SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS
WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.COM | £2 | APRIL 2010 | NISAN/IYAR 5770 | ISSUE 196
COMMUNITY BUILDING • THE AMERICAN MENTALITY • AND MORE 2 Pause for thought A welcome note from the Editorial Board
We are in the midst of counting the Omer, symbolically marking the time that the Jewish people wandered “ until the Torah was given before being admitted to the Promised Land. That time was important, necessary to change the Israelites. Their slave mentality needed to be eroded. They needed the forty years in the desert to become a nation. They needed to gird themselves, gird their faith and take responsibility for themselves and build their community. It is a given fact that the Sussex Jewish communities are smaller than thirty years ago. Whilst the decline in our numbers has been a source of regret for many years, what we are now seeing is a commitment to rebuilding our communities, a dedication to our future by finding new ways for making Sussex Jewry not only viable, but vibrant as well. Over the past months there have been so many events and many initiatives. Each of these has been designed to bring people of all ages together to be an active community. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a cabaret night, a painting party, a lecture, a discussion group, the development of a new Hillel House at Middle Street, local websites or anything else. Each shows that we can entertain each other, can educate each other and can build together. There can be no better testament to how desirable Sussex is for Jews than the announcement that this year’s Limmudfest will be held at Windlesham, just north of Worthing, from 26-30 August. Today our communities have the potential for walking out of our metaphorical desert and once again making Jewish Sussex a promised land within our country. Long may our community building continue and be sustained.
Submissions deadline for next issue: 8th April 2010 ”
Sussex Jewish News • PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ •Telephone 07906 955 4040 • email: [email protected]
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 3 Contents
Features 1 IMAGES OF COMMUNITY BUILDING ADVERTISING IN SJN Together we are stronger, whether by entertaining each Full page (A4 size) B/W: £160 Col: £260 other at the BHPS Cabaret Night or by redecorating our facilities at the BHHC Painting Party Half page (A5 size) B/W: £90 Col: £160 Quarter page (A6 size) B/W: £50 Col: £90 11 THE AMERICAN MENTALITY 1/9 page (credit card size) B/W: £35 Col: £50 Rabbi Russ Shulkes reacts to a recent protest in Personal: £4 per line Brighton after learning the difference between UK Flyers: Price on application and US attitudes Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to editorial decision. 20 EMEK UPDATE One year later, Susan Conway reports on progress at the BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 [email protected] hospital and its Eye Department SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, announcements, people, congregations, communities, contacts and more. Regulars Delivered at the start of each month, SJN is run entirely by volunteers 2 PAUSE FOR THOUGHT for reporting, editing, printing, and circulating each edition that has become the cornerstone of the Jewish community across the region. 4 PERSONALS AND LETTERS Your thoughts and views Editorial Board Communal Diary Doris Levinson / Stephanie Megitt Angela Goldman 6 cOMMUNITY LIFE / Ivor Miskin / David Seidel [email protected] Pictures and news from the past month Administrator Photographer 12 cuLTURE Ivor Sorokin Sophie Sheinwald Community entertainment and education 14 cAMPUS LIFE Admin Assistant E-Publishing JSoc success at the USSU Election and more Gweni Sorokin Gary Weston / Andy Devon 19 WHAT’S ON Community Issues Design/Production Regular and special events in your community Laura Sharpe Katie Lyons
Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: Your Community • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are not necessarily those of SJN; 15 Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or services and do not 16 Hove Hebrew Congregation accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or submit the 17 Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation content to others for comment. 18 Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY to [email protected], otherwise we cannot guarantee their consideration for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format using Times New Roman as a font. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, any response may be subject to delay.
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issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 4 Personals and letters
Talking to a Mop was the curious heading in last month’s SJN, Following your recent enjoyable item about Brighton Maccabi coupled with an invitation by the Worthing & District Jewish beach, I thought I would add my own memory. community to come and hear Stewart Macintosh elaborate on In 1964, many of the local young Jewish population were this rather odd title, followed by lunch. enjoying a hot May bank holiday afternoon on Maccabi beach. The audience consisted of some forty people who were The mood was happy, with pirate radio stations Caroline and rewarded with a catalogue of Stewart’s adventurous career London competing loudly from numerous transistors. interspersed with humorous anecdotes. Many will agree that his It was the year of the Mods and Rockers invasion, when delightful presentation coupled with clear diction made all the Brighton witnessed mass breakouts of fighting, piles of hearing aids redundant! deckchairs being set alight and many windows smashed along Finally, a special thanks to our host and hostess, Barbara and the seafront. Ian Gordon, who made everyone welcome and for the delightful Suddenly, there appeared at the railings above Maccabi beach lunch they prepared and served to one and all. It just goes to a large crowd of Mods obviously looking for trouble. Everyone prove that Jewish life extends beyond Boundary Road, Portslade. turned off their radios and the beach fell silent. As if by some Yours sincerely, Sidney Lipman secret command and without saying a word, every Jewish male stood up and turned to face the Mods. The message was clear, and after a scary few minutes, the Mods decided against After years of controversy regarding the closure of Middle Street pursuing their obvious intent to come onto the beach and cause shul, the Board of Management must be congratulated for their more mayhem, and moved off. hard work and perseverance in selling the building at the back to Hillel. I am sure the students will enjoy residing in the centre Surely a sign of the legacy of the heroic Maccabees living on in of Brighton. 60s Britain! I was in fact very vociferous in my opposition to the closure of Middle Yours sincerely, David Felsenstein Street, but realise that it was inevitable. Suffice to say, however, the problem now is funding for the shul itself to restore it to its former There was a great response to the Maccabi Beach article and glory; but I know it can be achieved if we all pull together. photo in the February issue. Yours sincerely, Elizabeth Caplin Confirmed sightings are Malcolm Sharpe, Rita Laurier (Halpern), Naomi Phillips (da Costa), Myra Ross (Taub), Louis Ross and his I was thrilled to be given a copy of the February 2010 issue little daughter Lydia (now Swithern). Possibles are Jill Gold z”l by Myrna Carlebach, as she now lives near me in Finchley and (da Costa), and Big Johnnie Gold, who went on to own Tramps knows that I grew up as part of the Maccabi crowd in Brighton. nightclub in London. Lydia’s brothers were Arthur, and Stanley z”l, who will be remembered for his amazing impressions of Looking at the article by Ivor Sorokin and the picture sent in Jerry Lewis. by Malcolm Sharpe, I quickly identified myself (born Naomi da Costa, and living in Somerhill Avenue at the time) in the lower The couple snogging in the front have not been identified. This section, towards the right, sitting up, with my left hand fiddling was scandalous behaviour in those days. with my ever-annoying curly light-brown hair! Yours sincerely, Ivor Sorokin Thank you so much. What wonderful memories. I just hope that other people in the photograph will contact you and identify As I have previously expressed, Sharon and I eagerly open themselves. We’ve mainly lost touch with each other, but we the SJN envelope and immediately read the contents. It is so were certainly a happy group of youngsters. good to read of our friends celebrating simchas and the many Life was so much more stable in the 1950s. We didn’t have a activities provided for the community. fraction of the choices which are in front of today’s teenagers, On page 18 Norina wrote of vibrancy at Ralli Hall. It thrills me but neither did we have the difficulties. Overall I believe it to read this. Many years ago a community meeting had to be was much easier for our generation. The only thing I do envy called because Ralli Hall was in dire straits. Roger Abrahams is their opportunity for travelling the world before they settle extolled the virtues of trying to keep the Jewish Centre alive down to “the real world”. and I can clearly remember opposing him and wanting to Yours sincerely, Naomi Phillips relocate to a smaller less costly building which would warrant the then use. I heartily congratulate Roger on his superb achievements of not only keeping Ralli Hall open but making constant improvements to the building and together with his The SJN Hall of Fame team, making Ralli Hall the Jewish Centre it should be. Our new look has been the talk of the town. But we want more than just By the way, doesn´t Cyril Jacobs look handsome on the front cover! talk. We want to see who is looking at us. Send us a picture of yourself with Sharon and I send our sincere good wishes to all who a celebrity. Each month we’ll pick one celebrity pic and print it. If it’s yours, remember us and chag same’ach. you’ll get a free 1 year subscription (or subscription renewal) to Sussex Jewish News! Have fun and get snapping! Yours sincerely, Sharon & Gerry Crest, Spain
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 5 Personals and letters
