SABC TO SCREEN ‘TRAVELLING RABBI’ DOCUMENTARY ON SUNDAY / 11 Subscribe to our FREE epaper - go to www.sajewishreport.co.za

www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday, 11 November 2011 / 14 Cheshvan, 5772 Volume 15 Number 41 Jewish leaders: Russell Tribunal lives up to biased predictions

SA Union of Jewish Students National Chairman Stephanie Hodes, demonstrates against the Russell Tribunal AND THEN THE at the entrance to the venue where it was being held last weekend in District Six, Cape Town. On the left is African-American writer Alice Walker, being ushered in to particpate in the Tribunal, which was set up to examine whether Israel was guilty of practising apartheid against the Palestinians. Jewish organisations TWAIN DID MEET... referred to the Tribunal as a “kangaroo court”. (PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER) SEE PAGES 3, 6 Overcoming Limmud grows in How many Jews in Good books, Shawn Lipman - greatest infertility / 2 former USSR / 6 7bn humans? / 7 good reading / 9 Jewish rugby player? / 16 YOUTH / 13 SPORT / 16 LETTERS / 10-11 CROSSWORD & SUDOKU / 15 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 4 WHAT’S ON / 15 2 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011 SHABBAT TIMES PARSHA OF THE WEEK November 11/ 14 Cheshvan November 12 /15 Cheshvan All the world’s Vayera

18:14 19:05 Johannesburg a stage 17:58 20:01 Cape Town 18:08 19:01 Durban 18:20 19:19 Bloemfontein 18:00 19:32 Port Elizabeth PARSHAT 18:15 19:21 East London VAYEIRA Rabbi Larry Shain Ohr Somayach Glenhazel

WE’RE ALL familiar with the old joke Published by about the little guy that comes home S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, from school to tell his mom that he’s PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 Tel: (011) 023-8160 in the school play... “what part did you Fax: (086) 634-7935 get?” He answers: “A Jewish hus- Printed by Caxton Ltd band...” His mother: “Didn’t I tell you EDITOR - Geoff Sifrin to insist on a speaking role?!” [email protected] There’s a variation on the theme in our parsha; the famous drama of the COMMERCIAL MANAGER Sue Morris “binding” or “sacrifice” of Isaac. Our [email protected] forefather Avraham was prepared to Sub-Editor - Paul Maree offer his only son upon the altar (and the 37-year-old Isaac was prepared to Artist Loren Hodes with husband Robin standing next to her painting that was auctioned. Ed Co-ordinator - Sharon Akum (PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER) [email protected] be that sacrifice). This is the quintessential act of Sports Editor - Jack Milner [email protected] courage and self-sacrifice; this is the prototype for the Israeli officer who Books Editor - Gwen Podbrey threw himself upon an exploding Arts Editor - Robyn Sassen Overcoming infertility, grenade in order to save the soldiers of [email protected] his platoon during the last Lebanon Youth Editor - Alison Goldberg campaign and the countless similar [email protected] acts of self-sacrifice performed by Cape Town correspondent Jews throughout the ages, whether a long and hard road Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 during the Crusades, the Spanish Pretoria correspondent SHIRA DRUION said that the day he sat down to write his speech Inquisition or the Holocaust... Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 was October 18, the same day the release of Gilad And yet, in contrast to the most Advertising - (011) 023-8160 THE “ROAD to fertility” is often a heart-rending Shalit was announced. lauded acts of bravery and physical [email protected] one; the irony is that while some mothers - or He connected this event to the fundraising prowess, which are inevitably enacted Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 would-be mothers - would easily “get rid” of an evening, by emphasising the value that Judaism within the “public arena” before as [email protected] unwanted fetus or even baby, thousands of cou- places on life and providing life. He accounted the large an audience as can be mustered Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 ples are desperate to have a child of their own. tumultuous and harrowing process that engulfs (think Greek tragedy, bull fights, [email protected] This is where The Malka Ella organisation does many couples struggling with infertility. operas, World Cup events, etc), the act Freelance Advertising Executives such sterling work. But to be able to assist women Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein praised the work took place in private. Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 conceive, costs money... At a fertility fundraiser of the fund and its administrators. “The fund A deed witnessed only by the father, [email protected] on November 3 at the TAC in Johannesburg, over ensures that we are able to access the blessings of his son, and... Hashem Himself. Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 R180 000 was raised, when some 400 attended the G-d by allowing couples the chance to conceive a [email protected] An interesting contrast was recent- event. Hugh Raichlin was a popular MC. child through the incredible blessing that technol- ly noted in the “Inbox” (letters to the Classified Sales The Malka Ella Fund administers financial ogy has allowed our generation. Charissa Newman editor in our electronic age) to Time assistance to a growing numbers of couples who “Fertility treatment is a very costly process [email protected] magazine, subsequent to the outpour- would otherwise be unable to afford the necessary which, thanks to Malka Ella Fund, has afforded Manager: Distribution ing of accolades and tributes to the fertility treatment. To date it has enabled over 100 couples who would have otherwise been unable to Britt Landsman late Steve Jobs of Apple and iPod/iPad babies to come into the world. afford the treatment, the chance to bring life into Design and layout fame. The fund hosts a biennial event, offering donors this world.” Frankie Matthysen The writer commented on the stark- the opportunity to listen to stories of triumph The fund not only provides financial assistance, Nicole Cook ly relative lack of fanfare accorded the over fertility adversity. Guests were invited to bid but has expanded its services to provide for other Website passing of the man who had invented in a silent art auction for works donated by local areas associated with infertility. The Tikvah divi- www.sajewishreport.co.za the pacemaker, Wilson Greatbatch. Ilan Ossendryver Jewish artists. sion of the fund provides emotional support for Did you know his name? I admit I IC-Creations Artist Loren Hodes expressed her joy at being couples who are travelling the long and hard road had to Google “inventor of the pace- [email protected] able to contribute to facilitatating a couple being to becoming parents. maker”. Subscription enquiries able to bring life into this world. These sentiments The Shifra division ensures that the halachic The most significant acts are often Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd were echoed by artist Rinat Goldstuck. concerns are taken care of. Tel: 0860-13-2652 achieved most humbly and privately, “I feel so privileged to have been able to have The Chana division deals with the complexities the true development of self and char- BOARD OF DIRECTORS created something that will help to bring children associated with genetic disorders, offering advice acter... perhaps the speaking part is Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh into the world,” she said. and much needed information. (Deputy Chairman), Stan Kaplan, overrated, or in the words of Mr Two keynote speakers addressed the gathering. Pioneer of the fund, Suzanne Sackstein, told the Marlene Bethlehem, Norman Lowenthal, Greatbatch, a religious man who saw Rabbi Gideon Weizmann from the Puah Institute crowd: “There is no doubt in my mind that the Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, the Hand of the Divine in much of Herby Rosenberg, Howard in Israel, assists couples in halachic fertility success of the fund can be attributed to the kind- what he did, in his memoir: “To ask Sackstein, Jason Valkin, Elton issues. ness that Hashem bestows on us. n. for a successful experiment, for pro- Bondi, Michael Sieff, Steven “It is moving to contemplate that we are able to “We have been able to experience an enormous Krawitz and Denese Bloch. fessional stature, for financial reward empathise with a person whose pain we have not amount of blessing and success in the fertility or for peer approval, is asking to be felt, but we give and feel for them, as if we had.” attempts of our couples, and I have no doubt, it is Advertisements and editorial copy from paid for what should be an act of Dr Yossi Unterslak shared the personal journey due to G-d’s great benevolence and empathy for outside sources do not neccessarily reflect love.” the views of the editors and staff. of his and wife Esther’s’ “road to fertility”. He couples in pain.”

Trevor Stamelman: 082-608-0168 Geoff Lees: 082-923-8317 Henry Goldschmidt: 082-347-0844 Tel: (011) 885-3742 [email protected] www.stamelmanproperties.co.za ‘Extraordinary Service, Extraordinary Trust’ CHELTONDALE/CHELTONOAKS GLENHAZEL/GLENSAN PERCELIA ESTATE - NEW RELEASE

ON SHOW: SUNDAY 2-5 PM ON SHOW: SUNDAY 2-5 PM ON SHOW: SUNDAY 2-5 PM JULIA STREET: Ent hall, lounge, dining, TV/playroom, SIMPLEX GARDEN APARTMENT: 2 recep, kitchen, covered HAZELWOOD: 2 recep, mod kitchen, patio, 1 bed, 1 mod eat-in kitchen, 3 spacious beds (space 4th), 2 patio, private garden, 2 bed, 2 bath, 24hr security and pool bath, pool & tennis court in 24hr secure complex. bath, staff accomm, large park-like gardens, pool and in complex. R850 000. Henry Goldschmidt: 082-347-8044 R550 000. Geoff Lees: 082-923-8317 2 bed 2 bath cottage with tenants. R2 499 000. HIGHLANDS NORTH/RICHMAR GARDENS - NEW RELEASE SYDENHAM - NEW RELEASE GLENHAZEL

FAMILY HOME WALK TO YESHIVA: 4 recep, 5 bed, 2 2 large receptions to patio, separate kitchen, 3 bed, STUNNING HOME: 4 recep, 5 bed, 3 bath, eat-in chef’s 1/2 bath, large park-like gardens, pool, separate cot- 2 bath and more. In secure complex with pool and gar- kitchen, Pesach kitchen, garden, pool, income-produc- tage or work from home, secure inside parking and dens. R850 000. ing studio flatlet, and so much more from R2 999 000. much more. From R3 999 000. WIN AN ISLAND HOLIDAY & OTHER GREAT PRIZES - VISIT WWW.STAMELMANPROPERTIES.CO.ZA FOR DETAILS 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 3

The fact that only Israel was on would it be?” she asked. trial and that no mention was made In the last two years, around 34 of suffering in the rest of Africa, laws discriminating against Pales- Russell Tribunal lives up smacked of a double standard and tinian citizens had been introduced, was “an obscenity”, he added. she noted. Testifying at the Tribunal, Israeli A Palestinian state in the West to its biased predictions professor of anthropology and co- Bank and Gaza would not end the ordinator of the Israeli Committee struggle. “We want equality,” she MOIRA SCHNEIDER gorised as a ‘threat to security’. exerting “sufficient pressure” on against House Demolitions, Jeff demanded, adding to loud applause: CAPE TOWN “She’s been physically assaulted the country in the form of sanc- Halper, said that Israel’s 44-year “I didn’t immigrate to Israel - Israel in the Knesset and they want to tions and the severing of diplomat- Occupation “certainly constitutes immigrated to me.” MR JUSTICE Richard Goldstone’s withdraw her citizenship. Tell me ic relations. the crime of apartheid. You can sep- Also testifying at the Tribunal, view that Israel is not an apartheid that’s anything but institution- Another juror, African-American arate between Israel proper and the Bethlehem-based human rights state has been dismissed by alised apartheid.” author Alice Walker, remarked that Occupied Territories less and less lawyer Shawqi Issa, said Israel was Michael Mansfield QC, who says At the start, Mansfield announ- the Jewish, Zionist voice was “quite today. not a country, but a club where the judge has been “seduced by an ced that the Tribunal’s website had strong” in the US, while the “We use the word ‘apartheid’ in “every Jew is a member and has the illusion perpetrated outside this been “hacked into and closed Palestinian voice was “not heard Israel officially - ‘Hafrada’ in right to come and control the building”. down. Experts say this was a preci- much. I’m here to make sure that Hebrew. The official name of the natives”, an analogy described by The UK barrister, who served as sion job. the Palestinian voice is heard there.” Wall is not the security barrier, it’s juror Ronnie Kasrils as “very perti- a juror on the Russell Tribunal on “We have to ask: Who benefits It would be “a very happy day for the separation barrier.” nent”. Palestine held in Cape Town’s most from the website’s disappear- all of us” when “Zionists no longer Israel had demolished 26 000 “The silence of Europe encour- District Six over the weekend, ance?” control our Congress”, she stated. homes in the Palestinian Territories ages the Israelis to commit more delivered its findings at a media The Tribunal found that “Israel On Sunday, a group of around 20 since 1967, which he described as crimes - we as Palestinians believe conference. subjects the Palestinian people to protesters, comprising members of “the first act of the Occupation”. In they’re responsible as participants “Just look at the treatment of the an institutionalised regime of dom- the Board of Deputies, the Zionist fact, he maintained, the country had in these crimes,” Issa continued. Palestinians in Israel,” Mansfield ination amounting to apartheid as Federation, SAUJS and others, since 1948 adopted a systematic pol- “It is easy for (Israel) to cover for said. “Just listen to (witness) defined under international law.” engaged in “some civil exchanges, icy of demolitions. their crimes before a naïve Haneen (Zoabi, an Arab member of It urged “all states” to co-operate some heated” with delegates out- The same action had been taken American public - they can market the Knesset) saying that she’s cate- in ending the “illegal situation” by side the District Six Museum against Israeli citizens who were the Holocaust and anti-Semitism in venue, according to participant Palestinians or Bedouins, with Europe to go ahead with them,” he Alan Fisher. some villages destroyed “20 times added. Posters and T-shirts bore the leg- or more” by Israeli policies. “This is Mary Kluk, chairman of the ends: “Israel is not apartheid South certainly ethnic displacement - I South African Jewish Board of Africa” and “No to kangaroo would go so far as to say ethnic Deputies (SAJBD), has dismissed courts, yes to constructive dia- cleansing,” he charged, claiming: the tribunal as “an expensive exer- logue”. Pamphlets in this vein were “Security has nothing to do with cise in futility. (Its) proceedings also handed out to delegates. the policy of house demolitions.” were carefully stage-managed so as Some protesters tried to get into Zoabi said that, with her right to to depict Israel in the most damning the venue but were barred as the vote and represent her people in the light possible, without even a token organisers said registration had Knesset, she was “supposed to be a effort being made to subject closed the previous day. Describing walking example of (Israel’s) Palestinian actions to similar criti- the event as “very peaceful and con- democracy”. Instead: “We are clear cal scrutiny. structive”, Fisher said: “We wanted evidence of the racist Israeli sys- “Its aim has solely been to isolate to put our view across that this is a tem. and delegitimise Israel,” she said. kangaroo court, the verdict had “As Palestinian citizens, we’re SAJBD and the South African already been decided, which makes defined as a strategic threat. We Zionist Federation stated that the a mockery of due process and jus- reveal the contradiction between a Tribunal’s proceedings had “con- tice - the very things that they were Jewish state and democracy. A clusively confirmed predictions trying to promote.” Jewish state is a state with a Jewish that it would be no more than an He pointed out that Cosatu was majority, so it must do anything to unbalanced vehicle for anti-Israel Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu delivers his opening address at using workers’ money to sponsor preserve (this) majority. Of course propaganda, thinly-disguised as a the Russel Tribunal. (PHOTO: ILAN OSSENDRYVER) the “gin and tonic revolutionaries”. it will be a racist state - what else quasi-judicial investigation”. 4 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011 SOCIAL SCENE Rita Lewis [email protected] COMMUNITY BUZZ LIONEL SLIER 082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448, B’Nai B’rith again brings [email protected] BRANDFORT cheer to lonely elderly From Lynne Raphaely: “I so enjoy reading Community Buzz RITA LEWIS each week, but the October 17 issue was PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED extra special for me! “Under the heading ‘Brandfort’ was a THE ANNUAL B’nai B’rith Hand in Hand letter from Naomi Bloch of Melbourne, function was once again held at the seeking information about her father’s Edenvale City Hall and attended by some 400 uncle and aunt, the Reverend Joshua local people of all denominations, who live and Hinda Batlan. alone in one room and are therefore in des- “They were the grandparents of my perate need of the company of others. late mother, Estella Abro (née Kotzen). They are as much in need of a home Naomi mentioned that the Batlan’s cooked meal and are very happy for the daughter, Sophie, married Meyer Kot- opportunity to attend such an interactional zen from Potchefstroom. activity. “They, of course, were my grandpar- B'nai B'rith is a non-profit organisation ents, and their son, Isidore, now aged 88 which has provided various services to the and his wife, Beattie Kotzen still live in less fortunate members of the South Potchefstroom. As a result of the arti- African community for over 75 years. This is cle, my aunt was contacted by a cousin their major one. in Cape Town with whom I have also Their Lodge Aviv Unit which organised been in contact, and the Kotzens and I this event - which has been running for over have also spoken to Naomi in Mel- 30 years - was formed circa 1973 and has also bourne. organised many other worthwhile and Everyone responds to the command, “Put your arms in the air”. “In response to her query as to where heart-warming projects such as this one. they were buried, we were able to tell Many of the participants are bussed in to Wainer who can still encourage the elderly organising, collect gifts and help out at the her that the Batlans, who died in the join others who are entertained, served a attendees to stand up and dance with her in event - hence their slogan, ”Hand in Hand" - 1930s, are both buried in Brandfort. cooked lunch and tea and then given a small time to the music, is the mainstay of the event. The Youth Caring for the Aged. “Thanks to the Jewish Report, I have useful gift to take home. The Johannesburg mini and junior city B’nai B’rith said they could not have discovered two new cousins”! As usual the entertainment was put on by councillors have also been assisting this arranged this event without the aid of the Eileen Wainer and her band, who give freely function since it was first organised and this willing councillors, their own unit members (Coincidentally, Rabbi Moshe Sil- of their time every year. year was no different. They help with the and the many generous sponsors. berhaft, spiritual leader of the country communities, mentioned to me that he will be in Brandfort to attend to the relaying of the gravestones in the small Brandfort Jewish Cemetery.)

