27-November-2013 - SA Jewish Report
Transcription
27-November-2013 - SA Jewish Report
Friday 29 November 2013 / 26 Kislev 5774 Volume 17 – Number 42 Blood rs Brothe dly deser ve raises l bar musica Jewish Report south african Photo: Ilan Ossendryver www.sajewishreport.co.za Miracle of the written word Chabad House, driven by Miracle Drive, in conjunction with Jack Halfon from Atlas Finance, last Sunday launched a library in Malatjlie, an impoverished informal settlement near Lanseria Airport. The library is a converted container, acquired through sponsorship from Halfon and his company, while the shelving was donated by Uri Krost from Krost Shelving. The graffiti work on the container was done by Think Wild artists. The library was filled with books that were donated through a Miracle Drive community appeal, as well as from the READ Educational Trust. In the picture, Rabbi David Masinter of Chabad House and Jack Halfon, CEO of Atlas Finance, surrounded by young library users with the library in the background. Minister Mashabane won’t meet SAJBD on Monday A new Christian force in support of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu’s next (Iran) move? The Ministry’s spokesman, Clayson Monyela told the SAJR the date was still pencilled in, in the minister’s diary. He understood the meeting to be “related to the upcoming election campaign”. Luba Mayekiso felt they would be more effective in lobbying for Israel as unaffiliated members. “People cannot accept that a Christian will come to the support of Israel without being someone’s puppet.” “International pressure we applied has led to a result better than what was originally planned; this is still a bad deal that reduces pressure on Iran without receiving anything tangible in return.” 3 3 Arik Einstein, beloved icon of Israeli song, dies The belles of the ball: Our competition for beautiful brides reaches closure 6 7-10 WALKING TO SHUL? THE SKY’Z THE LIMIT! lk to s Wa s Shul iou r a V l lk to Wa eld Shu fi s k n Li lk to ad Wa d Chab o o w or N ul lk to Wa Park Sh y r o t Vic lk to s Wa s Shul iou r a V GLeNHAzeL BeDFORD PARK ORCHARDS VICTORY PARK SYDeNHAM Top quality home, with subdivision in place! R4 800 000 • Ref 14399 Helen Rosin 083 325 6343 Quality - Convenience - Comfort! R3 600 000 • Ref 14096 Hilton Steinfeld 082 455 8630 Lourayne Hersch 082 780 0253 Location and Lifestyle! R2 350 000 • Ref 14132 zipporah Benn 082 302 1017 Lauren Leiboff 084 399 5172 Victory Park Mansion on the doorstep of King David School! R3 850 000 Neg • Ref 14178 Velika Peeva 082 926 0287 Massive double-storey! Mid R1 000 000’s Neg • Ref 14394 Lisa Milner 082 362 4870 Vivienne Stein 082 886 2842 011 731 0300 | www.firzt.co.za 3 2 SA JEWISH R REPORT EPORT Community News 01–-608 June 2012 29 November December 2013 Photo: Galya Bender Initiated by Daniel Brouze who was determined to help raise money to buy a new bus for our Jewish senior citizens, as well as for the people of Malatjlie, a group of 56 riders took part in the Momentum 94,7 cycle race last weekend. Each rider was given a choice as to which project they wanted their money to go. A quarter of a million rand was raised for Chabad’s Miracle Drive! “As we ride through the journey of life, we dare not solely focus on ourselves. We all need to help wherever we can. For me, this has certainly been a life-changing experience”, said Brouze. Photo by Galya Bender Fifty six riders raise a quarter of Infiniti Q50, a Miracle a million rand for Miracle Drive Drive prize to take your breath away Jason Nestadt, Dealer Principal Nissan & Renault Melrose; James Carmichael, Used Car Sales Manager; George Stegmann, GM Infiniti SA; and Ryan Holmner, Dealer Principal Nissan & Renault Melrose. OWN CORRESPONDENT Former Springbok rugby player Ashwim Williams; Daniel Brouze; and former All Black flyhalf, Carlos Spencer. Wake-up calls Parshat Miketz Rabbi Yossi Goldman Sydenham Highlands North Hebrew Congregation Not everyone is lucky enough to get a wakeup call in life. Some people get theirs just in time. Others get it but don’t hear it. Still others hear it loud and clear but refuse to take any notice. Pharaoh got his in this week’s parsha when Joseph interpreted his dreams and advised him to appoint a wise and discerning man who would oversee a macro-economic plan for the country. Joseph explained to the King of Egypt that because he experienced two dreams and woke up in between it was a sign from heaven to wake up and act immediately as the matter was of the utmost urgency. Pharaoh took the message to heart and the rest is history. On the health and well-being level, a little cholesterol, climbing blood pressure or recur- ring bronchitis, might be the not-so-subtle signs that it’s time for a change of lifestyle. These are the medical wake-up calls we receive in life. Do we really have to wait for a heart attack, G-d forbid, to stop smoking, or start eating less and exercising more? That’s what wake-up calls are for, to help us get the message before it’s too late. Then there are the spiritual signs. I will never forget a friend who shared with me the story of his own red lights flashing and how a changed spiritual lifestyle literally saved his life. He was a workaholic driving himself to the brink. Had he carried on indefinitely he simply would not have survived. Then he decided to give Shabbos a try. What he had never previously appreciated about Shabbos was that it is a spiritually invigorating day of rest and spiritual serenity. And in discovering Shabbos, he rediscovered his humanity. (He also discovered he could play golf on Sundays instead of Saturdays.) A short trigger film I once used on a Shabbaton programme depicted a series of profes- Last Monday night saw the exclusive launch of Miracle Drive 24 at Melrose Nissan in Johannesburg. The prestigious Infiniti Q50, the first prize in next year’s draw, was on display, as George Stegmann, managing director of marketing for Infiniti SA welcomed the crowd. Drawing from Nissan’s 24 year association with Miracle Drive, Stegmann spoke of his company’s initiative to compete on the luxury stakes with German car manufacturers. Claiming status as the biggest charity event in the southern hemisphere, Miracle Drive draws over 2 000 people to its annual event in March. Rabbi David Masinter, director of Chabad House and founder and director of the Miracle Drive initiative in Johannesburg, in celebrating the event, drew young cyclist Daniel Brouze from the audience. Brouze was instrumental in raising R250 000 for Miracle Drive in the recent Momentum 94.7 cycle race. Rabbi Masinter also celebrated the recent donation given by Jack Halfon from Atlas Finance, of a library to an impoverished informal settlement near Lanseria Airport. Entertainment at this joyous launch featured children’s world championship hip-hop act, The Boys are Back, comedian David Levinsohn, mentalist Gilan Gork and magician Marc Wegkamp. sionals and artisans at work. As they became engrossed and immersed in their respective roles, they each became so enmeshed with their work that they lost their own identities. Monday through Friday, the carpenter’s face dissolved into a hammer, the doctor took on the face of a stethoscope and the accountant’s head started looking exactly like a calculator. Then on Shabbos as they closed their offices and came home to celebrate the day of rest with their families, slowly but surely, their faces were reshaped and remoulded from their professions to their personalities. Total immersion in their work had dehumanised them. They had become machines. Now, thanks to Shabbos, they were human again. That short video left a lasting impression. It’s not easy to change ingrained habits. But Chanukah, which falls during this week’s parsha, carries with it a relevant message in this regard. Take one day at a time. One doesn’t have to do it all at once. One light at a time is all it takes. On the first night we kindle a single Chanu- kah light, on the second night two and on the third night three. We add a little light each day and before long the menorah is complete and all eight Chanukah lights are burning bright. It’s okay to take one day at a time. It’s not okay to go back to sleep after you get a wakeup call. Whether it’s your medical well-being or your spiritual health, the occasional wakeup call is a valuable sign from Above that it may be time to adjust our attitudes, lifestyles or priorities. Please G-d, each of us in our own lives will hear the call and act on the alarm bells with alacrity. Shabbat Times Parshat Miketz November 29 / 26 Kislev November 30 / 27 Kislev 18:1519:20 Johannesburg 18:15 20:19 Cape Town 18:1519:17 Durban 18:1519:34 Bloemfontein 18:15 19:51 Port Elizabeth 18:15 19:38 East London GENERAL MANAGER Karen Knowles - [email protected] • EDITOR Geoff Sifrin - [email protected] • Sub-editor Paul Maree • Ed Co-ordinator Sharon Akum - [email protected] • Sports editor Jack Milner • Books editor Gwen Podbrey • Arts editor Robyn Sassen • Cape Town correspondent Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206 • Pretoria correspondent Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 • Advertising: Adi Lew: 083-407-8034 - [email protected], Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 - britt@ sajewishreport.co.za, Marlene Bilewitz: 083-475-0288 - [email protected] • Classified sales: Susan Walunda [email protected] • Distribution manager Britt Landsman • Design and layout: Bryan Maron/Design Bandits – [email protected] • Website: Anthony Katz • Subscription enquiries: Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Tel: 0860-13-2652. Board of Directors: Howard Feldman (Chairman), Issie Kirsh (Deputy Chair), Marlene Bethlehem, Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter, Herby Rosenberg, Howard Sackstein, Jason Valkin, Elton Bondi, Michael Sieff, Steven Krawitz, Denese Bloch. Jewish Report South African Advertisements and editorial copy from outside sources do not neccessarily reflect the views of the editors and staff. Tel: (011) 274-1400 News 29 November – 6 December 2013 Minister Mashabane will not meet SAJBD on Monday SA JEWISH REPORT 3 New Christian/Israel advocacy group kicks off with a bang ANT KATZ ANT KATZ International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite NkoanaMashabane will not address the community on Monday December 2, as had been widely expected. Jewish Report has been unable to get confirmation or denial from the SAJBD. The Ministry’s spokesman, Clayson Monyela told the SAJR the date was still pencilled in, in the minister’s diary. He understood the meeting to be “related to the upcoming election campaign”, and that the minister had planned it “in terms of (her) capacity as an ANC NEC member”. Jewish Report learnt on good authority, however, that the meeting would not take place. Jewish Report sought confirmation from the higest levels of the SAJBD last Thursday and Friday and again on Monday and Tuesday this week - but has been unable to get confirmation or denial that any form of meeting would be taking place. After being advised by the Board on Tuesday afternoon that no statement or information would be forthcoming before the newspaper goes to print on Wednesday evening, Jewish Report got hold of Monyela, who confirmed that the Minister’s diary had such a public session “pencilled in” for next Monday evening, but that no arrangements had been confirmed. Monyela said the minister met with the SAJBD three or four times a year as “part of a process of regular interaction between her and the Jewish community”, and that he thought they had met three times this year. This meeting, however, was different, he said. While the minister normally engaged with the Board of Deputies about communal issues, he told Jewish Report, “this (meeting), however, I believe is related to the upcoming election campaign”. Monyela said that while the meeting appeared in the minister’s diary, she had not yet confirmed the arrangements. Asked who had initiated the proposed meeting and who would be expected to be invited, Monyela said he had no idea. “We don’t know who will be invited,” he told Jewish Report. “As soon as it is confirmed I will be prepared to discuss it more and arrange for an interview.” Africa for Israel Christian Coalition (AFICC), a new Israel advocacy organisation, which launched in Cape Town on October 31, has churches “with a congregational size of around 600 000 that have officially affiliated, in South Africa alone”, in its fold, says the group’s founder and long-time Israel lobbyist Luba Mayekiso. “And this number grows