GIVING ME THE INDEPENDENCE I CRAVE.

Garry is in his mid-forties and has multiple sclerosis.

“My Jewish Blind & Disabled flat Our team of support staff As an independent charity with no has given me a whole new lease work around the clock to enable government funding we are reliant of life. I don’t have to worry now people like Garry to maintain on donations and legacies to build about being forced to depend on their independence and it is and run our unique developments others to do the everyday things your support that enables us of mobility apartments. that are so easy to take for granted.” to do this.

For more information or to make a donation visit www.jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611

Registered Charity No. 259480 Shanah Tovah!

The Yomim Noraim are Contents a time for reflection, repentance and Diary 2 reading Hamaor! Where there’s a will, there’s a Derech – Alan Finlay 6 Shechita's stock rising in modern world This edition brings – London Board for Shechita 8 some enlightening articles for your W’anna Hen-I (Whereto is the Island?) = Uanaheni enjoyment. For a New Year, we have - Dr Eli Kienwald, Chief Executive 9 some new contributors - Rabbi Zvi Chai Cancer Care 11 Bloom, from Jewish Chaplaincy, shares Maurice Tiefenbrunner - Obituary 12 an insight into Sukkot and Emmanuel Awe and Joy on Rosh Hashana Kushner provides a fascinating piece on - Rabbi Chaim Zundel Pearlman 14 archeology. This is also the last edition Will it be a sweet new year for all Jewish families? 16 to be published with Mr Alan Finlay as Understanding the gift of tears - Rabbi Garson 17 the Federation President and I would Jewish Marriage Council launches like to thank him for his regular new family mediation service 19 contributions and for taking the time Mah nishtanah ha’leilah hazeh?- to share his thoughts with the Chazan Michael Simon 20 “To give or not to give?” - Harvey Bratt 22 Federation community. Sukkot: The Best Source of Vitamin E - Rabbi Zvi Bloom 23 With thanks to all our writers and Chaplaincy – There for Jewish Students 24 those who help behind the scenes. Cut How can archaeology speak to us? yourself a piece of honey cake, sit - Emmanuel Kushner 25 down, read and enjoy! Meir Panim gives the needy a sweet new year 26 Ohr Yisrael & JRoots 6th Journey I wish you all a Kesiva Vechasima Tovah To Poland Reflections - David Woolf 27 Recipes for Rosh Hashanah - Denise Phillips 29 Eva Jewish Blind & Disabled - More Than Just Bricks & Mortar 31 “Help, I’ve been made redundant … ” 32 Personal 34 Kashrus Directory 39 Federation of Synagogues Contact Details 40 Burial Society 41 List of Synagogues 44

Published by The Federation of Synagogues 65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ Tel: 020 8202 2263 Fax: 020 8203 0610 Email: [email protected] www.federationofsynagogues.com Editor/Advertising: Eva Chapper

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Rabbonim and representatives from many other Beis Hamedrash Nishmas communities, together with local dignitaries including the Yisroel Bishop of Croydon and our local MP. The service was lead Nearly 400 men and boys by Chazzan Rev David Rome of Catford Synagogue together from both North West with members of The London Cantorial Singers. Rabbi London and Stamford Hill Asmoucha’s mother was unable to travel to the Induction, descended upon Hasmonean so the service was transmitted to Vancouver via a Skype link. Boys’ School on Motzoei At the conclusion of the service the Ladies Guild provided a Shabbos for a unique Lag wonderful reception which was enjoyed by all. With Rabbi B’Omer event. It was a Asmoucha’s permission, we note below his feelings in the kumzits arranged by Rabbi unfortunately very sad week which followed the induction, Dovid Tugendhaft of the which is part of a letter he sent to the community. Hendon Beis Hamedrash Photography by Adrian Salt Nishmas Yisroel. Popular “This is a community, together for the good times and the singer Shloime Gertner (pictured right) opened the evening bad. At the Induction I talked about creating a space where with lively niggunim in honour of Lag B’Omer and was then we can come together and feel supported, safe, secure and joined by the renowned singer and composer Yitzchok Fuchs nurtured. This is something I have witnessed many times in (pictured left) who was flown in from Eretz Yisroel especially our community, but particularly recently with the so for the event. Mr Fuchs has gained worldwide acclaim for contrasting situations in which we found ourselves; the his niggunim which have been snapped up by famous artists Induction ceremony and then during the whole week of the including Mordechai Ben David. Shloime Gertner announced Shiva of our dear Stuart Arbisman z”l. I was so moved to see at the evening that he had secured the performing rights on all the effort time and energy people put into the Induction one of Mr Fuchs’s niggunim ( Shehamashiach Yagiah ) for his to make it a memorable experience for the entire upcoming CD and the gathering were treated to a unique congregation and how they work to ensure our synagogue debut of the song. Guests enjoyed fresh pizza and sushi community continues to be there for everyone. I have also courtesy of Avi Schwarz of Slice. Danny Saltman of Edgware witnessed this support and warmth of the Croydon Jewish store The Wineman held a complimentary wine tasting, while community regarding my own self. A true leader grows and the £1500 split the pot raffle was won by a visitor from develops. This community has provided this. For this I am Manchester who very generously donated his winnings back extremely grateful. I reflect on all these things with gratitude, to Nishmas Yisroel to aid the event. being privileged to be a part of this congregation”.

The communal Seder was very well supported and Rabbi Croydon Asmoucha continues to hold his Wednesday evening shiur. Croydon has been very busy since Pesach. The highlight, of course, has to be the Induction of Rabbi Natan Asmoucha On a smaller but no less important note, “OUR CLUB” by the Rosh Beth Din, Dayan Lichtenstein, on Sunday 16th continues to provide lunch and entertainment to everybody June 2013 / 8th Tammuz 5773. Dayan Lichtenstein spoke who attends our Sunday lunchtime gatherings and the sun of how the Rabbi of a community should be both a father even shone on our annual barbecue weekend. and a teacher of his congregation. Rabbi Asmoucha replied by pledging his service, care and attention, to the Croydon The community recently lost Stella Hanover who, with her Congregation as well as to the wider Croydon Community. husband Leon, worked so tirelessly for Croydon Shul. Stella Both the president of the Federation, Mr. Alan Finlay and the had moved to Bournemouth in her later years but never lost president of Croydon Synagogue, Mr. Anthony Bond, touch with us. She will be sadly missed. addressed a full Synagogue audience, amongst whom were Ilford FROM VISION TO REALITY – A Moving Experience It has taken around 12 years to find a suitable building to re-house the Ilford community. Finally during the summer of 2012 the shul at Coventry Road was sold and the Dennis Centre building in Beehive Lane was purchased which started The Bishop of Croydon, Anthony Bond (president of Croydon the moving process. The programme of building works is Shul), Rabbi Natan Asmoucha, Dayan Lichtenstein, Danny Harris being undertaken in 3 phases. Phase 1, the enabling project; (Warden of Croydon Shul) and Alan Finlay will see building work to the first and second floors, with

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Phases 2 and 3 bringing in There are many stages to work through but the community work to the ground and is confident that, once completed, the shul and the facilities completion of the first that will be on offer will rival anything elsewhere in the Capital. floor works. The property at 84 Beehive Rabbi Chapper’s Tenth Anniversary Lane was formerly known Ilford Federation Synagogue celebrated the tenth anniversary as the Dennis Centre and is of Rabbi Alex Chapper taking up the position of rabbi with a a modern 3 storey building at the junction with Clarence special Kiddush. Avenue. It was owned and used by both Jewish Care and In his sermon, Rabbi Chapper praised the community for Norwood. The proposed works will see the building their commitment, energy and enthusiasm that has enabled ultimately converted and extended into a shul seating some them to achieve many things during his tenure and he 140 congregants and will provide a first floor social area for thanked them for taking him and his family into their hearts. upwards of 110 people – which can be used for the parallel The chairman of the shul, Mr Leon Newmark thanked Rabbi service for Yom Tov if needed for an extra 200 congregants. and Mrs Chapper for giving so much of themselves over the The adjacent facilities will include a milk/meat kitchen. The last ten years and being an integral part of everything that second, top, floor will provide a caretaker’s flat, Rabbi’s office, happens in the shul. Mr Newmark presented Rabbi Chapper and further meeting areas. All floors are to be served by a with a specially created hand written certificate to mark this Shabbat lift and the building will have a bespoke air change system to provide temperature comfort for the occupants. milestone, as well as an inscribed Kiddush cup and plate. At The building will be fitted internally in a contemporary style a celebratory Kiddush that followed the service, the chairman but with elements taken from the much-loved Coventry of the Ladies Guild, Mrs Frances Bookatz spoke warmly about Road - the architects have been instructed to create the new Mrs Eva Chapper’s involvement with the women of the but incorporate our heritage where possible. community as a friend and teacher. Having sold the freehold interest in Coventry Road, the new Mr Newmark said, “Over the last ten years, Rabbi Chapper has owners granted the community an occupational lease which done so much for this community, he has worked tirelessly, will expire at the end of October 2013. Phase 1 will complete creating highly successful and innovative programmes and the building work to the second floor, and provide the reaching out to so many people. It is an excellent shidduch, congregation with a ''temporary home'' by way of a first floor which we hope will continue for many more years.” shul and kitchen for use until the permanent shul on the ground floor is ready for use by the spring of 2014. Rabbi Chapper added, “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such a warm and friendly community who’ve been Currently the ground floor at 84 Beehive Lane is used for so receptive to our ideas. Now with a move to new premises Friday night and Shabbat evening services, and this will imminent, this community not only has an illustrious past continue until the builders need access for the proposed but also a bright future.” major work. All services will then transfer to the temporary first floor home when the congregants move from Coventry Road in October. Ohr Yisrael Phase 1 commenced in May 2013, with a programmed Breakfast with Rabbi Paysach Krohn completion for the end of August. This element will allow Our community was privileged to host for the total completion of work to the second floor - at least a special breakfast together with Rabbi that part of the building will be fully finished. Phases 2 and Paysach Krohn. Rabbi Krohn is a world- 3 will see work to extend and re-model the ground floor so renowned lecturer, sharing stories in the as to provide a regular shape with a single ceiling height. The manner of a maggid and also collecting fitting out with the Ark and Bimah has been designed in such stories for his speeches and books. He a way as to maximise the use of the space for both services also leads Jewish historical tours and weddings. The Board decided to use the new Ark to throughout Europe, speaking about the incorporate some of the most beautiful stained glass rich and vibrant Jewish communities Photography by windows from Coventry Road, as a way, as previously that existed prior to World War II. Alan Fish Living World mentioned, of linking the present with the past. Phase 2, which essentially limits itself to the bulk of the building The Rabbi began by mentioning his special love of the Jewish project, is due to commence in Autumn 2013, programmed Community city of Gibraltar, which is where Rabbi Garson to conclude in the Spring of 2014, with Phase 3 - the was brought up. He inspired the community with thoughts refurbishment of the first floor [conversion from the of how each and everyone of us can become a unique cup temporary shul and kitchen to the function room] which will of blessing. If we all used our talents and life experiences to then also include the new caterer-designed kitchen. help and encourage others, blessings can be born.

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Sunday Night Speakers Yom Yerushalayim 5773 Our special Sunday Night Speakers continued these past The weather held out and the sun stayed shining as we as a months, with some big names from the Torah World inspiring community celebrated Yom Yerushalayim. Deborah Garson our community. Rabbi Zev Leff made his second appearance organised huge bouncy castles and giant slides, together in the community in a very special pre-Shavuot shiur. Rabbi with a scrumptious buffet of Israeli food. The community Zev Leff is one of Israel’s most popular English-speaking Torah spent the afternoon celebrating in the Garson’s garden. A educators. For more than 20 years, he has served as the Rav wonderful time was had by all. of Moshav Matityahu, a small religious community located in central Israel adjacent to Kiryat Sefer, and just outside Purim Modiin. In addition to the shiurim (lectures) he gives seven Some 150 people attended a days a week at Matityahu, Rabbi Leff is constantly traveling wonderful annual Purim to speak at schools, yeshivot, seminaries, community centres, Seuda. Once again Deborah and events throughout Israel and abroad. organised an exciting event, complete with live music, In addition we welcomed back the renowned Rabbi Dovid fantastic food and a terrific Kaplan from Israel. Originally from Chicago, now living in animal show. Young and old Jerusalem, Rabbi Dovid Kaplan started his professional life as a business entrepreneur; part-owning a local kosher squealed with delight at restaurant. Following a career change, Rabbi Kaplan became seeing G-d’s creations up close. From pythons & bats, to Photography by a much sought-after international lecturer, author, Alan Fish Living World newspaper columnist, guidance counsellor and teacher. meerkats and crocodiles, everyone had the chance to come and hold and feed the Ask Your Elders – Adult Programme majestic creatures of the Animal World. In April this year following the successful trips to Poland, Rabbi & Deborah Garson felt it was time for the next Pre-Pesach Seminar generation to hear the stories of the special survivors. For the fourth year running, the communities of Working together with Rabbi Andrew Davis, Deputy Head Borehamwood and Elstree came together to learn and be and Head of Kodesh of Yavneh College, they launched a inspired. A Pre-Pesach seminar was organised by HLX program called Ask Your Elders. On average, some 75 kids (Hertfordshire Learning Experience) & SEED. aged 11-15 were kindly hosted locally in people’s homes and HLX is an organization set up 5 years ago by Rabbi Raphy had the opportunity to hear the stories first-hand. Garson at the Ohr Israel Federation Synagogue in memory of the late Rabbi Shmuli Kass, the former Rabbi of Shenley Many parents were also craving the opportunity and so a United Synagogue and a man who was a leader and special book launch was held. This new book shows how an inspiration to so many. international team of UNRRA (UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration) social workers supported the rehabilitation The evening was introduced by Rabbi Jeff Berger of the of young Holocaust survivors in post-war Germany. It offers Rambam Sephardi Community, thanking the close-to-100 a close and significant insight into the creation of a people who had braved the cold weather. We were elated therapeutic milieu for displaced children and allows a vivid to hear guest speaker Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz, who impression of many of these child survivors "then and now." mesmerized the crowd with deep ideas about the significance of Pesach in our daily lives. As always, with German author Anna Andlauer his wonderful humour and dynamic delivery, Rabbi Tatz met with the community to talk left the community with much food for thought. about the research and writing of her vital and fascinating work. The The second half of the seminar brought together the 3 local launch was a conversation senior rabbis, Rabbi Shimshon Silkin interim Rabbi of the between Anna and Leslie Photography by Borehamwood/Elstree United Synagogue, Rabbi Berger and Kleinman. Alan Fish Living World Rabbi Garson and journalist Miriam Sharviv.. Each gave a unique and inspiring class on a Pesach-related theme. Leslie was born in 1929 to a Satmar Hasidic Family in the small village of Ombod in Romania. Leslie survived several The local Rabbonim were delighted that once again all the death camps including Auschwitz and was liberated while local communities had joined together. Rabbi Garson on a death march to the infamous Dachau extermination mentioned "It is a credit to Borehamwood and Elstree that camp on April 23, 1945. Following his miraculous survival he Jews of all walks of life and varied religious backgrounds are spent several months in a convent and was able to relay first- inspired to learn. This was Rabbi Kass’s z”l, dream! Whilst our hand the care, concern and love he received during his local SEED/HLX Bet Hamedrash functions weekly, it is always rehabilitation. wonderful to have extra learning in the community.”

