KolKol KehillatKehillat KernowKernow

Voice of the Jewish Community in Issue 20 kehillatkernow.com August 2008, Av 5768 loses much loved member: Milton Jacobson (August 1929 - April 2008)

Harvey Kurzfield qualifying was a locum position in Cowdenbeath later described by Milton as ‘a place that time Our chairman delivered this eulogy of Milton forgot.’ His first salary was a gratifying £10 per Jacobson at his funeral in in April week, but less than a month later this princely which was attended by a multitude of friends sum was halved when he was conscripted into and family from within and outside the the Royal Army Dental Corps where he served community. for two years, hopefully without having to wear These remarks were put together with the a kilt! valuable assistance of Adam Jacobson After military service Milton joined an old friend One of the big sorrows in my life is the fact that in a dental practice in Crawley and as a relief I have lived in Cornwall for over thirty years no doubt from the pressures of work, began and only got to know Milton and his family over flying lessons and took up rallying saloon cars. the last nine or ten years. The cars became something of a passion and On the other hand, thank God for Kehillat he owned a variety of sporty little numbers Kernow and its establishment in 1999 when including a Morgan and later an MG. along with several other people here I got to Together with his first wife, Milton adopted a meet Milton and Gloria, fellow founder daughter, Caroline. Later, after that marriage members of The Jewish Community of ended he and Gloria met again, having been Cornwall. good friends since childhood, and were married Milton was born in August 1929 in Edinburgh and settled in Cornwall about 39 years ago when and as a boy was the youngest person in Scottish their son Adam was born. history to pass his Higher School Leaving Milton and Gloria joined the Plymouth Hebrew certificate. While still at school during the war Congregation and have remained faithful he joined the ‘Officer’s Training Corps’ but as A man of generosity: Milton in a more pensive members ever since. his kilt was too long his mother tried to shorten mood. He is probably thinking about the next Also in Cornwall, the couple discovered a love it, not entirely successfully, for on the way to KK Committee meeting where he served as for amateur theatre and operatics and became training one evening, a passer by was heard to secretary. regular performers with Carnon Downs Drama remark that if we were putting our faith in Group and Operatic Society. soldiers like that then we were ‘all doomed!’ at Durham University, where, interestingly one Ill health forced Milton to retire in 1979, but Milton left Scotland in 1947 to study dentistry of his tutors was Cornish. His first job after he continued to work... Continued on page 2 Lots more A cornucopia on offer for inside, Jewish Heritage Day Pat Lipert burial ground in the country. With 49 including...including... identifiable headstones, they reveal the early Fancy an historic walk and talk by Keith Pearce and later history of the living in that area through one of ’s oldest Jewish in Cornwall and the site is of immense historical cemeteries? How about an enlightening lecture interest. Pearce’s in-depth knowledge of all Chairmans Remarks ...... 2 on medical ethics by one of this country’s the people who are buried there makes for a leading authorities? Or maybe you’d enjoy an fascinating excursion into our Jewish past. If Pesach Bonanza ...... 3 evening of Jewish music and mystical tales? you haven’t ever done this tour, you are missing All have been arranged for you by members of something unique in our local Jewish history. Kehillat Kernow to celebrate the European Day In the early afternoon, from 2:00pm to 4:pm Pottering Along ...... 5 of Jewish Culture and Heritage on Sunday, 7th at Carnon Downs Village Hall, Professor Julie of September. Stone of our community, will give the annual Cheder Lady Extraordinaire..6 The day begins at the Jewish lecture entitled “Doctors, Conscience and the Cemetery. Keith Pearce, co-author of The Lost Law.” She is more than qualified to discuss this Jews of Cornwall, authority on Jewish history topic as honorary visiting chair at Peninsula The Silvera Megillah ...... 7 and tombstones in the West Country, is giving Medical School, former Deputy Director of the two tours, one at 10:30am and one at 11:30am Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence, Designed and printed by Noah Hearle. at the site. Tours must be arranged beforehand and Non-Executive Director of the Cornwall Phone: 01273 711117; through Leslie Lipert at 01736-762675. The and Isles of Scilly Prince Charles Trust. A lawyer earliest gravestone is dated 1741 and this by background, her books include An Ethical web: www.designextreme.com. Need: newsletter/website/sudoku? Contact me. Jewish cemetery is the oldest, in tact Jewish Framework for... Continued on page 2