each week.” The AFICC is co-operating with a multitude of advocacy groups including the SA Zionist Federation. “In Nigeria over 3 000 pastors in 22 states have started to mobilise themselves,” Mayekiso told Jewish Report. “We have agreed that come hell or high water we will co-ordinate and co-operate on a Pan-African basis” as Christians lobbying for Israel. “A Nigerian delegation will come to our Gauteng launch in early February.” Mayekiso and his wife Ncedi are long-time Israel advocates and have worked tirelessly for the past two years lobbying for Israel in parliamentary circles. They have drawn up a constitution and mission statement which their Nigerian counterparts have signed on to. As a guest discussion leader at a Zionist advocacy seminar in Johannesburg in January, Mayekiso made a strong impression by telling South African Jewish and Christian Zionists alike that unless one knocked on doors of power, it was Pictured at the Christians United for Israel Summit in Washington DC in July, are Luba Mayekiso, Pastor John Hagee and Ncedi Mayekiso. impossible to keep up with Palestinian lobbyists. Mayekiso said he and Ncedi had always felt they would be more effective in lobbying for Israel in Parliament as unaffiliated and independent members. “People cannot accept that a Christian will come to the support of Israel without being someone’s puppet,” he said this week. But, “as time went by, we came to realise that numbers are the only thing that will talk to politicians; all they listen to is numbers.” For this reason, he says, they decided to form a broad coalition of Pan-African Christian supporters of Israeli lobbyists on the continent. Christians wanted to speak out, he said. He had found that many Christians felt their silence (on Israel) was being misinterpreted. He was part of the 100-odd delegates from across the continent who attended the recent African Leaders Summit in Jerusalem. Says Mayekiso: “We have far-reaching political and socioeconomic strategies involving potentially tens of millions of Christians in Africa as a force of active supporters of Israel. Already we have 600 000 black, white and Coloured Christians standing with, and committed to, Israel. And numbers count!” AFICC, says Mayekiso, represents Africans standing in solidarity and does not confine in terms of race; “this is a battle for every Christian”. The AFICC already has relationships in Nigeria, Congo, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania who are “very eager for us to stand together and have requested our assistance in providing them with the correct modern narrative about Israel”. His organisation has also linked up with UE partners Christians United for Israel’s Pastor John Hagee and some of his senior team. Having launched their Cape Town chapter, their next stops are Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. A national launch is planned for Johannesburg in April 2014. Iconic Israeli singer Arik Einstein dies JERUSALEM – Arik Einstein, an iconic Israeli singer as well as a songwriter and actor, has died. Einstein died Tuesday night at a Tel Aviv hospital, where he was rushed after suffering an aortic aneurysm. He was 74. Israeli television channels halted their regular programming to broadcast clips and remembrances of the singer, whose first recordings were released in the 1960s. Fans holding a vigil outside the Sourasky Medical Center cried when the hospital’s director general, Dr. Gabriel Barbash, announced that Einstein had died. Einstein has not performed in front of an audience since the early 1980s following a road accident in which he was seriously injured. His first album, “Shar Bisvilech” or “Singing for You,” was released in 1966. He was part of the rock band The High Windows with Shmulik Kraus and Israeli-American Josie Katz. He also formed the Lool, or Chicken Coop, comedy troupe. Among his well-known songs were “Ani Ve’ata,” or “You and Me”; “Atur mitzchech zahav shachor”; and “Sa Le’at,” or “Drive Slowly.” (JTA) Own an apartment in a new Raanana development! We are promoting the sale of apartments in fast growing areas in Israel, excellent & reliable management. SA Cell: +27 8284-22-003 | cell +972-54-333-2525 | e-mail [email protected] | website: www.hold.co.il 2 4 News SA JEWISH R REPORT EPORT 01–-608 June 2012 29 November December 2013 The Israel App is a boon for tourists et al ANT KATZ A virtual tour guide, travel companion and digital guidebook all in one, has been released this month and is a download for Apple and Android devices; it could only be an Israeli invention! The millions of visitors to Israel every year now have a complete mobile audio tour guide and travel companion at their fingertips. The Israel App brings to life some 400 sites and the history behind them with stunning visuals, crisp audio, and fascinating interactive articles, providing so much more than traditional guidebooks, for so much less. Defying all stereotypes, the Jew IQ team which developed the app, is headed by CEO Joel Padowitz and Yaakov Lehman, who are American olim, splitting their time between Kolel and revolutionising the app world. The software engineers behind the scenes are more than 30 Israeli haredi female programmers. “Until now, visitors unable to afford a professional guide, simply missed out on so much of what Israel has to offer. The Israel App is a gamechanger, allowing everyone in Israel to have a world-class tour guide, local insider and virtual concierge in their pocket,” says Padowitz. “And even if you are with a human guide, the app is an incredible tool for discovering Israel.” The app includes convenient GPS-based guided tours and navigation functions to allow travellers to discover unseen sites around them instantly. For those familiar with the usual tourist hot spots, the Israel App identifies dozens of lesser-known sites for veteran travellers. The Israel App’s initial release covers all of greater Jerusalem, including the Old City, the City of David, and even an in-depth walkthrough of the Jerusalem Zoo. Future releases will include Masada, Caesarea, Tel Aviv and other popular sites. The Israel App is available from GooglePlay and AppStore. To view a demonstration, look at their website at www.TheIsraelAPP.com. Fighting child abuse in Diepsloot AVAILABLE AT SELECTED SPARS AND DELIS IN CAPE TOWN AND JOHANNESBURG Contact Charmaine: 082 922 4784 | [email protected] Outreach organisation Afrika Tikkun’s Wings of Life Centre in Diepsloot settlement north of Johannesburg, marked the beginning of “16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children”, on Monday. In a media release, Afrika Tikkun said the day involved visiting the Centre, from which the organisation runs various programmes in the community. These programmes are based on their holistic development model, which seeks to care for the lives of vulnerable children from cradle-to-career and include early childhood development (ECD) programmes, youth and childhood development, nutrition, food security and social services. “At Afrika Tikkun, we strive to provide a safe haven for these children where they can develop and grow, as children should,” says the head of the Gender Based Violence programme, Ne- woh Belinda Geh. Afrika Tikkun has partnered with a variety of like-minded organisations to facilitate this programme, including the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, People Against Women Abuse (Powa), the Teddy Bear Clinic and Childline. Through this programme, Afrika Tikkun is able to provide vital services to a community wracked by violence, especially against children. In the last half of this year, Diepsloot was host to a spate of child murders, including that of two little cousins who were registered to begin at Afrika Tikkun next year. At the Centre Afrika Tikkun prepares over 300 meals daily, both for the children and the needy in the community. “The theme for the ‘16 Days’ this year is: ‘From peace in the home to peace in the world’,” said Geh. Sharmaine Myambo and Petronella Rabelani, young women volunteers from Diepsloot who go into the streets to educate people against violence against women and children. What made the news December 12, 2003 Jewish Report south african Chief Rabbi: UOS puts faith in youth “The selection by the Union of Orthodox Synagogues of 32-year-old Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein to take over as South Africa’s chief rabbi in January 2005 when Rabbi Cyril Harris retires in December 2004, after a tenure of 17 years, has surprised and delighted many in the Jewish community,” wrote Lionel Slier. “During a lengthy selection process in which a wide spectrum of the community leadership was consulted, headed up by UOS President Harold Novick, he was chosen from a short list of five. “Some people in the commu- “Your Travel Experts for special packages to Israel or any destination of your choice” Contact Sandra Slater on 011 788 2050 y Travel 20x3 181013.indd 1 nity have questioned whether he is too young for such a demanding position, despite his achievements as a practising rabbi and scholar of Judaism and law. “The job of chief rabbi is being the public face of the community in South African society and the government. It also requires he be accepted by a broad crosssection of SA Jewry. “Many who are enthusiastic about his appointment believe his youth will stand him in good stead in his effectiveness and in building the emerging multiracial, multi-ethnic SA society. “He is of a generation that came to adulthood when apartheid was already on its way out. He was still in school during its heyday. “Chief Rabbi Harris says Rabbi Goldstein reflects the mood and trend of the younger generation, characterised by the Ba’al Teshuva movement, serious Torah study and tikkun involvement. The selection of Rabbi Goldstein is a statement of being proudly South African Jewish - it is the younger generation who will stay here and build this community.’” Do you value the Jewish Report? Help it continue providing excellent journalism for the SA Jewish community with a financial contribution. Banking details: SA Jewish Report, | Nedbank, Randburg | Account No: 1984514865 | Branch Code: 198405 | Swift Code: NEDSZAJJ1984514865 Yiddish Vinkel Vilne un Minssk Eyner a id fun Kovne iz gekumen keyn Vilne. Er hot gehat ba zich a hunderter, un hot em gevolt tsubaytn. Iz er gegangen fun eyn krom in der anderer, un keyner hot nit gehat em tsu gebn keyn kleyngelt. Iz der id araus fun letstn krom un gezogt tsu eynem a mentshn af’n gas: “Epes a modne shtot Vilne: az me darf tsubaytn a hunderter, iz nito avu!” Macht yener tsu-n-em: “Noch als besser vi Minssk! Vorem ba unz in Minssk, az me darf tsubaytn a hunderter, iz nito der hunderter!” Vilna and Minsk Once, a certain Jew from Kovne came to Vilna. He had with him a hundred rouble note, and he wished to exchange it. So he went from one store to another and one of them had any money to give him as change. So as the Jew went out of the last shop, he said to a passerby in the street: “What a strange city Vilna is: if one needs change for a hundred rouble note, there is not any place where you can do so!” The other said in reply: “It’s still better than Minsk! Because at us in Minsk, even if you would wish to exchange a hundred rouble note, no one would have a hundred!” 