGNITY. CHOICE. Wyear in Jerusalem? Although we have made Pesach with extended friends and family as we usually the same declaration every year, it has never come do. It was agonising for so many, particularly those “ My diagnosis of MS was true – at least not in the messianic sense in which it who were vulnerable or lonely. We took comfort in our like a hammer blow but is intended – so why not simply say “In the future, we belief that this was a ‘one-off’ and next year would be will be in Jerusalem”? different. How then should we respond in the face of I am happier now living Any study of Jewish history is a study of hope, often yet another Pesach when so many are separated from here than I’ve ever been. despite apparently impossible odds. It is therefore fitting their loved ones, having not yet banished Coronavirus Especially in current that the epic story of the inception of the Israelites as a from our midst? times, there is nowhere nation, the Exodus from Egypt, stands among the greatest Let us approach this Pesach with the same degree illustrations of optimism and forbearance of all time. of hope and optimism as ever. Real progress is being else I would want to be.” It was a truly extraordinary miracle. The chasm in made and we are blessed by the extraordinary miracle Neil, Jewish Blind & Disabled resident status between the Egyptian overlords and the Hebrew that is the vaccine. Britain and Israel have led the world slaves could hardly have been greater. The most in administering its roll out and, Be’ezrat Hashem, we sophisticated and powerful civilisation on the planet will soon return to a more regular rhythm of life. controlled and persecuted a tiny nation of slaves, I am inspired by the beautiful words of Ehud who were denied every basic human dignity and any Manor, the Israeli songwriter, who wrote his famous capacity for resistance. song ‘Bashana Haba’a’, at a time when the State of What hope was there for salvation? On what basis Israel seemed to be surviving from one war to the next: could the people summon the strength to go on despite “Od tireh, od tireh, kama tov yihye, bashana, bashana everything? The answer is that they knew of the promise haba’a” – “You will see, you will see, how good it will that Hashem had made to their ancestor, Abraham, that be next year!” they would be strangers in a land where they would be Valerie and I extend to you all our warmest and best oppressed and enslaved, but He would ultimately wishes for a healthy, fulfilling and kosher Pesach. redeem them and they would return home to the Promised Land. Despite everything, they chose hope over despair. They chose to believe that salvation would eventually come. ENABLED This places Pesach 5781 into valuable context for us. This time last year, we were coming to terms with

In this issue. . . Keeping the NHS nourished – Fabienne Viner-Luzzato SuburbLink – fighting local food poverty...... 4 and friends step up to the plate (plus recipes)...... 22 Pesach Message from Rabbi & Rabbanit Friedman...... 5 The Nefesh Network –Samantha Rose reports...... 24 Our Youth under lockdown...... 5 The Aleph Centre at Chanukah...... 24 HGSS Online – a round up of virtual events...... 6 The New Bar Mitzvah Programme...... 25 If you or anyone you From the Chair – James Kaufmann’s Pesach message...... 7 Latest news from Kerem School...... 26 know could benefit from Dr Leora Harverd speaks with Simone Halfin...... 8 The Bat Mitzvah Programme under lockdown...... 26 Filling the Gap – Andrew Freedman interviews Hans Eysenck, Norrice Lea and the Jewish Question – living in a JBD apartment David Wolfson on his elevation to the Peerage...... 10 a fascinating insight by Steve Miller...... 27 or to support us, visit Kiddushim for those who care – Debbie Kagan reports..11 Feminism and Religion in the Three Abrahamic Faiths Volunteer Awards – HGSS members recognised...... 12 report by Esther Tager...... 29 www.jbd.org or Mental Health Awareness by Katherine Isaacs...... 13 Passing on the Torch 2021 by Frances Martin...... 30 From where I sit by Backbencher (Stephen Kirsch, 2002).....31 Registered Charity No. 259480 call 020 8371 6611 Aliya Lite – David Lew writes from Israel...... 15 Being Jewish is a problem . . . What problem? Members Remembered...... 32 Shimon Cohen on his travels in the Gulf States...... 16 Freedom from lonelines this Pesach (from Jewish Care)..34 My experience with Project ImpACT by Sophia Lipton..17 SIMCHAS ! – Celebrating New Arrivals, Bar Mitzvah,...35-37 Tzedakah at HGSS – Jewish Child’s Day & Migdal Ohr....18 Bat Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries etc Purim Celebrations...... 20-21 Step Up Camps update and Purim Finale...... 38 4 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 5 . . . reaching out to the rest of the SuburbLink community to fight local food poverty Is it time to return to Shul? or the past three years, the SuburbLink has been their lives. This volunteering, on a weekly basis, for FEAST, a charity is exceptionally ask Rabbi & Rabbanit Friedman Faiming to feed vulnerable residents with nutritious and important during fresh meals, often using supermarket surplus ingredients. As the winter months e’ve just left Egypt, but the danger is not over like we’re doing nothing. Some of us are really engaged Sadiq Khan has declared London in a state of emergency, when temperat- yet. Standing on edge of the Red Sea, the with virtual shul activities. We’re zooming this and Egyptians are fast approaching from the rear. facebooking that. the number of people in need of their food parcels has risen ures have dropped W exponentially. Unfortunately, during this lockdown, we have below zero degrees Terrified, we turn to Moshe in despair. Moshe raises his But even still, we’re in the same place we were a year been unable to cook in the kitchen of Conway House where Our efforts are eyes Heavenward and God responds, “Why do you cry ago. It’s a place of uncertainty and inertia. The problem we normally volunteer. helping to tackle out to me? Tell the Children of Israel they should travel with our temporary solutions, however, is that, unlike our In order to combat food poverty at this time of emergency, London’s struggles against poverty by ensuring that everyone forth!” ancestors, there’s little pressure to get us out of our living we launched ‘Cook-In to Help Out for FEAST’. This incredible is provided with a warm and nutritious meal. We cannot Moshe conveys the Almighty’s message, but it makes rooms. But there comes a time when we must take the initiative involves asking volunteers to thank everyone in our community enough for their time no sense. How do we travel? The sea is raging before us. We look to our leader but no guidance is forthcoming. Nachshon plunge. The Almighty says, “Travel forth!” contribute about five to ten meals via and dedication, helping this project to be so successful. We But then, one man, Nachshon ben Aminadav takes a leap How do we know that He is calling us to proceed into our sign-up sheet. Every Thursday we are continuing the scheme until the end of March, at which of faith. God has instructed them to travel forth. And so the unknown? Because we’ve already seen the miracle. deliver about 150 meals to a local point we will have donated over 1500 meals. During these travel forth he shall. He walks right into the water, never As unprecedented as the pandemic itself has been, the charity, the Single Homeless Project, difficult times, helping others who are in desperate need of looking back. The people look on in bewilderment. What discovery of a cure has been just as unprecedented. A which was approached by FEAST. support is so rewarding and shows that, by coming together, is wrong with this man? Any further and he will drown. number of companies have miraculously produced a Their accommodation is used to we can have a wider impact while fulfilling our duties of The water is getting higher and higher. First it reaches vaccine faster than any other time in history. prevent homelessness and help Tikkun Olam and Tzedaka. Thank you again to everyone his waist. Then his neck. And then it’s up to his nose. And Undoubtedly, the time is not yet ripe for everyone. the vulnerable and socially who has contributed! then, all of a sudden, the waters part. And Nachshon has The Nachshon moment will be very personal and excluded in London to transform Taliya Ambalo and Jo Summerfield not even a drop of water upon him. The Children of Israel individual. The main thing is that we start thinking follow their brother and traverse the Red Sea on dry land. about our sea-splitting moment. Will it be one Right now, shul life is so challenging. Many of us find vaccination? Two vaccinations? 29 March? 12 April? ourselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Or Your precise date is your decision. But it’s a decision between a Red Sea and an Egyptian army. If going to you must consciously make. Make Life Timeless shul means wearing a mask, social distancing, no singing May we merit to pray together again very soon! or Kiddush, then it’s really hard to move forward. It’s not Chag Pesach kasher v’sameach!

We offer a bespoke service recording personal life stories.

Bring your family history, memories, music Our Youth under lockdown and emotions to life in an audio biography. YOU’VE GOT IT Youth Leaders, Gila & Sammy Liebert, review the past months You’ve got it in you to find the career that you are searching irstly, we look forward to our spring and summer promise to bring journey through the holocaust for. But if you need support and guidance with your job search, youth getting b back to school so look out for many more interesting – Moan and Groan, a weekly, Thursday Resource is here to help you be successful. – they have been amazing and exciting events. evening event where anyone who As the community’s go-to resource, we provide expert tailored F and have managed Zoom like Here are some of the events wants can join and play games, advice, networking and training — empowering people of all champions. Even after spending day which have taken place over the last discuss their week and have their ages to win the right job. after day at school on Zoom, they still months: moans and groans validated Take the first steps in getting back to work. Call Resource now join us in the evenings for fun youth – Games Night – Dor v’Dor, which connects the to book a chat with an Advisor or to find out more about our events. Sundays have been taken – Zumba youth with senior members of our “One of the most enjoyable and emotive things I have listened other free services. up by Lighthouse, our leadership – Drawing class community to learn about and to in ages. I honestly think that was magical.” programme. Project ImpACT, the – Tu B’shvat fruit carving session discuss their lives. “Something to treasure forever. Very special and very Call 020 8346 4000 or visit incredible volunteering programme, – Supper Quiz - The Bat/Bar Mitzvah programme is emotional.” www.resource-centre.org held many fun and creative events – Babka / Challah Bake under way @resourcecharity @resourcecharity resource employment advice centre such as art classes, supper quizzes – Holocaust Memorial Day - Maralyn - At Purim there was a fantastic and discussions. Turgel shared with us the inspiring Mocktail making event over Zoom Charity Number 1106331 We are very excited by what the and moving story of her father’s Lots more to come! 6 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 7 Sephardi community. Lockdown Literature with Martin Kaye has been a HGSS Online new feature for the third season. Martin suggests a few he programme of online activities continues books from the Wingate short-listed books (On Division, From the Chair apace and a visit to the HGSS Facebook page Apeirogon, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me and When reveals a goldmine of interesting videos. Here time stopped) and then hosts an interview with the A message from James Kaufmann T author, along with a member of HGSS, to discuss it are just a few. further. Look out for a new feature in Season 4, The Anglo- Norrice Lea TV Jewish Can=on – an eclectic line-up of personalities Hosted by Rabbanit Friedman and Rabbi Guttentag and who will recommend their favourite book. he Maggid section of the Haggadah opens with “Ha tell the story of the Exodus on Seder Night we should put now in its third season, Norrice Lea TV, in its regular lachma anya” where we invite whoever is hungry to ourselves in someone else’s sandals – as if we ourselves are Monday evening slot, has covered a wide spectrum of Shabbat come and eat. This invitation seems to be said at the coming out of Egypt. For Shabbat, there is Rabbi T subjects. Simone Halfin interviewed Dr Leora Harverd wrong time (we have already started the Seder) and in the This year sees us celebrate a second Pesach in lockdown, of the Temple Fortune Health Centre (see page 8). Friedman’s weekly drosha, wrong place (we say it in the privacy of our homes) to really with no guests at our Sedarim. But hope is on the horizon, She also interviewed Drs Jacqui and Jeremy Marshall the theme a topic in the be an effective and heartfelt call for strangers to join us. the “roadmap” anticipates the rule of six or two households who, although on the point of retirement, were hard at week’s news. Rav Yochanan Zweig suggests the purpose of the allowed to meet outdoors from second day Yom Tov. But the work in the vaccination centre at the beautiful Hindu Of course, in the run- invitation is for the guests already assembled, not for need for us to act with sensitivity, compassion and empathy Temple in Kingsbury, a true example of communities up to Purim we were able those who are absent. The Talmud (Bava Batra 98b) says is greater than ever. We have all had different Covid and coming together. to join an international that guests should not invite other guests to a host’s table. lockdown experiences. Some of us are straining to get back It continued to feature members of the community in audience for Freilich Fever, But Rav Zweig says that honoured guests can do as they out amongst people. Others are more cautious. Some of various capacities, as well as meeting simcha families welcoming Shabbat with please and invite other guests. Accordingly, the reason for us might find mingling in groups challenging. Others want whether it was an engaged couple or Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. music and song – Avromi everyone at the seder to make a statement inviting others nothing more than to shake hands and hug old friends. is to empower any guests present and make them feel that Please, let’s proceed on our own and our communal For Purim Ian Fenton and Rabbanit Batya hosted the singing, Dovi at the piano, they are guests of honour, enjoying their redemption from journeys to freedom with the sensitivity, compassion and Garden Globes Award as a fun way to remember the a thought for the week from Rochelle, to say nothing slavery as much as the host. empathy which the Haggadah asks of us and endeavour past year of virtual events. Ian performed a few of the of the delicious range of Rav Zweig further explains that the sensitivity required to make one another feel as comfortable as possible as we songs and added some great humour to the evening. Shabbat foods over which of a host here fits in to the broader demand that when we collectively find our way in the coming weeks and months. Among Rabbi Friedman’s interviewees was Jordan we could only drool. This Freud who, as a child, was diagnosed as being on the culminated on 26 February autistic spectrum. Notwithstanding, he navigated the with Avromi in the Rain standard educational system – Brooklands followed featuring songs from the by JFS. He owns that in the early years at Shul, he shows and a table full of We are open was made to feel an outsider within the community. delicious desserts. Due to his lack of social skills (and the community’s When Shabbat ends, for safe new misunderstanding of him), he would often be sent out what could be better than of activities. However, he persevered, completed his joining one of the Rabbinic admissions education and made it to Leeds University, achieving Team for a musical a 2.1. He has since landed his dream job with Raw TV. Havdallah. His advice to anyone in the community who might The monthly pro- be experiencing difficulties – do not be afraid to reach grammes continued out – to the rabbinic team, to the Nefesh Network – to with the Rabbinic discuss your issues – do not keep them to yourself. You Chavrusa with will find that hearts and minds are always open. Rabbi Friedman This was an inspiring message from an inspiring discussing a book young man. by the late Rabbi Lord Sacks k”z and the Inspirational Charity Reg No. 802559 Charity Reg No. A very important subject was covered when Rabbi Women Series talking about various topics with Guttentag interviewed Nicole Gordon and Aviva different women around the world. We marked special Throughout Covid-19, keeping our residents safe has been our highest priority, Every member of our trained and Lewis of Jnetics, the organisation which is running days with informative interviews either on NLTV or as experienced staff, is here to make sure that our homes have the highest level of cleanliness, access to the Covid-19 a screening programme for genetic disorders which a standalone such as Jewish Disability and Inclusion vaccine, regular testing and ample amounts of PPE all in accordance with health authority guidance. We know how particularly affect Ashkenazi Jews. The best known Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness and important staying in touch with your loved ones is and our residents enjoy video calls and family visits in a safe of these is, of course, Tay Sachs, but they also screen International Women’s Day. Most of the videos are all space. Activities to stimulate body and mind, the special moments of Shabbat and festivals and delicious Kosher food make our homes a warm family community. for Cystic Fibrosis and seven more which are less available on our Facebook page Hampstead Garden well known. They aim to expand the range over the Suburb Synagogue | Facebook or on our You Tube For more information please call our team coming year to include disorders which affect the Channel bit.ly/HGSSTube on 020 8922 2222 or email [email protected]

