KolKol KehillatKehillat KernowKernow

Voice of the Jewish Community in Cornwall Issue 21 kehillatkernow.com December 2008, Kislev 5769 Building blocks for the future

Pat Lipert is actively looking into various venues for the A talented group of Kehillat Kernow members interim period which are pooling their experience, diverse will meet our needs backgrounds, expertise and dedication toward while at the same a viable and tangible future for the Jewish time coming up with Community of Cornwall. Meetings of the KK ideas and contacting Fundraising Committee have been held since various sources July to come up with plans for the ways and around the country to means to one day have a home of our own. see what ‘hands on’ While it is acknowledged that this will be a help and advice is long-term project for the future, focussing our available. efforts now to establish a more permanent site It is becoming is underway. increasingly clear that As a result of the last meeting held in October, we need to begin to a three-pronged plan is being discussed: think seriously about Objectives for the Short Term which involve where we will be in searching for a new ‘lodging’ property to house the near future. The more adequately our every-expanding numbers committee is a Members of the Kehillat Kernow Building Committee convened in The and vehicles, and members who attend subcommittee of the Brown’s Succah. From left to right are Adam Feldman, Estelle Moses, Rachel Brown, Gerry Jevon and Leslie Lipert. The group has been brain­ synagogue functions and Shabbat. Objectives Kehillat Kernow storming and researching since July to help provide a practical synagogue for the Medium Term include applying for funds Administrative site for the community for this generation and generations to follow. for a feasibility study within the next seven Committee and does years. Objectives for the Long Term include a not make any independent decisions without purchase a place of our own, but the steps series of fundraising events to help raise the consultation of the community. A poll was toward making that possible at some time in money needed if we are to have a permanent recently conducted to determine how the the future are at least underway. Whilst the site, and the application for grants. greater community felt about the possibility greater community would like to have our own The members of the Committee include: of fundraising and prospects of a building fund. premises, there are legitimate concerns about Rachel Brown, Adam Feldman, Estelle Moses, It immediately became apparent that at the financial drain, security, maintenance, and Gerry Jevon and Leslie Lipert. Each member present we do not have the funds or staff to increase in dues... Continued on page 2 Lots more High holy days: an inspiration! also the venues inside, provided a warm and moving setting for everyone who was including...including... there. We also were lucky to have visitors from America, Old Siddurim, new Siddurim.....2 Manchester and Spain who shared their own holiday experiences Record Turnout ...... 3 and who gave all of us a chance not only to 10 Centuries of Tradition ...... 5 meet new people, but also to learn how Over forty people crowded into the Lipert sitting room to pray and Mandy & Keith Pearce...... 7 to participate in the traditional passages, prayers and melodies of things are done in the Days of Awe. Visitors from as far away as Seattle, Washington other communities. came to celebrate this special time of year with our Cornish community. Everyone thought that A Donut by Any Other Name ....8 our services and Pat Lipert community were unique and special. Well, they are! And it doesn’t happen ‘just like that!’ What a special time of year it was for members There were many members of our community Designed and printed by Noah Hearle. of Kehillat Kernow who observed and shared who worked long and hard to ensure that this Phone: 01273 711117; the Days of Awe with one another. Not only did special time of year was meaningful and web: www.designextreme.com. we have record numbers attending all the welcoming. Need: newsletter/website/sudoku? Contact me. services and enjoying the festival foods, but Special thanks go... Continued on page 2

Do you want to share your Kol Kehillat Kernow? Visit: kehillatkernow.com/newsletter for an online version of the newsletter! 2 December 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow Old Siddurim? New Siddurim!

