kehilla - Hadley Wood Jewish Community

The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
KEHILLA
www.thehwjc.co.uk
KISLEV 5773
CHANUKAH 2012
In this Issue:
The Producer’s Story
Letter from America
Chatanim 2012
Ladies of the Year
Doughnuts!
Book Now
Seder Dinner
HWJC Trip to Prague
See Inside
for Details
Yoni’s “Big Issue” Lecture - By Rabbi Birnbaum with Dr Linda Joseph...more inside
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
From our Chairman
Chairman’s Letter
As always in Hadley
Wood, lots going
on. Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur
services were held
for 250 people in
the garden of Martin
& Ronnie Vincent.
We are very grateful
for their hospitality
and the work they
put into preparing for the event and we wish
Ronnie well.
Sukkot and Simchat Torah were notable for
the number of children and for our first Tribe
events. Mazeltov to Rabbi Birnbaum and Kenny
Wax for their honours as Chatanim.
The contraversial joint lecture by Rabbi
Birnbaum and Dr Linda Slavin on abortion and
euthanasia was well attended and raised as
many questions as it answered. You could not
help but be moved by the issues discussed and
the stories told.
Our plan to become an independent member
of the United Synagogues took a major step
forward with its acceptance by the US Board
of Trustees. We expect this to be ratified by
the US council in early December and be
independent early in 2013. Many people have
been working hard behind the scenes to make
this happen. In particular I would like to thank
Jeff Finegold, John Melchior, Mitchel Lenson
and Robert Feld for the time and effort they
have given.
From our Rosh Hashanah survey I was very
pleased to see that almost all members, and
even some non-members, were willing to
become full members of Hadley Wood. We will
be contacting you soon with the details.
The plans for work on 8 & 8a Lancaster are
progressing well, as is the fundraising to
ensure it can happen.. I hope most of you
have seen the short film produced by Jonathan
Sands which explains what we are doing and
why. If not, I’d be happy to provide a copy.
This is an exciting project which will ensure the
future of a Jewish community in Hadley Wood
for us and for future generations. Thanks to
all of you who have already made pledges.
We still have a long way to go, so we will be in
touch ………
With best wishes,
Mike Singer
Social and Cultural Committee
Rivers and Clive Anderson, played to a full house
on Sunday 4 November in Hadley Wood.
Food and drink were flowing in Sandy and Frances
Lester’s listed barn which added character and
atmosphere to an evening full of fun and laughter.
Another big hit for the HWJC cultural and
Entertainment Committee .
Ashley Blaker, producer of Little Britain, who
has worked with some of the greatest comedians,
including Russell Brand, Graham Norton, Joan
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We’re thrilled that the evening was such a
wonderful success and everyone had a great time.
A good profit was made for the shul and we’re
all looking forward to our next event early next
year, details of which will be advertised on our
website www.thehwjc.com
Penny Kenton
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
From Rabbi Fine
are daily, miraculous reminders of the ongoing
creative forces of Hashem.
Furthermore, miracles happened regularly
in Temple times. The Ethics of the Fathers
enumerates the ten miracles that occurred
daily in the Temple, yet no holiday was ever
established to commemorate them. Why then
Chanukah?
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
A CHANUKAH MESSAGE FROM RABBI
YISROEL FINE
If there is one Festival which inspires hope and
faith for the future it is surely Chanukah. So as
Hadley Wood is on the threshold of a new and
exciting phase in its young life let us see how
the events of Chanukah inspired us all those
years ago and continue to do so today as well.
The Talmud poses the question, “What is
Chanukah”? The Talmud then goes on to
relate the basic outline of the story: The
victory of the Maccabees, culminating in the
public lighting of the Menorah in the Temple. A
miracle happened and a small flask of oil kept
the Menorah burning for eight full days. The
following year, on the first anniversary of the
event, the festival of Chanukah was formally
instituted by our Sages.
But why institute a holiday just because of a
miracle? Since when were Jews so impressed
by miracles that they responded by instituting
holidays?
For those who don’t see G-d as actively
involved in the affairs of the world, a miracle
is imposing. But to the Jewish people? Our
perspective is that both miracles and nature
are equal revelations of G-d’s mastery over the
world. Every day Hashem renews the creative
process. The sun rises; a baby is born. These
The message of Chanukah is simply to
encourage us to live up to our potential. The
Chanukah miracles showed us that a little oil
had more in it than we had suspected. So too,
every Jew, even the smallest “flask “, contains
the energy to give more light than one might
imagine. This message is reflected in the
singular Halachic measures that our Sages
instituted for this holiday. According to Halacha,
the poor man must even sell the shirt off his
back to purchase oil for the Menorah.
