AA NL Chan.indd - Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

the norrice leader january 2013
1
January 2013
ALL THE NEWS FROM HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB SYNAGOGUE
Lighting up
Chanukah
R
abbi Kaplan and Chazan Avromi led the
singing as a large crowd, fortified by hot
soup, celebrated the second day of Chanukah,
Sunday, 9 December.
After the ceremony on the forecourt, festivities
moved into the Max Weinbaum Hall for dancing to the
music of Shlock Rock, accompanied by more soup, roast
chestnuts and doughnuts – many thanks to Rebbetzen
Freda Kaplan for cooking the soup which was thoroughly
enjoyed by all..
Later in the week, a large crowd of youth returned
to the MWH for a Kaifeng Dinner, followed by sizzling
entertainment with a show from international Superstar
Regurgitator, Stevie Starr.
More pictures on page 8
A new challenge for
Rabbi
Knopf
H
atzlachah rabah to
Rabbi Anthony Knopf
on his appointment as
Rabbi of the Camps Bay
Shul in Cape Town, South Africa.
He leaves us to take up his new
position shortly before Pesach.
Rabbi Knopf and Carly have endeared themselves to us since they arrived as
newlyweds just before Pesach in 2007, since when we have seen the arrival of their two
children, Dovid and Rachelli.
We have Rabbi Knopf to thank for a number of initiatives, notably the Big Issue
series, the Bet Midrash programme, Chesed activities and the Children’s Squads, all
of which will continue as a testament to his drive, enthusiasm and imagination. All
would agree that Rabbi Knopf is an excellent speaker – his sermons and shiurim have
been enjoyed and appreciated by all who have heard them.
Whilst this will undoubtedly leave a void here, it is a wonderful opportunity for
Rabbi Knopf to lead his own community – and that community will undoubtedly
benefit from his inspiration.
HGSS Chairman, Keith Barnett, says, “I have no doubt that Rabbi Knopf will prove
himself to be an outstanding leader of his new community. Whilst we will miss him enormously,
we are delighted for him on his new appointment. Rabbi Anthony and Carly leave with the deep
affection and gratitude of us all and with all our best wishes for their future in South Africa.”
We will have an opportunity to bid farewell to Rabbi Knopf, Carly, Dovid and
Rachelli before they leave on their new career path, and in the meantime, we are sure
you will all join us in expressing our very best wishes for their future success and
happiness.
There will be an opportunity to bid farewell to Rabbi Knopf, Carly and the children
at a special Farewell Kiddush on Shabbat, 2 February.
An Expanded Role
for Recession Watch
T
he HGSS Recession Watch initiative, a one-to-one programme where personal
mentors have been available to give guidance and support to members who
suffered during the 2009 recession, has been running for the last three and a half
years. Although the programme has been very successful, it has now been decided
to expand its focus beyond the consequences of the recession and to offer mentoring
services to others who may find it of assistance.
With this in mind, it has been decided to rename it HGSS Mentoring, its remit being
to provide totally confidential, one-to-one mentoring support in the following areas:
●
Employment – including CV preparation, considering alternative employment,
opportunities in temporary work and career changes.
●
Domestic financial planning – for example, budgeting, cost management and debt.
●
Whilst taking care to avoid providing social welfare counselling or advice
(which are the preserve of social welfare professionals), mentoring could
also be provided to elderly members, including those who are recently
bereaved or in need of assistance in managing benefits and allowances.
The role of the personal mentor is to offer, on an unpaid basis, constructive and
practical guidance to assist each member personally to resolve his or her issues. This
may include recommending professional advice, counselling or treatment. In such a
case, the personal mentor will help the member identify a suitable professional adviser
but will remain in close contact throughout this process. Total confidentially and
privacy will be maintained in all cases.
It is anticipated that many initial contacts by those requiring assistance will be with
members of the Rabbinic Team or Chazan Avromi. With the member’s approval, they
will make an assessment together with Jeff Durkin, HGSS Mentoring Coordinator, as
to the type of support required and then recommend a personal mentor whom they
consider to be best suited to the particular situation.
Rabbi Kaplan will be giving more details about HGSS Mentoring in Shul and
inviting anyone who wants more information to contact him or Jeff Durkin.
HGSS Mentoring is looking for further mentors. If anyone is interested
in volunteering, please contact Rabbi Kaplan or Jeff Durkin
(email at [email protected])
the norrice leader january 2013
2
Gertie Landy
Gertie who died, aged 100, just before Rosh Hashanah,
was remembered at a memorial service, attended by
The Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, on 6 November. Her son,
Barry, remembers her:
M
y mother, Gertrude (Williams) Landy, universally
known as Gertie, was born in the East End
of London in 1911. Her father was a Russian
immigrant, her mother a member of the Kutchinsky
family, the well known jewellers.
During the First World War, the family moved to
Portsmouth, where they furnished their house with items
bought at the auction of Queen Victoria’s Palace on the
Isle of Wight. They returned to Bishopsgate in 1919 and, in
1922, spent a year in Schwerin in Mecklenberg, North East
Germany where Gertie learned German and experienced
hyperinflation, at first hand. During their stay Hitler
staged his Beer Hall putsch and she also experienced, first
hand, German anti-Semitism such as local youths stoning
their (Jewish!) dog.
When the family returned to
London in 1924, Gertie joined
a Young Zionist society, soon
becoming Chairman. In 1931
she and her father attended
the Zionist Congress in Basel
where she met many people
who were later famous –
Chaim Weitzmann, Nachum
Sokolov and Jabotinsky.
In 1934, she and her
father travelled to Palestine
Gertie and Harry at the
where he bought an orange
induction of
grove. The purchase took so
Rabbi Bernstein in 1971
long that her father had to
return to England, leaving
Gertie to complete it, living on her own in a foreign
country – quite daring for those days. She learnt Ivrit and
travelled on the Cairo to Beirut railway from Egypt to
Syria via Lebanon. In Damascus she was mobbed because
of her blond hair.
In 1935 she met and married Harry Landy and, in
1939, they moved to Hampstead Garden Suburb where
she lived for most of the rest of her life. During the war
they moved to Kings Langley, where she looked after a
constantly floating population of relatives, friends, and
refugees. Harry later became the long-time Financial
Representative of HGSS and Treasurer of the Board of
Deputies.
In 1947 she
inaugurated
the Women’s A young Gertie (third from right) with her
Mizrachi
parents and sisters
movement in
Great Britain, starting with the local group in Hampstead
Garden Suburb, and, in November that year, was in
Palestine for the United Nations vote in favour of
the Jewish state. She never forgot the excitement and
celebrations as the vote was taken and the dancing in the
streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The rest of her life was punctuated by innumerable
visits to Israel, which was truly her second home. She was
a builder of Zion in every sense. The Women’s Mizrachi
(now Emunah) of which she was Chairman from 1947 to
1968, and then Founder President, has achieved much.
The ones dearest to her heart were the first home that
they built in Israel – the home for holocaust orphans in
Afula – the Fanny and Walter Nathan Williams Crèche,
the Kindergarten named after her parents, and the last
home with which she was associated, the Neve Landy
Children’s Home.
Her family home in Hampstead Garden Suburb was a
byword for hospitality. People still remember the annual
Simchat Torah parties held there for over 20 years.
However, after the death of her daughter Rosalind in
1975, she was more and more a devoted grandmother.
No one who
knew her will
forget her sense
of humour, her
fierce
intelligence, and her
wisdom.
She is buried
in the Jerusalem
she loved and
lies next to her
With Rabbi Livingstone, Philip
husband, Harry,
Freedman and Chazan Avromi at the
opening of the Landy Gallery, April
in
Sanhedria
Cemetery.
A tribute from Emunah
I
With son, Barry and daughter-in-law, Ros,
at the opening of Neve Landy
n a moving address, Lillian Brodie, Chair of Trustees of British
Emunah, paid tribute to Gertie on behalf of the organisation. She
said, “Gertie was Chairman of what was then Mizrachi Women’s
Organisation for more than twenty years, and her name is inextricably
linked with what is now Emunah, with our projects in Israel, and with
the vital work we undertake. She led by example, and we who followed
learned from a great master – she taught but she also encouraged.
“She was a tireless and devoted Chairman of what was then Mizrachi
Women’s Organisation for over 20 years and, during those years, she
travelled the country, forming new groups and inspiring young women
with accounts of her visits to Israel, giving graphic outlines of the real
needs for which funds were urgently required. She spoke with passion
and compassion, with total sincerity and with quiet authority, and she
was successful. Through her untiring efforts, over 40 groups were formed
throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. These groups, many of which
still exist today, found cultural and social ways to fundraise, and many
friendships were forged.
“During the years of Gertie’s leadership, as the organisation expanded, so did the number of projects she
initiated, with an ever-increasing financial responsibility. The first project, in 1949, was the Sarah Herzog Children’s
Home in Afula where children, who had arrived as remnants of the Holocaust, were helped to heal and grow up in
a secure and loving home, followed, later, by waves of refugee children from the Yemen, North Africa, Russia and
Ethiopia. Many Afula graduates grew up to become wonderful citizens of the State. Some gave their lives for the
State, two became Cabinet Ministers. Since then, a network of homes, schools, crèches and day centres has been set
up, catering for needy Israeli citizens of all ages. This culminated in 2003 when Gertie, in response to a request from
The Ministry of Social Welfare, opened Neve Landy, the largest and most prestigious project ever undertaken by
British Emunah and considered a centre of excellence.
“When Gertie retired from office, and accepted the title of Founder President, she gave her active encouragement
to those who followed her. She was always interested to hear of the progress of work in Israel, and continued to give
wise counsel when it was sought.
“I wish I could better express how Gertie and so many of her wonderful colleagues inspired and encouraged me
and so many others of my generation and how impressed we all were by her knowledge, her devotion, her energy,
her sincerity and her utter modesty in all that she did.
“British Emunah is indebted to Gertie for much more than I can convey. Her name will long be remembered with love
and honour, not only by her own family, but by thousands of children who never knew her but whose lives were changed
immeasurably through her love, understanding and compassion. Small in stature, but great in heart, her memory will
indeed be a blessing for us all.
Shirley
Kleiman
When, at Rosh Hashanah, we paid tribute to Shirley and
produced a retrospective edition of Hagan, it seemed
inconceivable that we would lose her so soon. We were
anxious to keep her involved in Shul publications and she
had agreed to review the recently published book by her good
friend, Fred Worms , for this edition of The Norrice Leader.
David Lew pays tribute
W
h e n
Hilary
asked
me to write an
appreciation
of
Shirley
Kleiman
for The Norrice
Leader, I jumped at
the offer although,
as I thought back
over
the
last
sixty-odd years, I
Shirley pictured at the wedding, in Jerusalem, in
realised that I could
November 2012, of her granddaughter, Noa.
not avoid talking
With her here are her three sons,
about
Shirley
l to r: Michael, Robert and Paul
without
Alfred.
Shirley and Alfred were always a part of my life. I don’t remember a
Hampstead Garden Suburb without them, although early on their home
was technically in Temple Fortune. They were my parents’ very good and
most loyal friends; Shirley was their prettiest friend.
As time went on, they became Susan and my friends too and it was their
ability to flit across the generations, and to fit seamlessly into ours, or their
own, or their grandchildren’s generations that gave them that popularity
and wide circle of friends and admirers. If truth be told, Alfred could be just
a little bit abrasive, but Shirley was always the calming influence on him.
As children, my siblings and I would, if our parents were away, go to
the Kleimans for Shabbat just as if they were another aunt and uncle. Their
home in Aylmer Road was always a bustle. At first there was Paul. Shortly
after I was joined by my brother, Robert arrived and then Michael was
born a few years later. Paul and his wife Jo chose a life in Manchester in
the theatre, Robert made aliya and married Carine, and Michael and Susie
remained quite close by, in Edgware. Perhaps their disparate paths, both in
homes and careers, reflected Shirley’s wide interests in all aspects of life.
