the norrice leader december 2014

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December 2014 September 2014

ALL THE NEWS FROM HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB SYNAGOGUE

Two buses for Jewish Care

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ampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue’s Rabbis and Board members paid a visit to Jewish Care’s Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus at the beginning of December to present a cheque for £34,000 to Jewish Care’s chief executive, Simon Morris. The fantastic amount, raised by the congregation through the shul’s Shavuot appeal was used to fund two buses – one for Rela Goldhill Lodge, a home for adults with physical and sensory disabilities in Golders Green, the other for Lady Sarah Cohen House, a dementia and nursing care home in Friern Barnet. This will be shared with Rosetrees care home. Both rely on these buses to take residents to and from appointments, day trips and holidays. Managers and residents of both care homes were invited to join everyone for breakfast to celebrate what Emma Raymond, Marketing Executive of Jewish Care describes as “the amazing generosity of the Hampstead Gardens Suburb Synagogue congregation.”

A Chanukah gift for the Levene family

From the Chairman

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s we prepare for Chanukah, we wish Mazal Tov to Rabbi Marc and Lisa Levene, Rachel, Miri and Ruthie on the arrival of their new daughter and sister, seen here with Miri (L) and Rachel. Every good wish to them – we look forward to greeting the newest member of the family into the community very soon. Catch up with all the simcha news on page 12

In this edition: Herta Stiefel – a story completed p 2 Messages from our Rabbis p 3 Boris – the photographer p 5 Defending Israel p 6

Mitzvah Day p 7 Shabbat UK pp 8-9 The Grumpy Column p 13 The Oxford Union Debate and They’re just like us p 14

he vibrancy and strength of our community has been much in evidence over the last three months. As ever, the Yamim Noraim and High Holydays were wonderful. They always show our shul at its best and, this year, the services, led by Chazan Avromi and Zvi Kahn, and the use of every square metre of available space, allowed us to reach out to over 2000 people in a spiritual and engaging way. The staff and volunteers who enabled it all to run so smoothly deserve our thanks. Shabbat UK was celebrated with more vigour and activities than in most other communities around the country. There was a real feeling of community spirit and I was particularly pleased at how many volunteers stepped forward to enable these activities to take place. The community really came together and those of us who were there felt a closeness and sense of engagement. We now want to build on that enthusiasm. One legacy being developed is to take the concept of hosted community Shabbat lunches and to hold these again in the future. We are also looking to build on the volunteering spirit which was so evident. The generosity of our members has been very apparent. Our Kol Nidre appeal raised record amounts for local and Israeli charities. Our Shavuot Appeal for Jewish Care raised enough to fund two dedicated mobility buses, which we were proud to hand over in December. Staying with charity, the Board has approved a new Charity strategy. The Board will be asking the community to nominate two charities, to be selected at the AGM, around which the shul’s charitable activity will revolve. We will write about this early in the new year. We will continue to support the Kol Nidre and Jewish Care Shavuot Appeals. We are also continuing to raise funds for the Lvov community, through the levy, for two further years, and support the Friends of Lvov Concert, now under the Chairmanship of Jerry Goldstein. We are giving new momentum to education within the shul. Martin Kaye is spearheading an adult education committee that will be offering a range of programmes and events. We also want to assist the children’s services to integrate new families into the community. With this in mind, we will be changing the times of children’s services in the new year, finishing them at 11.30 am, enabling children and families to come into the Main service for Mussaf. We will also try inviting children to join Chazan Avromi on the bimah for Adon Olam. Finally, there is a wide range of vibrant services, and, Baruch Hashem, many s’machot to celebrate in the Shul. The Board is always trying to meet the challenge of providing a joyful opportunity for s’machot to be celebrated whilst also allowing the Shul to provide its range of services for the wider membership. We keep learning how best to do this, and your comments to me continue to be very welcome. What a wonderful challenge to have! Simon Johnson

the norrice leader december 2014

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Herta Stiefel

– a story completed

When you enter the ladies’ gallery on Shabbat morning, you will see, davening in the back row, a lady of advanced years. She is always first to arrive and leaves quietly at the end of the service without joining us at kiddush, which is why you may not have spoken with her. Hilary Halter interviewed her, and her story was featured in The Norrice Leader, in 2006. Here, we bring it up-to-date.

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erta was born in the small town of Schluchtern in Germany. Her family had been established in the country for hundreds of years. Her father was a banker and life was comfortable. Relations with the non-Jewish community were easy – everyone knew everyone else. She attended the local school and it was accepted that non-Jews did not visit Jewish homes on Saturday and Jews did not visit Christian homes on Sunday. Then came Hitler. The school she had been attending took children aged from five to fourteen years and she had moved on to High School but, with the accession of the Nazi regime, she was forced to leave and return to the village school. She left at the age of fourteen and attended Domestic Science College. Then came 9-10 November 1938 – Kristallnacht. A non-Jewish neighbour suggested that they should leave Schluchtern. They left and joined their family in Offenbach-am-Main. On 16 November 1938, Abraham Sichel, Herta’s father, was taken (together with his cousin) to Dachau. The next thing that they heard was when they were asked to collect Abraham’s things – they did not know that he had been shot. Herta, then aged 17, had to go and collect his possessions. The official said that he was sorry, to which Herta replied, “If it were not for you he would still be alive.” He remarked, “There is no longer room for people like you in Germany.” It was not until after the war that Herta found out how her father had met his death. They learned that Abraham’s body had been handed over to the Jewish community in Munich for burial but, for some reason, they did not attend the levayah. However, Abraham was buried in his Kittel and they sat shiva and observed the shloshim. Abraham’s cousin was released from Dachau in 1941 only to go, via Theresienstadt, to his death. A cousin who had already moved to England found Herta a job as a domestic with people who acted as her guarantors and she arrived in England on 16 April 1939. She had two brothers, one of whom had been arrested for being a Communist in 1935. He was interned in Dachau until 1937 when he was released and left Germany for Colombia in South America. Her other brother went to South Africa. Herta’s mother remained in Offenbach until 30 September 1942 when she was taken to Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia and thence to Poland. Nothing more was heard of her. In England, Herta found a couple of jobs – she worked at the Sunshine Hostel for Refugee Children in Hampstead and at the Chief Rabbi’s emergency feeding centre at Shacklewell Lane Shul where she did the cooking. In 1941, she went to see Mark and Sylvia Boxer and stayed with them, as a domestic, for the rest of the war. After the war, she went to Windermere to work with young survivors from Europe who were being rehabilitated there. Then, in 1946, she was contacted by Norbert Stiefel. They had known each other in Germany but he had found refuge in Rhodesia. They became engaged and, in 1947, she left for Rhodesia to get married. At that time there were no scheduled flights to that part of the world and the journey involved a hazardous flight on board a chartered plane which crash-landed in the jungle on the border between the Belgian Congo and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Mercifully, the radio was undamaged and the crew were able to call for help. They were instructed to light a fire so that the smoke could be seen from the air. They were found within two hours and food was dropped to them. It included treats such as tinned fruit which she had not enjoyed in a long time. The pilot asked why she did not eat the meat. She explained and the next drop included fish balls. They walked through the jungle for five days and were eventually rescued by people from Northern Rhodesia. From there, she flew to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia (now Harare), and was married, by special licence, one week later. Herta and Norbert lived in Salisbury for thirty years and had two children, a son and a daughter. Norbert served in the Rhodesian army – he was the soccer instructor – and became a naturalised citizen. They were there at the time of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Prime Minister Ian Smith, a man they much respected. In 1977, they moved to Johannesburg, in South Africa, where both had family, and there they stayed for twenty years. Norbert first worked as a hairdresser, then as a sales representative, selling Raleigh and Phillips bicycles. They were very active in the Jewish communities of both Rhodesia and South Africa. Herta visited the sick and was Chairman of the Ladies’ Guild. She also worked for the Rhodesian Chevra Kadisha, of which she is an Honorary Life Member. During this time they paid several visits to London, always to the Suburb where their son had made his home and, when here, they always attended HGSS. Then, in 1997, they suffered a devastating blow when their daughter died of cancer. Their son insisted that now was the time to make the move to London and this they did, becoming members of