MAURICE WIDES

Grant Wides wrote (July 11, 2008):

“My father, Maurice Wides, is living in South Africa. He is nearly 90 years old and is not well and not in full control of his senses. Over the years he has relat- ed stories about his time in the Second World War when he was stationed in Irv Blumenfeldt; Barney Levinthal; and Norman Fleminger Lagos, Nigeria. He was given the rank of major. He had received his wings in Sue Benjamin; Elaine Kessel; and Simone French, working hard. working well together. 1939. “He acted as a flight instructor and also flew as a pilot for the South African Air Force.They carried out sor- ties off West Africa and dropped depth charges when sighting an enemy sub- marine. “After the war he went to live in Israel, again as a flight instructor. At the time of his arrival there were only six planes in the Israeli Air Force and he was instrumental in building it up with other early pioneers.”

• From “The Star” September 7, 2011: “The funeral service for Major Maurice Wildes, late of Kyalami, will be held at Junior and mini councillors The Chapel, Fourways Memorial Park, Flora Fleminger and Sue Benjamin. Dishing up the food for hungry guests. spreading the message. Craigavon.” Chase the dream, not the money, is Brozin’s advice JODI DAYAN of the ORT JET and Project Natan Jewish aspiring entrepreneurs among an Assist, whose mission is to pro- PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED Business Plan Competition, at the audience of 200: “Be single-mind- vide knowledgeable, convenient Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton, ed. There is a thin line between and reasonably priced handyman “FOLLOW YOUR passion and not the when the winners of this prestigious award success and failure. Don’t be dis- services to the market. money”, was the salient advice given by were announced. couraged, do what you are pas- Existing business winner was guest speaker Robbie Brozin, CEO of Dr Avron Urison conducted an entertain- sionate about and make the jour- Lulaway Job Centres-Internet Nando’s, when he spoke at the culmination ing interview with Brozin, who advised ney fun!” Café. Entrepreneur Errol Freed- The competition was launched man began operations with one two years ago with the aim of internet cafe and has since expand- inspiring Jewish entrepreneurs to ed to three branches. He is now make their dream businesses a ready to take his business to the reality. There were 38 business next level including a job portal. plans submitted this year for the The catalyst for this whole con- two categories: startup and exist- cept has been the demand by job ing (for less than 18 months). seekers for simplified means of The winner of the New Business Robbie Brozin finding and applying for positions. Category was The Ice Coffee com- Lulaway will provide a compre- pany, whose vision is to bring the ice coffee hensive solution that will simplify finding “slush” machines to the South African con- and applying for jobs at a nominal affordable venience market. Owners Michael Wingrin rate and will enable the company to attract a and Ryan Hollander, have travelled extensive- critical mass of applicants. ly in Israel and observed that ice coffee “on The runner up for this category was tap” was not readily available in South Africa. Amanda Rabinowitz of Jellybean Events Paul Bacher; Jarred Myers; Errol Freeman; Jake Willis; Daniel Roy; Ryan Hollander; Runner-up to the new business category who provide fresh and fun edutainment for Anita Kramer; Amanda Rabinowitz; Michael Wingrin; and Donald Mghonyama. was Anita Kramer-Geffroy’s Handyman the “tots-tween” market. 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 5 6 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011 OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS

“Everything was from the top down… Limmud expands dramatically everything was telling them what to Noble attempt, or do,” he said. “What they wanted was to do something of their own.” in former Soviet states Greg Schneider, executive vice presi- mere footnote dent of the Claims Conference, attended ALEX WEISLER as in Beersheba, Israel. Plans are afoot to the Odessa event and led a lively ques- THE RUSSELL Tribunal has come and gone, with ODESSA, UKRAINE expand to Moldova, the Carpathian tion-and-answer session with about 20 its predictable outcome that Israel practises Mountains and potentially Irkutsk in participants. The Claims Conference, apartheid. It has further widened the chasm SIX YEARS ago, Chaim Chesler’s plan to eastern Siberia. which supports educational initiatives between Israel’s supporters and opponents and bring the Limmud educational model to Limmud FSU is the only Limmud oper- relating to the Holocaust, is one of has also affected people ignorant of the Middle the former Soviet Union, was met with a ation that runs programming outside its Limmud FSU’s partners. Schneider said East, who are unable to judge whether its negative chorus of naysayers. geographic region for Russian-speaking Limmud FSU’s rapid growth was an verdict of Israel is accurate. “Everyone said I was nuts, they’re not Jews who live elsewhere. The organisa- opportunity to cement a new Jewish How will it be viewed historically? A noble ready for it,” Chesler recalls. tion is operating in two Israeli cities, audience’s commitment to memorialis- attempt by world citizens to expose injustice by Today, Chesler, the founder of Limmud Ashkelon and Beersheba, home to large ing the Holocaust. one people against another and make human soci- FSU and chairman of its executive com- communities of Russian Israelis, and in “The explosion in interest comes ety better and more peaceful? Or will it be a tiny mittee, oversees an organisation with an Russian expatriate communities in the from the fact that you’ve got a whole footnote, an event with more hot air and moral annual budget of approximately $1 mil- United States. And plans are in the works cohort of young Jews who don’t have a posturing than substance, contributing nothing to lion that operates in seven countries and for more. venue to explore their Jewish identity,” peace in the world? can hardly keep up with the demand for “It’s something that I didn’t even dream he said. “What we’re so excited about is It obviously depends on who you ask. What is its services. of,” Chesler said. that it’s clear that this group of people is clear, though, is that the Tribunal is a piece in a Launched in the United Kingdom in Stressing openness and equality starving, yearning to learn more about larger jigsaw - the movement to delegitimise Israel 1980, Limmud has exploded in recent between lecturers and participants, the Shoah and about the survivor com- internationally through the BDS campaign. Some years. Dozens of countries have adopted Limmud offers a whirlwind array of munity in the world.” participants in the Tribunal will see it as their con- its educational model, which is now seen workshops, film screenings, performanc- Limmud FSU frequently receives tribution to putting another nail in Israel’s coffin. as one of the world’s most successful es and lectures. At the most recent requests for conferences to be held in Among the carefully selected delegates, some Jewish initiatives and a potent means of Limmud FSU conference, which conclud- new cities; recent enquiries have come were obviously expected to be there, such as cer- identity building. ed here earlier this week, options includ- from Uzbekistan, Toronto and tain politicians, jurists and activists with clear But perhaps nowhere has the growth ed everything from pottery to American Kaliningrad in Russia. The organisa- interests in international politics and in particu- been as staggering as in the former Soviet Jewish music to the future of Jewish com- tion plans an expanded outreach effort lar, Israel. But there was one anomaly - the official states. With their substantial Jewish popu- munities in Eastern Europe. in the United States, beginning with an presence of Cosatu with its strident anti-Israel lation and limited supply of innovative As the former head of the Jewish event next year on Albert Einstein at stance, led by General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi. Jewish programming, demand for Limmud Agency for Israel’s delegation to the for- Princeton University and a conference The Politicsweb site carried his address, in which programming there has been significant. mer Soviet Union, Chesler says he was in the Carpathian Mountains on the he said: “As apartheid South Africa attempted to This year alone, Limmud FSU held struck by the lack of control that Russian- Baal Shem Tov, the founder of do with the black working class, apartheid Israel events in Moscow and St Petersburg, and speaking Jews had over their Jewish Chasidism. too seeks to humiliate and degrade the Palestinian Odessa and Vinnitsa in Ukraine, as well lives. Further in the future, Chesler wants working class, robbing it of its dignity and to develop a conference on the works of attempting to beat it into submission to a cruel, Marc Chagall and host an event in racist system.” Irkutsk. His published address gave no context about the Such thematic orientations are not broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its history, Participants in typical of Limmud conferences, but in no reference to any wrongdoing by the Pales- the Limmud the FSU it has become common prac- tinians such as terrorism, nor the threats under FSU conference tice. The Ashkelon event was about which Israel has lived since its inception, its secu- space exploration. Odessa marked the rity needs, and so on. in Odessa, Ukraine, mark- 20th anniversary of diplomatic rela- It also lacked any nuanced analysis of Israeli tions between Israel and Ukraine. ing a birthday society itself, presenting it as a one-dimensional “The Russians are very creative and cardboard cut-out. One can only conclude that celebration dur- independent, and they have their own Vavi is either grossly ignorant of the region’s his- ing the event’s culture and destiny,” Chesler said. tory, or purposely distorted a tiny sliver of that closing party in “They take the model of Limmud, but reality for his own motives. November. (PHO- they have their own flavour because Facts about the lives of Israelis and Palestinians TOGRAPH: ALEX they’re crazy - they want Sholom raised at the Tribunal were not necessarily all WEISLER) Aleichem, they want space.” (JTA) incorrect, but were selective and lacked context - they were essentially cynical half-truths. Philo- sopher Bertrand Russell, whose name the Tri- bunal carries, would have wanted a fairer process. Is Jerusalem in Israel? Supreme As a South African trade union federation, Cosatu’s mandate includes supporting the interna- tional struggle for workers’ rights. But the ques- Court takes up passport case tion begs itself: Why is Cosatu taking such a voci- RICHARD GREENBERG Lewin, representing the Zivotofskys. “It is ferous role in this specific campaign against WASHINGTON (WASHINGTON purely a means of identification,” he Israel? JEWISH WEEK) explained in response to a question from The trade union federation should concentrate Justice Elena Kagan. its energies on genuine worker issues, rather than THE US Supreme Court convened on The petitioners maintain that Mena- twisting its anti-Israel stance to make it appear as Monday to ponder the implications of a chem Zivotofsky is one of an estimated a worker issue. If Palestinian workers are suffer- single word that is conspicuously missing 50 000 Jerusalem-born American citi- ing, it is the long, bloody Israeli-Palestinian con- from the passport of a nine-year-old boy zens who have been unfairly barred flict which creates and allows that suffering. The who was born in Jerusalem. from listing their place of birth as most urgent goal is to help achieve a peaceful res- His name is Menachem Binyamin “Jerusalem, Israel”, rather than simply olution to the conflict for the sake of all Zivotofsky, the son of Ari and Naomi “Jerusalem”. Palestinians and Israelis. Siegman Zivotofsky, Americans who The federal statute that grants those This political conflict should be addressed at made aliyah in 2000. passport holders the right to essentially another level - by the ANC, for example, a political Menachem was born at Shaare Zedek identify their place of birth as they see fit, party with a huge Parliamentary majority, essen- Hospital in western Jerusalem, but due to has been ignored by the administrations Ari Zivotofsky and his son Menachem tially the government. Its mandate is to address a controversial State Department policy, of both George W Bush and Barack speak to the press outside the US international politics and relations with all coun- his US passport does not designate Obama, with Bush claiming that it Supreme Court on November 8. (PHO- tries, including Israel - and eventually with an “Israel” as his place of birth - despite a infringes on the president’s authority to TOGRAPH: RICHARD GREENBERG) independent Palestine. federal statute enacted in October 2002 formulate foreign policy positions, such as Cosatu has been criticised in South Africa too - a that says Americans born in Jerusalem the administration’s stance on the status create some political brouhaha or make country with a socially explosive unemployment are entitled to have Israel listed on their of Jerusalem. a foreign policy statement.” rate of over 25 per cent, which Vice-President official papers as their birth country. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the Arguing on behalf of Clinton, Soli- Kgalema Motlanthe has called a “ticking bomb” - The Zivotofskys want that law enforced named respondent in the Zivotofskys’ liti- citor General Donald Verrilli acknowl- for representing only those who have jobs, while so their son can claim what they feel is his gation, heads the chief foreign policy arm edged that the position of the adminis- failing in its national duty to work for increasing birthright - the inclusion of the word of the executive branch. She has argued tration is that the status of Jerusalem is employment per se; essentially, for being an elite “Israel” on his passport, a statement “that that the State Department’s regulations disputed, and he added: “A passport is “closed shop”. the land of Israel has centrality for the governing the passport designation of not a communication by the passport To go back to our opening question: Will this Jewish people”, the boy’s father, Ari Jerusalem-born American citizens have holder. It’s an official United States doc- Tribunal matter in the long sweep of history? It Zivotofsky, told reporters after Monday’s rightly served to maintain US neutrality ument that communicates the position might have mattered if there had been integrity or court session. “It’s a very personal issue,” on the sensitive issue of sovereignty over of the United States.” credibility, if the organisers had also incorporated he said. Jerusalem. The Zivotofskys contend that The State Department has contended, voices making Israel’s case alongside its detrac- A decision on the case is not expected the policy is biased against Israel and according to the petitioners, that if tors and created a forum for dialogue and honest for several months. against Jews who have a religious attach- American citizens who are natives of examination of the whole situation, rather than The arguments and counterarguments ment to the land. Jerusalem are permitted to self-identify mere propaganda. presented on Monday before the high “Congress recognised that with regard as being born in “Israel”, that would In the form in which it took place, however, with court focused on several key issues, to the 50 000 people who have a passport create the misperception among Arab all the emotive hype created, the answer is clearly including which branch of government that says ‘Jerusalem’, they are being states that official US policy on the sov- “no”. In a couple of months the Tribunal will mer- has the authority to conduct foreign poli- denied a certain sense of self-respect that ereignty of Jerusalem had changed, cifully be forgotten and we will scarcely remember cy and whether or not the appearance of they feel they should be able to have in which in turn could have serious for- who the players in it were, or their ill-disguised the word “Israel” on a passport is in fact terms of their own identification,” Lewin eign policy repercussions. The motives. tantamount to an expression of foreign told the court in reponse to a question Zivotofskys, however, maintain there is policy. from Justice Samuel Alito. no evidence that would happen. It is not, argued attorney Nathan “This is not a statute that is designed to (Washington Jewish Week) 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 7