I am rather puzzled at the front cover of SJN’s 195th issue. I Bar Mitzvahs wonder if you are aware of the background and associates of Mazel tov to Mendel Rader on his bar mitzvah the lady appearing on your front cover spread this month. Mazel tov to Shirley & Stanley Lerner on the bar mitzvah of their In fact, I wouldn’t describe this image on a Jewish publication grandson Harry Ginsburg at the Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue as a little inappropriate, I would call it downright outrageous. Mazeltov to Hazel & Joe Rubin on the bar and batmitzvah of If you truly do not know her history, I would suggest you take their twin grandchildren Shira and Zak Hirsch in Israel a look at the following links and then you will see where I’m coming from: Wedding • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Bardot Mazel tov to Wendy & Michael Lovegrove on the marriage of their daughter Chloe • www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/may/15/france. davidhearst Anniversaries • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Marie_Le_Pen, issue 4.2 Mazel tov to Jean & Ivor Collins on their golden wedding on the left-hand side of the page. anniversary Who will your next front cover feature? Mel Gibson, or maybe Mazel tov to Linda & Raymond Felsenstein on their sapphire Nick Griffin? wedding anniversary From a very disappointed subscriber, Hilary Black Mazel tov to Michelle (née Seligman) and Neville Newman on their silver wedding anniversary Personals Get Well We wish a refuah shelaimah to Phillip Conway, Carole Lever, Thank You Frank Miller, Julia Milton, Michael Porthouse, Sidney Posner, Joe Rubin, Paul Samrah and Hymie Sheftz Barbara and Irvyn Isaacs (pictured) would like to thank Deaths all their family and friends for We wish long life to: the generous donations to • the family of Anne Bridges z”l Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, • the family of Nina Franks z”l Jerusalem and the many gifts, • the family of Helen Leibling z”l flowers and cards sent to • the family of Reuben Mazar z”l them on the occasion of their • the family of John Savage z”l Golden Wedding anniversary. • the family of Eddie Shaw z”l • the family of Michael Jeremy Tack z”l We extend our condolences to Alathea Samrah on the death of Birth her sister. Mazeltov to Corinne Silver on the birth of a grandson, and to Muriel Elkin-Rose on the birth of a great-grandson Michael Jeremy Tack z”l passed away peacefully on Thursday 18th February 2010 at the Martlets Hospice, Hove. He was a beloved son, husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather Birth: Doreen and Malcolm Lasky are thrilled to announce who will be sorely missed. the birth of a granddaughter, Celia Rose, born February 18th to Alex (nee Lasky) and Simon Rutsein. A darling sister for Harrison. THANK YOU; Helen Epstein and her family thank all their friends for the kind letters and phone calls they have received at this very sad time. Achievements Mazel tov to Dennis Hollis on receiving a certificate from Jewish Care for ten years of loyal service Stone settings The memorial stone in loving memory of Ida Bloom z”l will be Special Birthdays consecrated on Sunday 18 April 2010 at 4.00 pm at the Jewish Mazel tov to Faye Anner, Jill Bass, Alison Bateup, Stella Cemetery, Meadowview, Bear Road, Brighton Beckerman, Lena Boam, Jonathan Burgh, Natasha Conn, Linda The stone setting to commemorate the life of David Mazzier z”l Firsht, Estelle Rose Graham, Shirley Hecht, Alan Hershman, will take place on Sunday 25 April 2010 at 1.00 pm at the Philip Levene, Joanna Levinsky, Lewis Mann, Peter Marx, Rachel Jewish Cemetery, Old Shoreham Road, Hove Marx, Pearl Miller, Alfred Morley, Anne Pincus, Beryl Sharpe, Louis Strong, Josephine Taylor, Doreen Walker and Tamir West, The memorial stone in loving memory of Trudy Zaft z”l will be all of whom are celebrating special birthdays this month. consecrated on Sunday 25 April 2010 at 2.30 pm at the Jewish Cemetery, Meadowview, Bear Road, Brighton
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 6 Community life
Ben Gurion University Foundation There is also the Open Apartments programme. University students are encouraged to live in the poorer areas of Be’er by Sharon Rubin Sheva by being charged lower fees if they do so, and for The Brighton & Hove Friends of Ben Gurion University helping the children in their areas, both Arab and Jewish, with welcomed Jamal Alkirnawi to Ralli Hall on 18 February. anything they need, from school work to help with abusive parents and helping their pupils to overcome the difficulties that Ben Gurion University is in fact the heart of the city of Be’er Sheva they may experience with the social system. and has had more applicants than any other university in Israel in the last two years. Thirty-five percent of students are studying It has been proved that if children are better educated they can for advanced degrees and half of all students come from the Be’er get better jobs, fit into Israeli society and integrate better. If Sheva area with the other half from the rest of the country. they are uneducated, they are isolated, marginalised and tend to become more radical. Jamal’s role is to help the Arab students Jamal Alkirnawi is the Students are understand the bureaucracy of the University, and to cope with Academic Counselor for a new Western lifestyle. It is a cultural shock for both parents encouraged to live in Arab Students at Ben- and children when they come to university and they need help in Gurion University. He is the poorer areas and coping. They come from a collective society to the open individual 30 years old and recently society of the Western way of life and have trouble accepting that. help children, both married a Bedouin girl. There are family expectations, particularly for female students, He did his undergraduate Arab and Jewish, and he tries to help them adjust to the changes. Jamal helps degree at Ben Gurion the students take advantage of all that the University offers. He with anything they University and then did provides counselling, tutoring, mediation between parents and his Masters in Social need students and the university. Work at McGill University. He lives in Rahat, one of the recognized Bedouin villages near He is involved in his own research which examines the use Be’er Sheva. He also works for a non-profit organisation that of storytelling as a method for sparking dialogue between offers support and counselling to promote social change. He Sephardic Jewish immigrants living in a marginalized area of speaks fluent Hebrew and has been on the March of the Living to Be’er Sheva and Israeli Arab Bedouin from the nearby Bedouin Poland and says this affected him very deeply. city of Rahat. The Bedouins have lived in the area for centuries. Today they That these programmes are successful is amply illustrated in are semi-nomadic and have the lowest socio-economic level in that the Medical Faculty alone has some fifteen Bedouin who the country. Rahat has a population of about 40,000 and in the are training to be doctors. The first women medical graduates Be’er Sheva area there are about 160,000 Arabs and 450,000 have been practising medicine now for two years. Jews consisting of Russians, Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews. Thursday evening at Ralli Hall was noted for confounding the The problem for the Bedouin is to find a new identity in a changed usual anti-Israel diatribes one hears in some of the UK media. western world. Many parents have never had any education and We were being informed of diverse cultural groups coming cannot help them with their studies but understand that in order to together, studying together, and providing an environment for improve their standard of living, their children need an education. The both Arab and Jew which could lead to a better tommorow. matriculation pass rate for Arab students is very low compared with the If you are interested in stemming the tide of Antisemism/Anti- rest of the local population. The University offers help in various ways. Israelism then why not join the Brighton and Hove Friends of On Fridays, although the university is closed, many academics Ben Gurion University by contacting Sharon Rubin on 01273 volunteer to teach school children who need help with their 727676 or Sam Barsam on 01273 508323. schoolwork. Many schools come en masse for extra lessons and benefit from this extra tuition.
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 7 Community life
Board of Deputies: Defence Division The Council of Christians and Jews by Sam Barsam by Angela Costley, The JC (Jewish Chronicle) is replete with tales of antisemitism Communities for Change Manager and anti-Israelism and, closer to home, I applaud our own For many years the Brighton & Hove branch of The Council Sussex Jewish News which has recently published articles of Christians and Jews (CCJ) has been proactive in promoting highlighting the presentations and seminars full of prejudice Jewish-Christian dialogue in the local area. The local branch that are now offered to the local student population on campus. has held talks by prominent speakers and organised social Some will no doubt say that being anti-Israel is not necessarily activities such as ‘bring and buy teas’. Together, Christians antisemitic and this of course has a semblance of truth. There and Jews have worked alongside one another to develop their are those of us who disagree with current Israeli policies and understanding of each other, coming together in friendship. laws which sometimes seem harsh and not in accordance with Together, the Brighton & Hove CCJ has helped in the fight the principles of rabbinic Judaism. However, there is now a against antisemitism, proving that Jews and Christians can work different dimension which has invaded this debate. It is a move together and make a difference in the community. towards the delegitimisation and the demonisation of Israel. Sadly, over recent years the once-thriving Brighton & Hove CCJ It should be remembered that this relates probably (we has seen a fall in numbers. It has come to the point where we hope) to a minority of extremists. A recent poll of the general need to consider its viability. There have been as few as six population in the UK’s attitude to Jews, found that eighty people attending meetings – a disappointment to speakers and percent were unimpressed in any way and really not interested. an embarrassment to those arranging speakers. However, the remaining twenty percent who replied positively You are invited to a special meeting to be held on Monday could create mayhem, and destabilise the equilibrium of the Jewish 12 April at 7.30 pm at Hove Hebrew Congregation, Holland population in this country by forcing government policies that can Road, Hove. At the meeting we will be discussing and deciding damage Israel and the Jewish population as a whole. The enactment whether to close the branch. of the law on Universal Jurisdiction is but one such example. If the branch does close, there will be no forum for Jewish- So what is to be done? Christian dialogue which is essential to heal the rift caused by centuries of suspicion and hatred, the result of blood libels and We need to work closely with community organisations such as misunderstandings. It is precisely because we are bilateral that the CST, synagogues, organisations and universities etc. We need the CCJ has succeeded and is now the oldest national inter-faith to establish close links with the police at all levels. We need to organisation in the UK. We are able to tackle difficult issues monitor and assist with press and public relations. And we need to head on whilst others are just breaking the ice. It would be very maintain close links with European monitoring centres for racism and sad if the Brighton & Hove branch did close, particularly as it in xenophobia. And we need accurate analyses so, for example, we can an area where Judaism and Christianity thrive. determine where the next antisemitic event is likely to occur. We urge everyone to attend this meeting to ensure closure To this end, it is suggested that we set up expert groups - does not happen. We are looking for support of all sorts, but including social psychologists, anthropologists and futurologists above all we are looking for people with a vision for the future to understand the dynamics of contemporary antisemitism and to lead Brighton & Hove CCJ with new ideas and a fresh mind. anti-Israelism.2008 We also need CCJto provide POSITION pro-Semitic STATEMENTS propaganda Whatever you have to offer, even if it is only your time, please campaigns and even methods to pre-empt the vicious campaigns come along. resonating with the blood libels of mediaeval Europe. Finally, we need to be involved with the analysis of systematic reviews to see what policies work and which don’t, and determine the direction and forms of appropriate strategies. CCJ: Urgent Special Meeting If anyone is interested and willing to join groups that we are Brighton & Hove Council of going to establish for these purposes, please contact me. Christians and Jews Sam Barsam is a Deputy for Hove Hebrew Congregation and a An open invitation to attend a special meeting to discuss the future of the Brighton & Hove Council of Christians & Jews. Hove Hebrew Congregation, member of the Defence Committee of the Board of Deputies of IsraelHolland Road, Hove. Monday 12 April at 7.30 pm. RSVP to Angela on British Jews. He can be contacted by e-mail at sambarsam@ 020 7820 0090 or by e-mail at [email protected] hotmail.com or by ringing 07810 550572.