Shirley loved the arts. Her home had beautiful and interesting works
and, in choosing them, she had no sensibilities about what other people
might have thought of them. I remember a new picture arriving on the
wall at Aylmer Road. If you have visited her flat in Monarch Court you
may remember it. At first glance it is a landscape, but the hills resemble the
outline of a woman lying on her back. When their neighbour and friend,
my Uncle Myer, Dayan Lew, saw it first, he looked, considered and then a
wry smile appeared. There was usually music playing in the flat. Shirley
enjoyed the theatre and opera and made an annual visit to Glyndebourne
with her sister Leila and brother-in-law Monty. She read widely and there
were no subjects on which she could not converse except, perhaps, sport.
When Alfred was ill, she trundled up to town in her little car to visit him
daily during his long stay in hospital and nursed him when he returned
home. They did the Telegraph crossword together and it was at that time
that Shirley took over from Alfred as editor of Hagan. I had been involved
with the Shul magazine since Martin Kaye edited it, approaching thirty
years ago. Alfred took it over after Martin’s successor, Jonathan Lauffer,
fled to Carmel College – he always says that was the only way he could
retire from the post. Shirley was involved with Hagan from that point,
because Alfred would never have dared publish anything without first
having shown it to her. Shirley worked in the film industry before having
her family, and her experience in the continuity department gave her an
attention to detail which was apparent when we met to review the material
she had received for publication. Over-long contributions were skilfully
and sensitively reduced, grammatical howlers, especially split infinitives,
were expunged and she always ensured, by nagging her contributors, that
the articles rolled in on time. Although Hagan was sometimes criticised
for being insufficiently community-centric, Shirley was always looking for
new writers from within the community.
When the shul committee decided that Hagan had passed its sell-by
date, I think Shirley accepted that the time to close had probably arrived.
We who were involved in its production were all disappointed and missed
putting together the next issue, none more than Shirley, but she was happy
with the final ‘souvenir’ issue for which she selected her favourite articles
from the past.
Shirley passed away just days after dancing with her granddaughter
Noa at Noa’s wedding in Israel. As ever, she enjoyed life to the full, right
up to the end.
Susan and I will always remember her as the intelligent and
accomplished woman she was. It was our privilege to have been her friend.
the norrice leader january 2013
3
Remembering
Old Friends
All about
Mitzvahs
Since our last issue, the community has lost three of its most
distinguished members. On these pages, they are remembered
with affection and pride.
A message from Rabbi Kaplan
Fred Worms
On Sunday, 16 December, a large crowd joined Della and the family in
the Max Weinbaum Hall for a celebration of Fred’s life which included
eulogies from The Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, HE Daniel Taub, Ambassador
of Israel and Martin Paisner CBE, as well as from his daughters, Nadia,
Hilary and Caroline.
I
n welcoming those present, Rabbi
Kaplan recalled how, whilst still in
Caesaria, on hearing confirmation
of his appointment as Senior Rabbi
of HGSS, he found a message on his
telephone: “This is Fred Worms – you
should call me”.
“At that time I did not know who
Fred Worms was”, recalled Rabbi
Kaplan. “My subsequent encounters
with him confirmed that his brief
message was a typical example of Fred.
He was never long winded, always to the point. However, mention good deeds and achievements
and society will follow that person. May we all learn from Fred Worms’ example.” His welcome
concluded with the words: “Zecher Tzadik Livrachah – May His memory be a Blessing.”
All three children spoke and gave the family perspective. They said how moving it had been
for them to attend the Shabbat Service in the Shul which had brought back so many childhood
memories. Hilary recalled long walks with her father during her childhood, accompanying him
to a local residential home to make Kiddush on Shabbat and Festivals. Her father, she said,
had two famous mottos: Baruch Hashem Yom V’yom and Gam zu Letovah – even when something
seems bad it might be good in the long run. Hilary said: “Dad’s charisma permeated our Shabbat
and Yom Tov table when our family was together..”
Ambassador Taub spoke of Fred’s remarkable contribution to the State of Israel and recalled
his own earliest memories, going back to his childhood at HGSS – he attended a Bnei Akiva
group where Fred’s daughter, Hilary was the Madricha. “Tolerance was Fred’s motto”, he said.
“There was no contradiction in his life.” Fred would say: “I am a Peshat man,” He meant that
simple, lucid and plain explanations are always the best.
After the Chief Rabbi’s address, the film, Excerpts from Eventful Years, produced on the
occasion of Fred and Della’s 60th Wedding Anniversary, was shown. In it, Fred says, “The best
decision in my life was our Aliyah”.
Martin Paisner, in his eloquent eulogy, recalled his close friendship with Fred and Della going
back many years. He described Fred as a man bursting with energy, enthusiasm and ideas with
a great capacity for friendship. He spoke of his personal loyalty, his organisational genius, his
broad cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity, his pride and joy in his family and finally his
pride in and commitment to his Jewish identity, to Jewish values and to Israel. He was a man who
identified with the young – he liked to encourage young people and help them give of their best.
Paisner continued: “Fred was a prominent member of that remarkable group of German
Jewish émigrés whose impact and achievements were profound. Although he himself arrived as a
teenager in London following Hitler’s rise to power, he was nonetheless a product of that unique
confluence of cultural, ethnic and religious traditions that met in German Jewry and that proved so
richly creative.
“In his memoirs, Fred talks about his early schooling at the Samson Raphael Hirsch School
in Frankfurt, with its strict discipline and Orthodox learning, but this was tempered firstly by
his school’s commitment to the principle of Torah im Derech Eretz, coupling as it did secular with
religious education, then, following his arrival in London, by exposure to the entirely different
disciplines of St Paul’s School.”
Paisner reminded his audience that “Frankfurt gave Fred his Jewish soul and identity,
including as it did the idea of Zion of which in its political implications the intellectual source
had arisen in German speaking Central Europe.” But he stressed that “I think it was England
which gave Fred his deep rooted understanding of, and commitment to, tolerance both within
and outside the community. Like so many other émigrés from Central and Eastern Europe
Fred probably came to regard England as one of the most civilised and humane societies in the
world, respectful of the dignity of other people and of other traditions including his own. In
England Fred felt comfortable with his Jewishness, and he was
immensely proud that he and Della were able to see traditional
Jewish values continued through their children’s generation
and beyond.”
Martin continued, “It was probably this background which
helps explain Fred’s devotion both to the Hebrew University
and to the Jerusalem Foundation. In order of sequence the
University came first, since I believe Fred joined the British
Friends some time in the late 1960s and subsequently he was
appointed to the University’s Board of Governors, served on
its Executive Committee and chaired its Student and Academic
Committee. In 2007 the University awarded him an Honorary
PhD of which he was enormously (and justifiably) proud. This
award not only reflected Fred’s long-standing devotion to the
University but also recognised his particular role as the guiding
spirit behind the Scopus Student Village which was developed
I
s Judaism only about performing mitzvot? Is that our sole
purpose in this World? Many people would answer in the
affirmative. There is a clear view that you become a better
Jew by performing more mitzvot. However, in order to verify
the truth of that statement, we need to clarify exactly what we
mean by a ‘mitzvah’?
Most people would define a mitzvah is a good deed. As in
the following sentence: “That was such a big act of kindness – it was a great mitzvah”.
However, if we consider just a few of the best known mitzvot: You shall not murder, You
shall not steal, You shall not give false testimony, you shall keep Shabbat – they are clearly
not good deeds as such, they are directions for living.
Apparently, we need to amend our colloquial understanding of the term. The word
mitzvah comes from tzavo, to command – from which we understand that a mitzvah is
literally a commandment. Of the 613 commandments in the Torah, 365 are forbidden acts
and 248 are good deeds.
An alternative view, which I prefer, is that the word mitzvah is derived from tzevet
meaning coupled or teamed. According to this interpretation, a mitzvah is not merely a
commandment but an act that brings people together with one another and with G-d.
Once a young but enthusiastic yeshiva student stood before his rabbi to be tested on his
understanding of Torah. The teacher was quite impressed by his knowledge but less so by
the pupil’s character. When asked how many times he had learned the subject matter the
young man boasted that he had gone through it several times. “But how many times has it
gone through you?” asked the wise teacher.
In other words, the Torah is not just a list do’s and don’ts, nor is it a collection of tasks
that we are expected to tick off our list of life experiences. Observing the commandments
is about changing and moulding our characters into making us better people. When we
perform a mitzvah it is not merely as an act of subservience to G-d but as an action that will
leave a positive imprint on ourselves and on our World. Our Torah is not merely a code of
laws, it is a blueprint that helps us become better people.
very much along the lines of similar self-financing schemes which were becoming popular on
English university campuses.
“But, for Fred, the Hebrew University was not simply another charity. We have heard
this afternoon about the almost unique role which he played in the field of Jewish education
in this country. For Fred, the University represented one of the summits of Israel’s intellectual
achievements and the fulfilment of an important cornerstone of the Zionist dream. Like the
character in one of Woody Allen’s movies, Fred might well have stood on that historic platform
immediately behind Lord Balfour, Chaim Weizmann, Viscount Samuel, Leon Simon and others
at the opening of the University in 1925 echoing the words one of Lord Sacks’ predecessors,
Chief Rabbi Hertz on that occasion:
“ ‘The opening of a Hebrew University, in Jerusalem, is a milestone in the annals of the spirit. The
people which has been the most persistent in its defiance of brute force and in its exultation of the things
of the mind; the people whose reverence for scholarship extends over millennia, boasting an uninterrupted
learned tradition that goes back to antiquity; the people whose intellectual labours helped to prepare
the ground for the first universities nearly a thousand years ago; the people that have since tended the
intellectual vineyards of every other nation – that people is, at last, rearing its own vineyard of learning.’
“And Jerusalem was a happy marriage of Fred’s own wishes fulfilled, the Zionist dream, family
logistics and (so far as concerns the Jerusalem Foundation) his admiration for, and friendship with,
the man who created the Foundation and helped build Jerusalem – Teddy Kollek.”
Paisner recalled: “Fred joined me on the Board of the UK Foundation some time in the 1980s,
but well before that time he had been the benefactor of the Pelech Experimental High School, the
Efrata Elementary School and the Haftman Institute.
“He had also become, with Della, a devotee of the Israel Museum in which he was responsible
for bringing the Cochin Synagogue from India. That was only one example of an offhand remark
of Teddy Kollek’s which inspired so many great things for Jerusalem.
“Teddy had a vision for the City. He wanted to propel it from what was a provincial town
into a capital city worthy of that title – a city in which Jews, Christians and Muslims would live
side by side in peace and in comfort, based on liberal, democratic and proper Jewish values and
principles, a city brimming with ideas and in a restored physical setting which would attract
writers, musicians, artists, statesmen and others from around the world. Some of that has been
achieved, some not. The dream remains, and Teddy and Fred shared it. “
Fred was awarded the Teddy Prize in 2011 in recognition of his deep dedication to Jerusalem
through his support of so many cultural and community institutions in the city.
Chazan Avromi’s moving intonation of El male rachamim was followed by Kaddish, recited by
the family.
L to R: Martin Paisner CBE,
HE Daniel Taub, the Chief
Rabbi Lord Sacks and Lady
Sacks watch the film produced
on the occasion of Fred
and Della’s 60th Wedding
Anniversary.
Photograph by
Claudine Hartzel Photography
the norrice leader january 2013
4
HGSS Youth visit Poland and York
O
n Wednesday, 24 October 2012, several young members of HGSS year 12, all of whom
attend non-Jewish schools, embarked on a spectacular trip to Poland with Rabbi
Levene and Tribe. The trip was run by Rabbi Andrew Shaw who did a phenomenal job
of giving us an experience that exceeded all expectations. We arrived in Warsaw in the morning
where we spent our first day, visiting the only remaining synagogue in the city, the edge of the
Warsaw ghetto, the site of the ghetto uprising and the Okopowa Street Jewish cemetery, where
there are over 200,000 marked graves and a mass grave where there are between 50,000 and
80,000 bodies. This day was extremely informative and we gained a much better understanding
of what life was like for a Jew in Warsaw prior to and during the Holocaust. Our accommodation
for the first night was in Lublin.