Care Home Ad 2021 A5L.indd 1 11/02/2021 12:33 8 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 9 Dr Leora Harverd takes a break from keeping the vaccine flowing to speak withSimone Halfin

he Angel of the North’ is a well-known sculpture by Anthony Gormley, but we most definitely have ‘Tan angel of North West in Dr Leora Harverd. A ‘Suburb Girl’ through and through, she attended Henrietta Barnett School, studied medicine at University College Hospital, married, and lives with her husband and two daughters in the heart of the Suburb. Leora couldn’t keep away from her roots and started work as an embryonic GP at the Temple Fortune Health Centre in 1990, initially working with Dr Buckman who retired and is so missed by many patients – including me. Apparently, he had a loud sneeze and, as his office was next door, Leora used to say Gezunt when it happened. There were always two sides – the other side of the practice was known as PHGH after the partners who worked there at the was challenging but rewarding. It was lovely to meet one of time but, in some instances, they merge and the vaccination her daughters who was taking a turn helping out on the day programme is a perfect example of both working together. I was there. Leora became a partner of the entire p ractice in 1998. They By now, many of our readers will have at least have had now serve over nineteen thousand patients – and probably their first vaccination, so will be aware of the incredible a few more after people have experienced the efficient speed and efficiency from the minute you are told, firmly, to vaccination set up! She declared that she would be ‘working wear your face mask on entering the car park (or makeshift here until the end’. Together with Dr Karen Grossmark, she vaccination centre as it is) until you are told, by a reassuring now successfully runs everything but, most importantly at this Hatzolah medic, to sit for 15 minutes to ensure that you are time, the incredibly enviable Vaccination Centre in Temple not experiencing any bad side effects. Leora beamed at the Fortune, the first centre to go live in Barnet. mention of Hatzolah and was thrilled that they had agreed to When I asked if she was worried about taking all this offer their support every day to make sure that everyone who on board, she said she was an eternal optimist and never had been vaccinated was ok. They have always had a close worried about taking on huge tasks. When the email about relationship, and if someone is very unwell and needs an doing the vaccinations arrived, both she and Karen felt it ambulance, given the choice of ambulance, everyone opts was the best thing to do for their patients. There were tears for Hatzolah. When the programme started, people were so of joy and relief when people received their first jab, some unwell that Leora used them as a backup to make urgent had not been out of their houses since before the pandemic. decisions whether or not they should be sent to hospital. Everyone was quite overcome by the emotion. They are even vaccinating at the moment as they feel it gives In an interview exactly a year ago, Leora said that them purpose in the whole process. the effect on her Jewish life had been profound and that, Leora’s day, which starts at 7.30 am, does not end when compared to the rest of the population, medics were living vaccination stops. Leora is back dealing with day-to-day in a parallel zone. She was concerned about how it would patients, quite a number of whom are suffering mentally impact on Pesach. It is quite amazing that she is now in from the pandemic. She is then on call and has to deal with an even more difficult position, working so hard running triage patients. Her message, especially to teenagers, is both the vaccination programme and the surgery and still please come forward and just talk to someone. There are so worrying about Pesach, as are we all! many ways in which doctors can help. Meeting Leora in February, she was snowed under, With this, I left her to carry on delivering the ‘pizza and having just taken possession of 1200 doses of vaccine for garlic bread size boxes’ of crucial vaccines to eager patients. which she had made a 20-mile round trip motzei Shabbat A lovely description! as they had not been delivered. These had to be used the Amazingly, Leora has found time to serve on the Norrice following day. Although exhausted, Leora told me she loved Lea Kiddush rota as well as running two marathons – being busy and felt that the learning curve everyone was on a true Eshet Chayil. 10 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 11 f you’ve ever been to Jersey, whether to remain in practice as a Guernsey or the Isle of Man barrister, or to take the plunge and don Kiddushim for those who care (collectively known as the Filling ermine. Crown Dependencies) and I once did a mini pupillage under Debbie Kagan says thank you fancied taking tea with HM’s David and it was, without doubt, one IRepresentative, then you will now the Gap of the most challenging and rewarding ith the help of Carmelli and the Hendon Bagel appreciation, realising that they hadn’t been forgotten. be able to do so without leaving the I undertook, simply because he has Company, special ‘kiddushim’, generously Early in January, I received an email from Chelsea & Suburb. Resident and congregant, A new role for a contagious energy and bonhomie Wspon-sored by HGSS members, are being Westminster Hospital which said, “I am sorry to ask for your David Wolfson, is technically Her as well as a palpable passion for law. delivered to The Whittington, Watford General or Chelsea help once more. I never thought we would be in this position Majesty’s Representative to the Crown David Wolfson The Commercial Bar is a notoriously & Westminster Hospitals. Boxes of individually wrapped again...... are you able to help donate food to our frontline bagels and cakes, along with a selection of other foods, staff? We are desperate.” Once again, the Synagogues Dependencies. Of course, that isn’t his interviewed here by solitary, albeit rarefied, world, but including granola, yogurt, have been amazing and the main job – but then David’s day job isn’t David wore no airs and graces (nor tie) Andrew Freedman fresh fruit and salads, are project re-started. quite what it was. and had a clear hunger for debate. Every being sent into the hospitals The response from Until fairly recently, David counter argument I could think of for all the staff to enjoy. the HGS Community has was a leading commercial Silk (alas, there were not many) were Our thanks to Michelle been unbelievable – thank practising from One Essex Court deftly but definitively rebutted. Yamin-Joseph who has been you! We were all deeply Chambers (home to a number Perhaps, I ventured, David got amazing in helping and touched by Zack Kaye, who of HGSS barristers). One this from the study halls of Yeshiva organising this initiative celebrated his Bar Mitzvah Friday afternoon in October Ha’Kotel in Yerushalayim? At this, on behalf of the HGS in January and sponsored he received a voicemail from David leaned back and smiled. Community. several ‘kiddushim’ at Watford someone called Nat. “Argument is very healthy and So how did it start? This from his gifts. A consultant David – a veritable polymath it’s much better to argue than initiative was set up last from the emergency of a communal man (he blew to fight. I have no problem with June as a way to say “thank department collected the you” to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff, who are all food early in the morning and took it to the hospital with shofar for hundreds over Rosh argument, or with people who working much longer hours and are really in need of our her, to be enjoyed by the night shift who were just finishing Hashanah, he leins and davens disagree with me politically, but support – it is a way to show them how much we care. At and the day team about to start. beautifully and gives spellbinding the one thing I would hope is the same time, we are supporting our local shop/bakery They were so happy to receive lovely filled bagels and Divrei Torah) – assumed this Nat that they regard my position as who supply everything. For the sponsors, it is a way of pastries – see photos! I received the following message: might be someone after him for a bona fide – just as I would regard acknowledging a simcha or yahrzeit. A card is sent with “I have been a consultant for 15 years and we have never However, this was no tragedy, nor – yet lecture. However, Nat turned out to be theirs.” every delivery bearing the message, “Warmest wishes and experienced times as tough as they are at the moment. – a drama, so David gamely stepped up the Leader of the House of Lords. She As the fourth Lord Wolfson (no thanks from . . . Synagogue”. Knowing that people care and are thinking about us in the relayed her predicament: Lord Keen, one to the plate and agreed to fill the gap as relation to any of the others) to sit on the During the last lockdown, ‘kiddushim’ were also sent to NHS makes a huge difference to the staff, so thank you of the Government’s most senior legal Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State red benches, since David’s introduction care homes and hospices, Jewish and non-Jewish, across from all of us.” Michelle Jacobs. advisers (who shot to fame during the for Justice, plus, of course, a Peerage. to the Upper House in December, he has London – sadly, they have also been so badly affected and This wouldn’t have been possible without all your televised Supreme Court Brexit trial) had This was not mere happenstance: the been dealing with flurries of legislation. in need of our support. HGSS sent weekly to Lady Sarah support and generosity - thank you SO much! resigned and the Government needed current government had known David As a justice minister, all manner of laws Cohen House. On occasions, staff would literally cry in to replace him. She wondered if David for some time. Considering himself a come his way, from the Domestic Abuse would fancy giving the job a whirl. traditional Tory, David’s first exposure to Bill to Child Trust Funds and Counter the Government came when Michael The dramatists Aeschylus, Sophocles Terrorism Legislation. It is, in his own From previous page only suppose, is his way of relaxing – Towards the end of David’s maiden Gove became Secretary of State for and Euripides often reached for the words, a “radically different proposition David enjoys lecturing on Judaism and speech, he made reference to Avraham’s Justice and Lord Chancellor, during ancient equivalent of “and it was all from the Bar”. the fewer to speak Hebrew, though halacha, saving his ‘more controversial famous bargain with G-d before the which time, David began to advise the a dream” when trying to resolve a Like many Jewish peers, David’s he assured his noble colleagues that topics’ on text and theology for Shabbat destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. government on thorny issues of Brexit, particularly complex dramatic trope. geographical designation is a nod to he had not fallen foul of the rule for where, he adds impishly, he “cannot be We learn that the only people whose jurisdiction and his roots: his paternal great grandfather speeches to be in English by ensuring it recorded”. presence might have saved the cities international trade. immigrated to Tredegar in Wales – was “limited and specific”. Members of Norrice Lea for just would have been righteous people David’s surprise at something he mentioned in his maiden David’s predilection for Hebrew over 25 years, David and Louise (also living in the city. According to David’s being invited to join speech. By chance, David’s speech came, not just by dint of birth and a lawyer and daughter of long-standing father, that means each of us has a the government happened to be on anti-Semitism on upbringing, but by choice: he read members Rina and Jeff Durkin) were part to play in society and the life of was matched by university campuses. While joining Oriental Studies (specifically Hebrew, married at HGSS with Rabbi Jackson the nation. Extrapolating this, David the swiftness with ranks of Peers who had previously Aramaic and a little Syriac) and Law and Chazan Avromi officiating. They pledged that, as justice minister, he which he had to quoted the teachings of the late Lord at Cambridge, and found that many have three children, Sam, Zara and Abi, would “seek to play my part to build a decide – he had just Sacks z”l, he was probably one of of his non-Jewish dons were great all of whom attended Kerem where society based on justice and the rule of over 48 hours to scholars and as fluent in leining as their father was, at one time, Chair of law that is a society to which everyone Continued on next page make up his mind * any of Norrice Lea’s finest. What, I can Governors. can contribute.” 12 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 13 Volunteering Awards Two HGSS members have been recognised at the the Jewish Volunteer Network Mental Health Awareness Celebration of Volunteering Awards 2020. Mazal tov to . . . Katherine Isaacs explains how the community is taking steps to ensure that there is support on hand for those who need it David Sagal Jo Rosenthal or all of us, the last year has been like no other. We Life’s Door, a not-for-profit ooking for ince leaving practice as an accountant, have all had to find new ways of coping with the organisation committed to I had volunteered at Jewish Care voluntary strange new reality which Coronavirus has presented promoting the awareness and then for 10 years with Norwood F work, David S us. For some, this has been more difficult than for others. about and importance of the L organising fundraising events. However, I contacted the Jewish was looking for a role that would put all my Data analysis by a leading UK mental health charity has relationship between the mental Volunteer Network years of financial training and experience revealed that more people have experienced a mental health and emotional quality of life and (JVN) who put him to good use in the community and provide crisis during the pandemic than ever previously recorded. a person’s wellbeing. Life’s Door will be providing four me with a fresh challenge. In 2017 I was in touch with Goods As such, it quickly became apparent that it was imper- Hope Workshops for various groups within the community, ‘matched’ to Jewish Women’s Aid through for Good who JVN’s Trustee Connection Service. ative that we at HGSS needed and wanted to support our ranging from families with young children through to medical collect clothes and This year has been particularly challenging community so that we can become one which accepts, professionals. They will look into helping people find a way hygienic items for for JWA. Our experience reflects the national picture, which indicates acknowledges and understands mental illness. We have of including hope into their daily lives and routines as we the homeless including refugees of whom there that 80% of community based domestic abuse services have seen striven to destigmatise this subject which has been hidden slowly exit from the pandemic. an increase in demand and that 61% of women living with an are 400 in Barnet, something which most of us in the shadows for far too long. Our aim is to provide the My hope is that we take lessons, from the very difficult abusive partner have reported that the abuse has worsened during had probably not realised. David paid tribute the pandemic. The frontline team at JWA is supporting around 150 community with, amongst other things, a small army of year that we have been through. I hope that we apply newly to our own Nefesh Network and to the HGSS women every month, with all our staff working at capacity and a dedicated Mental Health First Aiders who will be trained learned skills, insight and understanding as we move forward community for their generosity and readiness to waiting list for children’s therapy. and available to listen and to provide early intervention and and continue to check on our neighbours, make space for and volunteer. In terms of my role, the initial impact on Jewish Women’s Aid was then signpost on to third party professional help. This help accept mental illness and support one another going into the the cancellation of our main fundraising event which we relied on for will be available for anyone, from the youth through to the future. a significant percentage of our income. Continued on page 19 older members of our community, as mental health issues know no boundaries. Our first call was to Jami, whom we are proud tobe Getting through this partnering, and who are helping to provide Mental Health First Aider training for just under 50 members of our community. Struggling to cope If you need support or are supporting someone who together needs help, contact Jami. Mental Health First Aider training teaches how to identify, is more normal jamiuk.org/get-support or call 020 8458 2223 understand and help someone who may be experiencing a than you think. mental health issue . The first of these courses is now complete, and I, myself, was proud to participate. It was an incredible Uncertainty and isolation can cause any eye opener into best practices in the field of listening and of us to experience feelings of distress If you’re struggling to cope or need immediate help, or anxiety. Whatever you are going contact Shout’s 24/7 crisis text service. signposting for those who may need it. The remaining two through, you don’t have to face it alone. Text Jami to 85258 courses are due to take place during March and April. During Mental Health Awareness Weekend, we were proud and incredibly honoured to be able to broadcast a live experience panel – three very brave speakers expertly Free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support. interviewed by Rochelle Freilich, All of them showed Students: student.kooth.com/jami HELPING YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST Adults: qwell.io/jami enormous spirit and strength in sharing their personal experience of mental health issues. It provided an extremely EMPLOYMENT SERVICES powerful and very personal insight into the subject itself. BUSINESS SUPPORT During the next few months, we will be highlighting other cohorts within the community and creating open WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND HEALTHY PESACH Change the life of someone living with mental illness. conversations on their mental health journeys. The first of Donate today at jamiuk.org/donate these will be providing support for younger children and TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU, teenagers, as well as their parents, as they venture back to PLEASE CALL OR VISIT school as lockdown eases. 020 8371 3280 WWW.THEWORKAVENUE.ORG.UK Registered charity no. 1003345