Emergency Training at BGU and Israelis to pool resources and create a partnership so The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) believesthat that in the justice event ofand such a a sustainable crisis, their two peacecountries must will have be based by Sam Barsam emergency forces in place to handle the worst. Historically,upon major the quakes right hit forthe Holy self Land‐determination area every hundred for Israelis and Palestinians. Israel has been a sovereign state Launched in October, the three-year academic medical years or so with one potentially due at any time. Are medical since 1948 and its continued right to exist freeemergency from trainingattacks programme on its is existencein the process must of teaching be beyond personnel in Israel and neighbouring regions prepared for the worst? question. Self‐determination for Palestinians isyoung also Jordanians likely toand includeIsraelis how a tosovereign work together state as a alongside A new joint project between the Jordan Red Crescent and Ben frontline team in a concerted regional response to emergency GurionIsrael, University with of the both Negev being is the economicallycatalyst for Jordanians and legally sustainablescenarios. and with secure recognised borders. issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com
CCJ believes that this must include mutual respect across all faiths and access to the numerous religious sites. CCJ is particularly concerned to encourage support for the minority Christian communities.
CCJ acknowledges the intense centuries‐old relationship of the Jewish people with the land of Israel, just as we recognise the tragedy of the Palestinian people who left their historic homes. Each group must seek to understand the other’s history. We believe that future peace and security in the region will be based on looking forward and recognition of the human rights, civil liberties and religious freedom of all.
We abhor violence and the abuse of human rights, whoever the perpetrator and whatever the pretext. Neither can act as a building block to a just and sustainable peace.
To bring about a just and sustainable solution in the region CCJ promotes a strategy of positive engagement, investment and dialogue. CCJ opposes and deplores boycotts: these hinder the opportunity for dialogue. We welcome links with institutions and organisations which encourage cooperation and co‐existence between all faiths. We support initiatives designed to increase understanding and respect for the individual.
8 Community life
Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Worthing & by Linda Taylor District Jewish On a wet and windy morning Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Community welcomed the many brave men, ladies and children who gathered by Barbara & to hear the megillah expertly read by a young American student called Cheski, ably assisted by our own Tzachi. There was a great Ian Gordon deal of noise which did not even upset the baby present. We were ‘swept off our feet’ on Thursday 18th It was a shame that Cheski had to dash back to Brighton before March when Stewart sampling the excellent brunch that was enjoyed by the rest of Macintosh gave us his the congregation. By the time we left, the sun was shining! entertaining talk entitled Hastings & District Jewish Society Talking to a Mop. by Stella Harris Stewart is an announcer on the BBC World Service Approximately 250 people, led by Mayor Maureen Charlesworth, and in his spare time (!) attended the National Holocaust Memorial Day service at St Chairman of Brighton & Mary-in-the-Castle in Hastings. The service was organised by the Hove Reform Synagogue. Society, the Christian Friends of Israel and the Council of Christians His appearance attracted and Jews with the support of Hastings Borough Council. Following a sizeable and appreciative audience. Thanks must also be the service led by Rev Chris Sears MBE and Frank Miller, Stella given to Stewart’s lovely wife Jenny who could not resist Harris and Christophe Lennard gave an inspiring account of the life helping us in the kitchen. of Irena Sendlerowa, a Polish health worker who rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Opera South East, led Since the talk, Ian has been seen clutching various brooms and by Roger Wilcock, provided musical accompaniment with Bernard mops – much to Barbara’s delight. But little does she know that Perkins singing the Mourner’s Kaddish. Ian is making a last ditch attempt to forge his own career in broadcasting. We heartily thank Claudette Woolfson for all of her hard work in contributing to Sussex Jewish News on behalf of the Society. We were very pleased to welcome visitors from Hove. Those of you reading this article who have not yet ventured as far as The first Friday of each month (except January), the Hastings & Worthing should ‘cross the border’ into West Sussex on Sunday District Jewish Society meet in Bexhill to enjoy a Reform service 18th April at 7.00 pm when we will be delighted to welcome Elkan led by a member of the Society or an invited person. February’s Levy, a dynamic speaker whom many may have heard at Brighton service was followed by a most enjoyable talk and slide show by Limmud. His talk is entitled Small Communities in the UK. architect and historian Peter Lennard on the history of Paris. In March Trish Russell presented a slide show on aspects of India. Between now and then, of course, we in Worthing will be The Society thanks Eric Stanley for his kindness in serving celebrating second Seder night. This will be catered for the first refreshments after each meeting. time for many years with the service conducted by Roger Berlin at a cost of £16. Ralli Hall Enquiries to Ian and Barbara Gordon on 01903 779 720 and By Norina Duke, Centre Manager [email protected] The sun has come out, and there is a spring feel in the air, Our details are also on Sussex Jewish Online. Unless notified although it is still very cold. I must say it is hard not to feel otherwise, all our meetings are held at The Quakers Meeting envy on reading the regular travel reviews received from Roger House, 34 Mill Road, Worthing. and Irit on their world cruise. Having written this column last month, I realize how difficult it AJEX is for Roger to write something different every time. I have had by Judy Gabriel, PRO Brighton & Hove good feedback from people who read my article last month, and The AJEX Summer Quiz will be held on Sunday August 8th at AJEX people have expressed surprise at the variety of activities which Hall, Reform Synagogue. This will be an afternoon quiz with lunch, take place at the Centre. so sharpen up your brains and your appetite, call Aubrey Cole on Although it really is hard to think ahead to Chanukah when we 737417 to book. Please keep the date in your diary. are just at Pesach, I can tell all those people who are thinking AJEX is the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women. We of holding a function at Ralli Hall, especially around the festive are a national organisation of those who have served and keep time, we are getting booked up with many of the “choice slots” on serving. Whether you served in peacetime or in war or are already taken. People are rather taken aback when I tell them serving now, there is a warm welcome for you in AJEX. Why not that certain dates are taken, so, to avoid disappointment, as give our Chairman Aubrey Cole a ring and see how you could soon as you know that you want to hold an event, personal or become involved? communal, please get in touch – even if it is a year in advance. I would like to give you advance notice of our AGM which will be held at 8.10 pm on 10 June.
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 9 Community life
Pesach prep at Torah Academy Hyman Fine House by Penina Efune by Alan Fine The current buzz word in education, especially for young I have attached a photo taken at Hyman Fine House of the children is Sustained Shared Thinking or SST. This involves residents who acted in the Purim Play. It was delightful and was the adult engaging with the child in a subject of interest and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Punch and refreshments were served enabling them to think and solve problems, a much needed skill and a wonderful time was had by all. in our day and age. In our lessons on Pesach, the three and four year old children at nursery engaged in some delightful SST. I was dressed as a slave and after we sang Pesach songs, I explained how the work was hard. Then the children offered their solutions to the problems of slavery. One boy asked why I didn’t call 999 so the police would come and arrest King Pharaoh. After explaining that there were no telephones at the time, one girl suggested that I run away. I said this was impossible because Egypt had guards so no one could escape. It was like a prison.