The second day was extremely emotional and thought provoking. For the majority of us it
was the first time we had ever seen a concentration camp in real life when we visited Majdanek.
Despite the emotion that was experienced in the morning, we all relished in dancing and singing
at the grave of Rav Noam Elimelach in Lizhensk that evening. That night we drove to Krakow,
where we stayed in the Jewish quarter of the Kazimierz district.
Day three was perhaps an even greater emotional roller coaster as we spent the morning
touring the museum at Auschwitz 1 and seeing what remained of arguably the most dreadful site
in Jewish history, Auschwitz-Birkenau. However, our Shabbat service was extremely enjoyable
A
t the beginning of November, the Year 9 youth from HGS and Stanmore Shuls, took
an exciting trip to York. We left straight after Shabbat, and boarded a coach headed
straight for York. After a long 4 hour journey, we arrived at the Premier Inn. Next, we
watched Evan Almighty which we all thoroughly enjoyed, and we all went our separate ways to
our rooms shared with friends from our respective shuls.
We were woken up at 7.30, to be all ready and packed up for 8. The boys had a shacharit
service and the girls had a quick session on the meaning of prayer. After a yummy breakfast, we
all re-boarded the coach, highly anticipating the well-planned day ahead.
Our first stop was Cliffords Tower, where we were allowed to walk around the tower and see
the view. We then learnt about the horrific massacre of the Jews of York in the eleven hundreds.
Next, we did an activity about what items we would have taken with, if we were given ten
minutes to decide. After partaking in this activity, we speedily walked to Jorvic Viking museum.
We all went on the ride there, learning about market, trade and life in the Viking times. We then
went to the Jorvic archeological dig, and did an enjoyable activity of digging up some ‘artefacts’.
We then were allowed to walk around, and join in with various different activities.
Our next and final stop of the trip was the York Wheel, which we all found very interesting
and enjoyable to see the magnificent view. After a fantastic trip, we all headed back to the coach
and made our way back to London. Overall, everyone thoroughly enjoyed this trip and it was a
fun yet meaningful experience for us all.
Ella Marchant
as spirits were high in the beautiful Isaac synagogue.
On Shabbat day, we davened Shacharit in the Kupa Synagogue and spent the afternoon
visiting the Remah and Temple synagogues. The Kazimierz synagogues were all very intricately
and uniquely designed. This Shabbat gave us a small taste of what life as a Jew in Krakow
throughout the centuries was like. On Saturday night we went to the Galicia museum, where we
had our final ceremony.
The trip was extremely emotional as well as being very enjoyable. Rabbi Shaw from Tribe did
a fantastic job of organising it and Rabbi Levene was a credit to our community.
Jake Sugarman
Tehillim Group
F
or the last few months, a group of women have been meeting
once a week to say Tehillim for those who are sick.
Meetings begin with a short Dvar Torah, usually by Rochelle Freilich, after which the names
of those for whom we seek a Refuah Shelema are read. Books of Tehillim are then distributed and
we read them, in Hebrew or in English. While the aim of the gatherings is to bring comfort and
healing to those who are unwell, they can have a cathartic effect on those who take part.
The time and venue of sessions, which last about three quarters of an hour, may vary. If you
would like to join us, or if you have the name of a sick relative or friend which you would like
included, please contact [email protected].
2DPhotography.co.il
Simcha & Event Photography
in Israel
Tamarim
Contact Daniel Pearlman
Tel. 0203-371-7114
Cell: +972-54-655-1295
We are in Israel for the jobs:
A photograph is worth a thousand words
and just in case you need the words,
English is our mother tongue
Concierge Services
✔
You don’t have time to do
✔
You don’t know who to ask
✔
You don’t know where to go
✔
You don’t have the inclination
✔
You are not in Israel to do
✔
Your party planner/property manager doesn’t cover
From filling your fridge, arranging babysitters or taxi transfers,
to navigating your way through Israeli bureaucracy,
let us take care of it for you.
Call Tamar Pearlman
+972 (0) 54 313 7365
UK: 0203 371 7114
www.tamarimconcierge.com
the norrice leader january 2013
5
Changes at Kerem
Miss Alyson Burns has taken over as Head Teacher at Kerem and David Wolfson has
taken over from Jonathan Goldstein as Chair of Governors. All agree that the School is
special and they are optimistic for the future.
“Y
ou don’t want anything about me”, is Miss Burns’ first reaction to my
request for an interview, “please just write something about the children.”
However, when it is explained to her how important it is for the
community to get to know her better, she agrees to talk to me, and my first impression
is of a warm, enthusiastic young woman who cares deeply about the children and about
Kerem School.
She grew up in Hendon – her family are members of Raleigh Close Synagogue
– and attended Sunny Gardens School, going on to Copthall. From there she went up
to Westminster College, Oxford from where she graduated with a BEd. Her first two
teaching posts were at multi-cultural schools. She then moved on to be Head of the
Infants’ Department of the North West Jewish London Jewish Day School.
She came to Kerem three years ago as Deputy Head, teaching Year 4. After a year, she
was asked to work on the integration of Kerem House, making it the Early Years Unit and
part of Kerem School. She became Acting Head Teacher in September and was appointed
Head on 10 December. She starts in the post officially in January 2013.
She is very excited about her new posting. Kerem, she says, is a very special school – it
is truly a community school and there is no other quite like it in the country. She speaks
warmly about the foresight of Stanley Frankfurt and his colleagues in founding it and
feels privileged to be following in the footsteps of such distinguished Head Teachers as
Moshe Dover, Rosalind Goulden and Richard Felsenstein.
She pays tribute to the School Governors and feels it is of the utmost importance for
the School to have close relations with the Shul but, she says, the children must come
first in every decision. She is proud to head a passionate and devoted staff and is looking
forward to working with the parents.
She finds the children of Kerem to be happy, confident, proud to be Jewish and aware
of the world around them. “What a wonderful foundation for the future – one cannot help
but feel optimistic.”
Once a week, Miss Burns invites a group of children to an afternoon tea party
Jonat
Jonathan
Goldstein
retires as Chair of
Governors
J
David Wolfson
“has a firm base
to build on”
n”
onathan grew up in Ilford and attended Ilford Jewish
Primary School. His parents and grandparents had
always been very involved in the community and,
therefore, it seemed natural for him and his two brothers
to get involved as well.
After qualifying with a law degree from Manchester University, in 1994 he became a
partner in Olswang, the law firm, and becoming Managing Partner in 1997. After ten years, he
left Olswang to become Deputy Chief Executive of the Heron Group of Companies, working
alongside Gerald Ronson.
He has been Vice Chairman of Jewish Care, a Trustee of Camp Simcha and now leads a new
organisation called the Partnership for Jewish Schools, as well as being a member of the Jewish
Leadership Council. In addition, he is running the redevelopment of the Ilford Jewish Primary
School and chairing the Redbridge Change Project, looking at Jewish education in that area.
Jonathan has been married to Sharon, a local GP, for 22 years. They first met at Manchester
University. They have four children, all of whom have attended Kerem: Adam, 19, is currently
on a gap year in Israel, Natalie, 16, and Sara, 15, and Ben, aged 10, is their last remaining child
at Kerem School.
When Sharon and Jonathan moved into the Suburb in 1993, they were really impressed by the
warm, family nature of Kerem School. They also liked the Modern Orthodox, Zionist approach
to Jewish education, as well as its centrality to the Norrice Lea community. Jonathan says, “I
have always believed that the school is the community’s greatest asset. It is wonderful to see 200
children a day arriving at the Shul and the school. It really brings home to them how important
the community is in their lives.
“I served as Chairman of the Governors for eight years. I took over from my good friend
Julian Taylor and have been delighted to hand over to David Wolfson. I have always believed
that it is right not to outstay your welcome and, when a candidate comes along who is better
than you, it is time to move on. David has already shown himself to be an excellent Chairman
and I am sure he will continue to improve the school in the coming years.”
Jonathan says that the biggest highlight of his term of office was the dinner for Kerem’s
60th Anniversary, attended by the Chief Rabbi, which was held at the Park Lane Hotel. “It was
a wonderful evening, full of the family feeling that is Kerem. Having said that, my personal
highlight has always been going into Tefilla. It is a wonderful feeling to watch the children singing
and praying in Shul in the morning. It makes you feel good for the rest of the day!”
Mission to Israel
19 to 22 May
Rabbi Dov Kaplan and Chazan Avromi Freilich
invite you to join them on a unique encounter in Israel to support
the work of OneFamily
More information from [email protected] / www.onefamilytogether.org
D
avid grew up in Liverpool where his parents were very
involved in the local Jewish (and wider) community. His
father (Bernard) was Vice-Chairman of Governors of
the King David Schools and Chairman of Liverpool Yeshiva
– a commitment to education, and Jewish education in
particular, runs in the family. He lists his interests in Who’s Who as “travel, wine and learning
‘lishma’ [for its own sake]”.
He was educated, “inexpensively” he jokes, at King David Primary School and then King
David High School in Liverpool. These schools were very different from Kerem: although they
had a Jewish ethos, in the High School about a third of the pupils were non-Jewish. He then had
a year at Yeshivat Hakotel in Jerusalem and four years at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where
he read Oriental Studies for two years (“for fun” he says) and then two years of Law. He is
now a QC with a heavy commercial practice, focusing in particular on financial disputes. He
has been instructed in cases as diverse as litigation arising from the credit crunch, the collapse
of Enron, the sale of Angolan diamonds, and a royalty dispute about a celebrity’s best-selling
autobiography. “The common feature is contract,” he says, “but it’s the range of circumstances
and clients which makes it interesting.”
David is married to Louise (daughter of HGSS members Rina and Jeff Durkin), a successful
lawyer in her own right. She grew up in New Zealand but, when they came to England, her
brother, Jacob, attended Kerem. They have three children who are all at Kerem: Sam (10, year 5),
Zara (8, year 3) and Abi (5, Reception).
They chose Kerem because they feel it is a school which strives to combine academic
achievement with a deep commitment to Jewish values and to Israel. David says, “To my mind,
it sums up what centrist Orthodoxy is all about. It’s also a great place for my kids to make
friendships which I hope will last well into adult life.”
He has been Chairman of the Board of Governors since 1 January 2012 – “although it seems
longer!” Looking to the future, he says “I have a firm base to build on: we have great pupils,
supportive parents, a committed staff and a dedicated governing body. I want to see Kerem
maintain a commitment to academic excellence and a strong Jewish education, while retaining
its warm nature as a community school. Ultimately, it’s all about the pupils – the bottom line is
to ensure that each pupil realises their potential.”
HGSS
ON
TOUR
HGSS in Berlin
Thursday, 30 May to Sunday, 2 June
In an exhilarating, historical and thought-provoking trip,
led by Rabbi Dov Kaplan and renowned historian Dr Charles Landau
More information from Nomi Goldberg
8343 5696 / [email protected]
the norrice leader january 2013
6
The Emergency Room
The Polyclinic
very worrying for junior doctors and medical students,
many of whom dropped out at this stage. In the end,
a system of shifts was worked out and it was when
the Games had already started that Jacqui collected her
uniform and started her shifts – and they were long
shifts.
It was a very special placement – of the 18,000
doctors who had applied, 400 were interviewed
and 40 actually worked in the polyclinic in the
Athletes’ Village. Jacqui was working in Primary
and Emergency Care and found that the various
disciplines gelled into an instant, cohesive team, all
with the same purpose in mind.