Finally, we are privileged to be partnering with Registered Charity 1164762 14 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 15 It has also been helpful to the health funds that, unlike Aliya Lite in the UK, for many years there was no David Lew effective political interference from the Minister of Health, e had not wanted our move to Israel in December one Yaakov Litzman, to be published in the HGSS newssheet. After the Gerer rebbe’s Wall, such ventures sometimes end in disaster and personal representative ignominy, with would-be chalutzim quietly drifting back to in Knesset, whose the comfort of familiar surroundings and language with tail contributions to the firmly between legs. But, so far, so good. Israel is agreat wellbeing of Israel’s country for old Jews. We are blessed: we live next to a nature citizens were limited to reserve which during the winter and spring changes its flora, campaigning to retain tobacco advertising (I kid you not), colours and perfumes on an almost daily basis. Queen ensuring that Ikea stayed open longer than other furniture of the flowers is the purple iris after which the reserve is stores during the lockdowns and allegedly obstructing the named. The reserve leads directly onto the beach so during extradition of Malka Leifer to Australia where she is accused the lockdown we were always able to amble and remain of child abuse when principal of Adass Israel School in within the mandated 1,000 metres from our home. Without Melbourne. It is no coincidence that the owner of the Israel wishing to sound like an estate agent, we have everything Ikea franchise and Ms Leifer both have connections with the from supermarket to doctor’s surgery on our doorstep. All I Gerer community. During the Corona period, even Litzman miss are the family, friends and an airing cupboard. In any realised that he was not up to it when Moshiach, who he case, at the time of writing the airport and borders are closed had prophesied would save us before pesach failed to so we are effectively prisoners in Zion. appear on cue. You may have seen the new health minister, I imagine that you are all sick of hearing about how Yuli Edelstein, on Andrew Marr’s programme a few weeks absolutely marvellous the Israel health care system is. It ago. An altogether more serious politician, fluent in several seemed to come as a shock to many folk around the world, languages and orthodox, and unlike us, he was a true although quite why, I am not sure. The first health fund was prisoner of Zion. established in 1911 and by 1958, just ten years after the Israel’s government after the election in March looks establishment of both the state and the NHS, 90 per cent fated to include haredi politicians like Mr Litzman and of the population was covered. According to WHO data, Aryeh Deri, Home Secretary for much of the period from Israel has 46 doctors for every 10,000 people; Britain has 1988 to date, with a short break to serve a jail sentence for 28, which is possibly why my GP in Israel has 20-minute bribery. My vote will go to any party that promises not to appointments (and is happy to overrun). She has sent me off serve in a coalition with the haredi parties. for all manner of tests, some of which were not available to The arrogance of the fallen politicians in Israel is not me on the NHS. I even found myself in the mammography restricted to haredim. Ehud Olmert, for some reason best department of the Assuta medical centre in Tel Aviv for a known to the editor of the Jerusalem Post has a weekly half bone-density test. page column in which he frequently castigates Bibi. You will recall that Olmert too had a spell inside for bribery, although he had the good grace to step down as prime minister when the charges were announced. Pots and kettles come to mind. Where, I ask, is the spirit of John Profumo? No country is free of corruption and each is corrupt in its own way. But at least, in this country, corrupt politicians and a rapist president go to prison. I leave the final words to Ehud Olmert who said on his resignation, “I can only be proud to be a citizen of a country in which a Prime Minister can be investigated like any other citizen”. 16 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 17 Australian Prime opponents. During the Being Jewish is a problem . . . Minister at half 2016 FIFA Presidential time was, of course, election, I headed up the What problem? memorable. But campaign of HRH Prince the highlight was Ali Bin Al Hussein of Shimon Cohen recounts his travels in the Gulf States the half-time drinks Jordan. One night, I get reception. a call from Prince Ali: t’s February 1996 and one of to 2014 and, through a series of A tap on the “Shimon, are you an my clients in the Banking sector circumstances, I am retained to shoulder from HRH’s Israeli?” he asks. “Have has suggested a Team Meeting provide public relations advice secretary. “HRH, you ever played football at their Head Office, in Dubai. and support to a Royal Family in wants you in the for Israel?” IThat gave me pause for thought. the region and, for the next six stadium”, I’m told. I answer that I am I had just completed the Zip I had only ever been there once years, I visit Dubai, for a couple of I step out to HRH, Welsh, born and bred Wire at the Dubai Marina At UAE v Jordan, AFC Asia Cup, before and that was on my way back days, at least once a month. I fly who says: “Well, this and, no, I have never Abu Dhabi from a holiday in Thailand, when out, usually on a Sunday, returning is something that I played football for Israel, I stopped to change planes in the overnight Tuesday, arriving back in or Wales for that matter. It transpires UAE – that time in Abu Dhabi. I was London on Wednesday morning. I never thought I’d get to do, but Shimon, please that our opponent in the election had keen to go but I had a problem. My looked forward to the Emirates A380 meet the Rabbi”, as HRH introduces me to tried to discredit Prince Ali by tweeting a passport was full of Israeli stamps airplane with its large bedroom the local Chabad Rabbi who is attending the picture of Shimon Cohen, a former Israeli and entry to the UAE wasn’t possible. Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai cubicles and the Jumeriah Towers game as the guest of the Jewish President of footballer, together with the exhortation to I did manage to get a new passport Hotel with its enormous suites. the Australian Football Association, Frank Arab countries not to vote for Prince Ali quickly and off I went. However, what struck me, and what I have talked about (now Sir Frank) Lowy. as the head of his campaign is an Israeli I remember walking from the hotel to the client’s office many times, is that being Jewish was never a problem. My So, apart from a travelogue of interesting footballer. in the sweltering heat, feeling quite apprehensive. My name, client always went out of their way to make sure I could eat stories, what does all this mean? I have been The notion backfired spectac-ularly, as so I thought, was a giveaway and Jews didn’t generally travel and, on more than one occasion, made sure I was flown very privileged to have travelled widely, and the racist intent was duly exposed. What here. Well, it transpired that my name wasn’t such an issue home for Yom Tov, only to have to fly back as soon as Yom have worked for clients at Government and annoyed me most of all though was being at all. My client wanted me to take over as chairman of his Tov was over. If I ever had to stay over for Shabbos, which corporate level throughout the Arab world. I confused with a retired 76-year-old! Dubai based advertising agency, stating clearly that being happened a few times, I was near the Villa where davening have never once, on any occasion, seen my Anyway, now that Normalisation has Jewish here wasn’t an issue. No one cared. That was indeed took place and plentiful supplies of hummus were available. Jewishness or indeed my name as a barrier. been approved and Jews and Israelis are true. I looked through the local newspapers. There was Before Covid 19 struck us, I visited Dubai, Abu Dhabi In truth, I don’t think it’s ever been relevant flocking there in their droves, I just hope about as much coverage of Israel as the UK papers has about and Amman frequently. I even visited Al Ein and Sharjah as either to me or my clients. Inside the Zabeel Royal that the quiet, serenity of Dubai’s legendary Vietnam! Too far away and no interest. well. The Emiratis and Jordanians were always more than It has, however, been an issue for my Palace, Dubai hotel lounges will be preserved! My next visit to the region was a year later when the generous with their welcome and my being Jewish was only same client arranged a Team Meeting in Oman. It was June ever an interesting dinner discussion subject. and the temperatures had hit well over 40 degrees Celsius. Arriving at the hotel, the Al Bustan Palace, it was evident * * * * * * that there were no other guests apart from our group. Yet the My experience with Project ImpACT hotel seemed fully operational – Bell Boys hanging around, I have so many stories but space doesn’t allow me to share by Sophia Lipton shoe shine boys waiting for a more. So, just one. I visited Australia as part of the official customer, restaurants fully staffed delegation of HRH y name is Sophia Lipton, I am 15 years old and While volunteering really but no guests. I was escorted to Princess Hay Bint Al in Year 10 and have been volunteering for Project helps others, it brings a my room and with a flourish. I Hussein, then the wife of MImpact for the last two years. I have been fortunate real joy to my life and is am told that the suite that I was HH Sheikh Mohammed enough to have had lots of volunteering experiences both extremely rewarding. It allocated was last used by the Al Maktoum, ruler of pre-lockdown and now virtually due to COVID19. Pre- has made me appreciate Emir of Kuwait, as the hotel was Dubai. I flew on the lockdown, I was involved in different activities and events how fortunate my life is built especially for the meeting Royal Flight with my such as learning sign language to raise awareness for deaf and constantly reminds of the Gulf Cooperation Council bedroom, yes bedroom, people, helping at a Purim fair at JW3, and even wrapping me to not take this for that had been held in Oman just with its large double presents on Chanukah for children who might not usually granted. a few months earlier. I remember bed and en-suite receive anything. Since lockdown, While participating asking why there were so many shower. One of the I have been doing a cooking course every other weekend, in Project Impact, I have staff and no other guests and am engagements we had on Sunday evenings. After cooking the baked goods, I drop realised how important volunteering is to me. It With the Head told that the hotel must remain was to attend a World them off on the following day to an allocated drop off point. of the UN’s Food fully operational in case the Sultan Cup Qualifier Match The food goes to different people such as the homeless and provides me with a great understanding of different people’s Aid Distribution decides to visit. How often I ask, between Australia and ambulance drivers who don’t usually have a chance to eat live’s and also has enabled me to gain many charitable On the campaign trail with Centre, International does the Sultan visit, only to be the UAE. Sitting in the due to their very busy schedule. It is crucial that in these qualities that I will definitely use in the future. I believe it HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein Humanitarian City, told that he never has! Royal Box was fun challenging times we are all giving back to those nurses and is really important for teenagers to experience volunteering of Jordan Dubai Well now, fast forward and chatting with the doctors who put their lives at risk in order to save others. and give something back to the community. 18 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 19 • Essentials (e.g. toiletries, cleaning supplies, masks)