OPINION AND ANALYSIS - FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS

come, saith the L-rd G-D, that I will send a famine in the land, not a A growing openness to discuss faith famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of I’VE JUST finished watching the Surely this points to the progres- well, foresee that the “End of Days” the L-RD.” series Battlestar Galactica, which sive failure of the religious estab- scenario in which we are said to be It may be that the growing open- appeared in 77 episodes between BARBARIC lishment, Jewish and Christian, in living, would be characterised by a ness to discussing issues of faith 2004 and 2009. Of course, I remem- America (where Orthodox Jews profound longing for Divine guid- (even from the sceptic’s point of bered avidly watching the original YAWP form a minority) to provide a credi- ance. view), that I am definitely seeing series by that name, screened dur- David Saks ble forum for this? As the famous verse in Amos more and more in modern-day dis- ing the salad days of SABC TV in Personally, and even though the (8:11) puts it: “Behold, the days course is evidence of that. 1980. theological backing-and-forthing in The main characters were a cou- the Galactica series was for me ple of wise-cracking flyboys called Divine Providence, human free will rather tiresome (and faintly risible Starbuck and Apollo, and Com- and accountability in the next life, at times), I find this new sense of mander Adama (played by Lorne prophecy, personal revelation, mir- openness towards dealing with the Greene, of Ben Cartwright-Bonan- acles and Divine emissaries ultimate issues of human existence za fame and who we were delighted (“angels” is the term sometimes quite heartening. to note was Jewish). used), the meaning of suffering, ret- It further indicates, to me at least, The baddies were heavy-breath- ribution and redemption. that American television (of which, ing robots called Cylons, whose None of this would be possible in like it or not, we are all to some fighter ships were regularly dis- a conventional drama rooted in an extent cultural products) is grow- patched with satisfying bangs from ordinary, everyday setting, but in ing up. Those who buy in to the episode to episode. this science-fiction-fantasy frame- still trendy notion that religiosity The modern-day version of this work, the writers of the series evi- equates intellectual backwardness, space opera is altogether darker, dently felt they had more leeway to will obviously no doubt see it as still denser and morally ambiguous. It incorporate previously taboo issues more evidence of the infantilisation confirms for me that American tele- of faith. of popular culture, and indeed they vision has become infinitely more G-d is seriously discussed, and is have roundly deplored the way both sophisticated over the past couple of at least mentioned in virtually Battlestar Galactica and Lost even- decades or so - better scripted, every episode, with the Cylons tually concluded. nuanced and layered than such being the most staunchly monothe- However, even today these secu- superficial, assembly-line pap like istic. Starbuck - another sign of the lar denialists are a small minority, the 1970s Brady Bunch, Mary Tyler times - is female this time round, and for all their stridency are not Moore Show and Starsky and Hutch. and in the end assumes the form of really making much more of a case Whereas the Cylons in the origi- a supernatural being dispatched for their non-beliefs than genera- nal series were largely ineffectual, from On High to lead both humans tions of atheist theorists before in the remake they succeed in wip- and Cylons to redemption. them have done. ing out most of the human race in Something similar happened in As a Jew who has been lucky the first episode, and proceed to another recent long-running sci- enough to have found his way back relentlessly hunt down the sur- ence-fiction-fantasy series, called to the Torah-true path, even if actu- vivors. Moreover, many of them “Lost”. Here, too, characters experi- ally walking that path is never easy, now are physically identical to enced events of a clearly other- I can view the earnest strivings of humans, except that they can be worldly nature, including survival others to transcend the mundane resurrected (“downloaded”) into after death. Previous science-fiction and search for deeper answers with new bodies should they be killed. shows have never been nearly as a sense of sympathetic detachment. This all may seem to be an explicit when it comes to the super- This is really true of the Jewish unlikely subject for a Jewish natural. people as a whole, even though to Report column, but in fact there is Does the above point to a say so still causes embarrassment an additional dimension to the strengthening of religious feeling, in secular Jewish circles and angry series that does make it relevant. or its opposite? It could plausibly be resentment in most gentile ones. To a very remarkable extent, cer- argued that humanity’s spiritual We can affirm with confidence that tainly beyond anything I have ever yearnings have now been rendered ours is a religious heritage con- seen in a mainstream television so out of the mainstream intellectu- ceived by G-d to define Man, not an show, it is underpinned throughout al ballpark by the atheist triumphal- artificial tradition invented by Man by a profound religiosity. ism of the day, that one now needs to define G-d. It continually deals with reli- to create an elaborate, imaginary Jewish prophecies, which are gious themes - the nature of G-d, setting in which to address them. echoed in the Christian texts as

sive decline in fertility rates during How many Jews in world the 1970s and 1980s due to increases in public health and education for women. Unlike the rest of the population of 7 billion? world, however, Israel stabilised in the early ‘90s and since then has DAN KLEIN maintained a fertility rate of 2,9 NEW YORK children per woman. “Israel has an unprecedented COULD THE 7 billionth person on birth rate,” said Leonard Saxe, a pro- the planet be Jewish? fessor of contemporary Jewish stud- According to the United Nations ies at Brandeis University whose The Yeshiva College Foundation is Population Fund, the Earth wel- current research involves demo- comed its 7 billionth resident on graphic studies of American Jewry. looking for a part-time Administrator October 31. Statistically, the new- “Women have high birth rates.” born was most likely a boy in India By 1995, according to the World Summary: or China. The symbolic title was Bank, Israeli women for the first The Administrator provides full administrative function to the Foundation and given to Danica May Camacho, time began having more children reports to the Managing Director of Yeshiva College and to the Chairman of born two minutes before midnight than the rest of the world. And last the Board of Governors. This part-time position (15 - 20 hours/week) allows in Manila in the Philippines. year, Israel surpassed Saudi There is no reason, however, it Arabia to become the most fertile for significant flexibility in work hours. couldn’t have been Ava Sarah developed nation in the world. At Keyrallah, who was born later that the beginning of 2010, Israel had a Responsibilities: evening in Paris. Ava Sarah Keyrallah was born in Jewish population of 5,7 million. This is a new position at Yeshiva College and the job description will evolve “Every single second, four to five Paris on October 31, the day the Counting Jews outside of Israel based on the strengths of the successful candidate as well as the demands new babies are born in the world,” United Nations celebrated the 7 is no simple task. Where Israel has of the Foundation. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Sergio DellaPergola, a professor of a government census, Jewish com- billionth child being born. (PHOTO- • Overall Foundation administration and management; population studies at Hebrew munities in the Diaspora must rely GRAPH COURTESY CELINE ABISROR) • Communication, donor and alumni relations; University, told JTA by e-mail: “It is on less rigorous and consistent • Event planning and logistics; difficult to say exactly which baby States, and the nine countries with methods, which leads to disagree- • Donor and Alumni database management. was the 7 billionth inhabitant of more than 100 000 Jews constitute ments over numbers. Earth. But why not dream that it 91,1 per cent of the total worldwide In general, demographers agree might have been a Jew?” Jewish population. that the Diaspora population is in Required Skills: The daughter of a French Jewish Further, Jews remain exception- decline due to low fertility rates. • Self motivated and goal oriented with an ability to work independently; mother and a Lebanese Christian ally urbanised, with half living in Other factors changing the Jewish • Solid verbal, written and visual communication skills; father, the 7-pound Ava Sarah just five cities and two-thirds living population include migration, “opt- • Respectful and discrete with private, confidential and sensitive information; joined a world in which one in 510 in 11 cities. ing out” of Jewish life, intermar- • Flexible, creative and solution focused; people is Jewish, but where the “Jewish population stands at riage and choosing not to raise chil- • Must possess strong administration, organizational and interpersonal skills; Jewish world as a whole, according somewhat above 13,5 million and dren as Jews. • A minimum of five years of executive administration experience preferred; to demographers, grows unevenly. very slowly grows - only thanks to Even if the population is shrink- • Previous experience within a Jewish Communal organization in the donor That Jewish world is one increas- Israel’s component, now approach- ing, demographer Ira Sheskin of funding arena would be valuable. ingly defined by a small number of ing 43 per cent of the total world the University of Miami says, there • Familiarity with non-profit organizations an asset. population centres, according to a Jewry,” DellaPergola said. is still a bright side for young Ava. study by DellaPergola titled “World Israel, the world’s most fertile “Jews are a tiny percentage of Jewish Population, 2010”. developed nation, is the engine of the world,” he said. “They’re going Please email a brief CV to [email protected] Approximately 80 per cent of Jewish population growth. Like the to continue to decrease - and win Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews Jews live in Israel and the United rest of the world, Israel saw a mas- Nobel Prizes.” (JTA) 8 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011