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Continued from front page ... Complementary the mind and the spirit. Using the teachings of excellence and Alternative Therapists, and Psychotherapy the great Chassidic masters, practical lessons and the Law. She also is an independent in Torah, and their rich Jewish heritage, these Pat Lipert & Harvey Kurzfield consultant on healthcare ethics, law and two performers will provide a treasured regulation and has contributed to numerous experience. Chana moved to Israel in 1975 after A special cream tea to celebrate the Torah on policy initiatives in health policy and law. In graduating from the Gateshead Jewish Training Erev Shavuot was hosted by members of the addition, she has held Secretary of State College. As a teacher in Israel and published Exeter Hebrew Congregation on June 8th. Tony appointments, lectured and published songwriter and performer, she tours regularly Reece and members of the Exeter Community extensively in her field. Julie’s warmth, in the U.S.A. and in Europe. Tirtza, a New invited our congregation to join them for serv­ humour, astute competence and Yorker by birth and upbringing, graduated from ices and tea, not only to commemorate the professionalism will make this lecture a the High School of Music and Art in NYC, giving of the Torah to all Jews but especially, memorable experience. Tickets can be obtained BA and MA degrees in education, and purchased from any member of the community studied piano and voice at the New England or at the door. Cost: £5 and £4 (concessions). Conservatory in Boston and at the Manhattan In the evening, “Wings of the Spirit,” a special School of Music. She made aliyah to Israel in programme of Jewish music and mystical tales 1993, operates an holistic healing centre from will be presented by two charismatic her home, and performs in concerts in Israel, performers, Chana Sophia Yaffe and Tirtza the U.S.A. and in Europe. With their warmth Singer. Beginning at 7:30pm at Chasewater and wish to foster peace and joy wherever they Village Hall, this promises to be unique journey go, their performance is well worth through the Jewish soul. Using harp, song, experiencing. Tickets are £6 and £5 music and storytelling, Jewish meditation and (concessions) and can be obtained through visualisation, it is an invitation to nourish both Anne Hearle (01736 731686). Milton Jacobson

Continued from front page ...in a voluntary him for years and after a while I almost felt like capacity for the Citizens Advice Bureau and for he was an older brother, or maybe even a Cruse, the bereavement charity. He was always surrogate dad and I came to feel a great warmth a keen supporter of Israel and eventually visited and affection for him. In his last remaining days it for the first time in 1979. in hospital he displayed the fighting qualities It didn’t take me long to realise that Milton was that had seen him overcome one setback after a man who had not had the best of health during another; this time, however there were just his life. Nevertheless, I also came to learn what too many problems to overcome. He remained a tough Scotsman he was. He would not let in full control of his mind and stayed alert in mere pain stand in the way of his and Gloria’s time to greet Adam, his son and Amanda who From Sinai to Exeter: The Five Books of Moses. enjoyment of all that this life has to offer. In had travelled straight from London. Together this respect therefore he led a full and happy with Gloria, they were able to share a few the lending of the Torah to the Cornish Jewish life – food, travel, good company – always precious moments with him before he slipped community. Their generous loan happened four wonderfully supported by Gloria whose love quietly away. years ago and the Torah Scroll has become a and affection shone through, in spite of the The memories Milton has left behind will meaningful and vital part of all services ever setbacks Milton experienced in these last few become a part of all the lives of the present since. Twelve members of Kehillat Kernow trav­ years. In addition, Milton was a regular members of Kehillat Kernow. I, personally, feel elled by coach to attend the tea and services attendee at our Shabbus and festival services both privileged and glad to have known him. which followed. and as a ‘Levy’ was frequently called up during Chairman Harvey Kurzfield delivered a talk to the Readings from the Torah. both congregations during the service. He spoke I also know that he was quietly generous with of the importance of being able to have a scroll his charity donations. for our services and how much of a struggle it Milton served faithfully on the committee of was for Kehillat Kernow to acquire such a pre­ Kehillat Kernow, as an ordinary committee cious scroll. Attempts were made to return the member and then for several exciting years as original Sefer Torah used by the former Pen­ committee secretary when his abbreviated zance Jewish community from the Royal Corn­ minutes were a bit like cryptic crossword clues wall Museum but to no avail. It remains locked on which you had to really concentrate in order up in that museum to this day where no one to know what actually had taken place! In these can see it. An attempt to obtain a Czech scroll committee meetings you could always rely on also met with failure. Negotiations with the Milton to get to the nub of difficult issues and Exeter Hebrew Congregation proved better come forward with good, plain common sense and as Harvey said, “we felt that the Jewish arguments which would usually have us all Community of Cornwall had begun a new era.” nodding in agreement. Harvey also paid tribute to