Back row: Muriel Lewis, Anetta Green, June Solomon, Priscilla Sugarman Front Row: Bettie Mendoza, Hettie Pepper, Rose Simons. Jewish Historical Society by Joan Melcher, Secretary The Sussex Branch of the Jewish Historical Society held an interesting evening attended by over 30 people on the 23rd February, when Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah, Minister at the Brighton & Hove Liberal Synagogue, gave a fascinating talk on Rabbi Regina Jonas, the First Woman Rabbi. There is little information about this remarkable woman, When another girl told me that I could get a sword and kill although papers concerning her were found in state archives the guards, I reminded her that I was a slave. I didn’t have after 4 decades. Leo Baeck and his wife Natalie were friends of any swords and because of all of the hard work, I wasn’t that Regina, who spent most of her life teaching and doing pastoral strong. The advice of one boy followed. I could catch a bird and work, until she perished in Auschwitz in 1944. The lecture was fly away. When I asked if a bird could carry me, he changed his followed by questions and a lively discussion. mind. He told me to hide. Please note that the next lecture to be given by the Jewish Finally, one girl who had been quiet until this point was asked Historical Society will be on the 27th April 2010 at Ralli Hall at for her thoughts. She said, “Hashem could save any people 7.45, when Howard Falksohn, archivist at The Wiener Library, who’s in ancient Egypt.” will talk about Children of the Third Reich. SJN Hall of Fame Acumen Business Law founder Penina Shepherd enjoys a conversation at Number 10 with various people including Lord Sugar. Mazel tov to Penina who receives a free year’s subscription of Sussex Jewish News for the Acumen Business Law reception area. MARTIN GROSS Funeral Director and Funeral Consultant to Jewish communities 01273 439792 07801 599771 07540 066566
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 10 Community life
The Generation Game exactly how we could help. She gave her name and when asked her address said that she lived in Monmouthshire. Sarah explained by Janice Greenwood that we only covered part of Sussex. “Oh” said the lady, in a very Some time ago Sarah Wilks had a call disappointed tone. She then uttered the classic punch line “does from Russ Shulkes, the Southern Region that mean you’re not coming?” Chaplain at Sussex University. Several The next Helping Hands tea will be held at the AJEX Centre on members of the JSoc wanted to be involved Sunday 25 April from 2.30-4.30 pm. We would like to extend with Helping Hands in some way. Sarah and a big thank you to Beryl Sharpe for kindly sponsoring the April Russ got together and thought it would be a good idea for the tea to celebrate her special birthday. Beryl is a relatively new students to visit some of our clients in their own homes. As member on the Executive Committee of Helping Hands, and Purim wasn’t too far away the idea was for students to take besides giving advice gleaned from all of the other charities Mishloach Manot to their hosts. Permission was asked of the with which she has been involved, she is also one of the said hosts and all were keen to participate. “backroom girls” of the Tea Afternoons. We heard from Russ that the outcome was a resounding We would also like to thank the Sussex Jewish Golfing Society success. The students enjoyed meeting and talking with our for generously sponsoring a Helping Hands Tea. clients and were regaled with tales of their youth and early days. Our clients reported that the students were charming, kind and Please consider sponsoring a tea yourself. You don’t need considerate. The “experiment” was successful and we hope we a special occasion to do so although it is a great way to can continue this partnership with the JSoc in the future. acknowledge one! As well as the Helping Hands guests who are regularly invited to come to our teas, we would love to Sarah also had a phone call from a lady with a very strong Welsh have more visitors from the community. Anyone who comes accent. After introducing herself, the would-be client asked exactly will be made very welcome and it is an opportunity to see what what Helping Hands could do to help people. Sarah went into her happens at the teas and for us to show you what an enjoyable spiel with the lady interspersing with murmurs of “wonderful”, time we all have. “how helpful”, “just what I need” and then proceeded to tell Sarah
Norman Grant of Gary Green Memorials
The Approved Mason for the B & H Reform Community and all Jewish Cemeteries Countrywide Renovations and Additional Inscriptions Home Visits by Appointment Brochure on request
01273 885874 mobile: 0776 951 5045 [email protected] Your Maccabi Football Team from 1967. Back Row: Jack Kaye; Brian Harris; Michael Spector; Wayne Gordon; Gary Lester; Will Lyons; John Boofty; Sid Glass (Manager). Front Row: Jonathan Gilman; Stuart Lawrence; David Gordon; Alan Israel; Michael Marks. Helping Hands We invite you to check out our new website: www.helpinghands.org Our join us for our next tea afternoon on 25 April at AJEX Centre from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm Telephone: (01273) 747722 / Email: [email protected]
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 11 Opinion The American Mentality by Rabbi Russ Shulkes
On Monday 16 January, approximately two hundred masked Sussex protestors had no intention of hurting anyone. Most protestors attempted to gain access to the EDO/ITT complex in of the mob wished to simply raise awareness of EDO’s alleged Moulsecoomb. The group alleged that weapon parts employed complacency in alleged war crimes perpetrated against the against Gaza by Israel last year were manufactured on site. Palestinian people without intending to pose any real danger Organizers publicized the event via the internet and flyers, to the compound or its staff. Accordingly, from the students’ advising protestors to arrive dressed in black with face masks perspective, any police response was too much of a response. concealing their identity. Their objective was to storm through The police’s usage, then, of batons, riot shields and horsewhips police lines, force their way into the building and cause such against the protestors was excessive in their eyes. negative publicity for EDO that the company would sever all But, as an outsider, it seems to me that there is good reason ties with Israel or even close their doors. Unfortunately the mob to question the Sussex students’ assumption of a good-natured was unable to push its way past the police, who repelled the mob. They were, after all, storming a building. Moreover, there protesters with batons, riot shields, and horse- is no telling what one rogue protester may do amongst a mob. whips. Who’s to say that one member of this mob did not hide a small One Sussex student was bewildered by what weapon on his/her person or even something worse? Wouldn’t she regarded as disproportionate use of that bring the most publicity to their plight? Are we to believe force by the police against the rioting mob. that angry masked mobs are above suspicion? Terrorists are a “Such a shame we didn’t manage to break clear and present threat throughout the world. No rational into the EDO compound, that would have person would believe that Brighton is immune to such been brilliant,” she was quoted in the 25 extremism. January edition of The Badger before Furthermore, the protesters set out to disrupt going on to say that “the police have the very social contract. Of course, the massively over-responded, and it was mob could have legally protested, non- they who closed the whole of Brighton violently. But in their estimation they centre.” deemed that their position would As an American who had not be as widely disseminated. experienced the harsh reality of In other words, in the name of terrorism on 9/11, I was taken publicity, they were ready to put aback by the student’s apparent people in harm’s way. Indeed, in naiveté. Over-responded? I that same article in The Badger, was astonished that the police the Sussex police press put out weren’t more aggressive and the statement that “we have forceful in quelling the mob. seen intimidating behavior and Indeed, this was neither sporadic outbursts of disorder” a legal nor a harmless from the mob. They continued protest. They intended, that “Members of the public… it seems, on inflicting have clearly been frightened by damage to the staff the behavior of a small minority and edifice of the EDO of protestors and many have faced building, and indirectly disruption.” undermining the Brighton and Hove In truth, this was not only a protest, but a criticism of the UK’s police force’s authority. Had their ploy been successful, one can very law system. Apparently, the protest’s organizers were only conjecture regarding the damage they would have inflicted unwilling to widely broadcast their message legally – through upon a legal and tax-paying institution. the internet, newspapers, in public speeches, a Facebook To my surprise, group, legal protests, a writing campaign to their local MP, etc. I was taken aback by after discussing my Instead they decided to traverse the low road by endangering the student’s apparent perspective with a local residents and businesses hoping the police will respond number of Sussex “proportionately” to their aggression. naiveté and astonished JSoc (Jewish society) In America this would be unacceptable. Protest legally, or suffer that the police weren’t students, I found the consequences. But in the UK, at least among the student that my American more aggressive and population, there is no fear of attacks, violence, or carnage sentiment was not from extremist groups even in the form of storming masses. forceful. reflected among the Accordingly, if police respond with any measure of force, by student body. Except definition, it is viewed as disproportionate, as most students for a Venezuelan girl who has also personally experienced the wouldn’t hurt a fly. One can only laud such a utopian worldview, dangers of terrorism, the Sussex students believed that the and pray for its eventual actualization. However, while the UK police did respond disproportionately. Are they naïve or am I might enjoy exclusively noble and righteous mobs, one cannot overly forceful? but feel sympathy for those who must save us from the still- It seems that the disconnect between the Sussex students’ harsh reality. opinion and my own is rather straight-forward. Apparently the
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 12 Culture