Language Issues and Human Stories
Ja c q u i Marshall
Marsh
volunteered as a doctor at the Paralympics
J
acqui applied to work at the Olympics over two years prior to the event. The process
was somewhat Darwinian – not for the faint-hearted as there were several hurdles to
surmount before being accepted as an Official Games Maker.
Over the time between her application and the event, there were several interviews, the
first at the Excel Centre at 7 am on a Sunday morning, and security checks. She had to show
documentary evidence of her professional qualifications. Then she heard nothing for six
months, although she was invited to a series of events which gave basic training and briefings
on such issues as equal opportunities. Then, in March this year, a group of doctors, nurses,
physiotherapists, opticians, dentists and medical students were shown plans of the polyclinic
which incorporated a floor for each discipline. Participants were asked for their suggestions
and, among other issues, Jacqui pointed that there was no provision for psychiatric care in place.
This was taken on board.
The polyclinic facilities included an X-ray department, Pharmacy, CT and MRI scanners
(generously donated by General Electric), physio, sport massage, dentistry and ophthalmic
services as well as general and emergency medicine. The organisers announced that they
required volunteers to make themselves available for the whole duration of the Olympics –
An Amazing
Experience
Hugo Davidson visits
the Paralympics
H
aving been disappointed by the
Olympic ticket ballot, I decided to
seize the opportunity of visiting
a number of Paralympics events. I was
thoroughly entertained by the rowing at
Eton Windsor, at which I chatted to two
Israeli Paralympic rowers and got to know
an Argentine remero as well as having an
exciting and relaxing day out. I was also
lucky enough to have tickets to the Opening Ceremony, which was awesome. A few days
later my Mum and I had a day pass around the Olympic Park which allowed us to see many
different events. These included wheelchair
rugby, goalball, 7-aside football and, most
interesting to us, wheelchair tennis. After
queuing for a long time we managed to
enter the court where the bronze medal
match for quad doubles between Israel and
Japan was being played. With the Israelis
having an advantage of one set to love the
Israeli supporters created an unforgettable
ambience. The pair, Noam Gurshuny (who
later went on to win the gold medal in the
singles competition) and Shraga Weinberg
won the bronze medal and we came back
a few hours later for the medal
ceremony, and it was truly moving
to see the Israeli flag raised over the
Olympic Park. The nature of these
games was such that, after the medal
ceremony, I was able to have a chat
with a few of the athletes and their
supporters. It was an amazing few
days which will stay in my memory
for a long time.
A Moroccan girl who had burnt her arm, just where
she needed to rest her crutch, came to Jacqui and was
delighted to find that she could converse with her in
fluent French (Jacqui’s father was French Moroccan).
Later, the same girl visited the dentist and was
having great difficulty in conveying just what was
the problem. She kept pointing downstairs, saying,
“Docteur Jacqui, Docteur Jacqui, ”. Docteur Jacqui was
located and all was happily sorted. As a result of all
this, Jacqui’s linguistic talents became the talk of the
Moroccan team, her reputation spread through Algeria
and Tunisia, then worked its way down through West and
Central Africa. She was the toast of the continent.
As a result of this, Jacqui suggested that the
professionals should all get together to work out a list
of frequently asked questions in as many languages as
possible. This was done and proved invaluable.
This
is Jacqui’s
Lanyard.
Grateful clients
would give her
their national
badge as a token
of thanks.
Among the
countries here
are Israel, Iran,
Saudi Arabia,
Suriname
and
Ethiopia.
A Russian coach came to the department in great pain with sciatica. Jacqui asked him why
he had not come earlier. He said that his team were competing and he had to be there to support
them. He would not attend to his own needs until his team no longer needed him – the needs of
his athletes came before his own. He was scanned immediately and an epidural performed the
next day so that he could carry on his work. If only the NHS worked like this!
An umpire, in her 60s, complained of feeling tired and a little short of breath. Due to the
fantastic facilities, it was quick and easy to diagnose that she was in heart failure. She was
immediately admitted to hospital.
She had a visit from the Chef de Mission from Mauretania (Central Africa). He was paraplegic
and in a wheelchair. Jacqui asked him what medication he was taking and he showed it to her.
To her horror, she found that he was taking a substance which was banned in the West some 40
years ago. She asked him if he suffered from depression – a well-known side effect of this drug.
He replied “Yes” and it had ruined his life. Jacqui rushed to the pharmacy, took as much of the
correct medication as she could lay her hands on and let him have about two months’ supply,
making sure that he would be able to procure supplies of it after this ran out.
As she was standing on the sidelines, watching the closing ceremony, she noticed him and
his carer waving frantically at her. She went over and asked if he was all right. He replied, “If I
could get out of this chair, I would kiss your feet.”
Jacqui is absolutely furious that, after all this time, the pharmaceutical company is still
producing what she calls “this poison” and is looking into ways of following up the matter.
Unforeseen benefits
Some participants of the Games were able to benefit in ways which went well beyond the event
itself.
It was noticeable that athletes from third world countries seized the opportunity to avail
themselves of the state-of-the-art dental and ophthalmic services, unavailable at home. Most of
them had “left their glasses on the plane”.
It was heart-warming to see how the athletes mingled and how political barriers were swept
away – to see Israeli competitors socialising with those from the Arab nations as if nothing was
happening. Let us hope that this feeling survived when all returned home.
The medical centre for spectators was housed in a tent and Jacqui did a stint there, although,
in general she is pleased that she was dealing with athletes and not the general public.
After the Games, she bumped into Boris Johnson walking with his bicycle in the West End.
When she told him that she had been a Games Maker he not only stopped to talk but was really
interested in her stories. When parting, he thanked her and asked her to “Keep it going”.
“The Olympic spirit has changed Britain for the better”, says Jacqui. “Above all, as a result of the
Paralympics, attitudes to disability have leapt forward, never to return to what people cannot do, but just
what a miracle the body is and what can be achieved.
“It was a unique experience and the most rewarding of my professional career – to be able to give firstworld medicine to third-world countries, on your doorstep, funded by multinational companies, amongst
a team of dedicated and talented professionals – well, it really doesn’t get any better than that!”
A Token of Thanks
This is Jacqui’s baton. Every volunteer who worked ten shifts or more received one of these
the norrice leader january 2013
7
Olympic Memories
As memories of London’s memorable summer of sport fade, more HGSS
members recount their experiences as part of the volunteer army which
did so much to make the 2012 Games the success they undoubtedly were
Rina Durkin
was a Games Maker
I
n our Rosh Hashanah issue we mentioned that Rina worked as a Games Maker. Whether we
made it to any of the Olympic events or not, we are all well aware of the enormous contribution
these volunteers made, their friendly manner ensuring that the London Olympics became
famous for the special, happy atmosphere which marked them out from any which had been
held before. And it was very special to be selected – of the 240,000 people who applied, just
70,000 were selected. Here is Rina’s story.
The first Games Maker selection event I attended was in August 2011. It took the form of a
challenging interview and I was subsequently thrilled to receive news that I had been chosen
as part of the Events Services Team based at the Olympic Stadium. Ever since Jeff and I had
attended the Sydney Olympics, where I witnessed many of my friends having fun as volunteers,
I decided that if the opportunity ever arose, I would also like to be an Olympics Volunteer.
The training for Games Makers was in three parts. At the first session, held at Wembley Arena
on a snowy Sunday in February, 3000 volunteers attended Games Maker Orientation Training at
which we received a broad overview of what lay ahead of us.
The next training session was Role Specific Training, held at Hackney College, which focussed
on our actual duties. This session placed a lot of emphasis on Inclusion, and one of the first
things I learnt was the British Sign Language alphabet.
Then, just before the Olympics opened, we were given Venue Specific Training which, in
my case, was a tour of the Olympic Stadium. This was fun because there were a lot of props
for the opening ceremony lying around and my colleagues and I spent much of the time trying
to guess what they represented. Everything was confidential and we were told, very firmly,
that nothing could be discussed outside. In fact, one Games Maker began taking photographs
on his mobile phone – that was the end of his Games Maker career. I saw rows of hospital beds
but had no idea what they were for. I assumed they were for use in an emergency – fortunately,
that wasn’t the case.
Abbi Pinnick
worked as a Physiotherapist
A
bbi is a Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. She
works primarily in the NHS at Northwick Park Hospital but, for the last three years, has
also worked with Barnet Copthall Swimming Club’s National Swim Team. She went to
the European Maccabi Games in Vienna with the Ladies’ Football team in 2011.
She had to apply for the Olympics and Paralympics two years before the Games actually
began, from which time she was mentored by a physiotherapist involved in disability sport. In
April, with only three months to go, she was allocated her role – to work at the Polyclinic in the
Athletes Village for the Olympic Games, at Brands Hatch for Road Cycling and the Mall for the
marathon in the Paralympic Games.
What was it like arriving at the Park for the
first time?
“I arrived at the Park for the first time during the Venue Specific
Training in June 2012, just one month before the Games began and
before anyone had moved in. It was incredibly exciting to be one of the
first people to see the Athletes Village. It was absolutely huge, a mini
village with its own medical centre, dining area, pub and park. It was
also eerily quiet, as no one had moved in.
“On the day of my first shift, I actually got goosepimples as I
dressed in my Games Maker uniform and stepped out to catch the
first Jubilee Line tube at 5.15 am. It was one of the proudest moments
in my life – having decided that I wanted to go to the Olympics when
I was a competitive swimmer at the age of eleven and fulfilling my
dream, although in a somewhat different capacity!”
How many people did you treat in a day?
The Events Services
Team, known as the
Face of the Games,
were divided into small
groups of eight to ten
people. Our duties
involved
scanning
This photograph was taken on Rina’s last shift, during a rehearsal
tickets as spectators
for the closing ceremony.
arrived, showing people
to their seats, manning
information points, controlling crowds and being a smiling face. Being on ‘seating’ duty was
the plum job as, once people were seated, we could watch the competitions.
All my shifts were for the evening events. Although the gates didn’t open until around 5 pm
most days, we had to report for duty at 2 pm. We then had to wait until the last competition was
completed, making sure that the stadium was empty and that the spectators were on their way.
I headed home, exhausted, to Hampstead Garden Suburb at around 11 pm, firstly on the speedy
Javelin train to Kings Cross, and then on the Northern Line to East Finchley. I never thought that
I would be the sort of person wandering around Kings Cross at midnight – but there were many
other Games Makers about and the camaraderie was fantastic.
I have many wonderful memories, but most of them revolve around the people I met. One
highlight was welcoming an Anglo-Israeli family from Raanana who came into the stadium
proudly carrying Israeli flags. I used my Dutch language skills to say hello to the many visitors
from Holland who were distinctive in their bright orange clothing.
My New Zealand background also came to the fore – I wore a small kiwi badge and had fun
catching up with people from Downunder.
Of course the athletics were fantastic. Our family loves sport of any kind, and to have been
there to see the likes of Jessica Ennis, Mo Farrah and Usain Bolt is a very special memory.
My abiding impression of the London 2012 Games is that they were a rip-roaring success and
I feel very privileged to have been part of it.
How did you cope with the different languages?
“Most of our athletes spoke English. I was able to see one athlete who only spoke French with one of the
sports medicine doctors who was able to translate. I also saw a lady who only spoke the most basic English.
Her first language was Arabic and I was able to complete an assessment with sign language and basic
Arabic (“Yallah” and counting to 6) from my time spent in Israel! We did have access to interpreters and
some countries brought their physios/support staff who spoke English with them.”
What were your special moments?
“Before the opening ceremony my colleague and I were lucky enough to see Usain Bolt standing outside
his apartment surrounded by athletes and Games Makers! I also bumped into Mo Farah’s wife and
stepdaughter after he won his first gold medal. On the night of the opening ceremony, my colleague and I
sneaked out as it was quiet and positioned ourselves strategically by the exit of the athletes’ village where
all the teams walked past into the stadium. We ended up handing out food and bottles of water to all the
athletes and when GB went through, I gave Tom Daley a bottle of water!