2013/10/29 2:39 PM 29 November – 6 December 2013 Community Briefs Jewish community embraces Mitzvah Day House and Garden Circle creates constant delight Each month the Johannesburg Union of Jewish Women’s House and Garden Circle members enjoy visits to magnificent gardens and homes around the city. Great guest speakers share their gardening and décor knowledge in these gorgeous, tranquil surroundings. Funds raised by the Circle go to the UJW’s Kosher Mobile Meals project which supplies cooked meals to around 165 elderly people who are unable to provide meals for themselves. Lynne Raphaely, vice-chairman of the UJW and Mitzvah Day Convener, and Bev Cohen, a UJW volunteer with 101-year-old Abe Simpson. UJW committee members Simone Walsh; Helen Slavin (chairman); Greta Treisman (treasurer); and Leah Zail. Parents should ‘enable’ themselves In this age, kids are “connected” 24/7; borders between cyber and real worlds blur. Ilanit Gerson and Luke Lamprecht conducted Living in the Most Connected/ Disconnected Era in History, the final talk for 2013 in the Enrich Your Life series, hosted by the Chevrah Kadisha’s Community Social Services Department and Sydenham Shul’s Centre for Jewish Adult Education. The speakers stressed the importance of parents keeping up with social media to know what their children are doing. Geotagging is a threat to child safety; parents were advised to deactivate GPS tags so that when their children post to Facebook, their location is never disclosed. LYNNE RAPHAELY VICE-CHAIRMAN, UNION OF JEWISH WOMEN DL Link is sending team to Jerusalem Marathon CELESTE EVERITT The Selwyn Segal soccer team, “Selwyn’s Eagles”, participated in the Johannesburg Disability Games held at the Danie van Zyl Centre in Johannesburg. They trounced opponents 3:0 in the first game, 1:0 in the final. Said GM Brenda Solarsh: “Our team is inspired to play more sport and we are inspired to provide more opportunities for them to be on the winning side; Special Olympics, here we come!” 5 STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY TZIVIA GRAUMAN HEAD OF GROUP COMMUNICATIONS, CHEVRAH KADISHA STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY ESTELLE CLINE Selwyn Segal, the champions! SA JEWISH REPORT Cancer awareness and holistic lifestyle organisation, DL Link is sending a team to Jerusalem Marathon next year under a “Run for a Recovery” banner. A media release says: “the motivation is to run in the name of someone needing recovery or in a special person’s honour. We are including united prayers for them at the Kotel.” Vic Boston, who has run 37 consecutive Comrades Marathons.” The Union of Jewish Women Johannesburg was thrilled with the public’s response to their appeal for packs of toiletries and chocolates for the elderly, in the Mitzvah Day Appeal on November 17. Over 500 gift packs were handed to elderly members of the Jewish community, many of whom live alone in areas such as Hillbrow, Yeoville, Berea and Bellevue. The 38 residents at the Joseph Gerard Old Aged Home in Alexandra township, were each given a knitted blanket and a gift pack. Mitzvah Day, coined in the UK in 2008, is a way for people to actively assist their community, regardless of religious affiliation. This year about 20 countries took part in Mitzvah Day. Rabbi Yossy Goldman of Sydenham Shul; Luke Lamprecht, child and youth care practitioner and director of Parent & Child Counselling Centre; Glynne Zackon, manager of Chevrah Social Services; and Ilanit Gerson, school counsellor and creator of Surfing Safely. ‘No Easy Walk to Freedom THE SAJBD AND THE RCHCC LAUNCH: - A Collection of Mandela’s RCHCC Centre 011 728 8088 / 8378 [email protected] Writings & Speeches.’ WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 19:30 OpinionNews and Analysis SA JEWISH R REPORT EPORT What’s in a picture? It goes without saying that any country must protect itself from enemies, that there are critical points that must be guarded. For example, when the 9/11 attacks happened in the United States, the security service immediately acted to secure the head of state responsible for making critical decisions - President George W Bush, in that case. The “security cluster” in this country should be embarrassed, however, at how they have bungled the issue of material about President Jacob Zuma’s private homestead Nkandla getting out, using the notion of key points to prevent it. How can a photo endanger the life of the president? In the US you can go on a tour of the White House, or a virtual tour via Google. When on Tuesday a hoax report surfaced that the security apparatus had issued a warrant of arrest against City Press editor Ferial Haffajee, for publishing a photograph of Nkandla, it is indicative of the situation in the country that so many people were taken in. It felt awfully similar to life under apartheid with its absurdities. There was a sense of resignation. Later, Haffajee used Twitter to refute the hoax. What kind of reality is the security cluster living in? South Africa wants to present an image to the world of a liberal, democratic country, espousing First World values, where the right to information and freedom of speech is enshrined in its Constitution. What does this aggressive, ham-handed police action do to our image? Or to investors, who might be thinking about putting their money here? We also live in the age of the Internet and social media. No matter how hard they try, they cannot suppress such material. If they attempt to stifle it here, it will pop up in Norway or anywhere else on the planet connected to the Internet. They are floundering, probably from embarrassment about rampant spending - a figure of R208 million is now touted - on a “private” homestead for one individual. The more they paint themselves into a corner, the more we look like a caricature. Once we become that on the world stage, it is incredibly hard to restore our dignity. Today at least we have the Constitution, which we didn’t during apartheid - a good Constitution, with all legislation subservient to it. And, thankfully, it seems that most of our Concourt justices are nobody’s lackeys. The awful irony is that this is déjà vu: we have heard it all before during apartheid. The censoring of newspapers and the understated threat: “You’d better toe the line”... hoping the media will engage in self-censorship so as not to get into trouble – and obviously not embarrass state structures or politicians. What is the condition of our media today? Will they capitulate? We think not. There were courageous newspapers during apartheid, and there will be now. The hoax about Haffajee’s arrest warrant came amidst the furore over the controversial Protection of Information Bill, which has put people on edge, and which will obviously put more constraints on what papers are allowed to publish. The Jewish Report does not operate in a vacuum. It is part of the family of South African newspapers. We understand there is no such thing as unbridled freedom, and we believe in responsible reporting, in our own community niche and the broader society - to report in fairness and balance, to be credible and accurate with our facts, and to act as a fearless watchdog. However, we are South Africans and must voice our concerns about what is happening in the country. We must not capitulate on our hard-won freedoms. We can’t just sit back and watch the train smash. Where are the intelligent people with integrity in the inner power circles of government? What about old activists who fought apartheid and know what kind of things can get hidden when a government suppresses information? Surely they can speak out? Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is an inspiring example of what others should be doing. What is happening is a sad day in South African politics, whichever way you look at it. And it is affecting each and every life in this country. It will take a long time to win back the dignity we had under Nelson Mandela. We were the darling of the world. Alas, no longer. – Geoff Sifrin, Editor 01–-608 June 2012 29 November December 2013 Benjamin Netanyahu’s next (Iran) move? Photo: Haim Zach/ Gpo/Flash90 Jewish Report south african Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement, in his office in Jerusalem, last Sunday, regarding the agreement reached in Geneva a few hours earlier between Iran and six world powers. BEN SALES TEL AVIV With an interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme in place, US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu each face formidable challenges ahead. For Obama, the goal will be to move from the interim agreement to a broader and more permanent deal within six months, all while managing deep scepticism about the deal from some US lawmakers who want to pass new sanctions legislation against Iran. For his part, Netanyahu must convince Obama to hold out for a final accord that corrects what the Israeli leader called the “historic mistake” of the deal signed late last Saturday night. The two leaders talked by phone on Sunday, and Obama reportedly agreed to keep Netanyahu up to date on the progress of negotiations. On Monday, Netanyahu said he was dispatching his national security adviser, Yossi Cohen, to Washington to consult on the parameters of a permanent accord. For nearly two decades, Netanyahu has been sounding the alarm about the dangers of Iran’s nuclear programme, steadily raising the volume since he retook the bully pulpit of the prime minister’s office in 2009. He has brandished a cartoon bomb at the United Nations podium for illustration, criticised allies, and said time and again that Israel would “defend itself, by itself, against any threat”. Experts have credited the prime minister with helping persuade the world to enact an unprecedented sanctions regime against Tehran. Netanyahu also has helped ensure that the United States keeps Israeli interests in mind; when discussing the Iran deal, US Secretary of State John Kerry almost always mentions Israel’s security concerns. Now that the US has gone against Israel’s wishes and signed the deal, Netanyahu’s challenge is to keep up the pressure now more than ever. “It is true that the international pressure which we applied was partly successful and has led to a better result than what was originally planned, but this is still a bad deal,” Netanyahu told his parliament on Monday. “It reduces the pressure on Iran without receiving anything tangible in return, and the Iranians who laughed all the way to the bank are themselves saying that this deal has saved them.” A year ago, with negotiations stalled, Iran’s then-president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was questioning the Holocaust and speaking openly of wiping Israel off the map. Now the world is welcoming the conciliatory messages of his successor, Hasan Rouhani, and celebrating the first diplomatic agreement with Iran in a decade. Analysts believe the agreement makes an Israeli strike on Iran less likely in the short term because attacking Iran during ongoing negotiations would anger the US and could shatter the international alliance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “It’s not very likely that any government will carry out any operation when there’s an agreement,” said Ephraim Kam, a senior research fellow at Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies, reflecting a consensus among analysts. “The Israeli government can decide to surprise everybody, but logically it’s not the right time.” Over the coming months, Netanyahu’s voice will be amplified by the pro-Israel lobby groups in Washington and voices in Congress that also are sceptical about the interim deal with Iran and the likelihood that it will lead to a final accord that will dismantle Iran’s bomb-making capabilities. They will also be keeping an eye on whether Iran honours the interim deal. In 2003, Tehran continued uranium enrichment even during a supposed freeze. For years, North Korea used negotiations and interim agreements as stalling tactics while it built up its bomb-making capacities and became a nuclear power. Netanyahu “needs to wait until the Iranians start cheating again”, said Ephraim Inbar, director of the Begin-Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University. “They’ve done it before.” (JTA) Norwegian official: Jews, Muslims circumcise out of ignorance World News in Brief 2 6 OSLO - The Norwegian government’s child welfare adviser says Jews and Muslims would stop circumcising children if they learned more about the risks and pain involved. “With good information about risk, pain and lack of health benefits of the intervention, I think parents from minorities would voluntarily abstain from circumcising children,” Anne Lindboe, Norway’s children’s ombudsman, told the Norwegian Aftenpost. Lindboe, who last year advised Jews and Muslims to replace circumcision with “a symbolic ritual”, told the paper that nonmedical circumcision of pre-teen boys should be outlawed and those performing it should be punished similarly to people who use violence against children. “We introduced a law on violence against children even though we had reason to believe that individuals would still be beaten and mistreated,” she said, dismissing concerns raised in the Norwegian media that a ban on ritual circumcision would mean that parents would perform it illegally. “If 15 years is set as the minimum age, we expect Norwegian parents to follow and respect the law,” said Lindboe, a longtime advocate of the criminalisation of ritual circumcision, which she considers a form of abuse and infringement of children’s rights to “physical integrity”. (JTA) BRIDAL SUPPLEMENT SA JEWISH REPORT - 29 November 2013 7 Jewish Report’s bridal competition ends on a high OWN CORRESPONDENT Our entry list for our Jewish Bride Competition 2013, was stunning! At a