KolKol KehillatKehillat KernowKernow

Voice of the Jewish Community in Issue 28 kehillatkernow.com April 2011, Adar II/Nisan 5771 Anatevya revisited by

Pat Lipert A sing-along par excellence with plenty of food Sceptics might call Fiddler sentimental, and drink, and of course, the ubiquitous romanticised mush, and it is. Life in the Shetls Thirty-five members of Kehillat Kernow were popcorn, a prerequisite for watching any film wasn’t nearly as rosy, even on Shabbat, and transported back to the Shetl of Anatevya at en masse, made this one of the nicest ways to the individuals not as glorious to look at or as the beginning of the 20th century on the fritter away a cold, wintry Sunday afternoon. inspiring or entertaining as depicted in the film, 23rd of January. A private viewing (complete The climate in Fiddler, the long, hard Russian but there is a reality which comes through all with sub-titles for both human and animal winter, seemed to complement the that which seems to work for most people who characters) of Fiddler on the Roof at the atmosphere. have seen it. We connect to Tevya, and Golde Phoenix Theatre in Falmouth took place. The difference was that we were warm and and their charming daughters, and we can cosy in our cushy seats connect to the difficulties and contradictions and surrounded by of trying to live and love both inside and outside kindred spirits, whilst the the Jewish experience. Surviving in a world characters in the much- disintegrating into chaos with integrity in tact loved film were freezing is no easy feat. Rising above it to begin again to death and struggling is downright miraculous. But so the characters against the uncertainty in Fiddler do, and we believe it. We believe it and violent intolerance because we have lived and do live it in our times of life under the Tzar. as well. The much-touted What an uplifting way to spend an afternoon, blessing to ‘keep the Tzar with friends, community, and good cheer all far away from us,’ clearly round. Many thanks to Rachel Brown for coming demonstrates one of the up with the idea and especially to Jacquie reasons for Jewish Rickett for making all the arrangements. survival. Despite all odds and persecution, Jewish populations have always survived because of their sense of humour when Stepping back in time-In keeping with the film, some of our times were at their worst, members thought it appropriate to dress for the occasion. It was. and have clung to their From left to right are; Andy Kristoff, a friend of the community; Iain, Murray and Rachel Brown. traditions when threatened. No matter how many times most of the LotsLots moremore community had seen the film before (we could have sung the lyrics without the sub-titles), inside,inside, there are moments in this classic story compiled Lots more from various writings of Shalom Alecheim, when including...including... all of us were moved. inside, ‘Fiddler’ is that perfect balance of joy and sadness, pain and hope, comedy and tragedy, including... human nature at its worst, best, most foolish or most wise. Up and down the emotional Chairman’s remarks...... 2 spectrum it goes to form a perfect balance that is life itself. It such a perennially popular film December Limmud ...... 3 because it can’t help but touch the human heart. Festival of Lights...... 4 Seder at Trelissick Gardens Sephardim Pesach...... 5 Kehillat Kernow’s annual first night seder will cups if you can. Seder plates (complete) and Why we survive ...... 6 be held at Trelissick Gardens Barn Restaurant Kiddush kosher wine will be supplied for the on Monday, 18th April at 6:30pm.You will service but bring your own table wine for the receive a mailing in early March with details, meal. There is ample parking immediately and you need to return your forms no later adjacent to the restaurant. This is such a Newsletter designed by Noah Hearle than the 1st of April to Anne Hearle, popular event that you will need to book early designextreme.com Turnstone Cottage, 3 Vivian Terrace, if you want seating for you and your guests. Mousehole, TR19 6QZ. Please bring your own If you have any questions, do telephone Anne Website design and Sudoku puzzles candlesticks, candles, matches and Kiddush on 01736 731686.

Do you want to share your Kol Kehillat Kernow? Visit: kehillatkernow.com/newsletter for an online version of the newsletter! 2 April 2011 Kol Kehillat Kernow Post Shavuot Chairman’s celebration remarks