HGSS, which Norbert attended every morning until his death in 2004. Herta, left, and Anne Sevitt at the wedding of their Until this year, grandchildren, Samantha Stiefel and Daniel Sevitt, Herta’s son, Barry, in the South of France earlier this year knew nothing of the circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s death and he only found out due to a very happy family event. On 13 July this year, his daughter, Samantha, married Daniel Sevitt, grandson of HGSS member Ann Sevitt, in the South of France. After the ceremony, his cousin, who lives in Konstanz on the Swiss/German border, confided to him that he had discovered his grandfather’s grave. He had visited Dachau and, knowing that Abraham was shot in Dachau, made inquiries from their records which confirmed what he knew and, stated that he was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Munich. He followed the path and, from the records there, was able to locate an unmarked grave. Barry says: “I now had a dilemma. Should I discuss this with my mother – “Once back in London, I wanted to erect a tombstone – or should I let sleeping dogs lie ? After discussing it with my three children, they encouraged me to discuss it with Herta. “After we got home, I sat with my mother and, during a discussion, I asked her if she knew that her father was buried in Munich to which she replied. ‘Sure’. I asked her why she hadn’t mentioned it to me and she said ‘You didn’t ask!’ I replied, ‘Why would I think that the Germans who shot Abraham would then return the body for a proper, Jewish burial?’ She then proceeded to tell me that the grave number was written in the back of her Siddur. I told her that I wanted to erect a tombstone and she had no objection. “A few weeks later, I flew to Munich and visited the Jewish cemetery which had been established in 1905 and was still operational. It is a wooded cemetery and rather beautiful. I visited the grave of my grandfather and said kaddish for the first time on Sunday, 17 August 2014, nearly 76 years after he was buried. With Rabbi Kaplan’s help, arrangements were made to have a tombstone made and the date was set when the whole family would attend the stone setting. “Early in the morning of Sunday, 19 October, we flew to Munich, were collected by taxi and had a ceremony, conducted by Rabbi Langnas of Munich and returned to London immediately afterwards.” So, after 75 years, Herta returned to Germany for the first time, spent two and a half hours on the ground and returned to London, surrounded by her family – son and daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, two of their spouses and her great-grandson, together with some close friends who made up the minyan. Certainly, this is a remarkable story. Herta has not been too well recently but is now on the mend. We wish her many more years to enjoy her lovely family and hope that with this last episode they have found closure.

The matzeva for Herta’s parents in the Munich Jewish cemetery. The inscription reads as follows: For Abraham Sichel Born on 26.10.1873 in Schluchtern, arrested on 16.11.1938 in Offenbach am Main, executed by shooting on 7.12.1938 in Dachau Concentration Camp For Bella Sichel, born Bachrach Born on 17.4.1883 (which, incidentally, is also Herta’s birthday)

in Neustadt, taken on 30.9.1942 from Offenbach am Main to Theresienstadt and deported on 5.11.1943 to Poland. Missing

the norrice leader december 2014

Believing In Ourselves by Rabbi Dov Kaplan

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here’s a joke about getting a seat in shul on Yom Kippur. A stranger approaches the usher standing guard at the door: “Can I go in for a second. It’s an emergency. I need to talk to my friend Mr Cohen.” “I’m sorry but you need a ticket,” says the usher. “Please, I’ll only be a minute,” says the stranger. “Oh, all right then, you can go in – but don’t let me catch you praying.” Joking aside, for many shul-goers, the experience is indeed a prayerless one. Historically, synagogues were conceived for three basic reasons: for prayer, for learning, and for gathering. Most people understand the third reason, the social interaction. Some even learn something new occasionally. However, praying? Just look at the bored faces, listen to the volume of conversation during the service. The lack of interest in actual praying is all too apparent. Do not take these words as judgemental – they are meant be thought-provoking. The question raised here is: Can’t we do better? Have we grown so accustomed to this state of affairs? Are we so complacent that we don’t dare to imagine and expect more from those hours we spend in shul? Truthfully, wouldn’t you prefer, even if not on every visit, to feel regularly uplifted from the service? To exit/leave more energised than when you arrived? If you are still spiritually aware that something is missing, reach for it. Obviously, there are obstacles in the way. Many members aren’t proficient enough in Hebrew to understand or even follow the service. Others simply don’t know what to expect. And finally, our biggest problem is breaking old (bad) habits which, over the years, have conditioned us to low expectations from the “shul experience”. Most congregants, and even rabbis, have given up any hope for serious improvement. But I ask you to remember that the synagogue was not a biblical institution. It has been evolving and adapting for centuries to suit changing times and places. Aren’t we obligated to seek improvement? “Not inspiring”, I hear often. Of course not! The shul is only the setting while the inspiration must to come from within each individual. However, the conditions we create there should be conducive to such expression of one’s spiritual side. I haven’t given up the cause and I ask you, believe it is possible and let’s do something about it. Samuel Beckett wrote: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” … but the greater foolishness would be not to try at all.

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Eight Candles the inspiration to be found in them by Rabbi Marc Levene

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hanukah may be over but, after eight light-filled days in the cold depths of winter, we can find meaningful words to warm our souls. There is an interesting and quite famous Talmudic debate between two giants of Jewish history. The Schools of Hillel and Shammai were torn over the methodology of how we light the Chanukah Candles. The students of Shammai were of the opinion that, on the first night of Chanukah, we should light all eight candles and then, on the second night, we light seven, the third night we light six etc. This would mean that, on the eighth night, only one candle would be lit. The students of Hillel proposed quite the opposite – that we light one the first night, two the second night, adding each time until, on the eighth night, eight candles would be lit. The view of Beit Hillel was adopted as mainstream Halacha and is practised today. But what is at the core of their differing perspectives? Often in Halacha, we can look for deeper meanings behind quite practical instructions and, here too, Chanukah presents more than just lighting candles. Rabbi Shmuel Borenstein (1856-1926), also known as The Shem MiShmuel, in his commentary on Chanukah, discusses an interesting idea. He explains that, for some, inspiration can have a diminishing effect. The inspiration wears off over time. This is the basis for Beit Shammai’s opinion. For others, a moment of inspiration is an opportunity for growth and one can use that moment as a stepping stone for further growth if one doesn’t allow the inspiration to dwindle. This is the basis of Beit Hillel’s opinion. According to the Shem MiShmuel, the Houses of Shammai and Hillel were torn between how a person deals with inspiring moments. When we read the story of Chanukah and understand the incredible miracles that took place, as well as the abundance of blessings that is bestowed on our great nation, how do we react? When kindling our own lights at home, reminiscent of ancient practices, are we greatly inspired? What kind of a person are we? Do we live in a moment of inspiration, reeling in its energy and use it to enthuse our life like a meaningful Neilah or a fantastic Shabbat meal? Or do we seek out subtle moments that can grow in our hearts and minds, building stronger and stronger? This is the dilemma that they had over 2000 years ago, but it is so pertinent today in our religious practice. Realising what we need and how we grow is so important. Can we take the energy and light of such a fun but yet meaningful festival and use it to enthuse these winter months? Whichever way works, whatever kind of person we are, please God we can all find our path on our Jewish journey.

the norrice leader december 2014

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Renée Lew

(1919 – 2014)

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he community was saddened by the passing of Renée Lew, mother of David, Ian and Barbara Westbrook. Renée Levy was born in 1919 in the London Hospital and spent the first few years living with her family above her father’s wholesale hosiery business in Brick Lane. The family then moved to Stamford Hill. After leaving school at Laura Place, Renée visited friends in the United States. The outbreak of war meant that she stayed for 6 months and eventually returned via Naples from where her older brother Hymie, collected her. The family moved to Amersham during the war, Renée accompanying her father to work each day on the Metropolitan Line. After the war her family moved to Lyttelton Road. Older members will remember her parents, Matilda and Michael Levy. Renée was introduced to Jack Lew, a brother of Dayan Lew . They married in 1947 and, after a brief spell in Highgate, settled in the Suburb. Her homes were open and happy. She regularly hosted onegei Shabbat for the youth. Renée and Jack entertained regularly and their annual succot kiddushim, which started in the early 50s when they were amongst the first to have a succah, became legendary. Jack was on the Board of Management for many years and served as warden in 1972/73. Renée, too, was always involved with the kehilla as a member of the Ladies Guild for around 60 years and of the Combined Charities Committee, which raised large amounts for many worthwhile causes over many years. When featured in The Norrice Leader in 2005, Renee reflected that when the Max Weinbaum Hall was being built and it was proposed to illuminate it with strip lights, Jack protested and insisted that there should be chandeliers. (Where are they now?) Jack passed away suddenly, when Renée was just 60, but she extended her voluntary work to helping in the Sobell Centre shop and joining Bnai Brith. When she helped with the kiddushim, Renée always saved some herring and crackers in the kitchen for Chazan Avromi for when he finished his pastoral duties at the entrance to the hall. She delivered meals on wheels in her little blue car for so long that by the time she retired from that job, well into her eighties, the clients were mostly younger than she. Even in her nineties, Renée enjoyed coming to shul although she no longer looked in every Friday morning to ensure that all the ingredients for the kiddush were present and correct as she had done for so many years. Tehai nishmatah tzerura bitzeror hahaim.