Estelle Moses who Milton was also an excellent host and always provided the community with a portable Ark made everyone feel really welcome. I used to and reading table on which to place the scroll feel especially pleased whenever I visited no during services. He assured the Exeter commu­ 4, Gwendrock House to be greeted by a lovely nity that the scroll is being well looked after smile and a liltingly Scottish “Hello Harvey...” and expressed hope that the Exeter members Even if he wasn’t really feeling like company A man of service: Milton and Harvey in 2004 would extend the loan of the Torah Scroll for he would make you feel comfortable. signing the original agreement with Exeter another five years when the option to renew When I first met Milton I felt as if I had known Synagogue members for loan of the Torah our agreement comes up next year. Scroll which we use in our services. Kol Kehillat Kernow August 2008 3 Pesach bonanza at Trelissick Chairman’s Gardens remarks

Pat Lipert Harvey Kurzfield

This year’s communal Seder at the new venue In July we had our own form of celebration to of Trellisick Gardens in Feock was the biggest commemorate the 60th anniversary of the (re) and best Passover celebration our community establishment of a Jewish State of Israel. The has ever had. Thanks to the hard work of all celebrations this year have, however, been the organisers, in particular Anne Hearle who marred by so many press and television reports co-ordinated the event, and to all the volun­ which continuously cast Israel as the ‘big bad teers who helped with setting up, cleaning up wolf’ of the Middle East’ intent on devouring and providing the excellent food and drink, it the downtrodden and helpless Palestinians. was a huge success. The group that calls itself ‘Jews for Justice for Chairman Harvey Kurzfield, who led the Hag­ Palestinians’ does Israel no favours either and gadah service along with expert help from The ignores the fact that there are no quasi- Feldmans and Julie Stone, ensured that every­ intellectual groups amongst Palestinians who one knew and participated in recalling our Ex­ unashamedly call for justice for Israel. odus from Egypt to Mount Sinai. During a service recently we discussed The venue itself provided a perfect setting and how Moses had sent out spies to report back on the extra catering from the National Trust staff the state of the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies at Trellisick helped to make this holiday a suggested that the Israelites were ‘as grasshop­ smooth, happy, and joyous occasion. The serv­ pers’ compared with the ‘giants’ who inhabited ice itself was a nice combination of input from these territories. Now it seems as if the roles various people who came prepared with song are reversed; now the Israelites are portrayed as the ‘ogres’ who deal ruthlessly with the ill- Seder leader: Harvey Kurzfield opens the first equipped masses in Gaza and the West Bank. night of Seder whilst Jacqueline Kurzfield But let’s not forget that back in 1948 huge Arab lends her support. forces gathered on the borders of Israel ready to crush and destroy those people determined and insight, last year’s Haggadah and portions to make a homeland where Jews could live in from a new interfaith Haggadah recently pub­ peace away from the anti-Semitism which was lished by . So popular still rife throughout the world, notwithstanding was the new publication, that the Kehillat Ker­ the revelations concerning the Holocaust. How now Committee has ordered 70 copies for next many nations came to Israel’s defence? How year’s Seder. many nations fully expected the new, young More people from inside and outside the com­ country to be struck down before it even had munity and visitors from other countries at­ time to establish itself? tended, and because the space in the restau­ And yet, Israel survived, against all the odds; rant was larger, the number of people attending and has continued to survive in spite of constant Captivating combo: Julie Stone and Harvey was not restricted this year. Last year, about war, constant terrorist attacks and, latterly, Kurzfield share a laugh and a good word about forty people were able to attend this popular constant rocket attacks. the concluding portions of The Haggadah at event; this year, we had 70. There are those who desire peace at any price the end of the Seder service. Next year at Trellisick! and indeed, peace would be good for all those civilians on both sides who seem to be, as in all such conflict zones, the main sufferers. Unfor­ tunately, there can only be peace when all the Arab participants fully agree to recognise the State of Israel and recognise and accept its right to exist. A properly constituted peace would benefit all participants – especially the ordinary Palestin­ ians, who would gain enormously from a true friendship with Israelis. Let us hope and pray that in this 60th year of Israel’s modern statehood, all parties involved come to a just and fair settlement. MEMBERSHIP FEES

Anne and Leslie urge you to change from monthly payments to one annual payment for your Kehillat Kernow Membership Fees. It would reduce the accounting work enormously. Merely call your bank and tell them; they already have the details. It is necessary to Seder Time: Some members of the community enjoying the traditional meal while children do this as quickly as possible. found their own entertainment 4 August 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow Book Review: God, Doubt and Dawkins