Pat Lipert Harvey Kurzfield

Shavuot is not all cheesecake and blinis for Is it better to be a ‘giver’ or a ‘receiver’? members of Kehllat Kernow. It is the time of I was pleased to be able to send cheques year when we especially cherish the we totalling more than 400 pounds to Magen David use for services on Shabbat and festivals. It Adom – contributions from Kehillat Kernow and connects us especially with the Jewish its members – and equally pleased to receive community. on behalf of our members the thanks of the Some members of Exeter will be London based representatives of MDA. This led sharing a post-Shavuot Shabbat with KK on me to reflect on how much better Saturday, 25th June, at Three Bridges School the world is as a result of all for services at 10:30am. Any of our members these people of different who wish to attend the Shavuot Services at nationalities and religions Exeter Independent Synagogue on the evening who ‘give’ in all manner of of the 8th of June are also welcome to travel ways in order to help those to the site. Shavuot is a special holiday who are less well off or in dire not only because it commemorates the giving peril. Charities across the of the Torah on Mt. Sinai but also because it world exist to help people who was on Shavuot that members of the Exeter as a result of being born in a Synagogue formally loaned us a Torah which particular time or place, in circumstances Tu B’Shevat tree of wishes and dreams – Results of students’ work to celebrate Tu we have been using for many years now. A which put them or their loved ones in danger, Bishvat at Cheder. special Kiddush is planned. need much help NOW. Not next week, not last year, but always NOW! In an ideal world everyone would co-exist happily and peace would reign all round our globe. Sadly, humanity has a gene somewhere in its DNA system, which means that conflict is a common occurrence. What we have learned from history should by now have been enough to eradicate that word from our vocabulary, but every day, every month, every year, every decade some group of people decides it has the right to kill, maim, exterminate, plunder or destroy either in the name of religion or through some misguided idea of sovereignty or even on politically motivated grounds. Add to that natural disasters such as those that have recently devastated Haiti, Queensland and Sri Lanka, then you can understand how insane it seems for human beings to add to all that misery. And yet – in all these extreme situations there are still people who are anxious and wholeheartedly willing to give their time, their money, their expertise and even in some cases, their lives, in order to help ordinary citizens caught up and suffering as a result of one or more of the above. Even people who bring disaster down on themselves are helped to New year for trees – Cheder students and teachers working on their Tu B’Shevat tree. From regain their lives and their dignity. left to right are: Rosie Brown, Hannah Feldman, Sam Waters, Jemima Feldman, Isaac Feldman, So, what am I getting at? It’s simple. Karen Myers and Sophia Waters. To give is better than to receive. To give on behalf of strangers is even better and to help those who have suffered natural Kol HaNeshama Reform or man-made dangers is potentially life saving. As Jews who have suffered across the centuries, celebrates 25 years we should be particularly good at giving. In view of the state of the world today, There are six Reform communities in has large premises in the Baka neighbourhood particularly in regard to Israel, we may all be Jerusalem and about 40,000 Israelis identified offering a variety of programmes. It has faced with multiple calls for help. So in your as reform Jews in the polls. recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over lifetime, if you have the opportunity to ‘give’ While the oldest is Kehillat Har-El, established 300 people attend every Shabbat service and – be it in terms of money or your time or in 1958, Kol HaNeshama is the largest non- over 1,000 people observe their HIgh Holy Day practical help, then grab that opportunity with Orthodox shul. The community began in the services. Mazel Tov! both hands and be a true and honoured living room of their founder and spiritual [Excerpt from The Jerusalem Post, 14 representative of our small community. leader, Rabbi Levi Weinman-Kelman, and now January, 2011] Shalom. Kol Kehillat Kernow April 2011 3 Something for everyone at December Limmud