function on Monday evening, tribute was paid to these gorgeous young women as well as the generous sponsors who provided enticing prizes. The function, in the form of light refreshments and tea, took place at Jozi Blue in Glenhazel – one of the sponsors. Breaking with past tradition, sponsors’ prizes were “hidden” in unmarked boxes. The brides could pick a box, standing a chance to win one of the prizes. The sponsors received the opportunity to tell the audience briefly about their companies. The sponsors were Mi-Vami; Hottess; House of Hair; Kitchenique; Seattle Coffee Co; KosherWorld; House of Judaica; Jozi Blue; Pretty Woman; Savour; Lazers Jewellers; 54 on Bath; and Spray Tanning. Karen Knowles, Jewish Report’s general manager – mover behind the competition – welcomed the brides, their partners and the sponsors. “As usual our brides were beautiful and our sponsors generous. Of course, the focus is on our brides without whom – and the support of their mothers and also mothers-in-law who on more than one occasion made sure that those beautiful pictures could be reproduced in the Jewish Report – this event would not have happened,” she said. “And then, in the same vein I would like to thank our amazing sponsors for giving us such valuable prizes. “The Jewish Report is the voice of the broader South African Jewish community. It provides a home for everyone, with everything Jewish. We pride ourselves in the integrity of our standards and that we have our finger on the pulse of our readers. “We cover the whole spectrum of Jewish ‘happenings’ – from reporting on the youth, to sport, to in-depth analyses of what affects Jewish life, not only in South Africa, but worldwide. “We are in this regard also the link between South African Jewry and our brethren and sisters all over the Diaspora and, of course, in our beloved Israel.” Knowles told her audience that the Jewish Report was impressed by “our vibrant South African community” and that then paper endeavoured to serve the community with truthfulness, dignity, fairness and objectivity. “We are definitely not sensation-mongers, but will not shy away from putting the spotlight on the unpalatable, if it is in the interest of our community.” Turning to the brides – without whom there would be no bridal competition - she reiterated how proud the paper was of them. The different format of this year’s competition – with not a single “winner-takes-all”, was much fairer, as every bride was in fact a A big thank you to our sponsors HOTTESS Food warmer with dual elements winner. Besides standing a chance to win a super prize, each bride also received a R50 KosherWorld voucher - thanks to Joel and Adele Back and the KW team as well as a piece of jewellery. Photographer Lawrence Paiken, who has also sponsored a prize, took photographs of the event. The main prize was sponsored by 54 on Bath and all brides were eligible to win this prize. “When I look at our lovely young brides gathered here, and also those who for logistical reasons may not be able to be here, an old cliché become an absolute truism: You are all winners. We wish you all a long and happy union. “Thank you all for gracing our paper with your presence to make this occasion such a memorable one. And thank you again to our generous sponsors.” 8 BRIDAL SUPPLEMENT SA JEWISH REPORT - 29 November 2013 Catering by Jozi Blue Shmuel Montrose Sharni Sharabi and Tali Jodi Tanner, Tali Berman & Justine Montrose Ronald and Tahna Edelman Nicole Cohen Gina Woolf, Valyn Kolman and Lauren Nathan Robyn & Jonathan Dayan Darren Hailstones and Annie Hodes Darren Hailstones and Karen Knowles Gina Woolf, Valyn Kolman and Talya Kier Carol Lowenstein and Talya Kier Robyn Dayan Michelle Her Tali Schay Gina Woolf BRIDAL SUPPLEMENT SA JEWISH REPORT - 29 November 2013 9 Adi Lew and Darren Hailstones Gifts from The Chocolate Tree Perry Geffen and Adele Back Carol Lowenstein and Tamsyn Sweidan Leanne Silver and Darren Hailstones Shmuel Montrose Tali Berman & Britt Landsman Geoff Sifrin and Mandi Kussel Tracey Paiken and Talya Kier Debbie Gotlieb and Tali Gritzman Felicity Marcus Sharni Sharabi and Robyn Dayan Jodi Tanner Moishe and Yael Amoils with Tali Schay Judith Raier and Tamsin Sweidan Adele Back, Lara Nathan and Carol Lowenstein 10 BRIDAL SUPPLEMENT SA JEWISH REPORT - 29 November 2013 Justine Montrose, Moshe and Yael Amoils Tahna Edelman Alexandra Hepker Justine Montrose Mandi Kussel Tali Gritzman Nicole Cohen Valyn Kolman Lauren Lacey Zara Rudnick Leanne Nathan Elana Borkum Tali Berman Mandy Perez Alan Finkelstein and Jodi Tanner Shira Miller Lara Nathan Karen Knowles and Geoff Sifrin 2014 registration now open Courses start in February Join Dr. Dean Lutrin and the Academy for a four-part exploration of Bereishit’s moral vision for all Humanity: the Individual, the Family, and the whole of Society. For many of us, Bereishit (Genesis) is a book of talking snakes, sudden floods and babbling towers, ideas we relegate to the realm of children’s stories. But that is not its true legacy. Bereishit Bereishit presents a coherent and comprehensive dialogue on how all human beings should live as creative individuals in society, building sustainable and productive communities. 4 sessions How should we reconcile our perception of morality and Hashem’s? What is the perfect balance between individual rights and duties, on the one hand, and social cohesion on the other? What is moral leadership? These are just some of the questions it poses. A handbook for humanity Course begins Wednesday 26 February Night course: Killarney Join Rabbi Ramon Widmonte and the Academy and get the whole picture! What would it be like to comprehend the Chumash (the first five books of the Torah) as a complete, organic entity? Not a bit here and a bit there, but a solid grasp of how it all fits together along with a grounding in all the foundation concepts? This pioneering course from the London School of Jewish Studies, under its president, Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, has given thousands of people world-wide a paradigm-shifting perspective in just 6 sessions. The course examines the Chumash from seven key perspectives while at the same time giving over a methodology for analysing any part of the Chumash, utilising classic methods of analysis. Torah in a Nutshell 6 sessions Course begins Wednesday 5 February Day course: Killarney THE MOST DARING BOOK EVER WRITTEN Join the Academy faculty, cover the entire Tanach in 27 weeks and gain insight into its central themes and messages. For millennia the Tanach (Hebrew Bible) has stirred debate, war, love, cruelty and hope. Poets marvel at its passionate and sensual images; scholars are awed by the scope of its tales; while ordinary men and women find comfort and courage in its bare, honest accounts of tragedy and restoration. Is it any wonder that it has been called “The Book of Books?” This course is a chance to explore the Tanach and discover what meaning it has for the modern world. Learn the history, marvel at the imagery and explore its guidance in our relationship with Hashem, humanity and this world. Tanach 27 sessions Course begins Tuesday 11 February Night course: Melrose Arch Thursday 13 February Day course: Killarney For bookings and more information: Tel: 011 485 3624 Email: [email protected] Web: TheAcademy.org.za In the case of financial need, please contact the Dean directly on [email protected] In association with Mizrachi South Africa and the London School of Jewish Studies; President: Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Dean: Dr. Raphael Zarum 12 2 Letters SA SAJJEWISH EWISHREPORT REPORT Disclaimer The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any given topic to be expressed. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, staff or directors of the Jewish Report. 01–-608 June 2012 29 November December 2013 Guidelines for letters Letters up to 400 words get preference. Provide your full name, place of residence, and daytime contact phone number. We do not publish letters under noms de plume. Letters should be e-mailed. Letters may be edited or shortened. The Editor, PO Box 84650, Greenside, 2034 email: [email protected] Shabbos ProjECt’s spinoff must be seen in perspective I refer to a letter by Ellen Ettinger in the Jewish Report of November 15, saying the money spent on The Shabbos Project could be more meaningfully spent on organisations such as the Chevrah Kadisha. I fully identify with her concern that the wonderful organisations that attend to the tzedakah needs of our community must be supported as a matter of great priority. On that basis she questions the monetary investment in the recent Shabbos Project campaign. However, she should please consider the following insight: Jews give tzedakah; education - and inspiration - make Jews. In the US one demographic study after another in the past decades have demonstrated that, as the American Jewish community assimilates, less and less of their charity dollars have gone to anything remotely Jewish. Where are the Facebook millions of Mark Zuckerberg going? The funds of the Chevrah Kadisha et al, draw from the reservoir of Jewish identity that is being “re-Jew-venated” by the world-acclaimed initiatives of Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein. They make us feel profoundly the unity of our Jewish family and ignite in us a desire to take care of our brothers and sisters. Jews give tzedakah - The Shabbos Project inspires Jews. Rabbi Zeév Kraines Principal, Shaarei Torah Primary School Sellers of Dead Sea cosmetics must tone it down a bit Mashabane on Israel, Orthodox rabbis on Limmud... Burnt churches don’t always make British headline news In the Jewish Report of November 8 we read “…according to media reports, Minister Mashabane (International Relations Minister, nogal) stated on Friday that her government’s policy was not to engage with Israel at ministerial level until progress has been made in advancing the Israel-Palestinian peace process and addressing Palestinian grievances”. Ironically, South Africa has a working relationship with North Korea, the “bastion” of democracy, human rights and liberty. It must be noted that their society is equitable: everyone is impoverished. In the same issue, under “Limmud and the Orthodox” Rabbi Cardozo describes the unwillingness of (some) Orthodox rabbis to assist in teaching non-Orthodox/Conservative/Reform/ nonaffiliated Jews, via Limmud. So, we have the ANC washing their hands of the IsraelPalestine conflict and some Orthodox rabbis washing their hands of bringing Torah to non-Orthodox Jews. If we discount the non-Orthodox this would include 70 per cent of Israelis Once again Canada has shown itself to be Israel’s best friend in the world by refusing to reduce sanctions on Iran following the circus in Geneva. Barack Obama and his lackey, John Kerry, have shown themselves to be weak, gullible and naive - the Neville Chamberlains of the modern age. America’s status as the world’s superpower has crumbled. Israel must now do what suits Israel and not America or the EU or any other country for that matter. Jews around the world must unite behind Israel in its struggle for survival in a hostile region. In the last elections 70 per cent of American Jews voted for Obama. Sickening. I’m replying to the question posed to me by Dr Jack Chernin from London, “Could Mr Selikow please tell us which, where and when the churches were burnt down?” (by Islamists in Britain). While the torching of an Islamic centre in London in response to the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby was a big media story and caused a furious reaction by the British rabbis, the British Board of Jewish Deputies, and the Community Security Trust, the following attacks on churches over the same month did not make the news at all. Church arson in Cumbria; arson attack at a Hampshire church; a church in Surrey, England has been targeted in a suspected arson attack; a blaze at a parish church in Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire. The non-reporting was because of a media blackout, but occasionally it does make it into the media. See the following: http://www.sundaypost.com/newsviews/uk/shock-rise-in-fire-attacks-on-churches-1.133566 and also see the following article on an incident that took place just over a decade ago: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ uk_news/england/1641817.stm And anyway, they are raping British children and killing British soldiers on the streets. Why would an example of burning of churches be needed? People are sick