Reading and E-reading Three Choirs Evening by the Sussex Jewish Online Team by Maxine Toff Over the next year Sussex Jewish Online believes that people Who would have thought of starting a concert by making the will become even more technology and internet dependent. audience learn a new song in Yiddish, and then sing it on the Instead of mass-producing everything, more items will be pretext that it was to help the Yiddish choir warm up? Well, this centralised on the internet. We won’t need each to buy is how Polina Shephard started this glorious February evening software off a shelf when we can download what we need from of song at Brighthelm Centre featuring the Chutzpah Choir, the the internet. Brighton & Hove Russian Choir and the Westdene Decibelles. Newspapers can now be downloaded and read from our The audience were in good form and sang splendidly. Then PCs, laptops, iPods, mobile phones, or e-readers. Think of the Chutzpah Choir strode on stage from the back of the hall the massive savings, not only in production costs but in singing Jam-da Jam-da, a lively song in Yiddish with fine verve environmental benefits. No more printing means paper (tree) and gusto. This set the evening off to a great start. After the saving. No more distribution (road transport and postage), Chutzpah Choir performed several songs in Yiddish, Hebrew and going out to get the newspaper, daily waste (refuse collection, Ladino, then there were beautifully sung solos from members of landfill savings, etc), energy savings, labour costs. The cost both the Chutzpah Choir and the Russian Choir. efficiencies are multiple. An exciting fashion show gave us a chance to rest our ears and look We have seen the recent growth in popularity of smart at wonderful clothes with a Ukrainian theme. The clothes were all phones such as the iPhone, which utilise Wi-Fi. More people modelled very professionally by the members of the Russian Choir, are investing in these gadgets. More importantly, massive finishing with Polina modelling a stunning evening dress.After a companies such as Sony, Google and Amazon have launched short break to try and eat as many pancakes as possible, the e-readers. The Sun, Britain’s biggest daily newspaper, has now audience enjoyed the jazzy Westdene Decibelles who had launched its own online digital version. everybody tapping their feet and swaying to the great rendering of some jazz favourites. E-readers are pocket-sized computerised book-like gadgets, sophisticated but simple to use, able to hold thousands of The Russian choir followed with an interesting programme of books and various periodicals – from magazines to your daily folk songs - some beautiful and sad, others cheeky and funny newspaper. They are lighter than the average book and provide but all beautifully rendered. All the members live locally but a realistic page view. In addition, there are search and index they have four Russian speakers among them. It was a splendid functions, bookmarking, dictionaries and print size can be evening of music. Watch out for another performance later in changed to suit eyesight along with many other features. the year. It is not to be missed. If you are interested in joining any of these choirs please get in touch with Polina Shepherd Some will scoff at e-reading preferring to stay with printed (details in What’s On). publications. Books won’t become obsolete soon, but e-reading is becoming more popular much in the same way that computers and mobile phones have become part of everyday life. We welcome your thoughts and feelings on this subject at [email protected]
01273 930931 [email protected] www.lyonsrankin.com
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 2 YOUNG LIMMUD CONFERENCE 2009 E C
N Contents E R E F
N Welcome to Young Limmud Conference 2009 ...... 1 O C Introducing the Team ...... 3 Practical Information ...... 4 13 Culture Afternoon Club and Night Club ...... 5 Rules on Young Limmud ...... 6 Time Out on Young Limmud...... 7 Listen and Learn ...... 8 Guidance for Parents ...... 9
JACS Watching the Games by Nina Taylor, Hon Chairman UKJFF on tour Before the recent blizzards we enjoyed Part 2 of The Heart by Cecily Woolf Word Search...... 10 of London and had a most interesting and illuminating talk The French language film Comme Word Scramble...... 11 by Rabbi Wallach on the festival of Chanukah. Sidney Lipman Ton Père (Father’s Footsteps) was presented a lively Chanukah programme of comedy and music a fine piece of work artistically Kakuro ...... 11 which was very enjoyable. There was also a talk by Chris Shaw with excellent acting throughout. Colouring ...... 12 on Climate Change. However it was also an Doodle Page ...... 14 We then had a visit from Laurie Moss, a Fire Prevention Officer, uncomfortable slice of reality, projecting a sordid image of who gave us advice about safety in the home and offered Sephardi Jews and Israel in general. While we do have our share to install smoke alarms and check our homes. A few of our of violent criminals, there are plenty of antisemites to focus on members took advantage of his offer and were visited within a them. Nevertheless the film succeededPr owellg rina itsm mpurpose,e which week. That’s what I call service! was telling the tale of the Tunisian MaimonRece family,ptio nwho – movedYear 2 ...... 16 from Israel to Paris in the 1970s. Helen Poole told us about Cleopatra – Serpent of the Nile. This Years 3 & 4 ...... 21 lady (Cleopatra - not Helen Poole!) was so desperate for her Father Felix turned to crime to support his wife Mireille and family to retain control of Egypt ,that she married two or three their two sons, Eric and 11-year-old MichelYear (ans 5 outstanding & 6 ...... 27 of her brothers and even her own son! performance by Jules Angelo Bigarnet).Ye Settlingars 7 in& Paris’s 8 . Belleville...... 33 Committee member Barbara Blume gave us a very pleasant district, they encounter the Sephardi godfather, Serge (Richard afternoon reminiscing about her childhood and teenage years. Berry), resulting in Felix’s arrest and imprisonmentYears 9 & by 1 the0 .French ...... 39 police. An interfering mother-in-law Maryam arrives to complicate Our AGM was attended by Harold Newman MBE, the National matters and – of course – blames MireilleYea forrs everything.11 & 12 ...... 43 Chairman of JACS. Harold was awarded his honour for services to the community in Mill Hill. He has also done sterling work Then Serge commits a horrendous crime which is glossed for AJEX and is a past National Chairman. Harold was most over in the film. He teaches little MichelPres eton tuseer sa . gun. . .and ...... 48 charming, meeting and greeting all our members, some he manipulates him into killing a troublesome colleague. No remembered from AJEX. The meeting ended on a high when mention is made of the impact on theKe child.ep in Instead Touc hSerge wit h New Friends ...... 57 Harold showed photographs of the Prince of Wales investing arranges for false documents. Felix escapes from prison under him with his MBE along with others of himself and his family at cover of a 15-minute parole to say KaddishNotes for. . his. . Mum. . . .(who ...... 58 Buckingham Palace. by now has died of a broken heart, Bsinceuil dyouin gask); m aandps the...... 62 family are safely reunited back in Israel. We have another super programme planned for this month. Unfortunately, due to rising costs, it was agreed to raise the As Michel’s beleaguered parents, Gad Elmaleh and Yael weekly attendance fee to £2 for members and £2.50 for Abecassis prove that it is possible to act with children and make visitors, but what good value! Tea, biscuits, a speaker and best the audience really care what happens to the adults. of all, friendly faces. Finally, if you or anyone you know is taking part in Brighton We have, in the past, sent programmes to members but as our Festival Fringe or the artists’ Open House’ scheme, please let funds are rather low, we have suspended this service for the me know as soon as possible by e-mailing me at cecilywoolf@ time being. In the event of bad weather, if you want to know talktalk.net. It will be my pleasure to promote your talent. if there is a meeting, please phone either Janice on 772812 or Limmud myself on 720390. Bournemouth Day Unit 1 Tel +44 (0) 20 8458 7965 We look forward to seeing all members and non-members at Limmud 23 May 2010 Tudor House Fax +44 (0) 20 8381 4005 Llanvanor Road Email [email protected] our meetings and can assure you of a very warm welcome. Tickets are available by sending your London NW2 2AR Web www.limmud.org cheque (payable to Limmud) together Essential listening with your name & address to Alex A company limited by guarantee and registered in England, company no. 3903050. Segal, 17 Spencer Road, Poole, Registered office as above. Registered as a charity, no. 1083414 Get Up: Dan Nichols & Eighteen Dorset BH13 7ET. Limmud Fest 2010 www.cdbaby.com Alternatively you can book tickets YOUNG LIMMUD online at www.limmud.org/day/ 26-30 August at Vos Vilstu: The Polina Shepherd Experience bournemouth. Earlybird tickets are Windlesham www.polinashepherd.co.uk u now available at the special rate of (north of Worthing) £22 per person if purchased before May 1. Thereafter, the ticket price We’ll be filming our exciting new Advance Notice is £28 per person. A bus has been video, Fest By Any Means, on April Portsmouth City hired by the community for anyone 11th. If you’d like to be part of it, wanting to go to the Bournemouth please e-mail [email protected] Museum Day Limmud. Friday 2nd July to To book your return place or for more For more information about Fest, Tuesday 20th July information, please e-mail please contact us on [email protected] 2010 [email protected]
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 14 Campus life