Louise Garcia friend lied about their ages to enlist together extraordinariness of this situation, to be in a to be with the horses pulling the tanks in the roomful of strangers but to be able to cry First things first. The kosher food is terrible. First World War. Lo and behold, from a choice more freely than I have ever done before. As So unJ! I am amused to see the length of the of 26 options, I attend a talk on the role of the service moved up a curve again to happier queue for the café in the Arts Centre Anglo-Jewry in the First World War. I am melodies, the two or three of us most affected prominently labelled “Not under the informed and even inspired and I begin to responded to the change and regained some supervision of the Beth Din.” suspect that the entity I call God sort of composure. Second. Marooned in mist-bound, northern, might still be around. When I go Marooned Emotionally and out-of town Warwick University campus with up at the end to ask if there is an physically exhausted, two and a half thousand other Jews, you easy way to trace Jewish war with two and a I went back to my realise from where your own idiosyncrasies graves on the continent (Grandpa’s half thousand oth­ room to sleep. come. Eccentrics, oy! Limmudniks from all nephew Phillip Assenheim was My evening lecture, over Europe, the USA, from Israel, from Oz. killed shortly before the Armistice er Jews, you real­ Samuel Klein on An incredibly full programme in this its in 1918), Alistair Falk gives me a ise from where “Religions Crisis- thirtieth birthday of learning founded by curious look. That very morning Faith, Passion and Alistair Falk, who is still teaching a he had received a text from a your own idiosyn­ Reason,” started by smorgasbord of subjects. You can try anything person he did not know telling him crasies come saying just what I from the Lindy Hop to performing in scratch about a new website tracing needed to hear: cabaret, learning Jewish war graves. teachers also have Yiddish songs about the “Spooky,” he says and gives me questions and authentic teachers must and white slave trade in Having start­ the website address. do constantly question. Hurrah! The creative Whitechapel, to more ed on a high - Senselessness: nil; Peculiar minor possibility of uncertainty was explored and traditional text study miracle: one. God is on a winning the balance between how much our religious with yeshiva experts, somehow one’s streak. practice can challenge or comfort us. to lectures. emotions were Then, a real miracle occurred and I finished my Limmud experience with my old of course, you can the power of prayer was friend, Nachman of Bratslav. Studying a tiny indulge in the taken down again, demonstrated more graphically portion of his writings was so gripping; I was traditional Jewish down, down to the than I could have imagined. As I literally on the edge of my chair. past-time of arguing secret place in the do some hospital visiting, I Limmud 2010 proved to be a moving and abut God and science, thought the session about leading momentous personal journey of discovery, truth and reason, the heart where pain healing services might be useful reassurance and healing. I hope if you ever past-four thousand is stored training. I went into the room and get the chance to go yourself that you will be years; the present- immediately warmed to the small equally blessed in being given exactly what Israel, Europe, the woman with the guitar at the you need for head and heart to sustain you world, the universe; the green sustainable front, Debbie Freidman (z’’l). The service, on your journey. women-friendly future. The diversity of consisting of songs, opinion that is modern Jewry is well poems and readings, represented. was projected onto an But this is also a personal journey. electronic whiteboard, Confession: I didn’t want to come. Mourning so she asked for the and grieving are funny, personal things and room lights to be although my grandmother died in August 2009, dimmed. Good idea as the crisis of fully comprehending this hit me it transpired! Having at the end of October 2010. I have been in a started on a high with strange state of mental disorganisation ever a pleasant blending of since. So, I eventually arrive at Limmud three eager, enthusiastic days late in fog and darkness, and have to voices joining to sing persuade the Community Security Trust simple repeated bouncers, I’m harmless to get in to find a room Hebrew and English key. songs, somehow one’s I am pleased to discover a renewed sense of emotions were taken purpose in life when I find the food is indeed down again, down, as bad as Stephanie warned me on the phone. down to the secret My Dad’s Christmas hamper is in the car and place in the heart I arrive at the first lecture with a rucksack where pain is stored. bursting with illicit tuck. I try to forget the Whatever it was about olives, Peppadew peppers and cheese board the words that linked (fleshpots of Bournemouth), while I listen to in to the weight of Daniel Anderson on Maimonides 2nd Principle sadness I was carrying, of Faith. Despite my existential crisis, I am I began to cry. Poignant pleasantly surprised to find the pantheistic singing continued by take on still makes sense and traces those able to carry on, its pedigree back to the Rambam himself. but my face was not the Close of the first day: God 1, Despair 0. only one wet and lined The days I delayed getting to Limmud I spent by what seemed like with my sisters, the closest links to Nanny I unstoppable tears. My have left, and the previous day, I’d recounted neighbour put his arm Many happy returns of the day and year – Vera Collins celebrates her 80th birthday with a kosher chocolate cake, created by her with my 11-year old nephew Jacob, the old round me and words lovely carer, and a visit by Louise Garcia and Jacqueline Rickett. family tale abut how my Grandpa and his best cannot explain the Happy birthday Vera! 4 April 2011 Kol Kehillat Kernow Festival of lights and treats

Harvey Kurzfield with even the Big Kids joining in. personally pleased to thank Mrs. K for It was a special wrap up to a delightful allowing us to invade her kitchen for this The Kurzfields made Channukah extra special holiday for young and old. As chairman, I am fantastic event. this year, not only with a poignant service from Harvey on Saturday the 4th of December but a special ‘cook-in on Sunday hosted by Jacqueline for our community’s younger cooks. The youngsters, Sam and Sophie Waters, along with Isaac, Hannah and Jemima Feldman, were keen to learn how to prepare and make suitable foods for Channukah. Karen Myers, Yafit Massa, Adam and Melanie Feldman acted as Sou-chefs along with Jacqueline and Harvey. Over an engrossing couple of hours, a plethora of tasty grub was put together including potato latkes (my personal favourite), and fruity latkes (an Israeli speciality from Yafit). In addition, a new Kehillat Kernow tradition was introduced of decorating Heimische Hannukah Gingerbread Men and Ladies. This proved a real winner

Lighting the Channukiah – After Shabbat and before a special Kiddush, the traditional lighting Jewish acknowledge­ of the Channukah candles took place outdoors. From left to right are: Iain Brown, Gloria ment in Mousehole Jacobson, Babs Colman, Stephanie Berry and Brian Nathan.