“At the Paralympics, we saw all the athletes after they got their
medals, including Sarah Storey with her gold medal. We also saw
Alex Zinardi (previously a winning Formula One driver whose legs
were amputated following an horrific accident) win his road cycling
race at Brands Hatch where he had previously driven. At the Mall,
due to the heat, my colleagues and I handed out cold towels and water
once the athletes crossed the finish line and made sure they were ok – I
put a cold towel around the shoulders of both David Weir and Shelley
Woods, the GB medallists. This was captured by Channel 4 News.
“I was shown round the New Zealand apartments and watched
them do the Haka to welcome their men’s lacrosse team.
“From the therapy treatment area, I watched Mo Farah and Jessica
Ennis win gold on the same night – and screamed for all I was worth!”
Into the future
Between the Olympics and Paralympics Abbi got engaged to
Neil Taylor and they are getting married on 2 June 2013.
“Work at the polyclinic started on 16 July, before any athletes even
She has volunteered as a physiotherapist at the London
arrived in the village. There was the physiotherapy treatment room
Marathon for the last few years. With friend and fellow
to prepare. There was also the opportunity to do some Continuing
Abbi, centre, with fiançé, Neil, and sister, Jess, who
physiotherapist Debra Silver, she has been asked to take
Professional Development as the physios were working with
both worked as First Aid Responders
over the organisation of the physiotherapy volunteers for the
osteopaths and chiropractors with whom they would not normally
London Marathon from 2014.
work on a day-to-day basis.
She will be the Swimming Manager for the Maccabiah Games 2013 – she has previously
“In the first week we only treated a handful of athletes, coaches, support staff and other IOC and
LOCOG staff each day, but it got busier as the week went on. We were fortunate enough to have immediate attended the Maccabiah as a swimmer and netballer and attended the European Maccabi Games
access to sports medicine doctors, A&E, podiatrists, radiologists, radiographers, x-ray and scanning in Vienna as a physiotherapist. Fiancé, Neil, is involved as the Rugby manager and this will be a
equipment and orthotic specialists. I was able to liaise with all of these professionals on at least one occasion two-and-a-half week trip only five weeks after their wedding.
She has also been asked to travel to Dubai with British Disability Swimming as a
and follow patients through from referral, to scan, to treatment and discharge which is something you
physiotherapist at their “Road to Rio” training camp.
rarely get to do in ‘normal’ life.“
What sort of injuries were you dealing with?
“Many athletes that attended the polyclinic were from teams that did not have their own medical support
staff. We therefore saw a wide range of chronic (long term) problems including low back and shoulder pain,
and a number of acute injuries, such as sprained wrists from weight lifters, hamstring pulls from sprinters
and more. The worst injury that I saw was a severe hamstring tear in a sprinter which finished her Games.”
What is your lasting impression of the London Olympics?
“An absolutely amazing, once in a lifetime experience. A lasting legacy for all generations, for athletes,
Games Makers and a fantastic experience and memories to pass onto my children! It was also a privilege
to be working with my sister and Neil for a day at the Paralympics at Brands Hatch. The last line of my
Olympic blog is “What an experience – such a honour to be part of. Thrilling!”
the norrice leader january 2013
8
HGSS at Chanukah
Seen on Sunday, 9 December
Top row (l to r): While people arrived, Rabbi Kaplan ran an impromptu
Chanukah Quiz. Watching the menorah light up. Chazan Avromi
Freilich and Rochelle, Rabbi Marc Levene with Lisa, Miri and Rachel.
Hot soup, made by Rebbetzin Freda, was dispensed throughout the
evening, together with hot chestnuts and doughnuts.
Bottom Row (l to r): Jewish rock band Shlock Rock. Rabbi Kaplan leads
the dancing. Rabbi Knopf and Carly, Dovid and Rachelli are joined by
Levy Jacobson. All enjoyed the concert.
Hampstead Garden Suburb’s Synagogue’s Aleph Learning Centre
The Max Weinbaum Hall was packed with proud parents for the Annual Chanukah Concert. Over 200
children in all the classes presented songs ranging from traditional Chanukah songs to a funky Gangnam
Chanukah style presentation. There was a special performance by Shlock Rock, who gave an outstanding
concert following the
presentations.
Both
children and parents
had a fantastic time.
Doughnuts
and
Chanukah gifts of ALC
tote bags and kippot
were given out to all
children to top off a
truly festive morning.
ALC Director Chayli
Fehler, along with Co-Chairs Jonathan Dimson and Jo Johnson, were delighted with the outcome of the
event and the vibrant atmosphere in the ever-growing Cheder. HGSS Chairman Keith Barnett commented
on the wonderful atmosphere in the packed hall.
Over 120 people attended our Youth Chanukah Spectacular
on Thursday night, 13 December. After candle lighting, they enjoyed a Kaifeng Dinner and
an amazing show with International Superstar Regurgitator, Stevie Starr.
The former Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist has been on over 900 flights in the last five
and a half years, amazing audiences all over the world with his disgusting, yet highly
entertaining, act. Great fun was had by all!
the norrice leader january 2013
9
Fleeing the Nest – life after A-levels
Danielle Fenton recently moved back home to the comfort of freshly laundered clothes and homemade meals. “However”, she says: “I do look fondly back at my three years spent at university and
all that it taught me. I’ve been speaking to three first year undergraduates to find out how they’re
getting on with life outside the comfort of HGS.”
Rachel Bronstein is studying English at Durham
I
can only cook eggs and pasta and yet, earlier this week, I signed a contract
for the house I will be living in next year. A real house, with windows, four
walls and seven bedrooms. University life is a complete paradox; you are
both adult and child, expected to look after yourself, yet at the same time you
are still just about learning to stand on your own two feet. The change is a
difficult one, but it is one that is, in my opinion, completely necessary to the
transition from childhood to adulthood.
Unlike the North London Jewish bubble I’m accustomed to, in Durham I
found myself to be the first Jew that many students had met. “But you don’t look
Jewish”, remarked one of my flatmates a few days into term. I realised that rather than blending into
the crowd I had a specific heritage that demarcated me from my fellow students; it was my duty
to explain why I keep this or that, and mine alone. I attend the Jsoc Friday nights here, cherishing
my weekly opportunity to eat, meet and socialise with others from a similar background.
A few evenings ago I attended a talk on the Arab-Israeli conflict. I became aware, perhaps
for the first time in my life, that my individual opinion counted for something. I could no longer
rely upon other Jews in my community to defend Israel, I had to do this myself; I had to find
ways to get through to people who did not understand the importance of the State of Israel to
the Jewish people. I left the talk feeling satisfied, not only because people had actually wanted
to hear what I had to say, but also because the talk had been over-catered. I thus left with two
Tesco bags full of crisps, a plate of hummus and two plates of olives. I should go to these talks
more often.
Alex Lewis is studying Economics and Geography
at UCL
H
aving taken a gap year in Israel prior to starting university, I was
anxious at the prospect of restarting full time education, and the first
couple of weeks coinciding with the Chagim did not help! After all
I had heard about first year at university, I was surprised by the amount and
difficulty of the work I was getting (if you’ve ever heard of indifference curves,
agglomeration or Olaudah Equiano you’d probably be doing better than me).
One thing that helped me adjust to university life was the fact that I already knew a number
of other students at the university. In the first few weeks, I saw people from school and camp,
and this degree of normality helped me feel at home. Although I had previously been to a nonJewish school, I found myself mixing with an even more diverse crowd from all over the world
– if I’m ever in Holland, America, Singapore or even Essex, I now have places to stay.
The Jewish Society runs a lunch-and-learn at least once a week and regular social events,
and there is also a student-run Friday night dinner at Great Portland Street Shul most weeks. It’s
always good to know that when you have run out of food, or are simply struggling to keep up
with work, there is a Jew waiting to hand you a free cream cheese bagel.
There have been some difficulties in the first few months (from trying to keep Kosher and
making excuses about why I can’t go to the pub on Saturday to watch the football, to having a
lecturer who talks so quietly that, if you’re not in the front three rows, you can’t hear him) but
overall I have had a great start to my university life and am looking forward to the next three
years.
Liora Fox is studying Spanish and International
Media Communication Studies at Nottingham
I
nevitably before going to university I had many anxieties about leaving
the luxury of my home to surviving in what I thought would be very
adequate living conditions. However, in true Suburb-girl style, I was
lucky enough to be given a room which, although fairly small, has a double
bed and an en-suite. Therefore, settling into the accommodation did not
prove too difficult and I regularly smirk at the misfortune of other students
who are forced to share showers or even rooms.
I regularly attend Jsoc on a Friday night which proves immensely popular.
I particularly enjoy the Genesis Challenge, a programme run by Aish on a Monday night which
offers free food and brings in renowned speakers – a great attraction for students. In general
I have coped quite well with being away from home, as I have regular skype chats with my
parents and text them every day. I once had to call up to ask how to use the washing machine,
but other than that it has not been too hard to fend for myself and be independent.
My advice for students going to university would be to take advantage of all the different
opportunities that university has to offer!
Mitzvah Day
Another Huge Success
This year, Mitzvah Day was held on 18 November and resulted in :
110 gift bags to Camp simcha
● 120 sandwich bags to the soup kitchen and needy families in the Jewish Community
● 75 benchers to WJR communities
● 30 gift bags/Chanukah gifts to children and mums for JWA (Jewish Women’s Aid)
● 60 mugs to the soup kitchen for their homeless clientele
● 100 seasonal stockings for kids at the Barnet Refugee Centre
● 100 pencil cases to children in children homes in Israel through Jewish Child’s Day
● 1 huge box of cakes to the doctors and nurses at the Royal Free Hospital
● 1 huge box of cakes to the staff at the Bobath centre, for children with Cerebal Palsy, East Finchley
● 1 huge box of cakes to staff at Hammerson house.
● An entire car load of clothes to World Jewish Relief
●
The Hammerson house sing-along went really well. The residents
thoroughly enjoyed their party and visit from the younger members
of the community, led by Zoe Carciente & Rabbi Levene. They
were assisted in a sing along by Robin Mandell, Ian Fenton &
Gary Nelson
M & S & Waitrose, yet again, sold out of pasta and rice and all the
items on the list – the three car loads taken to GIFT, JCore and the
soup kitchen were gratefully received by all involved.
The feedback so far:
The doctors and nurses were bowled over by the generosity and
thoughtfulness of the cakes that were delivered to them.
The staff at Hammerson House couldn’t believe how many cakes
had been donated and were delighted to receive them.
Not bad for a days work!
Congratulations to Sarah Callman and her team, as well as the
children of the Aleph Learning Centre, for all their hard work.
the norrice leader january 2013
10
Celebrations and
Births
Bat Mitzvah
Mazal tov to
Mazal tov to
Sheila Aarons on the birth of a great
granddaughter in Jerusalem
Ariel, daughter of Manuela & Mark Alper,
granddaughter of Monica &
Nathan Alper and Mauro & Valeria Ratha
Angela and Yonni Abramson on the birth of a son
Manuela and Mark Alper on the birth of a son
Bar Mitzvah
Mazal tov to
Gideon, son of Gali & Laurence Katz, grandson of
Karen & Gary Katz and Miriam Golde
Gabi, son of Abi & Neil Levinson, grandson of
Hilary & Meyer Pearlman and
Ann & Jeff Levinson
Constance, daughter of Kate and David Bearman,
granddaughter of Derek and Diane Taylor
and Cecy & Alan Bearman
Annabel Anisfeld, daughter of Rene & Lance,
granddaughter of Elyse & Abe
Alperstein and Irene & Marcel Anisfeld
Shane, son of Lindy & Sean Melnick, who
celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in South Africa
Alexander, son of Gina & Colin Davis, grandson
of Gillian & Wallace Onnie, Fridolin Peppin and
Michael Davis
Judy Bermant on the birth of a granddaughter,
Evie Abigail Rachel (Abi), a daughter for
Zoe and Azriel Bermant.