Pat Lipert going rate as we got a special price because we cemetery if you own the plot, but of course you ordered very early. After that, you will have to are using up precious grave space. They may Since this summer, we have been using the new go through the RSGB to also be buried in a synagogue Siddurim. Those of you who don’t have a purchase one at a higher garden, or a Jewish Day personal copy can purchase one while they last price. The new one is filled Because our school or a properly marked from the synagogue at a bargain price of £16.00 with all kinds of new prayerbooks are area. When books are buried, through Leslie Lipert. That’s cheaper than the information about each part such an on-going it is respectful and of the liturgy and there are appropriate to offer some many new prayers and study part of our lives... prayers for those who have Chairman’s passages on offer as well as it is difficult to passed away who have used transliterations of all the them, and also to say a prayers. part with communal kaddish. remarks Now, what do we do with the them. If you do have siddurim and old Siddurim? You may keep are fearful that they may be Harvey Kurzfield them and treasure them in subject to careless disposal, your personal libraries. If you do choose to get ask a member of the shul to hold them for you There has been much talk about the ‘credit rid of a prayer book, there are special rules you for safekeeping. crunch’ and how the ensuing difficulties in the must follow. These books are sacred; the word Most members of various synagogues find having financial world will reverberate across the of God is contained within them and CANNOT both prayerbooks on hand as globe and affect us all. Those of us with a little be tossed in the bin. The useful sources of money put aside for that ‘rainy day’ will wonder Chair of the Assembly reference and for various if it would have been better to have spent it of Reform Rabbis UK, inspirational passages. all so that at some point in the future we could Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Because our prayerbooks be looked after by the ‘State.’ However, it has Romain offers the are such an on-going part of to be said that the way the state looks after us following guidelines: our lives (so many life cycle isn’t always the direction in which we would You may have them events have happened to our like to head and we would still like to be ‘mas­ buried in a families and us whilst we used ters’ of our own destiny. The recently formed biodegradable bag them), it is difficult to part with building committee will, no doubt, find it more and lowered in the them. Having said that, the KK difficult to raise money for our own synagogue grave of someone who has died community does find that there premises; this is no reason to abandon such a and is being buried in a Jewish are many copies which are no project. We are not looking, necessarily at our cemetery prior to the funeral. It is an honour longer in use and so following the proscribed own personal future needs, but at the future to be buried with siddurim. guidelines for a disposal if necessary is needs of the Kehillat Kernow community. The They may be buried in a separate plot in a Jewish important to keep in mind. building committee’s vision may not material­ ise in our own lifetimes, but the building blocks laid now will, I am sure, form the foundations High holy days for those who come along after us. Although times ahead may be hard for all of us, within the community there is still a sense Continued from front page ...out to Harvey inspiring day for all who could attend. The of moving forward in both a practical as well Kurzfield and Iain Brown who led our services. Breaking of the Fast supper was equally as a spiritual sense. Trying to prepare for and conduct seven welcome and a good way to send members Shalom! services back-to-back, is no easy task. The Erev away with food for the body and soul. of Yom Kippur would never be as special as it Many thanks to all who worked so hard and is without Harvey’s soulful and moving Kol gave so much to make this a huge success. Nidre. Why, even the singing was better this L’Shana tovah! Building blocks year. Perhaps it was because so many of us were touched by the time of year for the future and hearing our old, favourite holiday songs again; perhaps, it was because Continued from front page ...which such a we had so many capable people step would encompass. However, it doesn’t attending who helped spur us on. Either mean that the goal is not possible; it does mean way, the services were fantastic. that the seeds of this dream have been planted We began the holiday with services and and that initial steps can be taken toward dinner at The Liperts. The family reaching that long-term goal. atmosphere and home environment In addition to seeking grants and advice from made it especially important for all a variety of sources, fundraising ideas are now those who were visiting us from afar. It being considered. Some of the possibilities must have made a good impression as include: Movie Nights, Quiz Nights, Car Boot many people attended the Rosh Sales, Raffles, Holiday Event Parties, Dances, Hashana service and kiddush the next Tombolas, Art Autctions, Tours, Sing-Alongs, day as well. and major entertainment programmes where Yom Kippur Services, held for the first well-known guest speakers and artists could time in the quiet, warm and restful bring in large numbers of people at a major setting of Trelissick Gardens, couldn’t L’shana tovah! Chairman Harvey Kurzfield Conducting local theatre. have been better. Organised by Mrs. the New Year’s service for members of the community Needless to say, more commitment from the Anne Hearle, all the services were well and visitors from far and wide at the Lipert’s house greater community and the offering of time attended. Led by Harvey Kurzfield with in Rosudgeon. Apples and honey and dinner followed the moving High Holy Day service. and consistent ‘hands on’ contribution is vital. the help of Iain Brown, it was an Kol Kehillat Kernow December 2008 3 Record turnout at all-day venue to celebrate Cornish Jewish heritage