At 3pm, Wednesday 11th May, a ceremony dedicated to those students who were evacuated from the Jews’ Free School to Mousehole during the 2nd World War will be held at the Mousehole School. A plaque where the Jewish school was held will be placed along with a special bench and tree planting as part of the ceremony. Evacuees, local officials, and Susan Soyinko whose book, From East End to Land’s End which highlighted the Jewish experience in Cornwall, will be there. The next day, a blessing in the chapel before the Menorah given to the Mousehole Community in memory of their time there, will take place. Coordinating the event is Mrs. Anne Hearle. If there are any questions you may contact her at 01736 731686. Members from Kehillat Simchah Cook-in – Everyone pitched in for a not-so-serious Channukah celebration in Jacqueline Kernow are invited to attend. Kurzfield’s kitchen where all helped to prepare, cook, and eat traditional goodies. AGM: more noshes than members

Pat Lipert services will be at The Liperts for Rosh accounts with 66% approval of council mem­ Hashanah and Gloria Jacobson’s for Yom Kippur. bers. Any amounts exceeding those figures At the end of November the 28th to be exact, The Cheder, thanks to the efforts of Bonnie must be passed by a majority of the general we held our annual AGM meeting, which was Rockley, vice-chairwoman, has been awarded membership. well advertised along with individual mailings £500 from the Reform movement. Two B’nei In addition, discussions about upcoming social to all members. For the second year in a row, Mitztvot are scheduled for the coming year. events, different forms of services, and linking only four members of KK not including the The library collection has grown with significant our website more completely and effectively committee, attended. The bonus was that contributions from Keith Pearce, The Chabad ensued. everyone got to take home plenty of goodies. organisation and Brian Nathan. Plans to have David Yehuda Stern who works The disappointment was that more couldn’t An amendment to the present constitution in Elkan Levy’s (US) office, visit in order to come. We live in hope that next year perhaps was passed to up the entitlement for children explain the new online learning service set there will be a better turnout. from ages 21 to 25 of KK families. After 25, up to our community is under way. It was decided that given the reduced numbers offspring of member families will become It was urged by the committee that more attending the High Holy Day services this year, members in their own right. Also, the treasurer members take a more active role in their the costly expense of holding these important may issue cheques for payments up to 3.5% kehillah and become ‘hands on’ participants. holidays at Trelissick Gardens, and the difficulty of Net Assets for any one transaction and up Every person is needed in our small community with access on the first floor, next year’s to12.5% of the Net Assets of the latest annual to help. Kol Kehillat Kernow April 2011 5 ‘Mah nishtanah halailah ?’ A Sephardim Pesach