Tzedakah at HGSS Migdal Ohr The Covid-19 Relief Effort entails: • Procuring Food, Hygiene and Household Products – igdal Ohr is Israel’s largest welfare, non-profit Every two years, the Shul’s Tzedakah Committee chooses two charities, selected from a list of Reaching out to companies to collect food and essentials. educationaletwork that has been provid- nominations received from members, with whom to establish a special, close-working relationship. • Staffing an Emergency Call Centre – Operating a ing an enlightening framework of critical services One of these is based in the UK, the other in Israel. At present our two chosen charities are Jewish M COVID-19 relief call centre with government welfare and life-changing essential programmes to nearly 12,000 Child’s Day in the UK and Migdal Ohr in Israel. So what, exactly, do these charities do? agencies to receive inquiries from distressed citizens and disadvantaged and orphaned Jewish child- aid organisations across Israel. ren across Israel since 1972. • Storing and Packaging Emergency Kits – Establishing ne of our long- generation how they The Israeli Government selected Migdal Ohr to operate and operating a logistics centre for receiving products and standing members, can help the less a national relief effort and, to this end, we partnered groceries and packing boxes for distribution. Charles Spungin, Jewish Child’s Day fortunate across the with the Israeli Defence Force to help people in need. As O • Managing a Distribution Network – Working closely with Chairman of Jewish Child’s community. Passover approaches, and in light of the current crisis, it is the IDF, local municipalities, and welfare agencies to create Day provides a glimpse of the charity so close to his heart. crucial that we also manage to run our food distribution How has the present situation affected a distribution network that deploys deliveries across Israel. I have been actively involved with JCD since 2008 and campaign, Chag Saveah for Children, and help over 40,000 honoured to be chairman since 2017. However, like many the charity? disadvantaged families to celebrate Passover in joy and Unfortunately, over the last 12 months we have seen a 50% With your support, we can reach everyone who needs others, my involvement with JCD dates back to growing up dignity. help and make a world of difference to Israel’s most increase in the applications for support. For almost 20% of in Nottingham. Once I had my own children, I knew how vulnerable citizens. Please make a donation to the Migdal these applications, it was the first time they had approached us. lucky we were as a family and wanted to find a way to help Why the special need now? Ohr COVID -19 Passover Relief. Your generous gift has a This is an indicator of the stark reality of a crisis facing charities other children in our community. There are thousands of families in Israel who will not be double impact as it empowers underprivileged youth and everywhere: due to the pandemic, fundraising opportunities provides for families in need. Here is how: able to eat this holiday. We are running an urgent appeal for have dropped, whilst the need has increased enormously. Who are we? YOUR help. Please open your heart and help us make sure • Donate at www.migdalohr.org.uk/donate Jewish Child’s Day aims to provides a better and brighter We are grateful to work with some incredible organisations that they will have food on their table this Passover. With • Make a BACS transfer to British Friends of Migdal Ohr future for Jewish children in need in the UK, Israel and in the community who provide children with shelter, safety, your support, we are working with our IDF partners to get (s/c 40-52-78 a/c 70389030) worldwide. Our mission is to support organisations ensuring nourishment and healthcare, improving psychological, deliveries of food and essentials to 40,000 needy families, that no Jewish child should live in hardship, need, pain emotional, educational and physical well-being. • Send your cheque or charity voucher (payable to British children, and seniors affected by the pandemic, including: Friends of Migdal Ohr) to Migdal Ohr UK, 11 Squirrels or suffering. What started as an annual appeal to help • Food (e.g. rice, pasta, oil, tuna, flour, milk, meat, produce) Close, London N12 8AY. children of the Kindertransport has evolved into a leading What can the HGSS Community grant giving and educational do to help? organisation, supporting children Community involvement has in need across the community always been at the heart of and educating children about the Jewish Child’s Day, which is impact and benefits of Tzedakah. why we were delighted to have been a chosen charity partner What do we do? with HGSS. Today, the charity supports over This past year has been 130 projects, assisting over 19,000 challenging for all charities to children annually, saving them be able to continue to operate in from deprivation, disadvantage, the same way, but we do hope abuse or neglect; we are giving them a better future. to be able to get back to normal, visiting the projects and The breadth and variety of the projects we support is finding new and innovative ways to raise as much money as possible to help the youngest in the community. unlimited and many of these organisations would struggle to Volunteering award for Jo Rosenthal, continued from page 12 deliver their service without our help. In 2022 we will be celebrating our 75th year and will be The next edition of Children who are challenged by physical, learning or planning a number of events as well as awarding Diamond In addition, like all charities, we £30,000 to women, since the crisis The Norrice Leader needed to plan for the inevitable began, including for basics such as emotional difficulties, children who suffer abuse, neglect, Grants to organisations where we can make a long-lasting financial impact as the economy was food, bedding and subsistence due will be at Rosh Hashanah deprivation or poverty, children who simply don’t have a safe impact to children for many years to come. We hope the hit by the pandemic. I worked with to benefits delays. We also provided Please send news and and secure family or home and children who are battling community will help us both to raise the funds, and find our CEO, Naomi Dickson and our children with tablets to enable them against severe and life-threatening illness – all benefit from these deserving projects. Fundraiser, Julia Kay to secure our to be schooled from home and so they photo-graphs of your special Jewish Child’s Day’s support. Should you be interested in learning more about Jewish funding for the coming year. As well can access therapy with our trained projects, simchas, anniversaries We also spend a lot of time working with children in Child’s Day, please go to www.jcd.uk.com or contact as grant applications, we established therapists. etc to Hilary Halter our own welfare grants for the first Everyone at JWA has stepped up schools and chedarim, teaching them about Tzedakah. At Anthea Jackson, Executive Director, on 020 8446 8804. time, as a response to the destitution and worked so hard to overcome the [email protected] such an early age it is important that we show the next reported to us by our clients. challenges of the past year and it’s 8365 2187 / 07914 810 222 We have now distributed around been a privilege to be part of it. 20 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 21 By women It’s Purim! For women viva Kaufmann took part Ain the United Synagogue In-Person Megillah Reading at the United Synagogue. She writes: There were two separate women’s megilla readings that evening: – The in-person reading which Rabbi Friedman and Rabbanit Batya Claire Rosen, the narrator who Haman, alias Jonny Shine took place at 6.15 pm on take up the Beatles theme turns into Queen Esther the evening of Purim in the HGSS tent. Approximately 30 women were present. In addition to myself, leiners were: Hey Jews Hey Jews, It will be fine Judith Prais, Shosh Greenwood, Sara Franks, Nirit Schemtob, Don’t be afraid King Achashverosh is in love with her Lior Schemtob, Rosie Kaufmann and Esther Livingstone. On Purim night, Rabbi Facebook Live for the benefit We will daven Is in-love with her – Separately, there was the United Synagogue joint reading, Guttentag led a Kosher of those who were unable to And make things better Remember with Hashem on our side officially hosted by HGSS, but everyone leined from their Megillah reading via make it to Shul. There was also Remember We will prevail and make things better homes, there were women from ten United Synagogue shuls a fancy dress competition for To fast for 3 long days And anytime you feel oy vey leining, including two girls who were just Bat Mitzvah. It’s the children. Alyssa & Leo Shine A-break from our eating Hey Jews don’t shvitz hard to tell the numbers, but we think we had upwards of gave an animated version of Will make things better As Haman becomes a little bolder 200 participants. It was on Zoom and the United Synagogue the Purim story while Jacob, Hey Jews For well you know that it’s a fool who Facebook. I couldn’t have done it without the practical help Daisy & Ethan Rosen led a fails to see It’ll be OK and encouragement of Jo Grose of the United Synagogue. Kahoots quiz. All the kids wore That Esther is our very own soldier We’ve got Esther It was a whirlwind of an evening for me but very beautiful. fancy dress and received a And Mordy too-oo-oo-oo Hey Jews On both occasions, the atmosphere was magical. prize. Rabbi Guttentag read The minute Don’t be afraid Everyone was so pleased to be part of these two special parts of the Megillah and the That Esther became the Queen We will daven events. Purim is a time where we commemorate overcoming noise made for Haman was Hashem show’d he’d save us And make things better adversity and we had all overcome so much. It was very deafening! From destruction Remember poignant. I hadn’t been sure whether It would happen, And anytime you feel oy vey He also held a class for To fast for 3 long days especially the in-person one. We were really careful to Hey Jews don’t shvitz Kerem School (left). A-break from our eating make sure that all precautions were taken with regards to As Haman becomes a littlebolder Will make things better better better For well you know that it’s a fool who better better Covid safety. People sat distanced from one another and, at fails to see Na na na nananana, nananana, Rebbetzen Mandy Laurence’s suggestion, the Megilla was That Esther is our very own soldier hey Jews rolled out, completely open, so that nobody had to touch the actual scroll whilst reading. I am also grateful to Andy who helped me overcome so many of my doubts. And to Rabbanit Batya and all the honorary officers who all played a part in ensuring that it actually did happen.