Pat Lipert Jewish Cemeteries in the country. An authority on the significant role of Over 130 people turned out from the Jewish Cornish Jewry from the 18th century on, Community and the greater community of Corn­ Pearce took people around the fragile wall on Sunday, 7th September, to attend a va­ stones, explaining about the lives and riety of events to observe the European Days of contributions made by this thriving Jewish Culture and Heritage. It was a day when community and other Jewish commu­ both the Jewish and non-Jewish Communities nities in the Southwest. So popular are throughout the county came these special tours together for a myriad of ac­ Communities that more have been tivities to feed the spirit, the planned. Under the intellect, and the soul. Two came together for aegis of the Board of tours of the historically sig­ a myriad of Deputies of British nificant Jewish Cemetery of Jews, efforts are now Penzance, a lecture on activities to feed being made to raise medical ethics, and a concert spirit, intellect funds for the repairs of Israeli and Hasidic singing needed at the site. and story telling were given. and soul Pearce has personally The first two events were overseen the main­ Music to lift the spirit. Hana Yaffe, well known organised by Leslie Lipert who worked closely tenance and protection of this cemetery musician and singer of Hassidic and folk melodies to with B’nei B’rith’s coordinator, Mrs. Valerie Bel­ for over twenty years. The headstones, lift the Jewish soul, is seen performing at the concert lo. Anne Hearle arranged the concert in the which date from the 1740’s, contain she gave along with Israeli musician, Tirza Singer, at evening. valuable information about Cornwall’s Chasewater Town Hall. This was Hana’s second visit to the KK community. Mr. Keith Pearce, co-editor of ‘The Lost Jews Jewish past. of Cornwall’, gave 42 people an insightful Forty-two people attended the afternoon lec­ shift from medical paternalism to patient au­ glimpse of Cornwall’s Jewish past guiding peo­ ture at Carnon Downs Village Hall. Professor tonomy has helped to ensure that people in ple through of one of the oldest, undisturbed Julie Stone, Non-Executive Director of the Corn­ healthcare are accountable and that ‘duty of wall and Isles of Scilly PCT, care’ is paramount in medical decisions regard­ and honorary Chair at Pe­ less of personal views held by the physician. ninsula Medical School and Doctors, Stone said, must give patients access former Deputy Director of to information and treatment if they cannot the Council for Healthcare personally provide such help because of consci­ Regulatory Excellence, entious objection. Principles of justice and fair­ spoke on ‘Doctors, Con­ ness are also paramount. Areas where Parlia­ science and the Law.’ She mentary law is still unclear (e.g. abortion and addressed the issue of how euthanasia), need further review so that clarity doctors’ personal beliefs and collective responsibility are further en­ (cultural and religious) can hanced. impact on their ethical de­ About 50 people attended the evening concert, cision-making and also ar­ “Wings of Spirit,” at Chasewater Village Hall. ticulated on recent GMC Hana Yaffe and Tirtza Singer performed Jewish The conscience of medical practice. Professor Julie Stone who lectured on medical ethics, personal belief, practice and the guidelines which seek to music and stories, both of Israel. The audience, law, reviews one of the finer points of her talk with KK chairman ensure that doctors’ per­ made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish people Harvey Kurzfield. Professor Stone has spent years researching sonal beliefs do not com­ from the area, participated in the song and and working in this field. promise patient care. The dance portions of the programme. Beit Hayyim Encore

Two more tours of the Penzance Jewish Cemetery were conducted on November 16th and December 7th due to popular demand. The first tour given on European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage were so sought after that people had to be turned away. Members of the KK and greater communities attended. Keith Pearce, co-editor of ‘The Lost Jews of Cornwall,’ was on hand to answer questions. The Penzance Jewish Cemetery has some of They shall be remembered: some of the fascinating tombstones with a few of the visitors who attended one of the two tours conducted at the oldest, best preserved Jewish cemetery the finest, oldest, and best-preserved in the country in Penzance. The contribution made to Cornwall by many of these people is headstones in the country. Arrangements were still in evidence today. Keith Pearce, an expert in Jewish history in the Southwest, answered made through Leslie Lipert. many questions posed by these visitors. 4 December 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow n Editorial Faith school Shabbat shalom and our controversy service