ARTS MATTERS The blokes and their fa-fi board: Fezela (Mdu Mkhethi); TAPESTRY Poison (Dumisani Mhlanga); Styles (Andries COMPILED BY Mbali) and Spikes ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE ROBYN SASSEN (Simphiwe Call 084-319-7844 or Nkabinde). [email protected] at least one week prior to publication Kwela Bafana is truly a Artisan Contemporary Gallery, Morningside, Durban: “Memories” an not-to-be-missed show exhibition by 30 artists, curated by Sue Greenberg in Show: “Kwela Bafana” Victory Theatre, spats, is revived by Phyllis Klotz celebration of 29 years’ asso- Houghton (011) 728-9603 and Smal Ndaba. It’s one of the ciation with the gallery, Directed and devised by: Phyllis Klotz and best shows on stage right now. until December 24, (031) Smal Ndaba The ensemble reflect the 312-4364. Musical director: Themba Mkhize cream of Sibikwa - Klotz and Cast: Andries Mbali; Velephi Khumali; Ndaba’s Benoni-based arts col- Everard Read and Circa Dumisani Mhlanga; Mduduzi Mkhethi; lective established 21 years ago. Gallery, Rosebank: Simphiwe Nkabinde; Nkosana Xulu “Smal and I have wanted to “Paint” by Kerri Evans in Band: Simphiwe Kubheka (drums); Sabelo revive Kwela Bafana for three or Everard Read; “redecon- Masondo (bass/double bass); Lunga Mgcina four years,” said Klotz, shortly structivist” by Paula Louw, (saxophone); Wandile Molefe (keyboard); Bra before the opening. “The fifties nence only toward the end of the show, allows in Circa; until December 4, B Ngwenya (keyboard) are so hot right now. And lottery and National you to breathe in the fineness of the full (011)788-4805. Design: Todd Twala (choreography); Sarah Arts Council funds have made it possible.” ensemble, for the rest of the show; thus mak- Roberts (costume, set); Kenny Bolokwe While it is a little raw around the edges, ing your heart fit to burst with delight at the Foxwood House Theatre, (lighting) sheer exuberance and talent brings the house finale. Houghton: “So French”, Until: December 10 (the show alternates with down. Led by the wonderful Velephi Khumalo, The repertoire ranges from a cappella to with Daniele Pascal, performances of Umoja) the show’s harmonies will make you think of pieces involving the full band; it flits and jives November 11; on November the Manhattan Brothers and Miriam Makeba. through the ‘50s, featuring, among others, the 18, an Agatha Christie-style REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN But wait, there’s more. moving 1954 Lakushon’Ilanga (When the sun murder mystery: “The PHOTOGRAPH: RUPHIN COUDYZER The draw card is Bra B, a member of the goes down… I will find you) by Macky Strange Case of the original 1959 King Kong cast. Born in 1935, Bra Davashe, Todd Matshikiza’s 1959 King Kong Headmaster’s Wife”, with POPULAR MUSIC is arguably an era’s most B still has the spunk and verve to knock you theme song and his Back of the Moon, tunes Paul Spence and Annie potent indicator. Kwela Bafana, first per- off your chair. Seated mid-stage in a fedora replete with not only the bittersweet story of Robinson, (011) 486-0935. formed in 1992, locally and at the Edinburgh with a bowtie, his dignified presence says it boxer Ezekiel Dlamini, but also delicious Festival, makes your heart glad at the extraor- all. caveats of scat and harmony, making your Goodman Gallery: In dinarily beautiful music made and performed He touches the keyboard for the first time in body jive in your seat. Parkwood, “Other Faces” by in townships during the 1950s blemished as the show’s second half, in a decision of direc- All too quickly, it’s over. The finale is Strike William Kentridge, until they were by forced removals and other torial genius. Bra B, with his almost toothless Vilakazi’s ironic Meadowlands, an audience December 23, (011) 788-1113. hideous apartheid realities. grin, holds sway over the audience, causing medley, which allows you to escape your seat In Woodstock, “Portraits” by This quasi-documentary musical, complete the shine of the rest of the cast to mute and dance in the aisles and on stage. What a David Goldblatt, until with narrative vignettes and patent leather momentarily. The fact that he’s given promi- show! You won’t want to see this only once. December 10, (021) 462-7579. Joburg Theatre, Getting swept away in hot flushes and chocolate binges... Braamfontein: In the Nelson Mandela, Janice ROBYN SASSEN “And further, there’s a small cast and my Honeyman’s, “Cinderella”, PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MONTECASINO youth” - he’s 28 - “is counterbalanced against until December 30. In the THEATRE their vast experience. With experienced perform- Fringe, Matthew Ribnick’s ers, the respect is there from the outset. “Monkey Nuts” until FIVE YEARS ago, an off-Broadway hit premised “It never rains, it pours,” he laughs, explaining December 4. In the People’s on menopause, a condition people normally that rehearsals for Menopause and for the Theatre, Jill Girard and don’t celebrate in public, rocked South Africa’s National Youth Theatre’s ‘Aladdin’, for which he Keith Smith’s “Beauty and audience base with sold-out seasons in is also musical director, started on the same day. the Beast”, until December Johannesburg and Cape Town. Menopause the “In this industry, we never do one thing at a 24, (011) 877-6800. Musical, written by Jeanie Linders in 2001 in time,” comments Feldman who astonishes her- Orlando, is back. self in acknowledging she’s been over 40 years in Market Theatre, Says Hazel Feldman of Showtime this industry. Newtown: In the Laager, Management, the show’s producer: “The show is “We have four or five projects bubbling at the Craig Higginson’s “Girl in stunning! While not all the performers are same time. The imperative is working with a the Yellow Dress” until menopausal, the cast is so fantastic, you forget staff you can trust. At the same time we’re stag- December 18. In the Main this and get swept away in allusions to hot flush- ing Menopause, Beautiful Creatures will be per- Theatre, Nik Rabinowitz, es, memory loss, chocolate binges, night sweats, forming, also under my producer’s mantel, on back by popular demand, weight gain and everything else which make the same stage, but at different times. And in with “You Can’t Be Serious”, menopause so real!” Judy Ditchfield as the housewife and Brenda 2012, we’re bringing out Janet Jackson and elec- November 14-19. In the While it’s essentially the same show fans saw Radloff as the ageing hippie, in the off- tronic dance music phenomenon deadmau5 Barney Simon, Paul in 2006/2007, with the same sets, costumes and Broadway musical, Menopause the Musical, (aka Joel Zimmerman) from Toronto, among Mpumelelo Grootboom’s repertoire, Feldman is not nervous about book- which opened this week. others.” “Rhetorical”, November 15- ings. “Pieter Toerien and I reckoned it’s time for • Menopause the Musical opened last night at 20, (011) 832-1641. a comeback. Everyone knows these songs. “Musically it is 25 relyricised pop songs from the Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, “The show takes a serious subject and makes a the sixties and seventies. The songs - like ‘My Fourways for a 10-week season, until January 15, Montecasino, Fourways: joke of it, but every woman - and actually every Thighs’ (a corruption of Mary Wells’ number one and performs at Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay In the Studio, Sonia man who’s had anything to do with a woman - hit single in MoTown, 1964, My Guy) and ‘My January 20 - February 18. Esgueira’s “Porralicious!”, can relate to it,” she added. Husband Sleeps Tonight’ (which spoofs the song • In Johannesburg, it stars Kate Normington, until November 13; Steve It’s directed by Patty Bender, the show’s inter- known as ‘Wimoweh’, number one on the charts Judy Ditchfield, Nthambo Rapethla and Brenda Solomon’s “My Mother’s national director. Choreography is by Vicky in 1961 for the doo-wop group, The Tokens) - are Radloff; in Cape Town, Delia Sainsbury and Italian, My Father’s Jewish Friedman; AFDA-trained Rowan Bakker is musi- relevant to baby boomers - who are going Linda Abromowitz reprise the roles of Ditchfield and I’m in Therapy” with cal director. through menopause now. and Radloff. Michael Richard opens November 16 for eight buried secrets of their parents, as well as their ultimately happy, with Ewan McGregor and vet- weeks. In the Pieter Toerien own genetic make-up. eran star Christopher Plummer giving immacu- Theatre, “Menopause the FELDMAN A quirky element of the story is a talking dog late performances as the father and son. Musical”, until January 8, whose communication with his master is related McGregor submerges deeply into Oliver, offer- (011) 511-1988. ON FILM Peter Feldman through subtitles and anyone who can pull this ing moments of shining subtlety in his portrayal, off effectively, gets my vote. while the effervescent Plummer has never been in Old Mutual Theatre on The film opens with Oliver (Ewan McGregor) better form as he shows the world that, despite the the Square, Sandton: PICK OF THE WEEK cleaning out the home of his father, Hal character’s illness, the man still has a voracious Mark Sampson’s “Africa (Christopher Plummer), who has just died. The appetite for life. Clockwise” until November Beginners place is sad and empty. Another shining light is the beautiful French 19. Friday lunchtime con- Oliver finds a bottle of pills and flushes them actress, Mélanie Laurent, who first came to the cert on November 11 fea- Cast: Ewan McGregor; Christopher Plummer; down the toilet. Hal’s pet dog, a Jack Russell fore in Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds”. She tures the Goldberg Mélanie Laurent named Arthur, is also hurting. Oliver adopts plays an actress named Anna who works her way Chamber players playing Director: Mike Mills Arthur and discovers this hapless hound is in into Oliver’s affections. works by Bruch, (011) constant need of companionship, and has to be They meet at Halloween party and she is suffer- 883-8606. “Beginners” is the bittersweet story of a young with him all the time. ing from laryngitis and cannot speak, so she pass- man who discovers that his terminally ill father The narrative, with its many flashbacks, is a es him notes: She asks why he is at a party if he is Victory Theatre, Orange is gay and has taken a younger lover. touching experience and the relationship so sad. It’s a question that stuns Oliver, but he Grove: “Relive the 50s: How he copes with the situation, and deals with between Hal and his much younger lover Andy, can’t deny it. Kwela Bafana”, a revived his own mental and spiritual turmoil, forms the played by ER’s Goran Visnjic, is sensitively han- Their relationship develops as Oliver recognis- stage musical, directed by thrust of Mike Mills’ delightfully engaging cine- dled. es that he has always prevented himself from Phyllis Klotz and Smal matic excursion. Writer and director Mills has based the story engaging in a truly meaningful relationship with Ndaba, performed by the For director Mills, “Beginners” is a deeply per- on his own experiences when his father declared a woman because he has difficulty conveying his Sibikwa Players, featuring sonal narrative as he artfully explores sadness, in later life that he was gay. feelings. Bra B Ngwenya, until loneliness and love and questions the belief that The film is not, as one would expect, a depress- Overall, “Beginners” is a warm, uplifting pro- December 10, (011) 728-9603. humans can be stunted in their growth by the ing experience. It’s gentle, playful, creative and duction. 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 9 TAPESTRY ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE

From Southern Africa, edited by The winning submission, “The JM Coetzee (Jacana, R114) Story” by James Whyte, offers Good reads with a local flavour startling revelations of the obdu- This year’s African racy and anger underpinning REVIEWED BY GWEN PODBREY Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Ava short story writer, Goudvis’ trench- Pens anthology in- modern South Africa and the Gardner, and her days rubbing ant observations - superbly edited cludes a wealth of failure of redefined ideologies to Ants in the Big Onion by Annica shoulders (and other body parts) by Leveson - offer rare insights into tales from writers effect real change. Despite a Foxcroft (Random House Struik, with the likes of President Alfredo her environment and a unique such as Rosemund curiously laconic, almost reluc- R170) Stroessner, Chris Barnard and John mindset bolstered by natural Handler, Martin Hat- tant introduction by Coetzee, F Kennedy. resilience and enduring optimism. chuel, Margaret explaining in the most cursory A B&B in Meyerton She’s also apparently on good “(Life) has taught me not to expect Jacobsohn, Michelle terms the criteria by which sto- called the Fox ’n Zulu - terms with Pieter-Dirk Uys. A crude too much from G-d or Man, but to Sacks, Liesl Jobson, ries were judged, the collection run by a maid-turned- and capricious romp through the accept with thankfulness the good Sarah Lotz, William Oosthuizen is both entertaining and enlight- entrepreneur and her psyche of white South Africans, elic- that comes my way,” she wrote. Well and Fadhila Mazanderani. ening. former madam - is the iting the following comment from noted - then, as now. central meeting point the mortified Evita: “I have no inten- for a group of stereo- tion of reading this disgusting col- The Soft Vengeance of a Freedom typical South Africans. lection of lies and slander. As a Fighter by Albie Sachs (Souvenir As they share their respective chal- Christian, I know I should forgive Press, R195) lenges, ranging from tumultuous her. love affairs to business crises, they “Archbishop Tutu has always This updated, revised forge a bond that transcends even reminded us that reconciliation edition of Sachs’ cele- the most insidious racial prejudice. starts at home. But there are some brated memoir spans A light-hearted, skilfully delineated lines that have been crossed here his years as an anti- caricature of our country, its peo- and I will not take these horrible apartheid activist, in ples and the times we live in. libels lying down.” the course of which he lost his right arm and Never Too Naked by Bambi South African Odyssey: The an eye in a car bomb Kellermann (Random House Autobiography of Bertha Goudvis attack while in exile. Struik, R200) edited by Marcia Leveson (Picador Recounting his battle to recover - Africa, R200) both physically and spiritually - Fans of Evita Be- from the experience, Sachs ex- zuidenhout may recall A feminist and free plains the forces which helped drive her recent run-in with spirit way ahead of her him back into life and politics. her sordid little sister, time, Bertha Goudvis’ These included an unassailable Bambi Kellermann, long life spanned three belief in the possibility of a free which culminated in wars and the emer- South Africa, the realisation that Bezuidenhout gence of South Africa he still had much to contribute and, attempting to quash from colonialism to above all, a profound well of the publication of this salacious, modern statehood. Ha- courage. hilarious memoir, Ag, sies, man! ving immigrated from England at The book includes his insights Kellermann spills the beans about the age of five in 1881, Goudvis’ life into South Africa’s more recent his- the unwholesome Bezuidenhout/ among both English and Afrikaans tory, his involvement in the Truth Poggenpoel families (a history most communities gave her a unique van- and Reconciliation Commission and decent people would rather forget), tage point into the socio-political his reflections on the principles in her escapades in the world’s glam- dynamics of this country and the which our new Constitution is our capitals, her encounters with individuals who shaped its history. grounded. An inspiring read. legendary sirens like Marlene A journalist, novelist, librettist and African Pens 2011: New Writing Cutback time, but Cinderella still a romp!

“Lots for us, and none for you!” The ugly sis- ters, Flossie (Tobie Cronjé) and Fanny (Robert Whitehead), veto their step-sister, Cinderella’s Not only does Fanny (Robert Whitehead) need a (Carmen shoe horn for the famous crystal slipper, she needs Pretorius) a prosthetic foot! Behind her, is her sister, Flossie access to an (Tobie Cronjé). The prince’s consort, Dandini invite to the (Stephen Jubber) looks on aghast. royal ball.

Show: Cinderella, Nelson Mandela however, reflect economic cutbacks. Rensburg), turns into a plastic uni- Theatre, Joburg Theatre, Hinging on the old story of the corn. Gone are the days when real Braamfontein (011) 877-6800 pretty girl who debunks her rotten horses were panto stars, complete Cast: Tobie Cronjé; Stephen Jubber; personal deal with nasty siblings with real live magic. Tammi Meyer; Bongi Mthombeni; and nastier menial expectations, to Having said that, the ugliest girls Carmen Pretorius; Sibu Radebe; win the heart of the handsomest boy you could possibly imagine, Robert Malcolm Terrey; Anna-Mart van der in town, it’s sprinkled with jokes Whitehead and Tobie Cronjé, as Merwe; Jaco van Rensburg; Robert and punts in English and Afrikaans, Fanny Flatulina and Flossie Fle- Whitehead; an ensemble cast of 12, that dot all the I’s and cross all the merina, embody the roles of the sis- featuring child ballroom dancers T’s of this type of show. ters with total aplomb, complete from the Richmond School of Dance With Anna-Mart van der Merwe with toilet humour, spite and mal- in Orange Farm, and a five piece as the guiding fairy to the tale, and ice. But they don’t incite us to a band. Bongi Mthombeni and Carmen frothy sense of outrage nearly Director: Janice Honeyman Pretorius as the leading couple, its enough, what with sweetly con- Musical director: Heidi Edeling prettiness claims are high. structed dynamics between Cin- Band leader: Coenraad Rall. This panto doesn’t feature as derella’s buddy Buttons (Sibu Ra- Design: Jaco van Rensburg (chore- much fall-on-the-floor funny dia- debe) and name changing shenani- ography); Graham McLusky (light- logue with baddies as we’ve seen in gans in the forest. ing); Dave Smeda (sound) the past. However; while there’s the The cherry on top is a cameo by Until: December 30 sprinkling of risqué jokes, the hilar- tots from Orange Farm’s Richmond ity is generally sedate. School of Dance - the smallest cou- REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN The advertising punts, in gesture ple can’t be older than eight - who PHOTOGRAPHS: MARIOLA BIELA and lyrics honouring the input of bring the house down with their sponsors at times are funny, at oth- abundance of cuteness. Watching THIS, THE 22nd end-of-year pan- ers, tired; but the cruellest cutback them cha-cha-cha-ing and waltzing tomime under Janice Honeyman’s of all is that after all is said and at Prince Charming’s ball, will justi- direction, is in the name of fun in done: pumpkins become chariots, fy the cost of your ticket and satu- capital letters, and silliness, appro- and tablecloths cloaks, the amiable rate your start to the holidays with priate with the time of year. It does, donkey, Donkey Outie (Jaco van joy. 10 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011

LETTERS The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: [email protected]