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5th Annual Cross Communal Tisha B’av Event Head Office This year saw the 5th annual Tisha B’Av event at Ohr Burial Society Our visitors may have already noticed the vastly improved Yisrael. Rabbi Garson & Deborah arranged a whole day of landscaping that has taken place as one exits the Ohel at our various films and speakers, which brought over 350 people Rainham cemetery. To build on that, this coming year the from across the local communities together. The guest Burial Society will be looking to undertake a major speaker was Mr. Henry Wermuth. Henry is 90 years old and landscaping project in our Rainham cemetery with the has recently had a stroke, and despite his condition he ultimate aim of providing a more peaceful environment for made huge efforts to join us. the cemetery. Drawings and plans are ahead to landscape the cemetery at the same time as in keeping with Halachik Henry was born in Frankfurt and deported with his family guidelines. In addition we are looking to replace the buggy to Poland in 1938. He survived the camps of Klaj, Plaszow, which is currently being used to transport our elderly around Auschwitz and was eventually liberated from Mauthausen Rainham cemetery with a new 10 seater covered minibus. by the Americans in 1945. His miraculous survival is This would be a great improvement on our current buggy remarkable, as he had many near death experiences which is open to all inclement weathers, especially in the including being shot at by the infamous Amon Goeth winter months. The cost alone for the minibus will be in the (made infamous in the film Schindler’s List) commandant region of £10,000.00 of Plaszow. Unfortunately as much as we try to provide additional His claim to fame is that he had the opportunity to comforts for our members when visiting their loved ones, it assassinate Hitler, which he did his best to take. For almost does put a great strain on the Federation budget. We would two hours this true Jewish Hero, inspired the huge crowd therefore be extremely grateful for any donation, large or with his story of resilience and faith, illustrating the small, in order to make our forthcoming endeavours a reality. fortitude of the Jewish People who have rebuilt from the Sponsorship of specific permanent features to be ashes. We are immensely grateful to have had the incorporated in the project is possible. This would be a very opportunity to hear him. apt way of remembering a departed relative. Please discuss your wishes with the Burial Office. Kalever Rebbe’s First Visit to Elstree Last April, Elstree was We have been extremely fortunate this year to have received visited by a very special a number of generous donations for our cemeteries. In unique guest; the Kalever particular we are indebted to Mr Ronnie Brown for his very Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Taub. kind gift of a new electric bier for our cemetery in Rainham, The Rebbe is world to our neighbour Mr Bob Miller for providing us with an renowned for his electric mobility scooter and to our anonymous benefactor inspiration, wisdom, for his generous donation which went towards the rebuilding advice and blessings for of a new roof of the ohel of the late Rabbi Eliezer Gordon Chinuch Habanim (child z’tzl in our Edmonton cemetery. rearing), Shalom Bayis (marital harmony), Parnassah (livelihood) and Photography by Alan Fish URGENT APPEAL all other pressing issues of Living World today. The Rebbe is a direct descendant from many of the Unfortunately our old buggy which has been Talmidei Baal Shem Tov, and is the sixth generation of in use for the last 7 years has now broken chasidus Kalev. He is a Holocaust survivor, originally from down and sadly needs replacing with a new Hungary. For 35 years, the Rebbe has met with people of one. This buggy is invaluable in transporting our elderly all ages and denominations; in over 60 countries, hundreds and infirm members and visitors around our cemetery in of thousands have been uplifted and motivated by his Rainham, as without that, it would be too difficult for advice and words of wisdom. them to access their loved ones’ graves. The basic cost for the buggy is £9,000.00 and with a weatherproof cover in Queues extending into the street were a sight to behold inclement weather, the cost will exceed £10,000. as the Rebbe greeted people in the Garson’s home. The Federation of Synagogues is urgently appealing to the Towards evening he met with even more people at Ohr community for a benefactor or benefactors who would Yisrael. He then gave a special lecture of inspiration to a be prepared to sponsor the purchase of a new buggy. If , מצוה large crowd and continued to meet people well into the there is anyone who is able to help in this great night. Some 600 people visited the Rebbe for guidance please contact the Burial Society on 020-8202 3903. and blessings that day in Elstree.

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 5 Where there’s a will, there’s a Derech By Alan Finlay, President - Federation Of Synagogues

And so dear reader, with elections family. Our children can learn the way we perform our for Federation Council and yiddishkeit and may accept it, refine it or reject it. Honorary Officers due to take However, how many of us, other than by example, place later this year, this is my actually write down the values that we hold dear with last Hamaor article as President. the purpose of conveying these values to our children? Having served six years as We all (or should) make wills which convey our physical Treasurer and twelve years assets on death and may include some element of as President, it is time to estate planning. Similarly, many of us take out life pass on the baton. I wish insurance to provide for our loved ones. What we do not the next President every do is write an ethical will, which in Hebrew is called a success. Whether I have tzavo’oh. been successful during my terms of office is for others to judge and so please excuse me if this article is not a Rav Issachar Frand writes in his inspirational book “An blow by blow account of the last 18 years or a Offer You Can’t Refuse”: politician’s attempt to publicise triumphs and spin everything else. “We all have something of value to convey to our children. Regardless of who we are and what we have In recent times, the outside world has been obsessed done with our lives, we have lived and experienced and with legacy, whether it be the legacy of the Olympic made mistakes and learned our lessons from the hard Games, the legacy of New Labour or the legacy of knocks we have absorbed. We know which things we Thatcherism. Such discussions revolve around would do over again exactly as we did and which we identifying principles which endure for the future. would give everything in the world to change. We have strong opinions about which goals to pursue and which As Jews, we operate around a different set of values to avoid like the plague. ” which are not based upon individuals, single events or political movements but on the enduring message of Such thoughts contain important messages for our the Torah and the observance of the commandments. children but also provide benefits to those writing a And yet, each one of us is unique and the way that we tzavo’oh because it helps us to crystallise our motives practise our Judaism is different. On Friday night, I will and values for our future as well as for our family. say kiddush using the same words as everyone else. But the dynamics around the Shabbos table, the In Koheles (Ecclesiastes) (chapter 7 verse 2) King atmosphere, the interactions, the whole Friday night Solomon writes “ It is better to go to the house of experience is different in each household. Are we a mourning than to go to a house of feasting… ” This is home of laughter, telling jokes, teasing each other, understood to refer to the thoughts provoked by serious, studious, argumentative, modest and so on? My hearing the eulogies. A eulogy does not emphasise the kiddush ends up being different from your kiddush. last great business deal or professional success achieved by the deceased, the car that they drove or the designer Similarly, when it comes to giving tzedoko, Mr Cohen clothes that they wore. The eulogy concentrates on the may give exactly the same money as Mr Levy but the deceased’s relationship with his or her family, the work way in which the money is given will be different. Will that they did for the community and the principles that it be given wholeheartedly, grudgingly, with a smile or they held dear. By listening to the eulogies, it makes us perfunctorily? think of our own values and lifestyle.

The way we practise our religion and the morals and So, writing a tzavo’oh, an ethical will, brings clarity to ethics that we hold is the legacy that we pass on to our our lives. It need not just be written to one’s spouse or

Page 6 Hamaor / September 2013 children. It can be for a brother or sister or for a friend. someone joins a Federation shul. Is that person It could even be a communal project so everyone’s contractually a member of the shul that belongs to the tzavo’oh is published anonymously in book form in Federation or are they a member of the Federation order to inspire others. which then enables them to have various benefits in a Federation shul? Such a question did not need any Around 20 years ago, there was concern that with religious consideration. It was entirely chol. advances in technology, there would be fewer working hours and more leisure time and that this would be a We have recently had an approach from a local lifestyle challenge. We look back now and see that such authority willing, in principle, to purchase, for a seven concerns were laughable when our concerns now centre figure sum, part of the cemetery land within the walls on achieving a work/life style balance. Not only do we at Rainham cemetery. That money would have work longer hours but emails demand an immediate transformed the finances of the Federation as well as response, mobile phones mean that we can never Anglo-Jewry but it was a kodesh matter. Dayan literally switch off and family time has become more Lichtenstein was fully aware of the implications and pressurised. And then suddenly, it is Shabbos and Rosh after spending many days researching the halacho and Hashanah again and another week and year have gone. looking at the minutes of the relevant meetings at the When do we have an opportunity to tell our families time the land at Rainham was purchased, his conclusion what we consider to be important to us? Writing a was that the land had been designated for Jewish burial tzavo’oh makes us take a step back from our every day and could not be used for non-Jewish burials. That lives and makes us consider the legacy we wish to halachic ruling is binding on the Federation, however pass on. much we might wish otherwise. Such process would not happen in a secular organisation but is central to It seems to me that if individuals can write a tzavo’oh, the Federation. so can organisations. If I were writing a tzavo’oh for the Federation, what would I write to my successor? My Federation tsavo’oh would also set out the required relationship between the rabbonim, their shul and the The primary principle that I would emphasis would be shul members and the guidelines to adopt when that, as an orthodox Jewish institution, there is no deciding on expenditure of Federation monies. separation between the religious (kodesh) and the secular (chol). This means that before any decision is I could not have been President without the support of taken, the Honorary Officers or shul boards of a wonderful team of Honorary Officers over the last 12 management must consider whether the matter before years. Each one has been committed and conscientious them is kodesh, chol or both and if there is a kodesh and we have been on the whole a very effective aspect, that matter must be referred to the rabbinical decision-making body. authority. I wish to pay tribute to my predecessor, Arnold Cohen, The clearest example is the process we have undertaken who has remained a wise and trusted mentor and to the to change our constitution and in particular, the loyal and conscientious Head Office staff led by our constitutional role of women. Our esteemed Rosh Beis Chief Executive, Dr Eli Kienwald. Din, Dayan Lichtenstein, produced a halachic ruling (psak) in December 2008 which set out the principles Last but not least or as we Jews say, acharon, by which the Federation and our synagogues could acharon, choviv, I could not have been Federation incorporate women into the decision making process. President without the support of my wife and Since that psak, individual shuls have been able to family. Has the time spent away from my family on arrange their governance to allow women a say in Federation business been worth it? That is for my synagogual management, subject to the halachic personal tsavo’oh. restrictions set out in the 2008 psak. My fellow Honorary Officers join with me in wishing all By contrast, during the process of constitutional review, Federation members and their families a kesiva we needed to consider the contractual position when v’chasima tovah.

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 7 Shechita's stock rising in modern world By London Board for Shechita

If you were living in a yurt in Siberia, it’s possible that the London Beth Din, Dayan Lichtenstein from the news of the horsemeat scandal that swept Europe just Federation and Dayan Amor from the S&P). a few months ago might just have passed you by. The LBS plays no role in buying livestock or in It caused widespread dismay among many people in wholesaling meat and poultry. Its role is to employ many communities, predominantly among those who teams of shochtim – Jewish religious slaughtermen (and bought cheap pre-made meals or burgers. The Jewish their aides who do the checking and the sealing) at community showed concern but mainly was unaffected. abattoirs, whose job is a religious calling for which they However, it did bring an increase in people – non-Jews train for years before they ever pick up a knife. It also as well as Jews - buying kosher meat and poultry. employs shomrim, essentially food inspectors, who oversee kashrut operations in the premises of licensees The connection might not seem obvious at first, as it is and particularly the porging and the koshering. It finds pretty nigh impossible for horsemeat - or any other abattoirs who are willing to work with shechita – there non-kosher meat - to enter the kosher food chain. are very few in England. It will award those coveted Rather, it is in the traceability of kosher meat and licences to butchers and factories it deems fit and poultry wherein lies the link. worthy to handle kosher meat and poultry, whether This is where the London Board for Shechita (LBS) comes they sell it over the counter or ready packaged. Butchers in. In its own words, the LBS is a offer different products and vary greatly in style but the charitable organisation operating LBS inspects all of them before giving on a non-profit basis to ensure the a licence. provision of kosher meat to The LBS is a charity so is not in the Jewish public. business to make profits. It gets What does that mean? In no donations but charges fees simple terms, it’s the job of for its services and for the people it employs. the LBS to make sure that Dayan Lichtenstein, Dayan Gelley and Dayan Amor every one of its licensed Occasionally, one will see kosher butchers and meat product manufacturers is able stories in the Jewish press about shechita fees. However, to get kosher meat and poultry throughout the year, for tough management and tighter economic controls have every Shabbat and every chag. In doing so, it will know led to its fees per kilo being lower now than in 2005 and the source of every leg, wing, steak, chicken liver and this in a period in which worldwide meat and poultry chop that crosses a counter or decorates a dinner plate. prices have increased. The LBS is seriously concerned about the price of keeping kosher, but it must be That capability and certainty of knowing where it all stressed that it plays no part in setting the prices paid came from and where it’s all going is what gives the LBS by consumers. Uniquely among UK shechita authorities, its caché in today’s world. it seeks to have a number of abattoirs where it offers its When consumers see an LBS licence certificate displayed services so its butchers have a choice and there is in a shop window, they can be safe in the knowledge competition for their custom. that what it says on the label of what they’re buying is While it might be more than two centuries old, the what they will get in their basket. It is fast becoming a reach and influence of social media in today’s world is market-leading organisation in food information and being acknowledged as the LBS is about to revamp its education. website and is launching its own Facebook page. This The organisation has been in existence since 1804. It is will bring greater accessibility, transparency and unique in Anglo-Jewry at bringing together the United knowledge to both its licensees and consumers in a Synagogue, the Federation of Synagogues and the Spanish world where the substance of what we eat has never and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation under one roof as its been of greater importance. constituent parts. It has its own Rabbinical Authority with To find out more look at www.shechita.co.uk or email a senior Dayan from each parent body (Dayan Gelley from [email protected]

Page 8 Hamaor / September 2013 W’anna Hen-I (Whereto is the Island?) = Uanaheni By Dr Eli Kienwald - Chief Executive

The bearded man pulled up the chairs. The two men looked at each other for a few collar of his black cloak and, moments and, almost in unison, threw their arms with a swing of his right arm, around each other, whispering “Hermano” (brother) “it’s wrapped the capa over his been so long…”. Manuel gestured to Rodrigo to sit and open shirt and around his body. went to the far corner of the room. He came back with He lowered his beret firmly over a bottle and two glasses and sat in front of his brother. his forehead and ventured out “This is the best Condado de Huelva, bottled by me of the dark vestibule, into personally; you can drink it. Rodrigo, your face is aged! the narrow calle in You must tell me what has been of you during the last the port quarter of seven years”, and in so saying, Manuel filled the two Palos de la Frontera. glasses with the amber-coloured Andalusian wine. Over Rodrigo de Triana smelt the salty sea-breeze of that cold the next few hours, only interrupted by the uncorking January evening and waited for the twilight to give way of another couple of bottles, Rodrigo told his story. to the more comforting darkness of night before leaving It was the summer of 1490, shortly after the infamous the relatively secure shelter of his modest lodgings to La Guardia trial, when the Jews of Spain were accused walk along the cobbled alleyway. All the while he kept of black magic in an effort to stop the Inquisition. Life close to the crumbling walls of the old storehouses and, for Spanish Jewry became even harsher and the number from time to time, gave a furtive look over his shoulder of those undergoing forced conversions (conversos) and to check whether he was being followed. He reached becoming ‘secret Jews’ (marranos) increased the corner of Calle del Puerto where a flickering lantern dramatically. Many, with no family ties or whose hanging from the wall cast a dim light on a sign he businesses allowed it, sought refuge abroad. Rodrigo de knew well: “Tasca de los Marineros” (Sailors’ Bar). Triana, as a seasoned sailor, thought that he would The tall man bowed his head and bent his shoulders in easily find work away from his beloved Palos and moved order to go through the low doorway; he entered a large to Lisbon in Portugal. One evening, while deep in room furnished with wooden tables and benches. The thought, sipping wine at one of the taverns in the light of wax candles gave the place an eerie look and Jewish quarter, the Juderia, a man sat across the table the smell of good wine identified it as a typical Spanish from Rodrigo and greeted him “Shalom! Buenas tardes. drinking house. The tasca was deserted or so it seemed May I share a drink with you?” Rodrigo came out of his until Rodrigo spotted the cowered figure of a man reverie and raised his eyes: he saw a good-looking man, slowly emerging from behind a screen. “Rodrigo” – clean-shaven, with deep blue eyes and wearing the whispered the shadow. “It is me, Manuel, Shalom attire of nobility. “Who are you? – Rodrigo asked. “My Alechem”. “Shhh” - was said more as an imploration name is Don Christobal Colon and I am a maritime than as an order – “so, you too are still keeping…” and explorer” – came the answer. The stranger’s language with those words, Manuel grabbed Rodrigo’s hand and and accent were unusual, thought Rodrigo; a mixture pulled him behind the screen. Manuel rolled up a rag of old Catalan and Ladino. However, encouraged by the that was spread across the floor, lifted a well-concealed good wine and by the common interest in sea voyages, trap door and revealed a narrow stepladder. The two the two men were at ease with one another. Don men quickly disappeared, closed the hatch above their Christobal told Rodrigo that he was born in the Italian head and, by pulling on a cord, Manuel drew the rag port of Genoa and that his father had been a Catalan back into position. weaver. They had changed their name to Colombo so as to make their integration into Italian society easier. He Manuel lit a candle and placed it in one of a pair of silver had been a sailor on various military campaigns under candlesticks. This room was much smaller than the one different flags but now he had embarked on the project above and was furnished with only one table and two of a lifetime: to reach the East by sailing West. Rodrigo