and tired of putting up with Islamic aggression. There have been British girls raped and forced into prostitution by Muslim gangs. The victims are in the vast majority neither Muslim nor Jewish (although how do we know it won’t spread to Jewish communities?) In any event, where is the Community Security Trust and the Shomrim that are so eager to protect mosques or the rabbis who are so eager to pay solidarity visits to the mosques? To support Islamisation of a country against the wishes of the native people, as has been done by the Community Security Trust and Shomrim, the British Board of Jewish Deputies and British rabbis, is a chillul hashem. When have any of them condemned the rape and child prostitution networks run by Muslim gangs in Britain? If they have not then, why not? Brian Levenstein Israel Gary Selikow Johannesburg John Brenner Johannesburg Last week The Star’s Verve page carried a humorous article listing 50 things that most irritate people. One of these was the Israeli Dead Sea cosmetic sellers, who have outlets at shopping malls and airports. This issue was also raised on a radio talk-show and again the sellers were mentioned (albeit very neutrally) by callers as being very annoying. I cannot disagree. Of course, the purveyors of these cosmetics are free to market and price them in any way they see fit and it is up to the consumer to buy them or not. But, in the light of current (negative) sentiments towards Israeli goods, which have been boycotted in many places around the world, even here not too long ago, as well as the general concern about an undercurrent of anti-Semitism, I too, would be relieved if they would tone it down. I must admit feeling uncomfortable when I was targeted by these salespersons; they took persistence to an unprecedented level and a polite refusal was rebuffed again and again as yet another “special offer” was proffered. One virtually has to tell them to “buzz off” to get rid of them! I actually felt a degree of “shander voor de goyim” by both their intrusive sales talk, manner and the outrageous price of the goods. Of course, it is a different matter if you are able and willing to indulge in extravagant cosmetics. For the general non-Jewish public, however, this is not, in my opinion, the true face of Israel, or PR I would like them to see and it gives an unfortunate misconception of the standard of Jewish business. Israel must do what is good for Israel alone Sonja Bulkin, Highlands North ‘Jewish Zulu’ coming to the Teatro stage Tapestry Johnny Clegg, popularly known as the Jewish Zulu, took his highly acclaimed show, A South African Story, to the Royal Albert Hall in London, in March this year, where he debuted as a solo artist on this prestigious stage. This weekend sees this show coming home to Teatro at Montecasino, November 29 - December 1. The show reflects Clegg’s life, lyrics and choreography, and is one of our culture’s timeless gems, offering insight into the trajectory of South African history and discrimination. Featuring previously unseen visuals, state-of-the-art lighting, it promises to be iconic. KING DAVID JUNIOR SCHOOL Situated in Linksfield, is an independent Jewish Day School, from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Part-time Jewish Studies teacher for Foundation Phase commencing January 2014. The school seeks a dynamic, innovative and experienced teacher for the Jewish Studies Department with relevant requirements for this position. The successful applicant will: m Be passionate about Jewish Studies m Enjoy working with children m A team player, forward thinking and passionate about working in a school environment m Competent regarding information technology skills m Be flexible A Curriculum Vitae and contact information of two referees should be emailed to [email protected] Closing date for applications: December 6, 2013 The school reserves the right not to make an appointment. Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. avid 15x3 271113.indd 1 Philippa Graf Kotzen ‘on the world as I experience it’ Artist Philippa Graff Kotzen exhibits paintings at The Studio, in Highlands North on December 1. In a media statement, she describes her work: “It is the unplanned, involuntary visual experience that I translate into compositions on canvas. I am intrigued by the wealth of design, pattern and colour in nature and manmade artefacts, architecture and textiles. I respond with my emotional retort. It is the composition stripped to the bare essentials that pleases me. The contemporary works makes manifest my preoccupation with mark making and colour, conveying my response to the world as I experience it.” For further information: 083-225-5786. 2013/11/27 2:30 PM 29 November – 6 December 2013 Tapestry SA JEWISH REPORT 13 Blood Brothers deservedly Property investment in Israel a win-win option raises the musical bar Photo: Jesse Kramer Advertorial Solly Zaslansky; Shlomo Grofman, chairman of the Faire Fund; and Oved Zangi, sales manager of the Faire Fund was an ideal investment opportunity to establish The economic theory of supply and demand continues to make property investment in Israel a a property foothold in Israel. winning option. Land for residential development Fund III remains in short supply, with the pressing short• Faire Funds I and II have proved to be excepage of 145 000 apartments. tional investments with great yields and profits Some 40 000 units are needed annually, while to investors. Many South Africans successonly some 25 000 units are being constructed fully participated in Fund II which closes next annually. As a result, property prices and property year and many of these investors are already investments must remain on the rise! committing to putting their gains back into the This, Shlomo Grofman, chairman of the Faire recently-established Fund III. Fund, told a packed auditorium at Melrose Arch • The Fund is viewed as a marvellous investment Hotel last Tuesday. for investors opting for diversification of investThe annual roadshow presentation by the Faire ments in a limited term fund. Fund and subsequent private meetings held durTo find out more, please call Solly Zaslansky on ing the week, proved most informative, unveiling 083-327-2739. excellent investment opportunities they offer Keeping secrets: Mrs Johnstone (Bianca le Grange) with a seven-year-old Edward Lyons (Dean Balie). If you missed the phenomenal interview in Israel. Grofman highlighted two investment Shlomo Grofman had on ChaiFM, you can hear options, namely either purchase an apartment the podcast at http://www.chaifm.com/index. candy with a deeper subtext, it touches all or invest in the recently opened Faire Fund III Theatre: “Blood Brothers” adapted php/podcasts/weekday-podcasts-6am-6pm/chaithe bases necessary in extraordinary theatre. Apartments. and directed by David Kramer (Pieter drive-podcast Pantomime fans may recognise Bianca le While limited stock is still available in the Toerien Theatre, Montecasino Fourways, Mr Grofman and his Faire Fund team wish all Grange as a Cinderella a few years back. It completed projects in Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and until January 5). Jewish Report readers, their friends and clients a was at this panto that Kramer noticed her. Ashdod, the launch of the 142 apartment project Happy Chanukah. “She’d been caught up as a pop recording art- in Bat Yam was announced. This he pointed out, REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN ist, which represents very different challenges to a seven-show week. As Mrs Johnstone, Deeming this production flawless is an understatement. This version of Blood Brothers she carries the show.” Le Grange’s emotional muscularity will has been in the head and heart of director make you cry; she becomes the face of milDavid Kramer (pictured below) for nearly 30 years. The final product has all the fastidious- lions of women subject to their own indigence and fertility. ness and love of something thought through You’ll recognise Dean Balie (Edward) and in every aspect. Carlo Daniels (Sammy) if you saw Kramer’s Calling himself a “survivor” with 35 years Kat and the Kings, which graced local stages in theatre, he told SAJR he saw Blood Brothfor 11 months last year. They debuted with ers in London in 1987; a match was lit in his Kat. In Blood Brothers, they shine with head about the possibilities of adapting it authority. with a Cape Town context. “With the twins, I needed actors who could “I’d almost given up on it. Then, two years play across the ages.” ago, there was a rumour Pieter Toerien was The play is structured into increments of considering Blood Brothers; I pitched the The present head, who has with love and care attended for seven years; the performance of Balie and idea to him.” many years to those in our community who are in need, is Ephraim Gordon, who plays Mickey contains The original by Willy Russell of Educating calling it a day. developed sense of authenticity, making the Rita and Shirley Valentine fame, written in passage of time believable. 1981, was premised on the Liverpool slums Elton Landrew wowed audiences last year and loosely based on a tale by Alexandre DuWe therefore seek the services of an experienced social worker mas, The Corsican Brothers. Kramer met Rus- in his gutturally sophisticated Boesman, in to head DJSS and to act as Director of our residential home Fugard’s Boesman and Lena. In Blood Brothsell in London in 2012. “He was concerned of between 12 and 15 members of our community who have about the work’s geography.” They met again, ers, Landrew is the narrator. Says Kramer: “His is a special presence necessary in the the following June, in Russell’s Soho apartspecial needs. work.” He doesn’t exaggerate. ment. “Being with him was like being with This production raises the bar on largeone of the Beatles,” Kramer adds. “He has the The successful applicant must have: scale musicals. Not only is it impeccably polsame Liverpudlian dryness.” ished in everything from set to performance, The two worked extensively on the • Relevant degree in social work with a minimum of 10 years it delivers a truly human texture. 24-year-old script. Ultimately, Russell gave experience It’s a heartbreaker with a denouement Kramer freedom to adapt the work. • Registered with the SA Council for Social Work Professions The riveting tale of twins separated at birth predicted in its overture, threaded through • Provide social work services; assessments; counselling as it is with adulation of Marilyn Monroe and in a flurry of financial torsion and imposed old wives’ tales. It’s the best we’ve seen in rehousing, it’s filtered through with sinister services; supportive services and crisis intervention decades. reflections to Faustian deals. Mixing eye DURBAN JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICES INCORPORATING JEWEL HOUSE HEAD OF SOCIAL SERVICES • Experience in mental health needs would be an advantage • Ability to prepare case presentations • Ability to manage and motivate staff • Good writing skills • Computer literacy Suitable applicants should apply, in writing, with a concise CV to the Chairman of DJSS at P O Box 50833, Musgrave, 4062. Interviews will be held in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town DJSS 20x4.indd 1 2013/11/27 2:32 PM the South African population. interviewed on Radio SAfm, she was even ountry and her Conservative Party 11 WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama ears, from 1979 to 1990. in his Yom Hashoah message recalled his This column is paid for by the SA Jewish Board of Depu She called Begin, who served two terms recommitment in Israel last month to A column of the Chevrah Ka n the 1980s, the “most difficult” man combating anti-Semitism and intolerance. 