Student Union gets the New Home Flow, Jo and more Thank Yous by Rabbi Russ Shulkes Last month we reported on the JSoc’s visit to their future new Every year Sussex University students home at Hillel House, Middle Street elect six full time Student Union (USSU) which is still under renovation. staff members. These Student Union Nevertheless, this project would officers are either current students, never have come to fruition without or more commonly, students who the involvement of several people. are finishing their third year and are graduating. Before entering the “real Steven Samuels is the Treasurer world,” they spend an additional year of Hillel and was key to forming or two giving back to their university, Brighton Hillel as an independent whilst the university flips the bill. local charity. He was also involved with many aspects of creating the new centre. Other active This year saw the best student turnout ever in Sussex history with members of the committee are Hilary Freedman and Doreen Lasky. over three thousand students voting. This was almost a thousand more voting than last year. Not only were the students more Hillel, JSoc and the community thank Steven, Hilary, Doreen involved in the election process, but more candidates came out and everyone involved in the new Hillel House for their past and of the woodworks than normal as well. Twenty-nine candidates continuing efforts with this exciting project. ran for six positions, with nine competing for the student welfare position alone. BRIGHTON & HOVE JEWISH HOUSING ASSOCIATION That’s what made the election of Jo Goodman – a third year anthropology student and events’ organizer on the board of TO LET the Jewish Society (JSoc)– to the student welfare position that Ground floor studio flat in central Hove. Newly refurbished. much more impressive. Touting the campaign slogan “Jo: she Affordable rent includes: Central Heating, Constant hot water, Use of got the Flow,” along with an army of friends and supporters, Jo garden. Please telephone 01273 277225 for an application form wooed countless students. Throughout the week, her troop of close to twenty supporters lobbied their fellow students to “get the Flow.” Besides the traditional routes of speeches, pins, flyers, and a Facebook page, Jo and her cohorts even made a creative and funny dance video, which can be seen at youtube.com/ watch?v=BkXk5qlgZj8. Malcolm Green The election process at Sussex is somewhat complicated. Students not only had to choose a candidate for each position, but also had Catering to list their second, third, etc. choices as well. In each round the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and that next choices The selection of your menu is an important part in for that candidate are then counted. For the position of welfare officer, there were eight rounds until the two final candidates went the planning of your Simcha. For that reason our head to head. Chefs continue to create exciting and tasty menus to meet your every need. We can tailor a menu to fit your Besides Jo’s ascension victory, the Jewish student body has more to celebrate. Three of the six elected USSU officials are Jewish. specific requirements and help create the function you are proud of. Let us introduce you to a cuisine that has made us one of Israel’s leading Caterers. Gifts from the JSoc Plus summer holidays in Italy, Ireland and weddings throughout the world. by Esther Shulkes On Purim day, the Sussex JSoc joined with Helping Hands to KOSHER CATERING AT ITS BEST deliver Mishloach Manot (Purim baskets) to local elders. After the students prepared these baskets at his house, Rabbi Shulkes acted Contact Rachel on 01273 726495 as chauffeur and drove them around throughout Hove. or Malcolm on [email protected] One community member described the delivery as the highlight www.kosherservicesworldwide.com of her week and extended a regular invitation to the students to come whenever they want. After three hours of deliveries, the UNDER SUPERVISION KASHRUT DIVISION group sat down for a Purim seudah (feast). OF THE LONDON BETH DIN
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 15 BHRS Rabbi Charles Wallach Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue www.bh-rs.org Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE Tel: 01273 735343 Email: [email protected]
Haftarah for Chol Hamoed Pesach the early kibbutzim not far from Jerusalem is in fact called Kibbutz Nachshon. In fact, in the very early days of the modern 3 April 2010: Ezekial 37:1-14 Zionist movement Pesach was seen as being effectively Zeman Bold steps to freedom by Rabbi Charles Wallach Haatzmaut – the time of Independence and in the writing of The Haftarah reading for the Shabbat in Pesach is taken not the haggadot which were used by kibbutz movements, pieces so much because of its connection with the festival but more such as this very text were used. so because of what the festival in part represents. Pesach For the text is, as Hertz says, a parable: the dry bones traditionally is called Zeman Cheruteinu – the Time of our referred to are seen as the Jewish people being restored, Freedom. Freedom implies rebirth, growth, a chance to begin having new life breathed into us. As with much of Ezekiel again. The vision of the prophet in seeing himself as it were in who was prone to writing in visionary terms, it is difficult to a valley where the scattered dry bones are made live is thus see whether he was speaking in real or imagined terms. He a theme of renewal, a renewal both of the physical sense and was witness to the Babylonian exile. As such one can see his especially of the spiritual in us all. words as being balm in a time of national calamity. However, For freedom carries with it the ability to stride out as it were, there is also the traditional idea of physical resurrection to to be bold in faith and deed. This idea is of course given added consider – and Pesach was seen as being the time of that in force by the midrash concerning the crossing of the Red Sea time to come. where it is said that it was Nachson ben Aminadav who entered The fact that the Negroes in America turned part of this into the sea prior to the rest of the people. That in turn gave rise to a famous spiritual is of course no accident: for they, like the early word for “bold” in modern Hebrew being nachshoni. our ancestors, saw the need to dream and strive for a new With the rise of the early kibbutz movement the chalutzim tomorrow! or pioneers saw themselves as being “nachshonim”. One of Portraits of Posterity
To commemorate Yom Ha’Shoah this year we will be hosting the Pictures of Posterity exhibition, which was recently on display at Brighton Library. The exhibition tells stories of individuals who escaped the Nazis as young men and women, and features six members of the local Jewish community. The exhibition will be on display from the end of Pesach through April in the AJEX Centre. Some of those featured will also be participating in our Yom Ha’Shoah Service on 11th April. These recollections, often of daring and remarkable resilience, are themselves a living and lasting testament not only to those who have thankfully lived the latter part of their lives in relative peace, but are a further reminder to us all that not so long ago there was indeed a force in this world that when left unchecked became an instrument of hate and utter devastation. In showing the exhibition we hope that through us the message remains.
Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue Bulletin Board for APRIL 2010 Friday 2 Late night service at 8.00 pm YOM HA’SHOAH. Reading of Megillat Saturday 3 Rabbi’s Shuir at 9.00 am Ha’Shoah, The Shoah Scroll Service at 10.30 am Sunday 4 Service at 6.30 pm Sunday 11th April 2010. 26 Nissan 5770 at Monday 5 Seventh day of Pesach Service at 10.30 am 6.30 p.m. Saturday 10 Book Club at 9.00 am Sunday 11 Yom Hashoah service at 6.30 pm If you have family members who perished in the Shoah, Sunday 25 cheder begins please let the Shul office know their names below so that they After Pesach ends, we have the following regular activities: can be read out at this Memorial Service • Friday night services commence at 6.30 pm At this service we shall pay tribute to six residents of Brighton • Saturday morning services at 10.30am & Hove whose stories will form an exhibition on show in the • Mondays at 11.00 am. Seated exercise to music with Adele. AJEX Centre called ‘Portraits of Posterity’ • Wednesdays at 1.00 pm. Rabbi’s Discussion Group • Wednesdays at 2.00 pm. JACS
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 16 HHC Rabbi Vivian Silverman Hove Hebrew Congregation 79 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 Email: [email protected]
Janet’s Column April diary by Janet Cowan 4 Sunday Yom Tov begins with candles to be lit before 7.23 pm Mincha at 7.30 pm Many of us feel that HHC is an ageing community, but we know 5 Monday 7th day of Pesach how to celebrate our longevity! Shachrit at 9.30 am. Mincha at 7.30 pm 6 Tuesday Last day of Pesach. We have just had our second 50th wedding anniversary. Shachrit at 9.30 am. Yom Tov ends at 8.34 pm. Barbara and Irvyn Isaacs celebrated their golden wedding 11 Sunday Yom Hashoa service recently and once again our shul had many visitors to help Joint with Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation celebrate and enjoy a fabulous Kiddush. More importantly we 7.30 pm at Holland Road heard Irvyn daven a very tuneful maftir. It is certainly the first 12 Monday Council of Christians and Jews Emergency meeting in the Talmud Torah, 7.30 pm time I have heard Irvyn in singing mode. Should a vacancy for with David Gifford, Director of the Council of CCJ a chazzan occur at our shul, I hope Irvyn will apply! I would like 13 Tuesday Talmud shiur at 11.00 am to wish Barbara and Irvyn and hearty mazel tov and many more 18 Sunday Stonesetting of Ida Bloom, 4.00 pm at Meadowview happy and contented years together. 19 Monday Yom Hazikoron - Remembrance Day for all who have given their lives in the defence of Israel Pearl Miller celebrated her 75th Birthday and made a Kiddush. 20 Tuesday Yom Haatzmaut Joint Shachrit service at Holland Alan Hershman also celebrated his 75th Birthday and made a Road, 7.30 am, followed by festive breakfast. Ladies Kiddush. Both Pearl and Alan do so much for our shul. Pearl Discussion Circle followed by Talmud Shiur, 10.30 am always helps with our Kiddushim, and Alan helps the shul 25 Sunday Stonesetting of Trudy Zaft, 2.30 pm at Meadowview behind the scenes. We are all so grateful to you both and hope to share many more birthdays with you. So, in spite of our age, we do know how to celebrate and enjoy Recipe of the ourselves. month: Our AGM will be held on Sunday 9th May at 10.30 am. Make a Almond Sweetmeats note of the date in your diary and join us. (approx 30) Happy Pesach, and keep celebrating. Mix 1 cup ground almonds, 2 cups icing sugar, 1tbsp ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp fine matza meal. Beat 3 egg Hove Hebrew Congregation whites and fold into almond mixture. We require a part-time office administrator with Make balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them well spaced on greased bookkeeping experience and knowledge of Sage accounts/ baking tray. Bake for about 25 minutes payroll. To commence in early May. Please apply by e-mail at 250F/Gas1-2. Makes approximately to the Financial Representative at [email protected] 30 to enjoy.