Guidelines for letters: Letters up to 400 words will get preference. Please provide your full first name Disclaimer: The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any and surname, place of residence, and a daytime contact telephone or cell number. We do not publish let- given topic to be expressed. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not ters under noms de plume. Letters should preferably be e-mailed. Letters may be edited or shortened. necessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff or directors of the Jewish Report HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO BRENDA STERN ON NEW JOB THOUSANDS SPENT ON RUSSELL COULD BE USED FOR STARVING AFRICANS I REFER to the article in the Jewish Report behalf of the South African Jewish commu- THE DEMONISATION of Israel, an industry You would no doubt see these folk at some of November 4, “Stern advises Israeli nity. that provides employment to hundreds of of the finest dining establishments in the Embassy on strategic projects”. Not only is Stern capable and erudite, but people worldwide and is a multi-million dollar Cape and why not, a little relaxation after the Congratulations to Stern on her appoint- she certainly has no fear when it comes to business, whose workers do very little else gruelling court procedures... ment as manager of strategic projects for voicing her opinion. We wish her great than plan and plot various initiatives to dele- What better place to holiday (free, gratis the Israeli Embassy in Pretoria. It should strength to her arm in all her endeavours in gitimise Israel, is on the roll again. and for nothing) than Cape Town in be mentioned that Stern was a valuable assisting the Israeli Embassy. This time under the banner of the Russell November and who would turn such an member of the Cape Board of Deputies a Tribunal on Palestine called an “internation- opportunity down with the added incentive of few years back and she was both successful Michael Bagraim al people’s court” which bears no resem- being able to demonise Israel in every which and well known as an activist for and on Cape Town blance whatsoever to a court of law or tribu- way possible! nal, other than in name only. But then, isn’t the exorbitant cost of staging MACKINTOSH AND GEFFEN GET PUBLICITY THROUGH SAJR The “jurors” and “expert witnesses” care- Russell far better than supporting organisa- (DANIEL) Mackintosh/(Nathan) Geffen your paper, I feel that a year spent training with fully selected for their well-documented bias tions like the “Gift of the Givers” who could use should be grateful to the Jewish Report for the the Royal Marines or US Marines, would do him against Israel, travelled to Cape Town in early these millions to save the lives of thousands of publicity they receive through your pages - a world of good, if he survived the experience. November to take part in this hate fest headed starving children in Somalia, where the organ- which I expect they appreciate. by none other than The “Arch” (Archbishop isation is doing such magnificent work. But for the Jewish Report, they would be Hymie Stein Emeritus Desmond Tutu) himself. The cost of a few thousand little African unknown! Having seen Mackintosh’s picture in Johannesburg So, we had about 40 international guests children’s lives must pale into insignificance making up this circus and one can only spec- to the value that Russell brought to the party, NO PRICE TOO HIGH FOR A PRECIOUS ISRAELI LIFE ulate at the cost of this venture. after all those starving people are only THE EXCHANGE of Israeli soldier Gilad democracy to do so) that these Arab prison- No doubt these esteemed participants Africans and life is cheap in Africa! Shalit for 1 027 Palestinian prisoners, ers became tradable entities at all. If their would only travel first class or the very least, But then, the plight of Africa - starvation, including 279 sentenced to life imprison- crimes had been committed in any Arab business class, stay at five-star hotels in Cape war, genocide, and rape - has never been a ment for multiple murders of innocent country, they would long since have been Town which don’t come too cheaply today - worthwhile industry for the human rights civilians, must stand, by virtue of its asym- executed. and who knew for how long our visitors activists or for that matter the UN Human metry, as one of the most extraordinary The contempt for life that permeates the would stay. Rights Commissioner herself and for other transactions in history. Arab world, explains why torture and exe- Don’t forget that not only did they partici- UN agencies. Africa simply doesn’t appear on One would have to be blind not to see in cution are so widely used for the mainte- pate in their orgy of hate in District Six, but their radar screen, but Israel bashing is a big this lopsidedness the stark difference in val- nance of public order and why mothers they were no doubt booked for talks at univer- and lucrative business. ues between the two sides. rejoice when their children martyr them- sities and other venues (at a fee). Let’s not for- Gilad was 19 years old at the time of his selves. And it also explains the asymmetry get witness fees and juror’s fees over and Allan Wolman abduction near the Gaza border. He was of this exchange. above their salaries - dollar-based of course. Norwood, Johannesburg never charged with any crime, nor was he For Israelis, Gilad Shalit wasn’t just an brought before a court of law. Deprived of anonymous soldier - he was everyone’s son. THE BAFFLING ENIGMA OF THE SELF-HATING JEW sunlight for over 2 000 days in the solitary When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin THE QUESTION has come up again and again: indulge both of these seemingly contradicto- confinement of a cellar, he was denied all Netanyahu told Gilad’s parents, Aviva and Why do certain Jewish individuals see fit to ry traits. contact with the outside world, including Noam: “I’m bringing your boy back,”, he side with the enemies of Israel and the Jewish The self-hating Jew seeks to ingratiate him- the Red Cross. His captors claim that he was spoke not only for, but to, all Israelis. people? Why do some Jews criticise Israel con- self or herself before Islamists, leftists, and confined according to the precepts of No doubt the price of this exchange is stantly while turning a blind eye to the myri- others deemed politically correct, because he Islamic justice. enormous and no Israeli is oblivious to the ads evils perpetrated by Palestinians and Arab or she is not brave enough to take these forces The Palestinian prisoners, on the other fact that it will probably lead to further sui- nations against Jews, non-Arab minorities, on. Therefore it is much easier to attack a soft hand, were convicted in a court of law and cide attacks. But every Israeli understands non-Muslims, and even their own people? target, like his or her own community, than held according to international legal stan- that returning a solitary soldier to the Allow me to shed some insight into what I huge, worldwide malevolent forces. dards. They mixed with other prisoners, bosom of his family is what has made Israel think is the mindset of the self-hating Jew. Finally, I have a theory - and it is only a the- had television, books and newspapers and the unique country it is and continues to Firstly, the self-hating Jew usually comes ory - but it’s worthy of thought: Perhaps if we were allowed to study for degrees. keep it so. from a dysfunctional family or has other psy- were allowed access to a self-hating Jew’s Among those released was Abbas Sayyid, This respect for life - every life - engen- chological issues that have caused him to feel finances, we would see that he or she benefits responsible for killing 30 Israeli civilians, ders the responsibility Israelis feel for one alienated from the Jewish community. greatly from the deep pockets of Saudi including three generations of one family at another. It is the value that has sustained He or she is lashing out at fellow Jews and Arabia, Iran, certain Emirati families, and a Passover seder. He had been sentenced to Jewish solidarity for 3 000 years. Israel, in an effort to shock them or to get back other Islamist petro-interests, who will pay 35 consecutive terms of life imprisonment. While upholding values doesn’t come at them. handsomely for the ultimate propagandist - a Another was Hassan Salameh, responsible cheap, Israelis will take some satisfaction Secondly, the self-hating Jew is an attention Jew who hates his or her own people. for killing 46 people and wounding scores from the knowledge that they value one of seeker, but at the same time he or she is a cow- more. He was serving 38 consecutive terms their own as equal to 1 027 terrorists. ard. Taking a one-sided anti-Israel, anti- Jared Joel of life imprisonment. Jewish stance is a good way for him or her to Sydenham, Johannesburg It was only because Israel outlawed the R Volpe death penalty in 1954 (the first modern Port Elizabeth VISITING KNP? WATCH OUT FOR MALARIA AND TICK BITE FEVER WHY IS SAJBD REJECTING A TWO-STATE SOLUTION? THOSE WHO intend going to the Kruger ical presentations. They are Ricketsia conorii National Park for the upcoming holidays, and Rickettsia Africa. Rickettsia Africa is the IN 1948 the Provisional State Council of Israel The occupation is not a source of sufficient should heed warnings about malaria and tick milder form of the disease. Rickettsia conorii declared the state. It decided not to indicate moral discomfort to Israelis. Except for the bite fever. can be fatal. the borders of Israel in the independence dec- minority who do combat military service, the Malaria is a eukaryotic plasmnodium dis- The treatment of choice is doxycycline or laration, so as to leave open the possibility of oppression of Palestinians is out of sight for ease spread by the female Anopheles mosqui- tetracycline. Macrolides and quinolones may expansion beyond the 1947 UN partition plan. the average Israeli. to. Typically the malaria parasites invade the be of value. Under David Ben-Gurion Israel began The Palestinian Authority has played its red blood cells. This results in fever, headache The incubation period for R conorii is five to using diplomacy and military force to acquire gambit against this background. It is risky, and can result in coma leading to death. seven days. The eschar is the primary lesion territory. Even in 1948 Israel had military but what else is left for the Palestinian leader- Falciparum is the dangerous form of mala- and indicates the site of attachment of the supremacy. ship to do to change the status quo? ria leading to the most fatalities. infected tick. It consists of a central necrotic Although it had a technological disadvan- The Board of Deputies and Zionist Federa- Fundamental to the understanding of area surrounding inflamed skin. tage until an arms shipment arrived from tion expressed regret that our government malaria is an understanding of the life cycle Clinical presentation may be mild to severe Czechoslovakia, Israelis outnumbered the supports the Palestinian bid. It is disappoint- of the malaria parasite in the mosquito and and includes encephalitis, confusion, coma, opposing forces. Ben-Gurion understood then ing that the Board of Deputies took this posi- the human host and the sexual and asexual pulmonary embolism, bleeding, myocarditis, that non-specification of borders suits the tion. The Board has an important mission: forms of the parasite. hepatorenal failure and coagulopathy. strong. “The SAJBD works for the betterment of Malaria kills over one million people each The diagnostic triad consists of eschar, The Arab leadership in Palestine rejected human relations between Jews and all other year, most of whom are young children, fever and rash. The rash may resemble rubel- the UN partition. This was understandable; peoples of SA based on mutual respect, under five years, with 95 per cent of them liv- la, measles, secondary syphilis, enterovirus, they were allocated one third of the land understanding and goodwill, and to protect ing in sub-Saharan Africa. Each year there gonorrhoea, arbovirus, leptospirosis, drug while constituting two thirds of the popula- the civil liberties of South African Jews. are over 300 million cases of malaria. reactions and immune complex disorders. tion. But the 1948-49 War left them with less “It is committed to a South Africa where Malaria is responsible for one out of four The diagnosis of the South African variety of land and the permanent displacement of everyone will enjoy freedom from the evils of deaths in children each year in Africa. tick bite fever can be made if the classic triad of 700 000 men, women and children. prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.” Women are four times more likely to get sick fever, eschar and rash is present. Less typical The bid by the Palestinian Authority for UN There is nothing about supporting the nar- and twice as likely to die if they are pregnant. forms of TBF present with a wide range of recognition is an attempt to transcend this his- row interests of the current Israeli govern- There is more and more chloroquin resist- clinical features and severity. The treatment of tory; it has opponents both left and right. ment. ance against malaria and DDT is not as effec- choice is either tetracycline or doxycycline. Some on the left advocate a single state, hop- To a large extent the Board fulfils its mis- tive as it used to be. Artemesin has come to ing to put aside religious identities in a secular sion, but it fails when it takes positions on the fore as a form of treatment. Dr H D Solomons country. Israel. By publicly opposing the Palestinian Tick bite fever has been a constant scenario Highlands North, Johannesburg Unlike in South Africa where urbanisation bid and our government’s position on it, it in South Africa. Only recently has it been made black people the majority in the cities, in does a disservice to its mission and to South established that there are two aetiological We have combined two letters from this writer ` Israel there is effective territorial separation, African Jews. agents with different epidemiologies and clin- and shortened them. - Editor due in part to the substitution of Palestinian Opposition to Palestinian statehood also labour by migrant workers from Asia. does a disservice to Israelis. International For a just solution, stopping the settlement recognition of Palestine in the West Bank and G-D TRULY WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS enterprise must be the first objective, Gaza, with its capital in East Jerusalem, would WHEN ONE considers: (a) Goldstein’s UN the rejection of Goldstone as a “liar” by a Although it won’t immediately give them the give Israel recognition of West Jerusalem, Gaza Report; (b) the acclaim he received Palestinian “human rights lawyer” attend- reality of independence. something it has never had before. from pro-Palestinian activists; (c) his subse- ing the Russell Tribunal - one can truly say: The Palestinian, Israeli, US, EU and South quent retraction of some sections of that G-d works in mysterious ways! African governments, all claim to support a Nathan Geffen report; (d) then his op-ed in the New York two-state solution. But the Palestinian bid Cape Town Times regarding Israel not being an David Abel has shown that Israel and its allies are only apartheid state, which delivered a fatal blow SAZ Co-chairman ready to pay lip-service to the idea. This letter has been shortened. - Editor to the BDS movement; and (e) in Cape Town George 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 LETTERS COMMUNITY COLUMNS PHONE CALL OR TWO COULD HAVE RESOLVED CLASH OF DATES WHAT A pity that the Rabin Memorial lecture is clashes of functions and I wonder why we just How SA Jewry took being held on November 8, as it clashes with the can’t get it right. It’s time we put our heads ABOVE UJW’s 80th birthday event which was organised together and get the communal diary working. on Russell Tribunal months and months ago and is surely written The Jewish community mostly read the Jewish BOARD the favourable media coverage obtained into the communal diary, which obviously no one Report, so this medium is the best way to adver- Mary Kluk, and the impact made through the social bothers to look at! tise the communal diary and hopefully to also National Chairman media. I am very irritated with the community because shake up the various organisations to come to the We established a national media there is a certain selfishness within it when it party and learn to play fair! A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies response team, activated on SMS, and comes to showing some responsibility towards The communal diary is housed in Johan- THE RUSSELL Tribunal on Palestine assembled a team of experts ready to each other regarding the planning of these events. nesburg at Beyachad in the office of the SA Jewish (RToP) has just concluded its two-day pro- respond. Many op-eds and letters, All it needs is a few phone calls here and there to Board of Deputies and we expect organisations to ceedings in Cape Town, but its impact is appeared in the mainstream papers and find out if there is a clash and if so, to try and make respect each other and to kindly diarise your func- by no means behind us. Already, a num- reports on the proceedings invariably other arrangements that are mutually acceptable. tions and events in this Diary in good time. ber of highly emotive articles reporting quoted our side. Just a small effort from the staff and the bosses of In this way we can circumvent the anger, frus- on what was discussed, have appeared in There was a positive response to our that organisation and that is all(that is needed). tration and the disrespect to each other that these the mainstream press and we can expect media packs delivered to journalists The UJW (and possibly one or two other clashes generate. more of the same over the next few days. beforehand. In the electronic media, sever- women’s organisations) always try their best We need to desist from selfishly going ahead Our expectations that the RToP would al of our spokespeople were interviewed NOT to clash with the events of other organisa- and doing our own thing. Let’s show some ubun- make a mockery of fair, reasoned debate on radio, our most noteworthy success tions and often to their own great inconvenience. tu for the coming year 5772/2012 and not do unto were more than confirmed. Time and being NGO Watch director, Prof Gerald The UJW’s 80th birthday event is a case in point. others what you would not want to be done to you. again, Israel was accused of gross human Steinberg’s debating John Dugard on At the beginning of the year they began setting Please note that I write in my private capacity rights abuses as if its actions had no rea- SAfm and acquitting himself excellently. a date for late 2011 but after setting a date they and on the above issue I am not carrying a flag for sonable cause or context. Among other initiatives, we also started discovered another community event had any particular organisation. I think only of the case of a Palestinian a Facebook page called Russell the already occupied. And so it went on, yet again to woman who received weeks of spe- Kangaroo, and set up a twitter account. look for another date that was free. Ray Wolder cialised medical treatment in an Israeli Some of us demonstrated against the pro- This is NOT the first time there have been Corlett Gardens, Johannesburg hospital after being severely burned, yet ceedings in specially-made kangaroo out- on one such visit returned with a suicide fits (the Kangaroo Court theme indeed bomb belt which she attempted - unsuc- proved to be very effective in holding the Life and work of a country communities’ rabbi cessfully - to detonate. RToP up to public ridicule). “SHALOM, THE Beloved Country” is a 48- faced by Jews in small country communities These are the kind of incidents that the Compared to how well-funded the RToP minute TV documentary on the work being and captures Rabbi Silberhaft’s warm relation- RToP, supposedly a gathering of con- was, we had to operate on the proverbial done by Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, South ships with communities that once boasted cerned human rights activists, complete- shoe-string, yet we were able to go toe-to- Africa’s country communities rabbi, in platte- thriving Jewish populations. ly neglected to deal with. It was a body toe with its promoters and forthrightly land communities and further afield. Rabbi Many different aspects of the rabbi’s work is that lied by omission, not occasionally challenge their right to assume the moral Silberhaft is also known as “The Travelling highlighted, from conducting evening services but continually throughout its proceed- high ground. Rabbi”. to “schmoozing” with his congregants to visit- ings. Notwithstanding these achievements, In a media release, Rabbi Silberhaft explains ing old abandoned synagogues, to looking after In preparing a counter-strategy, the which in many ways put the latter on the that the title plays on the multiple meanings of cemeteries to providing help for Jews who Board worked closely with the SAZF and back foot, we certainly cannot rest on our shalom, as a greeting, a welcome, and a have fallen on hard times. in consultation with a range of local and laurels. Our strategy now is to keep up the farewell, as well as on the resonance of Alan It also shows the rabbi interacting with international experts within the overall pressure and do all we can to expose the Paton’s famous book on our beloved country. members of other faiths and communities, as structure of FairplaySA. RToP and its specious findings for what A team from the SABC accompanied him on part of his everyday work and mission as “the Our decision was not simply to be reac- they are, namely a cynical, carefully his pastoral work in the North-West, Free rabbi with the biggest flock in the country”. tive, but to go on to the offensive at an stage-managed propaganda circus that is State, Western Cape, and Bulawayo, where he The documentary which is scripted and early stage. It resulted in unprecedented in turn part of an ongoing, multi-front opened a library (the Rabbi Moshe Library) for directed by Gus Silber, will be screened on co-operation between communal organi- political war against Israel. schoolchildren in a suburb there. Issues of Faith on SABC2 on Sunday, sations and the different regions, and the The documentary explores the challenges November 13 at 09:00. fruits of this quickly became apparent in This column is paid for by the SAJBD