Billy Sharron

the 10th Anniversary Sale

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he Food for You team held its final annual ‘One Stop Shop’ on Tuesday, 16 September, at the home of Susan and Neville Kahn. The team – largely comprising HGSS members – has raised several hundred thousand pounds for various charities since its inception ten years ago. This year’s twelve hour event, raised £30k for two very worthy causes: UCH Sarcoma Services and The Feuerstein Institute. Around 1000 supporters enjoyed spending generously at a wide selection of stalls selling a variety of gifts, judaica, jewellery, flowers and, of course, yomtov hats. The team also produced a record number of homemade honey cakes which rapidly sold out. Food for You chair, Susan Kahn, has been overwhelmed by the event’s success: “Although the ‘One Stop Shop’ is not officially a community event, over the past decade it has become a community highlight. Once again, it was wonderful to see so many generous supporters preparing for Rosh Hashanah. The team has been amazing and, whilst we are not doing this sale again, we will, hopefully, continue to devote our energy to other worthwhile causes. We have been proud to have made the ‘One Stop Shop’ a feature of the charity year.”

Succot at HGSS

(1934-2014)

An appreciation

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The One Stop Rosh Hashanah Shop 2014 –

illy Sharron, son of Barney and Lily, was born in Edgware in July 1934. Due to his mother’s ill health, the family moved to Westcliff-on-sea in 1936, returning to spend the war years in London. He won a scholarship to London’s famous grammar school, Grocers – the intake of the school comprised 60% of the local Jewish population and produced many high achievers. However, Billy had to leave the school in the second year when the family moved back to Westcliff. He completed his education at Westcliff High School for Boys, from where he went on to qualify as a chartered accountant. He set up his own practice, which later merged with Casson Beckman where he rose to become senior partner. He married Barbara Davis in 1959. They started their married life in Stanmore, moving to Highgate in 1974, joining HGSS some years later. His charitable work began with his involvement with the Jewish Blind Society, where he served as Treasurer and Chairman until it merged with Jewish Care where he became an Honorary Vice-President. The list of charities in which he was involved is far too numerous to mention in this short tribute but, foremost among them, was his Chairmanship of the then UJIA Legacy Committee and the University Jewish Chaplaincy Board. He was Chair of the Simon Marks Jewish Primary School in Hackney. To mark Billy’s untiring work for the UJIA, the Board have dedicated a multi-purpose hall in his name at the Esfandi-Isaacs Ort Shlomi School, near the Lebanese border, whose students are mainly Moroccan, Tunisian and Russian immigrants. All this amazing charitable work was carried out in the quiet and professional manner that was Billy Sharron. He sought no publicity and rarely was his name or a photograph featured in the Jewish Press. One would go further and say that few of his fellow HGSS members, where he attended regularly, sitting alongside his brother, Monty, knew of his dedicated work. The late, great Rabbi Isaac Bernstein once said, “Everything in life is borrowed – including life itself.” Billy made good use of his short time on earth, achieving more in one lifetime, with his incredible charitable workload, than many could achieve in two – an example to all. He still found time for his favourite pastimes – watching sport, especially Test Cricket, which he watched at Lords, the West Indies and South Africa; Rugby, in which he excelled. He was a Spurs supporter. In addition , he loved listening to classical music and Chazanut. He was a keen fan of our own Chazan Avromi and had a collection of recordings of some of the world’s great Chazanim. At his recent stone-setting, attended by hundreds of people from all walks of life, saddened by the loss of this wonderful man, many were left to stand outside the prayer hall in the pouring rain – a mark of the esteem and affection in which he was held. His name will be forever remembered as one of the most charitable, caring men of his generation. He leaves behind his wife Barbara, three children Caroline, Valerie and Michael, and four grandchildren to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

Hoshanot

the parade of Arba Minim at a weekday Shacharit during Succot.

Shabbat Tots

Led by Zahavy with her accordion, together with Rebbetzens Freda and Lisa, the Shabbat Tots learned about Arba Minim and the customs surrounding Succot. They danced and sang and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This group, which meets once a month, is a delightful way to introduce our youngest members to Shabbat and the Chagim.

The Seniors

Our not-so-young members enjoyed tea in the Succah, joined by a party from Lady Sarah Cohen House who thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Entertainment was provided by Rabbi Levene with his two daughters and Chazan Avromi. Dr Judith Tobin spoke about her work

the norrice leader december 2014

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Boris – the photographer who brought Hollywood to the East End HGSS member Frank Harris, with fellow photography enthusiast Michael Greisman, has produced a beautiful volume featuring the work of Boris, that icon of London Jewish life. Michael Fishman spoke with him.

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they realised just what they were letting themselves in for? He answered, “Boris’s photographs are very special.” The project took far longer than they had ever anticipated and, after advertising in the Jewish press, including The Norrice Leader, several times and, of course, enquiring by word of mouth, they finally achieved their goal that allowed them to make a selection worthy of Boris’s work. “Where”, I asked, “is the market for such a book? It is a beautifully produced

t would be hard to record the social history of Jews in the East End of London during the last 100 years without mentioning the name of Boris (Bennett, 1900-1985). Born Boris Sochaczenska in Poland, he was the photographer who, during a long career which lasted from 1927 until the early 50s, took over 150,000 photographs. Although he is mainly remembered for his photographs of bridal couples, he

Dayan Meyer Lew guaranteed sales! On leaving, Frank noticed my own, prominently displayed, Boris photograph. “How come you did not submit this wonderful example of Boris’s work?” he asked. I could only apologise and promise him his first entry in Volume Two.

Miriam Zack and Louis Rosenblatt parents of Harvey Rosenblatt

Renee Solomans and Hymie ‘Harry’ Bourne parents of Sara Morein and Beverly Emden also photographed several celebrities, including Chaim Weitzmann, the first President of Israel. He was a flamboyant character – in some ways like his namesake, London Mayor, Boris Johnson. His secret was to

Sylvia Ruda and Michael Hanison parents of Norman Hanison

make his richer clients feel the Hollywood glamour, equally so his not-so-rich clients – it stood in stark contrast to their environment outside his studio, Irrespective of where the ‘affair’ was held, a visit to Boris’s studio was a ‘must’ for any Jewish couple whose wedding photos are still to be seen in countless Jewish living rooms. Boris was, of course, a prominent member of HGSS as are his two sons, Michael and Maurice, highly successful entrepreneurs and retailers, associated with some of the best known High Street brands such as Warehouse and Oasis. Michael Bennett delights in giving talks to various social groups on their own and their father’s careers. It was at one such talk that Michael Greisman and Frank Harris, lifelong friends and passionate amateur photographers, enthused by what they heard, decided, with the Bennetts’ approval, to assemble a collection of Boris photographs, spread far and wide in people’s homes, many of which Michael and Frank visited. It took them five years to complete their mission and, as a result, Vintage Glamour in London’s East End, featuring about 150 of the many photographs they had collected, was published last month. I asked Frank Harris, also a prominent member of HGSS, what inspired him and his friend to undertake such a mammoth task – surely more than just a few inspired words from Michael Bennett – and had

Ada and Michael Harris parents of Frank Harris

book but relatively expensive?” His answer surprised me: “The publishers, Hoxton Mini Press, believe that the book will sell to passionate enthusiasts like Michael and myself, who appreciate that Boris’s work, especially the handcolouring and sepia, was well in advance of its time and 80% will be bought by non-Jews!“ The first print run is 2000 copies. The book is currently on sale, priced £25, at all the usual outlets. Frank and Michael Greisman financed almost the whole project themselves. They look on it as an investment in their time and hobby which gave them both great joy and satisfaction. “Would they do it again?“ The answer was a wry smile and “watch this space”. Having seen the book, I can vouch that it is beautifully produced and features some of our members’ families –

The one that got away – the first for Volume II

Who is this?

Who is this elegant young man? Answer overleaf

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Defending Israel in an age of growing anti-Semitism Report by Michael Fishman

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n Wednesday, 26 November, and with just 24 hours’ notice of their arrival, two of Israel’s most robust advocates, Dennis Prager and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, arrived at the Shul’s Landy Gallery. Patiently awaiting their arrival was an audience of over 100 people. They were not to be disappointed. Shmuley Boteach, an author, public speaker and TV host, is an American Chabad Rabbi. Dennis Prager is a renowned American talk show host whose weekly programme is nationally syndicated. He also writes a column which enjoys the same status and enjoys a huge following in the United States. He is the founder of Prager University, a virtual, online institution producing five-minute videos on social affairs as well as on the Middle East crisis. Rabbi Kaplan chaired the meeting. Although the recent controversial proposal to formally declare Israel a Jewish state is opposed by many pro-Israelis as well as anti-Israel groups shouting “Apartheid!”, Shmuley doesn’t see any reason why calling Israel a Jewish State should be regarded as in any way more discriminatory than calling Britain a Christian country. Equally controversial, he gives full approval to Jews having the right to pray on the Temple Mount. He refers to the West Bank by its modern Hebrew name (derived from its original Biblical name), Judea and Samaria, and asserts that it is an integral part of Israel. He expressed frustration at his fellow Jews for their complacency and for not standing up for Israel, both here and in Europe, especially on university campuses where the undergraduates are usually outnumbered and abused. Dennis Prager, on the other hand, was much less volatile. He would accept a two-state solution as long as Israel was guaranteed a peaceful existence within secure borders – including a united Jerusalem. His views are based on Judeo-Christian morals and his weekly national audience is 90% Christian - not surprising given that the population of the United States is overwhelmingly Christian. He exposed as a myth the idea that Israel is dependent on the all-powerful Jewish lobby. He