Haftarah for Parashat Shemini Suddenly, the oxen stumbled and Uzza, one of Avinadav’s sons, put out his hand to steady the Ark. For this act of 10 April 2010: II Samuel 6:1-7:17 irreverence he paid with his life. David was so alarmed at A question of dignity by Rabbi Vivian Silverman what happened that he refused to go any further and had The story of this Haftorah has its antecedent in events the Ark taken to the home of Oved Edom, where it remained recorded in I Samuel, chapters five and six, where we learn for three months before he finally brought the Ark to the city that the Ark of the Covenant was captured during a battle of David. Every few paces sacrifices were offered and David with the Philistines. joyfully danced the entire way while the Shofar sounded. The Ark was displayed as a trophy in the Temple of Dagon at Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, observed her Ashdod and remained in the land of the Philistines for seven husband through the palace window and disapproved of him months. But calamity befell the Philistines and their priests in what appeared to her to be an unseemly display in front and magicians recommended that the Ark be returned to of the people. The King had the Ark set down within the the Israelites. It was placed on a brand new cart, with two sanctuary and then distributed bread and cake to everyone oxen pulling it, and allowed to make its own way over the before the people went home. border. The Ark came into the field of Joshua, a citizen of The tragedy relating to Avinadav’s son Uzza parallels that of Bet Shemesh, where it stayed until the men of Kiryat Y’arim our sedra where Aaron’s two elder sons, Nadav and Avihoo, brought it to the home of Avinadav. There it remained for a forfeited their lives because of a public display of irreverence. full twenty years. Michal, daughter of the first king of Israel and wife of the Now we take up the theme of our Haftorah. David, King of second king, felt that dignity and regal bearing should be on Israel, decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to his new display at all times. David, full of joy and utter happiness at capital, Jerusalem. It was placed on a cart with the two sons having been given the privilege of bringing the Ark to the city of Avinadav leading it. All manner of musical instruments were named after him, did not feel it was inappropriate or beneath played by King and people to express their great joy. his dignity to show his enthusiasm together with his subjects.
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 17 BHHC Rabbi Hershel Rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation www.bhhc-shul.org 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: [email protected]
Haftarah for Parashat Metzorah Our Haftarah begins with the four men suffering from tzara’at quarantined outside the city. They too were hungry, victims of 17 April 2010: II Kings 7:3-20 the famine. They made a simple calculation – ‘if we stay here Ya gotta believe! by Rabbi Hershel Rader we will die and if we return to the city we will die’ – so they This week’s Haftarah discusses the story of four men stricken decided to approach the enemy camp to beg for food. They by Tzara’at, a skin ailment caused by sins - one of the main arrived only to find a deserted camp for G-d had caused the topics of this week’s Torah reading. Aramean camp to hear the sound of chariots and the sound of horses; the sound of a great army. The Arameans said to one The background is that King Ben-Hadad of Aram had besieged another, ‘Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the Samaria, the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The resulting famine kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to attack was catastrophic. Rampant inflation for the scant supplies of us.’ The entire enemy army fled, leaving behind their tents, food reduced some to cannibalism. King Jehoram of Israel horses, donkeys and provisions. wanted to execute the prophet Elisha after deciding that the prophet’s prayers could have prevented the entire tragedy. The four men went to the city and reported their findings to the (This is surely a classic case of ‘blame the Rabbi’!) Elisha gatekeepers who, in turn, informed King Jehoram. Initially the reassured the king: “So has G-d said, ‘At this time tomorrow, king thought that this was an ambush planned by the enemy a seah of fine flour will sell for [merely] a shekel,and two (he seemed to have lost his faith in Elisha’s ability!) but, on seahs of barley will sell for a shekel in the gate of Samaria.’” advice, he sent messengers who confirmed the miracle. The One of the king’s officers scoffed at the prophecy: “Behold,if people swarmed out of the city and looted the enemy camp, G-d makes windows in the sky, will this thing come about?” thus breaking the famine and fulfilling Elisha’s prophecy. Elisha responded, “Behold, you will see with your own eyes, And the officer who scoffed at the prophecy? The king placed but you shall not eat from it.” him in charge of the city gates. He was trampled to death by the rampaging crowds - after seeing the fulfillment of Elisha’s words.
Splashes of paint: twenty volunteers from around the community, from age 2 to 72, came together to eat, drink, laugh and paint as the music played. Together they made a difference as The Mark Luck Hall was quickly re-decorated. The congregation thanks all of our volunteers from across the community. Our adult painters were Rachel Barnard, Leslie Carlin, Jonathan Conway, Martyn Cooperman, Jonathan Corb, Shani Corb, Mike Flashman, Judith Greenwood, Susan Greenwood, Winston Pickett, Rabbi Rader, David Seidel, Nick Werner and Gary Weston. The wall beneath the serving window was expertly painted by the children: Leah Corb (age 3) Gabriel Barnard Seidel (age 2) and Moses Barnard Seidel (age 6). Refreshments - including pizza, beer and cider – were served by Linda Boyask, Roz Flashman and Doris Levinson. Special thanks are also due to Mike Flashman and caretaker Chris Jones who prepared the room in the week prior. Afterward, Chris also cleaned and waxed the floors. The Mark Luck Hall is looking much brighter and better and will be rededicated at a special Kiddush to be held in the near future.
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 18 BHPS Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk 6 Lansdowne Road Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: [email protected]
Haftarah for Parashat K’doshim Did not I bring up Israel out of Egypt, and the Philistines from Crete, and the Arameans from Kir?’ (9:7). 24 April 2010: Amos 9:7-15 Amos lived in the 8th century BCE and was a Judean shepherd When We Don’t Put Theory Into Practice and tree farmer who moved to Israel, where he railed against by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah corruption and injustice. In 722 BCE the Assyrians conquered The double portion Acharey-Mot K’doshim, includes at its Israel and scattered its inhabitants – so that all that remained heart, arguably the most important verses in the Torah. were the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin in neighbouring Known appropriately as the ‘Holiness Code’, because it is Judah. Like Isaiah, Amos shows us that the people Israel, predicated on the understanding that the congregation past and present, is not intrinsically holy – sacred, set of Israel shall ‘be holy’, because the Eternal One ‘is holy’, apart – rather the people only becomes holy by acting as a parashat K’doshim teaches us what ‘holiness’ means: acting ‘kingdom of priests and a holy nation’ (Exodus 19: 6) – by compassionately and justly towards those who are vulnerable engaging in right conduct; and if we don’t, we will suffer the and marginal in society – in particular, ‘the stranger, the consequences. orphan and the widow’ – behaving ethically in our business dealings, loving both our neighbour and also the stranger in And so, the words of Amos teach us that the Haftarah serves our midst (Leviticus 19) not only to ‘conclude’ the sacred reading on Shabbat and the festivals, but also, frequently, to remind us that being a Jew is If we turn to the Haftarah connected with K’doshim, we are about how we behave towards others, and that the theory – reminded that, actually, the ‘Holiness Code’ is all about the all those rules and laws we find in the Torah – is meaningless theory of ethical behaviour; in practice, our ancestors failed if it is not translated into practice. When I was a Marxist (in again and again to ‘be holy’ – which is why Amos proclaimed my youth!), I was rather taken by the notion of praxis – the in the name of the Eternal One that ‘the eyes of the Eternal unity of theory and practice – a concept used by the Italian God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the Marxist, Antonio Gramsci. Of course, when it comes to our face of the earth’ (9:8a). From the perspective of the Eternal everyday Jewish lives in the world, it may be rather idealistic One, the kingdom of Israel is but a sukkah, a temporary to think that we can achieve such a unity, but we can try… abode (:11), and, ultimately, the Creator of all the earth, and maybe reading the Haftarah each week is a good way of will not give Israel special preference: ‘Are you not to Me, O keeping us on our toes! people of Israel, like the Ethiopians? – says the Eternal One.