Pat Lipert Hitchens is while they criticise religion (some religious power can be abused, religion can of which is justified), they overlook the positive also be a force for good. In response to so much discussion by people features of organised religious belief. Ian Morris, Rabbi of in Leeds, about the popular books by Richard The titles of twelve sermons give one a clear says, “the God which Richard Dawkins so Dawkins(The God Delusion), and Christopher idea where our leading Reform thinkers and helpfully defines for me, is not the God with Hitchens(God Is Not Great), the measured and philosophers are heading. “Self-criticism is whom I do business.” Dawkins view is too reasoned minds of some of our finest Reform part of being religious,” says Colin Eimer, rabbi limited, Morris claims, and has little to do with rabbis have taken a stand. since 1977 at Southgate & District Reform religious thought, belief or practice. In a short book, edited by Rabbi Jonathan Synagogue. Quoting from an Orthodox rabbi , rabbi of the Glasgow Reform Romain, some of our best thinkers in the in a siddur, he says, “religion offers answers Synagogue, describes Hitchens and Dawkins Reform movement have continued to do what without obliterating the questions.” of creating “vulgar caricatures of religious they have been doing for many years: taking Brian Fox, Rabbi at the faith.” To compare science the best of our traditions and marrying them in and religion is fruitless and ‘with the insights of modernity.’ Manchester, says, “It is not We have con­ while faith cannot be The series of short essays, originally sermons a question of whether God fused the realm of ‘proved’ in terms of delivered during the Days of Awe in 1907, exists, it’s a question of what scientific evidence, it provide an answer to those who brand all kind of a God exists.” One science with the doesn’t mean that religion spiritual or religious people with extremist should, Fox says, welcome realm of beauty is irrational. Both Judaism and inflexible dogma. people like Dawkins because and feeling and and Christianity, Morris says, One of the pitfalls of both Dawkins and he encourages us to question are credited with being a our faith and ask who and imagination and source for most of western what we are. It would be an metaphor and law, ethics and values. The error to think that ‘only point of religion is to “pose Poem: Waiting religious people have faith.” then made a value the most troubling questions It is part of the human judgement arising from a challenging condition. incomprehensible and for the Coming Paul Freedman, Rabbi of seemingly unjust world.” Radlett & Bushey Reform Synagogue, rejects , Rabbi of Maidenhead Harvey Kurzfield the atheist Dawkins because he seems to pick Synagogue, points out the difference between a fight with fundamentalism and seems to religious fanaticism and religious truth, which I’m waiting for the coming... ignore the fact that so much of Judaic asks basic questions: “am I making the world ‘The second coming? scholarship and thinking has never been literal a better place? is this what God really wants? The coming of the Messiah? or fundamental. He quotes the well-known do my actions enhance the lives others or The next busload of evangelicals?’ thinker Karen Armstrong, who says that diminish them?” He quotes the rational No, I’m waiting for the people. atheism “is always a response to a particular philosopher Wittgenstein who “admitted, I’m waiting for the rush of eager visitors. notion of God.” The title says Freedman, of ‘Even when we have answered all possible I’m waiting for the keen-eyed students R. Louise Jacobs’s book, ‘We scientific questions, the Desperate for religion. Have Reason to Believe, is a problems of life remain My stand is full to bursting theological statement in completely untouched’ by With books and photographs, itself.’ which he meant everyday With candlesticks and holy scrolls , Rabbi at life, the way we live. And And leaflets, free for all. West London Synagogue, that’s surely the main point The room is full of worthy folk takes issue with Dawkins and isn’t it.” He concludes by All waiting just like me. Hitchens for blaming religion making a point that both But where are all the students? instead of what people do in Hitchens and Dawkins seem Why do they not come? the name of God. R. Freeman to ignore about religion, that What holds them back from meeting us? also says, “We have confused “belief is secondary to They cannot be so dumb! the realm of science with the action.” There’s food upon the table realm of beauty and feeling , Rabbi at As well as food for thought and imagination and Wimbledon and District And learned men and women metaphor and then made a Synagogue, speaks of Are eager to converse value judgement.” Dawkins’ irrelevance. ...Or convert. The late Peter Lipton, scholar Actions, not creed, not Perhaps that’s it – and teacher to whom this Religion is as much about whether or not God exists, The fear of engaging in book is dedicated, labels questions as answers. matters in Jewish thought. Conversations deep, Dawkins and Hitchens as The problem is that Dawkins Or