said, that the USA was the last remaining religious Christian community in the Western Alliance, and it was the religious Christian community that supports the State of Israel to the extent that no American President, including the present incumbent, can make a major move against it. Both speakers agreed on the growing threat of anti-Semitism in the UK and Europe and saw it hidden behind the anti-Israel advocacy, all too readily built into our media, including the independent BBC. Prager was particularly critical of the EU for threatening Israel with sanctions for Human Rights abuse, whilst deliberately ignoring the carnage, destruction and desecration created by the Arab civil wars currently taking place in other parts of the Middle East. He said Europe was finished and a spent force. Rabbi Kaplan then took questions from the floor. Most had been well covered by the speakers, except when they disagreed and openly challenged each other’s views – a situation, one could only hope, would not be repeated at the Oxford Union. The meeting concluded on a somewhat sombre note – when asked whether there could be peace in the Middle East, Dennis Prager said, “There is no solution. Making the problem even worse, is the rise of militant Islamic extremism, which is creating millions of homeless refugees and massive loss of life in Syria, Iraq and Libya, making overall peace between Israelis and Palestinians all the more difficult. Ironically the safest place for a Muslim Arab to live is Israel.” Rabbi Kaplan thanked two brilliant advocates of the State of Israel for a most interesting evening which had the audience absolutely enthralled. (See the report on the Oxford Union debate on page 14)

Fighting an ethical war Colonel Bentzi Gruber gives an insight into the lengths to which the IDF will go in an attempt to avoid harming civilians. Report by Hilary Halter 1 Do not use force to harm the innocent, the non-combatant

How do you determine whether a person is a non-combatant. We were shown film of a man lying, wounded, on a stretcher. Is he a terrorist? Yes, he is carrying a gun. However, within three seconds somebody removes the gun, so how can one be sure? Ethics say that if there is any doubt, you don’t shoot.

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2 Make sure that you are using force only against your enemy

capacity audience came to 8 Norrice Lea on Sunday morning, 7 December, for a talk by Colonel Ben Tzion (Bentzi) Gruber, Vice-Commander of Armoured Division 252 in the Army Reserves of the IDF. A veteran of six wars, Col Gruber lectures on ethics in the IDF, specifically the dilemmas faced by commanders in the field, the IDF’s code of ethics, as well as the IDF’s proactive actions for preventing terrorist attacks and their effectiveness. With the aid of graphic film footage, he explained to us the lengths to which the Israeli army will go in the attempt to avoid ‘collateral damage’ – the loss of innocent, civilian life – and the lengths to which terrorists will go to thwart these efforts. He served during the recent Gaza conflict when every day there were reports that the Israeli army was killing babies, even taking their organs. He explained that, in the field, there is just eight seconds in which the decision to fire or not to fire must be taken. Taking such decisions in the field is not the same as when in the comfort of one’s own home. During this last conflict, Bentzi himself would be carrying a pack weighing some 60 lbs. The men under his command might be carrying 170 lbs, as well as a heavy helmet. Having carried that weight for over four hours, you are, he says, an idiot, and this is the time when life or death decisions must be made. For warfare to be ethical there are three requirements:

3 Avoid collateral damage

This is not easy. You target a car which you know contains terrorists but you are told that there are four children inside. What do you do? Not only did the Israeli army warn residents to evacuate buildings they were about to target, they sent them text messages. Film shows that, instead of evacuating such a building, people assembled on the roof. The helicopter overhead targets a corner of the building which is clear of people. Only then do they begin to leave. There were fifteen people on the roof and, only when fifteen people are seen to leave it at ground level is the building demolished. When warnings are given of imminent attack, the local populace, instead of taking shelter, assemble in the street to watch the show. We were shown film of a gun-toting terrorist running away, but grabbing a child as a shield. The first child objects and is left free. The second is not so lucky and is dragged down the street, bouncing along the hard, rough ground. We also saw several armed men climbing into a clearly marked United Nations ambulance. These vehicles are constantly used for terrorists to shelter and launch attacks. Who is paying for them – for the driver, for the petrol, for the tyres, for the repairs? You and I and British taxpayers in general, of course. Bentzi spoke movingly about what it feels like for a soldier

THE ANSWER

The mystery young man in the picture on the previous page is Martin Kaye

to kill an innocent person. He recalls, many years ago, killing a woman at least 75 years old. He remembers seeing her husband crying and, he says, he will carry this burden for the rest of his life. The Israelis did all they could to alleviate suffering – they set up a field hospital for the Gazans. Sadly, people were told that if they came to it they would not be able to return home. He has given his talk on university campuses all over the United States, being shouted down by the anti-Israel lobby, the majority of them Jewish and being accused of being a killer. Why is this his first visit to this country? Because he was denied entry as a war criminal. There was so much more to this riveting presentation and it is impossible to recount it all here. Hopefully there will be other opportunities to catch up with it. If so, do not miss it. The message we are left with – do what you can to spread the truth, to make sure that Israel’s voice is heard. Bentzi, who spoke at several venues during his stay, was brought over here by the UJIA who are running a programme to prepare young people for life at university and how to cope with the mindless antagonism which they are likely to encounter.

HAVE YOU GOT 2-3 HOURS A WEEK ... to provide administrative support for the HGS Security Team? We need someone who can assist with the co-ordination of the Shabbat volunteer rota – which involves emailing and the updating of the weekly security Shabbat schedule. If you can offer this vital support to our Security Committee, helping to keep our community safe, please contact Danny Green:

[email protected] / 07710 570030

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Sunday, 16 November

“At this year’s Mitzvah Day we had a bonanza!”, says Sarah Callman, Chair of the organising committee. She reports:

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ot only did we surpass last year’s Supermarket Collectathon – that is the team that collect food outside both Waitrose and M&S for GIFT, Barnet Refugee Centre and the Soup Kitchen in Muswell Hill – we were also honoured to have been chosen to be one of the highlights for a visit by the Chief Rabbi, as you can see from the photo. Whilst all this was going on in Temple Fortune, back at base the cheder kids were hard at work writing cards for British Jewish soldiers and packing gift boxes for them to take on their travels. These consisted of sweets, chewing gum, tea bags and other goodies that we were advised would be well received by the soldiers. The children made sandwiches for the soup kitchen, seasonal gifts for the children at the Barnet Refugee Centre’s annual Christmas party, gifts for Camp Simcha, bookmarks and books for Kids Company and decorated

mugs for the soup kitchen. Clothes and toys were collected for needy families in Israel. During the morning, the children were joined by not one but two of Barnet’s Councillors, Gabriel Rozenberg and John Marshall, both of whom got stuck in, making sandwiches and decorating mugs. A noticeable absence from the hall this year was the Year 6 Aleph Learning Centre children who went, with their teachers and some willing parent volunteers, to visit the residents of Hammerson House. It was reported that a good time was had by all and there was so much chatting and sharing of stories that there was no time to play any games! To round off another great Mitzvah Day, we were delighted to discover that HGSS had been awarded one of the three prestigious awards that Mitzvah Day head office award nationally – this year HGSS won the Interfaith Award for our work with the soup kitchen in the Baptist church in Muswell Hill, the Barnet Refugee Centre and Kids Company. What a special way to end such a productive day!!

We were honoured by a visit from the Chief Rabbi

Fifty-one people gave blood

Anya Myers delivers cakes to the Royal Free Hospital

What Mitzvah Day at HGSS achieved: 51 people gave blood

Among those who benefited were: 75 children and 150 adults at the Barnet Refugee Centre 100+ kids at Kids Company 40+ people at the soup kitchen 30+ at Hammerson House 50+ British Jewish soldiers 70+ gift bags for Camp Simcha plus the hundreds of staff at the Royal Free Hospital and Hammerson House Many people were helped through donations to GIFT

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SHABB

The Max Weinbaum Hall – Friday evening, preparation under way. There were four more venues for Friday night dinner: The Landy Gallery, the Kerem Dining Room, the Youth Centre and a marquee

“We thought the arrangements and evening last night were just fabulous. Such a great ruach and we felt proud to be a part of a wonderful community! Our lunch hosted guests aged from 7 to 90 and it went well (hope our guests agree)…”

“… the most amazing Shabbat. It was very special for so many different reasons and you should be so proud of the whole event…”

Shabbat begins: Rebbetzen Freda lights the candles

Shabbat ends: Rabbi Kaplan leads Havdallah

“I wish every Shabbat was Shabbat UK”. (from one of our 9-year-old members)

“Magnificent – Amongst the best communal events at HGSS in our 17+ years! – when and how soon can we do it again (communally)? Loved the street invites for lunch idea…. Kol Hakavod to all the team especially the Rabbonim & Rebbetzen – tireless efforts, we are thankful to have you all here”

“…witnessing the atmosphere and joy on Friday night in shul was fantastic. A real achievement and something very special.”