Unity. Integrity. Inclusiveness: Keystones of the demands of the Reform Judaism and forward thinking rabbis secular world. In­ everywhere. Or are they merely high stead, prayer is sounding platitudes? Consider the recent central to the day, outcry following Rabbi Jonathan Romain’s allowing for whole- (and R. Goldberg’s), plea for more hearted kavannah. inclusiveness for Faith Schools. The We gain strength Movement for Reform Judaism promptly and from meeting as a publicly distanced itself from the views community to af­ exposed by Rabbi Romain, head of the firm our shared Assembly of Rabbis. The Chief Rabbi values and formu­ Jonathan Sacks, despite his book, ‘The late our shared aims Dignity of Difference,’ responded by taking in the light of our a safe, strong stance advocating the right of relationship with exclusivity for faith schools. The editorial the divine and the in the Jewish Chronicle said a man in R. teachings of our Romain’s position ought to watch his words. Torah. As set out in While all Judaic leaders were quick to say the siddur, the everyone had a right to his own opinion, once service leads us into a contrary opinion was raised by a strong consideration of voice, the defensive fences sprang up. dimensions beyond Shalom aleichem - Gerry Jevon and Pat Lipert discuss how the service It is a brave man who is willing to take a and ceremony for admission into the Jewish faith will be conducted the scope of ‘here stand despite one’s position and possible prior to the Shabbat Service on the 18th of October. After two years and now.’ personal repercussions. And it is so of study, Gerry, now known in shul and in Israel as Ya’akov ben Avraham, Opening medita­ wonderfully Jewish to do so. Rabbi Dr. underwent two years of study and practice before going before the tions create a re­ Jonathan Romain, MBE (for interfaith work) Reform Beth Din in London in September. The holiday service held ceptive state of during Succot was followed by a special Kiddush. has worked tirelessly for inclusiveness, mind. With ‘Ma To­ reason, and workable solutions to keep the vu’ we greet the integrity of Judaism and Jewish life in tact Vera Collins Almighty and plead that our prayers might be while at the same time, always has reached accepted and answered. We remember that out and connected with the greater In the Torah the importance of keeping the with the rest of creation we are wholly depend­ community. His stand on the need for Faith weekly Sabbath is one of the most frequently ent on the loving-kindness of our Maker. We Schools to provide for interaction and repeated commandments. It is es­ are led to consider inclusiveness of those of other faiths in their sential in maintaining the particular the nature of this admissions policies and staffing are quality of Jewish life, enabling us to The siddur is sustaining power, consistent with his life’s work. The become the people whom we were the guide for particularly as it tendency of some faith schools to create a created to be. exploring applies to us as a closed, insular environment, discourages By putting aside workaday activities people to encourage community integration and segregates itself and concerns, we can enjoy not only profound aspects us to see ourselves and its young malleable charges from a a rest and refreshment but also are of our existence in as a part of a con­ larger world in which they will one day have able to see everything from a dif­ tinuum, indebted to to function. Rather than create a new ferent perspective. relation to the past generations and generation of open-minded, ecumenical and The siddur is our guide to using this divine responsible for strongly grounded faithful, some faith hallowed day to the best advantage. generations to schools either inadvertently or purposely, Kiddush and Havdalah ensure that come. offer a biased and suspicious view of the the Sabbath time is clearly defined. Sabbath Thus, we acknowledge the ancient covenant larger world. By allowing a percentage of rest ensures that prayer is not hemmed in by that binds us. ‘other-faith’ faculty and students to become As the service continues, we are able to honour part of the faith school, a more fair-minded the Sefer Torah and hear the words of a text perspective, and complementary education treasured and studied since Sinai. In the con­ is gained. This doesn’t erode on the main AGM Agenda text of Torah, we look at the world of today faith school either religiously or Members of the KK community met on the and invoke divine blessing and guidance. We scholastically but does offer a freer and 30th of November at Carnon Downs Village pray for the sick and the bereaved, and ask a more multi-cultural approach. Hall and voted on issues concerning blessing for our own and other communities. Hats off to R. Romain and Goldberg for membership fees, changes to the We conclude by looking to a future world, com­ having the courage to speak and to act and Constitution, festival services, a synagogue pleted and perfected through knowledge and to allow the debate the serious feasibility study, and election of officers for the love of God. With Kaddish, we re-affirm consideration it deserves. In a New Year the coming year. The changes in the our faith in a power that sustains us beyond when unity and tolerance are the priorities Constitution set down eligibility requirements the grave. of both the Reform and Orthodox to become a member of the KK Council. The siddur is the guide for exploring profound communities, perhaps reasonable reform of Reports from the chairman and vice chairman, aspects of our existence in relation to the di­ faith schools also can be undertaken. secretary, treasurer, librarian and vine. Shabbat then, refreshes and enriches us, [The views in this editorial are those of the communications officer were also given. enabling us to see the past six days with deeper editor and do not necessarily represent the Details of the AGM will be in the next issue of insight and to meet the next six days with new KK community at large-PL] the newsletter. inspiration. Kol Kehillat Kernow December 2008 5 Troyes: Ten centuries of Jewish tradition