simple, plain embarrassment secular fundamentalists. The words and Hitchens paint all religion with a broad In this campus for the Arts themselves are condemning. Like Maimonides, brush of condemnation within the context of To mix with all these holy folk Lipton agreed that God defies absolute recent actions by Islamic fundamentalists With their symbols and their books. clarification and refers to the old Jewish Daniel Smith, Rabbi of Edgware & District Perhaps the answer’s more mundane saying, “It doesn’t matter whether you believe Reform Synagogue, understands faith to be ‘a Lying deep within their hearts; in God as long as you do what He says.” Because dynamic process which includes questioning There’s nothing at all odd institutions may sometimes conflict with what and doubt.” Human energies can be used for About a simple fear of God. the Torah says, doesn’t as the critics suggest, both good and evil, and so blaming particular And so mean that Torah is of no ethical use. While institutions seems fruitless if not inaccurate. I continue with my wait the critics describe religion as some Faith and religion are not about aggression, And hope that soon they’ll come, ‘malevolent agent that takes us over,’ Lipton fanaticism or denigration. Dawkins and A stunning stream of students... says “we are the agents and it is up to us what Hitchens brand of atheism seems to be Why then we’ll all believe in God! we make of our religious tradition.” While concerned with both. Kol Kehillat Kernow August 2008 5 Pottering along from the Pacific to political heartlands

Anthony Fagin gingerly around the birds in order not to trample them. When we last heard from Ant and Kate, they In particular were the Blue- were conquering New Zealand. This last leg of footed Booby engaging in an their yearlong journey takes them from Tahiti elaborate courtship dance to Easter Island to the U.S.A. and the aerobatic Magnifi­ Auckland. The barber had a shaven head. He cent Frigate Bird who, in came from Samoa. He set to work without courtship, inflates an soliciting instructions, wielding electric enormous crimson-coloured clippers the size of a hedge trimmer, to the breast pouch as he sits on a front of which was attached a broad-toothed makeshift nest. The first comb like the cowcatcher on the Kingston Flyer. thing the lady Frigate does, I think he was preparing a flat landing area for having been lured by the mosquitoes. When I returned to the hotel, Kate male, is to consolidate and said, “Nice haircut.” I replied, “It’s the latest tidy up his nest prior to thing called Samoan.” mating. Gaugin was right. Tahiti is as near to an earthly Quito. Outside this most paradise as makes no difference. The Pacific perfect of Spanish colonial laps gently outside our front door. Tahiti cities in all the Americas, is comprises two volcanic islands, Tahiti Nui and Cotapaxi Volcano. 4,500 Ity (large and small) joined by an isthmus to meters high, she left us form the figure 8. It is just what one would gasping. Further down the expect of a tropical paradise: coconut, mountain in Banos where we pawpaw, banana, black volcanic beach, jagged stayed, we saw her belching mountain peaks obscured by clouds. But it’s black smoke and volcanic the people who are so gorgeous. In their floral gases. We continued on to prints with hibiscus or frangipani adorning their the Upper Amazon Basin to jet-black hair, they animate the familiar images An adventure looms: Anthony Fagin thinking about his upcoming see the dramatic waterfalls, of Gaugin’s wahine. We saw a mother pushing journey last year. He and Kate returned home recently. Turkey Vultures, and Howler a wheelbarrow in which were two surfboards Monkeys. and two toddlers and a man with the physique nearly 400 moai all told but more will surely USA. It’s June 4th and we arrived in Minneap­ of a Sumo wrestler waddling home with a ten be uncovered, all quarried from one site, an olis/St Paul on the day Barack Obama made baguettes tucked under his arm. We hear extinct volcano called Rano Raraku. history. The day before we had been in the pealing laughter wherever we go. Santiago, Chile. The Museo Colonial is full of Texas Book Depository building, now a museum Easter Island. Those massive moai stand utterly Spanish ecclesiastical art, room after room of depicting the ghastly assassination of JFK. We impenetrable in the bleak landscape with their it, all terrible dark in tone and concerned at couldn’t help seeing the parallel between fixed gazes, ski-jump noses and thin lips. They one level or another with mortification of the Kennedy and Obama. Both broke the mould, don’t look out to sea, but look inward over what flesh, but we marvelled at the Museo Chileno both charismatic and articulate. were once human settlements. There are de Arte Precolombino, pre-Hispanic Earlier on, we artefacts form drove from San Mexico to Patagoia. Those mas­ Francisco to Seat­ Galapagos Is­ sive moai stand ut­ tle along the coast. land.We flew to the terly impenetra­ Being fortunate Island of Baltra from enough to live in Quito and boarded ble in the bleak Cornwall, we did­ the Cormorant II on landscape with n’t find the Cali­ the Island of Santa fornia coast as Cruz for a cruise to their fixed gazes, dramatic as we these islands. Each ski-jump noses hoped but the island seems to have coast redwood three