Terms & Conditions apply 12 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011 Rosh pilgrimage to Uman A portrait of Adolf Eichmann, in invigorates body and soul an exhibition marking the SHIRA DRUION hears every day and I have to 50th anniver- PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED say that I yearn for this all sary of his year round.” trial in IT IS almost impossible to More on Reb Nachman of believe that in September Breslov: He is famous for his Jerusalem. (AP every year, over 40 000 Jews, innovative approach to Jud- PHOTO/SEBAST- from all over the world, swarm aism and for the emphasis IAN SCHEINER. the streets of Uman in The he places on various ele- PHOTOGRAPH Ukraine for the Rosh Hash- ments of one’s service to COURTESY WWW.VOSIZNEA anah pilgrimage to pay tribute G-d. He teaches that in addi- IS.COM) to iconic Rabbi Nachman of tion to the three regular Breslov. daily prayers that one The High Holy Days draw Stan Matthews; Ilan Rabinowitz; Shimi should say with a minyan, the crowds who arrive by the Peres; Steven Noik; Sam Michel; Jonathan all Jews should also allocate Kristallnacht was the thousands, to take over the lit- Rogoff; and Hilton Muller. an hour each day for person- tle town of Uman to the great al prayer, called hisbodidut. delight of the locals who cash He teaches that this prayer harbinger of genocidal evil in on the Jewish pilgrimage. should be said in one’s moth- ROBYN SASSEN Germany’s Ambassador to SA and This year, a group of 30 South er tongue to ensure a person Deputy Head of Mission, from the African men set out to connect is connecting to the words that he is saying. He is also PAYING TRIBUTE to Holocaust Austrian Embassy, Martin Gärtner, to the encapsulating spiritual- very emphatic in his encour- survivors present, Katharina von spoke of the Holocaust in their lives. ity that Uman holds. aging of service to G-d with Ruckteschell-Katte, director of the Safrian began research in the Rav Nachman, as he is fond- joy, and the need to focus on Goethe Institut in Johannesburg, 1980s. “Then, the Holocaust knowl- ly known, is buried in the holy one’s good qualities in order this week introduced a talk com- edge base was small. Many Eastern cemetery in Uman, which is to overcome one’s negative memorating 73 years since Europe archives only became also the infamous burial plot qualities. Kristallnacht, on November 9, and accessible once the governments for 30 000 Jewish souls who Kloiz Shul in Uman in the Ukraine erev This outlook on life en- 50 years since the November 15 had gone through transition. I were killed after being forced sures that the thousands of guilty verdict at Adolf Eichmann’s wanted to examine the role of cer- to choose between converting Rosh Hashanah. diverse Jews who come to trial in Jerusalem. tain kinds of perpetrators in to Christianity or death. Uman, all feel welcome and Prof Hans Safrian, of the depart- National Socialism, and to debunk The Haidamaky Uprising in words of the shema in a Kloiz min- are able to plug into the electric ment of contemporary history at the myth that Austria was the first 1768, saw Ivan Gonta and the yan of 7 500 people, far surpasses energy, regardless of one’s reli- the Vienna Institute, was guest victim of National Socialism.” Cossacks storm Uman and merci- the euphoria of standing 10m from gious level, background, culture speaker. He also focused his talk drawing lessly spilt Jewish blood, attempt- Spain as the (Soccer World Cup) and observance. It is truly a multi- Tali Nates, director of the from his book Eichmann’s Men, ing to force Jews to give up their trophy was handed to them (in cultural conglomeration of Jew- Johannesburg Holocaust and (2003), in which he examined the faith. Today, an enormous build- 2010).” ish festivity at its best. Genocide Centre, spoke of how the contradictions in the reflection of ing stands on the soil where the The Kloiz Shul is the original The Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage “series of events that many call the Eichmann as the banality of evil, a Jews were killed, as a Kiddush shul in Uman, built over 200 years dates back to 1811, when the beginning of the end or the end of phrase coined by philosopher Hashem, to sanctify G-d’s name. ago. rebbe’s foremost disciple, Rabbi the beginning of the Holocaust”, Hannah Arendt. The Days of Awe are witnesses Rabbi Yechiel Hager echoes Nosson of Breslov organised the were staged to seem unplanned, “Historians don’t unpack what to Jews from all walks of life, who Matthews’ sentiments and tells first such pilgrimage on Rosh but were carefully co-ordinated, has become truism. The defence that arrive in numbers to pray at the how he has been accompanying Hashanah after Reb Nachman’s resulting in the destruction of Nazis acted on orders they could not grave of Reb Nachman, called the his father to Uman since 1989. death. Reb Nosson informed Reb 1 400 synagogues, deportation of evade or disobey, is generalised. It “Tzion”. They arrive in bus loads “This year, the experience was a Nachman’s many students that 30 000 men, looting of 7 500 Jewish wasn’t specific to Nazi perpetrators; and long lines can be seen at any combination of tremendous joy, his wish was that his students businesses, cemeteries, hospitals, it’s an excuse in any defence for hour of the day or night as Jews combined with the awesomeness of would spend Rosh Hashanah at schools and homes and deaths of crimes against humanity. attempt to connect with the spiri- this auspicious time. The prayers his gravesite. 100 Jews, that night. “Eichmann styled himself as the tual energy of their leader. begin at 06:30 and the experience is “The spiritual turbo-boost is Adolf Eichmann founded the absolute bureaucrat with nothing Stan Matthews, director of foot- an exceptionally unifying and unlike anything I have ever expe- Central Office for Jewish Emi- personal against Jews. In his trial, ball for Supersport United, who uplifting one, as the humdrum of rienced to date,” says Matthews. gration, situated in Vienna, shortly he didn’t tell outright lies; using made the pilgrimage this year, thousands of Jews, many of whom He has already been canvassing thereafter. glimpses of reality, he manipulated recalls his experience: “I have to are great Torah scholars, pray for Uman 5773. Dov Segev-Steinberg, Israel’s evidence against him to his advan- admit that declaring the holy together. This is not something one Ambassador to SA, Horst Freitag, tage.” that it was very beneficial for At the rebirth of Judaism South African Jewry to take part AROUND THE WORLD in such gatherings, both in order NEWS IN BRIEF that the community should not in Eastern Europe become isolated from the wider SURVEY SHOWS SLIGHT RISE IN AMERICAN ANTI-SEMITISM Jewish world and in order to NEW YORK - Anti-Semitism in the these statements about Jews as true, DAVID SAKS Among the non-European rab- have input into resolving the United States has increased slightly suggests that the downturn in the bis attending was South Africa’s challenges facing it. since 2009, according to an Anti- economy, along with the changing MORE THAN 200 eminent rab- Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, It had been an eye-opening Defamation League survey. demographics of our society, may bonim from across Europe and who spoke on the opening day on experience for him to see how Results of the 2011 Survey of have contributed to the rise in anti- elsewhere, took part in last the role of the rabbi in a modern- Judaism was being reborn in the American Attitudes Towards Jews Semitic sentiments," ADL National week’s Conference of European day democracy. Eastern European countries, in America released on November Director Abraham Foxman said in a Rabbis in Warsaw. It was the The scholar-in-residence was which had been subjected to the 3, showed that 15 per cent of statement. most senior rabbinical gathering the world renowned poseik double onslaught, first of Nazism Americans held anti-Semitic "Once again, the old anti-Semitic in the Polish capital since before (halachic authority) Rabbi Osher and then of communism and yet views, an increase of three per cent stand-bys about Jewish loyalty, the the Second World War, with par- Weiss. The entire conference pro- today was once again beginning since 2009 but matching levels in death of Jesus and Jewish power ticipants including Israel’s Chief ceedings were conducted in to thrive. 2007 and 2005. remain strong." Rabbi Yona Metzger, the chief Hebrew, the only common lan- It was interesting to see that The survey also found a five per The poll of 1 754 adults also found rabbis of the UK, France, the guage for such a diverse gather- many of the younger rabbonim cent increase, to 19 per cent, of a stark correlation between anti- Ukraine, Rome and Moscow and ing. who attended, were from Ger- Americans who believe that “Jews Semitic views and education levels, heads and dayanim of batei Although the conference had many, today home to some 200 000 have too much control/influence on with nine per cent of college gradu- dinim (ecclesiastical courts) from focused primarily on European Jews. Wall Street”. Other anti-Semitic ates holding some negative feelings all the major European cities. issues, Rabbi Goldstein believed One of the main issues dis- views remained constant, with 31 toward Jews versus 13 per cent of cussed was the recent ban by the per cent believing that Jews were those who completed some college Dutch government on shechita. responsible for Jesus’ death and 30 and 22 per cent who graduated or Because the current seat of the per cent that Jews were more loyal completed some high school. EU presidency is in Poland, dele- to Israel than America. The survey was conducted on gations were sent to lobby EU "The stereotypes about Jews and October 13-23 and has a margin of officials on this particular mat- money endure, and the fact that error of plus or minus 2,8 per cent. ter. more Americans are now accepting (JTA) Rabbi Goldstein said that dav- ening mincha in the Nozyk Shul, OXFORD CLUB MEMBERS RESIGN OVER ANTI-SEMITISM the only synagogue in the city OXFORD - Four members of the Both have launched investigations that had not been destroyed by Oxford University Conservative into the incident, according to the the Nazis, had been a particular- Association have resigned over anti- newspaper. Two prime ministers ly moving experience. Semitism and snobbery. and 13 Cabinet ministers are among The CER, which meets bienni- The four senior members said the club's alumni. ally, was founded on the initiative they were quitting the assocation The members reportedly sang a of UK Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie after members sang a song with a song that begins with the line in 1956. Its current president is Nazi theme during an evening meet- “Dashing through the Reich… Swiss-born Rabbi Pinchas Gold- ing billed as "port and policy", the killing lots of kike”. schmidt, chief rabbi and Av Beit Telegraph reported. The club has faced accusations of Din of Moscow. His brother, Student members of the club are racism in the past. In 2000, four Rabbi Tuvia Goldschmidt, heads facing disciplinary action by the uni- members were expelled for making Conference participants in the Nozyk Shul, the only surviving shul the Beis Midrash Chafetz Chaim versity and the Conservative Party. Nazi salutes. (JTA) in Warsaw after the war. in Johannesburg. 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 13