Pat Lipert salads of a multitude of vegetable options. Another dish, which requires great skill, is the Vegetables can be pickled and raw, boiled, stuffed intestine, Osban-Gheh-Mumbar. No one would argue that Anne Hearle’s steamed, grilled or fried. The stuffing is ground meat, chopped liver, communal Seders each year at Trelissick A Passover meat pie (made with matzos), rice flavoured with cloves, cardamon, Gardens are one of the best Passover Maiena or Mina de Carne, or its vegetarian cinnamon and pepper in Iraq. In Syria, Jews celebrations going for its sheer joy, sumptuous Mina de Espinaka, could follow. After that, a use ground lamb, allspice, cinnamon and served fare and meticulous Minestra Dayenu, chicken with lambs’ trotters and chickpeas. In Tunis, planning. It is largely an soup from Turin with matzos it is served with Msoki, a green vegetable stew Ashkenazi treat perfect in The Sephardi and egg yolks might be just with broken pieces of Matzos, and the sausage every way. penchant for the ticket. A pinch of saffron is made with ground meat, liver, spinach, mint, But there is another option sweet and sour or turmeric will give it a fine parley, coriander, garlic, onion, rice, salt, for Mediterranean and golden colour. pepper and harissa. Oriental Jews which include flavours became The Judeo-Spanish A side dish of rice with fava beans such as Roz four wonderful approaches integral to the community often includes bil Ful Ahdar, with flavourings of lemon sugar to the Seder table: Judeo- Pishkado Kon Salsa de Tomat, and dill, is another Pesach favourite. A leek Spanish, North African or new Jewish fish (red mullet, sardines, pate, Prasifouchi, from Turkey, makes a fine Maghrebi, Judeo-Arab, and cuisine mackerel, bonito) flavoured dairy dish during the Passover week. Artichoke Iraq-Irani. with garlic, tomatoes, lemon bottoms stuffed with meat, Kharshouf Mahshi, Sephardi cooking begin 2600 and mild green pepper. In is another popular side dish during this festival. years ago with the Babylonian King Morocco, the tomato is eliminated, replaced ‘Afters’ include some wonderful sweets and Nebuchadnezzar when Jewish inhabitants were with a coulis of red peppers using sweetmeats. Like removed from Israel and taken to Babylon. white fish fillets and is called Ashkenazis, matzos When the Persian King Cyrus conquered Babylon Poisson Sauce Rouge. The mark of a fritters, are also fifty years later, Jews could return to their If meat is what you fancy, why not woman’s skill was popular in the Holy Land to rebuild the temple. Some went; try Polpettone di Tacchino from Sephardim world during some stayed and the long history of dispersions Turin, a turkey galantine garnished seen in the tricky Pesach. The North began throughout the Persian Empire. As a with pistachios. Needless to say, Kibbeh-Kubba- African version uses result, the Sephardi penchant for sweet and lamb looms large in the Sephardi lemon, lemon zest and sour flavours (from the sour pomegranate juice, cuisine and especially at Passover. Kobeba honey along with the tamarind, grapes, lemons or vinegars mixed Not content with the mere eggs In Turkey, a walnut with sugar and honey and fruits with meat) meatless shank of lamb on the Seder plate, and orange Passover cake, Gato de Muez de became integral to the new Jewish cuisine. Egyptians prepare Zeroa, a whole cold shoulder Pesach, along with a walnut cake in syrup, Wherever Jews went throughout the empire, of lamb which is eaten with a date and raisin Tishpishti, or an almond cake in orange syrup, integration with local communities included paste haroset. Claudia Rosen, from whom these Gateau au Sirop d’ Orange, from Spain is new opportunities for an ever-expanding fare. recipes come, recommends The new products included rice and eggplants apricot and sour cherry sauces from India, spinach from Nepal, melons from to go with the lamb. The Egypt, figs from Constantinople, artichokes, Moroccan Jews make a tagine asparagus, apricots, almonds, pistachios, olive of lamb, Agneau aux Pruneaux, and sesame oils, salted fish, spices and pepper using wonderful combinations from the Far East and India. By 762CE, Baghdad of spices such as ginger, saffron, became a centre of international exchanges, cinnamon, honey, sesame seeds and Jewish cooking reached culinary heights and almonds. Dates, almonds, reflecting regional styles from Greece and and raisins are also used in other India, North Africa, Persia and Spain. The use recipes. Stuffed lamb with rice of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, (not forbidden in Sephardi Judeo Spanish delight - Some of the Jews of Spain enjoy a saffron, sumac, caraway, sesame, mint, rocket, Passovers) is another festival colourful and spicey combination of salsa and albondigas, orange-blossom and rose waters became natural dish. The use of Fava beans sauce and meatballs for Passover. additions to Jewish dishes. With the advent (eaten by the Hebrew slaves in of Islamic, Christian, and Ottoman empires, Egypt) and almonds also features in lamb served. Marrano Jews came in contact with the Jewish cuisine expanded recipes in the Berber cocoa from trading with Venezuela, and their and refined itself wherever tradition and is called Agneau chocolate Passover cakes continue to be highly Jews travelled (or fled) Jewish aux Feves Verts et aux popular throughout the Sephardi world. Of throughout these regions. cooking reached Amandes. note is Torta d Mandorle e Cioccolata. Of course The following is a limited The mark of a woman’s skill macaroons are ubiquitous. Also, the Moroccan number of options for the culinary heights was seen in the tricky Kibbeh- pastries of walnut and almond, Terfas aux Seder Table. The possibilities reflecting regional Kubba-Kobeba, a cornerstone Noix. and ingredients are myriad. styles from of Middle Eastern cooking. The Middle Eastern Haroset consists of chopped To begin, long cooked hard- On Pesach, these meat-filled dates, raisins, wine, walnuts and spices, a boiled eggs, hamine [beid Greece, Indian, dumplings, fried, poached sweeter, pastier recipe than the Ashkenazi hamine], so that the yolks North Africa, or roasted, were made with fare. An Italian version, Piedmontese Haroset, become creamy and buttery rice. Variations in flavourings uses chestnuts, hard-boiled egg yolks, almonds and the whites light brown. depend on your origins: and orange. Iraqi and Indians make Dibis- One method is to boil them for hours in a pan cardamon, celery leaves, and pulverised dried Halek, a date syrup mixed with walnuts for lined with onion skins and some coffee grounds limes for Iraqis; ginger, garlic, turmeric and their haroset. with salt and oil. coriander in Calcutta. Syrian Jews of Egypt Hag sameach whatever Passover you enjoy. A cold egg and lemon sauce, Agristada, or eat Kobeba Hamda, dumplings made with rice Note:Recipes are from The Book of Jewish Raita, yoghurt and cucumber, is a must to flour and ground meat in a Hamud Sauce (rice Food by Claudia Roden and also available from accompany vegetables (or fish or brains), and an green vegetables). Pat Lipert. 6 April 2011 Kol Kehillat Kernow Why we survive