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 9 told him about his own family, about his brother Manuel “The crew are becoming restless – said Don Christobal – and the wine plantation in Palos and that he was very G-d seems to have forsaken us. All I ever wanted was to worried about what was going to happen to the Jews find a place, a land, where Jewish people, the of Spain. descendants of our fathers Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov, could live in peace. G-d performed great “Rodrigo – said Don Christobal – Jews will be expelled miracles when he led the children of Israel out of Egypt. from Spain. I have inside information. Rabbi Yitzchak Why would He not wish to lead them to safety now? Abravanel and Luis de Santangel, counsellors at the My tongue is tied, Rodrigo, like Moses’. But you know Spanish Court, are trying to buy the loyalty of King what to say. Please help”. Ferdinand by raising money for his war effort in Granada, but they are fighting against powerful And on that holiest of days on board the Pinta, Jewish enemies. Thomas de Torquemada, the Chief Inquisitor, sailors gathered together to pray, reciting with solemn is devil incarnate and is pulling the strings. I need good devotion the familiar piyutim composed by the great sailors for my expedition and, when I reach the Indies payetanim Yehuda haLevi and Shlomo ibn Gabirol. One of Marco Polo, I know that the descendants of King of the men had a shofar and the sound of the ram’s Solomon and the Queen of Sheba live there and I need horn was heard in all its glory across the vast expanse somebody who will be able to speak to them in Hebrew. of the ocean. Think about it and I will meet you here again in Two days later the West wind filled the sails once again. six months”. In the morning of 12 October, Hoshana Rabba, Rodrigo There were several more meetings between Rodrigo and was on duty on the forecastle of the Pinta. Suddenly a Don Christobal in the Lisbon wine bar, as a result of scream blasted out of his throat “I, I” (Hebrew for Island, which a friendship between the two men developed and Island). Someone on the deck below shouted back: plans took shape. In January 1492 Don Christobal told “W’anna” (and whereto) to which Rodrigo answered Rodrigo that an edict to expel the Jews from Spain was “Hen-I” (there is the island), pointing forcefully ahead. only weeks away and that the royal order providing him That brief exchange between sailors was used to name with the funds to finance his enterprise would be issued the island Uanaheni or San Salvador. Don Christobal at the same time. “I am sailing from Palos with three Colon had opened a New World to which the Jewish ships on 2 August, Rodrigo. I want you to be on one of people could flee from religious persecution. them”. “But 2 August is Tisha b’Av – not a propitious day to start such a voyage”. “All right, we shall leave on Manuel had listened intently to his brother’s story. 3 August”. “Rodrigo, why did you come back?” “I could not stay with Don Christobal’s party – replied Rodrigo with And so it was. The Edict to expel the Jews and the order sadness – he defrauded me of 10,000 maravedis and a to Don Colon to equip a fleet were both proclaimed on waistcoat promised by the King and Queen to the first 30 April 1492. man who would sight land. Don Christobal claimed to On 2 August, the mass exodus of the Jews took place have seen land the day before me. I am going to and on 3 August, the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa emigrate to Morocco. But you, Manuel, you should go Maria set sail on their voyage to discover a new land. to the New World. Don Christobal is planning more Rodrigo was on the Pinta as a member of a crew made voyages and you can start a successful wine business up almost entirely of conversos and marranos: there was there. Your wine is the best in the world”. no priest on board and no Inquisitor. The men were Rodrigo raised his glass once more and, with a unsure of their destiny but relieved to have finally found broad smile on his battered face saluted his brother: relative freedom from fear and oppression. The official “L’Chayim”. language on the ships was Spanish but the crew used Notes Hebrew or Ladino when speaking to one another. 1. Was Christopher Columbus Jewish? There are a number of Good progress was being made across the ocean but on eminent historians who make this claim or at least that his 15 September the westward wind subsided and the family had Jewish Catalan roots three ships stood still for several days. On 21 September, 2. When converting Gregorian calendar dates into Jewish calendar Rosh Hashana 5253, Don Christobal left the flagship dates for years prior to 1752CE, one must take into account ten Santa Maria by rowing boat and came on board the days added to the calendar by Pope Gregory XIII under the Pinta to speak to Rodrigo. Gregorian Reformation. Page 10 Hamaor / September 2013 Chai Cancer Care

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Most of us will have to deal with the effects of a Frequently the treatments that are keeping cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives; either cancer patients alive for longer result in side at first hand or through someone close to us. Chai effects that make life difficult, and in some Cancer Care is the Jewish Community’s Cancer cases, unbearable. In order to meet the need of Support Organisation, enabling patients, their cancer survivorship, we initiated a families and friends affected by cancer to cope. groundbreaking three way collaboration with Chai’s expertise and services are for the benefit of The Royal Free Hospital and Marie Curie Cancer everyone involved . Care. A Palliative Care Consultant runs the Medical Outpatient Rehabilitation and Palliative We provide a wide range of services; from Care Service, based at our flagship centre therapies and complementary therapies to group in Hendon. activities and counselling to advisory services. Chai currently supports over 1750 clients (60% From its inception in 1990, Chai has gained the cancer patient & 40% are their loved ones). We reputation of being a pioneer and leader in the do not receive any statutory funding, and rely on field of cancer support. The combination of earlier the generosity of the community to enable us to diagnosis and better treatments mean more provide our expertise, care and specialised people are living longer with cancer. There are support. currently 1.8 million cancer survivors in the UK and it is estimated the number will rise to For more information, please call 020 8202 2211 4 million by 2030. or visit our website at www.chaicancercare.org. Hamaor / September 2013 Page 11 Maurice Tiefenbrunner - Obituary Maurice Tiefenbrunner, who has died aged 97, was a German Jew who served with British Special Forces behind enemy lines in the Second World War.

Tiefenbrunner was After hearing some loud explosions, he assumed that born in Germany, but the attack was going well. Then he heard frantic in 1939 he fled to shouting, and a lone Free French officer appeared. He Palestine to escape was exhausted and almost incoherent. Their lorry, he Nazi persecution. In said, had broken down. The German driver had gone into March 1942 he was the airfieldís guardpost ostensibly to obtain a spare part recruited by the but had betrayed them, informing his compatriots that Special Interrogation he had a lorry full of Allied soldiers. All the other raiders Group (SIG), the name in that group had been killed or captured. given to a small force of German-speaking The other detachment of Frenchmen had also been troops assembled to taken prisoner before they could destroy any aircraft, carry out raids in North Africa while disguised in enemy and the surviving members of SIG had no option but to uniforms. try to return to base in the remaining lorry. Tiefenbrunner covered the second German driver with Most of the volunteers were Jews from Palestine, and, his gun, ready to kill him if he made a wrong move. On like Tiefenbrunner, had previously served with the the way they were bombed by a German aircraft, but commandos. At a PoW camp near Suez the SIG observed when they unfurled a Swastika flag on the ground it the behaviour of German soldiers, learned their flew off. commands, their salutes, their slang, their marching After the remnants of the raid had made it back to their songs and how to handle their weapons. Their false own lines, Tiefenbrunnerís driver was returned to a PoW identities were rounded out by photographs of German camp he was later shot trying to escape. The other girlfriends actually posed for by British ATS girls in Cairo. driver, who had betrayed them, was received as a hero and decorated by the German High Command. The SIGís first mission, in June 1942, was to help the SAS to destroy the aircraft on the airfields at Derna and In July 1942, Tiefenbrunner took part in successful raids Martuba in Libya, 100 miles west of Tobruk. This would on the Egyptian airfields at Fuka and Mersa Matruh, involve bluffing their way through enemy lines with where a large number of enemy aircraft were destroyed. forged documents and wearing captured uniforms. If But two months later , following a failed raid on Tobruk caught, they could expect no mercy. in which it was almost wiped out, SIG was disbanded, its remaining members being amalgamated with Travelling in two Afrika Corps lorries and a staff car, 12 the SAS. members of the SIG led by Captain Herbert Buck posed as guards escorting 15 French prisoners (in fact, these In December 1942, however, Tiefenbrunner was taken were soldiers of the Free French Squadron of the SAS). prisoner and shipped by submarine to Italy. On the way, The lorries were driven by two genuine German PoWs he and seven British officers made an unsuccessful who claimed to be anti-Nazi. Tiefenbrunner, who was attempt to overcome the crew, and they were forced to then a corporal, did not trust them and objected to spend the remainder of the journey on the floor, packed their coming. together like sardines. h p a r

As they approached the targets, they split into three g After the Italian armistice in 1943, Tiefenbrunner was e l e T groups. One lorry made for the airfield at Derna, the moved to Austria, then to a camp in Prussia. As the Red y l i

other for Martuba. Tiefenbrunner stayed with the car Army got closer, he and several hundred others were a D

and liaised between the two. marched to Fallingbostel, near Hanover. Food was scarce ©

Page 12 Hamaor / September 2013 and the weather freezing at night they slept in the reached Cyprus, they would be transferred to four open fields. sailing boats. In the event these boats never arrived; meanwhile, the food ran out and many of the more In February 1945, with the British Army approaching, elderly became ill. the German guards surrendered to the PoWs. Tiefenbrunner was released the following month. A group of 100 passengers decided to act. They locked up the captain and his officers, hoisted the One of eight children, Maurice Tiefenbrunner Israeli flag and took command of the ship. The Greek (nicknamed ”Monju” was born to an orthodox Jewish crew took all their money and valuables but helped family at Wiesbaden, Germany, on December 18 1915. them reach the coast of Palestine after 70 days at sea. His parents, who had moved there from Poland before There, the passengers smashed the engines before the First World War, ran a kosher grocery and running the vessel deep into the sand at Tel Aviv delicatessen store. He helped his parents in the shop beach. The Second World War broke out a month later; after school, but emigration was affecting the business, the passengers were released from internment and and in 1931 he moved to Mainz to work in a became legal citizens. department store. Tiefenbrunner volunteered immediately for the British In 1934 Nazi storm troopers burst into the store and Army and, posted to the Pioneer Corps, was sent to began beating up the staff. Tiefenbrunner tried to France. Two weeks after the French surrender, he was protect his boss but was knocked down with a evacuated from St Malo in one of the last British ships truncheon and had to spend several days in hospital. to get away. In October 1938 his parents were arrested, imprisoned and taken to the railway station to be deported to He joined 51 Middle East Commando and fought in the Poland. Monju begged to be allowed to take his Eritrean campaign. Leading a section of machine motherís place so she could return home to look after gunners in the fiercely contested battle of Keren, he the younger children.Reluctantly, the police agreed. was wounded and was subsequently mentioned in despatches. Thus he accompanied his father, who was blind, to Krakow, where they stayed with relations. Some weeks In October 1945 Tiefenbrunner returned to Palestine, to later, after receiving an order to enlist in the Polish learn that his parents had perished in Auschwitz. For a Army, he succeeded with great difficulty in getting to time he worked as a diamond cutter. He was also active Antwerp, where his brother was living. He never saw his in the 1948 struggle for Independence, after which he father again. moved to Britain , settling in west London. He managed a book production business and raised a family before In April 1939 Tiefenbrunner was busy learning the spending the last 30 years of his life in Israel, where he business of diamond-cutting when an inspector asked worked as a bookbinder until finally retiring at the age to see his work permit. He had none and was told that of 95. He considered the large family surrounding him he would be deported. To avoid this fate he joined a his personal revenge against Hitler. small group of refugees similarly placed and was smuggled across the frontier into France, making his Monju Tiefenbrunner married, in 1947, Friedel Sturm. way to Paris. She predeceased him, and he is survived by their son and three daughters. For 10 days he hid from the authorities. Then, having contacted Jewish agents of the Irgun, he got to Marseille, Maurice Tiefenbrunner, born December 18 1915, where he bribed the captain of a pleasure boat to take him died July 24 2013. to the cargo boat Parita, which was bound for Palestine.

The boat was meant to take about 250 passengers, but at Constanta, in Romania, 750 joined the 80 already on This article originally appeared on 2nd August 2013 on board. The passengers were told that, when they the Daily Telegraph website.

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 13 Awe and Joy on Rosh Hashana By Rabbi Chaim Zundel Pearlman Rabbi of the Machzikei Hadath Synagogue & Rosh Beit Midrash Hendon

Gaon the Ari zal was wont to cry profusely in the tefilot of Rosh Hashana 11 and declared it is a sign We are presented on Rosh Hashana with a paradox. of an imperfect soul if tears are not shed! The It is a festival – a time for joyous celebration as is Zohar 12 writes that the tefilot of one who sheds reflected in the midrashim and minhagim; yet on tears are more acceptable. the other hand it is a time of fear and trepidation as the awesome day of judgement. How can we This dichotomy is reflected in the midrash 13 , which reconcile these two diametrically opposed depicts the mixed emotions of Avraham as he walks concepts? This dilemma is accentuated in the piyut 2 towards the place of the Akeida . When he is commanded to sacrifice his only son Yitzchak, he cries in his heart but with his mouth he declares hineini and with joy he binds his son as a sacrifice. The earth and its dwellers look forward to the din but tremble and dread the frightful din. Is this not a contradiction? He who walks weeping, carrying his progeny, he comes with joy etc. The Tur 3 quotes a midrash 4 - which nation can compare to this nation which knows the ways of In the Pizmon 15 Hashem? It is customary for a man who has a court We chant about our dread of the impending days - case to wear black, to grow his hair etc. since he knows not the outcome of the judgement. But not As they shudder and tremble before the days of so Israel who wear white, cut their hair, and eat, Your coming, shaking before Your burden of wrath, drink and rejoice on Rosh Hashana, confident that like a woman at her first birth etc. Hashem will perform miracles for them. Hence, to display our confidence in the outcome of the Rosh Hashana marks the birth of man, judgement, on Rosh Hashana we rejoice and wear The trembling at the approach of this festive clothing. awesome day is compared to labour pains tempered by the expectation of the impending arrival of the Since Rosh Hashana is called a chag 5 although it is firstborn child. The cries of pain are overtaken by yom hadin 6, it is incumbent to have a festive meal the ecstasy of the birth. and it is forbidden to fast 7. Some of the Geonim ruled that moadim lesimcha and vehasieinu should The sound of the shofar itself contains this be recited on Rosh Hashana 8. Nechemia 9 instructed ambiguity. Says the Levush 16 , if the tekia and terua the returnees from exile “this day is holy to are blown in one breath one has not fulfilled the Hashem, mourn not, nor weep … go eat delicacies obligation. Why? Because the tekia is a sound of joy and drink the sweet and send gifts to those who are and peace whilst the terua a sound of crying and unprepared, for this day is holy to our Master, do sobbing. These opposites cannot join together in a not grieve for the joy of Hashem is your strength.” single sound. Based on these verses, the Vilna Gaon prohibited crying on Rosh Hashana. 10 Rosh Hashana is referred to as yom terua 17 . This term itself has a dual meaning – that of joy as in At the same time, Rosh Hashana is the first day of the verse the Yomim Noraim - days of awe. In contrast to the 18

Page 14 Hamaor / September 2013 and friendship from the root But in addition The Brisker Rav 23 , elaborates on these words of the it also has the meaning of crying, as translated by Rambam. When one is so frightened of the day of Onkeles 19 judgement that one reaches a level where one feels impelled to flee and find refuge, then, somewhat All the readings from the Torah and the Navi on perversely, one is able to achieve a high level of Rosh Hashana refer to crying. On the first day we bitochon in Hashem, to be worthy of His miracles. read how Hagar and Yishmael cry, on the second However, if one has no fright, he cannot possibly day we read the akeida and as stated earlier attain a high level of closeness to Hashem. This is Avraham cried and the midrash records that the reflected in the language of the piyut 24 tears of the angels blinded the eyes of Yitzchak in - I flee from You, it is to You. his later years 20 , Sarah cries when she hears the news and then her soul departs. In the haftorot we Rabbeinu Yona 25 writes that although awe and joy read about the tears of Chana on the first day and in relation to another human being are at the the tears of Rochel imeinu on the second day. opposite ends of the spectrum, it is not so in relating to Hashem. When one contemplates His The theme of awe is reflected in the halachot of the greatness and is in awe of His presence, one is day. Hallel is not recited. enabled to rejoice. Of such a joy which is a product of awe, it is said. Is it possible that the King sits on the throne of judgement when the books of life and death are opened in front of Him and Israel says shira ? Fear of Hashem is not contradictory to rejoicing. On the contrary true fear of Hashem Rambam 22 comments is the vehicle and tool to attain that ultimate ideal of rejoicing with Hashem. Our avoda on Rosh Hashana is to reconcile what appears to be superficially conflicting “because these are days of avoda , humility and fright objectives. If we merit to achieve this goal .. fear of Him and flight and refuge to Him … in all it is truly awesome and simultaneously these circumstances it would not be fitting to rejoice. ” exhilarating.