Brighton Festival Fringe Open House - May As part of our 75th Anniversary celebration, our congregation’s history will be displayed, showing the memories, memorabilia and ceremonies that have marked the lives of our members. Tea and delicious cakes available. Every Sunday during the Brighton Festival, 12.00 noon – 5.30 pm
April diary Access to Hebrew Thursdays, 11.00 am – 12.30 pm Purim & Cabaret Sunday 4th Erev Seventh Day Pesach Service, by Ivor Miskin 7.30 pm. Led by Steve Field In terms of dressing up, our Purim evening was a riot of creativity, Monday 5th Seventh Day Pesach Morning Service, almost matched by the range of voices used to read each portion 10.30 am. Led by Rabbi Sarah of the Megillah. Cabaret night proved a revelation! While the “adults” performed with their usual panache, the highlights of the Thursday 8th The Monthly Shiur: study of Jewish evening were provided by the young members, meaning those aged from 17 down to 6. Sam Segal showed his talent on guitar Sources, 7.30 – 9.00 pm while his sister Miriam played brilliantly on flute. Josh Winstone Led by Rabbi Sarah showed he had recovered from his recent bar mitzvah by being accompanist, soloist and musical director. Jake Zoob was Wednesday 7th L’Chayyim Spring Lunch, 12.00 – 2.00 pm. really bluesy on mandolin, and Sam Levy played a Dylanesque Cost £2.50. Please let the office know on composition of his own, then brought the house down with an a 01273 737223 if you are coming. capello rendition of Mr Cellophane from Chicago. The word on everyone’s lips was “WOW”. Friday 9th Oneg: (after service @ 8pm). Claudia Gould on her recently published book ‘Jesus in America and other short stories’ Saturday 24th Exploring Judaism (after service @ 11.00 am). Led by Rabbi Sarah 1.00 – 2.30 pm: Birth Fundraising Piano Recital and supper - 7.00 pm - Lewes
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 19 What’s on: April 2010 [email protected]
Shabbat Shalom - Brighton Times Fri 2nd in 7.15 pm and out Sat 3rd 8.25 pm Fri 9th in 7.27 pm and out Sat 10th 8.36 pm Fri 16th in 7.38 pm and out Sat 17th 8.50 pm Fri 23rd in 7.49 pm and out Sat 24th 9.03 pm Fri 30th in 8.01 pm and out Sat May 1st 9.17 pm Notable Dates Sun 4th - 7th day Pesach - light candles 7.19 pm Mon 5th - 8th day Pesach - light candles 8.29 pm Tues 6th - Yom Tov ends 8.30 pm ONLINE... Between issues of Regular Activities Sussex Jewish News, you can get community news bulletins and Ralli Hall will be closed on the Pesach Yom Tovim and the bank features from these websites: holidays. For activities during Chol Hamoed, please contact the activity Sussex Jewish News on www.sussexjewishnews.com organiser for information. Sussex Jewish Online on www.sussexjewishonline.co.uk Sundays Brighton & Hove Online Jewish Community on www.webjam.com/indi • Shalom Programme Breakfast Show on www.radioreverb.com as well as 97.2 FM 9.00-9.55 am and is also available at any time as a Each website has different features and all should be supported. podcast in the music room at www.sussexjewishonline.co.uk • Carmel Tennis Club 10.00 am-12.00 noon. All levels welcome. Tel: Events this month Leon on 07717 222744 Wednesday 7 Mondays • JACS – A Hundred Years an Hour with guest speaker Clive Hamblin. • Afternoon Club with tea 1.30pm. Tel: Reba on 01444 410435 RH 2.00 pm at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove. Members £2.00/ Non-Members £2.50 • Rubber and Duplicate Bridge, 1.30 – 4.30 pm. £2.00. Tel: Reba on 01444 410435 RH Wednesday 14 Tuesdays • J:TOTS – Now monthly! 10.00 am - 12.30 pm at Ralli Hall. Contact Rachel on 01273 204334. • Advanced Oil Painting Group, contact Martin 01273 327403 RH • JACS - Charles II and his Escape through Sussex with guest speaker • Painting with Rochelle (JAS), 7.00-9.00pm - Tel: 01273 503708 RH Helen Poole. 2.00 pm at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove. Members • Israeli Folk Dancing, 7.45-9.45pm Tel: Jacky 01273 688538 RH £2.00/Non-Members £2.50 • Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club, Tel: Suzanne 01273 739999 Sunday 18 10.30am-4.30pm RH • Worthing & District Jewish Community - Small Communities in the • Ivrit Classes at Ralli Hall, 6.45–7.45 pm. Contact Sara Allen on UK with guest speaker Elkan Levy. 7.00 pm at Quaker’s Meeting 566416 or Norina on 202254 House, 34 Mill Road, Worthing Wednesdays Wednesday 21 • Chutzpah Choir (Singing in Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew, Russian and • JACS - Far East Journey with guest speaker Phillip Freeman. Ukrainian) with Polina Shepherd 7.00-8.45pm Tel: 01273 541031 2.00 pm at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove. Members £2.00/ (Rosalind) RH. Note: the Chutzpah Choir will not meet on Non-Members £2.50 7 April 2010 Sunday 25 Thursdays • Helping Hands Tea. 2.30-4.30 pm at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, • Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club Tel: Suzanne 01273 739999 10.30am- Hove. Donation £2.50 4.30pm RH Tuesday 27 • Experimental Drawing with Dany Louise, 7.00-8.30 pm Tel. 07971 • Jewish Historical Society – Children of the Third Reich with guest 417098 RH speaker Howard Falksohn, Archivist at The Wiener Library. To be preceded by a short AGM. 7.45 pm at Ralli Hall. All welcome. Members free/Non-Members £4. For more information, please Youth Aliyah contact Godfrey Gould on 01273 419412. Coach trip to IKEA Wednesday 28 12 May 2010 • JACS – Across the Tibetan Plateau with guest speaker Alan Grey. On May 12th the Youth Aliyah 2.00 pm at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove. Members £2.00/ coach trip to IKEA in Purley will Non-Members £2.50 be leaving Hove Town Hall at 10.50 am. Return fare £12.00 Grodzinski’s challot and rye bread are available from Premier Convenience Stores in Hove Street For further information or to every Thursday morning until supplies run out. book tickets please call 01273 776671.
issue 196 / APRIL 2010 / www.sussexjewishnews.com 20 Emek update by Susan Conway
On a beautiful sunny day in February Phillip and I joined to make the building “bomb proof”. This building will house, ophthalmic surgeon Daniel Briscoe to make the journey to amongst others, the Ophthalmic Department, as currently it is the Emek Hospital near to Afula situated in the Valley of in one of the oldest buildings on the campus. Armaggedon - very close to the West Bank and the town of Thanks to the generous kindness of Mr. Briscoe, Phillip learned Jenin. It is located in a beautiful valley on a lovely campus and of a serious problem with his own eye and we shall be forever is beautifully landscaped. grateful for the time he gave to check us both out in respect of Many of you may have read my report last year on the different eye problems. They say that one good turn is repaid Emek Hospital and in particular, the work of the Opthalmic generously. In our case, we have to record and extend our Department. You have supported the Israel Solidarity Group great appreciation for everything that Mr. Briscoe has done for most generously in raising approximately £5,000 for this us personally. By the time readers receive this small report, department to purchase a new and necessary equipment. Phillip will have had eye surgery in London to save the sight of his eye. He had been unaware that he had lost the sight We were greeted by Larry Rich, the public relations officer for completely because the lens implant had slipped, so much that the hospital who gave us a guided tour and walked with us he no longer had vision in that eye. through the eye department. We were met by young interns. Among them was a young Muslim girl, beautifully spoken and The hospital was sparkling clean. Everyone was working fluent in English who had been educated by Christian nuns in efficiently in the eye department, and it seemed so quiet that Nazareth, and also a young Arab intern. The nursing staff were we were surprised to learn that fourteen patients had been both Jewish and Christian. registered for surgery during the short time that we were there. We heard first-hand the problems of being so near to We lunched in the staff canteen where, again, Arabs and Jews the border with the Gaza Strip and realized how near the talk and work in totally harmony. For those who may visit in the hospital was to the shelling and its potential for disastrous future, we can recommend soup. This is first class. Mr. Briscoe, consequences to the hospital buildings and for some of the staff originally from Ireland, pointed out that the beautiful tiny on their way to and from work. potatoes that were offered with our lunch were grown in Israel, with seeds originating from Ireland. Larry recounted that he himself had been in serious danger but was miraculously saved one morning when he decided to take The opportunity to see the activities of the Ophthalmic an alternative route to work. Had he driven on his usual route, Department was a privilege. It was a great joy to learn that he would have been subject to shelling from Gaza falling on the monies we had raised had been used so wisely and to such that road and would most probably have lost his life. advantage. For those readers wishing to learn more about Emek Hospital we can recommend their website which has an He was delighted to tell us that he was celebrating the birth of a excellent film. grandchild in the maternity department, where approximately 4,000 babies are delivered each year. It is a very busy department! It is our intention to run further fund-raising functions for the hospital’s eye department, and we hope that the community will There is a new surgical and research building under again support such events. construction that has been slightly delayed by the decision
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