Joel, son of Jennifer & Robert Ohrenstein,
grandson of Avril & Peter Ohrenstein
and Eve & Michael Adler
Anna and Jamie Binstock on the birth of a son.
Samira and Latif Blass on the birth of a grandson.
Zahava Dover on the birth of a great
granddaughter in Israel.
Daniella Bennett Remington, daughter of Selwyn
Remington and Tracey Bennett, granddaughter
of Jacky & Maurice Bennett.
Gemma and James Dunitz on the birth of a son.
Sybil Frankfurt on the birth of a great grandson.
Anthony, son of Spencer & Nicole Debson,
grandson of Gerald and Barbara
Ann & Jerry Goldstein on the Bar Mitzvah of
their grandson Asher Goldstein in Israel
Sally and Lawrence Gold on the birth of a
granddaughter. A daughter
for Nick and Nicky Gold.
Naomi and Alan Greenwood on the birth of
a grandson, Rafael, a son for Dalia and Gil
Jennings. Also to first time great grandparents
Bertha and Solomon Ohayon
Tom Pollack, son of Lynne & Mark, grandson of
Betty & Jack Pollack and Pat & Nicky Salomon
Rabbi Dov and Rebbetzen Freda Kaplan on the
birth of a grandson.
A son for Yoad and Maor Kaplan
Ella Davidson daughter of Lindsay & Simon,
granddaughter of Sandra & Howard Grant, and
Bernard Davidson
Janet and Stephen Kirsch on the birth of a great
granddaughter
Talia, daughter of Ronit Knoble & Eddie Gershon,
granddaughter of Brenda & Avram Knoble
and Norman Gershon
Sue and David May on the birth of a
granddaughter
Gail and Bryan Naftalin, on the birth of their son,
Zach
Olivia and Alan Naylor on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for
Amanda and Jamie Cohen
Frances & Monty Samuels on the birth of a great
grandson, Raphael.
A son for Laura and Matt Drage
Julia and Saul Sender on the birth of a son. Also to
grandmother, Wendy Fishman
Renee and Nick Sonenfield on the birth of a
grandson, Natan, in Israel,
a son for Katie and Dan Charkie
Doreen and Phillip Stein on the birth of a
grandson. A son for
Chantal and Oren Gelb
Lily, daughter of Emma and Marc Katz,
granddaughter of Susan and Harvey Katz,
and Brian & Susie Barnett
Lily Kurlander, daughter of Evey & Dean,
granddaughter of Erica Rothberg
and Shirley Kurlander
Daniela, daughter of Linda & Gary Laurence,
grandparents Dolly & Roberto
Hodara, Sylvia & Paul Quastel
Jonathan, son of Annabel & Joe Stelzer.
Grandson of Angela Landau and
Sonia & Isi Stelzer
Gershon Halter, grandson of Hilary Halter,
son of David and Rosa
Engagement
Mazal tov to
Vivienne and Mark Prevezer on the
engagement of their daughter
Rose to Gabriel Botnick.
Mia & Emil Lowenstein on the Bat Mitzvah of
their great granddaughter in Israel
Madeline, daughter of Sami & David Salt,
granddaughter of Suzie & Philip Okrent and
Marilyn and Stephen Salt,
great gwwranddaughter of Lena Marder
A Double Simcha
Alexandra and Jeffrey Davidson on the
engagement of Leo to Donna, daughter of Karin
and Mike Hirsch. Mazaltov also to grandparents
Evi and Freddie Fishburn and Joyce Davidson.
Hannah and Jonathan Trup on the birth of a
daughter. Also tograndparents Avryl &
Anthony Trup and Anthony Rosenfelder
Philip and Juliet Woolfson on the birth of a
granddaughter. A daughter for
Robert (Shimon) and Tirza Woolfson.
Jamie, son of Zoe and Charles Wimborne,
grandson of Diane & Jack Lopian
and Diana & Gerald Barnett
Shabbat, 22 December, was very special for the
Sadie family when
Joshua celebrated his Bar
Mitzvah and Nathalie
her Bat Mitzvah.
Mazal tov to them, to
their parents, Joanna and
Simon, grandparents
Anne & Jack Sadie, Judy
Englender and
Norman Berger
David Hirschfield on his engagement to Lauren
Gaventa. Also to parents Michelle & Graham
Hirschfield, Elaine & David Gaventa and
grandmother Rica Afek.
Joseffa and Geoff Melamet on the engagement
of their daughter Pippa to Edward Ellis
Abbi Pinnick and Neil Taylor on their
engagement. Also to parents
Alex and David Pinnick
Emma Sonenfeld on her engagement to Leslie
Allweis. Also to parents
Renee and Nick Sonenfeld
Larry Weiss and Evelyn Stern on the
engagement, in Israel, of their son
Jeremy to Maitavi Halleen
Helen & Julian Taylor on the engagement of their
son, Adam, to Dalia, daughter of Tania & Simon
Nelson, and the engagement of their daughter,
Nadia, to Adam, son of Ruth and
Stephen Freeman
the norrice leader january 2013
11
Congratulations
Marriage
Award for Outstanding
Achievement
Birthday
Mazal tov to
Caroline Beckman & Avron Olshewsky
on their marriage
Gwen & Alan Cohen on the marriage of their
granddaughter, Joanna, to Kfir Shrosberg
Louise & Giles Cohen on the marriage of Giles’
daughter, Danielle, to Adam Baron
Frances & Paul Elster on the marriage of their
son, Jeremy, to Tamara, daughter of
Diane & Daryl Miller
Harriet Freedman and Jacob Mandel on their
marriage. Also to parents Hadassa & Clive
Freedman
Flo Kaufmann has celebrated her 70th
birthday. The Kaufmann family have been
members of HGSS for 40 years – Flo’s husband
Aubrey much longer than that – and their two
sons, Andy and James and their families are
also members of HGSS, often leining for us on
a Shabbat morning. She has represented HGSS
on the Board of Deputies for nearly 20 years,
and has served as Chairman of the Board’s
Israel Committee, Treasurer and Vice President.
She is also Vice President of the World Jewish
Congress and a Patron of Emunah.
C
ongratulations to Professor Naomi Chayen who has been awarded a Commendation Certificate
of Women of Outstanding Achievement for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Naomi was
commended for her breakthrough research into crystallisation and for securing a patent for a product
named after her, Naomi’s Nucleant, attracting worldwide interest from industry as well as academia.
The award was given by WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) for research and innovation
leading to new discoveries which impacted on advancing scientific knowledge, exploitation by industry
and helping the UK excel in science and technology.
Here is Naomi receiving her certificate from HRH The Princess Royal.
Gill and Jeremy Freedman on the engagement of
their son Seth to Sophie Naftalin, daughter of
Doris Blass
Anniversary
Richard Sternberg on his marriage to Tammy
Engelsman. Also to parents
Stella & Geoffrey Sternberg.
Steven and Gillian Martin, who have celebrated
An Anniversary and a
Fellowship for Jacqui
their Silver Wedding spend much of their time
involved with charitable work, following in the
footsteps of both their parents and grandparents.
Vivian Wineman, President
of the Board of Deputies
has been elected Chair
of the Council of the
European Jewish
Congress.
Steven served as warden of HGSS for three years
and was a governor of Kerem School. Gillian
served as a board member of HGSS and was also
a past chair of the Kerem School PTA. Steven was
Chatan Bereshit in 2008.
Their two children, Danielle and David, were
delighted to celebrate with them.
Judy’s painting is highly
commended
J
udy
A hearty mazal tov to everyone in the
community who has celebrated
any special occasion.
We would love to include a photograph
on this page.
Bermant
painting,
with
her
the
Old
Behind
Ben-Uri, which was highly
commended at the London Jewish
Cultural
I
t has been a busy summer for local GP, Dr Jacqui Marshall. As well as working at the London
Paralympics (see page 6), she and husband Jeremy have celebrated their Pearl Wedding
(30 years). On top of that, she is seen here receiving the Fellowship of the Royal College of
Physicians.
Centre’s
annual
Art
House Exhibition in September. The
exhibition is open to all artists and
attracts a wide variety of entries. Judy
is well known in the community as
an accomplished artist. Particularly
remembered is her exhibition of
portraits of her husband Chaim
held at the Ben-Uri in 2008.
Photograph: Simon Waxman@LJCC
,
Please send to [email protected]
CHILDREN’S
BIRTHDAYS
As part of the GIFT programme children
are invited to donate any unwanted
presents which can be distributed to
those in need. Gifts can be placed in the
box in the foyer (Sundays to Fridays).
the norrice leader january 2013
12
Isaac’s Underground Challenge
Isaac Kaufmann and father, Andy, take on a challenge for charity
ALL STATIONS
n Thursday of half term (25 October), my father and I attempted to visit every single station in Zone One
on the London Underground, in just six hours, in aid of Cancer Research UK, and Chai Cancer Care. I
planned our route, and calculated a journey time of 248 minutes (four hours, eight minutes).
We started by leaving East Finchley Station (my local station) at about 9.48, with one pen and plan of the route
each, plus some chocolate. We then caught a train to Morden via Bank. We arrived at Euston at 10.04, and stayed
on the train till Moorgate. When we got to Moorgate, we swapped trains, to the Hammersmith & City Line to Aldgate
East, where we changed for the District Line. We changed again at Monument, to the Northern Line at Bank, where
my pen stopped working.
At 70 minutes in, we changed at Paddington from the Bakerloo Line to the Circle Line, but we did not realise
we would have to tap out and in again. Then we started our longest break we would get (45 minutes), going from
Paddington to South Kensington on the Circle Line (via Blackfriars).
When we got to South Kensington, we boarded a Piccadilly line train towards Hyde Park Corner, but then disaster
struck! My father had lost his pen! He checked all his pockets, and it was not there. But then my pen miraculously
started working again!
At Earl’s Court we caught a District Line train towards Bayswater, but at Notting Hill Gate we made a decision, and after consulting our London Train Atlas, we decided to
walk from Bayswater to Queensway, instead of going back to Notting Hill Gate and changing for the Central Line there. 216 minutes in, we even travelled on the Waterloo & City
Line.
We finished at Vauxhall, on the Victoria Line at 14.13, 249 minutes in (four hours, nine minutes), only one minute off my estimate!
We have raised over £4000 for the charities.
George is
Tops!
Chickenshed
visits HGSS
T
his is George
Bier, winner of the
Under-12s tournament
at Temple Fortune
Tennis Club.
George, a member of
HGSS and a pupil at
UCS, was delighted at
winning his first major
trophy.
He said of his win:
“It was a bitter sweet
moment for me, as I
came up against my
best friend, Eddie
Lisberg, in the final.”
George is now the Under-12s Number One Seed at the club.
“A fun and friendly approach to
learning the piano for all
ages (6+) and stages”
Mobile: 07816 959 215
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pianowithtim.com
CRB/ISM registered
STRUGGLING WITH INTERVIEWS?
THE PROFESSIONAL CAREERS
CONSULTANCY CAN HELP
CV SERVICE
Make an impact with your CV so that important and relevant information is
immediately captured by the reader.
APPLICATION FORMS AND COVERING LETTERS
Often completed on line, these can be tricky and careful thought needs to be
given on how to complete them. We offer guidance on this.
ASSESSMENT CENTRE PREPARATION
Prepare for this stage to allow yourself to get across your strengths and why
you would be right for the job.
INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE
Mock interviews will help you prepare in a less stressful environment. We will
give you immediate and honest feedback
CONTACT US
www.tpcccareers.co.uk
0845 094 3596
Facebook The Professional Careers Consultancy
Twitter tpcccareers
In
October, more than 50 of our youngest members and their parents were at Norrice Lea for
an event with Chickenshed Theatre Company. They enjoyed music, silly dancing and songs
followed by a feast of pizza and chips!