01–-608 June 2012 2had SA SAdeal JJEWISH EWISH REPORT REPORT he14 to with, according to the “Today, we honour the memories 29 November December 2013 Community Columns hronicle. She also strongly opposed of the six million Jewish victims and A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies A column of the Chevrah Kadisha srael’s bombing of Iraq’s Osirak nuclear millions of others who perished in the Everyone enjoys a good As You it happened, the most why practical eactor. darkness ofOWN the Shoah,” Obama said on Everyone’s been boasting may be wondering I am and boas CORRESPONDENT story, the but 2012 they’re not affordable option was to pay that’s their bond She believed that the Arab-Israel conflict Monday in a message timed for Holocaust about matric results when the dos about matric The Johannesburg Jewish much fun they’re they could continue in their home was at the centre of the Western world’s Remembrance Day. results andwhen there’s cerschools. And it’s a living good question. But th Genealogical which filled with pain and with domestic help. We also facilitated di ifficulties in the Middle East, pressing “As we reflect on theSociety(JJGS) beautiful lives lost tainly a lot to boast about of who is responsible for ensuring that died a quiet death some years ago, ability grants whicheducation helped toward food a sraeli leaders to make peace with the and great potential that would never receive a Jewish has become -suffering. mazaltov to learners, nity,their the lessons of Chanukah have a particular Chanukah, which resurrected Almost daily a new clothing. alestinians in order to cool regional fulfilled,has webeen also pay tributeastothe allJewish those parents and schools! ingly murky. Maybe we should talk abou around this time. commences this week, beresonance Genealogical Society South Africa. heart-breaking story home visitsfrom were routi ensions. whoOne resisted the Nazis’ heinous actsAfrican and all The cost ofand private education inaJewis The 15 matric students of theTh great strengths South represents among It was with a growing sense ofCounselling trepidation that I returned e JGSSA is affiofliated to the crosses my desk involvly provided and arrangements were made Israeli Prime Minister other Benjamin those survived,” hefour said. for whom the Chev proschools is prohibitive and frankly, unsu Jewrywho is that more than out of five of its things the meeting at the Department of Social Development last week. International Association of Jewish ing some communal enable the children toSupport continue in thei Netanyahu mourned herresilience passing of inthe a Jewish children “On myattend recent trip toSocieties Israel, I(IAJGS),the had thethe The colleagues Chev’s Student vided financial and couna Jewish day school. While I attended it with some oftomy key to discuss theServices Genealogical sadness and sorrow. schools. tatement. opportunity to in visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s agreement with these schools through w selling services, all passed benefits ofumbrella this fostering an enduring Jewish people in maintainbusiness plans we had submitted for subsidies for Selwyn Segal, body of over 80 societies “She was truly a great ing leader, womanand of national Holocaust memorial, and reaffirm These situations are But life evolves and with the passage we subsidise families in need of help bu with excellent results identity are obvious, it does also mean that theirareligious Kadimah, Sandringham Gardens, Arcadia and Social Services. around the world. A call is going out often of time it became that the children rinciple, of determination, of conviction, collective responsibility confront when theyfor leave school, mostinofto our youth of willthe cultural identity under our This is with a process that occurs several times - we submit to a degree. Theach eclear bulkyear of the subsidy rest -challenging, several multiple all interested the history be exposed to a predominantly non-Jewish Jews of SA and the story of their own the most difficult business plans and the Department responds with service level requiring more wisdom required closer supervision. f strength; a woman of greatness,” anti-Semitism, prejudice and intolerance the schools themselves. Th at, we believe distinctions. Our pledge Above Board infirst Europe environment for the time.and ForSouth them,Africa, their circumstances. agreements advising us of what they will subsidise, how much they than wedentiality humans have, The oldest had matriculated and ou Netanyahu said. across the families world.” should be. son of confi prevents Mary Kluk to become involved. Partners in continued identification with the Jewish comHistorically, Jews will subsidise and what we must achieve to merit this. and there are seldom student support services financed his ter “She was a staunch friend of Israel He concluded: “On this Yom Hashoah, me from saying more than Primary responsibility for education National Chairman Thethe JGSSA munity henceforth ahosting matter aofpublic choice. Chesed haveinspired been subjected Believe me when Ithis say we tiary jump through hoops acquire that becam simple solutions. nd the Jewish people. She a we mustwill accept fullbeisresponsibility twotoyounger ones daystudies. schoolsThe remains the obligation of th that some achieved meeting the HODand Partners in support In wishing our matriculants allCentre, success I to all kindsofofpolitical challengesleaders. that have threatened and will continue do is school demanded of us.are Michael Sieff eneration I send my of remembrance, asatnations as 58 Respecting thehorrifi ofeducational Arcadia’sthat after isheverything system. Butprogramme schools under the most c topart Oaklands Road, Orchards, on March also strongly encourage them to find ways to to separate them from their heritage. At worst, But it’s getting more and more difficult for them to justify Group CEO Chesed privacy and (often homework andpressure play is supervised. most sincere condolences to her family and individuals - not simply to pledge ‘Never themselves under and are hard circumstances and opthat we where 10 at 19:30. At this meeting affairs. Lionel remainbut connected to Jewish communal taken the form outright supporting us. In a been sense, our problems are tiny by comparison with Michael Sieff o this the has government and of people of religious Great again’, to commit ourselves to the posing) perspectives of situation is being carefully monitored and and sometimes disinclined to maintain are thrilled to have Slier will give a talk about “Ththe e SA In particular, I urge new students to join persecution, as was the case in the time of the those the country is facing is a whole. Group CEO those involved, we sumif it becomes necessary, they will move in ritain.” understanding, empathy and compassion able to help. subsidies, particularly for students who RescueStudents of Jewish Orphans frominthe Union of Jewish and get involved Maccabees and at various other times subseBeing less than 0,5 per cent of the population, and having certain standards and mon our resources Vivian Wineman, president of the Board that is the Horrors foundation of peaceEastern and human reward with good behaviour and good r Ourallnumbers could have Arcadia. of War-torn Europe expectations, they are increasingly the diverse projects and activities it provides. to that. disinclined the needs of a faith-based f quent Deputies of British Jews, told JTA that dignity.” to examine from every angle.to Sadly, dad has passed away. West been bigger,the butcomplexities there were no matric students atconsider Unlike welfare, education is notPark the to C in 1921, taken to South Africa”. The annual end-of-year youth camps will be A more insidious form of pressure, which is organisation with low numbers and high ideals. hatcher “was always extremely supportive In a separate statement, Representative Then welast do year our very best to help. care of all and covered thea area of arrangements expertise. Education becomes Arcadia [email protected] commencing shortly. An essential aspect of orwhat primarily faces Diaspora Jewry today, is Of course for us, our numbers are anything but small and our budget, at R200 million nd admiring of the ethos of the British Nancy Pelosi082-423-05560. (Democrat California), I want to share just one story with you. burial costs. ganising these events is ensuring that the camps per annum, is enormous. By Jewish standards our welfare offerings are adequate, not that of quiet assimilation into the host culture. ewish community. This close relationship the minority leader in the US House Once upon a time the parents of three We have finally managed to persuade m A column of WIZ are properly secured. Here, the CSO continues to luxurious. But I understand that everything is relative. This, too, had to be overcome by our ancestors egan when her family took in a young of Representatives, noted that the day children were involved in a serious car accito join our protected employment program do an outstanding job. during the period of Greek overlordship, given The bottom line is that it is becoming more evident, with every passing year, that our ustrian Jewish refugee from Nazism in marked thetoHebrew calendar’s anniversary dent. The father was left a paraplegic and his which will bolster her self-esteem and prov It is able discharge this vital task, along how very powerful and enticing was the domireliance on government subsidies is an illusion. As we watch our grants plummet, it is henant lateGreek 1930s.” of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. wife we suffered severe emotional trauma and her with a productive element to her day. with many more of its core functions, in large of the day. clear need to adjust our expectations. “There are people, there ideas. “This day isitsa volunteer reminderbase. of allThis who had depression. Neither was ableAs to planning, work. This storythe far from over, it iswill our the newly-elected ofisWIZO SA I thebut part through is another Chanukah differs from theare other festivals In the interests of responsible we have president to accept reality that Chev Occasionally come together the couragearea to fight whocan refused It’s our policy to reliant try to solicit support from hopemy that we can and provide the children with look forward to sharing thoughts aspiraimportant whereback; our youth make a in having anthose overtlytwo public aspect to the way become completely upon the community. family members, but in thismillion case, many o in create Lady Thatcher was of anthe tomeaningful allow the contribution. inhumanity of the Nazis to emotional and support that w tionsas for movement in 2013. Theducational e and leadership whichvision. its central ritual, the lighting In 2010 we received R15,2 ininour subsidies, assessment rates Lottery. xceptional leader, a Once colleague in the them of Itheir ownclass humanity,” she others, no-one couldwas assist. in time, to emerge confident ofR8,6 WIZO SA attended the WIZO (Meeting In conclusion, wish our of 2013 evecandles, is observed. lit, those lights must deprive In 2011 that figure onlyMaintaining million and inenable 2012 itthem, was MOR R4 574 440. nternational arena a friend their medical aid was a priority. productive ofenterprising our ofIRepresentatives) in Israelare in January and werecommunity. rything of the best in this exciting new phase be displayed so as toand be visible fromfor theme outside said. While the reality is daunting, also know that we Jews amembers resilient, ersonally,” IsraeliAs President Peres is alives, reminder of the defiant spirit Thenand a holistic approach was applied, storyteller happy proudly acknowledged forneed our quick response toprefers of“Ittheir and look forward to their future the Jewish home. such, theyShimon represent an people quite used to being self-reliant. It seems Certainly we tothis summon those resources aid in a statement. served asidentity. an ofinvolvement the survivors, whose strength and involving our financial services, the healthcare Pillars of Defenceendings. Emergency Appeal last year. in the Jewish community. unabashed assertion“She of one’s Jewish again. nspiration other asthe theform firstof perseverance still inspire us today. It is professionals socialholiday workers who teamed May our partnership In Southfor Africa, thisleaders, also takes I wish you alland a restful period. Travel safely. Th e spontaneous and generous donations continue of our to thrive • Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, celebrations in such public venues as shopping May our partnership continue to thrive. emale prime minister of Great Britain she a reminder of the righteous among the up to assess the family’s living arrangements Feelprovide free topsychological contact me on feedback@ chaverot to this fund will 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00-13:00. centres, featuring lighting of afar giant roke newoften ground. She the showed how a nations who risked their own lives to and determine how best to meet their needs. thechev.org.za counselling programmes, dealing with post-trauChanukiah. Talk to me on [email protected] erson can go with strength of character, protect the lives of their neighbours.” (JTA) matic stress for our children, staff their This columnyouth, is paid forand by the Chevrah Kad For many younger members of our