Vera Collins thinking about our ‘genetic origins’ i.e. our alone in the ‘here and now.’ Instead, we are extended family and ancestors, those encouraged to see ourselves as products of an Throughout history Jews have faced many foes: generations within living memory and those on-going process stretching back into the distant Hittites, Jebuzzites, Philistines, Assyrians, from the distant past, can promote valuable past but also finding ourselves called upon to Babylonians. These have long since disappeared psychological resources, increasing intellectual involve ourselves in the future and make yet Jews survive today as a people and as a function and fostering a tendency to succeed provisions for generations yet to come. We pray, culture. How and why can this and prosper in life. ‘May my life be one link in a chain of goodness ’ be so? As Jews, not only are we very family-centred, In this way we each find identity and purpose. From the viewpoint of but also we keep our own ancestors and Thus, inspired wisdom that has guided the faith, we can see our patriarchs constantly in mind. Through festivals development of Judaism has ensured that the survival as evidence of we reconnect with events and people from the beneficial factor, described by Prof. Fischer, divine support fulfilling a past. We are constantly reminded of our Maker, was built into the ‘Jewish way’ from earliest divine purpose. As ourselves, and of the ancient covenant binding time. Since the time of slavery in Egypt, not a understanding of human us together as we pray, ‘O Lord, Our God ad single year has passed without that event being nature and of natural God of our fathers ’ celebrated at Passover. As we gather together phenomena increases, this We are reminded that as Jews, we are for the Passover Seder, let us remember how metaphysical view can sometimes responsible for one another. The disgrace of much of our very existence we owe to past be supported by practical or scientific one disgraces us all; the honour attained by generations who kept faith with our traditions, explanations. one reflects on us all. We need to identify and let us, likewise, keep faith for the sake of Some recent research, ‘The ancestor effect’ strongly with one another as we meet the generations yet to come: ‘Om Israel Chai!’ by Prof. Peter Fischer of Graz University could obligations of this responsibility. [Prof. Fischer’s article from Eur.J.Soc.Psychol. help to throw some light on the question of Jewish identity militates strongly against the 41.11-16 (2011) can be accessed online in Wiley Jewish survival. Prof. Fischer suggests that view of one’s self as a solitary individual existing Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com)] Book review: The Finkler Question New moon for the ladies Pat Lipert and limits its universality. Jacobson has done a brilliant job keeping the reader enthralled Howard Jacobson’s Man Booker Prize winning with the in-depth characterisations and their Melanie Feldman novel could really be called ‘The Human situations while at the same time, forcing the Question,’ for it is mainly about the human reader to think about all the questions, On 8th November the ladies of Kehillat Kernow condition as the last third of existential or not, permeating met at Melanie Feldman’s house to celebrate one’s life approaches and we the human condition. Rosh Chodesh for the month of Kislev. Falling begin to ask ourselves all Three long-time friends, as it did in early November, we had hoped to kinds of questions. Of course Julian Treslove, a former mark the occasion with fireworks but the heavy Yiddishkeit comes into it and disillusioned BBC radio rain kept us indoors. As everyone had brought while many of the characters producer; Sam Finker, a mountains of food to share, this was no are Jewish, they are secular successful commercial Jewish hardship. Jews and gentiles at critical philosopher, and Libor Sevcik, Rosh Chodesh was an important festival in stages in their lives. their former teacher, meet for ancient times but latterly can pass by barely Ironically, one can’t help but dinner for an evening of noticed. First specifically mentioned in the connect their situations to remembrance. Both Finkler Palestinian Talmud, Rosh Chodesh was given to the ‘Ribbon ha-olamim’ the and Sevcik are widowers, women as a reward for their reluctance to Jewish questions we ask on while Treslove is a product of contribute their gold jewellery to the golden Shabbat: “ What are we? many failed relationships. calf. As moon worship was commonplace in the What is our life? What is our They reflect on the loss of Holy Lands round the time of Moses, it may be love? What is our justice? their former lives when all that linking the lunar cycle with the ancient What is our success? What is seemed possible and nothing stories tidied up persisting pagan rituals. our endurance? What is our seemed hopeless. They However the practice came to be, allowing power?” which query the significance of human wonder if it is better not to have loved at all women a holiday from their usual work must existence and the choices we make. and feel the remorse and inexorable sadness have been very popular. This is a writer at the height of his powers; some that comes with separation and death. They The custom of resting from women’s work once of the dialogue is screamingly funny, something are an odd trio. Without giving the game away, a month seems to have largely (sadly) vanished. you would expect from Jacobson but it also a the plot picks up after that and leads to many The ladies of Kehillat Kernow are keen to keep novel of loss, conflict, remorse, guilt, the unexpected mishaps, joys, sorrows, the tradition alive with get-togethers once in power of love, and friendship. Belonging and adventures, and revelations, all again related a while, whether meeting in our homes or more not belonging features prominently and what to human existence in an urban, modern world. adventurous locations (such as our midnight a Jew is and isn’t are brought to the fore. Many It will have you thinking long after you finish the barbeque). Let’s plan another date. myths are shattered in the process. book about the myriad of issues facing all of us Herman Wouk called it ‘Inside, Outside,’ in his in this paradoxical, fast-moving world full of Yarhzeit List classic novel, for both the Jew and nonJews political, comical, disparate, emotional If you wish to have your family have feet in many camps. As humans in Western conflict. members’ yarhzeit dates observed society at least, we are both outside society Howard Jacobson is a very wise man who has during Shabbat services, please give and in it, part of certain groups and outside observed and learned from others and their names (Jewish and secular) and these groups, part of ethnic, religious and communicated his findings to us. By consciously dates of death (Jewish or secular), to family structures, and outside them as well. living on the outside and inside, as writers do, either Leslie Lipert or Louise Garcia. So, to call this ‘a Jewish book,’ misses the point his perspective is illuminating. Kol Kehillat Kernow April 2011 7 Yom Ha-Shoah service Editorial