Notes 1. Tehilim 2:11 13. Tanchuma Vayeira 39 2. First day Shacharit after 14. Tehilim 126:6 3. Tur Orach Chaim 581 15. First day Selichot 4. Yerushalmi Rosh Hashana 1:3 16. Levush Orach Chaim 590:5 5. 17. Pinchas 23:21 6. Mishna Berurah 597:1 18. Balak 23:21 7. Orach Chaim 597, see also Rambam Hilchot Yomtov 6:17 19. Beha’alotcha 10:5 8. Tur Orach Chaim 582. The halacha is not like these Geonim. 20. Rashi Toldot 27:1 9. Chapt. 8 verses 9-10. 21. Rosh Hashana 32b, Eiruchin 10b 10. Maasei Rav siman 207 22. Commentary to Mishna Rosh Hashanah 4:7. See also the Yad 11. Kitvei HoAri Shaar Hakavonot Drush le Rosh Hashana. Hilchot Chanuka 3:6 Attempts have been made to reconcile with the view of the Gra. Some distinguish between crying during tefila and at 23. Chidushei HaGriz Hachadoshim 75 non-tefila times (Eliyohu Ki Tov). In the name of Rav Chaim 24. Keter Malchut. Ibn Gabirol Machzor Yom Kippur, who lived a Volozhin it is said that spontaneous crying is permitted. century before the Rambam. 12. Machazik Bracha (Chida) Orach Chaim 1:3 25. Berachot 22a

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 15 FAMILY HAMAOR Will it be a sweet new year for all Jewish families? In most of our communities there are families who have a child with a life threatening illness.

Jane and Mark contacted Camp Simcha and our Big Brother and Sister volunteers quickly became part of Jess’s life and that of her sister Mia. They visited Jess regularly and took her to parties and outings, providing respite for Jane and Mark, whilst their dedicated Family Liaison Officer provided them with 24/7 practical and emotional support. The whole family came on Camp Simcha Retreat where they met many other families who really could understand and the children had the time of their lives. One day straight after chemotherapy, Jess and Mia went with Camp Simcha to Chessington where she had a day to remember. When we spoke to her a few weeks later, Jess didn’t even remember the treatment she had that day – all she could think of was her amazing day out.

CAMP SIMCHA HELPS ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY FEEL BETTER, STRONGER AND MORE ABLE TO COPE

All Camp Simcha’s services are provided free of charge to families from all sectors of the Jewish community. We receive no government funding and rely on the generous support of the community. If you know of a From Cancer to Muscular Dystrophy, these families child or family that could benefit from Camp Simcha's face high levels of stress and anxiety and it is our help, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8202 responsibility to be there for them. At Camp Simcha, 9297 or for further information visit our website at our vision is that no Jewish child, wherever they are in www.campsimcha.org.uk the UK, should have to suffer serious illness without our support. We believe that the best way to improve HELP US MAKE TOMORROWS TREAT MORE quality of life for the sick child is to change the life of IMPORTANT THAN TODAY’S TREATMENT the whole family including siblings, often the forgotten sufferers. To support our services please visit www.campsimcha.org.uk, send a donation to “Camp JESS’S STORY Simcha,” The House, 12 Queens Road, London, In February 2010, 7 year old Jess was diagnosed with a NW4 2TH, or contact us at [email protected]. brain tumour. She has endured surgery and years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Her parents, Jane and Mark, watched their daughter change from a bundle of energy into a shadow of her former self. Charity no:1044685

Page 16 Hamaor / September 2013 FAMILY HAMAOR Understanding the gift of tears By Rabbi Garson

“The most efficient water forest, a few kilometers away from Tarnów. power in the world - Understandably tears flowed. women's tears.” So said Wilson Wizner an I told our wonderful group, how in life we cry at such American playwright stupid irrelevant things. The end of a movie or a novel. from the early 1900s. We waste our tears which are so precious. But then I He understood what shared with them a moving story which changes the we as a nation have way we view this precious emotion. known for millennia – the power of the Jewish A year ago, Chief Rabbi Lau spoke at the Sinai Indaba woman’s tears. Conference in South Africa. He related the story how he was liberated from Buchenwald on April 11th 1945. We are told that “real” men don’t cry. Yet, there is one American Troops led by General Patton broke in and time of the year where both men and women, are liberated the prisoners. hopefully moved to tears. He and his colleagues were sent to France, to Equis, a The Rabbis debate is it permissible to cry during the small village 90km from Paris and placed in a small prayers on Rosh Hashanah? After all Rosh Hashanah hospital for orphans. 220 orphans from Bergen Belsen is a festive holiday, perhaps crying should be forbidden, and Buchenwald made their way there. Rabbi Lau was notwithstanding the sense of awe we experience. the youngest at 8 years old, the oldest child was 22. Eli Wiesel was also in this group. Chacham Ovadia Yosef addresses this question and concludes that one who is overcome with emotion There was a mother figure to run the sanatorium during the prayers is not required to restrain himself whose name was Rachel Minsk. A lady born in Lodz from crying, but one should not attempt to bring who spoke French and Polish. himself to tears on this holiday. However on Yom Kippur, knock yourself out! Tears and crying are One day she stood up and said “Boys I have a request encouraged. today; at 4pm I want you all to gather on the grass in the centre of the village as we have to welcome very The Arizal comments that the moment when one cries important guests. The mayor of Equis, the head on Yom Kippur, his soul is being judged. Shockingly he commander of police, and some leaders of welfare adds that one who is not moved to tears, is indicative groups who subsidise this place. Without them we of a very sullied soul. Rav Hirsh claimed that tears are could not treat you physically and psychologically. So the sweat of the soul. Tears indicate heartfelt prayer. please come and treat them with respect and let us Hence the numerical value of heart and BECHI (crying) pay tribute to them.” are both 32. One of the boys got up and said “Mrs Minsk we will These are all important ideas. However this past July, N OT go. We oppose this visit, we are full of anger. my wife and I were privileged to lead a 6th “Journey Where were they the last 6 years? We heard no voices to Poland”. It was then that we really understood what of the armed forces, the police and the people of it means to cry. The time was 11:00 at night. Carrying France when our families were being slaughtered, we candles we took the group to the site of a mass grave were beaten to death. And now they come to of 1000 babies and children in the Zbylitowska Góra take photos of orphans of the holocaust because

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 17 FAMILY HAMAOR its popular – we will not co-operate and we will not Mrs Minsk took him to the seat on the bench. “Thank be there.” you, now sit and relax”.

All the boys agreed. But she knew that the future of The silence was followed by a miracle. “All of a sudden the sanatorium depended on these people. She replied we felt our cheeks were wet and tears flowed. It was “I was told that each of you will get from the guests strange. These young boys had not cried in years. All an individual present.” of them tried to dry his face from the tears. 220 young boys crying a beautiful cry.” This was a huge thing for all the boys who had not received anything in 6 years. “We don’t want their A 20 year old boy called Aharon said “Mrs Minsk, presents or presence. We are on our way to Israel with distinguished guests on behalf of my friends I hope I Aliyat Hanaar, we will have nothing to do with them. express their feelings. I want to thank you. Not for the We won’t be there.” visit or the presents. We never asked for it. But I want to thank you for one present you brought us without She stood at the door and said “OK, but do it for me”. knowing. The ability to cry. You cannot imagine what Once she left, a decision was made. Physically they a gift it is.” would be for Mrs Minsk but would not cooperate. They decided not to even look at them. “We will not When they killed my father at 16 years old in front of welcome them and we will demonstrate our anger for me – I stopped crying. When I was starving, beaten, doing nothing for 6 years to save our lives.“ suffering in the death marches, I NEVER cried. I didn’t laugh for a year or cry for over 3 years. She tried to be the Chair: “Boys this is the Mayor of Equis, General so and so.” All the speakers understood After the liberation I have been crazed with the they had no address to talk to. “We bless you and happy question. Maybe I am not a human being anymore. you are here.” She translated from French to Polish. Maybe my heart is not made of meat. But of stone. If I don’t laugh or cry I am an automatic machine. ICH Then she said the last speaker was Duvid Leibovitzch, BIN NISHT A MENSTCH – I am not a human being. Who a survivor of Auschwitz. “This man lost his wife and will marry me? I have no future? Who will build a three children. He came to France because his textile family with someone who has no heart and emotions? business was here before the war and he promised Will I have children?” himself that for the rest of his life, all his money, energy and time would be dedicated to the orphans of “For the last few months, day and night we are the holocaust - as if they were his own children. He consumed with these thoughts – up until five minutes wants to talk to you.” ago. When we cried. It means we are human beings. And everyone knows, that those who cry today can No one gave an order, but spontaneously 220 heads smile and laugh tomorrow. Thank you for this gift you were lifted up. With a look of empathy and solidarity. brought us – THE POWER TO CRY!” “He was one of us. No reason to oppose him.” Let us use Yom Kippur this year to gain a greater He was not a speaker but was excited to come to Equis appreciation of our tears. And may our tears always be and when he saw this change, 220 children looking at tears of joy. him, he was overcome with emotion and he was trembling into the microphone.

He said 3 words “ Kinder …… Tayreh Kinder!!!”(children my dear children) and he cried into the microphone. Ketiva Vechatima Tova.

Page 18 Hamaor / September 2013 FAMILY HAMAOR

Jewish Marriage Council launches new family mediation service

Among the many important purposes in its mission acrimony between the parties. It is in the nature of statement, the Jewish Marriage Council seeks to this sort of dispute. There is no simple solution but provide appropriate services to support individuals at mediation provides the very best opportunity for an the end of relationships and beyond. Recognising that efficient, effective and less stressful result.’ not all marital breakdown can be avoided, even with The new mediation service, which is being offered at its excellent confidential counselling and other support significantly reduced rates, also acknowledges the services, the Council has decided to create a new importance of having a professional involved, who is mediation service for this aspect of its work. sensitive to the complexities and intricacies Most separating couples make a tremendous effort to surrounding a Jewish divorce, both in the orthodox save their marriages before they make the difficult and secular communities. Dayan Menachem Gelley, the decision to separate and, ultimately, divorce. Once this senior Dayan at the London Beth Din endorses the decision has been made, most think that their only service provided by the Jewish Marriage Council. He option is to find a solicitor and begin the lengthy, says “I am aware of the initiative (mediation service) expensive and often hostile process of solicitors’ provided by the JMC and would be happy to meetings and correspondence, which frequently result recommend their services.” in protracted Court proceedings, often embittering one Mediation is hugely successful with the Legal Aid or both parties and having significant emotional Agency (formerly the Legal Services Commission) ramifications; to say nothing of the impact on both estimating that between 60% and 70% of mediated themselves and, of course, their children. cases result in agreement. It is suitable for most Family mediation is an increasingly popular alternative, separating couples, providing that neither party is the which is being championed by both the Government subject of ongoing domestic abuse. If you are unsure and the Judiciary. Lord McNally, the Family Justice of your suitability please contact the Jewish Marriage Minister, has recently been quoted as saying that Council and you will be able to talk to one of our mediation is “a quicker, simpler and more effective way mediators entirely confidentially. for separating couples to agree how they divide their The service is being run by two experienced family assets or arrange child contact, which avoids the lawyers: Rachel Jaysan (Dor-Chay) and Michael Simon. traumatic and divisive effect of courtroom battles.” Rachel is a family solicitor and mediator specialising in Mediation puts the parties in control of how they deal all aspects of family law. Rachel is experienced in with the end of their relationship. Further, it religious divorce, particularly in the complexities of the encourages parties to communicate in a confidential Jewish Get. She runs her own mediation practice, setting and agree their own solutions, which will Rachel Jaysan Family Mediation and is also a inevitably be much more innovative and family specific consultant solicitor with TV Edwards LLP. Michael has than a Court would ever contemplate. By encouraging over 20 years experience as a family law barrister, in dialogue, mediation helps parents to re-establish or court and the Beis Din, and is a qualified mediator. His maintain effective communication so that they can particular expertise is in the law relating to children work together in their lifelong role as co-parents. The and education. Jewish Marriage Council recognises how important it For further information, please contact the Jewish is that people are given a cheaper, quicker and more Marriage Council on 0208 203 6311; [email protected] reliable alternative to resolving the issues, which stem from separation and divorce. His Honour Judge Martyn Zeidman QC, Chairman of the Jewish Marriage Council says ‘Sitting in family cases, one sees over and over again litigants losing thousands of pounds in legal and court fees. But the price they pay can be even higher as the court process itself can often increase the

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 19 Mah nishtanah ha’leilah hazeh? by Chazan Michael Simon, warden of Edgware Yeshurun

Few tunes, if any, are out that the nullification of an oath creates in its wake more stirring to those a tremendous fillip in that it retroactively negates it, with even the most meaning that it is as if it never existed. The benefit is, dormant or suppressed obviously, that any breaches of the oath that have emotions, than the already been occasioned will no longer incur any unique melody of Kol penalty as there was no oath to break. Rav Nidrei. The “ tefillah ” Soloveitchik explains that there are two grounds upon (prayer) itself has had which the Beit Din can pronounce an annulment. One a lengthy, though is called (meaning ‘opening’ ), which may be somewhat chequered, appropriate where a person states “I would not have history. Dating back to made such a vow had I known that it was worthless the time of the and would cause more trouble than existed prior to it”. Geonim (7th to 10th Centuries CE), misunderstandings, The second is (meaning ‘remorse’ ) and applies and no doubt some deliberate misinterpretations, of where someone truly regrets that they made such a the nature of the vows for which it grants nullification, vow in the first place. have led to textual emendations and even Rabbinic opinions arguing against its inclusion in the machzor . By way of example, the category of ‘remorse’ applies And yet it remains as a vital component of the Yom to the man who vows to divorce his wife in a month’s Kippur liturgy, so much so that the whole evening time if she will not desist from frivolous expenditure service is known colloquially as Kol Nidrei night. Its [this plainly far-fetched example does come from an dominance in the public conscience is all the more ancient source]. During the allotted period of time, remarkable when one considers that it is not, even the man hears a most eloquent, rabbinical oration on technically, a prayer but rather a legalistic formula the incalculable self-sacrifice of Jewish ladies recited three times by a Beit Din (represented by the throughout the ages, never allowing poverty or chazan and two supporters) before sunset, in order to privation, turbulence or confrontation to deflect them have the required halachic effect upon the specific from their holy task of raising the next generation. category of oaths to which it is addressed. With this Ruminating on this message and recognising the true context in mind, we would be forgiven for wondering value of his eishet chayil , the man is horrified at the just what the magnetic appeal of Kol Nidrei is, such folly of his vow and, quickly realigning his priorities, that it has had our brethren, however loosely affiliated, he rushes to the Beit Din to have the vow annulled. flocking to shul in their droves for many centuries, anxious to be included in this annual ritual. The category of ‘opening’ is exemplified by the father who vows to disown his son if he persists in marrying Many theories abound, but Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik a girl far below his station [I appreciate this may be may have a persuasive answer that draws upon a considered as equally far-fetched as the first example]. central theme of the High Holyday period. He points The son elopes and settles with his new wife in another