YOUTH TALK Alison Goldberg [email protected] KDS art exhibition wows the crowds VIVIENNE WEINER, KDS ART TEACHER in order to see if they were real or printed. PHOTOGRAPH: A MANDEL Impressions of famous art works abounded in grade 6 mixed media pictures of gallery MORNINGSIDE Shopping Centre hosted the interiors. Gabriella Friedman; Shayna Slom; and highly successful and popular King David Larger than life papier maché desserts Julia-Rose Platt, all King David Sandton Primary School Sandton annual art exhibi- encouraged a request to use them as centre grade twos. Yoni tion. The lower court was filled with over 600 pieces for a kitchen tea and inspired queues Glassman, art works on the opening night. outside the ice-cream shop. Wire figure ened their self-esteem. triumphant Diverse media and techniques were used in sculpture brought about gasps of awe over The opening last week Thursday evening after his drawings, paintings and sculptures. Art work technical ability. was a cultural experience in itself - visual cricket was inspired by famous artists, the children’s The children’s work was on public display art, live music and social interaction. An match last personal adventures, as well as popular culture. and they lived the life of a professional artist event like this contributes to nurturing a The intense detail of grade 7 fineliner for a week. The praise and recognition they cultural education and revitalises the cre- week. drawings, prompted a viewer to touch them received together with their pride, strength- dence the Jewish people place on the arts. Hat tricks must YC grade 2s get to grips with parsha OWN CORRESPONDENT All the learners recited some of their surely be in the PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED Tefilot; they daven every day and then they said Pesukim with the English translation. ON TUESDAY November 1, the grade 2 Divrei Torah were prepared and given Glassman genes learners of Yeshiva College Primary School over by the children. The parents were then celebrated the conclusion of learning invited to make a craft with their child. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY Parshat Lech Lecha. This was celebrated by As the grade 2s are embarking on learning SUZANNE BELLING a grand siyum to which parents and grand- about Sofer Stam, they beaded a mezuzah parents were invited. cover. The class moms prepared an amazing YONI GLASSMAN’S under-11 cricket team Rabbi Laurence Perez addressing the learn- from Torah Academy Primary School, were Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Avraham Tanzer, CEO breakfast buffet for all and party packs for bowled over recently in a match against ers, parents and grandparents at Yeshiva Rabbi Laurence Perez and Primary School the children. Well done and mazaltov to Japari when the rising cricket star took a College Primary School. Principal Joseph Beer addressed the learners. grade 2 learners and teachers. hat trick during the victory match. But that’s not all - Yoni, a grade 5 learner, not only made history, but followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Alon (now 23), who also took a hat trick in a Torah Academy Primary School match against Orlando East when he was in grade 6. “I love playing cricket and intend to do so, like my brother, as long as I can,” said a jubilant Yoni, who was given the now- famous cricket ball by his coach. “I intend to frame it, just like the one Alon has on his wall.” Yoni and Alon - now a third-year account- ancy student - are the sons of Dr Michael and Ariella Glassman. 14 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011 SERVICES LIFTS TUITION & EDUCATION GENERAL HEALTH & BEAUTY COMPUTER CHIROPODY LESSONS PEDICURES That you can under- MANICURES stand. Covering all WAXING aspects of Classifieds Windows and/or Office, To book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 023-8160, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] Call Ruth now Become a wiz. IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT: (011) 616-4305 Call William adverts in the Classified section in good faith, 1. Only adverts sent via email to [email protected] will be accepted. 2. You will be advised 082-777-9363 however we cannot be responsible for the on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. Our banking details: CAPE TOWN quality of services offered and claims made. SA Jewish Report, Nedbank Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405 COMPUTER LESSONS SHUTTLE For Seniors/Beginners DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12 pm. (If deadline is missed the advert will appear (when payment is received) in the next edition) COMING TO CAPE TOWN? NOTICES CONSECRATIONS *Intro to PC’s/ Word BARMITZVAH AFFORDABLE Processing RATES. *Emails/Working with AIRPORT photos TRANSFERS *Internet /Skype FROM R200 *We come to you NEW LIFTS COMFORTABLE One-on-one lessons VEHICLE Tailored to your AIRPORT SERVICE PHONE ANDY specific needs! JHB MAZALTOV JEVAN 082-336-9780 Call: 076-656-1912 We are so proud of you. Love mom, dad, Tyrone & Reliable, EXCELLENT, RELIABLE family. 25 June 2011 Pine HANDYMAN Reasonable Rates! DRIVER AT YOUR Street Shul. Contact Arnold, SERVICE REAL ESTATE NO JOB TOO 082-447-0185 To lift you anywhere/ ODD!! COMMUNITY NOTICES ENGAGEMENTS 011-454-1193 anytime 24 hours. BUSINESS Call Gershon Reasonable rates Financial backer 071-974-5573. SCHOOL and reliable. Beegone Bee-Removal ! wanted for Social Airport EX-ISRAELI SERVICEMAN www.rebs.co.za Development Shuttle Offers lifts to airport and Carl Meyer: Environmental Charity appointments etc. FOR SALE 082-337-7237. Tranfers Don’t drink and drive. BUSINESSES Trust. ALL HOURS! from R170 Call Neil 072-050-9927 083- 496-7490 BUSINESS FOR MAZALTOV! Reasonable, Reliable Erica and Michael IRENE'S SCHLEP SALE Wainbergas, SAM SERVICE Edenvale . Extremely viable Group Therapeutic Worker – Tamara and Harold Dribbin, (011) 728-5219 I will take you anywhere: business with established school, shops, doctor, friends are delighted to announce 083-627-8516 clientele. Special interest and airport. Honest and the engagement of their chil- literature and collectables. Sandringham Gardens dren, Russell Wainbergas to A-TAXI SERVICE trustworthy Owner retiring. Selling price Lisa Dribbin. Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur Schlepped by Irene R1.6 million, including stock. Sandringham Gardens is seeking a healthcare professional with a 3 or 4 you to your destination in Jo’burg 072-356-0282 Not on Shabbat Enquiries: MAZALTOV and back only R100 round trip. years health qualification who has experience and skills in the facilitation fax 086-648-4568 Mervyn and Glynis Sifris, Tel: 082-399-6187 Silver of therapeutic group work to join a dynamic team. Ability to run psycho- Carlos and Melanie Fernandes IVAN WANTS or e-mail zeebubbob- repair & social groups including support groups, personal growth and life-skills are excited to announce that [email protected] Ryan and Jodi are engaged. BEST SERVICE TO LIFT YOU! groups and good interpersonal and communication skills are key Modern spacious vehicle Punctual, reliable, replating MISCELLANEOUS requirements. Previous experience in working with older persons and PERSONAL Pax 6 trustworthy. (011) 334-1102 Convenient and safe mental health will be an added advantage. SOULMATES JHB/Sandton/ or 082-473-6040 COUNTRYWIDE transfers from A to B O.R.Tambo/ BEREA PLASTICS The incumbent must be registered with their relevant health board. Result:108 couples married! Pip Friedman Lanseria/Pretoria Distributor of durable PLUMBER 404 couples matched! Many beautiful/handsome sin- 083-267-3281 Outings for retirees strength imported silver Only short-listed applicants will be responded to. [email protected] gles, ages 18-75 yrs, to meet. Cell: looking plastic cutlery ! Interested candidates please forward a current CV to Pretty vet, 24yr; millionaire 65yr; www.dialalift.co.za 082-962-5007 Dr 27yr; handsome grad 40yr; New Packaging [email protected], fax, 0866327774 or air hostesses 27, 29, 34yr; BRIAN K LIFT LIFTS AVAILABLE lawyers 67, 29, 36, 41, 55yr. SERVICE & COURIER Private Bag X1, Sandringham, 2131. For all age groups and to all Available CEOs 25,36yr; model 32yr; “AIRPORT SPECIAL R140” areas in Jhb, Sandton & many, many more to meet. Secure, comfortable & safe. 40 pieces per pack and airport. Sandy Anywhere 24/7. (JHB – PTA) Call Brian on Contact Johnny 082-357-3616 (40 knives, 40 forks, Social worker – Chevrah Kadisha 072-366-4262 082-328-3070 or 082-876-9042 40 spoons) Community Social Services Individually Packed! Contact Bernard Chevrah Kadisha Community Social Services has a 083-260-6778 vacancy for a fulltime social worker to commence as PROPERTY TO LET soon as possible. HOME SERVICES ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE The successful candidate requires skills in counselling, case CLEANING GLEN MANOR Large, spacious management , group and community work. Outstanding maid flat to let. trustworthy, friendly and dedicat- 2 beds, 2 baths. There is an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic organisa- ed maid/ nanny available from Large patio. SMILE-LEE'S LIFTS Jan 2012 due to our relocation. Ramon Miller A reliable lift service. tion, and work with a very committed and supportive team. Excellent with babies and chil- 082-900-1495 Specialising in lifts to and from dren and fully knowledgeable of airports, shops, appointments, kashrut. Looking for live in. GENESIS – FAIRMOUNT casinos and courier. Contact Carmel 1 bed flat Registration with the SACSSP and knowledge of Jewish Call Charna 083-391-6612 084-548-4209 immediately available culture and religion, are essential requirements of this posi- PRINT R5 500 + L & W GENERAL 082-467-2350 tion. It is also necessary for applicants to have their own (011) 453-9470 APPLIANCE REPAIRS transport. ON-SITE COTTAGE TO LET Stoves, washing-machines, HIGHLANDS NORTH tumbledriers, dishwashers & RENOVATED PRIVATE Only short-listed applicants will be responded to. fridges. Free quotations! (011) 440-0169 076-686-8259 Please submit applications in writing to: Call Jason 082-401-8239 HANDY MITCH TO RENT, GLENHAZEL The Human Resources Department General household Newly renovated secure, luxuri- email [email protected] or fax 0866 327774 repairs & maintenance, etc. ous 3-bedroom townhouse cen- Contact tral to shuls. 072-196-1939 Contact 082-855-8135. 11 - 18 November 2011 SA JEWISH REPORT 15 ACCOMMODATION TO LET/SHARE WHAT’S ON Sharon Akum [email protected] GLEN MANOR PLEASE NOTE: Deadline for all entries is 12:00 on the Friday prior to publication, without exception. 3 BEDROOMED DEADLINE APARTMENT Organisations, venues, contact details, costs Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres, 85 George • Second Innings, Jhb - Jewish Community Services - 5232. Ave, Sandringham. Donald Gordon Centre, 85 George Ave • United Sisterhood, 38 Oxford Rd Parktown. Contact PHONE • Beit Emanuel Progressive Synagogue, 38 Oxford • HOD - Hebrew Order of David International, HOD Sandringham. At the Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Marian (011) 646-2409. Road, Parktown. Centre Oaklands Road, Orchards. Office, (011) 640 Acres, every Sunday morning for tea at 10:00, fol- • Tiyulim (Jewish Outdoor Club). Contact Martin 082- 083-608-8239 • JJRC - Johannesburg Jewish Resource Centre 3017 or [email protected]. lowed by the meeting at 10:30. Contact Grecia 965-7419 or Greg 082-959-9026. (Formerly Beyachad Resource Centre/Library), 2 • JAFFA - Jewish Accommodation for Fellow Aged, tel Gabriel (011) 532-9718. Cost: R20 members, R40 • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), Jhb, 1 Oak Street Elray St, Raedene. Norma Shulman, (011) 645- (012) 346-2007/8, 42 Mackie St, Bailey’s non-members. Houghton. Contact (011) 648-1053, fax 086 273- 1-BEDRM FLAT 2567, e-mail: [email protected]. Muckleneuck. • SA Friends of Beit Halochem: Beyachad, 2 Elray St, 3044. Cost R15 for the Friendship Luncheon Club • Bikkur Cholim - Jewish Society for Visiting the Sick, • Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre Raedene. Contact Leanne (011) 645 2553, e-mail: and a R20 donation for lectures unless otherwise Safe north-facing 7A Chester Road, Greenside East, Jhb. Joy Gafin (JHGC), tel (011) 640-3100, e-mail: info@jhbholo- [email protected]. stated. (011) 447-6689. caust.co.za. • SA Jewish Board of Deputies (Johannesburg) - • Union of Jewish Women (UJW), CT, e-mail Option: extra parking & • CAJE - College of Adult Jewish Education, • KDSF - King David Schools’ Foundation. King David Beyachad, 2 Elray St, Raedene. Contact (011) 645- [email protected] or (021) 434-9555. Sydenham Highlands North Shul, (011) 640- Alumni [email protected], (011) 480-4723. 2500 or (011) 645-2523. • UJW CT AED Programme at Stonehaven, Albany maid/store-room 5021. • Nechama Bereavement Counselling Centre - Room • SA Zionist Federation (SAZF), Johannesburg - Road, Sea Point, 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: R20 (R5 200-R5 550 p/m) • CARE (Chabad Addiction Rehabilitation Centre) Cell: D106, 1st Floor, Hospital Wing, Sandringham Beyachad, 2 Elray St, Raedene. Contact Froma, (incl refreshments). 079-882-6776. Fax: 086 551 4485, e-mail: jus- Gardens, 85 George Ave, Sandringham. Contact (011) 645-2505. • United Zionist Luncheon Club (UZLC), Jhb - Our Opp.Waverley Shul [email protected], hotline: 0861 111 770. (011) 640-1322. • Israel Centre. Contact Debbie (011) 645-2560. Parents Home. Contact Gloria, (011) 485-4851 or • CSO - Emergency phone number 086 18 000 18. • ORT and ORT JET South Africa - 44 Central Street, • Jewish National Fund (JNF), Beyachad, 2 Elray St, 072-127-9421. PH: 083-232-1374 • ELBM - Emunah Ladies Beit Midrash, 60 Mejon St Cnr 10th Ave, Houghton, contact (011) 728-7154. Raedene. Contact Crystal Kaplan, 083-376-5999. • UOS - Union of Orthodox Synagogues, (011) 010- Glenhazel, (011) 887-2910. “Lessons of our Lives” • Preview Theatre - 9 Valerie Crescent, Bagleyston, • Jewish Outlook. Contact Ryan Cane, e-mail 2142600, e-mail: [email protected], fax 086-610- course on Wednesdays at 10:00. R350 for the (011) 640-1061. [email protected]. Support line: 27 76 215 3442. GARDEN FLAT course or R50 per shiur. • Rabbi Cyril Harris Community Centre (RCHCC) and 8600, website www.jewishoutlook.org.za. • WIZO Jhb - Beyachad, 2 Elray St Raedene, Contact • FFHS - Friendship Forum for Holocaust Survivors, Great Park Shul, Oaklands, Jhb. Contact Hazel, (011) • Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society (JWBS) - Joyce Chodos-Kruger (011) 645-2548 or Sandy TO RENT Second Generation and Members of the Community 728-8088 or Rene Sidley (011) 728-8378. Cost usu- Sandringham Gardens, 85 George Ave Kramer (011) 645-2515 or e-mail: wizojhb@bbey- Available Affected by the Holocaust. Presentations held at the ally R50, including refreshments. Sandringham. Contact Carolyn Sabbagh, (011) 485- achad.co.za. immediately! Today, Friday (November 11) Wednesday (November 16) Monday (November 21) • UJW adult education programme hosts Estelle Sher, who will talk on music (pro- Sunny one bed- • UJW CT’s Constantia Group has arranged a • UZLC has as its special speaker Helen • RCHCC and JHGC host “The Forgotten gramme to be announced), 09:45 12:00. “bracelet making” demonstration. Venue: room garden flat in Heldenmuth, who will talk on: “Here, There Letters, presented by Daniel Schwab and Venue: 301 Eton Place, Kernick Avenue, 18 Mountain View Crescent, Tokai. Time: Glenview 24 hr and Everywhere - Part 2”. For more informa- Ricci Lyons, about a collection of their grand- Melrose North. Cost: R30 per session. 09:30 - 12:30. Cost: R150. Enquiries: security. tion contact Gloria on (011) 485-4851 or cell father’s letters found in the Schwabs’ garage. 072-127-9421. Time: 19:30. Jocelyn, 083-446-2535. Wednesday (November 23) Phone Sandy: • UJW CT adult education division hosts Dr Sunday (November 13) • Second Innings hosts Shelley Geffen, well- • UJW adult education programme hosts Dr 083-600-4294 Gavin Lewis, economic spokesman for the DA D Gottlieb who will talk on “Arthritis & Art” known kosher caterer, who will speak on “The Venue: Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. • Big Band Music Appreciation Society meets Shelley Geffen Story”. Time 10:00 for 10:30. in Gauteng, who will speak on “Growing the at St Johns College in the Jeffrey Auditorium South African Economy”. Time 09:30. Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Enquiries: (021) 434-9555 (mornings Killarney in St Johns Road, Lower Houghton. Time: Acres. 14:15. Featured are the great bands of yester- Tuesday (November 22) only). Accommodation year, with a special tribute to Frank Sinatra. For • UJW CT adult education division hosts • WIZO will be showing a film at Beyachad of the • ORT SA is hosting Robert Singer, director- further information contact Dave (011) 885- Prof Richard Mendelsohn who will talk on vanished world of Lithuanian Jewry, which will general and CEO of World ORT, at a network- comprising 3525, or Barney (011) 440-1996. “Letters Home from the Front: A unique be introduced by Ronnie Mink. Time: 09:30. ing breakfast in Johannesburg. Place is limit- Surviving Correspondence Between a Enquiries Joyce Chodos-Kruger (011) 645- ed, so book early. Contact Tracy at info@ort- (for non-smoker) • RCHCC presents “Santa’s Story in Song”, the Young Jewish Boer Fighter and his Anxious 2548. jet.org.za. furnished bedroom, en- singing of “Pelham 1,2,3. Sisters in Sync”. Parents in Bloemfontein”. Venue: Ruth, Naomi and Aviva share memories Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Cost: • HOD hosts an information session, with • UJW adult education programme hosts Prof suite bathroom, private through cosmopolitan song. Cost R100 R20 (incl refreshments). Enquiries: (021) guest speaker Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft. Jonathan Jansen, vice-chancellor of the balcony, use of kosher (including refreshments). Time: 19:30. 434-9555 (mornings only). Venue: HOD Centre, Oaklands, University of the Free State, who will talk on “The State of Our Youth - a Slide into Monday (November 14) Johannesburg, Time: 19:30 for 20:00. kitchen; underground • UJW adult education programme hosts Dr Contact: (011) 640-3017 or e-mail Barbarism”. Time: 09:30. Lorraine Chaskalson, former lecturer in the • UJW adult education programme hosts Clem [email protected] Sunday (November 27) parking. department of English at Wits, who will talk on Sunter, chairman of the Anglo-American Tel. (011) 486-2710 “Contemporary Poetry”, at 09:30. • Great Park invites you to “Preparing Your • Second Innings’ end-of-year function has the Chairman’s Fund and renowned scenario plan- topic “Key and Strings... and Beautiful ner, who will speak on “Negotiating Through the Sunday (November 20) Child for Jewish Adulthood” parenting workshops with Trevor Friedman. Explore Things”. Performers: Betsie Schaap on piano, SERVICES Rapids and Thinking Like a Fox”. Time: 09:30. • The Jewish Benevolent Society presents effective strategies for guiding and sup- Evert van Niekerk on violin. Venue: The Gerald Tuesday (November 15) Mark Samowitz accompanied by Kevin porting children during the pre-adolescent Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres. 011, at 10:00 DO YOU RENT Greenberg on “Music from the Musicals” and adolescent years. Time: 19:45. Cost for 10:30.Cost: R60 for members,R80 for non- • Great Park invites you to “Preparing Your Venue: The Grill on Grant. Time: 18:30 for R30 per session. Bookings essential. members. Child for Jewish Adulthood” parenting work- PROPERTY? 19:00. Contact: (011) 485-5232.. Contact Goldie, 072-832-2001; goldiesimp- Monday (November 28) shops with Trevor Friedman. Explore effective [email protected] Do you have strategies for guiding and supporting children • Second Innings hosts Joy Kropman, com- • UJW adult education programme hosts polit- problems with during the pre-adolescent and adolescent memorative exhibition mounter, who will • The Na’arot Group of the UJW in CT is pre- ical analyst and research officer of the Helen years. Time: 19:45. Cost R30 per session. speak on “Preserving Your Past”. Time 10:00 miering “Ennio” at Theatre on the Bay. Time Suzman Foundation, Aubrey Matshiqi, who non-paying tenants? Bookings essential. Contact Goldie,- 072-832- for 10:30. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, 20:00. Tickets: R250. Enquiries: Vanessa: 082- will talk on “A Bridge Too Far: Memory and Do you have 2001, [email protected] Golden Acres. 882-361. Identity in South Africa”. Time 09:30. problems with housing tribunal? Sudoku Puzzle 44 CROSSWORD NO 232 I CAN HELP!! BY LEAH SIMON Telephone John (Hard, difficulty rating 0.62) ACROSS: 16. Sent in, somehow, for game of courtship! (6) 071- 414 -1088 1. Detest headgear in east (4) 18. Dog responded, concealing monsters (5) 96 3. Southerner makes one laugh, but is very 19. Western chicken at that time (4) VEHICLES pedantic (8) WANTED 2879 8. Seabird to rotate, we hear (4) SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 231 9. Lawyer’s way of finding romance? (8) ACROSS: 1. Fame; 3. Wrinkled; 8. Rung; 9. 11. Does he hand down suspended sentences? Stampede; 11. Weathervanes; 13. Lean to; 14. IF YOU WANT TO 286(7, 5) Offend; 17. Windbreakers; 20. Salivate; 21. BUY OR SELL 13. Rally, but obliged to hesitate (6) Hare; 22. Lodestar; 23. Odes. 14. Cap or tiara concealing Shakespearean DOWN: 1. Farewell; 2. Montana; 4. Return; 5. A VEHICLE 1 756 character (6) No mean feat; 6. Liege; 7. Dies; 10. White doves; 17. What to expect from a skilled bowler – or 12. Odysseus; 15. Emerald; 16. Protea; 18. Idled; Contact: 76 18postman? (4, 8) 19. ESPL. Solly Kramer 20. Horn size changed, as far as we 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 can see (8) 082-922-3597 21. Bet National Park contains vol- 218 9 cano (4) ARE YOU 22. Latinos in Essen hide inquisi- 8 9 37 5 tiveness (8) EMIGRATING 23. Lacking strength for seven days, 10 AND WANT TO SELL we hear (4) 2365 11 YOUR VEHICLE? DOWN: 12 1. Strikes the house – but gets the 73 message across (4, 4) 13 14 15 2. Somehow shorten royal seats (7) 4. Even so, almost an idea (6) 16 197642538 * Answer to follow with 5. Make accountant pour coin into next puzzle 328157964 symbol of prosperity (10) 17 18 654389217 6. Fully in gang, and hiding a dis- 19 746935821 honest practice (5) 7. Change gear in a fury (4) 519428673 Please contact 10. I’d done maze badly, but they’re 20 21 283716459 Solly Kramer Note to readers: Our cheap and plentiful (4, 1, 5) 872593146 082-922-3597 bridge column and our 12. It makes one go gaga! (4, 4) Sudoku puzzle alternate 931264785 15. The rate revised by playhouse 22 23