Why this requirement? Someone who is
destitute is exempt from other mitzvoth. He
does not have to place a mezuzah on his door
or buy a pair of tefillin. But for the sake of
Chanukah lights he has no excuse. He must
fulfil the mitzvah of the Menorah no matter
what. Why such a demand?
Simply because the Chanukah flame exhorts
us to have no small dreams. Mediocrity is the
antithesis of the Chanukah obligation. We
have no excuses. Sell the shirt off your back if
necessary, but proclaim to all that the Chanukah
lights burn bright, that we believe Hashem
expects us to live up to our full potential. This
is true for us as individuals and perhaps even
more true for us as a community.
May the lesson of Chanukah lead us to even
greater accomplishments and the realisation
of our potential as members of the Chosen
People.
Rabbi Yisrael Fine
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KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
A Message from Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum
Chanukah – An
Education For
Eternity
“The Jews proved not
only unassimilated, but
inassimilable, and…
the demonstration that
this was so proved one
of the most significant
turning points in Greek
history, owing to the
gigantic influence
exerted throughout
subsequent ages by
their religion, which not
only survived intact, but
subsequently gave birth
to Christianity as well.”
(Michael Grant, From Alexander to Cleopatra:
The Hellenistic World, New York, Charles
Scribner & Sons, 1982, p.75).
The story of Chanukah is the story of what
happens when others try to force the Jewish
people to assimilate. Forced into a corner, their
very survival threatened by a world superpower
seeking to subvert the unique traditions and
practices of the Jews into its own Hellenistic
culture, the Jewish people, led by the
Maccabees, revolt and win a famous victory. In
our long history, we have seldom clung to our
faith more tenaciously than in times of extreme
peril.
Yet, paradoxically, it is precisely this fact
that presents the greatest danger to our
nation in modern times. Jews may indeed be
‘inassimilable’ at the hands of their enemies, but
all too often at our own instigation the opposite
is true. In our quest to become accepted in
whatever host country we find ourselves, we
run the risk of losing sense of our Jewish
identity.
Britain is a country that prides itself on its
respect for multiculturalism and diversity within
its citizenship. A million miles away from the
worldview of Ancient Greece, whose policy,
as the Chanukah story demonstrates, was to
crush the cultural individuality of its diverse
population. In modern British society, we need
4
not be afraid of holding our heads up high as
Jews, of openly supporting Israel, of requesting
kosher food at business meetings or of asking
to leave early on a Friday.
Yet, sometimes, we are. Why?
Perhaps the answer to this conundrum lies
in the very name of the festival - ‘Chanukah’.
Although we often translate it as ‘dedication’,
a reference to the re-dedication of the Temple
following the victory of the Maccabees, it
equally translates as ‘education’ (in Hebrew –
‘chinukh’). The dual meaning of the word is, as
always, not by chance.
Arguably the greatest tool that we have
as a people in ensuring that we remain
‘inassimilable’, is education. Educating both
ourselves and our families in the depth and
richness of our tradition grants us the gift of
appreciating what we stand to lose through
assimilation. And, more importantly, becoming
educated Jews makes us proud Jews.
Whilst completing my MA in Jewish history at
University College over the past two years I
have often marvelled how several of the nonJewish students on my course seemed to
know so much more about Judaism’s illustrious
heritage than many Jews do!
I firmly believe that as thinking, educated people
we have a responsibility to educate ourselves
‘Jewishly’ as well. Over the past year in our
popular ‘Judaism Faces Modernity’ series, we
have looked at what Judaism has to say about
some of the key issues of today. What bothers
us as people in modern society should also
concern us as Jews. And, of course, Judaism
always has a view!
During the coming year, we would like to
expand the range of topics covered, through
inviting suggestions as to areas you would like
to hear discussed. Remember, no topic is off
limits! I would love to hear your ideas, just drop
me an email at [email protected].
Wishing you all a very Happy Chanukah and
looking forward to hearing from you!
Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
HWJC Women of the Year
Rochelle Collins
When I was asked to write a few words about
myself, sheer panic set in. What do they want
me to say, how do I not bore everyone?
So here goes:
My mother often asks did she take the correct
baby home from the hospital and am I the
Jewish daughter that she expected? The
answer is obviously the right baby but often not
typically Jewish .
I was born in 1966, and in the early days
showed my heritage. I loved shul at an early
age and even went on my own at the age of 4
with my father following behind ! I took up the
violin at primary school and have played ever
since. So therefore definitely Jewish.
But as I grew up I developed a love of sport,
and I don’t mean armchair sport, but actually
participating. Athletics was my passion and I
was a sprinter and hurdler, I have played netball
throughout my life, for school, work and socially,
and remain a keen player today. But my love of
animals and the countryside makes my mother
sure I am not the typical Jewish daughter. Her
idea of countryside is a paved idyllic village and
mine is muddy fields and miles of walking. I now
wouldn’t be without a dog and currently have a
beautiful little terrier Belle.