Pat Lipert

The French Jews of Troyes who live here, about a 100 miles east of Paris, have had a long standing history of wine making. This also was the occupation of their most famous son, Rabbi Solomon ben Issaac, better known as Rashi, one of the most important commentators on Talmud and Torah. Having lived there from 1040 to 1105(?), Rashi needed to earn a living and refused as a Talmudic scholar, to take money from teaching Torah. Rashi’s family came to this famous trading centre from the Rhine in Germany. Rashi’s death date is uncertain and his grave has never been found. It was the time of The Crusades. In 2005, determined not to forget the 900th anniversary of Rashi’s death, the Rashi The Troyes Synagoue was reconstructed in the 20th century from the 11th century building; this inspiring medieval house of Jewish worship is located across the street from the Rashi Institute organised exhibitions and Institute. To attend services there is to step back in time to the golden age of the French conferences to publicise their most famous Yeshiva and Talmudic Centre for which Rashi was so famous. resident. The anniversary of his birth in 1940, passed summarily unnoticed as members of named after a former Jewish mayor and the reason why Rashi’s family moved there. the Vichy regime were busy rounding up its senator of the national legislature, Alexandre It was a prosperous and thriving centre for Jews during the Nazi occupation. Israel. There is also a Rashi Street! trade. By the end of the 12th century and If you walk the cobble- It seems as if Troyes is beginning of the 13th century, things changed. stoned streets in the old Troyes is the making amends for its past. Jews were passed back and forth between the quarter of this medieval At present there is little counts and the king. Their rights were city, you will notice the only city in Europe anti-Semitism or problems suspended and Jews began to be heavily fined. synagogue, a 16th century with a Jerusalem for the Jewish population. In March 1288, Jews of Troyes were accused wooden structure, and It was not always the case. of a ritual murder and on April 24th, thirteen across the street is the Rashi Square and a The history of Troyes reads Jews of the city were burned at the stake. Institute. Nearby in the statue to the first like a textbook example of They were expelled in 1306 but returned in square, there is a statue intolerance. 1315. Despite this, in the 14th century, Jews dedicated to the memory of Prime Minister of beginning of the 11th were numerous in the area and many Rashi which was unveiled by Israel century, with the sanction prospered; again, they were a major source Elie Weisel in 1990. Troyes of the counts of of revenue. As always, this proved to be both is the only city in Europe Champagne, Jews in Troy a blessing and a curse. The Jews of Troyes with a Ben Gurion Square and a statue to the were seen as vital sources of revenue; they survived and today are an integral part of first Prime Minister of Israel. Its town hall is owned vineyards and property. It is probably community life. Hebrew months: What do they mean?

Ever wonder what our months may actually mean? Here’s a chart to help you: Nisan: Hebrew, ‘to start’ Iyar: Hebrew, ‘light’ Sivan: Hebrew, ‘to mark’ Tammuz: name of Babylonian fertility god Av: Hebrew, ‘fresh growth’ Elul: unknown, from Babylonian Tishri: Aramaic, ‘to begin’ Heshvan: Assyrian, ‘eighth month’ Kislev: unknown Tevet: Hebrew, ‘to sink’ Shevat: Hebrew, ‘to strike’ Adar: unknown, from Assyrian B’nei Mitzvot! Three members of the KK community discuss their recent venues and parties. Courtesy of ‘Hadashot’ R. Romain, Maidenhead Bailley Batty, Rosie Brown and Scarlett Cohen all celebrated a Bat Mitzvah this year. Synagogue. 6 December 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow n Book Review of “The City of Light” by Jacob D’Ancona Jewish presence in China pre-dates Marco Polo