Pat Lipert little themselves. We can’t help but be inspired In a recent publication issued by the Board of by their wisdom and goodness. The concept of Deputies, Zionism: A Jewish Communal Louise Garcia conducted a moving memorial Tikkun Olam is an integral part of such a service. Response from the UK, a cross section of service for the six million at her home, Thursday The service itself, compiled and created by Britain’s leading rabbis and Jewish evening on the 27th of Janaury, Yom Ha Shoah. Louise from many sources, included not only commentators, responded to last year’s The members of Kehillat Kernow who met to prayers but also reflections and witnesses’ publication of the Kairos Document issued by remember reflected on their experiences of accounts and the way in which our faith Palestinian Christian theologians which the holocaust and say prayers and read passages responds and has always responded with hope. describes the situation of Palestinians under by those who went through those terrible times. This service, then, is not only a way of the occupation. Among other complaints, it While those present were lucky enough acknowledging our past and remembering the called for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions personally not to have lived through the Nazi K’doshim, but also recommits each of us to (BDS) against Israel. It did not stipulate that genocide and persecution, everyone had combat brutality, violence and prejudice resistance must be non-violent nor should memories of others, family, friends, wherever and whenever we can. they be confined to territories occupied by acquaintances, who did. As Jews we are This service was part of many activities in which Israel in the 1967 war. commanded to remember the past but not to members of our community participated There is no recognition of Jewish national live in it. In doing so, we honour those who came including a visit to a school in St. Ives and a civic aspirations or the ties between the Jewish before us, those who gave so much having so service in Truro. people and Eretz Israel. It has since been adopted at a conference of the UK Methodist Church, though recently they are back- peddling a bit on their position as a result of the repercussions this has had with Judeo- Christian relations. Given that Israel is composed of Christian, Muslim and Jewish influences and inhabitants, Jerusalem has always been the seat of the three Abramaic religions, the Jewish theological response was a glaring omission. This report seeks to address that in the fairest possible terms. Why does this matter? It matters greatly given the influence and predominance of both Christian and Islamic religions not only in the region but also throughout the world. Judaism and Jews are an integral, elemental part of that equation. To ignore Jewish inalienable rights and connections to Israel, from the time of Genesis on, is callous, myopic and unjust. Erudite and faith-driven theologians, of all groups of people, should have shown greater perspective. Inclusiveness and acceptance of each other’s narratives is the key to a peaceful Zachor, Zachor! – Members of Kehillat Kernow who attended the memorial service are, from solution, as the contributors to this Board of left to right, David and Anne Hearle, Brian and Bernadine Nathan, Louise Garcia, and Stephanie Deputies publication so rightly point out. Berry. Jacqueline Rickett took the photo. As Vivian Wineman, president of the Board of Deputies, states, Kairos, a Greek term, has come to mean from a Christian position “a supreme or opportune moment when it becomes necessary to speak out for a cause.” A Kairos Document was issued in 1985 for example critical of apartheid in South Africa. Considering the millennia of history behind the three religions, one can’t help but wonder why other such documents weren’t issued in the myriad of events concerning Jewish persecution. But that’s another issue. Or is it? So what parts of the missing element of this equation need to be considered? The contributors to this report have spent their lives involved in inter-faith work. Surely their co-religionists might listen to what they have to say. Contributors call for a need to listen to each other’s narratives, recognise Jews’ ancient connection to the land, and the moral, legal Liturgical sing-along – New renditions of ‘Ein Kelohainu’ and ‘Lecha Dodi’ were among other and ethical justification of the State of Israel. songs in our siddurim which were practised as the first part of the five seminars being offered What is needed in any Kairos Document is by Louise Garcia and Pat Lipert this winter. From left to right are: Louise Garcia, Anne Hearle, Jacquie Rickett, Estelle Moses, Melanie Feldman, Isaac and Hannah Feldman. Pat Lipert took balance, understanding and genuine the picture. ecumenicalism. 8 April 2011 Kol Kehillat Kernow Notices and diary Leslie’s joke