That aside I am a typical Jewish mother, and
very proud of my three lovely children, Louisa,
Ben and Penina.
Elisheva Birnbaum
Growing up as the eldest of eight children in North
West London (four of each!), life was always busy with
plenty of things to do and be involved in, particularly
in the home and within the community. From helping
out at kiddushim in our shul to running youth groups
on Shabbat afternoon and socialising with friends,
the ‘cholent pot’ felt like a comfortable place to live.
Always enjoying sports and particularly athletics, I
was well-known in Golders Green for my bike and
green cape which allowed me to cycle all over town
in all weathers. A more unusual sight had seldom
been seen. Running around the block at night was
another favourite, and our neighbours would count
the circuits………………! No privacy when your
business is everyone else’s. At least in Hadley Wood
the houses are slightly further apart!
Meeting Yoni during my first week at university
certainly made the first year a little interesting.
Juggling work at uni, planning a wedding and holding
down a couple of side jobs – it didn’t seem like life
could get much busier. But it did…………..! Now,
with Yoni as a community Rabbi, 4 beautiful children,
a full-time job as Rebbetzin and part-time job as a
paediatric occupational therapist, as well as a home
in a shul, the treadmill never stops (literally)! Many a
text, phone-call, an idea or a menu, are planned and
executed from the comfy confines of that machine,
and of course I could receive an award from the
Neighbourhood Watch for monitoring the comings
and goings of the people on the street. No need for
Hadley Wood Security on Lancaster Avenue after all!
It is an immense privilege to have received the
honour of Lady of the Year from our community. You
have made us feel more welcome than we could
ever have wished for. We are sure that there will be a
continuous choice of special ladies to be nominated
for this honour in the years to come.
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KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Kenny Wax - The Producer!
SO WHAT ARE YOU PRODUCING NEXT?
....is the question that I get asked most frequently,
shortly after the one, ‘So how’s the show going?’
I have had the enormous pleasure over the past
4 years of creating a production of TOP HAT, the
first-ever stage adaptation of the Fred Astaire and
Ginger Rogers classic 1935 movie of the same
name. We were initially given permission by Irving
Berlin’s daughters and the head of RKO Studios
to tour the show around the UK so that they could
‘approve’ our world premiere production for the West
End. They all flew in to London last November and
we took a large contingent down to Canterbury.
Thankfully they loved it and gave it their blessing.
In April we opened in the West End to lots of rave
reviews and we have been entertaining audiences
for the past six months.
Back to the question in the title of this article, ‘What
are you producing next?’, to which I explain that
maintaining a musical of the size of TOP HAT
is pretty much a full-time job. We employ about
seventy people directly working at the Aldwych
Theatre on the show. We have 31 in the cast, 15 in
the orchestra pit, 7 stage managers, 4 in the wigs
department, 8 in the wardrobe department, 3 in
sound and 3 in lighting.
There is constant maintenance work being done
on the costumes, the wigs and the props. Indirectly
we employ a further 20 or so staff working on the
press, marketing and advertising. Everyone needs
to be paid. A large payroll is processed each week
and literally hundreds of invoices arrive weekly for
payment.
booking fees and a variety of commissions to the
producer. It all needs co-ordinating.
Our current cast will be out of contract at the end of
January and so we are now gearing up for auditions
and re-casting. When we have made our choices,
we will be back in the rehearsal room and drilling
the new dancers to ensure that the show maintains
the very highest of standards. I have had meetings
with Korean producers and Japanese producers for
productions in Seoul and Tokyo.
There is a great deal of interest in North America
and of course Broadway is the holy grail. Hopefully
one day. It’s a big machine which needs constant
maintenance and oiling to make sure the whole
thing runs smoothly.
Oh yes, and then I am producing five children’s
shows over Christmas for the 3-8 age group
including two of Julia Donaldson’s favourites: Room
On The Broom in the West End and The Gruffalo
at the Finchley Arts Depot. It’s all go but I wouldn’t
have it any other way.
Kenny Wax
Top Hat is on at the Aldwych Theatre booking
through to September 2013
In the past couple of weeks we had slots on the
Alan Titchmarsh Show and ITV’s This Morning. In
a couple of weeks we will be performing on Strictly
Come Dancing. All of these events require a great
deal of advance planning.
The ticketing side of a production is far more
complicated than it ever was. Long gone are the
days when you called a single telephone number to
purchase your tickets or went to the theatre to pay
for them (although this remains by far the cheapest
and best way). With the proliferation of ticket agents
and internet sites, tickets are being sold by literally
hundreds of different outlets, charging different
6
On the back row: Irving Berlin’s three daughters who came over from
the New York and Paris to vet the production in 2011. Also pictured: Ted
Hartley, Head of RKO Pictures, and co-producers Stewart Lane and
Bonnie Comley
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Charlotte’s Letter from America
NEWS FROM NEW YORK
The Prequel
I became the Kehilla foreign correspondent in
2009 when I moved ‘up’ to the land of Milk and
Honey. Now, my clever husband having landed
a job with Google, we are off to New York,
certainly one of the densest populations of Jews
anywhere in the world. As Lenny Bruce said:“
If you live in New York, even if you’re Catholic,
you’re Jewish.”