Pat Lipert of Zaitun, the city of light in Sheep,’ Jacob southern China. His return disembarks in the This is not a new book. In fact, it predates the journey finds him in Aden, Cairo capital city of wanderings of Marco Polo and was written in (Fustat) and Alexandria before Manci province, the 13th century by a scholarly Italian Jewish successfully landing back at Zaitun, He is merchant whose business took him to Zaitun in Ancona. Because of the distinct greeted by his southern China where there was already an possibility that he would not Jewish friends and established Jewish community. The hand- return from this journey meant contacts but lives written manuscript was hidden by generations to secure his family’s financial lot, under the fear of of Italian Jewish families in Urbino and later by he was forced to grant his wife, the Tartars. The non-Jewish families whose anonymity has been Sara, a divorce, so that she might Tartars are about safeguarded by the translator and editor, David be able to remarry if the worst to conquer the area Selbourne. happened. Luckily, he survived, and who would Why is this book, published first by Little, Brown and both his family and future most certainly and company in 1997 and later by Abacus in 1998 generations, were able to gain Jewish merchants and travelers who would have taken so special? First, it gives a riveting account of insight into the times in which he pre-dated Marco Polo were well known his fortune and his medieval Chinese society and Jewish lived. in China. What life was like then for life. The city itself Jewish communities in that part of networking by a scholarly and shrewd writer Jacob, like other mediaeval the world are revealed in a first-hand is a teeming which is much more detailed than the journals Jewish merchants, did not travel account in this remarkable diary. metropolis housing of Marco Polo. Secondly, it with much vessels for trade indicates how far-flung (pre- If you think money, as they were so from all over the world. It is a city larger, he dating D’Ancona by hundred vulnerable to robbery. To remarks, than Venice.The roads are choked with of years), the Jewish how much trouble combat these dangerous carts and carriages. Rare and costly goods are communities were and how we in Cornwall times, a complex system of in great demand and the atmosphere in the busy so many isolated representatives, family markets is like one gigantic fayre. The people communities throughout the have keeping ko­ members and co-religionists who are trading here are not only Chinese but West, Middle East and Far sher, you can im­ in various ports, kept them come from Aragon, Alessandria, Bruge and East survived and agine what machi­ supplied to settle accounts. Africa. The Jews have been there for many functioned. Finally, it is a Commercial transactions hundreds of years. first-hand account of how nations Jacob were done on the basis of Jacob is not only under threat from Tartars but precarious life was for the D'Ancona had to reciprocal understandings also from the Christians, and so this fear under Jewish merchant and and trust, bills of exchange which he constantly lives, is recorded in minute scholar. endure. and promissory notes. detail. It is for this reason that the manuscript At the age of forty-nine, in This is a very Jewish book was kept hidden for over 700 years. Both the April 1270, Giacobbe ben Salomone d’Ancona, written by a pious man whose diary is Jewish and Christian populations of past and this merchant who also was possibly a rabbi and interjected with how he manages to keep to present day Italy were also afraid that it would a doctor of medicine, was a gifted writer the Laws of Torah, and still function in an create animosity. influenced by Maimonidean thought. As the eclectic world. If you think how much trouble This is a must-read for anyone interested in book opens, D’Ancona sets out on his three year we in Cornwall have keeping ‘kosher,’ you can mediaeval history from a man whose insight, journey. imagine what machinations Jacob D’Ancona integrity, and flair for detail makes the past His business travels take him to Basra, Hormuz, had to endure. He truly was a marvel of a man. come alive. It is particularly relevant to any India, Ceylon, the Nicobar Islands, Sumatra, But back to China in the 13th century. By the Jewish reader whose past is intrinsically the Malacca straits and finally to the port city end of August 1271, the Chinese ‘Year of the connected with Jacob’s.

Zachor! Zachor! This beautiful foundation stone commemorating the initial stages of Jewish history preserved. Whilst this building no longer houses an active congregation, is a the building the synagogue, a result of testimony to a strong Jewish heritage. The Stellenbosch synagogue in Cape Province, South generations of struggle and dedication, can’t Africa, is an imposing and dignified structure with much history attached to it. In a nearby help but move people who pass by for what town in Graaff Reinet In the same province, is a particularly charming plaque dedicated “in it represents: a group of dedicated Jews honour of Jewish Peddlers,” called smouse. These peddlers provided their customers with determined that the Law of Moses would not many of the necessities of life and contributed to the economic development of the country. be forgotten. Kol Kehillat Kernow December 2008 7 n Profile of Keith & Mandy Pearce Caring for Cornish Jews – past, present, and future