names: a and thin lips forests were an­ Spanish one, an other matter. English one, and an official ‘Ambassadors from another time,’ Steinbeck one. Each island is different. called them. We also saw Grey Whales breach­ When you walk around these ing! In Oregon we headed for Crater Lake and islands- mountainous or flat; in Seattle, we spent time in the old fish market forested or bare; smooth lava and admired the dazzling, iconic Central Li­ flows or jagged-you begin to brary building. Then on to Canada and the understand, thanks to Dar­ Campbell River to see Black and Grizzly Bears, win, why the extraordinary Bald Eagles, Pacific White-sided Dolphins and wildlife and vegetation varies Stellar Sea Lions. in the way it does. There was Editor’s note: The last I heard Ant and Kate snorkelling with fish, pen­ were ducking tornadoes and floods and headed guins, seal ions and turtles. down the Mississippi River. Huck Finn has Bat Mitzvah Girl: Scarlet Cohen, daughter of Ashley and The wildlife trusts you here. nothing on them! We should see them in Jenny, is anticipating her coming of age ceremony in October. You have to pick your way August! Welcome home! Mazel Tov to Scarlet and to proud parents and siblings. 6 August 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow n Editorial n Profile of Bonnie Rockley Teshuvah Cheder lady extraordinaire

Who am I? What is my life? What have I done Pat Lipert by her, parents and graduates of Cheder who personally to contribute to Tikkun Olam? volunteer their time, but is constantly on the These are the essential questions we need to Talk with Bonnie Rockley for more than five lookout for materials that are ‘child-friendly.’ ask ourselves and this is the time in which we minutes and you can be certain that her Cheder Her most recent acquisitions are for Pre- do it. It starts with the Month of Elul, gently, schoolers. They may not be able builds during Rosh Hashanah, reaches a to read and write yet, but by crescendo at Yom Kippur, and closes reflectively Heaven, they are going to get by the time we have celebrated Sukkot and introduced to the traditions and Simchat Torah. We cannot call ourselves Jews joys of being Jewish. if we don’t do this. In case you don’t know what the Every year that passes seems more critical than syllabus is for the KK Cheder, it the year before, and we try very hard throughout includes the following: the year to make our contribution. Sometimes Oral and written Hebrew, we succeed in quiet ways; sometimes, we do festivals, history, food, prayers, wonders with spasmodic flourishes. And and literature, field trips, sometimes, we let others and ourselves down. Shabbat observance, and Jewish But no time is more important than now. As the articles of ritual and interest passage in our Machzor says, man’s “days are (i.e. Mezzuzot, Torah Scrolls). short his days are like grass, he blossoms like While our kids may be having fun a flower in the field; but the breeze passes over and socialising with other Jewish it and it is gone ” children, they also are learning This year, let us try even harder, as we enter the at the same time to begin and most holy, most plaintive but hopeful of seasons, One-to-one tutorial: Bonnie with Isaac Feldman giving to live Jewish lives, not only for to allow inspiration and imagination, goodness personal tuition, something she manages to do with each themselves and their parents, and compassion, patience and magnanimity to of the children at one time or another in each session. but also for future generations. touch our souls. And that’s what it’s all about, At the end of the Day for Atonement we say: kids will be included in one way or another. isn’t it. Mazel Tov! Bonnie! “Lord, be with us when we are at home, and as Here is a lady so determined, so dedicated, we return to daily life. Guide us as we walk in and so caring about the importance of Jewish the street, and as we work in our offices and education for children, that nothing or no one businesses. Stay with us as we sit on our is going to undermine that! She is a genuine committees and when we lie down and when gift to our community and has taken the Cheder we rise up. Program from strength to strength. You are the place from which we come, and You With the help of caring parents, enthusiastic are the place to which we go, and You are the kids of all ages, and a willingness to keep reason and purpose for our journey. Only in Your Cheder times special and inviting for the first light can we see what is true and what is false, priority-the children-she has won the gratitude what endures and what deceives, what we are, and respect not only of the KK community but and what is our success and what is our failure. the RSGB as well. David Jacobs sings her We try not to ask for impossible things, lead us praises. Parents write fan letters. Children one step further along the path You chose for want to come back for more and enjoy being us and for our people long ago for our own good, Jewish. So what is her secret? and for the good of the world.” “I want the children to want to be here. Learning must be fun as well as instructive,” Need a she has said so often. In order to ensure this, Shabbat shalom! An exhilarated Bonnie in front Mezzuzah? Bonnie not only oversees the instruction given of the Ark after performing her Cheder duties.