Naomi & Andrew Newman, The Aleph Centre joined forces with HGSS for winners of the fancy dress Bags at the ready – over 150 bags of Mishloach Manot a Pre-Pruim event where the children made competition, with their prize were delivered for Purim this year. We were fortunate to graggers and baked hamentaschen with have been gifted a pretty boxes of chocolate petit fours Fabienne Viner-Luzzato from Tish. The bags were supplied by Chabad. 22 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 23 Flourless brownie cheesecake Cauliflower rice tahdig • For the brownie: • 175g butter Keeping the NHS nourished • 750g small potatoes • 100g milk chocolate • 500g cauliflower florets • 100g dark chocolate HGSS members step up to the plate • 3 tbsp olive oil (plus 100g for • 1 tsp + 1 tsp turmeric decoration) t goes without saying that, for those involved in catering, • Salt and pepper • 300g caster sugar work came to an end with lockdown. • 500g minced beef • 3 eggs Fabienne Viner-Luzzato asked a friend, a paediat- • 1 onion, grated • 100g cocoa powder rician at the Royal Free Hospital, if she would like a • 20g flat-leaf parsley, chopped • For the cheesecake: Ichocolate brownie to take into work (I understand that there • 1 tsp each of paprika, ground • 600g full fat cream cheese, softened (full fat holds is something very special about a chocolate brownie à la coriander, cumin better when cooked) Fabienne). Then she saw a post on Facebook by London • 65g caster sugar Julie (above L) • 3 + 1 tbsp sunflower oil Ambulance Service asking for meals for a Jewish boy in • 1 large egg, beaten • 3 large eggs and Fabienne • 1 vanilla pod South London. Then there was a post on Facebook with (L) chat with Method doctors at the Royal Free asking for 50 meals a week. Rabbanit Batya Method Fabienne responded and she soon found people asking if on Norrice Lea • Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a large baking TV sheet or oven shelf with baking parchment. • Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a 22- they could donate towards the cost. Within a short space of 23cm square tin. • Wash the potatoes and boil them with 1 tbsp salt for 25 time, she found herself making and delivering 60 meals a • Melt the chocolates with the butter in a microwave (do week, sometimes twice that, and so it continued through the meals a week singlehanded, she enlisted the help of Julie minutes; cool down. it in short bursts at a medium heat to avoid overheating the first lockdown. Mimouni, also an HGSS member, then other chefs offered • Wash the cauliflower florets and pulse them in a food chocolate or it will seize) or in a bain-marie (in a bowl set Then came the second lockdown and she was contacted their help. In due course Victoria Prever, Food Editor of processor until a rice-like consistency. Do not process for above a saucepan of gently simmering hot water. by the Royal Free doctors who said, “We cannot cope. We The Jewish Chronicle, offered to put her in contact with too long. • Add the sugar, the eggs, the cocoa powder. are working longer shifts. We do not have time to visit the the charity You Donate We Deliver, which had been very • Put the cauliflower in a frying pan, with the olive oil, 1 • Bake for 20 minutes. Cool down and refrigerate for 15 - involved in helping the NHS during the first lockdown 20 minutes. canteen. We are very stressed, please can you help?” They tsp of turmeric and a tsp of salt and ½ tsp of pepper. Fry for They would take over the coordination of the fund raising, • To make the cheesecake, first place the vanilla pod in were asking for 70 meals twice a week. 3 minutes at medium heat. Set aside. Realising that she would not be able to cope with 140 assessing the needs of different hospitals and paramedics warm water for a few moments to soften it and then split it • Mix the grated onion, minced meat, chopped parsley, centres each week, as well as the collection and delivery on a board and scrape out the seeds. of the meals. YDWD also gathered, in total, 10 chefs, all salt, pepper; the remaining spices and 3 tbsp sunflower oil • Beat the cheese and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating volunteers, including Fabienne and Julie, who are now in a large pan and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes at a well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla seeds. cooking over a thousand meals a week for the NHS – a real high temperature, stirring at all time. Separate meat with a • Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the brownie and fork to avoid large clumps. team effort. cook for an additional 20 - 30 minutes until just set. Leave Fabienne reflects that the atmosphere in the second • Cut the potatoes into ½ cm thick slices and lay them on to cool. lockdown became much more stressful than in the first. the lined oven tray/shelf. • To decorate: melt the remaining chocolate and drizzle People have been more downbeat, more depressed, more • Coat the potatoes with a tablespoon of sunflower oil over the cake. pessimistic. Fabienne admits to breaking down in tears in and roast for 20 minutes until golden but not too crisp. the car, but she and Julie vow that they will carry on as long Leave to cool. as they have the strength. Please G-d, with the efficacy of the • Place the cauliflower rice in a bowl, add the beaten egg Sephardi charoset energy balls vaccination programme and the coming of summer, this will and mix well. • 150g grams pitted dates not be long delayed. • Use the potatoes to line the base of a medium size • Half an apple peeled and cut in pieces • 1 teaspoon packed finely grated fresh orange zest Opposite are two Pesach recipes by Fabienne (20cm) non-stick cooking pot. for you to enjoy • 10 millilitres fresh orange juice • Spoon the meat mixture over the potatoes, pressing hard • 10ml of red wine of your choice (preferably not sweet) with a large spoon to compress it. • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • Spoon the cauliflower rice on top and also use a spoon • At least 200g or a bit more of mixed ground walnuts to help push everything down and stick together. and ground almonds • Return the pot to the hob and cook over medium heat • 5 almonds roughly chopped; 5 walnuts roughly For all your travel needs until all the ingredients adhere together (8 mins approx). chopped to decorate • When ready to serve, you’ill need a large, round plate including air miles for 2cm diameter larger than the pot. Method British Airways, Virgin Atlantic • Place the plate over the pot and, holding them firmly • In a food processor, blend together all filling ingredients together, invert them so the tahdig is potato-side up on the except the roughly chopped almonds and walnuts until Emirates plate. Serve hot or warm. you get an almost smooth consistency. contact Yossi Potash • You can also leave a bit of texture and blend less. • If date mixture is very dry, blend in water, 1 teaspoon at [email protected] 07866 814 127 Photographs by Inbal Bar-Oz Batito a time. 24 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 25 The Nefesh Network What makes us tick? The new asks Samantha Rose

hilst writing this, it may be snowing outside, but “Being there to listen and support a person whom I Bar Mitzvah we are in the month of Adar. For us at Nefesh don’t know, a complete stranger to me, gives me a greater WNetwork this means that, along with shul, we are understanding of human kindness, making a connection and in the throes of planning some Purim cheer for all members. building trust and a real relationship that often grows over a Programme Shar, Naomi and Geoffrey who run Nefesh Network never period of time.” cease to be amazed at our devoted volunteers “Volunteering to make calls on a regular who so generously give their time each and Nefesh Network basis has given me a sense of purpose and every week chatting with Nefesh members, satisfaction far greater than achieved from a – Here for you delivering gifts, doing the Friday Challah run, day’s work and I enjoy my work! Knowing n January, there was a wonderful start to this collecting a prescription or two and even – Here for the Community that the people with whom I speak enjoy year’s Bar Mitzvah programme. Participants were making the odd supermarket sweep! Covid the contact with me during this difficult time given a breakfast pack with a hand-written note, rules permitting, our volunteers will also 020 8455 makes a huge difference to me.” delivered by Rabbi Guttentag. All enjoyed a fun accompany clients to hospital, the doctor “I honestly enjoying chatting to people and 0040 and inspirational Zoom session with our Rabbinic or other appointments if required. All this finding out about their lives – how they met team who are joined by Youth Leader Sammy. carried is out with great enthusiasm. their spouses, their wedding day, wedding I Volunteering has been shown to improve a volunteer’s outfit, what they remember about a typical day when they The interactive sessions continue monthly, studywing own wellbeing – it is human nature to feel good after reaching were younger, etc. Also, and maybe mostly, I’m so proud Torah, Chesed, Prayer and the Chagim. fathers learn with out to someone else. We thought it would be interesting to when I hear about everything that our shul does for its their sons in preparation for the session and there are ask our volunteers what prompts them to offer their services community, and I want to be a part of that.” prizes to be won! in such a generous way. This is what some of them said: It is never too late to call the Nefesh Network team. We “I nearly fell in a dark hole when, after 40 years are always happy to hear a new voice on the end of the in the industry, my work dwindled almost to zero last phone. Whether you need support or just want to talk to March. However, realising I had spare time on my hands, someone about how you are feeling, either because of the volunteering for Nefesh Network and Norrice Lea has current situation of for any other reason, please call us on allowed me to use my communication skills in a new way. 0208 455 0040. All our calls are dealt with in the strictest Thanks to you, Shar, and your wonderful group – this has confidence. We may not answer the phone, as we’re still not opened up a new dimension in my life which has, hopefully, currently working from our office, but we will always call been equally enjoyed by those to whom I am reaching out.” you back.