Thoughts of finding a place to live (with nearby
shul, preferably not reform) and wondering
how on earth I was going to manage a weekly
shop in one of those New-York-style food halls
offering 300 varieties of peanut butter, had to be
put aside. We had run into a small road block
and that was my visa.
Previous lax immigration laws had provided far
too many loopholes for people to fake marriage,
come to the States, get a job and sponsorship
before procuring a quick and painless divorce!
Now every married couple needs to apply
from the country of the foreign spouse, prove
their legitimacy and go through the green
card application process... this can take
between 6-9 months! Coming into America
on a 3-month tourist visa (so that you can live
with your husband) is completely legal but
seen as disingenuous; you can be detained
at the border and sent home. We learn this
in September and Steve’s job begins in
November. This means we had better apply for
a visa several months ago!
The first hurdle we have to jump is to get Steve
recognized as an American citizen. Holding an
American passport is not good enough! This
should take about 3 months. In the meantime
I have to obtain a police certificate proving I
do not have a criminal record in every country
I have lived in. Now I realise the extent of my
troubles... Not only do I have to deal with the
US government but the British,Australian (yes, I
lived there too) and Israeli embassy as well.
As expected there is a hiccup in the plansthe Israeli police will only send their police
certificate directly to the US Embassy. All
papers sent to the US embassy need to have
a case number so that they don’t get lost in
the vast ambassadorial system of desk trays
and pigeonholes... but we can’t get a case
number until the US receive our police checks
and approve initial application. Waiting for this
number could slow down our application by
another 2-3 months!!!
I’m sure you can picture us, sitting at home
worrying about this setback. However, having
lived in Israel, we know about a little thing called
‘protectsia’ (or as our friend Ori likes to call it,
‘Vitamin P’). Protectsia is the Israeli version
of ‘It’s not what you know but who you know’.
Cold-calling the Israeli embassy has not got us
anywhere, we need to know someone inside. A
Facebook request for embassy insiders reveals
4 potential candidates. We carefully select one
and call her. A few hours later she has visited
the consulate office for us and they promise
that, if we attend the next day, they will order
the police certificate and keep it in the Israeli
embassy for us until we have a case number.
So, now after having my fingerprints taken for
the first time (another story), and engaging a
very nice/expensive immigration lawyer, it feels
like things are moving along. Should you ever
be in this situation, I’m sorry but our insider is a
highly guarded secret!
Charlotte Suppe
7
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Our Chatanim
Chatan Torah - Rabbi Yoni
Perhaps the most
frequently asked
question I get is,
‘So, did you always
want to be a rabbi?!’
Like most kids, after
graduating from
the ‘I want to be
a fireman’ stage,
vague ideas of what
I might like to be when I grew up did float through
my head (in between Nintendo, Spurs, Star Wars
and all the other important things that made growing
up a good place to be). But a rabbi….I don’t think
so!
Fast-forward a few years, and the attraction of
Yeshiva beckoned. I had always loved amassing
information and learning about everything and
anything in general - my parents knew that a good
history book could keep me occupied for hours. So I
readily applied this towards delving into the richness
of Jewish law, heritage and tradition.
But I still didn’t want to be a rabbi! Meeting Elisheva
in 2002, though, made me think a little more
seriously about what I really wanted to do in life (ok,
I’ll be honest……‘Just how do you expect to support
your family?!’ did play a small part). So…..with the
oft-repeated mantra of ‘always keep your options
open’ in the back of my mind, I simultaneously
embarked on an Open University law degree as well
as a Semicha course in Jerusalem.
Perhaps to the chagrin of my wife, it turned out
that Jewish law beat English law. But, hey, maybe
I wouldn’t have made a good lawyer anyway!
Seriously speaking, without the enthusiastic support
of both Elisheva and our wonderful children, I know
that I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today,
doing the job that I love, in a community as unique
as ours.
I am deeply grateful for the honour of Chatan Torah
this year, and am also proud to share ‘the platform’
with Kenny Wax, without whose initial instigation
the plans to increase the numbers of young families
in our community might well never have come to
fruition.
As always, onwards and upwards HWJC!
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Chatan Bereshit - Kenny Wax
To say that I was surprised when
asked by John Melchior if I would
like to accept the honour of
Chatan Bereshit this year was an
understatement. It was something
that of course I could not refuse.