Mazel Tov: May 28th Bemidbar, Blessing for Sivan, 24 Lifeguard: • Murray Brown on his Bar Mitzvah in March. Iyar(Harvey), 10:30am. TBS Jacob is pulled from the sea at Gwithians Beach • Vera Collins on her significant birthday! Jun 8th Shavuot, 6th Sivan(Wednesday, by a lifeguard. When his wife Judith sees all no service) the commotion, and then realises that it’s her Get Well Soon: Jun 11th Beha’alotecha, 9th Sivan(Louise), Jacob who is lying flat out on the sands, she • Vera Collins 10:30am. TBS goes running over, sobbing all the way. When • Brenda Mason Jun 25th Korach, Blessing for Tammuz, 23 she gets to him, she shouts, “Oy Vay, Jacob, • Joy Dunn Sivan(Pat). Visit by Exeter Jacob, vats happened to you?” • Leslie Lipert Synagogue, 10:30am. TBS The lifeguard tells her to calm down. “Lady,” • Harvey Kurzfield Jul 9th Balak, 7th Tammuz(Adam), he says, “please don’t get too hysterical - I’m • David Hearle 10:30am. TBS looking after your husband. I’m now going to • Bonnie Rockley Jul 23rd Mattot, 21st Tammuz(Iain), give him some artificial respiration and I’m 10:30am. TBS sure he’ll then be fine.” Diary: Aug 6th Devarim, Shabbat Chazon, 6th “Vat do you mean artificial respiration?” Judith Apr 2nd Tazria. Blessing for Nisan, Av(Harvey), 10:30am. TBS says to the lifeguard, “Mine Jacob gets either Shabbat Hachodesh. 27th Adar Aug 9th Tishah B’Av, 9th Av(Tuesday, No real respiration or he gets notting at all.” (Harvey), 10:30am. TBS service). Apr 16th Acharey Mot, Shabbat Hagadol. Aug 20th Ekev, 20th Av(Pat), 10:30am. TBS Mezzuzot and Kiddush Cups 12 Nisan(Louise), 10:30am. TBS There are still a few KK Kiddush Cups - Apr 18th Erev Pesach, Communal 1st Contacts: £60, Siddurim - £16, and Mezzuzot - Seder(Monday), 14 Nisan, Kol Kehillat Editor: Pat Lipert, 01736 762675 £25/£50 (without or with scroll) available. Trelissick Gardens, 6:30pm. or [email protected]; Chairman: Contact Leslie Lipert to purchase. Apr 19th Pesach, 1st Day, 15 Nisan. Harvey Kurzfield, 01209 719672; Co-Chairman: Apr 30th Kedoshim, Blessing for Iyar. 26 Bonnie Rockley, 01209 714555; Treasurer: Nisan(Adam), 10:30am. TBS Leslie Lipert, 01736 762675; Secretary: Rachel Knitwear drive continues May 14th Behar. 10 Iyar(Iain), 10:30am. TBS Brown, 01872 862665; Photography: Leslie Donations are being collected to provide May 22nd Lag Ba’Omer, 18th Iyar (Sunday, Lipert. knitwear materials for those in Eastern Europe No service). Registered Charity No 1090562. and Russia. Contributions should be given to Bonnie Rockley who is knitting warm clothing. Mango delicious! This project is part of on-going MRJ venture.

Melanie Feldman Whether your triffle is ‘spiked’ or not, you can be sure there will be no leftovers. What This mango trifle is absolutely gorgeous- a grand finale to a festive meal. delicious with or without alcohol. Sponge fingers Either orange juice or alcohol (Grand Marnier, Drambuie) or a mixture 250g pack of mascarpone 300-500ml fresh custard (or whipped cream with a splash of vanilla essence and 1 tbsp sugar) How to play: Complete the grid so the numbers 2-3 fresh, ripe mangos cut 1 to 9 appear only once in each row, each into chunks column and 3×3 box. Don’t worry; no maths is 6-8 passion fruit, pulp and juice involved. Only logic is required to solve the scooped out puzzle. Have fun! Raspberries if you wish IT’S MODERATELY HARD Topping-toasted flakes of almond or white chocolate drops 8 793 Bottom layer-either sponge fingers packed 2 54 7 tightly to fill the bottom of your bowl or more loosely with raspberries between. Drench in the orange juice/booze sufficient to make the sponge fingers sopping wet but no ‘spare’ 6 8 5 liquid. Whisk together the mascarpone with the custard/cream. Put half the mango chunks 9 8 on top of the sponge ad spoon over half the passion fruit puree. Top with half the creamy Holiday fare– If this isn’t a hit for a colourful 4 6 2 mixture. Repeat with the rest of the fruit and and tasty end to the Passover meal, then nothing is. cream. Top up with the almonds or chocolate. 6 57 8 Events/photos/library at: 341 2 kehillatkernow.com For the solution and more free puzzles, have a look at the Sudoku website: sudokusolver.com.