“… THE most amazing and inspiring feat this Shabbat. To give you a flavour; we had a couple at our table for Shabbat lunch who have not been to Shul for 30 years! Yet, they came to Friday night, and for lunch yesterday, and told me as they left that they would be happy to come to lunch again!…”

“… the entire weekend was a definite success. It certainly made one feel part of a community which, as fairly recent members, we did not feel before. So well done.”

Carolyn Bogush and Gideon

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n the weekend of Friday and Satur on Jews across the UK, regardless celebrate a Shabbat together. Hi uniqueness of a traditional, authe community… we think we achieved that at HG Over 700 people participated in an amazing spaces in the shul. In addition, nearly 100 famil their neighbours for Shabbat lunch. Finally, ove service with glowsticks and guitar accompanim shows and plays, shiurim and speakers, not t Shabbat and Shabbat morning. Over 80 volunteers were involved in creatin conceive the ideas, design and structure the even Between us, we exchanged tens of thousands o held lots of meetings and created many, many s our youth, our young adults, those with you and older members of the shul – a real examp spectrum of the community. A huge thank you and to the Rabbinical team and professional sta UK at HGSS.

On these pages are just some of the comments w

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BAT UK

The Max Weinbaum Hall – Motzei Shabbat and a Havdallah to remember

n Smith write:

rday, 24/25 October, the Chief Rabbi called s of their level of religious observance, to is aim was to harness the goodness and entic Shabbat and to promote a sense of GSS. g Friday night dinner across five different lies opened up their homes to over 1500 of er 200 people shared a magical Havdallah ment. Along the way, there were puppet to mention packed services for Kabbalat

From the London Jewish News, by Suzanne Baum, one of our own members “Shabbat UK’s aim to bring the community together and mark Shabbat in a unique way was achieved at Hampstead Garden Suburb. And there were many different reasons why; meticulous planning, excellent food, superb guest speakers, beautifully decorated rooms and even entertainment for the kids was spot on. It was a chance to mix with people you wouldn’t necessarily normally have a meal with and engage with both regular members of the shul and those, like me, who attend infrequently.”

ng the weekend – they worked tirelessly to nts and implement the whole programme. of emails, made hundreds of phone calls, spreadsheets! Our volunteers ranged from ung families, those with teenage children ple of working together across the whole u to everyone who volunteered their time, aff who worked together to create Shabbat

Here’s to next year!

which have been received

“The entire Shabbat was a tour de force. Norrice Lea was taken to heights that we had previously never imagined possible. The community vibe was felt all the way from the powerful Friday night service and dinner through to the intimate Shabbat lunch setting and ended with the crescendo of the Havdallah service. It was a great mix of all that Shabbat has to offer.”

“It was such a wonderful Shabbat from start to finish – we LOVED the Friday night and could see that you paid attention to every single detail. It really was wonderful.” “I am thrilled that it all went so well and feel very proud to be part of a community that embraces such events with love and energy. Well done!!!”

“It was a staggering Shabbat! Totally beyond anything I expected…the atmosphere throughout was exactly what Shabbat UK was trying to achieve.”

From the Hampstead and Highgate Express, 30 October 2014 “… a team of 150 volunteers… arranged the Shabbat meal at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue on Friday. The team also arranged for synagogue members to open their homes to fellow worshippers for special lunches on Saturday, followed by services and entertainment at the synagogue. [She] said: “They had people in their homes who they had never met before and that was one of the biggest highlights of the weekend: it created a real sense of community. “Our aim was to create that communal feel to get people to connect with each other. People felt that this was one of the warmest, most engaging Shabbats they’ve had in our community so I think we achieved our aim.”

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Kerem News

enveloped by a harmonious Shabbat atmosphere. Another major event in the Jewish life of the school took place last week when the delightful children of Year Three celebrated their Chagigat Chumash. Their charming production thrilled and entertained parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers alike. Please G-d the children should always find as much happiness and pleasure in their Torah learning as they clearly did at their Chagigah. Now as I write this article, preparations are beginning across the school for the study of

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t’s hard to believe that this term began with bright, hot sunshine, short-sleeved shirts and apple and honey and already we find ourselves on the brink of the Chanukah doughnut-fest. It has been a really busy term, chock-full of activities, events and of course education. Amongst the highlights of the term, mention must surely be made of our outstanding weeklong ShabbatUK programme which, culminated in the nationwide celebration of Shabbat. Each class produced a variety of Shabbat-themed arts and crafts as well as baking deliciously tasty challot and learning about many different aspects of Shabbat. We also had a fantastic time on Mitzvah Day: Each one of our wonderful pupils, from Nursery through to Year Six, participated in events whose

The children made challah covers for Shabbat UK

Visiting Mrs Zahava Dover on Mitzvah Day

exclusive aim was to help other people or to bring them happiness. This included home visits to local elderly people, grandparents spending an afternoon in school working alongside their grandchildren and participation in a record-breaking attempt to make the longest ever string of bunting together with the Noah’s Ark charity. Our lively Year Five class spent a Shabbat away with their teachers at the Lincolnsfield Centre in Bushey. Here the children celebrated Shabbat like never before. They lit candles, made Kiddush and Hamotzi, led the Tefillah and Havdallah as well as preparing and delivering Divrei Torah throughout Shabbat. They played, sang, danced and enjoyed themselves as they relaxed in each other’s company,

A huge amount collected for Camp Simcha on Mitzvah Day

Chanukah. The afternoons are now short, the heating is on, winter uniform has been donned, but the warmth and devotion to our Judaism that emanates from Kerem School’s pupils and staff alike will keep us all shining and radiant throughout the cold winter months ahead.

Shosh Hill

Head of Jewish Studies

ALC pupils helped to send... 75 gifts to Barnet refugee centre 70 bags to Camp Simcha 150 sandwich bags to soup kitchen 4 car loads of food to soup kitchen, gift and Barnet refugee centre 50 gift packs to soldiers and over 100 letters 100’s books were sent to Kids Company 100’s cakes to staff at Royal Free Hospital and Hammerson House Hammerson house were delighted by the visit from Year 6 Thank you to all our pupils and parent volunteers.

www.alephlearningcentre.com 020 8457 7048 www.alephlearningcentre.com [email protected] Head Teacher Chayli Fehler Co Chairs Jonathan Dimson & Joanna Johnson

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Our Learn to Lead Programme is underway with public speaking, disability awareness, anti-Semitism education, and Happy Puzzle Company Sessions

Succot For our annual Succot Trip we took a group of Youth to Stubbers Adventure Centre where they enjoyed canoeing, quadbiking, lasertag, and high rope activities.

Bowling On Saturday night 29 December, 24 youth in years 7 and 8 battled it out to be bowling champion of HGSS.

Cupcake Decorating A much needed girls night in was in order and what better way to spend the night than decorating and eating cupcakes.

Bubble Football Events can be booked online via the website Youth Directors: Rachel & Steven Kaye. Contact: [email protected] / 07718 478 787

After bubble football proving such a success with our years 7-10, we decided to give our sixth formers a go.

Simcha Dancing Thanks to everyone who took part in the Simcha Dancing evening, led by Louise Leach of Dancing With Louise. The event, on Monday, 17 November, raised £416 for Magen David Adom and enabled us to donate a stretcher, a medical trauma kit and a sterile bandage kit.

HGSS members in Nicaragua In October, four HGSS members completed a 450 km bike ride from Nicaragua to Costa Rica raising £440,000 for Norwood. In the picture, Left to Right, Brian Kalms, Paul Huberman, Mark Pollack, Jimmy Bier.

For all those who missed the evening we are holding another one-off Simcha Dancing Class on Tuesday 20 January in the Max Weinbaum Hall 8.15 pm for 8.30 pm start; for further details see Shul news sheet or email: [email protected]

JNF UK’s Kosher Komedy Night a huge success On 9 November, 140 guests joined JNF UK for its annual Kosher Komedy Night at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village. The sell-out crowd was entertained by Joe Bor, Penelope Solomon, Sol Bernstein and Steve Best – four of the biggest names on the Jewish comedy circuit. Money raised will assist the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), a charity which provides assistance to those affected by terrorism in Israel. The ITC, which is active throughout Israel, was established in 2002, at the height of the Second Intifada. Tracy Lee, the event organiser, said: “The evening was a massive success – everyone had a great time. The ITC has pioneered the use of laughter as a therapy for trauma, so it felt really appropriate to raise money for them with a comedy show.” Matan Toledano, CEO of JNF UK, said: “The JNF UK Kosher Komedy Night was a fantastic chance for our supporters to get together and have a great evening. The Kosher comics were absolutely brilliant and we want to thank them and all our guests for joining us. The money raised will go a long way to funding the vital work we’re doing in Israel.” The event was sponsored by Miquella Boutique In the picture, comedian Sol Bernstein with Tracy Lee

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Celebrations Births Mazal tov to Yvonne & Malcolm Brummer on the birth of a granddaughter, Arielle Petra Brummer Miriam Fine-Goulden & Jonny Goulden on the birth of twin sons. Also to grandparents Ros & Simon Goulden and Doreen Samuels

Benjamin, son of Emma & Nick Byre, grandson of Lesley & Michael Bennett and Shirley &Tony Byre Jonah, son of Lisa & Adam Caplan

Bat Mitzvah Mazal tov to

Gabriella, daughter of Suzette & Ronnie Shahmoon, granddaughter of Lily Shahmoon and Dany & Elie Dwek

Dylan, son of Candice & Lyall Cresswell, grandson of Lorraine & Maurice Katz and Susan & Maurice Cresswell Tyler Edwards, son of Gina and Graham, his grandson of Joan Edwards, Barry Edwards and Diane Barnett

Sophie, daughter of Zoe & Charles Wimborne, granddaughter of Diane & Jack Lopian, and Diana & Gerald Barnett

Natalie & Robert Hakim on the birth of a daughter. Also to grandparents Nurith & Glen Hyams Janet and Stephen Kirsch on the birth of a great granddaughter

Laura, daughter of Mandy & Bradley Abkin, granddaughter of Brenda & Solly Abkin and Kim & Freda Klass

Rabbi Anthony & Carly Knopf, Dovid, Rachelli and Yehuda on the birth of a son and brother in South Africa.