I did ask a few people including
John what it entailed. It was only
when I started to research on the
internet that I felt very humbled, not only by what I
read, but also because the Chatan Torah was none
other than the Rabbi.
For the first time since my Barmitzvah, I had to
prepare the leyning. This in itself was daunting,
because although my reading is reasonable, I grew
up in a Sephardi Shul in Manchester with different
notes. And not having any vowels was an even
bigger hindrance. Rabbi Yoni duly recorded the
verses and every day for a fortnight I played them
on the train journey into and out of the West End
on my laptop-with headphones, you will be pleased
to note. I actually quite enjoyed the process and it
has made me want to do a Haphtorah but that may
need to wait until Jemima’s Batmitzvah weekend
next October.
Many people congratulated me on my honour in
advance of the big day. Eli Carmeli asked me on
a couple of occasions, ‘Who is Kenny Wax?” and
I replied that I had “no idea” not realising that he
really didn’t know who this person who was. Sorry
Eli. He was very effusive in his warmth when he
found out.
Elisheva and I planned the banquet. She is a great
organiser and boy! does she know her way around
that Tesco on-line website. I’d love to see her duel
with Daniella in an on-line supermarket sweep. Our
kids went round to Lancaster Avenue to prepare the
party bags for Simchat Torah night. All went to plan.
And when the big day arrived, Rabbi Yoni organised
for some of the men to hoist me shoulder-high on a
chair to take me to the Bima in preparation for my
reading.
It was an unforgettable couple of days and I know
that my late parents would have been very proud to
see my name up there on the board in gold letters.
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Profile of Jonathan Sands
2002 promotional events for the launch of the
Star Wars second prequel, including the landing
in Leicester Square of space ships on the night
of the premiere.
Stepping into Jonathan’s three-storey Victorian
Hadley Wood home feels like arriving in
Hollywood. We are surrounded by figures from
the movies - Yoda, Darth Vader and a life-size
replica of ET grace the living room. These
represent Jonathan’s lifetime passion and his
career in photography, props and promotional
events, culminating in 2008 with his founding in
Covent Garden of the London Film Museum.
Born in Kenton in June 1972, Jonathan
was raised, together with his older sister, in
Willesden. From 13 he boarded at Mill Hill
School. Whilst describing himself as not
academic, Jonathan, having bought his first
camera at 12, recalls his main contribution to
school life as the founding of the photographic
society.
Leaving school at 16, Jonathan spent 3 years
at Luton College studying photography and
film before spending a year in Israel on Yot
Vatar. Whilst there Jonathan wrote his business
plan and immediately on returning home set
up in Alston Studios in Barnet as a product
photographer, moving to Elstree Film Studios
in 1997 as resident photographer. A year later
Jonathan married Laura, setting up home in
Elstree.
Jonathan had begun to get involved in
producing events - creating huge promotions for
the Lord of The Rings premiere and planning
the Centenary exhibition at Chelsea Football
Club, which included the commissioning of
waxworks of Frank Lampard and John Terry.
In 2001 Jonathan bought the props and events
company Weird and Wonderful, setting up the
Charlie Chaplin Exhibition and producing in
Following his launch of an exhibition on the
ground floor of County Hall in 2007 to promote
the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars
film (which was visited by more than 200,000
people), Jonathan took a 25-year lease of the
space, moving in and displaying his collections
of cameras, costumes, props and promotional
material, including Dr. Who’s arch-enemies
the Daleks, Harry Potter, and Star Wars
memorabilia. During this period Jonathan
helped out Boris Johnson by providing him with
his campaign offices, and hosted the annual
Evening Standard Awards.
In 2010 Jonathan was approached to set
up the London Film Museum in the old
V&A Theatre museum in Covent Garden.
Under his watch the listed building has been
tastefully modernised and now houses various
photographic and film exhibitions and is used
for film launches and corporate and private
functions.
The family moved to Hadley Wood 3 years
ago. Meeting R. Yoni and sending the children
to our cheder has been a highlight, Jonathan
being ‘so proud of the fact that the family have
the opportunity to participate in a welcoming
and non-judgmental community’. Jonathan has
been involved with designing the HWJC logo
and with the promotional fundraising film.
Apart from work, Jonathan and Laura’s three
children, Jay age 12, a pupil at JCOSS and
due to be Barmitzvah in Hadley Wood next
March, Gerry,10 and Lea, 7, keep them very
busy. Jonathan is about to embark on a
Norwood charity bike ride in Sri Lanka and he
is also involved in producing the foundation’s
promotional material.