Page 20 Hamaor / September 2013 town and the father has no contact with him for are converted to a level of inadvertence. The second several years. Then an acquaintance of the father tells is that affects deliberate sins to the extent of him that he recently met the son, who is happily transforming them into zechutim (merits). The Gemara married with two children and running a successful explains that the first statement relates to that business. Though maintaining his stance that the vow is done out of fear of punishment, whereas the second was legitimately made at the time, the father describes the monumental outcome of repentance acknowledges that it no longer has worth, as it did not performed out of love for Hashem. accomplish its intended purpose. It is for this reason that the father now wishes for his vow to be annulled, Applying these categories to annulment of vows, Rav allowing him to pursue a relationship with his Soleveitchik equates the ‘remorse’ category with one grandchildren as well. The fundamental difference who repents out of love, because he has genuinely between the two cases is that the remorseful husband effected an internal change, becoming a new person. actually holds the vow itself to be repugnant, not This person now merits great reward, because Hashem just ineffective. reviews all of his actions in the context, retrospectively, of his new outlook and grants him concomitantly Rav Soloveitchik suggests that this is a perfect analogy greater reward. By contrast, one who only returns to for the concept of (repentance ), which is ideally the path of Hashem when he discovers that his sins undertaken by a person recognising and actually have not gained him the physical or material rewards lamenting the terrible mistakes that he has made in that he was anticipating, is essentially admitting that life. This process of remorse has caused him seriously he made a mistake. This equates with repentance out to alter his outlook on life and to become a new of fear and achieves only the downgrading of his person. There is a lesser level of repentance, achieved sinfulness. by one who examines his life and concludes that his abandonment of the Torah, by, for instance, This whole concept of is a supernatural working seven days a week in order to maximise manifestation of Hashem’s goodness and mercy. his income stream, has not in fact achieved its Maybe it is this that Jews of previous generations intended aim. Moreover, he can see that his Shabbat- recognised and understood. For them, Kol Nidrei observing neighbour is happier, healthier and just represented the quintessential component that as materially successful. This brings him to a brought to mind the level of that they were realisation that, had he known that his failures in Torah striving to attain. This profound meaning within Kol and mitzvot would not offer him any advantage, Nidrei clearly connects with us all, even on an entirely he would more likely have embraced his subconscious level. religious obligations. May we merit to achieve the highest level of so The difference in quality and consequences between that any negative actions over the last year will these two levels can be illustrated through the famous be transformed into mitzvot and may Hashem inscribe Gemara in Masechet Yoma [86a] which records two and seal us all and our loved ones for a year of apparently conflicting statements of Reish Lakish. The good health, happiness and success in every aspect of first is that is so great that one’s deliberate sins our lives.

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 21 “To give or not to give?” by Harvey Bratt

As a faith group British Jews are renowned for being The concept of tithing (from the word ‘tenth’) one’s income extraordinarily charitable. The vast majority of us give to to charity is one that resonates well with the Jewish charity every year 1. As long ago as 1997 the income of the community. Its origins are deep rooted in the Torah, which Jewish voluntary sector was estimated at £503m 2 per is replete with mitzvot of giving to charity generally, and in annum, some 3-4% of the income of the sector as a whole, particular in the parsha of Vayetzewhere we learn of the whereas Jews account for only 0.5 % of the population of mitzvah of ma’aser kesafim - giving one-tenth of one’s England and Wales. So there can be no doubt that we punch income to charity: “And of all that You will give me I will well above the weight our quarter million strong population surely give a tenth to you” (Bereishit 28:22). would warrant. I believe that the concept of ma’aser and the tax breaks now Yet only 16% of the income of the Jewish charitable sector available put legacy giving in the philanthropic spotlight in is derived from legacies and only one in four of us leave a a way that has not been seen before. The Jewish community gift to charity in our wills. Why is this? must ask ourselves how we, too, can look to increase support for those charities close to our hearts, in new and Perhaps there is a natural reticence to consider our own different ways. mortality. Maybe the subject of wills is therefore a no-go, taboo area. Possibly in our busy lives, making a will, or Let us strengthen and deepen the inbuilt mutual changing an existing one, just doesn’t take top priority. But responsibility that we have as Jews to each other and to the maybe it’s because we simply haven’t considered the wider community, both here and in Israel by leaving gifts to possibility that giving can be about more than just the ‘here charity in our will. Why not consider including UJIA as your and now’. As former PM Tony Blair has said when speaking Israel charity, and the Federation of Synagogues as your UK on behalf of his Foundation “Philanthropy...is not just about charity? Legacies of any size would be a welcome addition giving, but about giving creatively”. to the funds utilised by both organisations in continuing their important charitable endeavours and activities for the There can be no more creative, cost effective and tax benefit of the Jewish people here and in Israel. efficient way to give than through a legacy. You can even use a legacy as a means of memorialising a loved one in Let’s add to our generosity of giving while we’re alive by perpetuity. A legacy is particularly beneficial for those in giving an enduring legacy, because sometimes the best gifts retirement, on fixed pensions or for whom investments are are those we leave behind. producing poor returns, because, quite simply, it costs Harvey Bratt is UJIA Director of Legacies nothing now. Instead, money will come out of one’s estate and Planned Giving. For more when, not to put too fine a point on it, one is no longer in information about how you can leave a need of it! legacy to the Federation of Synagogues And there is no more tax effective form of giving to charity and UJIA and take advantage of UJIA’s than through a gift in your will. The Government has free will writing service, contact Harvey recently changed the Inheritance Tax laws to encourage and at [email protected] or on 0207 424 incentivise us to include legacies to charity. Now by leaving 6431. For more information about UJIA’s just 10% of your taxable estate to charity (after deducting projects and programmes in Israel and the UK, visit your tax free allowance) your family will now benefit from www.ujia.org. a lower rate of tax – reduced from 40% to 36%. The effect Notes is dramatic; over three quarters of any legacy you give to 1. 87% according to JPR Research “A Portrait of Jews in London charity is met by the taxman. In announcing this tax break and the south-east: a community study” (2002) Chancellor George Osborne aspired “... to make giving 10% 2. JPR Research “The financial resources of the UK Jewish of your legacy to charity the new norm in our country”. voluntary sector” (2000)

Page 22 Hamaor / September 2013 Sukkot: The Best Source of Vitamin E By Rabbi Zvi Bloom

If I were to guess a holiday that ‘Emunah’ (trust in God). We obtain it by going out and saying, Jewish people have a deep "this roof that I usually have over my head, it may look like it's connection with, Sukkot the thing that truly protecting me, but in reality it is God who probably wouldn't pop in my is my real protection.” All other protections are illusory. This mind. Camping just doesn't vitamin or message is taken throughout Sukkot and is meant seem to be what I think of to be brought into the remaining 357 days of the year. Much when it comes to Jews. Yet we like the idea of enlightening the weekday by drawing on the do on Sukkot! We leave the inspiration of Shabbat. comfortable nest of our warm Rabbi Hirsch points out an interesting idea in his collected dry house and live outside. We eat drink and many even sleep writings. He says that this is what the war of (Gog in the sukkah (okay, well, maybe not in the UK). We take our U’Magog) will be in the end of days . The word (Gog) comes things outside and try our hand at camping for a week. from the word (Gag ) which means ‘roof’. (Gog ) claims In order to understand this seemingly peculiar mitzvah, at least that real trust in life is in my roof and nothing else. However from the outsider’s perspective, we must understand a basic strong I fortify myself that is how strong I'll be. There can be principle behind every Jewish holiday. As taught by the Arizal, nothing that can stop whatever physical protection I have every holiday is not just a commemoration of a past event but created. Whereas (Magog ) represents the idea that even rather is a powerful opening of a portal of energy in which it is though I do dwell under a roof it is not my protection. My real ripe to acquire specific higher levels of spirituality. Put another protection is God. way, we're not just re-enacting a past experience, we're taking Sukkot is called , literally ‘the time of our joy’. One and using the energy that the holiday provides in real time. One of the reasons for this is that real lasting joy can only come can also say that the energy that God manifested at each point from realising that the greatest possession you can have in of the year was always there even before the holiday ever took this world, above all else, is your trust in God. With that, place. This is why Avraham ate matzot during the time of year anything can be accomplished. We move out of the house, but Passover took place even before the event of Passover occurred. we move into the Sukkah. We move into the wings of the The energy of freedom was always there at that point in the divine presence and under the total trust of God. There can be year since the beginning of creation. Even though Avraham had no greater joy than that. Directly after Yom Kippur after all never been through the slavery of Egypt and the redemption, your sins have been forgiven, now there's nothing stopping in he was still able to tap into the energy in which that time period intimate relationship with the divine. The holiday culminates brings forth. with Shmini Atzeret. On this day, we don't bring any sacrifices Linked to this is a concept taught by Chovot Ha’levavot that for the nations of the world. Hashem gives us a gift of one every Jewish holiday as well as every mitzvah is like a vitamin. more day alone with Him. It's just us and Hashem and is a time Some vitamins need to be taken daily and some periodically. when the deepest connections can be formed. Vitamin ‘D’ for ‘Davening’ needs to be taken daily. We need May we merit this divine closeness over this special , get a Vitamin ‘S’ for ‘Shabbat’, weekly. Vitamin ‘C’ for ‘Chagim’ needs to be taken, one for each Chag, annually. lot of vitamin "E", and speedily yet gently see show the light of our true trust in God with the coming of Moshiach With this in mind, let’s understand the spiritual vitamin that Sukkot provides us. The kosher sukkah is comprised of two elements; The walls and the roof. The walls can be made of any Rabbi Bloom is The Jewish student Chaplain for the University strong material whereas the roof must be made of a material of Nottingham. He enjoys relating to students and sharing that grew from the ground but is no longer attached. The sukkah his knowledge of Judaism through his many interests. After cannot be kosher, though, if this organic material is so thick that studying in Yeshiva for several years, Rabbi Bloom discovered to rain cannot pass through it. By leaving our strong protective his strength in teaching and inspiring while working with high roof and moving into a flimsy, thatched, non-waterproof school students in his hometown of San Diego, California. His dwelling, we're saying quite boldly that a Jewish person’s real most recent learning was done under Rav Yitchok Berkovitz trust is in God. This vitamin is called Vitamin "E" or vitamin of the Jerusalem kollel.

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 23 Chaplaincy – There for Jewish Students

Imagine this scenario: Ben is in his with visiting chaplains for Bristol and the South Coast, first week at University. From a Chaplaincy uniquely serves the needs of Jewish students. traditional Jewish family, he has Each couple lives on or near a campus and visits other spent part of his year off in Israel. universities in their area regularly. They are officially Ben is chatting with a second year recognised by the University officials as the Chief Rabbi’s student who lives on the same representatives on campus, which means that if there are corridor as him. “What did you do problems with exams falling on Shabbos or yomtov, the in your year off?” asks the student. Chaplain can assist in sorting this out, by informal or Ben tells him enthusiastically about volunteering on official channels and even, when necessary, invigilating kibbutz and his semester in the Hebrew University. “Oh,” Jewish students over Shabbos or yomtov, in an responds the student. “So you’re Jewish then?” Ben environment recognised by the University, so that they replies confidently that he is. The student musingly can take their exams on the next weekday, without replies, “I can never understand why you reject Our Lord. compromising either religiously or academically . After all, he said that the way to the Father is through Chaplains work with the Jewish societies, giving me – you are damned!” Ben is, not surprisingly, rather them as much support as they would like, both taken aback by this. His Jewish education did not take practical such as ensuring the kashrus of the him much past bar mitzvah and he is unable to answer, food, spiritual and emotional. They run a wide range nor to cope with the doubts about his religion and of social and educational events, ranging from Girls’ future that have been raised. nights in, to lunch and learn programmes, shiur with Now imagine this: Natasha has been going out with beer, football matches and one to one learning. Of her boyfriend for two years, including her first year at course, they all excel in home hospitality, with university. He is studying elsewhere and one day, he students frequently dropping in for a coffee, or tells her, over the phone, that he has met someone joining the Chaplains and their family for a Shabbos or else… Natasha is devastated: she thought that she had yomtov meal. found her life’s partner. She can’t face getting out of The Chaplains are supported by a small team of bed and going to classes; she’s not eating and she’s professional staff, who dedicate themselves to ensuring wondering whether life is really worth living. that each campus is matched with the most suitable Josh is away from home for the first time. He is studying chaplain, by including the student body in the selection at a university with a small Jewish society, which runs process and providing support both to the chaplains and Friday night dinners a couple of times a term. He went the students. At local level, each Chaplain has a local the first week and really enjoyed it, but this week, there board, with members from the local community, who is no J-Soc dinner. He can’t bring himself to go to the are there to both support and monitor the Chaplains. pub with his coursemates on a Friday night and is faced Chaplaincy is a charity and relies on donations to be with the prospect of sitting in his room by himself, able to continue its essential work. thinking sadly of his mother’s chicken soup. Chaplains typically remain on campus for two or three What do all these young people have in common? They years. This year, the Chaplaincy team is delighted to are all in need of a Jewish Chaplain. Chaplaincy welcome new Chaplains Rabbi Michael and Tracey (formerly University Jewish Chaplaincy) has chaplaincy Rosenfeld in Oxford and Rabbi Yonosan and Braha couples on campuses across the country, to help Bender to Leeds. They will join the team of chaplains students deal with situations such as these. Whether already in place across the country. it’s a life crisis, a religious crisis or simply a need for a So if you are sending your Ben, Natasha or Josh to bowl of chicken soup on a Friday night, our chaplains University this year, please tell them to contact their are there to provide a listening ear, a friendly face and, local Chaplain, who is looking forward to meeting them if necessary, a referral to specialist help. – before they have a crisis! With dynamic chaplaincy couples based in Universities Contact: Suzy Richman, Director of Operations from Glasgow to Nottingham, from Birmingham to [email protected] 020 8343 5678 London, and not forgetting Oxford and Cambridge, and www.mychaplaincy.co.uk

Page 24 Hamaor / September 2013 How can archaeology speak to us? By Emmanuel Kushner

Emmanuel 'James' Kushner was a observe all of this royalty and this splendor, we can teacher in London for 12 years. picture what real wealth was. Indeed, to see a 2000 year Since making Aliyah in 2010 old swimming pool and a bathhouse on top of a Emmanuel has continued mountain in a desert is quite something. This bring one teaching and is also a licensed to the feeling that nothing is impossible and this brings Tour Guide in Israel. His aim is me to how it can affect your attitude as we go through to infuse his clients with to Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur. a connection and love for the land of Israel. With But to me the most impressive thing that can be found over 15 years' experience on Masada is the remains of the Zealots . But more in education, he provides meaningful activities to importantly one can see the different way that they lived keep your children occupied happy and learning their life in contrast to Herod; this is in a few places. something during the tour. 1. First of all the synagogue that was built on Masada was done so during the time of the Zealots. Even if the Zealots were against the ruling classes, they didn’t forsake their Judaism and even if they were EmmanuelEEmmmmaannuueel KKushneruusshhnneer against the way Judaism was being run, they still aspired to keep Halachot.

Picture 1 We see the sts AlwaysAllwawaayaysys pputputtingutttttiiingngg youyyoou 1 frescos in Herod’s bath-house and we see a beautiful mosaic floor. But built on top, we see the remains of the Zealots’ bath. As a guide I feel it is important to connect people to sites and see how this can in turn affect one's life. So I have chosen to write about Masada. Somehow I can Picture 2: We see in one of the guests' palaces a beautiful imagine you reading this article and thinking you know mosaic, again we see how the Zealots have made their own what I'm going to say, he will talk about how the zealots little bath to avoid using the luxury next to them. killed themselves and relate this to the story of Unasaneh Tokef.