Rochelle & Anthony Selby on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Georgia Adi, great granddaughter of Hilda Marks

Engagement Mazal tov to Hilda & Michael Aaronson on the engagement of their daughter, Jasmine, to Jonathan, son of Sandra & Raymond Newman

Noah, son of Marion Baker & Sam Grodzinski, grandson of Harvey & Adrienne Baker, Vera Grodzinski and Emmanuel & Edwina Grodzinski

Amelia, daughter of Carole & Simon Barzilay, granddaughter of Leila Dein Emily & Jake Lew on the birth of a son, Harry (Harrison Raphael Lew). Also to grandparents Susan & David Lew and Ruth & David Wallrock Frances & John Martin on the birth of a grandson, Ethan David, a son to Lucy & Phillip Morelle Janine Renton on the birth of a granddaughter, Clara Adele, a daughter to Nicole & James Cohen

Hilary Halter on the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, Chaim Yehudah Halter Joel, son of Daniella & Tony Harris

Natasja, daughter of Suzy & Clayton Collis, granddaughter of Stephanie & Jack Ferster and Vivienne & Martin Collis Sybil Frankfurt on the Bat Mitzvah of her great granddaughter, Mayan Zucker

Daniel, son of Natalie & Evan Hoff, grandson of Michael & Gloria Hoff and Cyril & Joan Fihrer Louis, son of Melodie & Stuart Isaacs, grandson of Marquette Isaacs and Judy & Mannie Schuster

Joshua Katz, his mother Andrea and grandparents Karen & Gary Katz Isabelle, daughter of Annette & Alex Lever, granddaughter of Margaret Bendor and Ruth & Colin Lever Shira, daughter of Lindy & Sean Melnick, granddaughter of Brian Melnick, Jeanette Gilchrist, Michael Aronson and Brenda Rosenberg

Jane & David Sagal on the birth of a granddaughter, a daughter to Benjamin & Bracha. Mazal tov also to great grandmother, Valerie Halpern.

Ros & Nolan Wengrowe on the engagement of their daughter Lauren to George Goldstone, son of Professor Len & Jennie Goldstone of Manchester.

Mazal tov to

Oliver, son of Catharine & David Ross, grandson of Elissa & Tony Isaacs

Gillian and Peter Davis on their marriage

Amos, son of Jessica & David Sharp, grandson of Rachel & Michael Roselaar and Derek Sharp

Anita and Raymond Dinkin on the marriage of their daughter, Natasha, to Simon Buchler

Bar Mitzvah

Anya, daughter of Karen & Jonny Myers, granddaughter of Norma & Stanley Myers and Rina Grossmark

Mazal tov to Samuel and Noah, twin sons of Valerie & Adam Bass, grandsons of Jane & Jean-Francois Alexis, Lorraine & Ray Bushell and Helen & Martin Bass, great grandsons of Emma Terveen

Albert Rosenberg & family on the engagement, in Israel, of his Grandaughter Yael Koor

Marriage

Rabbi Bentzi & Rochie Sudak on the birth of a daughter Esther & Romie Tager on the birth of a granddaughter, Adi Noa, a daughter to Joseph & Suzanne Tager.

Jacqui & Jeremy Marshall on the engagement of their daughter, Esther, to Adam, son of Berni & Sass Zecharia. Also to grandparents Shirley & Barry Marshall and Donald Cusse Susan and David Rodney on the engagement of their son, Daniel, to Victoria, daughter of Brian and Lydia White. Also to grandparents Frances and Monty Samuels

Raphael, son of Sara & Robbie Kastner, grandson of Anthony Stanton, Irène Stanton and Liesel Kastner

Joseph, son of Juliette & Craig Leviton, grandson of Ellie & Jack Leviton, Bernice Silverman and Nicholas & Anne Shulman

Joel Goschalk on his engagement to Leila Harris. Mazal tov also to his parents, Julia & Stephen Goschalk and Natalie & Stephen Harris

Lucy, daughter of Gary & Ruth Narunsky and Charlotte & John Newland, granddaughter of Ansil & Louise Narunsky and Malcolm & Susan Lader Sam, son of Katie & Hugh Taylor, grandson of Judy & Mike Baum and Diane & Derek Taylor Jacob, son of Laraine Wolf

Serena, daughter of Claire & David Roth, granddaughter of Irene & Gerry Roth

Hilary Halter on the marriage of her granddaughter Devorah Brocha Halter to Avi Birnbaum.

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Celebrations

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A moment of calm Rene Anisfield explains what the Tehillim Group mean to her

Janet and Stephen Kirsch on the marriage of their grandson in Israel Justine & Andrew Lever, on the marriage of their son, Matthew, to Natalie, daughter of Riva & Anthony Ullman. Also to grandmothers Loretta Lever, Joy Fishman and Esta Benson Diane & Jack Lopian on the marriage of their granddaughter Natalie in Jerusalem. Albert Rosenberg & family on the marriage, in Israel, of his grandson Avicha Koor

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year ago, a very close friend’s mother was critically ill. I had heard about a group of ladies who met every other Friday morning to read Tehillim but had never considered going, not understanding what it was really about. The experience was more than beautiful and I haven’t looked back.... Sadly there have been many comments about HGSS not being a warm and welcoming shul. In my experience this could not be further from the truth. I only knew one or two of the women who regularly come to the group, but I was made to feel completely welcome from the beginning. Many of us lead hectically busy lives and stopping for 45 minutes to listen to Rochelle Freilich’s insightful comments on the parasha and to pray for those who are sick has become one of the most meaningful and uplifting of times. The atmosphere is peaceful and, having always found prayer challenging, I find this one of the most spiritual times of my week. No knowledge is necessary to take part. Susan Kahn, who has so warmly coordinated the group, is very keen for everyone in our community to know that it is an inclusive meeting and everyone is very welcome. I look forward to seeing you there! When asked to summarise what the group meant to one member, Hazel, described the feeling of “a moment of calm in the week”. Others spoke the lovely atmosphere and vibe. The group meets at different people’s homes around the dining room or coffee table, some drinks or snacks are served but often ignored! After a few inspiring words the list of names is recited and the tehillim (psalms) are read quietly, in English or Hebrew. For further information, please contact the office

Gillian & Steven Martin on the marriage of their daughter Danielle to Moshe Moses, son of Gamool & David Moses. Also to grandmothers Brenda-Lee Martin and Arlene Beare Photograph by Cameo Photography

THE GRUMPY COLUMN by David Lew

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Debra and Barry Shaw on the marriage of their daughter, Olivia to James, son of Sandy & Richard Spencer

Helen & John Simon on the marriage of their daughter, Hannah, to Philip Woolfson, son of Moira Woolfson

Beverley and Raymond Taylor on the marriage of their son, Mark, to Chloe Stern. Also to grandmother, Sonia Quest