The Aleph Centre at Chanukah The Brady Clubs an online archive he Aleph Centre rounded off The Brady Clubs, established in a successful term of cheder 1896, famously served East End Tclasses with a virtual family Jewish youth until the mid-1970s. Chanukah lighting, featuring award- Thanks to the discovery of a winning magician Stephen Simmons collection of Brady related who impressed the children with mind photographs in 2016, and two reading and illusions. The children subsequent ehibitions, a website (http://www.bradyarchive.co.uk/) enjoyed a Chanukah game show and has been created to make this shared their own presentations in the archive of photographs and form of Maccabee diary entries and news reports memorabilia available to the Brady Rabbi Guttentag led the candle lighting and Chayli Fehler, Director of Education, diaspora around the world. announced the winners of the Create-Your-Own Chanukiah competition. Any Brady alumni or their families who may be interested Chayli says, “We were delighted to see so many Aleph Centre families coming can visit the website or email together to celebrate Chanukah and enjoy the festivities with their friends and [email protected] to join the teachers”. mailing list and be kept up-to-date. 26 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 27 Kerem keeps up the pace Hans Eysenck, Norrice Lea and ike the rest of the nation, and capacity to great effect. In addition to particularly everyone in HGSS, the teaching of all subjects there have the Jewish question LKerem has been operating, in the been breakout rooms where teachers by Steve Miller main, on a virtual basis. Most of our have supported small groups and pupils and teachers have been teaching individuals. Of course, our Judaism has f Hans Eysenck, the eminent was perfectly comfortable telling a and learning through remote means been central to all that we have done Professor of Psychology, were Jewish academic, in the midst of a and we are very proud of how well they with daily tefillah, a weekly Kabbalat alive today, he would probably Jewish gathering, that he accepted have done. We have had a small group Shabbat and celebrations of Tu BiShvat have been ‘cancelled’. Not for his the theoretical possibility of Jewish of children attending school at the Early and Purim. We are delighted that, this views on feminism or trans rights, cowardice. Years Unit, predominantly the children year, we will be able to prepare for but for plain, old-fashioned racism – It was this principle that under- of frontline key workers, and our Pesach in school. I more precisely, for his work on race and pinned Eysenck’s work on race and nursery children have been enjoying Despite the winter conditions and intelligence. intelligence. His most controversial life at school as if the global pandemic the very welcome arrival of some snow, To understand the issue, we need to book presented evidence that Black was not happening. However, even we have been busy outside making bird Year 4 visited ancient Egypt in a go back a bit. Eysenck was brought up Americans had an average IQ some with a relocation to kitchens, lounges feeders and lanterns in Forest School virtual art lesson in Berlin, raised as a Lutheran, attended 15 points below that of American and bedrooms, Kerem School has and there was even a virtual visit to High School in the early 30s, and left whites, and it went on to argue that continued in earnest! ancient Egypt. As part of their work Germany in 1934, driven by his hatred these differences were probably We have managed to replicate on the Victorians, Year 5 held a virtual of the Nazi regime. He continued genetic in origin. He also presented the full school timetable in a virtual bake off. Each entry looked delicious, his studies in England and went on to become a hugely data on IQ differences between other groups. As a reviewer even the brown bread ice-cream! As influential scientist, making fundamental contributions put it, “there is something in this book to insult almost part of mental health awareness week, to the study of personality, intelligence, and Behaviour everyone except WASPs and Jews”. For us, the IQ advantage the whole school had the opportunity Therapy. His NY Times obituary (1997) described him as is around 10 to 15 points. to take part in a marathon, completing “one of the most distinguished, prolific and maddeningly This is not the place to discuss the validity of Eysenck’s their own 26 miles over a few weeks and perverse psychologists of his generation”. analysis; suffice to say that his factual claim of group raising money for Jami. Book Week was I worked briefly with Eysenck in the early 80s and took differences in IQ is generally accepted, but his emphasis on celebrated in style, with digital movies the opportunity to invite him to speak about his research genetic rather than environmental causes is hotly contested. trailers and a virtual poetry recital. at Norrice Lea. His lecture was superb, but for me the What is also contested, and this is perhaps more intriguing, In addition to this, there were some most important message was delivered in the break, when is whether his views were motivated by racism? fabulous entries to the Royal Academy he spoke about his school days in Germany. He was I do not believe that they were. In the first place, Eysenck of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show. exasperated, he said, by the many anti-Jewish allegations set out his liberal views many times. He spoke of his “hatred All in all, despite missing each other that were circulating without any credible evidence to for those who suppress any sector of the community on desperately, life at Kerem has barely support them. For example, when his teacher spoke about grounds of race (or sex, or religion)” and he linked this to slowed down! Wishing the HGSS the disloyalty and cowardice of the Jews – and this is his experience of Nazism which “led to the death of several community Chag Sameach – ohkaurhc vtcv vbak what stuck in my mind – he didn’t object to the allegation million Jews whose only crime was that they belonged to Creating bird feeders at Forest School Making lanterns at Forest School per se; indeed, he told me that he thought it was a ‘legitimate an imaginary ‘race’.” but unproven hypothesis’. What disgusted him was not the Second, as the ‘Iron claim, but the fact that it was made without evidence. Cross’ incident demon- The young Eysenck’s response was to go to the records strates, he was utterly Bat Mitzvah – the programme under lockdown of Jewish military service in the First World War. He committed to evidence discovered that Jews were significantly over-represented rather than ideology – both in the numbers earning Iron Crosses and the numbers even if that brought him he HGSS Bat Mitzvah Programme continues to run, dying for the Fatherland – and he duly reported his findings into conflict with the via Zoom, through lockdown. We had a Challah T to his classmates the next day. Naively, he expected to be racism of his peers. Bake, a special Chanukah class with unique gifts from congratulated for setting the record straight, but instead he True, the choice of Kisharon and doughnut decorating, as well as planting our was insulted and accused of being a closet Jew. race and intelligence as very own tomatoes for Tu B’shvat while learning about the What’s impressive about this is not so much Eysenck’s a research topic sounds importance of finding your potential. discoveries, but his tenacity in seeking out the evidence a bit suspicious. But We prepared for Purim by learning about Esther and in the face of prevailing prejudice and personal risk. His that can be explained how to appreciate true beauty. We learnt about the faith philosophy, even as a young man, was to accept that ethnic by Eysenck’s attraction and hope of Miriam who was an essential character groups may indeed differ in their characteristics, but that to any issue that could to the Pesach story. While the Zoom sessions are well it is a matter for science, not politics or public opinion, satisfy his passion received, we look forward to, hopefully, meeting in Eysenck with his second wife, to determine whether they do. That clinical approach, person very soon! Continued overleaf * and blindness to political correctness, explains why he Sybil (nee Rostal) 28 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 29 Continued from previous page said, for example, after being called a German Jew by Cyril for fierce debate. Andrew Burt in around 1950: ‘Burt knew perfectly well, of course, Bar Ilan Conference Colman, one of Eysenck’s that I wasn’t Jewish’. And there are many similar examples, scientific opponents put it like including the fact that he kept his first wife in the dark until he Feminism and Religion in this: “I am quite certain, having finally revealed his Jewish roots in his 1990 autobiography. known Eysenck for many Why should Eysenck have denied his own origins? the Three Abrahamic Faiths years, that…..[he] was neither It’s particularly puzzling given what he thought of Jews: a racist nor a fascist…... But “Certainly at school and later on in life most of my friends Esther Tager reports there was nothing he enjoyed were Jewish, as is my second wife. So were many of my more than acrimonious and colleagues…..it is obvious that the Jews have an attractive sther and Romie Tager have a long standing association President of the Supreme Court. She discussed a number with Bar Ilan University and its Law Faculty. Romie has of well-known cases, including the Shabina Begum case, The Stolperstein for Eysenck’s heated debate….he came from quality for me” (his autobiography). Such sentiments, been actively engaged in their research in Jewish law that involved a 14-year-old pupil who wanted to wear full grandmother (Helene a theatrical background…… together with his championing of Jewish intelligence, make E in the context of the developments of Israeli law. Romie is Islamic dress, and the JFS case, where the school’s policy Werner, nee Caro) and his grandmother who it inconceivable that anti-Semitism was a factor. brought him up was an opera The psychological literature is replete with speculation. the Vice Chairman of the University’s trustees, and Chairman restricting entry to those who were halachically Jewish singer.” We will probably never know precisely why a passionate of the British Friends. Esther and Romie recently sponsored was successfully challenged. She also explored the legal All this goes some way to explaining why a liberal- and outspoken advocate of empirical truth should disavow an international academic conference on “Feminism in the issues relating to a husband’s refusal to grant a Get. When minded egalitarian like Eysenck would choose to champion his Jewishness for most of his life. But, whatever the reason, Abrahamic Religions: Dilemmas of Gender and Law from a introducing her, the University’s President announced that it the cause of racial differences in intelligence. But it doesn’t the Jewish community of the 50s to 80s was denied the Multicultural Perspective”. The ground-breaking conference would be awarding her an honorary doctorate later this year. explain a much bigger enigma: It turns out that the beloved opportunity to bask in the reflected glory of Eysenck the was accompanied by an online art exhibition, “Body Texts, Three leading feminist scholars delivered lectures on the grandmother who raised him was halachically Jewish, Jew. Or perhaps it would not have wanted to. He was, after Feminist Art in Diverse Religio-Cultural Spheres in Israel”. developments of religious feminist philosophy. Ironically, married to a Jew, and murdered in Theresienstadt in 1944. all, something of a human Rorschach ink blot; you could It showcases work by Jewish, Christian, Druze and Muslim the only note of dissension arose in relation to a light- Eysenck says that he wasn’t aware of his Jewish origins until see him as an undisguised racist, or an impartial purveyor women, including a former Suburb resident, Ruth Schreiber, hearted comment by a religious, scarf-wearing Jewish the end of the war, but even if true, that doesn’t explain of scientific truth. I doubt that the Community would have a very close friend of Esther and Romie. professor regarding her Muslim professor colleague’s head why he explicitly denied them for a further forty years. He known which way to jump. The conference was organised by the Rackman Centre covering which was not appreciated. at Bar Ilan, established 20 years ago by the University’s law The liveliest session focused on multiculturalism, religion, faculty to promote the status of women in matters of family gender and law. A professor from Brandeis University law through legal and social change. examined the impact of secular and religious law in a well- The issues addressed by the conference included the known case involving the New York charedi community, theological challenges posed by feminism to the three where the mother had left the community which supported Mediation can save you Abrahamic faiths, multiculturalism, law and the legal the father in this custody battle. time, money and stress dilemmas that relate to religion and minorities. Leading T he final day featured the challenges faced by all three I deal with all types of disputes using facilitative mediation scholars from around the world, including Muslim countries, religions, in the context of the clashes between state and techniques which are highly effective and can avoid costly participated in the conference. For Esther, the conference religious law. It included a session which examined these and protracted litigation. was the culmination of a personal journey. Esther’s M. Phil issues with particular reference to Israeli society. @tish_london thesis focused on Jewish divorce, specifically on the agunah The accompanying online art exhibition will be a and the scope for solutions within halacha and through state permanent feature on the Rackman Centre’s website. “First we eat then we do everything else” THE MEDIATION POD intervention in various jurisdictions. She was a member of The works are challenging and critical of the traditions Luxury fine dining in the heart of effective conflict resolution the “Women in the Community” review, set up by the late and cultures in which the artists live. Ruth Schreiber, an Orthodox feminist, now living in Jerusalem, created an Belsize Park To find out how I can help you, Lord Sacks k”z, and worked as a family mediator, handling book a free and confidential 15 minute call or online session. image, “The Female Side of God”, which is a manipulation Contact Shelley-Anne Salisbury LLB (Hons) ACIArb difficult Jewish divorce cases. Wishing you a Chag Sameach of the Sistine Chapel’s God creating Adam, in which she W: www.themediationpod.net • E: [email protected] • T: 07788 292143 The keynote speech was given by Lady Hale, the former We look forward to seeing you FAMILY • NEIGHBOUR • CIVIL • WORKPLACE • COMPANY • COMMERCIAL replaced the bearded, male, on our Terrace from 12 April God with a female God, with long flowing hair and feminine curves. The overwhelming feeling at the end of the conference For all your travel needs was that the three religions have more that unites them, including air miles for than divides them. There is a British Airways, Virgin Atlantic great sense of shared values, goals and hopes that such a Emirates conference will be repeated at contact Yossi Potash a time when the participants 196 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, NW3 2AG could meet in person. www.tish.london [email protected] 07866 814 127 References available * The opening session 30 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 31 ince the trend for dumbing down It was obvious that metaphorically is still on the up and up and the all and literally quite a few of them Passing on the Sflood of media trivia continues to From where were determined to show who was flow unabated, it’s always a mechaye wearing the trousers. Clusters of visitors when large brown envelopes arrive from I sit who appeared to know each other well, by Frances Martin the shul office containing, inter alia, lots joined up and stood chatting animatedly Torch 2021 of brightly coloured flyers with details in a large group. he 27th of January was International Holocaust who organised his of forthcoming educational social and by Backbencher We were now behind schedule but Memorial Day. In a normal year JRoots would have Bar Mitzvah in the camp cultural activities. But as, kain ayin out of courtesy to the very late latecomers been leading a large group of Holocaust survivors and how the kindness of a teacher hora, the age profile of our community Food for thought we waited another twenty minutes before T starting. Then, at last, a widely known with family, educators and, most importantly, many young was a treasured memory and emphasised how grows even younger, there isn’t much This article by Stephen Kirsch k”z and popular Rabbi with a considerable people to the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau to learn, pray and carefully one must speak to children and the of interest to those who, like me, are demographically disadvantaged. (see p32) first appeared in Hagan reputation amongst the more enlightened, light candles in memory of the six million Jews lost in the virtue of sometimes staying silent. That’s why when, on receiving the Rosh Hashanah 2002 rose to propose the motion. Pulling no Shoah. But this year was a very different year...... Rena (Fradel) Quint spoke of having survived through the Pesach envelope with its formidable Synagogue may disagree with or even punches, he dwelt on the problems of JRoots was founded 15 years ago by noted educator Tzvi care of six different mothers whom she had to learn to love shul bill, soothing Annual Report and dislike certain people now and then, agunot, which could have been settled Sperber together with Rabbi Naftali Schiff. They decided that and trust, and how one had to be tolerant and look for the yellow, pink and scarlet leaflets, I was but they do not oppress anyone: a) they ages ago and within the halacha, had it this year they would hold a Global virtual Commemoration, good in everyone. She emphasised how one must always delighted to find the cheerful orange haven’t got the funds, b) they haven’t not been for “Them”. How settled, and Passing on the Torch. One hundred and fifty Survivors, support the State of Israel which was the place of refuge one announcing a new series of ‘Food got the will, and c) they haven’t got the who “They” were wasn’t explained, together with 1000 of their descendants, were joined by for all the Jewish people. Ninety-two-year-old David Marks, for Thought’ support debates. At last, koiach. Most importantly of all, those of but there was prolonged applause, led 20,000 people from all over the world. They wanted to unite one of twelve siblings, who lost 35 members of his family, here was something for everybody, us who know the president know that, as by the visitors. His seconder, a younger Survivors and their descendants with those devoted to the said that the most important things we need in life are food young or old, rich or poor, dentist or well as being a man of great ability and and gentler rabbi, told us that, in his legacy of the Shoah and thereby engage tens of thousands of and freedom – we must realise how endangered freedom patient, to get their teeth into. charm, he is also a scrupulously honest community, the women were allowed to dance on Simchat Torah. This also people in learning its lessons. is and that we must help others and remain optimistic. His I’ve always liked debates and all and fair-minded person and would not allow it even for a moment. went down well. The Rebbetzen, an In his introduction, Rabbi Schiff said he had heard not one message was “be honest, keep busy, never give up and look of the three topics looked interesting. But the one that really caught my eye Finally, if such a thing were done experienced educationaI psychologist, in word of complaint from Survivors during the Pandemic, but to the future”. was the one with the motion that read: behind his back, where would they keep opposing the motion, defined the different only frustration that they could not connect personally with David Leitner, known as Dugo, whose book records how “This house believes that the United all those women? When the US was still roles of men and women in Judaism and the young people they teach. As he spoke, one could sense his he was given another name in the Camp – the numbers Synagogue should release its women at Woburn House with its labyrinthine asked for greater respect for the latter’s love and respect for each one of them. He said that last year, which were tattooed on his arm, B 14671 – spoke of coming from the ladies’ gallery and all other corridors, warren of back stairs coming commitment to homemaking and child- at the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz, when to Israel, orphaned, alone and traumatised, and deciding places of oppression”. I found the from and leading to nowhere, creaking raising. Her seconder, displaying courage they were physically there, he had made a pledge to them as not to stay sad but to use the humour that had helped him wording intriguing. Were the women lifts, tiny airless offices and gloomy in adversity, explained that women’s they stood and lit their candles that he would continue to hold survive in the Camps to help build a new life. He served in to be released, and the ladies whose gothic basement lavatories, it might spiritual orientation, and hence needs, their Torch aloft and pass it on to ensure that they and their the IDF, fell in love, married and founded a family. He called gallery it was, one and the same category have been possible for some ‘Phantom were not the same as men’s. lost families would not be forgotten. on young people to show they can listen and learn and that or separate, such as the distinction, of the Opera’ type weirdo to secrete one In both cases the applause was We heard from distinguished guests, Professors Deborah they should understand that they must always fight the formerly made in cricket, between or two unfortunate women in a forgotten polite but scattered. The visitors, visibly unimpressed, sat on their hands. Although Lipstadt and Sir Simon Schama. Both spoke of their fears at Holocaust deniers. Dugo declared “Am Yisrael Chai” and Players and Gentlemen? And why would storeroom somewhere in the cavernous bowels of the building feeding them nobody had yet addressed the motion as the resurgence of anti-Semitism and referenced the invasion of then recited a most moving El Male Rechamim in memory of the US want to release women from the gallery when, ever since I can remember, stale beigels and unclaimed Hermolis it stood, a gap between ladies and women the Capitol in Washington. She said she remained an optimist the lost families of our Survivors and of all who were cruelly they’ve been fighting tooth and nail to lunches. And whilst perhaps it could was beginning to open up and I expected because Jews had clung to their Judaism both in good times and murdered in the Shoah. get a seat up there whenever one falls have been yet another of the unsolved that, after the coffee interval, we would bad. He spoke of his fear that memory, which is the mother of Jews love to hear and make music and so we learnt about vacant? Were the US to try it here, our mysteries for which the place has get to the real debate. history, was being traduced by false narratives on social media the Violins of Hope, rescued after the War, and heard a women, well at least those with seats become famous, it was never the It never happened. At first there and how how this highlighted the vital importance of witness beautiful piece of music, played on a violin made in Warsaw in the first three rows, would have to official policy. It certainly couldn’t were some thoughtful contributions embedded in the persons of our survivors. and found in Tashkent, while a single lonely representative of be dragged out kicking and screaming. happen today in North Finchley! Aw from the floor. And then the activists late Lord Sacks z”l in a recording made shortly before all of us lit our Memorial Candle at Auschwitz to remember Apart from which, should it ever come c’mon - get a life! took over. The final rousing speech, his death, said movingly that in his own darkest hours the all those precious souls that we have lost. to it, any rescue attempt will need to be On the evening of the debate, with its unsurpassed display of verbal faith and resilience of survivors was a guiding light to him. Many young people said that engaging with survivors perfectly timed. curious to discover how these ambig- frummy-bashing, had them cheering in the aisles. It was no longer necessary He said how important it was that they shared their stories on their journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau was a life changing Before 10.30am there are very few uities would be resolved I made sure to get to the shul on time. Because to think. All you needed to do was feel especially with young people and that ‘we must not forget experience and spoke of how much they had learned from women there to be saved. It gets a bit better round about 11 o’clock but by of a previous commitment, the Max deeply. And so, nothing resembling the where evil leads’. them – faith, resilience, tolerance, belief in justice and then a lot are in the children’s services. Weinbaum Hall was not available and motion was carried overwhelmingly. We heard from impressive Survivors. They remembered how they would carry on telling their stories and fighting And a surprising number don’t arrive we were ushered to the Landy Gallery As I was leaving, disappointed and Holocaust deniers. They would first carry and then pass on the parents from whom they were cruelly separated and until 12 o’clock and head straight for instead. In keeping with HGS minhag, somewhat disillusioned, one of the what they had taught them, they spoke about their terrible the Torch to future generations. the kiddush. I suppose that 11.30 is hardly anyone was there yet. As it began enlightened, her eyes shining with experiences in the camps and of how they had been able The Ceremony ended with Richard Dimbleby’s moving probably the best time but, by then, to fill up, I noticed that many of the men happiness, said excitedly: “Have you to survive and of how after Liberation they had managed to broadcast of survivors at Bergen Belsen defiantly singingThe the foyers are too crowded for anyone seemed unusually subdued and looked had a good time?” For a moment I didn’t move forward and build new lives. HaTikvah, a song of hope which embodied their bravery and to get through. Abseiling is not really a decidedly nochschapperish. ln contrast, know what to say, then, remembering Mr Manfred Goldberg spoke of his teacher Mr Bach determination to build a new and better future. feasible option. And take the reference to the women were in high spirits and Groucho Marx, I replied: “I have, but “other places of oppression”. The United party mood. this was not it”. 32 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 33 a few years in Muswell Hill, moved to on the phone. Helen Taylor k”z HGS in 1981, eventually settling in She remained ore than forty years ago, Helen, their home in Norrice Lea. Sonia was cheerful and in Members Remembered Mwe believe into her tenth month followed by Adam and Nadia and one of her last Sadly, we have lost several much-loved members recently. of pregnancy, struggled up the two it was a source of great happiness to messages she flights of stairs to our top floor flat Helen that they all remained in the told us, ‘I have Here, we remember just a few of them in Monarch Court. The exercise did Suburb with their own families. had a good the trick as Sonia was born shortly Helen qualified as a teacher and life’. Helen was Stephen Kirsch k”z and as Financial Representative in 1979 and 1980. thereafter. Sonia was the youngest spent almost all her working life at the definition tephen holds such a very special place in Stephen and Janet are particularly remembered for participant at our son Jake’s brit mila Kerem. She was a truly accomplished of a person Sour hearts. He is remembered by many as their part in a series of highly entertaining shows, a few months later. Susan’s friendship teacher, spending the later years who was happy the first person to welcome them on their first including Hubbub in the Suburb, Hello Solly and with Helen and Julian has been almost teaching smaller groups of gifted with her lot. visit to HGSS. Seated strategically near the The Jubilee Line which formed a major part lifelong. Helen and Susan met at Study children. She told us that she struggled Helen was so thrilled to be well door, he made it his business to welcome of the Shul’s 60th anniversary celebrations Groups in their early teens and she with maths at school and so knew enough to participate in her eldest anyone entering for their first Shabbat or and raised large sums of money for Kerem and Julian were friends from a similar exactly how to explain problems and granddaughter, Eva’s Bat Mitzvah, in Yom Tov experience with us. and several charities. Stephen was also a time. Julian and David met at Kibbutz concepts to the children. Whilst carrying September 2020 and saw as much as He was born in Chemnitz, a small regular contributor to the Shul magazine, Ammiad in 1973. on her own career and raising a family, she could of her grandchildren, who town in Germany where his father Hagan, writing under the pseudonym Helen Redstone was born in Helen provided the support that Julian were all the light of her life. She had was Managing Director of a glove and ‘Backbencher’. Birmingham in 1953, the third needed to achieve success in both his great fun baking birthday cakes for them, hosiery business. With the growth of In 1985, Stephen was elected daughter of Eva and Arnold Redstone commercial and communal activities. mostly very complicated ones, because Nazism, his father wanted to emigrate. Master of The Worshipful Company of and lived close to the Edgbaston During her long illness, Helen was that is what a grandchild had asked for. When his contract ran out in 1936, his employer offered Glovers of London, a Guild which was founded in 1349 and cricket ground where, in the absence always optimistic about the future. Julian, Sonia and Marc, Adam and him the opportunity to manage a glove factory in Hitchin, received their Charter as a Livery Company from Charles 1 of sons, she dutifully accompanied her We never heard a word of complaint. Daliah and Nadia and Adam, together Hertfordshire, which he had recently purchased. The family in 1638. The installation took place at a specially composed father during the summers. Helen left She was determined to see as much with Helen’s sisters, Celia and Kay, were therefore fortunate to be able to come to England and service at Bevis Marks Synagogue – the first time in the Birmingham in her late teens to come to of the world as time would permit and all her many friends are bereft, settled in nearby Letchworth Garden City. Initially they were company’s 636-year history, and believed to be first for any London. She and Julian met at a party, and to enjoy her growing family and but have wonderful memories of a fine the only Jewish family but with the advent of war, a Jewish craft guild, that the installation of a master has been held in a a day which Helen called the best of friends. We were unable to see Helen wife, mother and grandmother. community of evacuees and immigrants came to live there. synagogue. her life. They married in 1976 and after during her final months, but spoke Susan & David Lew Subsequently Stephen’s father bought the factory. When he Stephen and Janet will be remembered for their derech died in 1952, Stephen and his brother took over and ran the eretz, for their warmth and their hospitality – to be at their David Parlons k”z Shabbat table was a joy. business until they retired in 2001. t is hard to believe that at Chanukah Shiurim were introduced, followed by the great feature of the Our heartfelt condolences to their family – to Judy, Ruth, Stephen and Janet married in 1953 and set up home we were congratulating David on being Synagogue, the now world-renowned Tehillim – these were Danny and Jonny – as well as to their many grandchildren I in Letchworth, where they and their children were deeply awarded the British Empire Medal and so very important to David. He would receive emails from all and great grandchildren. They were so precious to the influenced by the close-knit Jewish community with yet, here we are, just three months later, over the world with the names of sick people. community and are sorely missed. whose members they maintained a lifelong friendship. bidding him farewell. A passionate advocate for education and learning, David The family want to express their deep appreciation for the In 1971, as the community dwindled, they moved to The In the wider Jewish community, he will was, for 12 years, Chairman of Finchley United Synagogue wonderful support and friendship which so many members Suburb with their children, Judy, Ruth, Danny and Jonny be best remembered for setting up the cheder, where he was responsible for pupil numbers growing of the community gave to Stephen and Janet especially and lost no time in immersing themselves in communal Mincha service for City workers at Sandys from 35 to 200. He also formerly initiated the first Bat Chayil during their sunset years! Hilary Halter activities. Stephen served on the Board of Management Row Synagogue in Spitalfields which had programme and ceremony for girls at Finchley United Synagogue. been on the point of closure. As a result, At Norrice Lea, he will be remembered for his warm Dr Vivienne Cohen k”z this historic, 165-year-old synagogue, was personality and for his friendly smile as he greeted fellow r Vivienne Cohen, (Auntie Viv to Ecuador and the Galapagos on her 85th. In addition to revived. The main reason for establishing congregants in Shul. Dme, my late mother’s elder sister), Above all, she will be remembered her medical work, the service was to ensure that tourists and Our sympathies go to Elizabeth, sons Jeremy and Richard, moved to the Suburb with her late as a trailblazer. She stood up to the she gave much to those working in the City were able to recite Kaddish. He daughters Alison Goolnik and Louise Bentata, and sister husband Sam, (died 2004), in late 1961 might of many men and their prejudice charity, both her instigated the Mincha service to which, after a few years, Jackie Sharman. Hilary Halter joining Norrice Lea on their arrival. against women in the 40s, not least of time and financially, Although they moved to Jerusalem in all her own father, my grandfather, and especially to what Martin Jaskel k”z which, I am pleased to say, never ly at Hillel House where I was a resident 1996 to be near their children, Michael she won her battle to study, practise is now The Jewish impacted on our friendship other in my first year. I recall Martin being remember with great fondness and Elisheva, and grandchildren, the and ultimately excel in Medicine. Marriage Council, than some jokes at my a regular attender at weekday lunches my long friendship with Martin expense! laid on for Jewish students and for Friday Suburb was where Vivienne felt most She studied paediatrics but it was to and also to educ- I which dates from over 55 years ago Martin stud- night dinners. at home. She could enjoy the open be in mental health that she found her ation, through her long association when we were both undergraduates ied economics Martin was always a lively comp- spaces of the Heath extension and all true vocation. She fought hard to help with the Kerem Schools. at Manchester University in 1965. and my subject wanion at these meals. You could the culture that London had to offer… found the new field of “Group Analysis” A formidable and generous lady, Actually, links with the Jaskel family was civil engin- rely on him giving us his views on the she loved opera, ballet, classical music, together with her colleague Michael a much loved mother, grandmother, predated our Manchester days: Martin’s eering. We both newsworthy political and economic theatre. She was an avid traveller too, Foulkes and then spent many years great-grandmother and aunt, she will mother did all the bookkeeping for frequented social issues of the time coupled with amusing visiting China on her 80th birthday, training students and new practitioners. be sorely missed. Jonathan Lauffer my mother’s menswear retail business events, particular- Continued overleaf * 34 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 35 Continued from previous page from Lords in a lottery, and was planning on having it anecdotes and jokes. He was an extremely popular member painted in the MCC tie colours of egg and tomato. of the Jewish student community. Martin was always ready to help friends and members Toni and Martin married in 1976. At that time Vicki and I of our community wanting to enter or develop their Simchas lived in Widecombe Way and not long after Toni and Martin career in the world of finance. He provided sound advice moved to 69 Brim Hill, just near the top of our road. Our and assisted with introductions. I know that many have may Hashem’s blessings friendship then rekindled, no doubt aided by our shared love benefited from his unstinting help. He also served as one of Jamie-Anna’s Bat Mitzvah ‘match’ all your desires”. the HGSS representatives on the Board of Deputies. There of opera and gardens and our then stockbroking careers in n Shabbat Chanukah, we celebrated with the The Friedmans thank he drew on his extensive financial knowledge to advise on the City. Friedman family on the occasion of Jamie-Anna’s the congregation for their how the Board’s investments should best be managed. He Martin’s career was hugely impressive. There is no Bat Mitzvah. warmth, love and generosity. doubt that in the 1970’s/1980’s prior to the “Big Bang” it was also active for Bikur Cholim, as well as on the finance O It all began on Thursday evening when Rabbi and Rabba- They feel blessed to have side for WIZO. was extremely difficult for someone openly Jewish to nit Friedman and family partied with family and close friends been able to celebrate their Vicki and I were delighted when Martin and Toni attain a senior position in the City. Martin began in the UK all over the world. There were two sessions where Jamie- simcha with the community and look forward to sharing decided to return to HGS after a few years living closer into government bond market as a broker with leading firms, Anna led the lighting of the Chanukah candles (8th night) more simchas together in the future. Central London. Together with Toni, Martin was a generous latterly as a Partner in W. Greenwell & Co. In January 1990 and there was a truly international rendering of Moaz Tzur. We extend our very best wishes to Jamie-Anna who and attentive dinner host; and a stimulating and welcome he was appointed Director of Global Sales at National Jamie-Anna followed this up by giving a drasha in Shul on marked the occasion by donating her hair to Zikron guest in our home, being a lively conversationalist on a Westminster Bank Treasury. In March 1994, he was promoted Friday evening which was also posted Menachem, thus ensur-ing that a sick child should have huge range of topics. to Managing Director of Global Trade and Banking Services on Facebook Live. head covering while receiving treatment for cancer. Martin and I sat in the same row in Shul; and it will and was responsible for restructuring and rebuilding the To mark the occasion, members May you enjoy only health and happiness in the future. be hard for me to return there in his absence when things firm’s previously neglected global trade finance franchise, received a celebratory Chanukah- normalise after the pandemic. I could always rely on Martin which distributed treasury and capital markets products. In themed gift box containing ‘Fireball’ to remind me where we were in the service and what to do April 1997 he left National Westminster Bank and founded a whiskey, ‘olive oil’ lotion, a dreidl, a on the infrequent occasions when I was given an aliyah! successful financial services consultancy. packet of ‘latkes’ and a box of candles He will be sorely missed by Vicki and me and our children Aside from his family to whom he was devoted, one of along with a snood (mask) with as well as by the whole community. Alex Harris Martin’s great joys in his life was cricket. A member of the the Kotel imprinted on it. Also MCC, he had recently won a bench that had been ‘retired’ included were special matches bearing the blessing, “May you always ‘strike’ gold Freedom from loneliness this Pesach throughout your life and