But the truth is I want to talk about something that is still visible on the top of Masada.

One of the most impressive things that we can appreciate on Masada is Herod's palace. We can observe the genius of the architects and the stucco and frescos and the excellence of the art work. Whenever I guide here, I am always amazed and marvel at the spectacular remains of the building. As we move out of the palace we see the amazing plethora of store rooms which also shows you the magnificence of Herod. But as we

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 25 2. Also one can see the remains of a mikvah, with an thought that they were the last Jews around and that Otzar. Thus keeping the laws of Torat Hamishpacha no one would ever see them. They had a choice to live for the Zealots was also important in the Royal Palaces of Herod, but they preferred to live in casemate walls. They had a chance to bathe in his 3. What I think is the most exciting thing that was bath houses, but chose to adapt it as we can still see found on Masada was the way that the Zealots today. They also built, using their strength and time, a adapted the palace and the living conditions. They Mikvah, a Bet Knesset. So what we can take away from changed and 'damaged' a Royal Bath House, because Masada, is the selfless ideology of the inhabitants. If they didn’t want to use the Royal splendor. To me we think through our last year (or 10) have we stuck this really speaks of their ideology. firm to our ideologies? Have we fought against something we thought was wrong? Maybe we can gain So the real story of Masada is not that the Zealots killed inspiration from these people who thought they were themselves, but that they lived according to their perhaps the last surviving Jews and they wanted to live ideology. They were on a mountain top and probably to the very end like Jews according to their ideologies.

MEIR PANIM GIVES THE NEEDY A SWEET NEW YEAR

‘Every day after I have been to the Meir Panim After never as important as on Rosh Hashanah. The festival School Club, I collect used cans in the streets for is a time for families across Israel to enjoy traditional recycling and make about 50 Shekels a week…’ holiday foods. For the thousands of financially challenged families in ‘I’m lucky I have the After Israel who struggle School Club where I can do every day to make my homework, learn ends meet, receiving a computer and receive a hot Rosh Hashanah card in meal…’ the post from Meir Maor (10), pictured left, is one Panim means much of 900,000 children in Israel more than merely a who live below the poverty holiday greeting. The line. His parents divorced when he was a baby and he card is no ordinary card, as well as a greeting card it is does not have any contact with his father who doesn’t also a Food Shopping Card which enables the recipient support them financially. Two years ago his mother (33) to buy the groceries they need for this special festival. suffered a heart attack whilst working in a factory. Since The card resembles a normal debit card and can be used then her heart function has deteriorated so much so in all major supermarkets in Israel allowing the recipient that today she requires daily medical attention. She to shop preserving their dignity like everyone else. subsequently lost her job and is considered disabled and The Rosh Hashanah Food Shopping Cards are distributed therefore unable to work. She receives 3,100 shekels a to the working poor (People who are working yet still month from the National Insurance Fund and from this can’t afford basic supplies), Holocaust survivors and amount pays 2,200 shekels for her mortgage. Maor and many other needy people. his mother struggle to survive on the meagre amount left after this. This year Meir Panim will be giving Food Shopping Cards to Maor’s family The one silver lining in this desperate situation for Maor and thousands of others like them to is the aid they receive from Meir Panim. ensure they can also have a sweet new of Thanks to supporter generosity Meir Panim can help year just like anyone else. Maor and his mother. One of the ways the charity assists For more information please go to them is with the Food Shopping Cards. These cards are www.meirpanim.org.uk or call 0208 906 7755

Page 26 Hamaor / September 2013 Ohr Yisrael & JRoots 6th Journey To Poland Reflections By David Woolf

Here we were, 60 Jews of all ages and stripes, arriving at Warsaw airport to embark on a three day Journey that was being promoted as a life-changing event. Some were children of Holocaust survivors, some attracted by the desire to learn more about the Shoah and some wanting to visit the few remaining places of enormous Jewish significance. We were mainly from England, (a large portion of those members of Ohr Yisrael Congregation in Elstree) together with a few Canadians, Americans and Israelis. We were led by Rabbi Raphy Garson of Ohr Yisrael and by Tzvi Sperber, head of JRoots, a British-based organization offering today's generation of Jews compelling and powerful travel experiences to places of enormous historic significance to our people. More than a tour, we would come to learn that a JRoots journey is an exploration of Jewish life in the context of the given destination, looking at the past, the present and the future. At the gates to Birkenau by David Woolf This would be the 6th time that JRoots and Ohr Yisrael We read the Torah with great joy at the famous had co-operated on a Journey to Poland and from Talmudic College of Chachmei Lublin and we recited looking at the itinerary, it was clear that we would be Kaddish and Keil Maleh Rachamim for the 6 million in on the move from early morning to late at night. As in front of the bombed out crematoria at Birkenau. past trips, the group was accompanied by a Shoah We tried to comprehend the mentality and the absence survivor and we had the good fortune of having Leslie of humanity of Poles who stood by and watched three Kleinman and his wife Miriam join us. and a half million Polish Jews taken from the safety of In three days, we experienced the widest possible range their homes to their “final solution”. of emotional highs and lows. In what was one of the most haunting experiences, we We travelled the path followed by great Jewish leaders stood in total darkness and total silence at midnight in in the glory days of Jewish Poland and Jewish a forest near Tarnow, at the mass graves of 800 precious scholarship in Krakow and then boarded a bus for a children, tossed into a pit and slaughtered. What could short drive to the rail lines leading to the ovens of the children have thought as they watched the horror Birkenau, the largest Jewish Burial Ground in the world, and realized that they were next, we wondered? where over one million Jews were murdered by the Yet at the same, that place of immense horror allowed Nazis in just a couple of years. so many of us to understand the power and gift of tears. We danced and drank a l’Chaim at the grave of great We all thought about our children and grandchildren Hassidic Masters in Lijhensk and we shed enormous and were thankful that they were safe. In the darkness tears at the huge pile of Jewish ashes just outside the and in that horrible place, our eyes welling with tears, a crematoria of Majdanek. commitment to love and bond more, was cemented in

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 27 our hearts. A place where we understood that we are in Holocaust. Leslie has no Kevarim (graves) to visit which essence one people, beating with one heart. would help bring comfort. We all tried to ease the pain And as happened over and over again on this trip, we and bring comfort to a man who never got to began to realize that we get stressed and upset too say goodbye. much in our lives by petty issues and arguments. No Birkenau for a few moments became a place of positive matter how bad things seem, they pale in comparison energy as our group locked eyes and arms with Leslie, to the horrors that we were witnessing. wishing him the traditional greeting to a mourner We were so fortunate to be in the presence of the during shiva, "Hamakom....", and in tight hugs of walking miracle that is Leslie Kleinman. His infectious consolation mixed with tears, we showed him clearly we smile, sparkling eyes, warmth, cheyn (grace) , courage, felt his pain and suffering in a most tangible way. Every honesty, humour and resilience are something all of us hug was followed by words of strength not only to will remember for eternity. His unique ability to cry and Leslie, but from Leslie to us! laugh simultaneously is touching. Since we have returned, we have spoken with many Together with his dear wife Miriam, who cares for him people about our journey. Many have a common with such tenderness and love, they brought this unique comment that they could never ever embark on such a journey to life, with their true testimony, their joie de journey. Many have very valid reasons being the children vivre, their tears, their smiles, their warmth and humility. of survivors, and we understand all too well the emotional effect that such a journey could cause. What was indeed perhaps the most poignant of all Having taken the trip, we believe that the Talmudic moments occurred on the final day of our journey at dictum of "ain domeh shmiyah l're'eeyah" (loosely Birkenau. We stood at the one remaining rail car that translated as "seeing is believing”), is very applicable in transported thousands of Jews from all over Europe to this case. this very place to their deaths. Rabbi Garson & Tzvi helped Leslie sit down on a low stool at the platform We believe the journey has made us more sensitive, where selections took place. The very place where Leslie more aware and better educated in the Shoah. Saying last saw his mother and seven siblings. "we will never forget" is totally different having been there. Having taken the journey, we can truly say "we Rabbi Garson gave a hesped and framed the concept of can never forget". the mourner’s greeting within the context of the Rabbi Garson and Tzvi Sperber spoke with us about the lessons that we need to take away from a place like this. How we need to cherish every moment we have here on this earth and how we have to work harder to improve our relationships with each other, with our families, with our spouses and between various factions in our own communities. At the end of the day, we are one Am Yisrael and we need to function together in harmony and with love. As we took the long walk back to our bus, my cousin from Manchester, Josh Rose, who has made this trip three times, told me that he always keeps a small pebble in his wallet, taken from the rail tracks leading into Birkenau. And when he has a "bad" day, when things are not going the way we think they should, he takes out the pebble and it helps put things back into perspective. An amazing lesson, I thought, as I picked up a few pebbles and placed them in my pocket. (For more blogs and travel diaries from David Woolf, Hagbah in Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin by David Woolf please see www.travelkosherwithus.blogspot.ca )

Page 28 Hamaor / September 2013 Recipes for Rosh Hashanah By Denise Phillips

Golden Glazed Cinnamon Chicken Served with Mint and Date Cous Cous

This is an ideal recipe for Rosh Hashanah - family friendly Method and easy to make and serve. Dates and brown sugar all 1) For the chicken, mix the salt, sugar and 100ml cold water provide sweetness which we hope for in the forthcoming until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the red onion, garlic, New Year. cinnamon and orange juice and zest. 2) Using a sharp knife make several incisions into the Dates are also served at the Rosh Hashanah because chicken flesh before adding the marinade. Using your their Hebrew name is ‘tamar’ which means to finish or hands rub the marinade into the chicken turning to consume. We ask that in the year ahead our enemies will ensure that it is well coated. Cover with cling film and be finished. refrigerate at the bottom of the fridge overnight. 3) Pre-heat the oven to 200 C/ 400 F/ Gas mark 6. Ingredients 4) Transfer the chicken to an ovenware dish and pour over 8 chicken leg portions or chicken breasts the marinade. Cover with foil and roast for 35 minutes or 2 tablespoons olive oil until cooked and golden. 1 teaspoon salt 5) To make the cous cous, mix 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil 2 red onions – peeled and finely chopped into the grains using your hands until they are well 4 garlic cloves – peeled and finely chopped coated. 1 large tablespoon dried cinnamon 6) Pour over the hot stock. Cover and leave for 15 minutes Zest and juice of 2 oranges or until the stock has been completely absorbed. Fluff up 100g brown muscovado sugar with a fork to loosen the grains. 7) Stir in the remaining olive oil, chopped herbs, lemon juice Date Cous Cous and dates. 450g cous cous 3 tablespoons olive oil To Serve the stylish way: Sit the golden glazed chicken on top 900ml vegetable or chicken stock of the warmed date cous cous and garnish with fresh mint. 80g pack fresh mint, stalks discarded and roughly chopped Juice of 1 lemon Preparation Time: 25 minutes plus overnight marinating 150g fresh or dried dates – Cooking Time: 1 hour stone removed and roughly chopped Serves: 8 people Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 29 Sephardi Carrot Cake 2 eggs 175g grated carrot This cake is very fast to make and can be put together in one 200g tin crushed pineapple bowl. Carrots are symbolic at this time of the year as their 55g walnuts – chopped omens present us with thoughts of good fortune and prosperity. Sephardi recipes often contain dried fruits and Garnish: A dusting of icing sugar cinnamon and this is a typical example of tasty Sephardi Method desserts at its best! 1) Pre-heat the oven to 180 C/ 350 F/ Gas mark 4. It’s a healthy sweet choice, ideal for any family celebrations. 2) Grease and line a 22 cm/ 9 inch loose bottom cake tin. You can even use wholemeal flour if preferred 3) Mix all the dry ingredients together. 4) Add the eggs, oil and mix well. If you can not find crushed pineapple in your supermarket, 5) Stir in carrots, pineapple and prunes. tinned cubes or rings can be substituted and then crush in 6) Bake for approximately 1 hour or until set. the food processor or buy fresh pineapple and similarly crush in the same way. To serve the stylish way: Dust a little icing sugar on the top just before serving. Ingredients 225g plain flour 175g caster sugar 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda Preparation Time: 15 minutes 1 teaspoon baking powder Cooking Time: 1 hour 1 teaspo on cinnamon Serves: 8 people 200ml v e g e t a b l e o il

LEARN TO COOK - THE STYLISH DATE ON A PLATE WAY This is a really successful format Join Denise Phillips for a fun “hands-on” for meeting new people –six men & class, presented in my trademark simple six women learn to cook a three- but stylish manner. Enhance your love of course meal, and then eat it! food and add to your cooking repertoire:

Sun 1 Sept Age: 40–55 Yom Tov Favourites Sun 22 Sept Age: 28–40 Succot Special Wed 16 October Jewish Baking Sun 13 Oct Age: 35-50 A Taste of Italy Thurs 17 October Moroccan Favourites Sun 20 Oct Age: 45-60 Classy Caribbean Sun 10 November Chanukah Special Sun 27 Oct Age: 30–40 Exciting Israeli Wed 20 November Lebanese Sun 3 Nov Age: 40–55 Gourmet Greek Sun 17 Nov Age: 30-45 Chinese Feast Thurs 21 November Winter Entertaining Sun 24 Nov Age: 50–60 Lebanese Banquet Wed 4 December Family Vegetarian Sun 1 Dec Age: 28-38 Chanukah Special Thurs 5 December Parev Starters Sun 15 Dec Age: 45-55 Gourmet Winter Sun 8 December Classy Canapés

Venue : Northwood. Times : Weekdays 10am –1.30pm. Sunday : 6pm-10pm Cost : £65 including three course meal and all ingredients More info : www.jewishcookery.com or [email protected]

Or phone Denise on 01923 836 456

Page 30 Hamaor / September 2013 Jewish Blind & Disabled - More Than Just Bricks & Mortar by our community team, plus twice weekly trips to the local shops with our specially trained mobility bus driver. For many of our tenants, the possibility of enjoying an independent lifestyle had been a distant dream as they struggled to cope with normal everyday tasks in a world designed for the able-bodied. As one of our new Cecil Rosen Court tenants said: “Our independence is threatened by a lack of the right kind of accommodation. This can often mean we are Example of current apartment compelled to live at home (with parents) and become permanently reliant on family. Not because we are not This Rosh Hashanah we are looking forward to capable of living independent lives, but because there welcoming the first tenants to our latest development is nowhere else appropriate for us to go. ” of state-of-the-art mobility apartments in Bushey This young man is now looking forward to life in Heath. This building is called Cecil Rosen Court in accommodation that has been specifically designed to honour of the man who founded the charity nearly 45 be ‘appropriate’ so that he, and all our other tenants, years ago, and it is his vision that drives everything we can realise their dream of leading an independent life. do to this very day. Cecil Rosen Court is the seventh of our state-of-the-art We are still dedicated to ensuring that neither physical developments of mobility apartments situated across disability nor impaired vision should become a barrier North West and North East London, housing some 360 to someone being able to live independently with the people from the age of 18 upwards. Between them our dignity and choice that are so easy for others to take tenants represent a vast array of different disabilities for granted. To this end we continue to develop and run including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, motor mobility apartment complexes with on-site support 24 neurone disease, Huntingtons disease, rheumatoid hours a day/7 days a week. arthritis as well as impaired vision and those disabilities Of course our buildings, with all their special features that come with age. and thoughtful touches, are vital to enabling our As an independent charity that does not receive any tenants to live independently, but it is our committed government funding this is all only possible with the help team of support staff who enable not just these tenants of our friends and supporters, so with your help we look but their families too to enjoy this independence with forward to continuing to realise Cecil Rosen’s dream and total peace of mind. ensuring that any adult who is physically disabled or Our house managers sit at the heart of this team, always vision impaired receives their own key to independence. on call in an emergency any time of day or night as well as constantly providing a reassuring presence and a friendly face. In addition our tenant support advisors offer help and advice with benefits, entitlements and arranging care packages; whilst our maintenance team are always on hand to make any modifications to an apartment if a tenant’s condition deteriorates as well as ensuring that all the buildings are maintained to the very highest standards. The social side of life is also well catered for with numerous clubs and activities put on Fitted kitchen in Cecil Rosen Court

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 31 “Help, I’ve been made redundant … ”

Friday, 26 October 2012 started out like any other expertise and support I received from Resource proved workday for Steven Davies*. Until his boss called him invaluable. It’s an excellent service within the into his office, told him he was being made redundant community and we are fortunate to have it.” and would he please clear his desk and leave straight away. Resource, the Jewish Employment Advice Centre, is a charity based in Finchley, with satellite services in Steven was a senior compliance officer with a leading Redbridge and Stamford Hill. Led by volunteers who financial services company, with a wife and two children are all HR and business experts, it offers free confidential under six. one-to-one guidance and a wide range of seminars to help its clients to succeed in today’s jobs market. Three months down the line and in the depths of despair, a friend suggested he contact Resource, the If you would like further information or to make an charity that provides free professional advice, support appointment, please call 020 8346 4000 or visit and training for Jewish people seeking employment. www.resource-centre.org. Although he was a bit embarrassed and wasn’t sure how they could help him, Steven made the call. * Client’s identity has been changed to protect his anonymity. At Resource Steven was assigned his own dedicated adviser and Article from Resource, the Jewish together, at their employment advice centre initial one-to-one session, they agreed For further information please contact a plan of action to Michelle Henley on 020 8346 4000 meet his specific or e-mail michelle@resource- needs. He attended centre.org their two-day introductory seminar programme, which covered practical tips on coping with unemployment, preparing an effective CV, interview skills, networking skills and a whole lot more.