Birthdays Happy Birthday to Albert Rosenberg on his 96th birthday Gillian Martin who has celebrated her 50th birthday

hen I am asked where I live, I usually say East Finchley. When the next question is, ‘Where do you daven?’ the game is up and I have to admit to Norrice Lea. The reply is then something like, ‘Oh, we looked there. It’s nice, but the houses were rather small so we bought in Hendon/Finchley/ Edgware/Pinner. We also heard the shul was rather unfriendly.’ So HGSS is a bit like the USA – nobody likes us, but everyone wants to live here. Like the USA, we also opened our latest edifice this Autumn. One World Trade Center may be taller, possibly more expensive and unlike ours, was not funded by yet another surcharge on our membership fees, but our newly modernised hall is still a magnificent achievement. I have heard it rumoured that the younger generation love it and the older people hate it. Rubbish! I love it. Although I haven’t been to a simcha there, I attended the services over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as I have done for many years. The services were the best for ages and though this was mostly down to the Chazanim being in fine form, the ambience certainly contributed. The hall is now better lit (the countless LEDs remind me of the biblical phrase ke-kochavei hashamayim – like the stars of the heaven) properly air-conditioned and, with a good crowd and temporary carpets, the acoustics were fine. It’s good to have a modern communal hall. I know all about the fine quality of the wood panelling, but in recent years it gave the room a gloomy mood. That’s the good bit. I am not so sure about the vestibule. I know that grey today is what avocado was to my parents’ generation, but we really have to do something about the Bet Hamidrash. It has been described as akin to a hospital ward or a prison. To me, the starkness and coldness of the tiles when the moveable walls are closed makes it look as though it is a room that needs sinks and a couple of Dyson Airblades. Other shuls have lovely Batei Midrash, in which it is a pleasure to daven. Not everyone hates HGSS. Chief Rabbis and other visiting dignitaries often refer to us as ‘the jewel in the crown of the United Synagogue’. And very often on Shabbat and Yom Tov

we do look that way. A full building, loads of different services and, due to the extraordinary financial talents of our financial representative, no deficit. But weekdays are a different story. It’s often hard to raise a decent crowd for events. Weekday minyanim are, frankly, a disgrace. (This is self-chastisement. Until my mother passed away over Rosh Hashanah, I came on Shabbat and most Sunday mornings, but that was it.) The website says there are around 1300 ‘member households’ yet we can barely muster 20 men most mornings. Even with two Rabbis and a youth leader on the strength, the evening minyan is often non-quorate and is adjourned sine die. Since I have been saying kaddish, I have a complete timetable of reliable North-West and Central London minyanim in my head and sadly have had to rush to Golders Green to catch one after finding that just six or seven of us arrived in the evening. I know more shuls than football grounds. And frankly, many of them do better than us. We had a rota at one time. Men were invited to attend the weekday services for one week in a year and I guess if we were to institute that again we could make our weekday services reliable. A letter, followed up by a phone call. What is so hard about that? Our 1300 men would translate to about two-and-a-half minyanim of volunteers each service. If one in five followed the call of duty, there would be a nightly service. The Nefesh Network is a truly extraordinary achievement. I have only ever assisted once. I was asked by Jeff Durkin, as part of the ‘recession-watch’ to help a gentleman who, probably, few people have ever heard of, but who had lived his whole life in the Suburb. He was neither needy nor unintelligent, but life had not dealt him the best hand. His health, both physical and mental, was poor and he needed just a little assistance to sort out his finances. He wanted some reassurance that with some reorganisation of his affairs he could afford to carry out some work on his flat which he had shared with his mother before she died a few years earlier. Before Jeff and I could put our plan into action, and before he could start on his decorations, our friend died of a heart attack on a bus on the way to a medical appointment. The shul ensured that there was a minyan at his funeral. He left a sizeable legacy to the community in his will, so I suppose that the Nefesh crew and those kind neighbours who I know were of great comfort to him, made an impression. I trust that the HOs and Board will find something meaningful to dedicate to his memory so that everyone will finally know his name. So when I’m next asked where I live, I’ll tell them straight: Hampstead Garden Suburb - there is shul with a smashing new hall, unreliable weekday services, but the most wonderful social welfare for our less fortunate members.

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The Oxford Union Debate The Motion: This House believes that Hamas is a greater obstacle to peace than Israel

For the motion: Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Dennis Prager Against the motion: Avi Shlaim, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, and Mishana Hosseinioun, a Clarendon Scholar reading for an MPhil in International Relations

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ollowing their appearance at HGSS, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and Dennis Prager left the following day to take part in the Oxford Union Debate. Shmuley, who had experienced many ferocious and bloody encounters at the Oxford Union, had warned Prager, a veteran defender of Israel, that he was about to appear before the most hostile audience he was ever likely to encounter. The debate was opened by Adam Dayan, historian at Magdalen College. Opposition spokesperson, the highly intelligent Mishana Hosseinioun spoke next, followed by Dennis Prager and Boteach for the motion. The renowned Israeli academic, Avi Shlaim, spoke against. Prager was shocked at what was being said. Israel is an apartheid regime. Israel is slaughtering the Palestinians and is guilty of genocide. Israel is doing to the Palestinians exactly what the Nazis did to the Jews. What the Jews experienced in the Holocaust is exactly what the Palestinians are enduring at Israel’s hand. Israel in its six-decade history has had one goal: the theft of Palestinian land and the eradication of the Palestinian people. America is like ISIS. ISIS beheads only a few prisoners, but America annihilates innocents in Pakistan each and every day with drone strikes. There is no real difference. Israel is guilty of war crimes. Israel’s security fence is an apartheid wall that is built mostly through the gardens and property of innocent Palestinians. Hamas does some bad things, but it’s all Israel’s fault. Hamas is a bonafide resistance movement to Israel’s occupation. Terrorism directed at Israelis is an organic response to Israeli colonial rule – “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter” Many of the arguments came from Avi Shlaim with whom Shmuley always had a warm relationship in the eleven years he served as Rabbi to the students at Oxford. The other arguments came from Avi Shlaim’s seconder, Mishana Hosseinioun and from a BerkeleyOxford female Professor who was also present. The rest of the attacks came from Oxford students in the floor debate segment of the programme. Shmuley Boteach had heard all these things before, but never from some of the most highly educated people in Europe, and never with such ferocity and vehemence, albeit, Boteach and Prager got a fair hearing. Prager and Boteach responded with equal ferocity. Hamas is a genocidal organisation that proudly touts its charter calling for the annihilation of Jews, utterly unconnected to any conflict. It seeks the murder of all Jews, including those sitting in the Oxford Union chamber. It aids and abets honour killings of Palestinian women, shoots gay Palestinians in the head on false charges of collaboration, machine-guns all Palestinian protesters who dare to defy its rule, violently punishes any form of criticism, engages in daily forms of deadly incitement against Jews, celebrates when Westerners, including Britons, are blown up by bombs, ended any vestige of democratic rule in Gaza once it was elected and builds its military installations under hospitals and nurseries so that the infirm and the vulnerable can serve as human shields for its cowardly terrorists. Israel has tried, since its creation, to make peace with Arab states and has endangered its security with repeated territorial concessions that were met with nothing but terror attacks.

They’re just like us “

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hich side do you take, Hamas or Israel?’ My companion’s eyes left mine as they darted around the room, and as she fumbled with her fingertips she replied. ‘Hamas’. As a North London teenager spending a month in Israel with the Jewish youth organization FZY, it was inevitable that I would run headfirst into the current conflict. That I did, not far into our trip, when I spent a night in an Eilat bomb shelter. That was the easy part though. That night, the reflection of a Tamir missile streaking through the sky and striking a Hamas rocket, was visible in our young orangeflecked eyes. We later learned that two other rockets had hit open car parks only 200m away. It was at this point that we realised that we were just as deeply involved in this conflict as our Muslim companion opposite us. Her name was Mai, an apparently shy fifteen year old who lives in a small Muslim village near Haifa, and I had been given the opportunity to speak with her, and her friends, through a co-existence seminar, organised by FZY. When we questioned her answer, Mai replied. “Everyone else says Hamas are the good ones, so I guess they must be” – a myopic reply, but it did succeed in making us question the legitimacy of our own views, and whether they are merely carbon copies of our peers and elders. After all, our wounds were still open from our own journey of self-discovery which had passed religion, family and values, to arrive at the destination of questioning our own identity. We moved on to speak to a boy named Ali, sixteen years old (just like us). He appeared eager to speak to us and his eyes glistened with the ebullience of a dreaming teen. We made small talk and it highlighted his love of American

For: Boteach Prager Against: Shlaim Hosseinioun Arabs in Israel live with greater freedoms and human rights than any Muslim country on earth. There is no excuse for terror. Jews even under the horrors of Hitler didn’t turn to blowing up German children. The justifications for terrorism that were being offered were an affront and an abomination to Islam, which, just like Judaism, abides by the commandment not to murder. The debate was electrifying and deeply felt on all sides. Rather than being dispirited, the small but defiant pro-Israel lobby that sat behind Dennis and Shmuley threw a barrage of ‘points of information’ at the Israeli-attacking academics. As was confidently predicted beforehand, the Israel side lost the vote, now we know, ‘allegedly’, that Israel is a greater obstacle to peace than Hamas and all the other terrorist organisations in the Middle East. Eliminate Israel (G-d forbid) and peace and harmony will reign in the Middle East for ever – is this not the season of goodwill? Believe that and you will believe anything. However, one has to take into account that highly intelligent graduates, who will soon occupy places of influence and become world leaders, expressed these views. And the views expressed are being repeated on most of the world’s leading University campuses. When it comes to the propaganda war, Israel is not even on the playing field. What can be done to counter this verbal terrorism, is dependent on how seriously the Israeli government of the day takes the threat from the campuses and what steps they are prepared to take to counter the lies and half truths. If the likes of Boteach and Prager cannot win the argument, then who can? They may be telling it as it is, good (Israel) versus evil (Hamas and the like) but who, on either side, is listening? To prove the two advocates’ point, five European parliaments, including the UK, have voted to recognise a Palestinian State, without recognised borders or a capital. In the meantime, the EU finds time to threaten Israel with punitive trade sanctions for violating Human Rights whilst turning its myopic eye away from the rest of the Middle East where thousands of Muslims are being slaughtered by fellow Muslims. No wonder Dennis Prager believes that there is no solution to the Israeli/Palestinian problem. Michael Fishman Read more at http://observer.com/2014/11/bloody-battle-for-israel-at-oxforduniversity/#ixzz3LRMfP3C0 Follow us: @newyorkobserver on Twitter | newyorkobserver on Facebook