he Covid-19 pandemic has unfortunately forced many first floor flat without a lift became impossible. When Susan Celebrating against all the odds people to isolate over the last year, exacerbating could no longer cope alone, she contacted Jewish Care and Livia Sugarman writes: Tloneliness and increasing the need for communities was put in touch with Tracey from the Family Carers Team t all began some four years ago when Rabbi Kaplan, incredible wardens, Avromi, to come together and support those who are vulnerable. and senior social worker, Yvonne. Avromi and Julian Lewis (representing the wardens) the Rabbinic team and the Jewish Care’s Social Work and Community Support Team Together, they guided her through moving George to hosted a meeting for parents of the barmitzvah Caretakers, it was truly amazing. and Helpline have been there to help thousands of people Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff care home. Susan says, “Through boys of Autumn/Winter 2020. The purpose was to The Sugarmans really in need during the pandemic and will continue to be the pandemic, the staff made sure we stay in touch through “gently” drop the bombshell that we were to have the lucked out .... our week fell there as the country starts to prepare its way out of this phone calls, video calls and now visiting in a booth, keeping I‘privilege’ of sharing our son’s Bar Mitzvah Shabbat with not on Shabbat Chanukah, just challenging period. George, myself and all the staff safe. After 53 years of one but, possibly, two others. before lockdown, and we As well as providing highly trained, professional support, marriage, it means so much to me to be able to see him.” The panel posed the question to the families “How does had a wonderful late morning warmth, compassion, advice and guidance, these vital Jewish Care’s Chief Executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, says, a shul accommodate an excess number of Bar Mitzvah Shabbat service in shul on the services help to keep a Jewish connection alive for many “Jewish Care’s Social Work and Community Support Team celebrations into an infinite number of Shabbatot with date we’d planned, kicking off Mazal tov to Zac Sugarman, older people in our community. For some people, this will be and Helpline is there to support lonely and isolated members the added complications of yomim tovim falling on the with Avromi singing Hallel. seen here with his parents, Livia & Lawrence through receiving a hot, kosher meal from the organisation’s of the community and those in need, but this service comes at weekends and a strict shul policy of allowing no more than Many had a bespoke weekday Meals on Wheels service. Others will have been referred to a cost. It receives no Government funding and is completely three consecutive weeks of barmitzvahs?” service. Each and every one had their moment on the bimah. Jewish Care’s Digital Engagement Lead, supporting them to reliant on the generosity of our community. Jewish Care With the prospect of Bar Mitzvah parties long gone, and the The boys and their families were all rooting for each other, go online to connect with others in the community through needs to raise over £150,000 every single month to keep the uncertainty of lockdown looming, none of us knew whether many of them were given aliyot at one another’s services virtual events. Social Work and Community Support Service going. shul would be open and how many friends and family might and Avromi made them all feel unique and special. Without The charity has supported many older people to make “Jewish festivals can be the loneliest time of year for be allowed to attend. News was shifting daily during the weeks question, the families bonded in a way that they would not the transition from their own home or a hospital-stay, into many people living alone, so please make a donation to help leading up to the smachot. How could any of us make plans? otherwise have done. There was a real sense of celebrating a Jewish Care home where they are expertly cared for and us continue to free our clients from loneliness this Pesach It was a particularly stressful time, not to mention upsetting for the moment for each other, with each other. can share in celebrating festivals and Shabbat with a close and beyond.” the boys with more than a year’s worth of Bar Mitzvah learning What our kehillah achieved was exceptional.... community. under Zac‘s and his barmi buddies’ belts, many of them feared None of us could have imagined we’d experience this Susan cared for her husband, George, on her own for To donate to Jewish Care’s Pesach Appeal, please visit they would not be able to lein at all. heightened level of unity and joy during such an intense many years. As his mobility declined, getting out of their jewishcare.org/donate or call 020 8922 2600. With thanks to Hashem and with the the help of the period of separation and darkness. Yasher koach HGSS! 36 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 37 Simchas Simchas Just arrived Bar Mitzvah Bat Mitzvah Engagements Weddings Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Samira & Latif Blass on the Bar Mitzvah Aurora, daughter Chazan Avromi & of their grandson Nicola & Warren Jacobs Evelyn and Tony Sybil Benn on the birth of Karina & HGSS Rochelle Freilich on Charlotte’s Wollenberg on Toby, son of Vikki & of twin Chair James engagement to Gabriel, the marriage on the birth of a Nick Davis, grandson of Olivia and great-grandsons granddaughter, a of Beryl & Neil Davis Kaufman. son of Martin k"z Jamie, son of and Sandra & Harvey Also to & Andrea Adler in London daughter, Rina, for Laurie and Rose, brother of Max Yaeli & Sami Birnbaum grandparents, Antony Spencer and Jacob.. Vicki & Alex Harris Shelley & Michael Metliss on the and Flo & Aubrey Deborah & Joanne Cantor and Michael Fishman birth of a granddaughter, Isla on the birth of a grandson and Kaufmann Philippe Katz on the Wedding great-grandson Natalie & Yann Murciano on the birth of Noah, son of Gaby engagement of Anniversaries twins, Joshua Jamie and Zoe Joy. & Dan Graham, Emily and Richard Green on the birth Also to proud grandparents, Becky & Rachel to Aryeh Klien Stephanie & of a daughter, Matilda grandson of Marie- Jo Murciano and Jane Azizoff Bar Mitzvah Robert Hurst have Louise and Fiona & Daniel Kaufman on the celebrated their Ivan Salter on the birth of a Mazal tov to Sapphire (45th) birth of a son Nathan Apfel great-grandson, a son for Wedding Anniversary Zack, son of Francine & Sammi & David Gilbery Suzanne Lauder on They were married Joan Lipkin-Edwards Barry Kaye, grandson of at at St John’s Wood the engagement of on the birth of a Yasmin & Stuart Saunders on the birth of a Jordan, son of Nadia & Synagogue on 28 December 1975. Here grandson, Aryeh Tzvi, a son for Daniel & Melinda & Brian Davies great-granddaughter, Paul Greenberg. Also to Charlotte to Joel, son of are photos of us on the day and of our Chaya Saunders and Carole & Norman family 44 years later. a daughter for grandparents, Neville & Jeremy Haft Jana & Ted Schama on the birth of a Kaye, brother of Blake Eitan & Shir Eve Michaelson and daughter Hetty & Victor Greenberg Renee & Nick Sonenfield on the birth of a Rachel & Jeffrey Levy on Lindy & Sean Melnick granddaughter, Isabel, a daughter for Amy & Edward Jacob, Tim & Chana the Bar Mitzvah of their and Alex & David Malnick on the birth son of Leanne & grandson, Joey Firestone, Lederman on the Sandra & Michael Teacher on the birth Harley Kagan. of a daughter, of a granddaughter, Jasmine Batya, a Harley writes: As son of Gabrielle & engagement of Jemima Faye daughter for Daniel & Nicole, and another Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah Michael Firestone Taryn to Louis grandson, Logan Charles Bezalel, a son for was during lockdown, Hadassa & Clive Ben and Jamie we were very Freedman have Jolanda & Jack Malnick appreciative that the Fay & Nigel Miller on celebrated their Ruby Lauren Davidson & Bob Vickers on the shul allowed us to Jacob, son of Katherine & David Mass on the birth of a son, the engagement of (40th) Wedding birth of baby girl Roxy Ava (Nechama have a very special last-minute service. Anniversary, They Martin Slater on the Bar Mitzvah of Evie to Eli, son of William John Rosa), as well as Thanks to the kindness and huge efforts were married on 16 Rochelle & Philip to grandparents of Chazan Avromi, Jacob had a wonderful his grandson December 1980 at Alexandra & Jeffrey celebration. It was a warm and fun Baigel of Edgware Hampstead Synagogue, And to Lesley (and Davidson and Kathie evening and Jacob came away with that Dennington Park Road, the late John) Malnick on the birth of a & Roger Vickers and very special Bar Mitzvah feeling. He made Raph, son of Ali & Philip and Gillian Reichman on the moved to the Suburb from Manchester granddaughter and a grandson great-grandparents Evi us all very proud, and we are grateful that engagement of Jeremy to Liat, daughter over 30 years ago and joined HGSS. & Freddy Fishburn we were able to share this special moment Elliott Stern and of Jeki & Mali Israel Their children Harriet, Michael, Fleur with our family and friends across the and Rebecca were all brought up in this globe who could not be there with us. brother of Phoebe Yasmin & Stuart community. Harriet and Fleur now live in Israel with their own families. Michael, Saunders on the with engagement of A Double Celebration Liora, and This page has been kindly sponsored by an anonymous donor. Olivia to Nir, Special Birthdays Rebecca If you would like to sponsor a page in a future edition of The Mazal tov to Louise & Garry Crystal son of Ronnie & are Norrice Leader, perhaps including a message to mark a special and family who have celebrated the Birthday greetings to Shoshana Darwish Remainers! occasion, please contact Edward Howard – [email protected] Bar Mitzvah of Harry and Walter Felman on your 90th birthday (of Israel) the Bat Mitzvah of Chloe. John Martin on your 80th birthday 38 Pesach 5781/2021 Pesach 5781/2021 39