Don’t forget we have our own Cornish Mezzuzot for sale. Case: £20 Scroll: £25 For details, contact Leslie Lipert on 01736 762675. Group session: Bonnie leads a discussion with three of her students and one recent graduate. Left to right: Theo Poznansky, Isaac Feldman, Bonnie Rockley, Murray Brown and Rosie Brown. Kol Kehillat Kernow August 2008 7 The Silvera Megillah

One of our members, Susan Ehrenzweig,’nee ably for commercial rea­ Silvera’ on her mother’s side, recently sons. discovered new information about her family’s The family multiplies past and what a fascinating discovery this has dramatically from here. been. Eliahu had three children, one of whom is my im­ Susan Ehrenzweig mediate ancestor, David Silvera, born in Aleppo in It all started with a guy named Abraham... No, 1735. From here on in, the not that Abraham. Silvera’s begin to produce Abraham Gomes Silvera was born in Livorno, very large families, and Italy in the early 17th century. I assume his each generation in turn, family left Spain or Portugal at the time of the followed suit. The result Inquisition but haven’t been able to trace my is that I have thousands of family lines further back. Abraham had a son distant cousins scattered called, surprise, surprise, Isaac and had, so around the world. It has The Manchester/London/Cornwall connection: Susan Ehrenzweig, far as I know, at least two sons. One of those been confusing trying to sharing a good laugh with her cousins, Jaine, and Pascal Borno sons, Eliahu, settled in Aleppo in Syria. The track them down as so (Dr. David Silvera), and her sister, Valerie. family were merchants and the move was prob­ many are called either Eliahu, David or Hillel; My mother remembers Pascal’s grandfather. one of these mishpakah One thing leads to another. Pascal has put me did a great deal of re­ in touch with a cousin in Israel; emails have search and I have now been flying back and forth and we are getting obtained a family tree! to know each other. I am the daughter of Why the sudden inter­ Camille Silvera and granddaughter of David est? A couple of months Silvera. ago, I was contacted by Next year, we plan to get as many Silvera cous­ a relative who claimed ins together at Pesach in Israel. How fortunate to be a descendent of my family was not to have been affected by the Silveras. We met and the holocaust directly(though certainly Tony’s worked out we were family was), only because they were lucky The Israeli connection: Long-lost cousins Dr. David Silvera (Pascal second cousins once enough to have lived mainly in the Middle East, Borno), with is wife and three sons and sister Miriam in Israel. Susan removed. His name is Britain, Haiti, the USA and South America. I and Tony Ehrenzweig will be meeting up with them and others of Pascal, lives in Califor­ feel a deep sense of gratitude that our more the extended family at Pesach 2009. nia but was born in Haiti. fortunate fate was sealed by geography.

Shabbat in Geneva: Pat and Leslie Lipert in Kletzimer Magic: Theo, Gabriella, Jonathan Poznansky and Louise Garcia providing some front of the Ashkenazi synagogue which music for the 6th Annual Music and Literary Festival held on the 27th of July to celebrate opened in 1859. The couple visited the city the 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel. attended and provided song, readings and poetry. recently during their holidays. 8 August 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow Notices and diary Joke: Woof!

Mazel Tov: Sep 20th: Harvey. Ki Tavo. Elul 20. 10.30am, Leslie Lipert • Karen Meyers, Grandpa Gerry Meyers, Sam TBC. and Kevin on the arrival of Sophie Isabella in Sep 29th: Erev Rosh ha-Shanah. Services & Morty visits Dr. Saul, the veterinarian and says, April Dinner at Pat and Leslie’s in Rosudg­ “My dog has a problem.” • Scarlett Cohen on her upcoming Bat Mitzvah eon, 6.30pm. Dr Saul says, “So, tell me about the dog and • Bonnie and Wilf Rockley on the marriage of Sep 30th: Rosh ha-Shanah. Services & Kiddush the problem.” their daughter, Rebecca to Dale Thompson in at Pat and Leslie’s in Rosudgeon, “He’s a Jewish dog. His name is Irving and he the Spring 10.30am. can talk,” says Morty. • Gerry Jevon on his upcoming Rite of Passage Oct 4th: Louise. Va-Yelekh. Tishri 5. 