Steven said he really needed his CV to stand out and found all the advice from Resource invaluable in helping him achieve a higher ‘strike rate’ of interviews.

The Resource Networking team also sprang into action. They were able to set Steven up to meet networked contacts at four companies. As a result, Steven is now successfully settled into a well-paid position, with excellent prospects, at a leading investment company.

He said: “It was a really difficult time for me and my family and I had begun to fear for the future. But the

Page 32 Hamaor / September 2013

PERSONAL Mazal Tov wishes are extended to the following people:

Mr and Mrs Gedalia Schindler on the birth of a son BIRTHS Mr and Mrs Johnny Wosner on the birth of a grandson Head Office Mr and Mrs Tony Hanstater on the birth of a grandson and a Dayan and Mrs Lichtenstein on the birth of a granddaughter granddaughter Dayan and Mrs Elzas on the birth of a grandson Mr and Mrs Hashy Gluck, of Carmel Funerals, on the birth of Ohr Yerushalayim twin grandsons Mr and Mrs Avi Smith on the birth of a daughter Mr and Mrs David Steinberg on the birth of a granddaughter Aish Mr and Mrs Paul Albert on the birth of a daughter Rabbi and Mrs Roodyn on the birth of a daughter Mr and Mrs Malcolm Fagelman on the birth of a grandson Beis Hamedrash Nishmas Yisroel and a granddaughter Zevi and Michal Feiner on the birth of a son Ariel Chaim Mr and Mrs Chizky Salomon on the birth of a grandson Gaby and Verity Weisz on the birth of a daughter Chava Leah Mr and Mrs Robert Berman on the birth of a grandson Moishy and Ruth Bloch on the birth of a son Yehoshua Dr Danny Dresner on the birth of a granddaughter Michoel Rabbi and Rebbetzen Cohen on the birth of a grandson Steven and Natalie Unsdorfer on the birth of a son Mr and Mrs Dovid Nissenbaum on the birth of a son Mordechai Mr and Mrs Peter Nissen on the birth of a grandson Eli and Deena Schryer on the birth of a son Chaim Simcha Mr and Mrs Avi Dolties on the birth of a daughter Isaac and Chavi Braier on the the birth of a daughter Eliana Rabbi and Rebbetzen Cohen on the birth of a great Henya granddaughter Daniel and Miri Ickowicz on the birth of a daughter Chana Judge and Mrs Knopf on the birth of two grandsons Tova Mr and Mrs Adrian Rodrigues-Pereira on the birth of a Daniel and Marcelle Wosner on the birth of a son Ari daughter Alex and Toby Claire on the birth of a daughter Meira Gittel Mr and Mrs Yitzchok Douek on the birth of a son Uri and Ali Feld on the birth of a son Zechariah Moshe Dr and Mrs Michael Wilks on the birth of a granddaughter Noch and Talia Spitzer on the birth of a son Neshama Meor Mr and Mrs Bernard Markovic on the birth of a grandson Benji and Abigail Perlberger on the birth of a son Ohr Yisrael Finchley Central Eric and Brenda Brett on the birth of a granddaughter Mr and Mrs ID Lebens on the birth of a grandson Jason and Taryn Honickberg on the birth of a daughter Mr and Mrs C Solomons (Former Members) on the birth of a Lance and Deborah Richard on the birth of a son grandson Darren and Melissa Freedman on the birth of a son Mrs P Wittner (Secretary) and family on the birth of a Richard and Racheli Kaye on the birth of a son granddaughter Yitzchak and Rebeca Vitale on the birth of a daughter Ilford Anthony and Emily Cowan on the birth of a daughter Doreen and Ivor Ross on the birth of a great grandson Rik and Emily Saunderson on the birth of a daughter Frances and Andrew Garfield on the birth of a Moshe and Daliah Ziman on the birth of a son granddaughter Stuart and Adrienne Rocklin on the birth of a granddaughter Michael and Sharon Ross on the birth of a daughter Machzikei Hadath Glen and Anat Keller on the birth of a daughter George and Ruth Blachman on the birth of a great granddaughter Sinai Ian and Judi Beider on the birth of a granddaughter Mr and Mrs David Moussaioff on the birth of a son Rabbi and Mrs Tony Goldblatt on the birth of triplet Mr and Mrs Jamie Romer on the birth of their daughter grandchildren, a boy and two girls Rabbi and Mrs B Knopfler on the birth of a grandson Dr and Mrs David May on the birth of a grandson Rebetzen Z Berkovits on the birth of a granddaughter Mr and Mrs J Goldblum on the birth of a granddaughter Rabbi and Mrs C Hoffman on the birth of a granddaughter

Page 34 Hamaor / September 2013 PERSONAL

Rabbi and Mrs D Kirsch on the birth of a grandson Finchley Central Rabbi and Mrs R Chevins on the birth of a grandson Sara Parsowith on her engagement to Jason Moreman Rabbi and Mrs L Bloch on the birth of a granddaughter Mr and Mrs A Bloch on the birth of a grandson Machzikei Hadath Rabbi and Mrs S Bloch on the birth of a grandson Mr and Mrs David Wieder on the engagement of their son Rabbi and Mrs J Grunfeld on the birth of a granddaughter Avi to Miss Sara Conrad Rabbi and Mrs D Goldman on the birth of a granddaughter Ohr Yerushalayim Mr and Mrs Y Steinhaus on the birth of a grandson Mr and Mrs Leo Stern on the engagement of their son Mr and Mrs S Bradpiece on the bith of a grandson Gavriel to Devorah Weller Mrs Esther Homburger on the birth of a grandson Dr and Mrs Leon Bernstein on the engagement of their son Mr and Mrs Y Englard on the birth of a grandson Aaron Mr and Mrs M Grun on the birth of a grandson Mr and Mrs M Itzinger on the birth of a granddaughter Ohr Yisrael Dr and Mrs Y Adler on the birth of a grandson Stuart and Adrienne Rocklin on the engagement of their Mr and Mrs R Weisbart on the birth of a granddaughter daughter Serena Mr and Mrs N Iwanier on the birth of a granddaughter Dr and Mrs Y Spitzer on the birth of a grandson born Sinai Mr and Mrs M Kedourie on the birth of a granddaughter Rabbi and Mrs B Knopfler on the engagement of their Mr and Mrs Ralph Klajn on the birth of two grandsons daughter Yehudis to Mr Ari Wolf Rabbi and Mrs S Gurwicz on the engagement of their Yeshurun daughter Miriam to Mr Binyomin Taylor Rabbi and Mrs A Lewis on the birth of two grandsons Mrand Mrs L Levison and Mr and Mrs Y Bamberger on the Mrs Hilary Chesler on the birth of a grandson engagement of their children Eli to Sara Mr and Mrs Alan Lee on the birth of a granddaughter Mr and Mrs Z Soriano on the engagement of their son Oriel Mr and Mrs Harold Stone on the birth of a great grandson to Miss Aliza Ziskind Mr and Mrs Philip Rapport on the birth of a granddaughter Mr and Mrs M Grun on the engagement of their son Eli to Mr and Mrs Lenny Lowy on the birth of a granddaughter Miss Miri Chody Mrs Diane Finkel on the birth of a grandson Mr and Mrs D Kaufman on the engagement of their son Mr and Mrs Michael Cohen on the birth of a great grandson Shloime to Miss Sara Gerber Rabbi Julian and Rosalind Shindler on the birth of a Rabbi and Mrs G Broder on the engagement of their son grandson Avromi to Miss Naomi Dove Mr and Mrs Michael Goldberger on the birth of a grandson Mr and Mrs Julian Cohen on the engagement of their son Lt Col Mordaunt Cohen on the birth of a great Yoel to Miss Esti Gutstein granddaughter Mr and Mrs Alan Lewis on the engagement of their Mr and Mrs Cyril Solomons on the birth of a grandson daughter Katya to Mr Dovid Chinagel Mr and Mrs Ronnie Salomon on the birth of a granddaughter Yeshurun Mr and Mrs Alan Lee on the engagement of their daughter ENGAGEMENTS Deborah to David Swaden Mazel Tov to the following: Mr and Mrs Michael Rabinowitz on the engagement of their Head Office daughter Ashira to Mikey Mendelson Samantha Herskine on her engagement Mr and Mrs Jeremy Salter on the engagement of their son Simon to Nulman Beis Hamedrash Nishmas Yisroel Mr and Mrs John Sheer on the engagement of their Jack Bennet on his engagement to Lucy Swirling daughter Danielle to Mordechai Gedalla Mr and Mrs Moishe Stern on the engagement of their Mrs Diane Finkel on her engagement to Dr Jack Kay daughter Aliza to Moshe Kaufman Mr and Mrs Jeff Gordon on the engagement of their son Mikey Mendelsohn on his engagement to Ashira Rabinowitz Ronen to Debra Sherman Phillipe Monderer on his engagement to Esti Avisar Mr and Mrs Steven Brown on the engagement of their son Avi Gertner on his engagement to Shoshana Sugarman Ian to Ceri Pritchard

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 35 PERSONAL

Yeshurun WEDDINGS Mr and Mrs Andy Harwood on the marriage of their Mazel Tov to the following: daughter Gemma to Yoni Goldstein Beis Hamedrash Nishmas Yisroel Mr and Mrs Barry Blain on the marriage of their daughter Rafi Margulies on his marriage to Miriam Haffner Rachel to Steven Kaye Daniel Richards on his marriage to Adi Sharbat Mr and Mrs John Raphael on the marriage of their son Dov Staczewski on his marriage to Victoria Gilbert Daniel to Francesca Weinburg Mr and Mrs Shmuli Orenstein on the marriage of their son Edgware Torah Centre Avi to Stacey Neiken Rabbi and Mrs R Z Godlewsky on marriage of their son Mr and Mrs Stuart Ifield on the marriage of their son Adam to Rachel Freeman Ilford Mr and Mrs Melvyn Ezekiel on the marriage of their son Joe Howard Ordever and Mozelle Warents on their marriage to Shoshana Ezekiel Colin and Nicole Franklin on the marriage of their son Sam Mr and Mrs Richard Taylor on the marriage of their son Benji to Rebecca Schapira to Hadassah Hodari Machzikei Hadath Dr Stuart and Anne Rosen on the marriage of their son Joshua to Miss Adina Bishop WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Mr and Mrs Brian Resnick on the marriage of their daughter Mazel Tov to the following: Michal to Mr Benyamin Grunfeld Head Office Mr and Mrs Ben Sadka on the marriage of their daughter Avril and David Fine on their Ruby wedding anniversary Rachel to Mr Meir Adler Ilford Mr and Mrs Eli Seliger on the marriage of their daughter Shirley and Michael Appleby on their Golden wedding Adina to Mr Eli Lobenstein anniversary Netzach Yisrael Yeshurun Rabbi and Mrs Ahiel on the marriage of their daughter Mr and Mrs Alan Lee on their Ruby wedding anniversary Ohr Yerushalayim Mr and Mrs Brian Lebetkin on their Emerald wedding Dr and Mrs Michael Wilks on the marriage of their son anniversary Donny to Miriam Amar Mr and Mrs Bernard Levey on the marriage of their son Josh to Rifka Stern BAR MITZVAHS Mr and Mrs Johnny Berkowitz on the marriage of their son Mazel Tov to the following: Aron to Tehilla Massarano Finchley Central Mr and Mrs P Arbeid on the barmitzvah of their son Sinai Mr A Isaacs on his 2nd barmitzvah Rabbi and Mrs E Klyne on the marriage of their son Gershon Mr and Mrs E Renton on the barmitzvah of their son Asher to Miss Bracha Emanuel Mr and Mrs Danny Rotenberg on the marriage of their son Machzikei Hadath Hillel to Miss Hannah Kachani Mr and Mrs Jerome Melcer on the barmitzvah of their son Mr and Mrs Ronnie Weisbart on the marriage of their son Dovi Moishe to Miss Chani Weltscher Ohr Yerushalayim Mrs E Homburger on the marriage of her son Yehoshua to Mr and Mrs Dov Black on the barmitzvah of their son Rafi Miss Chani Eiss Mr and Mrs N Iwanier on the marriage of their son Elimelech Ohr Yisrael to Miss Shulamis Bordon Johnny and Debbie Mansoor on the barmitzvah of their son Rabbi and Mrs L Bloch on the marriage of their daughter Jordan Shulamis to Mr Simcha Bamberger Rabbi and Deborah Garson on the barmitzvah of their son Avi

Page 36 Hamaor / September 2013 PERSONAL

Danny and Juliet Summerfield on the barmitzvah of their son Zak SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS Colin and Rejane Frey on the barmitzvah of their son David Mazel Tov to the following: Anthony and Fiona Brooks on the barmitzvah of their son Ilford Matti Hillel Chapper donating his hair and funds to Zichron Sinai Menachem (helping children with cancer in Israel) and Mr and Mrs Harvey Shapiro on the barmitzvah of their son donating funds to Emunah on the occasion of his 3rd Avi birthday Mr and Mrs N Iwanier on the barmitzvah of their son Sruli Ohr Yisrael Mr and Mrs David Wagner on the barmitzvah of their son Batsheva Leah Garson who had 12 inches of hair cut, and Yair Boruch donated the hair to Zichron Menachem. The hair will be used Yeshurun to make a wig for a child who needs one as a result of their Mr and Mrs Joseph Holder on the barmitzvah of their son cancer treatment. Aryeh Dr Darren Freedman for achieving the coveted prize of the “longest walk to shul” award. We thank him for his Ohr Yisrael commitment on walking over 5 miles each week. Nitzan and Joanne Yaniv on the batmitzvah of their Gaby Niman on winning the Borehamwood and Elstree Got daughter Mia Talent Competition Johnny and Nicola Summerfield on the batmitzvah of their Jodie Deacon who had her long beautiful hair cut, and daughter Orli donated to Camp Simcha. Her hair will be used to make a Rabbi and Deborah Garson on the batmitzvah of their wig for a child who needs one as a result of their cancer daughter Batsheva Leah treatment.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS CONDOLENCES Mazel Tov to the following: We offer condolences to: Finchley Central Head Office Mrs D Leverson on her 95th Birthday Mr G Coleman, former Chief Executive of the Federation on Mr J Lewis on his 75th Birthday the loss of his wife Dena Mrs D Cohen on her 85th Birthday Mr David Hiller on the loss of his sister Frances Herlitz Ilford Chevra Kadisha Millie Gee on her 106th Birthday Mrs Chaviva Rumpler on the loss of her husband Eva Morgan on her 85th Birthday Sonia Hayeem on her 80th Birthday Clapton Pauline Malter on her 80th Birthday Mrs J Leifer on the loss of her husband Mr Robin Jacobs on the loss of his father Yeshurun Mrs R Stern on the loss of her husband Lawrence Berman on his 85th Birthday Gertrude Ogus on her 90th Birthday Croydon Sadie Neville on her 90th Birthday Mrs Arbisman on the loss of her husband Golda Lyons on her 90th Birthday Finchley Central Millicent White on her 90th Birthday The family of former member Jeffrey Bard Jane Rose on her 90th Birthday Mrs S Goodkin former member on the loss of her mother Joe Leitz on his 90th Birthday Mr M Layton and sister on the loss of their mother Mrs Helen Olivestone on her 103rd Birthday Carole Layton Mrs J Leifer on the loss of her husband Jeffrey The family of the late Mr M Tiefenbrunner former President