anytime week by week. - Puzzle 43 Answer 465871392 (7) 16 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 - 18 November 2011

Is Lipman the greatest Jewish rugby player? JACK MILNER “I travelled all over the world with the US national team and represented the WHO IS the greatest Jewish rugby player of United States in the 1991 Rugby World all time? I can tell you it is not Syd Nomis Cup in England.” or Okie Geffen or Maurice Zimerman or Lipman represented the US in over 20 Joel Stransky - not if you are American. international matches, including nine According to a number of American web- test matches. “I was fortunate enough to sites the answer is Shawn Lipman. “Who?” play against some of the best national you may very well ask. teams and players in the world, including In fact, Lipman would be pretty well the New Zealand All Blacks, England and known in the South African Jewish com- France.” munity as he was born in Johannesburg in He also played at the Maccabi Games Some September 1964 and began his rugby career on five occasions as a player, having cap- Americans in this country. tained the US team in 1993 and 1997, and seem to In an interview Lipman said: “I deve- represented the US in 1989 and South believe South loped a love for rugby at a young age. Rugby Africa in 1985. African-born “At the Maccabiah we won gold in 1985; was not a sport that was generally played Shawn Lipman by Jews, but I loved it. I joined Wits bronze in 1989; silver in 1993 and gold in University Rugby Club at under-20 level in 1997 (the first time South Africa did not is the greatest 1983 on a rugby scholarship.” win the tournament). The biggest honour Jewish rugby He attended Sandringham High School was being elected as the flag bearer for player. (PHOTO and later played for the Wits 1st XV. “I re- the entire United States delegation in SUPPLIED) presented Transvaal under-20s while play- 1997.” ing at university, and also South Africa in In 2009, at the age of 44, Lipman came over the world against international sides, the Santa Monica Rugby Club eight times the Maccabi Games in 1985. out of retirement to represent the United and took me to places like Russia, Japan, and in 2006 was also inducted into that “I emigrated to the United States at the States at the Maccabiah, winning a Canada, South Africa, France, England, club’s Hall of Fame.” end of 1985 and joined the Santa Monica bronze medal. This culminated a 24-year Israel, Scotland, and Bermuda.” In fairness to Lipman, he does not Rugby Club where I immediately made life- career of playing at the Maccabi Games, He was inducted into the Jewish Sports claim to be the best Jewish rugby player long friends. winning two gold medals, one silver , and Hall of Fame in 2004 along with some of the of all time, but according to his profile in “Through my selection to the regional two bronze medals. best professional athletes in the United the Jewish Hall Of Fame, Lipman is “the All Star teams, I was selected to play in the “I also toured South Africa in 1988 with States, including Mark Spitz and Sandy only Jewish player to ever play in the United States national team in 1988, earn- the Pacific Coast Grizzlies, playing Koufax among many other great Jewish Rugby World Cup”. ing my first cap against Canada, who we against the best teams in South Africa. sports stars. They have obviously never heard of beat for the first time in many attempts. My rugby career allowed me to play all “I also earned MVP of the Year award at Joel Stransky or Josh Kronfeld. Expat South Africans in emotional World Cup tizzy JACK MILNER Springboks supporter but I’ll never switch over,” 23-year-old Cohen said. THERE ARE not too many South Africa Cohen moved to Australia in 1997 when Jews who do not have friends or family who he was only nine years old, but he says emigrated to Australia. Many of those are he’ll always be a Springboks supporter. avid sports supporters who have either “There are two reasons I go for South changed allegiance or remain diehard Africa: I grew up with the 1995 South Springbok supporters. African rugby team because a lot of them So, one would understand the emotions worked for my dad and they are just better that would emerge between members of the than the Wallabies. In every other sport I Jewish community, when South Africa and go for Australia, but in rugby I’ll always Australia meet in a Rugby World Cup quar- be a Springbok. ter-final match. “I won’t be happy at all if Australia Joshua Levi of The Australian Jewish win,” he said before the “Bryce News, had a look at the attitudes a few days Lawrence” match. before THAT match last month Martin Chimes, on the other hand, had The rivalry between native Australian mixed feelings. “I moved to Australia in and South African expat Jewish sports fans 1981 but I lived here for 15 years before I is as strong as ever. switched teams,” the 59-year-old said. Both countries’ backers are renowned the According to Chimes, after you move to a world over for their ferocious parochialism new country you have to accept every part when it comes to the exploits of their sport- of it, including their sporting teams. But ing heroes, especially when they take to the whatever the outcome he said before the field in opposition. And few contests spark game, he was looking forward to the the rivalry like a Springboks-Wallabies bat- match. “At least I won’t be upset if tle. Australia lose. At 16:00 local time on that fateful Sunday, “It took me a long time, and there is a the next battle of this blood feud played out part of me that wants South Africa to win, on the biggest stage of them all – the 2011 but I made a conscious decision to switch. Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. I don’t remember what motivated me, but Since Australia’s shock loss to Ireland in when it comes to the traditional rivalry, the pool stages earlier, the possibility of a between Australia, New Zealand and quarter-final showdown between South South Africa, I don’t mind who wins as Africa and Australia had loomed large. long as we always beat New Zealand.” Gleeful Springboks fans took to social net- For diehard Wallabies fan and working sites in droves when the Wallabies Australian native Richard Eisenstein, it is lost, to heap scorn on their hurting Aussie a cut and dried affair. “Winning the Ashes counterparts - they didn’t know they would is nice but I don’t have many friends from be made to eat their posts. England,” Eisenstein said. There are thousands of Australians who “Beating South Africa means that were born in South Africa who still pledge instead of listening to how great the allegiance to the Springboks. But then there Springboks are I have bragging rights for are also plenty who come down on the side the next four years.” of their adopted country. Unfortunately we all know now that the David Cohen already had his flights to “other” team got the verdict. As for brag- Wellington booked with his friends before ging rights, we also know that Australia Australia lost to Ireland. “The Aussies and a are not the World Champions for the next lot of adults give me abuse because I’m a four years.