10.30 “He can talk?” the doubting doctor asks. • Good luck to Stephanie Berry on her two- am, TBC “Watch this!” Morty points to the dog and month stint in South Africa Oct 8th: Erev Yom Kippur. Kol Nidre. Servic­ commands: “Irving, Fetch!” es:6.30pm. Trelissick Gardens in Irving begins to walk toward the door, then Feock near Truro, upstairs room Welcome home: turns around and says, over restaurant. Ant and Kate after a year’s absence during “So why are you talking to me like that? You Oct 9th: Yom Kippur Services. 10am- which they travelled the world always order me around like I’m nothing. And 3pm:Morning-Afternoon Services. 4-7pm: Memorial and concluding you only call me when you want something. Condolences: Services and Communal Breaking And then you make me sleep on the floor, with • To Gloria, Adam and Amanda Jacobson on of the Fast. Trelissick Gardens in my arthritis. You give me this fahkahkta food the death of Milton, “Zikronam Livrokah”. Feock, near Truro. Upstairs room with all the salt and fat, and you tell me it’s a • To Harvey Kurzfield on the death of his sister over restaurant. Non-members: £10 special diet. It tastes like drek! YOU should eat donation. it yourself! And do you ever take me for a decent Get well soon: Oct 11th: Ha-azinu. Tishria12. Bat Mitzvah of walk? NO. It’s out of the house, a short pish and • Babs Colman Scarlett Cohen at private venue. right back home. Maybe if I could stretch out • Ron and Brenda Mason Oct 14th: Sukkot (14th-21st Oct). Tishri 15. a little, the sciatica wouldn’t kill me so much! • Joy Dunn Oct 18th: Pat. Hol ha-Mo’ed. Tishri 19. Induc­ I should roll over and play dead for real for all • Vera Collins tion of Admission for Gerry Jevon. you care!” 10.30am, TBC Dr Saul is amazed. “This is remarkable!” he Diary: Oct 22nd:Simhat Torah. Tishri 23. says.” So what’s the problem?” Aug 9th: Fast of Av Nov 1st: Harvey. No’ah. Heshvan 3. 10.30 Morty answers: “He has a hearing problem. I Aug 16th:Pat. Va-Ethannan. Av 15. Shabbat am, TBC said ‘Fetch’ not ‘Kvetch’.” Nihamu. 10:30 am,TBC Nov 15th:Louise. Va-Year. Heshvan 17. Sep 6th: Louise. Shofetim. Elul 6. 10.30am, 10.30am, TBC TBC Nov 29th:Pat. Toledot. Kislev 2. 10.30am, Would you like your Sep 7th: European Day of Jewish Culture & TBC Heritage. Tours of Penzance Ceme­ Dec 13th:Louise. Va-Yishlach. Kislev 16. 10.30 website designed & tery by Keith Pearce am – TBC 10.30am and 11.30am (by appoint­ Dec 20th:Harvey. Hannah and David Jacobs. hosted? Please call Noah ment only, contact Leslie Lipert at Hanukkah Weekend. Va-Yeshev. 01736 762675); Kislev 23. 10.30am, on: 01273 711117. Sep 7th: Annual Lecture by Prof. Julie Stone, TBC. Any other venues to be an­ “Doctors, Ethics and the Law,” 2- nounced. 4 pm at Carnon Downs Village Hall (tickets available at door or through Contacts: KK members); Concert, Dancing & Kol Kehillat Kernow, editor, Pat Lipert, 01736 Workshop by Chana Yaffe & Tirtza 762675 or [email protected]; Chair­ Singer, 7.30pm at Chasewater Vil­ man: Harvey Kurzfield; Co-chairman: Bonnie How to play: Complete the grid so the numbers lageHall (contact Anne Hearle for Rockley; Secretary: Rachel Brown; Treasurer: 1 to 9 appear only once in each row, each tickets: £6/£5 (conc.). Anne Hearle. column and 3×3 box. Don’t worry; no maths is involved. Only logic is required to solve the puzzle. Have fun! Glad-rag holiday rice salad IT’S MODERATELY HARD 8 3 91 Pat Lipert Fistful of flat parsley, chopped 300 g can chickpeas 5 3 This is a dressed up old favourite which is ½ cups of roasted sunflower seeds or pistachios perfect for breaking the fast or for gatherings Dressing 6 4 to celebrate the New Year. It’s bright, colourful ½ cup olive oil 85 19 and contains the symbolic chickpea, traditional ¼ cup balsamic vinegar at Rosh Hashanah to represent the birthday of 1 tbs. sesame oil 43985 the world. You can adjust the amounts ½ tbs. soy sauce or tamari depending on the number of people you are 1 clove garlic 29 36 serving. L’Chaim! Pinch of salt 2 tbs. sunflower oil ¼ tsp. ground black pepper 5 7 2 cups basmati rice Heat oil in pan, pour in rice and stir a few 4 cups water minutes to absorb the oil. Add the water and 9 8 1 tsp. salt salt. Bring to boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes. 83 2 1 1 chopped cucumber (sans seeds) Fluff the rice when done and set aside to cool. 2 tomatoes, chopped (sans seeds) Add remaining ingredients. Stir. Add dressing For the solution and more free puzzles, have a ½ red onion, chopped and mix well. Serves 8. Enjoy! look at the Sudoku website: sudokusolver.com.