It’s just a thought, but if HWJC were ever to
want to stage a grand event, The London Film
Museum might be the ideal location……
Nina Taylor
9
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Recipe for Chanukah
!
g
u
Do
!
s
t
u
n
h
Makes 8-10
Ingredients:
160g strong white flour, plus extra to dust
7g dried yeast
½ tsp salt
15g caster sugar, plus extra to dust
20g unsalted butter, at room temperature, chopped, plus extra to grease
65ml whole milk, warmed
45ml warm water
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons of caster sugar flavoured with a little cinnamon
1. Combine the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a large bowl and mix well. Put the butter into a bowl
with the warm milk and water, and stir to melt. Pour this into the mixing bowl, along with the egg,
and stir until it comes together into a dough: it should be firm, but soft.
2. Tip on to a lightly floured surface, or into a mixer fitted with a dough hook, and knead until
smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Put into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp tea
towel, and leave in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).
3. Shape into 8 - 10 small balls, folding each side tightly into the centre in turn, turning as you go,
then turn the balls over and put on a lightly floured baking tray or board, spacing them well apart.
Cover and leave to rise again for 45 minutes.
4. Heat the oil in a large pan or deep-fat fryer to 160C. Cook the doughnuts in 2 batches for about
3 minutes on each side, until golden, then blot with kitchen paper and sprinkle with caster sugar.
Allow to cool slightly, then roll in the cinnamon sugar.
Eat immediately!
10
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
PRAHA
Prague
United Synagogue Registered Charity No. 242552
A trip for The Hadley Wood Jewish Community
‘A magical city of Jewish heritage. ‘
Friday 12th – Sunday 14th April 2013
Spend an enchanted weekend in the magical city of Prague.
Walk through the cobbled streets of the old Jewish quarter with its legendary Golem, stroll across the
Charles Bridge to Prague Castle and learn the history of Terezin.
Led by Rabbi Aubrey Hersh
Accompanied by Rabbi Yoni and Elisheva Birnbaum
£445 + flights* (£100 single supplement)**
Covers transport in Prague, food, accommodation, entrance fees and guides.
For more information and to book a place please contact Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum
t: 07905 964 207 e: [email protected]
*flights are BA from LHR and should cost an average of £180. Price may vary depending on time booked
** prices subject to change
11
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
New Member Experience
From their first meeting with Rabbi Yoni
and Elisheva on Chanukah two years ago,
the Carnell family knew they wanted to
become members of this warm and inclusive
community. ‘We really enjoy the intimate shul
experience of the HWJC and there is a real
warmth in the air. It is such a friendly and caring
environment’.
Having grown up in traditional Jewish families
on the opposite sides of the world, both
Aviva and James Carnell were keen to find
an Orthodox shul where they could belong.
Although James had grown up in the area,
it was only when he returned some years
later with his Australian wife and new baby,
that he learnt about the Hadley Wood Jewish
Community.
At two years of age, Hudson is still too young
to join the HWJC Cheder, but the family enjoy
attending the special Smile Shabbat services
and kiddish, as well as the young family events.
We have met some really lovely people who
we now see outside of shul. It has been a
great way to meet young jewish families in the
area.‘We feel very lucky to have discovered the
HWJC and it has been a really important part of
us settling into Hadley Wood. We look forward
to our family growing with the shul.’
Chesed / Awareness
On 1 November we hosted a coffee morning at the
Shul and invited all those who attended to share
their vision of our new group.
Lengthy discussions took place and all of your
ideas and thoughts have been taken on board.
Firstly, the group will from now on be known as
‘AWARENESS’. Our mission is to provide ‘care’ in
its widest meaning.
AWARENESS has created a list of volunteers who
have offered their services from baking a cake or
cooking a meal, to help with shopping or visits at
home or in hospital
Whether you have recently had the blessing of a
new baby or unfortunately suffered a bereavement,
or perhaps seek company or help in other ways,
Hadley Wood Jewish Community AWARENESS
cares for you.
In order for AWARENESS to reach out we need
12
each and everyone of you in our Community to
make us aware of how we can show we care. You
can either contact us directly or speak with Rabbi
Yoni, who with your approval will speak with us in
confidence.
Awareness
Hadley Wood Jewish Community
Cares for You
Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum 07905 964207
Arlene 07852 351321
Anne 07525 688494
Sharon 07802 968159
KEHILLA
ARTHRITIS
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Medical Matters
Arthritis is a common
condition that causes
pain and inflammation
in a joint. There are
many different types
of arthritis but the
two most common
are osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid
arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
(OA) is by far the most
common type of arthritis
affecting an estimated 8.5 million people in the UK,
and is the focus of this article.
Osteoarthritis
Causes:
There is no single cause of OA but several factors
seem to be implicated.
Age - OA becomes more likely with increasing age
and is relatively uncommon before the age of 40.
Genetics - there is often a strong family history but
so far no particular gene has been identified.
Weight - being obese increases the risk of OA
to the weight-bearing joints such as the hips and
knees.
Injury - An injury to the joint such as a fracture,
infection or an operation can contribute to
development later on.