News of the Step Up Camps Chayli Fehler reports ue to the pandemic, we weren’t able to run our usual positive values, English and maths. Deducational Step Up Camps for children and youth in Thanks to donations from friends and supporters, Patron Her Majesty The Queen refugee camps in East Africa. Although our programme was we raised enough Reg Charity No. 1059050 on hold, I thought about the refugee children who have funds to distribute had their education on hold for so long, with their limited thousands of books schooling closed and no internet or zoom options. across refugee camps In a place where education is so vital, and there is a in the Gambella reg- THRIVING risk of setting back decades of educational progress, we ion together with part- had to do something. Liaising with our partners in the ners LWF, Plan Inter- refugee camps, we created bespoke Step Up activity books national Ethiopia WITH for South Sudanese children, on topics such as wellbeing, and UNHCR. NORWOOD

And finally – Sing along to this last look at this year’s Purim celebrations

Words by Adam Bass and Ooh we’ll get by with a little With Norwood by your side, no one has Simon Maurice help from Hashem to cope alone. We’re not only here for the Evil will die with a little person who needs us most – whether due to help from Hashem, Where can we turn, now the future a learning disability, wellbeing or mental health Danger pass by with a little looks black issue – we are here for everyone whose life is help from Hashem, And the whole Jewish outlook is poor impacted by the situation. Let’s put on clothes that are made out Could it be anybody? (No!…) Could it be anybody? (No!…) Through our specialist educational support, therapeutic of sack …We have just one God above …We have just one God above sessions, counselling service, support groups and more, And let’s diet for a day or more Heavenly - and not too shoddy! Heavenly - and not too shoddy! Who guides us all with his love Who guides us all with his love we ensure that every member of the family receives the Yes we will cry for a little help from right support at the right time, giving everyone the best Hashem Who do we turn to when we go astray?, Ooh we’ll get by with a little help from possible chance of a better, brighter future. Pray to the sky for a little help from Who will listen if we truly atone Hashem Hashem Davening regular, three times a day Beat the bad guy with a little help Stop eating pie for a little help from Who is with us so we’re not alone? from Hashem Treif we won’t fry with a little help from Hang Haman high, with a little help Would you bow down to an idol of tin? Hashem, from Hashem Cause I’m certain that it happens all And we won’t lie with a little help from Drink the room dry with a little help the time Hashem, from Hashem Be just like Mordechai, do not give in Talmud we’ll try with a little help from ……with a little help from Hashe eh Cause our Torah says that’s a bad crime Hashem, eh eh, eh eh eh eh emmmm

The Editorial Team The Synagogue Office Useful Contacts Editor...... Hilary Halter Norrice Lea, London N2 0RE Rabbi Daniel Friedman Tel 8455 8126 Fax 8201 9247 [email protected] Editorial Board...... Louise Felder Email [email protected] Rabbanit Batya Friedman . Andrew Freedman [email protected] Website www.hgss.org.uk Renée Green Rabbi Ephraim Guttentag Simone Halfin Community Director...... Edward Howard [email protected] David Lew [email protected] Rebbetzen Malki Guttentag Office Manager...... Sharon Drucker [email protected] Artwork & Typesetting...... Hilary Halter Chazan Avromi Freilich [email protected] Proof Reading...... Cynthia Delieb [email protected] Accounts...... Harris Turgel Louise Felder HGSS Youth hgss.org.uk/youth/events [email protected] Abigail Bloom Facilities Manager...... Mark Gould Aleph Centre...... 8457 7048 Editorial Office...... 24 Fairacres [email protected] Nefesh Network...... 8455 0040 Beth Din...... 8343 6280 For more information or to make a donation 164 East End Road Events...... Gayle Kravitz London N2 0RR Burial Society...... 8950 7767 please visit norwood.org.uk or call 020 8809 8809 [email protected] Kerem EYU...... 8455 7524 Telephone 8365 2187 PA to the Rabbis...... Abigail Bloom Kerem School...... 8455 0909 [email protected] [email protected] 40 Pesach 5781/2021