By Josh Peleg

pop music and wish to travel, similar to so many other kids. However, we soon swam out of the shallow end of conversation and entered the deep end, where kids like us struggle to touch the bottom. “What do you think of the conflict?” And a surprising yet cynical reply greeted us: “It’s bullshit.” We went on to discover that Ali hated both sides, purely because they murdered, and how he believed that peace could be achieved in a simpler fashion, without the shedding of blood. This was a view that was shared by many others in the room, and it instigated a twitch in my frown. This group of teens did not represent the whole of the Arab youth, but if this was a growing opinion then surely there is hope for the future. The general consensus of my new-found friends was an intense lust for peace, because it is the right thing to do and allows them to live their lives properly. This is a lust that we share. Furthermore, we were also curious as to whether they had any Jewish friends, and after questioning Ali on this, we discovered that, “The situation between Hamas and Israel is too sensitive, our parents and school encourage us not to.” This dampened our mood and revealed the lurking beast of ignorance, something so dangerous if left alone. However, my other companion, Mai, responded with something rather poetic. “I don’t choose my friends based on their religion, it’s their personality that matters” We admired her optimism and respected her modern opinion, even if it sounded like a line from a pop song. As our journey through Israel entered its final stages, we found ourselves caught in an emotional barrage. Our

conscience was under siege as our mind struggled to put together the pieces of what we were experiencing. We stood and waited for our brains to complete the puzzle, but we were too deep in the maelstrom. We visited the Kotel (Western Wall), Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl all in the space of 48 hours, for at this point we were no longer tourists, and destinations that otherwise would have been swallowed and digested, were hitting us hard. As we stood on top of Mount Herzl, we placed stones on the freshly dug graves of soldiers, who had been alive only a day earlier. Our feet nervously shuffled on the grass, green grass that would tomorrow have its place taken by dull sand, and underneath that, recently deceased soldiers. Standing there, we understood that we were in the midst of history in the making and imagined the Arab teens, looking over their dead soldiers and feeling numb, just like us. Personally, we have not reached the end of our journey, and our conclusion will not be reached until many weeks after we return home. For it is the solitary lonerism that provides the catalyst to conclude the thoughts that are running around in our heads. But one thing is clear, through our companions’ pacifist views and lust for peace, I was able to bond with them on the simplest level that is friendship. Causing us to realise that they are indeed, just like us. Josh (16) attends City of London School. He completed his GCSE’s this summer and is now in the 1st year 6th form. He was on FZY tour this summer and is a regular visitor to Israel.

the norrice leader december 2014

Campaign for healthier kids gathers steam thanks to new story book Steamer the Cooking Wizard

by Fabienne Luzzato-Viner and Jo Leslie-Briggs

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teamer is a master chef with a magical twist and a social conscience. He is the star of a new book which aims to inspire children aged 8 to 12 – and their parents – to eat and live more healthily, and which will be available in early January, in time for all those New Year resolutions. Steamer is a fun and original attempt to tackle the ever-growing problem of childhood obesity in the Western world. By setting essential facts about fats, sugars and additives in the context of witty and engaging stories, written for and about ‘tweeners’, the authors hope to encourage their readers to pay more attention to what they put into their own tummies and encourage parents to cook and serve homemade food? Steamer enters and appears in children’s and adults’ dreams to help them make the right cooking and eating choices. Fabienne is a chef, a cooking teacher, a caterer, and a food writer, most often found chopping and creating new dishes in her kitchen in North London. Born and educated in Paris, she learned how to cook from her Tunisian-born mother and Italian father. The youngest of seven children, her house was always full of delicious smells, and the happy sounds of people chatting, cooking and eating. She has now replicated this childhood experience in her home and created her business, Home Cooking By Fabienne, in 2006, and has stuck on three children! Jo has spent all her career working in PR and communications. Organisations she has worked with include the Science Museum, the Dairy Trade Federation, VisitBritain, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the organisers of the London 2012 Olympic Games. She specialises in making information simple and, ever since becoming a mother herself, 11 years ago, has become passionate about healthy eating. Her daughter Jemima publicly bemoans the fact that she hasn’t got a ‘treaty mum’ but secretly enjoys eating her fivea-day and knows that she needs to balance nosh with more wholesome ingredients. The 52-page book, which combines stories with recipes, photographs and charming illustrations, hand-drawn by the authors’ own ‘tween’ daughters, is both attractive and engaging. Its tone is light rather than lecturing, and it definitely looks and feels like a story and recipe book rather than a textbook. However, it will strike a guilty chord in anyone who eats or buys a lot of processed foods. This book is the fruit of real team work and is a family project. Most of the illustrations were drawn by Fabienne’s and Jo’s artistic daughters, Yael and Jemima, both currently 11 years old. Apart from the baked fish photo, which was photographed by Fabienne’s friend Sandrine Aim-Djanogly, all photographs of the recipes were taken by Fabienne. The front cover was created with the support of Jo’s sister Amanda. Jemima drew Steamer as we had imagined him and Yael drew a lovely girl sleeping, waiting for Steamer to visit her dream. Fabienne and Jo say, “The combination of fun stories, invaluable facts and delicious recipes will – we hope – appeal to a wide range of children and create its own individual legacies. It’s impossible to change the world, but if this book helps one or two children (and their parents) to understand more about ingredients and the need to eat and cook healthily, we’ll be very proud,” they explain. Steamer the Cooking Wizard is self-published and goes on sale on Amazon at an RRP of £8.99. More information from: Fabienne Luzzato-Viner on 07973 698046 or Jo Leslie-Briggs on 07966 223330

Steamer the Cooking Wizard by Fabienne Luzzato-Viner and Jo Leslie-Briggs

Book Launch and Tasting Session at HGSS on Sunday, 11 January 2015 from 1.00 to 2.30 pm Admission is FREE

Look in for 5 or 55 minutes

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Healthy Cooking for Chanukah

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n Wednesday, 10 December, seventeen ladies watched and participated in a Chanukah cookery demonstration entitled Healthy Frying enthusiastically given by Angela Gershinson, assisted by Caroline Kalms. We grated, sliced, stirred and ate multicoloured latkes, spinach, artichoke and pepper squares and delicious baked apple cider mini doughnuts with salted caramel sauce. The evening was held in aid of the Big Birthday Appeal which, Suzanne Barnett explained, is a new charity that promotes children learning the importance of giving Tzedakah . This was a most enjoyable evening and helped expand our Chanukah culinary repertoire!

An addition to your Seder Table Rabbi Dr Jeffrey Cohen presents

The Haggadah in Poetry Available by the end of February For details: [email protected]

Israel to rebury ashes of British WW1 commander who became a Jewish hero

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ou may remember that, in our World War One supplement at Rosh Hashanah, we told the story of Jonathan Lauffer’s grandfather who became a sergeant in the Jewish Brigade, the 38th Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The Brigade was led by Colonel John Henry Patterson who was recently featured on the BBC News iPhone App: The ashes of a British World War One veteran who became a Jewish hero are to be reburied after a state funeral in Israel. Born in 1867, John Henry Patterson made his name as a lion-hunter in Africa and served in the cavalry in the Boer War. He gained hero status in Israel for leading Jewish fighters during WW1, becoming a passionate Zionist. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is attending the event. He told the BBC that his older brother, Yonathan, was named in honour of John Henry Patterson. For his role in WW1, Patterson is credited as being the first commander to lead Jewish forces on to the field of battle for two millennia, making him an important figure in the history of Zionism. Mr Netanyahu said the Jewish Legion, which Patterson commanded, was the basis for what became the Israel Defence Forces. In his later years, Patterson worked for the creation of a Jewish state. He died in 1947. It was his wish to be interred alongside other Jewish Legion fighters. His exploits as a big-game hunter have inspired several films, most recently The Ghost and the Darkness in 1996. Correction: In the article, Jonathan’s mother referred to her grandfather as Samuel (William) Wolfson. It should have started: “My grandfather, Solomon (Pokorny) Wolfson.....” Samuel William Wolfson was actually Jonathan’s grandfather – his mother’s father, the subject of the article.

the norrice leader december 2014

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The Editorial Team Hilary Halter

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