Anthony Fagin

Some months after I had moved to Cornwall in 2001, my sons came on a visit and I took them to see the old Jewish cemetery in Penzance. One of them shimmied up a nearby telephone pole for a better look over the high wall and was spotted by a neighbour. She came scurrying out of her house. But instead of the reprimand I was anticipating, she and her husband, who had joined her, asked if we’d like to visit the cemetery. They told us there was a custodian and gave us directions to Keith Pearce’s house. That is how I came to meet Keith and his wife Mandy. And it was from Keith that I heard about Kehillat Kernow. So not only was he the first to open my eyes to the previously unknown fact that Jewish communities had flourished in the West Country during the eighteenth and nine­ teenth centuries; but he revealed another sur­ prising piece of intelligence – that there was an embryonic Cornish Jewish community re- establishing itself at that very moment in Truro. A treasured Cornish couple: Keith and Mandy Pearce during one of their visits to the Penzance From their home in Penzance, Keith and Mandy Jewish Cemetery. Their knowledge of and dedication to Jewish history and customs have have a commanding view over Mount’s Bay to­ helped to keep alive many Jewish traditions which are still practiced today. wards St Michael’s Mount. But they are not the sort of people who would grandson of Cornwall’s longest-serving rabbi, English Heritage. However they are now in ur­ spend too much time gazing out of windows. Barnett Asher Simmons (intermittently be­ gent need of repair and maintenance at an They lead busy lives, Mandy as a secondary tween 1811 and 1859). Although he has now estimated cost of £20,000. A major fund raising school teacher and Keith as a writer and histor­ moved from his former home in Penzance to effort is now underway. Saving these walls and ical researcher. They share a passion for music, Birmingham, the 89-year old Godfrey Simmons preserving this site would be a worthwhile fund- art and literature and organise whatever spare keeps in touch with Keith and is still involved raising project. time they can muster in pursuit of those inter­ in his research. He is helping Keith to prepare The oldest headstone in the cemetery, marking ests. a second edition for which there is already the grave of an unidentified person, dates from Keith was born in Camborne and Mandy in twice as much material as was available for 1791 (and not 1741 as previously assumed) al­ Northamptonshire. He read theology and phi­ the first. Such was the popularity of the first though there are earlier graves that have lost losophy at Emmanuel Col­ edition that it sold 1,000 their headstones. Four headstones have been lege, Cambridge and quali­ copies within three months listed by English Heritage. Elkan Levy, an au­ fied as a teacher at Exeter Both the and was reprinted within thority on historical Jewish cemeteries, told College, Oxford. Mandy went secular and less than six months. Keith that Penzance possessed some of the to Bishop Grosseteste When Godfrey Simmons finest headstones that he had seen anywhere training college in Lincoln various religious moved away from Penzance, in the country. Protecting this precious heritage and graduated from the communities in the Board of Deputies of and ensuring that it survives for the benefit of university of Nottingham. the area know British Jews (who are the future generations depends on keeping the They met in the 1980s. Mandy Trustees of the Penzance walls intact, as much as on anything else. had moved to the Lizard with these people for cemetery) appointed Keith Keith and Mandy Pearce are honorary members her family and was teaching their charitable as its custodian in succession of Kehillat Kernow. Neither of them is Jewish Religious Education (the to Godfrey. yet both have had a lifelong interest in Jewish major world faiths) in St Ives; and generous Many members of Kehillat affairs. Both the secular and various religious and Keith was lecturing in support Kernow and the wider communities in the area know these people Jewish studies and Biblical community visited the for their charitable and generous support. studies at Penwith College. cemetery under the aus­ Keith’s exceptional knowledge of the eight­ He subsequently became Head of Law, and also pices of European Days of Jewish Culture and eenth- and nineteenth-century Jewish commu­ taught A level Politics and Government. On his Heritage in September. There are two more nities of Cornwall grew out of his twin academic retirement in 1998 he devoted himself to edit­ such visits scheduled for 16 November and 7 interests in Cornish history and Jewish history. ing the book for which he is widely known today, December at 2pm by prior arrangement with He identified this as an area in which not much The Lost Jews of Cornwall (ed Keith Pearce and Leslie Lipert (01736 762675). Since taking over previous research had been done and accord­ Helen Fry, Redcliffe Press Ltd, Bristol, Jan 2000, as custodian, Keith has promoted a formal ingly as a field that would repay close study. reprinted June 2000). In this book he co- maintenance agreement with Penzance Town How right he was. We look forward to the pub­ authored four chapters. Council under the provisions of which the coun­ lication of the second edition of his book and Keith pays tribute to his friend Godfrey Sim­ cil is responsible for grass cutting and insur­ in the meantime thank this exceptional couple mons whose research over many years into the ance. The 200-year old high walls that surround for the substantial work they both do to enrich history of Cornish Jewry was fundamental to the cemetery and have protected it down the the lives of those lucky enough to live in Corn­ the book. Godfrey Simmons is the great- generations were recently Grade II listed by wall today. 8 December 2008 Kol Kehillat Kernow Notices and diary Joke: The bear