commuThis column paid for by SA Jewish Board of Deputies families in the day-care WIZO Thiscentres, column isschools paid forand by the Chevrah Kadisha Johannesburg Jewish Genealogical Society is re-launched May our young Jews remain true to their heritage Subsidising Jewish educatio Once upon a time... Jumping through hoops… with relatively precarious rewards Attending MOR is like c youth clubs, affected by the bombing. Youth In addition, in those areas where WIZO facilities are at high risk, allocations are being made to se2013/04/10 4: cure and upgrade the bomb shelters. The concern WI and support of our chaverot for Israel’s human were kosher and those we are forbidden to eat. SUZANNE BELLING South needs, are greatly appreciated by World WIZO. There was a giant model of Noah’s Ark in the Tamar L We thank you for caring and for making the foyer of the school and each class did a project, Recently children from Torah Academy Nursery Presi difference and as each facility is secured with the with paintings and handcraft connected to rain, School held a “Rainbow Day”, when they all necessary structures, we will keep you informed. umbrellas and the story of Noah. dressed in the different colours comprising a Each year the attendees at the MOR are exposed to a Highlight of the week was a visit to the Nursrainbow. battery of facts and fi gures and highly-rated opinions animals from a petting farmon- a They learnt about various animals which Noah ery School by subjects of interest as goats, part ofchickens, a globalducks movement to improve pony, and rabbits. took on board the Ark and differentiated which the status of women in every sphere of their lives in Israel. From the spiralling cost of living to honour killings; from Rainbow Day for TA children Photo: Suzanne Belling NJWED01412.indd 14 NJWED01622.indd 16 Children from Torah Academy Nursery School receiving a practical lesson on the biblical story of Noah when animals from a petting farm were brought to the school. The partners and staff of Grant Thornton would like to wish all their Jewish clients a Happy Hanukkah. KDHSVP grade 12s pay visit to Soweto DAVID GROSS www.gt.co.za © 2013 Grant Thornton South Africa. All rights reserved. Grant Thornton South Africa is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (‘Grant Thornton International’). Jewish Report_Hanukkah.indd 1 2013/11/15 3:09 PM The King David High Victory Park Grade 12s continued a school tradition and went on a tour of Soweto for the day. For the history learners it was a way of seeing “where it all happened” and for the whole grade it was an opportunity to experience an environment so different, yet so much a part of our lives. The whole experience was an eye-opener and made a strong impression on us. In addition to learning a tremendous amount, we all walked away with a new appreciation of how Danielle Nagar and Alexis Landauer with kids from the Kliptown Youth Project. lucky we are. Classifieds 29 November – 6 December 2013 What’s On Today, Friday (November 29) • Giant menorah lighting at Chabad’s Goodness & Kindness Centre, 8 Stella Street, Sandton at 18:00. Information: (011) 440-6600. To book your classified notice or advert contact: Tel (011) 274-1400, Fax 086-634-7935, email: [email protected] IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Jewish Report runs adverts in the Classified section in good faith, however we cannot be responsible for the quality of services offered and claims made. NOTICES LIFTS OFFERED The winners in the WIZO South Africa “Progressive Jackpot” 2013 competition, were: SMILE-LEE’S LIFTS A reliable lift service. Specialising in lifts to and from airports, shops, appointments, casinos and courier. Charne 083-391-6612 B Franklin R Gawron M Goldstein V Cohen (WIZO PE) M Stekel F Kirsch WIZO South Africa would like to thank the community for their contribution to the Jackpot. SERVICES MEMORIALS Hawley Marble and Granite Works Est. 1948 Monumental masons. We are proud to have served the Johannesburg Jewish community for many decades. Your support is much appreciated. Collen Hawley Tel: (011) 8289010 Chaim Silver (011) 485-3005 LIFTS OFFERED Brian K Lift Service Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Airport shuttle “special” R180. Your return from OR Tambo: R160 Call Brian 076 533 1440 Experienced, reliable driver able to lift you anywhere / anytime 24 hours. Courier work undertaken. Please call Paul 083-542-6480 Lift service Doctors app, shopping, OR Tambo, Pretoria. Reasonable rates! Ivan 082-962-5007 A TAXI SERVICE Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur you to your destination in Johannesburg and back. Only R120 round trip for 20km. Tel: 082-399-6187 Sun City & Game Reserve Barry Schleps More or less from R80 All you need to do is call 082-498-9260 for a quote. AIRPORT SERVICE JHB 8-seater. Tours/Day Drives Contact Arnold, 082-447-0185 011-454-1193 Airport Shuttle Sam (011) 728-5219 083-627-8516 To OR Tambo from R160 To Lanseria from R210 Reasonable rates to all other areas PROPERTY TO RENT Accommodation Kosher holiday home Sea Point Modern 4 bed 4 bath home available from Dec 18. Patio with views, braai, double garage air-con, WI-FI, computers, ADSL, DStv. Dates neg, Price R3 000 pd Kashrut references required. Call 082-776-9688 When last were your Mezuzahs checked? A professional scribe with 30 years experience (Rabbi Klein) will inspect all Mezuzahs and Tefillin. Supplier of new Scrolls and Tefillin TO RENT HOME SERVICES COTTAGE(S) TO RENT PERCELIA Modern, 2 bedrooms, full new kitchen, parking bay R6 000 p/m excl. electricity. Bookkeeping, tax and CCs at reasonable rates. Tel: (011) 616-6212. 1 bedroom bachelor accommodation with new kitchen. R3 000 p/m excl. electricity. Call Doron 083-411-3678 GLENHAZEL One-bedroom flat with 2 parking bays, close to Yeshiva. Ideal for single executive or young couple. R5 250 monthly, plus electricity and security. Available from January 1 2014. Contact Jay 082 929 6074. ACCOMMODATION BONDI, SYDNEY Modern, bright, spacious 2-bedroomed apartment (suitable for 2 people). Close to transport, shops, restaurants, shuls. With Internet and all modern amenities, incl garage. Available December 12 - January 16, 2014. Rental: A$1 500 per week. Respond by e-mail to cecilesmollan@ gmail.com HOME SERVICES • Chabad hosts a thanksgiving Shabbos dinner - a traditional thanksgiving menu with a Chanukah twist .Cost: R150 per person. RSVP essential [email protected] /[email protected] or phone (011) 440-6600. ANYONE GOING AWAY? Need a house sitter? Look after all animals Doron on 073-800-3670 Appliance Repairs on-site Fridges, stoves, washing machines, tumbledriers and dishwashers. (011) 334 1102 Free quotations! Call Jason 082-473-6040 082-401-8239 SILVER REPAIR & REPLATING Deceased estate house clearances Entire households cleared, professionally and confidentially. I’ll take the burden off your shoulders and pay you for it. Please contact Ladislav Miklas 079-810-8837 For a trusted and professional service. Also clear garages, cellars, storage rooms and storage facilities. JUST MATRICULATED? GET YOUR DRIVER’S LICENCE! DRIVE WITH DAVE Fully qualified driving instructor. Centrally located • K53 instruction. Patient, highly experienced. Very high success rate. Code 8 and Code 10. Contact Dave Geffen on 082-3767-045 or (011) 887-0137 VEHICLES WANTED IF YOU WANT TO BUY OR SELL A VEHICLE Contact: Solly Kramer 082-922-3597 FOREIGN CITIZENSHIP Lithuanian / Polish / German citizenship • UZLC hosts Rabbi Shaun Wingrin on “Honouring the Past. Embracing the Future”. Venue: Our Parents Home. Time: 14:00. Contact: Gloria, (011) 485-4851 or 072-127-942. Saturday evening (November 30) • Chabad House invites you to a Chanukah celebration at KosherWorld. Menorah lighting at 20:40. • Giant menorah lighting at Chabad’s Goodness & Kindness Centre, 8 Stella Street, Sandton at 19:00. Information: (011) 440-6600. Sunday (December 1) • Big Band Music Appreciation Society’s December meeting takes place at St John’s College Auditorium, Houghton and will feature Harry Fidler on “A Tribute to Glenn Miller”. Time: 14:15 sharp. Enquiries to Marilyn at 072-243-7436 or Jack at 082-450-7622. Many South African • Chabad House hosts an event of Jewish unity and pride at the Rivonia Road Jews are eligible for entrance to Sandton City. A huge car EU citizenship.If you are interested, please parade will be followed by a children’s programme at 17:30, including menorah contact me. making, an olive press, bands and a raffle. I specialise in obtaining Menorah lighting on the Giant Menorah Lithuanian, Polish and will be at 18:30. Information: (011) German citizenship. 440-6600. I am able to obtain the required docu• RCHCC screens “The Way We Were”, with ments from archives in Cat Simoni doing Barbra Streisand. Venue: Europe and from SA Clive M Beck Auditorium. Time 07:30. Cost: R120 (incl refreshments). Booking: Home Affairs. Rael Cynkin CA (SA) [email protected] 083-346-4627 SEA POINT, CAPE TOWN A rare gem – sea views! 3 – 4 bedroomed apartment with large patio. +- 180 sqm. Housekeeper’s accommodation attached to unit. Lock-up garage. A hop-and-skip to Marais Road Shul. Hazel or René (011) 728-8088/8378, after hours (011) 728-8378, E-mail: rchcc@ telkomsa.net or [email protected] or www.greatpark.co.za • Second Innings hosts its year-end function, with the theme “Hearts’ Desire” and performers Tony Bentel on piano, Gerrit Koorsen on ‘cello and Marli Labuschagne on flute. Venue: The Gerald Horwitz Lounge, Golden Acres. Time: 09:30 for 10:15. Cost: R60 for members, R80 visitors. Contact: Grecia Gabriel, (011) 532-9718. Monday (December 2) • The Yiddish Academy is holding its annual end-of-year Chanukah party at the RCHCC, Glenhove Road, Houghton. Time: 19:15 for 19:30. Donation: R20. Refreshments will include potato latkes, sufganiyot and soft drinks. RSVP yiddishacademy @gmail.com We will remove and refit your Mezuzah Phone Ivor on (011) 615-8738 or 082-682-3438 NB: Mezuzahs and Tefillin must be checked twice every seven years • Beit Emanuel presents the “Tenth Franz Auerbach Interfaith Memorial Lecture”. Yasmin Sooka, executive director Foundation for Human Rights, will deliver a lecture on “The Role of Religion in Social and Political Reconciliation”. Venue: Beit Emanuel, 38 Oxford Road (Entrance 3rd Ave), Parktown. Time: 20:00, after the evening service/Kiddush. Information: Ilana, (011) 646-6170/1/2. Offers from R4 699 000.00 Call Esther on 082-447-1394 • Chabad of Norwood hosts a menorah lighting at Norwood Mall at 18:30. Information: (011) 440-6600. SA JEWISH REPORT 15 • Giant menorah lighting at Chabad’s Goodness & Kindness Centre, 8 Stella Street, Sandton at 19:00. Information: (011) 440-6600. Tuesday (December 3) • WIZO Aviv hosts motivational speaker Joel Harris, on “Surrender to the Fact that Life is not Fair” and Bev Milun, numerologist and life coach, on “The 3 Most Important Things to Teach your Children”. Time: 09:30. Cost R150 including tea. For essential bookings and venue details: Cindy 082-894-3941 or Andrea 083-677-8999. • UOS hosts an “Executive Fundraiser” breakfast with a panel discussion, with Trevor Manuel, Tony Leon and Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, on ”A 20/20 Perspective on Democracy: 1994 - 2034”. Interviewer Stephen Grootes. Venue: Summer Place in Hyde Park. Time: 07:30 - 08:45 (breakfast served from 07:00). Cost: R750 per delegate. Bookings: 010-214-2600, e-mail: [email protected], online www.uos.co.za • Chabad House invites all seniors to its annual Chanukah Extravaganza; including entertainment, olive oil press, violinist, Kristel Birkholtz, Kids Choir, lunch, raffle, arts & crafts, dreidel tournament and more. Time:11:30 at Chabad House, Savoy. RSVP essential. Call (011) 440-6600 or e-mail [email protected] • Chabad House hosts a Chanukah menorah lighting at Killarney Mall at 18:30. Information: (011) 440-6600. • Giant menorah lighting at Chabad’s Goodness & Kindness Centre, 8 Stella Street, Sandton at 19:00. Information: (011) 440-6600. Wednesday (December 4) • Discovery Vitality and Friends of the Chev present “Helping You Run Better” - tips and strategies from leading experts to help you achieve your full potential. Venue: Discovery Auditorium, 155 West Street, Sandton. Time: 17:45 for 18:00. A panel discussion facilitated by Benjy Porter, featuring Bruce Fordyce, Dr Craig Nossel and Candice Smith, follows. No charge, but bookings are essential. Contact Tanya at [email protected] or (011) 532-9628. • WIZO Chanukah Party for Women at the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation. Time: 19:00. Book the date for the eighth lighting. Chanukah candle-lighting at 19:30. Deputy Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman will open the evening with an interactive Israel update. Fun, laughter and prizes. Each woman is requested to bring a wrapped Chanukah gift up to the value of R100. • RCHCC and the SAJBD host political commentator and author William Gumede who will talk about the new edition of “No Easy Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela. This collection of Mandela’s writings and speeches was first published in this format in 1965. Venue: Clive M Beck Auditorium, RCHCC. Time: 19:30. Admission free. Booking: Hazel or René (011) 728-8088/8378, after hours 011 728-8378, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] or www.greatpark. co.za • Chabad House hosts a party at KosherWorld for the last night of Chanukah. Menorah lighting at 18:30. • Giant Menorah Lighting at Chabad’s Goodness & Kindness Centre, 8 Stella Street, Sandton at 19:00. Information (011) 440-6600. 