Hamaor / September 2013 Page 37 PERSONAL

Ohr Yisrael CONDOLENCES Geoffrey Kay on the loss of his brother Mr. Leonard Kay Ilford Martin Landau on the loss of his mother Mrs Ilse Landau Elsa Linder on the loss of her mother Betty Diamond Alan Fish on the loss of his mother Mrs Kayla Rivka Fish The family of Manya (Maria) Garfinkle Shoshana Gilmore on the loss of her mother Esther Malka Janet Woolfson on the loss of her husband Philip Uri Kamara on the loss of his mother Mrs Janet Kamara Shirley Anderson on the loss of her husband Alec Anderson Maureen Mendleson on the loss of her sister Anita Kaminsky Sinai The family of Rita Davis Mr Andrew Cohen and Mr Julian Cohen on the loss of their The family of Davina Palmer father Mr Norman Cohen MBE Sam Winick on the loss of his mother Isobelle Yeshurun Harold Levy on the loss of his sister Anita Starling Mrs Faye Strom on the loss of her husband Mr Sidney Strom Joyce Brent on the loss of her sister Norma Henderson Mrs Sarah Greene on the loss of her brother Mr David Wicker Michelle Selwyn on the loss of her mother Denise Selwyn Mr Stephen DeGrasse on the loss of his mother Mrs Stella The family of Samuel Conrad DeGrasse Leslie Temple on the loss of his sister Minnie Braier Mr Michael Lever on the loss of his wife Mrs Anita Lever Machzikei Hadath Mrs Ruth Taylor on the loss of her husband Mr Laurence Mrs Naomi Cohen and family on the loss of Mr Norman Taylor Cohen z”l, senior Trustee of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue Mr Darren Brodin on the loss of his mother Mrs Lynn Crozier Mr Robert Eisner on the loss of his mother Mrs Rose Eisner Ohr Yerushalayim The family of Mrs Lucy Godfrey Mrs Cynthia Marcovic on the loss of her mother Mrs Kessler Mrs Rosenston on the loss of her sister Avril Rowland DIRECTORY

FEDERATION OF SYNAGOGUES KASHRUS BOARD Chairman: Mr A. Finlay Director of Kashrus: Dayan M. D. Elzas

The following establishments are licensed by the Federation Kashrus Board and are under the Supervision of the Beth Din of the Federation of Synagogues:

CATERERS: IMA K’S 67 Deans Way, Edgware, Middx HA8 9NH 07956 569625 PARK LANE HOTEL Piccadilly, London W1Y 8BX 020 7290 7368 K GRILL (Meaty) 60 Edgware Way, Edgware HA8 8JS 020 8958 7062 STARGUEST CATERING Arieh Wagner - www.starguest.com 020 8458 7708 K PIZZA/ FISH K CHIPS (Milky) 66 Edgware Way, Edgware HA8 8JS 020 8958 9087 THE PILLAR 19 Brent Street, NW4 2EU 020 8457 4000 MET SU YAN (Meaty) 134 Golders Green Road, London NW11 8HB 020 8458 8088 DELICATESSENS AND SHOPS: MET SU YAN (Meaty) MATOK BAKERY 1-2 The Promenade, Edgwarebury Lane, 1 Bridge Lane, London NW11 0EA 020 8458 0280 Edgware HA8 7JZ 020 8958 6840

MR BAKER PITA (Meaty) 119-121 Brent Street, London NW4 2DX 020 8202 6845 98 Golders Green Road, NW11 8HB 020 8381 4080

PELTER STORES PIZAZA (Milky) 82 Edgware Way, Edgware, Middx HA8 8JS 020 8958 6910 53 Brent Street, London NW4 2EA 020 8202 9911

PELTER STORES (Meaty & Parve Delicatessen) PIZAZA (Milky) 7 Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, Middx 020 8958 4536 100 Golders Green Road, London, NW11 8HB 020 8455 4455

THE KANTEEN BAKERY SLICE (Milky) 23 High Road, Bushey, Herts WD23 1EE 020 8950 0400 8 Princes Parade, London, NW11 9PS 020 8458 9483 MENDY’S FOOD (Delicatessen) 17-19 Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, Middx 020 8958 3444 SOYO (Milky) 94 Golders Green Road, London, NW11 9HB 020 8458 8788 JENNY’S CAKES 70 Kings Close, London NW4 2JT 020 8202 1795 THE KANTEEN (Milky) 23-25 High Road, Bushey, Herts WD23 1EE 020 8950 0747 RESTAURANTS: THE KANTEEN (Milky) AVIV RESTAURANT (Meaty) Unit 22 Brent Cross Shopping Centre, London NW4 3FD 020 8203 7377 87-89 High Street, Edgware, Middx HA8 7DB 020 8952 2484 020 8381 1722 THE KITCHEN (Meaty) BEIT HAMADRAS (Meaty - Indian) 16-17 Promenade, Hale Lane, 105 Brent Street, London NW4 2DX 020 8203 4567 Edgware, Middx, NW4 2JT 020 8905 4488 65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ Tel: 020 8202 2263 Fax: 020 8203 0610 Email: [email protected] www.federationofsynagogues.com

Federation of Synagogues

Honorary Officers Burial Society

President: Mr Alan Finlay Administrator: Mr Thomas Zelmanovits Vice-Presidents: Mr Henry Dony & Sexton: Mr Noson Kahler Mr Benjamin Mire Tel: 020 8202 3903 Fax: 020 8203 0610 Treasurers (Federation): Out of hours answerphone: 020 8202 390 3 Mr Leon Newmark & Mr Malcolm Greenbaum Treasurers (Burial Society): Cemeteries Rabbi Jeffrey Cohen & Montagu Road, Edmonton N18 2NF Mr Michael Ezra Tel: 020 8807 2268 416 Upminster Road North, Rainham, Beth Din Essex RM13 9SB Tel: 01708 552825 Rosh Beth Din: Dayan Y Y Lichtenstein During the winter months both cemeteries Dayan M D Elzas are open daily, except Shabbos and Yom Registrar: Rabbi Z Unsdorfer Tov, from 9am until dusk. Enquires to the Registrar During British Summer Time gates are Tel: 020 8202 2263 open until 5pm and during the month of Chief Executive Ellul until 6pm.

Dr Eli Kienwald 65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ T: 020 8202 3903 F: 020 8203 0610 E: [email protected]

BURIAL SOCIETY

RAINHAM & EDMONTON CEMETERIES VISITING TIMES FOR ELUL 5773 & TISHRI 5774

THE CEMETERIES ARE OPEN FROM 9.00AM

PLEASE NOTE THE CEMETERIES CLOSE EARLY ON FRIDAYS AND EREV YOM TOV AND REMAIN CLOSED ALL DAY ON SHABBOS AND YOM TOV

The cemeteries will remain open each day from Wednesday 7th August to Tuesday 3rd September 2013 until 6.00pm, Fridays - until 3.00pm Wednesday 4th September – Erev Rosh Hashono - until 3.00pm

From Sunday 8th September – Thursday 12th September - until 5.30pm Friday 13th September Erev Yom Kippur - until 3.00pm

Sunday 15th September – Tuesday 17th September – Until 5.00pm Wednesday 18th September Erev Succos - until 3.00pm

Sunday 22nd September – Wednesday 25th September Chol Hamoed - until 3.00pm

VISITORS ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE GATES CLOSE

Visitors are advised to check the closing times of cemeteries during the rest of the year by calling the office numbers listed below or online: http://www.federationofsynagogues.com/burial-society/

Rainham Edmonton 01708 552 825 020 8807 2268 NOTICE: SALMONS BROOK FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME This is to inform all our members and their families that the Environmental Agency is in the process of work along the boundary wall of Edmonton Cemetery. This will entail constructing a flood wall on the riverbank of Salmon’s Brook which runs along the other side of the Cemetery’s boundary wall on the eastern side of the Cemetery. The construction machinery to carry out this work will be sited outside of the Cemetery on the other side of the river. However in the interest of safety there will be scaffolding erected alongside the Cemetery wall within the Cemetery and it will mean that the first 6 rows of graves nearest to the boundary wall will be out of bounds to visitors except by prior arrangement with the Burial Society. Please note, the areas applicable to these works in our Cemetery are Sections V, X and Z. All other parts of the Cemetery will not be affected and the Cemetery will be open at the usual times. The Federation would like to reassure all members of the public that no graves will be disturbed whilst these works are being carried out. The works are expected to last for 30 weeks and the Federation would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused while these works are being carried out. For any queries or making prior arrangements regarding the affected areas, please telephone the Burial Society on 020-8202 3903. Tom Zelmanovits, Burial Administrator

 


 


                  
  
    
    
        
 
      



















































 






















































             
                
      
               











































































































We are delighted to print this edition of Hamaor Magazine

A WHAPPYISHING NEW THE CYEAROMM UFROMNITY A ALL SH AATNA EXCO TOVA CONTACT STEWART SINCLAIR CONTACT STEWART SINCLAIR 56A GLENGALL ROAD PHONE: 020 8958 7000 PHONE: 020 8958 7000 EDGWARE,14 MIDDLESEXKINGS DRIVE HA8 8SX MOBILE: 07976 707 916 MOBILE: 07976 707 916 EDOPENGWAR SUNDAYE, MIDDLE SMORNINGSEX HA8 8EE E-MAIL: [email protected] E-MAIL:ww [email protected] FREE PARKING

The President and The Dayanim, Chief Honorary Officers Executive and extend their warmest Head Office Staff extend their warmest wishes for wishes for A Ksiva Vachasima A Ksiva Vachasima Tova Tova

to all Members of the to all Members of the Federation of Synagogues Federation of Synagogues and their Families and their Families Constituent Synagogues Affiliated Synagogues

BEIS HAMEDRASH NISHMAS YISROEL LIMITED AISH HATORAH COMMUNITY 62 Brent Street, Hendon, London NW4 2ES. 379 Hendon Way, London NW4 3LP. Tel: 020 8457 4444. Secretary: Andrew Krausz. Email: [email protected] Rav: Rabbi J. Roodyn. Website: www.bhny.co.uk Website: http://aish.org.uk

CLAPTON FEDERATION SYNAGOGUE CONGREGATION OF JACOB SYNAGOGUE (Sha'are Shomayim). (in association with Springfield Synagogue) 351/353 Commercial Road, London E1 2PS. Contact: Mr David Behr. 202 Upper Clapton Road, London E5 9DH. Tel: 020 7790 2874. Secretary: Robin Jacobs. Tel: 020 8530 5816. Email: [email protected] Website: www.congregationofjacob.org CROYDON & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE FIELDGATE STREET GREAT SYNAGOGUE The Almonds, 5 Shiriey Oaks Road, Croydon, Surrey CRO 8YX. Tel: 020 8662 0011. Mrs B Harris. Tel: 020 8726 0179. Rav: Rabbi N. Asmoucha 41 Fieldgate Street, E1 1JU. Tel: 020 7247 2644. Email: [email protected] Website: www.croydonsynagogue.org.uk Secretary: Mrs F. Treep. Email: [email protected] EAST LONDON CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 30/40 Nelson Street, E1 2DE. Tel: 020 7790 9809, FINCHLEY ROAD SYNAGOGUE Rav: Rabbi Y. Austin. Secretary: Mr J. Beninson. Tel: 020 8529 8146. (Sassov), 4 Helenslea Avenue, London NW11 8ND. Rav: Rabbi S. Freshwater. Tel: 020 8455 4305 FINCHLEY CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 2 Redboume Avenue, N3 2BS. Tel: 020 8346 1892. LEYTONSTONE & WANSTEAD SYNAGOGUE Rav: Rabbi Y. Hamer. Secretary: Mrs P. Wittner. Tel: 020 8346 1892 2 Fillebrook Road, London E11 4AT. Website: www.finchleyfed.org.uk Secretary: Cllr. L. Braham. Tel: 020 8989 0978. HENDON BEIS HAMEDRASH LOUGHTON SYNAGOGUE 65 Watford Way, Hendon, London NW4 3AQ. Tel: 020 8202 2263. Rav: Dayan Y.Y. Lichtenstein. Borders Lane, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1TE. Tel: 020 8508 0303. Contact: P. Burns. Tel: 020 8203 7757. Rav: Rabbi Y. Aronovitz. Secretary: Mrs M. Lewis. Email: [email protected] Website: http://loughtonsynagogue.com ILFORD FEDERATION SYNAGOGUE 14/16 Coventry Road, llford, Essex, IG1 4QR. Tel: 020 8554 5289. SPRINGFIELD SYNAGOGUE Rav: Rabbi A. Chapper. Secretary: Mrs L. Klein 202 Upper Clapton Road, London E5 9DH. Tel: 020 8806 3167 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ilfordfeds.org Rav. Dayan I. Gukovitski. Secretary: Mr. R. Conway. Tel: 020 8806 3167

MACHZIKEI HADATH V’SHOMREI SHABBAT SYNAGOGUE STAMFORD HILL BEIS HAMEDRASH 1-4 Highfield Road, London NW11 9LU. TEL: 020 8455 9816 50 Clapton Common, London E5 9AL. Rav: Dayan D. Grynhaus. Rav: Rabbi CH. Z. Pearlman. Secretary: R. Shaw. Secretary: M. Chontow. Tel: 020 8800 7369. Website: www.mhshul.org

NETZACH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE WALTHAM FOREST HEBREW CONGREGATION 281 Golders Green Road, London NW11 9JJ Tel: 020 8455 0097 (Queens Road) 140 Boundary Road, London E17 8LA Tel: 020 8509 0775. Rav: Rabbi Doron Ahiel. Email: [email protected] Rav: Rev. S. Myers. Secretary: Mrs B. Rose. Email: [email protected] OHR YERUSHALAYIM SYNAGOGUE 470 Bury New Road, Salford, Manchester M7 4NU Tel: 0161 792 9242 WEST END GREAT SYNAGOGUE Rav: Rabbi Berel Cohen. Website: www.ohryerushalayim.org.uk (Beth Hasepher & Soho), 32 Great Cumberland Place, W1H 7TN. Tel: 020 7724 8121. OHR YISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Minister: Rev. Ari Cohen. Administrator: Naomi Singer. 31/33 Theobald Street, Elstree, Herts WD6 4RN Email: [email protected] Rav: Rabbi R. Garson. Secretary: Josephine Kay Tel: 020 8207 4702 Website: www.ohr-yisrael.org.uk

SHOMREI HADATH SYNAGOGUE 64 Burrard Road, Hampstead, London NW6 1DD. Rav: Rabbi D.Glass. Secretary: Mrs P. Schotten. Tel: 020 7435 6906. Website: http://shomrei-hadath.com

SINAI SYNAGOGUE 54 Woodstock Avenue, London NW11 9RJ. Tel: 020 8455 6876. Rav: Rabbi B. Knopfler. Secretary: Mr E. Cohen. Tel: 020 8455 6876

YESHURUN SYNAGOGUE Corner of Fernhurst Gardens and Stonegrove, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7PH. Rav: Rabbi A. Lewis Emeritus Rav: Dayan G. Lopian. Administrator: Lisa Denby. Tel: 020 8952 5167. Email: [email protected] Website: www.yeshurun.org When Josh was diagnosed with cancer the worst thing he lost was his childhood

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