Effects
In healthy joints, the articular surface of the
bone is covered by a smooth cartilage . In OA
the cartilage becomes rough, brittle and weak
and to compensate, the bone beneath thickens
and spreads out to form knobbly outgrowths.The
membrane around the joint thickens and the fluidfilled space within it becomes reduced. This causes
the shape of the joint to change, resulting in pain
and reduced movement and stiffness.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary widely from person to
person and are particularly related to the joint or
joints involved. Sometimes there can be marked
changes of OA on an x-ray with no symptoms and
often the reverse, with severe pain and very little
x-ray changes to be found. Commonly, there are
symptoms of pain and stiffness, with localised
swelling of the joint . Redness is not a typical
feature and is more usual in the rheumatoid
condition.
Treatment
There are a huge number of treatments available
which broadly fall into two categories: pain relief
and supportive aids.
Pain relief usually starts
with simple analgesics or non-steroidal antiinflammatories and may progress to local joint
injections and finally joint replacement. There
are also a wide number of alternative medical
treatments such as acupuncture and massage. The
use of glucosamine and and chondroitin tablets are
enormously popular, if largely unproven. Exercise,
often in the form of physiotherapy, may be very
helpful and weight loss in overweight patients is
essential.
Prevention and lifestyle changes.
Looking after your joints may not prevent OA but
should help to reduce the risk and minimize the
effects.
Exercise ! - Regular exercise to keep the joints
mobile and flexible is essential. Swimming, walking,
pilates, cycling and yoga are all excellent choices.
Exercise that strains the joints with excessive
loading such as running and weight training are
not!! Watch out you marathon runners and gym
weight-training junkies!
Weight- Do not get fat!!
Dr Linda Joseph
This article was written by Dr Linda Joseph MB.BS.
a general medical practitioner. The advice given
is necessarily of a general nature and if you have
concerns you should contact your own GP.
13
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Adventures at an Airport
1. cringe in extreme embarrassment, and debate whether you are adopted and
2. break into fits of laughter that one cannot
control at all.
Now at this point I see this glimmer of hope. A
medium sized grey haired man breaks the horizon. Revelation unravels before me. Is this the
man I’ve been looking for? For an hour now?
Is this the one?
Turned out it was an Arab man named Farheed
Akbar (he worked on the info desk and had a
little name tag).
Just a few weeks ago, I returned home from a
great trip to Turkey with my family in the October half term.
When we first got there, we were overwhelmed
by the heat, but it wasn’t just hot, it was humid
and unpleasant. Secondly we’d lost my dad in
the airport because he impatiently rushed off
to try and get the car to quicken the process of
getting to where we would be staying. But half
an hour later, we were sitting outside the arrivals door wondering where he’d be.
My mum was panicking, thinking he might have
been nicked by the Taliban, yet myself and
Jonny were sitting on our make-shift beds (the
suitcases), appreciating the banter that was being derived from this situation.
Another half an hour and now I’m thinking
he’s in the back of a van with a bag over his
head. Things were getting bad. So bad that as
I paced up and down, over the airport tannoy
I hear a Turkish woman ‘please could Mister
Allarn Dayitz come to the information desk,
terminal 1 , thank you’ .
When a child hears something like that about
his father there’s two things one cannot help
himself but do.
14
I went back to our makeshift home, because
at this rate , a few bags and cardboard boxes
would be our accommodation - which I wasn’t
to fussed with. I’ve always wanted to appreciate the outdoors more - and I wouldn’t get
cold, so it didn’t seem bad at all.
My mother’s patience had run dry and what
little she had at the start had now completely
gone, and she was going mad.
The best part was we met the man who was
originally was going to show us to our car.
What I do not get was this: as we came out of
the terminal there was the guy, (we’ll call him
Ahmed for this purpose) standing with ‘Allan
Daitz’ on a plaque. Now I’m fully aware my dad
is dyslexic, I see it every day, he gets the cats,
Jonny and my names mixed up. Sometimes
I’m Jonny, other times I’m Daisy; but the fact
that he couldn’t recognise his own name was
wholly beyond me.
Anyway from out the blue, here comes Dad
strolling into the terminal and he has the audacity to say ‘where have you been, I’ve been
waiting for you?’ And on that note, I sighed.
I remembered, you can’t pick your family
Gideon Daitz
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Succot at Hadley Wood
Yoni’s Big Issue
Rabbi Yoni’s series of lectures
on the big issues affecting
Judaism and its apparent
conflict with moderntity
continued with a fascinating
and emotional talk by Rabbi
Yoni and Dr Linda Joseph on
the highly charged issues of
abortion and euthanasia.
Linda began each subject speaking on the position as
far as UK law is concerned, and current guidance from
the medical profession. She is a practiisng GP , and
consequently we gained some insight into the issues and
practical difficulties that arise on a daily basis.