20 Sport SA JEWISH REPORT 30 November – 7 December 20 Perfecting the than art confident of howabout not Yorker to lose Anton more hopeful Sport 29 November – 6 December 2013 SA JEWISH REPORT 16 game one needs to defend a lead. Howe er, defence is seemingly quickly becomi what South African sport is all about. While the Boks held England at bay in the north, managing to cling to a on point win, the Proteas looked to be hea ing for certain Test defeat Down Under as they ended the fourth day under the cosh at 77 for four wickets, chasing 430 to win. The match looked all over, with a wi for Australia certainty, but AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis and especially Faf d Plessis, had other ideas. De Villiers kep Du Plessis company for 68 overs and a nobbled Kallis for another 40 overs in the searing Adelaide heat, as Du Plessis tenaciously defied the Australian bowli attack for nearly eight hours. Cricketer Faf du Plessis is supported by his team as he pulls off a stunning save of the second Many people would have found the Test match against Australia in Adelaide. pushing and prodding mind-numbing t he took advantage of a lucky bounce of in the final minute was one of the most watch, but it takes a special kind of pro Anton Marcus wins on Yorker at Turffontein in April. Can he do itand again in the aptitude Summer Cup this ou the ball to score the only try - and furinane I have ever seen. That was total ficiency mental to stay weekend? thermore superb defence by the Boks. capitulation, as if to say they were happy there for seven hours and 46 minutes, i I have said for the past few years that Both to Kantor lose byand oneJooste point. 34Anton degrees heatinand high humid and,mainly of course, Marcus the saddle. are involved in the the Boks are unable to play 80 minutes of breeding Onindustry that subject, was thethinking one person Marcus ity, with different partners, one of is a five dedicated rider who travels all and partI of their attacking rugby. In the final 20 minutes when absolutely delighted bybred thatson decision couldtobarely to Markus defy a voraoverwhom the country ride forrun, owner buying this beautifully of Jet of the game they were probably lucky to Master as I had England minus cious and tenacious attack in particular. He rodeAustralian in Cape Town last a mustbacked have been to sendon himato stud at2,5 Jooste save aPietermaritzburg crucial match on forSunday his country. have spent two of those minutes in the andcareer. that whacky decision sealed Saturday, and then thespread end of his was monumental effort, England half. The remaining 18 minutes me my win. there is no hope of having suc- came upThis to the Vaala to ride on Tuesday. Unfortunately on debut and already writte was played somewhere on the Boks’ 22m cess atThere is with no doubt we have I performed have been around horseracing long enough the sales the progeny of a some horse who into that the you folklore of South African crick line. wonderful players our so team, but one to know can never write off any horse, could not perform on theintrack, the decision especially in a race of this nature. Yorker could was taken to geld him. There is little doubt that England, is never certain down which garden path history. in hiswe second runlack afterthe a rest, but He cameHeyneke back in the Charity at Turfwhen it comes to attacking, are equally coach Meyer is Mile leading them. well improve So, while might attackin some people believe the opposite is usually fontein at the beginning of the month and word Afriinept and they certainly had enough But coming back to defence: All sports prowess of a Genghis Khan, Southtrue. There is a belief the worldthe of racing that a was out that he superb work onIt is can sport hasinelevated art of defenc chances. We kept conceding penalties in are made upwas of producing offence and defence. horse often goes flat in his second race after a the track at home and was, in racing parlance, to another level. I suppose there is an the dying moments but one has to say vital to have a balanced share of both. It but that theory has not been running fast that was “catching advantage in playing not to corrobolose... that England’s decision to go for posts is alsosoan art tohe know at whichflies”. point of a layoff, followers throughout the country and the moment it is announced that he is on a particular horse, the odds shorten immediately. Currently Yorker is quoted at 7-1 for the R2 million race to ROCKING ROCKINGTHE THEBOAT BOAT be run over 2000m at Turffontein. Jack Jack Milner Milner Yorker was not a cheap animal to buy. He runs in the colours of Bernard Kantor who is part of a syndicate with Markus Jooste of Winston in his war broadcast, I do notChurchill, profess to be first an authority on when talking about the how the Russians would rugby. During my time at school I actually Steinhoff, and his wife, Ingrid, and cost R1,8 million as a yearling. He started off well enough, behave over aaparticular incident said: “It is a developed hatred for the game because winning three of his first five races, but all riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” it was continually jammed down our those connected with him felt that for Yorker to That is very much the same impression jockey throats. improve, he needed to be gelded. Anton Marcus has of his Sansui Summer Cup However, as I got older and became That is not an easy decision when you have runner, Yorker at this weekend’s meeting. more involved in the world of sport and The former champion jockey has thousands of a horse that could be worth quite a bit at stud. began to understand the nuts and bolts of the game, I actually began to enjoy it very much. Whatever I might think I know, I will always bow in admiration to the likes of commentator Dan Retief who has a marvellous understanding of the sport. However, what I have learned during my tears as a sports journalist is how to analyse a game. As I said last week, I have always tried to maintain my objectivity and not become a “fan with a pen”. Last Saturday I only managed to see the second half of the Springboks versus England Test but on Sunday morning I sat through the replay. Knowing the result, I could put the excitement of a close encounter behind and dispassionately interpret what I had watched. After a little thought I came to the following conclusion: In simple terms, all that won us the game was an inspirational moment from Willem Alberts in which What’s On Sunday (December 2) • RCHCC is rescreening the award-winning film, “The Debt”, directed by John Madden and starring Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, Jessica Castain and Tom Wilkinson. Venue: Clive M Beck Auditorium. Time: 19:30. Donation: R60. Booking: Hazel or René (011) 7288088/8378, after hours (011) 728-8378, e-mail: [email protected] or rene.s@ telkomsa.net or www.greatpark.co.za • JJMC, with musical director Evelyn Green presents a musical tribute to the Doornfontein Hebrew Congregation (Lions Shul), “Memories of Yesteryear”, as a fundraiser for the shul. The repertoire will encompass traditional Jewish songs. Secure parking. Time: 15:00. Tickets available from Darla at R200. 083-794-6358 [email protected] Monday (December 3) • UJW is hosting Marcia Leveson, former professor of English at Wits, on “Please Sir, I Want Some More”, Charles Dickens and children in this his bicentenary year. Time: 09:30. Contact: (011) 6481053, fax 086 273-3044. Donation: R20. Join UJW for an informal tea after the lecture. Thursday (December 6) • UJW CT adult education division hosts Isaac Habib who will talk on “Jewish Life in the Island of Rhodes – From Beginning to End”. Venue: Stonehaven. Time: 10:00 for 10:30. Entrance: R20 (incl refreshments). Enquiries: (021) 4349555. Friday (December 7) As a result, he was backed into favouritism for the Charity Mile, but after looking dangerous 400m from home, he had nothing to come and finished fifth, beaten 4,50 lengths by Royal Zulu Warrior. “Please believe me, I know because I’ve ridden him in work. He gets there in a race (as he did in the Charity Mile), but just doesn’t finish it off. I’m not saying he can’t win on Saturday, but I’m more hopeful than confident,” said Anton. “Then there’s the distance. I’m not convinced he stays 10 furlongs (2000m), only the race will tell.” The distance is an issue. Yorker has won up to 1700m in weaker company, but in his only start over 2000m he finished 10th behind a horse called Vercingetorix. The winner is unbeaten in four starts and is currently in Dubai where he will take on some of the best in the world. What Yorker does have in his favour, however, is a top trainer in Geoff Woodruff, who has won this race twice before, with El Picha in 1999 and Eventuail, who was owned by the late Laurie and Jean Jaffee, a very good No 2 draw rated in either direction. I am not a fan of Yorker in this race, but it is very open. Woodruff has four runners and the other three - Master Sabina, Tellina and Killua Castle - could all have chances. I have decided to row in with an outsider named Royal Bencher. He was on offer at 66-1 at one stage but is now trading at 14-1. He dead heated with Pomodoro in last year’s SA Derby at this course. Pomodoro went on to win the Durban July while Royal Bencher suffered an injury and was out of training for more than a year. He has had three runs since returning to racing and his last – in the Grade 2 Victory Moon Stakes – was excellent. Royal Bencher is trained by Alec Laird, son of legendary trainer Syd Laird, who won the Durban July seven times and looked after the likes of Politician, Yatagan and the all-time great Sea Cottage. Alec won this race in 2006 with Malteme while jockey Kevin Shea has won it twice - on Ingleside in 2001, ironically for Bernard Kantor, and again in 2003 on Wolf Whistle. • The United Sisterhood has its yearend book sale at the Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre. Unwanted books and magazine donations are gladly accepted. Contact: Tel (011) 646-2409; fax (011) 646-4654. World News in Brief POPE CALLS FOR END TO PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS, NEW ME PEACE EFFORTS NOW AVAILABLE IN-STORE ROME - At a gathering in Rome with Lebanon’s new cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI launched a new appeal for peace in Syria and the Middle East, the Associated Press reported. “The church encourages all efforts for peace in the world and in the Middle East, a peace that will only be effective if it is based on authentic respect for other people,” Pope Benedict told the gathering, which included several Lebanese pilgrims. He also spoke out concerning the plight of Christians from their traditional homelands throughout the Middle East, calling for them to be able to “live their faith freely”. Christian communities have come under assault by Muslims amid the upheaval related to the “Arab Spring”. Tens of thousands of Syrian Christians have fled from the civil war there, while Egypt’s Coptic Christian community fears the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood and the ultra-extremist Salafi groups to power. Recently, several Coptic Christian teenage women were been assaulted by other women on Cairo subways because their hair was uncovered. Many Coptic women are now afraid to ride the transit system in fear of being assaulted or sexually harassed, according to Morning Star News. (JNS.org) Wide range of Fairview Estate cheeses Find us inside KosherWorld KosherWorld 10x8 261113.indd 1 2013/11/27 2:34 PM