Mazel Tov: Jan 31st: Louise. Bo. Shevat 6. 10.30am, Leslie Lipert • Louise Garcia for her article on Truro’s con­ TBC. nection with the Kindertransport, “Caring Jan 9th: Tu Bishvat. A man is out in the woods when he comes across then, caring now”, published in Conference Feb 14th: Pat. Yitro. Shevat 20. 10.30am, a bear. Frightened for his life, he runs as fast Common Room this autumn. TBC. as he can to escape the bear and hides in a cave. • Gerry Jevon’s Faith Induction Feb 28th: Harvey. Terumah. Adar 4. He is horrified to find that the bear has run • Bailey Batty and Scartlett Cohen’s recent 10.30am, TBC. after him into the cave, and now the man is B’nei Mitzvot Mar 10th: Purim. trapped. • Harvey and Jacqueline Kurzfield on the 1st Mar 14th: Louise. Ki Tissa. Shabbat Parah. He closes his eyes and begins to recite “Sh’ma birthday of their grand-daughter Freya Adar 18. 10.30am, TBC. Yisrael” in anticipation of his final moments. Mar 28th: Pat. Vayikra. Nisan 3. 10.30am, When he is finished, he opens his eyes and is Welcome home: TBC. surprised to see the bear in front of him with • Gloria Jacobson after her Bermuda adventure Apr 11th: Proposed trip on this Shabbat to his eyes closed - also praying. The man thinks Plymouth Synagogue. Arranged­ to himself “how lucky am I to be cornered by Get well soon: ments to be made. NO services at what must be the only Jewish bear! He thinks, • Morris Colman TBC today! “We’re mishpachah - I’m saved!” • Joy Dunn Apr 8th: Harvey. Erev Pesah (1st Seder), And then he listens more carefully to the bear’s • Vera Collins Nisan 14. Communal Seder. Trel­ prayer: “Hamotzi lechem minhaaretz” issick Gardens, 6.30 pmay! Diary: Apr 25th: Louise. Tazria-Metzora. Iyyar 1. Dec 13th: Louise. Va-Yishlach. Kislev 16. 10.30am, TBC. 10.30 am – TBC. May 9th: Pat. Emor. Iyyar 14. 10.30am, TBC. Do you need a Dec 20th: Harvey. Hannah and David Jacobs Hannukah Weekend. Va-Yeshev. Contacts: Mezzuzah? Kislev 23. 10.30am, TBC. Kol Kehillat Kernow, editor, Pat Lipert, 01736 Jan 3rd: Pat. Vayiggash. 7 Tevet. 10.30am, 762675 or [email protected]; Chair­ TBC. man: Harvey Kurzfield; Co-chairman: Bonnie Jan 17th: Harvey. Shemot. Tevet 21. Rockley; Secretary: Rachel Brown; Treasurer: 10.30am, TBC. Anne Hearle.

A donut by many other names Don’t forget we have our own Pat Lipert 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes (until frothy). Beat rest of sugar with egg and yolk; Cornish Mezzuzot for sale. You can call them ponchkes, soufganioth, or add sour cream or oil, salt, vanilla and yeast sale. bunelos. No matter what your label or origins, mixture. Fold in flour and beat until one Case: £20 donuts are a staple of Hanukah. You can flavour achieves a soft, smooth, elastic dough. Knead Scroll: £25 them with orange, put in chopped apple or for five minutes adding flour if too sticky. Coat For details, contact Leslie Lipert on 01736 762675. bananas or fill them with jam. This is the filled dough in oil. Cover bowl and leave in a warm version popular in Israel place to rise for about 2 found in Claudia Rosen’s hours (until doubled in classic, The Book of bulk). Knead dough Jewish Food. again and roll out to ¼- 1 teaspoon dried yeast inch (0.5 cm) in ¼ cup (50 ml) lukewarm thickness. Cut into 2- How to play: Complete the grid so the numbers milk or water inch rounds. Put 1 to 9 appear only once in each row, each 2 tablespoons sugar teaspoon of jam in column and 3×3 box. Don’t worry; no maths is 1 egg, plus one egg yolk centre, brush rim with involved. Only logic is required to solve the 3 tablespoons sour water and cover with puzzle. Have fun! cream or vegetable oil another round. Press IT’S MODERATELY HARD Pinch of Salt edges together to seal. 2-3 drops of vanilla Leave them on a tray for 3 9 extract 30 minutes. Heat oil 2 7 5 12/3 cups (250 g) flour Nothing tickles the fancy more than a (medium hot), drop in plus more if needed homemade, traditional donut both here doughnuts a few at a and in Israel to celebrate the eight days 593 Oil for deep-frying of Hanukah time. Cook until golden Apricot, red-currant or brown on all sides. Drain 1 2 7 raspberry jam on absorbent paper and sprinkle with Confectioners’ sugar to sprinkle on. confectioners' sugar. Serve as soon as possible. 67 13 Dissolve yeast in the warm milk or water with Happy Hanukah! 8 6 9 458 Kiddush help! 7 2 8 Could we have more unanimous support for the Kiddush after services as well as help in cleaning up afterwards? The same 1 7 fewfew peoplepeople dodo thisthis weekweek inin andand weekweek out.out. It’sIt’s aa Mitzvah!Mitzvah! For the solution and more free puzzles, have a look at the Sudoku website: sudokusolver.com.