Rabbi Yoni explained the Halachic position, with
references to religious sources, and then the two
speakers opened up to the subject to the audience.
We heard a number of heartfelt stories with both Rabbi
Yoni and Linda interpreting the cases from their own
professional perspectives, and a healthy discussion
ensued.
It was evident that both speakers had put a great deal of
time and effort into their presentations, for which they
rightly received applause at the end.
For those of you who have not yet had the benefit
of attending these talks, they appeal to all, from the
academic who can enjoy the well sourced material that
Rabbi Yoni prepares, to those with no prior knowledge
who can learn so much from Rabbi Yoni’s attentive
delivery.
Laurie Slavin
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KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Social and Personal
Births
Engagement
Valerie & Mitchel Lenson on the birth
of their first granddaughter Eva Joan.
Proud parents are Catherine and
Jonathan Lenson.
Stuart & Janice Singer together
with Sara & Ian Rosenthal on the
engagement of Dani to Bradley
Barmitzvahs
David Brin on the occasion of his second
Barmitzvah
Suzanne & Syd Braham on the
engagement of their son Dovid to Nina
Robinson.
Condolences
Bonnie Brooks on the Barmitzvah of her
grandson Elan Brooks
Gary Moss on the loss of his mother
Sadie Moss
Jackie & Adam Bergman on the
Barmitzvah of their son Ben
Laura Gassner and Natalie Susman on
the loss of their grandmother Mrs Mina
Mandel
Warren Collins on the loss of his father
Yahrzeit Commemoration Board
Veronica and Martin Vincent and family have
presented to the Shul a Yahrzeit Commemoration
Board. This is in honour of their son Gary Anthony.
The board was installed in October and plaques are
now available to members of the community for the
yahrzeit of their loved ones.
Each plaque will be illuminated for the individuals’
yahrzeit month and for the days in the year when
Yizkor is recited. The board has 88 commemorative
plaques of which approximately 20% have been
allocated. The plaques are large enough for one or
two commemorations.
The one off donation is £225 for an individual name
or £325 for two names. This includes the plaque
and engraving. We enclose an application form and
spaces will be allocated in order and on a first come,
first served basis.
For more information contact Martin at:
[email protected]
16
Second Night Seder in the Community
KEHILLA
The
Little Flower House
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Co
Flowers for all occasions
Whatever the occasion
“The Little Flower House”
has the perfect floral gift for you
Hadley Wood Station
Crescent West
Hadley Wood
Herts EN4 0EJ
07790 184708
020 8216 5610
The All New HWJC Website
Executive Car Service
Accuro Logistics
A Lot More Service
for a Little Less Cost
- Airports - Business Trips
-Weddings - Race Days
- Accounts Welcome
- West End/City fo London
- Luxury 7 Seaters Available
020 8447 3777
58-60 Edward Road New Barnet EN4 8AZ
www.thehwjc.com
Beauty Works by Victoria
full mobile services
spray tanning
waxing
eyelashes
all nail treatments including:
Biosculpture, Shellac and Minx
Manicure
Call Victoria on 07535 682277
(locally based)
20% discount to all HWJC members
17
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
Community Contacts
Rabbinical LeadRabbi Fine 07930 380215
Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum07905 964207
Chairman Mike Singer020 8449 7289
Kiddush Sponsorship
Phil Bennett020 8440 3738
Financial RepresentativeRobert Feld020 8449 5946
Membership SecretaryMichael Lazarus01707 876867
WardensMartin Vincent
Allan Daitz 020 8441 0606
Shul CommitteeJohn Melchior
David Allen020 8440 5086
EducationJeff Feingold
Rabbi Birnbaum020 8449 9472
HouseNadia Rihani
Sandy Lester020 8449 2203
Legal Representative
Jeff Feingold020 8449 9472
PR and CommunicationLaurie Slavin020 8440 6700
StrategyMitchel Lenson020 8440 8109
SecretaryLis Melchior020 8440 5086
Book ClubGhita Cohen020 8440 2140
Culture and Entertainment
Penny Kenton07866 492182
Honorary Life Presidents
Stephen Pack
Cheryl Pack
Kehilla Magazine Editorial Board
Laurie Slavin020 8440 6700
Ghita Cohen020 8440 2140
Linda Slavin020 8440 6700
Nina Taylor020 8449 0894
Sylvia Weber020 8441 5177
Gideon Daitz
AWARENESS (Chesed)
Arelene Barc07852 351321
Anne Altman07525 688494
Sharon Pittal07802 968159
18
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine
KENETH
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CHARTERED SURVEYORS
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ADVISERS
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020 8201 4999
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Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of
investment business activities by The Institute of Chartered
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19
KEHILLA
The Hadley Wood Jewish Community magazine