This was the first in a series of events aimed at parents and their pre-school children which will be
taking place every few months and are intended to be social events with an emphasis on toddler fun!
The next event is a disco in January – for more information please email Ele Osen on
[email protected]
the norrice leader january 2013
13
Just how does one define
a Jewish mother?
Michael Fishman is concerned at the
way Jews are portrayed on TV –
especially in comedy sitcoms.
L
ike many of you, I was delighted to see, in an October edition of The Sunday Times,
a picture of Linda Glancy, together with her son, journalist Josh Glancy. The topic was
Channel 4’s Jewish Mother of the Year, the programme we learned to hate. Talking to
family and friends, there were only two who had actually seen an entire programme; most,
including myself, switched off after ten minutes. I could not relate to any of the mothers on offer,
who were, mainly, nice Jewish women from North West London, belonging to a bygone age.
Josh’s article got me wondering who, indeed, would qualify for Jewish Mother of the Year, other
than those on offer. I therefore decided to grit my teeth and watch the final programme, the theme of
which was making Friday night dinner, not only for the family, but also for many celebrity guests.
I was not impressed and neither were their guests, David Baddiel describing the meal as “Jewish
Diabetes”. Do we judge the Jewish Mother of the Year on her ability to make a bar mitzvah, organise
an outing for our seniors, act as a shadchan, or make Friday night dinner? I think not.
A few months ago, in his excellent debate series, one of Rabbi Knopf’s themes was You
Can’t Have it All, directed mainly at the many professional working women in our community
– women who attempt to run a home and, at the same time, give quality time to their family,
especially the well-being and education of their children. No one would deny their ability and,
as one of the few males present, it was interesting to learn how the more successful manage
their day in which backup, preferably from mother or mother-in-law, was deemed by all to be
essential. The alternative – first class hired help, if available.
The debate was chaired by Rebbetzin Kaplan. The Jewish ethics expert on the panel was Elaine
Aarons, a senior partner at Withers, a leading City law firm and one of the foremost employment
lawyers in the country. She defined the three main rules that govern her life – first her religion,
second, her family and, third, her career. In my opinion, these two ladies are far more representative
of the successful Jewish mother than the ones we were treated to by Channel 4.
In his article, Josh had gathered quotes from various well known Jewish personalities, most
of whom were scathing about the programme’s content. At worst it was anti-Semitic and, more
importantly, certainly not funny. On reflection, I am not sure being funny was the producer’s
intention – surely they did not intend the viewer, Jewish or non-Jewish, to take it seriously?
Recently we have had a spate of programmes about Jews – for example, the Charedim in
Stamford Hill and Manchester. Apparently Jews are ‘cool’ at the moment and long may it last!
Comedies featuring fictional characters have included Friday Night and Grandma’s House. UK
television channels, as opposed to their US counterparts, have a problem showing Jews to be
humorous in their natural state. One only has to compare our offerings with Seinfeld or Larry
David’s Curb your Enthusiasm.
The word is that ‘Reality’ programmes are on the wane, all the more the pity that the Jewish
Mother of the Year was made before the cull!
We offer a friendly
and personal
service for all your
household needs.
Established for 50 years in Hampstead Garden
Suburb, and for 20 years in West Hampstead.

Highest Standards for Fine Quality Cleaning
Superb Shirt & Laundry Service, including Hand Laundering

Alterations & Tailoring

Shoe Repairs (cobbler quality)

Our Household Services include:
CURTAIN CLEANING (take down and re-hang)
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING on-site (plus a range of
Stainguarding® & Flame-proofing protective treatments)
WE ALSO OFFER A FREE
COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICE
Why not give us a call on
020 8455 2207
or pop in to see us
12 MARKET PLACE
.
FALLODEN WAY
.
LONDON NW11 6JG
Food 4 You Rosh Hashanah
Shop – another resounding
success
T
he Food 4 You
team’s
eighth
annual One Stop
Rosh
Hashanah
Shop,
held in Neville Drive on
Tuesday, 11 September,
was attended by more
than 1000 visitors. The 12hour event raised £40,000
for four chosen charities:
The Jewish Association for
Mental Illness; University
College Hospital; teenage
support charity, the Boys’
Clubhouse; and Hampstead
Garden Synagogue’s own
Friends of Lvov.
Money
was
raised
through the sale of gifts –
primarily a range of giftwrapped tableware donated by Maxwell Williams – and an incredible 350 (plus) home-baked
honey cakes. Other retail highlights included ranges of hats for the holidays, jewellery, scarves
and bespoke stationery. The event also offered an exclusive book signing of ‘Warm Bagels &
Apple Strudel’ by authors Ruth Joseph and the Jewish Chronicle’s Simon Round.
“The One Stop Shop is a wonderful community occasion. Most of our team are members of
HGSS and many others offered their support – from wrapping honey cakes to bringing friends
and family along to the event. This incredible effort allowed us to raise a record amount for our
four chosen charities, this year. We are so grateful to everyone who comes along,” explains Food
4 You team’s Susan Kahn.
Mark Emberton of the UCH NHS
Foundation Trust comments that the
Food 4 You donation was the biggest ever
received by the fund. He writes “It will be
used to buy some bladder scanners which
will make life much easier for the patients
having catheters in and out. An important
cause, I am sure that you will agree.”
Gillian Freedman from HGSS Friends
of Lvov, was delighted by Food 4 You’s
contribution to the Lvov Community:
“This will help to ensure that children,
from all around the city of Lvov, will be
able to be brought to school during the
school year.”
the norrice leader january 2013
14
Cooking up a
Healthy Chanukah
A rectangular cake and with long, cylindrical biscuits for the
candles and coloured sweets stuck with marshmallow fluff to make
the pretend lights
Rainbow baked latkes
Baked Courgette, sweet potato, mushroom and cheese, and
beetroot latkes
1 large courgette grated (keep the skin)
6 medium fresh peeled and beetroots grated
1 large sweet potato peeled and grated
300g of mushrooms grated
100g of grated cheddar cheese
2 small onions
2 small red onions
30g fresh flat parsley chopped finely
30g fresh coriander chopped finely
6 large eggs
12 tablespoons of fine matzo meal
Salt, pepper
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil spray
Fresh coriander finely chopped
Fresh parsley finely chopped
Paprika, crushed chilies dry or fresh, black sesame seeds,
turmeric, multi spice blend, ground nutmeg or any other
spice of your taste.
• In a food processor, grate separately the courgette, the
onions, the beetroots, the mushrooms, and the sweet potato.
• Grate the onions in two separate bowls.
• Put each vegetable in separate bowls, and add a bit of
W
hen thinking of Chanukah cooking, with its emphasis on
oil and frying, the word ‘healthy’ does not come readily to
mind. However, on Wednesday, 14 November, at a Rosh
Chodesh Ladies’ Evening at 8 Norrice Lea, chef Fabienne VinerLuzzato showed just how it can be achieved with a demonstration of
Savoury and Sweet Food, featuring baked latkes and doughnuts
and ideas for edible menorahs – fun for kids. Here is Fabienne with
a rainbow of latkes featuring courgette, beetroot, mushrooms and
sweet potatoes. Of course, it is too late for Chanukah but, as they
are both delicious and decorative, here is the recipe:
onion in each bowl, adding the red onion in the mushrooms
and in the sweet potato bowls.
• Squeeze out of each vegetable any extra liquid; it is easier
with your hands.
• Add one egg beaten in the grated courgette bowl, one in
the mushroom bowl, two in the sweet potato bowl, and two in
the beetroot bowl.
• Add tablespoons of matzo meal in each bowl until the
mixture is no longer runny. Mix with your hands to blend all
the ingredients. If the mixture is too runny or too hard, you
can add one egg or more matzo meal. The consistency needs
to be soft but easy to manage to form your latkes by hand.
• Add two table spoons of vegetable oil in each bowl and
mix again.
• Add some salt and some pepper in each bowl.
• Add a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley in the courgette,
the mushrooms, and some fresh coriander in the sweet potato
and the beetroot.
• Add some cheese in the mushrooms, and some nutmeg.
• Add some black sesame seeds in the sweet potato and
some multi blend spices (oriental blend).
• Add some crushed chilies and some paprika in the
courgette.
• Add some paprika in the beetroot and some turmeric
• Put your oven on at 180C (fan oven, or 200C in a
traditional oven).
• Prepare some oven tray with baking parchment and spray
some vegetable oil on it.
• Form your latkes and cook for 20 minutes until they turn
a nice golden colour, or until they are easy to remove from the
baking parchment (each oven is different and cook more or
less quickly than other).
• Serve with yogurt, sour cream flavoured with different
spices, or with any other sauce of your choice. You can also
add a splash of plum vinegar to flavour the dip.
• You can do the same with apples, pears, mixed with sugar,
cinnamon, raisins, etc… you can replace the matzo meal with
ground almonds or ground walnuts for a lovely taste!
HGSS Book Circle
The Book Circle has monthly meetings.
We discuss the book choice of the month which
ranges from fiction to memorable
classics, Jewish authors and
works of Israeli writers.
The book selection is wide and varied and members are
encouraged to contribute their views on the current read.
We enjoy welcoming new members.
Pre-Chanukah
Fair by Emunah
For further details, please email Louise Felder
[email protected]
Gary Green
Monumental Stonemasons
The specialist masons
in creating
granite & marble memorials
for Jewish Cemeteries
14 Claybury Broadway,
Clayhall,
Ilford, Essex, IG5 0LQ
Tel: 020 8551 6866
Fax: 020 8503 9889
41 Manor Park Crescent,
Edgware,
Middlesex HA8 7LY
Tel: 020 8381 1525
Fax: 020 8381 1535
www.garygreenmemorials.co.uk
O
n Tuesday, 13 November, Emunah
held their Pre-Chanukah Fair.
There were Sushi, Chocolatier
and Patisserie demonstrations as well as gift
stalls selling jewellery, hats, clothes, scarves,
Judaica, books and much more.
The proceeds went towards Emunah
projects in Israel.
Norrice Lea Nefesh Network
Our volunteers are available, on a totally confidential basis, to help members in a number
of areas, including arranging invitations for Shabbat/Yom Tov meals, transport for hospital
visits, assistance with shopping, small DIY jobs, to talk to you about your particular
concerns or for someone to come and spend a little time with you in your own home.
8455 0040
or email us on
[email protected]
The line is now manned on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings
At other times, we aim to respond within
a working day
the norrice leader january 2013
15
Under strength HGSS take
runners-up spot
D
espite losing two players, HGSS took runners-up spot in this year’s
National Shul Table Tennis League, sponsored by Maccabi GB. Club
stalwart, Steve Burns, and the experienced Peter Wilson were both forced
alongside Captain Adam Black and the handy David Grunberg. More than 120
competitors played in the event on Sunday, 21 October, over double the entrants
which will be played at
Hartsbourne Country Club.
from last year.
Teams from Barnet to Buckhurst Hill
fought it out at JFS in Kingsbury, with last
year’s Senior Consolation event winners, Mill
last year’s winners, HGSS. Led by multipleMaccabiah medal-winning Dov Katz, and
Runners up HGSS. L-R David Grunberg,
Jonathan Stelzer, Adam Black
well supported by Leslie Samuels and Alan
Rayne, Mill Hill proved too strong for HGSS, despite the Suburb side fielding their own
Maccabiah medallist in Adam Black.
The Norrice Lea Juniors also did themselves proud with JCC/Maccabi
representatives Jacob Nico-Katz and Jonathan Stelzer playing alongside Nathan Sonn
and the ten year old Josh Graham. Surprise package Graham scored some notable
victories and, alongside his team mates, the future is looking very bright indeed.
Winners Mill Hill.
L-R Leslie Samuels, Dov Katz
Norrice Lea Table Tennis Club meets most Wednesday nights in the Max
Weinbaum Hall. Contact Adam Black for details : 07977415127
A night of humour
for the JNF
A
On Thursday, 23 May,
HGSS will compete against all synagogues
from around the country in the
INTER SHUL GOLF
COMPETITION
to bow out, leaving Junior, Jonathan Stelzer, to step in and more than hold his own
Hill, taking the Senior title in fine style against
CALLING ALL GOLFERS
The team will consist of six players who
will be selected on the basis of their two
best scores achieved in monthly medal
competitions (medal or stableford)
played on their own course during
March, April and the
first week of May 2013
.
Male or female of any age
and any handicap
if you are interested in playing please
email John Hilton at
[email protected]
for further details.
Night of Kosher Komedy was deemed a great
success.
Held on Sunday 4th November the
Local Gemachs
evening was full of Mirth , Magic and Mayhem.
Comedian Mark Maier hosted a line-up of four comedians
Furniture/Domestic Appliances (Family Kaufman 8458
9075). You simply state what you have to donate, and they will
put you in contact and work out all transfer details.
who entertained a full house of 140 people at Upstairs The
Gatehouse in Highgate. Organised by Tracy Lee, £3200 was
Furniture/Domestic Appliances (Mrs Heitner/Mrs Rothfeld
8209 0479/ 8455 4456 or 8800 3582). Items should be
of good quality and in good condition. Collection can be
arranged if necessary.
raised from the event for JNF’s Walk for Water Projects in
the Southern Negev in Israel.
For further information on JNF events, please contact
Melanie Lax on 020 8732 6146 or [email protected]
Otiz Cannelloni, Bennett Arron, Melanie Lax of the JNF, Tracy Lee,
Mark Maier and Jon Allen
Playground
Refurbished
Official Opening
S
unday, 7 October, saw the opening of the new playground
at Lyttelton Playing Fields. The majority of the members
of the playground redevelopment committee are
members of HGSS and, not content with raising the funds for
the new playground equipment, they also hosted a spectacular
opening ceremony that offered local residents the chance to enjoy an open-air Zumba class, performances from local bands such
as Sound of the Suburb and chanteuse Sophie Horowitz, drumming classes and drama workshops, not to mention the many fun
stands offering hot-dogs, candy floss and more.
Before cutting the ribbon to the playground, Adam Bass, the committee’s founder, made a short speech acknowledging the
committee’s achievements saying “This infrastructure has
been built by the community for the community. We hope the
building continues, with new friendships formed on the slide
or the Spinning Titan and new experiences in the amazing
amphitheatre that features the handprints of all those who
trusted us to invest in the future of this project. There was also
a vote of thanks to the two major local donors, the Lauffer
Family Charitable Trust, in memory of Renee and David, and
the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust.
The event, with over 500 people from the surrounding
area celebrating the new facilities, was a huge success. The
new amphitheatre, featuring the handprint tiles, is now
99% complete and should be an excellent venue for the live
performances planned for next spring.
For more information about Lyttelton Playing Fields visit:
The amphitheatre – live performances
www.facebook.com/groups/lytteltonplayingfields
are planned for next spring
Baby Equipment (Yael 8458 0805 or Tzirel 8455 4430).
They accept high chairs, prams/buggies, car seats, travel cots
etc. Items should be in good condition.
Baby Equipment (Mrs Blier 8802 1514).
above. They also accept infants’ clothing.
The same as
Food (Mrs Chagit Kramar 8455 9550 or 07703 062345).
Catered food only. You need to deliver it to Golders Green,
and she will distribute it quickly to those in need. You can call
and deliver until midnight.
Ladies’ Clothing (Mrs Levine 8202 0311 or Mrs Cohen
8202 8321). You can deliver items any Wednesday, between
9.30 and 10.30 am, to Danescroft (corner of Brent Street and
Green Lane), NW4, garage number 35) or they will collect if
necessary. For females, they accept clothing and shoes, from
infants upwards. They accept items for males from infants to
age fifteen – these they pass on to the gemach next mentioned.
Please donate only clothing in excellent condition, and all items
for females, apart from baby clothes, should preferably be on
hangers. They also accept linen, towels, tablecloths, children’s
toys in good condition and new gift items.
Men’s Clothing (Mrs Dinowitz 07976 283 555). Clothing and
shoes for males from infants upwards. They will collect the
items, if necessary. Items should preferably be folded, and
not on hangers, and items need not be in excellent condition.
Clothing for Despatch to Israel This can be left, at any time,
outside the basement door of 21 Moresby Road, Clapton, E5.
There is no need to call in advance and the area is protected
from rain. They accept boys’ clothing up to age twelve and
girls’/ladies’ clothing. Items should preferably be folded and in
good condition. Clothing is sent to orthodox neighbourhoods
in Yerushalayim. For enquiries, call Mrs Weiss (8442 4088).
Clothing etc for Despatch to Eastern Europe and the
former Soviet Union (World Jewish Relief 8736 1250/1257
and ask for the Gifts-in-Kind Department). They accept
clothing, toys, school stationery and bags, hygiene products,
linen, Judaica, and shoes. Items should be in good condition.
Collection can be arranged, if necessary.
Details of the hundred-plus gemachs in London can be found
in The NW Connection-The Shomer Shabbos Telephone and
Business Directory (back section of the booklet), which is
sold in local book stores and kosher food shops.
the norrice leader january 2013
16
The Editorial Team
Hilary Halter
Editor
Ruth Black
Michael Fishman
Madeleine Gottlieb
Shalom Haffner
Karina Kaufmann
Ylana Roback
Editorial Board
Artwork & Typesetting
Hilary Halter
Proof Reading
Cynthia Delieb
Louise Felder
Editorial Office
24 Fairacres
164 East End Road
London N2 0RR
Telephone 8365 2187
Email [email protected]
The Synagogue
Office
Norrice Lea, London N2 0RE
Tel 8455 8126 Fax 8201 9247
Email offi[email protected]
Website www.hgss.org.uk
Rachel Kaye spends a
special week in Lvov
I
n November, I decided to take a week off work (I’m a trainee
accountant), as part of my company’s Corporate Social
Responsibility Programme, to spend a week volunteering at the
Jewish school in HGSS’s twin community of Lvov.
My outward journey, on Sunday, proved to be every traveller’s
nightmare. Due to bad weather in the UK, I missed two connecting
flights, resulting in two changes of itinerary, not to mention being
informed, at Kiev, that the plane due to take me on the last leg of
my journey would not now be departing, as an engine needed
replacing. I finally arrived in Lvov at midnight, having travelled via
four European cities on four different aircraft, each smaller than the
one before. Did I also mention that my suitcase was still in Warsaw?
Despite all this, I was determined to start volunteering on the
Monday morning.
I was expecting that the school would be a dull, gloomy shack.
Instead, I was greeted by a warm, beautifully decorated school with
pupils full of enthusiasm. The first class I visited was a music class
(a personal favourite) and, within minutes, I found myself holding
back tears of emotion as I listened to the children singing the same
Chanukah songs that I learnt, at that very age, at Kerem School.
Despite being unable to communicate with the children in English,
from that moment we were able to connect through the shared
language of Hebrew song – a shared heritage and what I hope will
be a shared future.
The level of English spoken varied from the 1st grade who
spoke none, to the 10th grade who were able to converse a little. My
challenge was to find other non-verbal ways to communicate.
I was given a timetable of different classes to teach throughout
the week. I taught a range of different topics: music – teaching new
Jewish songs and singing with the children using the guitar, teaching
the English and Hebrew alphabet as well as vocabulary words in
both languages (usually in a game format). I also listened to children
reading books in English, picking up on words with which they were
Executive Officer
David Sagal
Office Manager Sharon Drucker
Accounts
Brian Gray
Rachel (right) decided to bake Chanukah-themed biscuits
Despite the batter being hand stirred, and the 
biscuits coming out the oven almost burnt,
they were gobbled down.
Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to
4.00 pm
Friday
9.30 am to 1.00 pm
(Telephone queries only)
Sunday
9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Email Addresses:
● Does the office have your email
address?
● Has your address changed?
struggling, then using a whiteboard to teach them how to improve
their reading.
I also decided to bake Chanukah themed biscuits with them and,
despite the batter being hand stirred and the biscuits coming out the
oven almost burnt, they gobbled them down.
I sat with the children at meal times and tried to have conversations
with them to help them improve their English. In return, I managed
to pick up a
few words of
Ukrainian along
the way.
The cuisine
was interesting,
mostly
consisting of buckwheat
and
blintzes.
The
children
eat
breakfast
and
lunch at school,
with food (eg
On Friday afternoon we made a Shabbat Poster
rogelach)
also
provided at snack
time, because most of them do not receive a proper meal at home.
Overall, I had a fantastic week volunteering at the school. I felt
that I was really needed and that the children benefited from my visit.
Sometimes it’s really hard to understand how people live without the
basic necessities that we take for granted on a daily basis. It was an
eye-opener to enter into that world.
I hope my visit will give the pupils the inspiration to continue to
value and love their religion and to work hard at both their English
and Jewish studies to enable them to achieve a better life in the future.
STOP PRESS!
HGSS Friends of Lvov presents
An Evening of Jewish Song
featuring Chazan Avromi Freilich and Chazan Chaim Adler
accompanied by the Ne’imah Singers
and pianist Raymond Goldstein
in aid of the Jewish Community of Lvov
Please visit our website: www.hgssfriendsoflvov.org.uk
In either case, please send the
current information to the Office –
offi[email protected]
Something Challenging
and Worthwhile
Useful Contacts
H
Rabbi Dov Kaplan
[email protected]
Rabbi Anthony Knopf
[email protected]
Rabbi Marc Levene
[email protected]
Chazan Avromi Freilich 8201 8327
Beth Din
8343 6280
Burial Society
8950 7767
Aleph Centre
8457 7048
Nefesh Network
8455 0040
Kerem EYU
8455 7524
Kerem School
8455 0909
Nashim
8455 3604
Shabbat Hospitality
8457 7043
Suburb Suppers
8455 9516
This is what Louise Wolfson was looking for when she had some spare time
GSS was well represented on the recent Norwood cycle challenge in Sri Lanka. I had decided to do something challenging and
worthwhile during a period between jobs, and the possibility of cycling 400 kms over five days, in an exotic country which I had not
visited before, in aid of an excellent cause, ticked all my boxes.
The cycling itself was arduous, particularly in the heat and humidity and often monsoon-like rains. Sri Lanka is a very hilly country, as we
soon discovered!
More than anything for me, the trip provided a real insight into the work of Norwood and the impact of events like this on the lives of
disabled people. We were accompanied by six tandems (with a Norwood resident or service user, as well as an able-bodied rider) and, as hard
as it was for me to get up the hills, it was even more difficult for the tandems. We also had a recumbent bike tandem in our group, ridden by
a man with a degenerative disease who is normally wheelchair bound.
It was truly inspirational to be part of this group and, whilst I set out to do something challenging and worthwhile, I did not expect to
be so personally affected by the people I met and rode with. Norwood relies heavily on government funding which is increasingly under
pressure; therefore the money my fellow riders and I raised is vital
to enable services to be maintained. The threat to the funding of
services for disabled people was more of a theoretical problem to
me before the ride. Now, however, having spent hours peddling
alongside Norwood residents and service users, it seems very real. I
am really proud to have been part of this ride and am delighted that I
have raised more than double my target. It is not too late to sponsor
me or the other HGSS participants and Norwood is always looking
for new riders, so maybe think about for next year. Rumour has it
that the destination is Madagascar...
PS I was asked not to mention that other participating HGSS members,
including some very able riders who were frequently at the head of the pack
(it wasn’t a race but try telling that to middle aged men in Lycra!), as well as
a former Maccabia tennis champion and our esteemed President of the Board
of Deputies. They asked me not to name them, but you know who they are!