July - Latest Edition

Transcription

VOLUME 27 No 6 JULY 2010 5770
http://cjc.org.za
Baruch Ha’ba!
An eruv for Sea Point at last
Cape Jewish Chronicle at its peak
F
The start of the eruv, from the first pole erected at Three Anchor Bay beachfront.
W
hile South Africa and our mother
city were watchfully counting the
days to the greatest global sports event
ever to be held in this country, not
many were aware of another significant
countdown of far longer duration.
Some ten years ago, at a gathering in
Cape Town presided over by UOS Rosh
Beth Din Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag, the
local rabbis of the time agreed that Sea
Point should have an eruv.
Now, after an approximately 3650
plus day countdown, construction of
the eruv is almost complete.
David Cohen, who Rabbi Kurtstag
roped in to ‘run with’ this complicated
enterprise a decade back, was happy
to explain the halachic definition and
laws of an eruv and the process that he
and his team went through in bringing
this one to successful reality.
In brief, and simplistically, an eruv
represents the ‘walled city’ of biblical
times — a semi-private domain (a
carmelit in Hebrew) which, through the
construction of the eruv, is converted
to a private domain (reshut yachid in
Hebrew) wherein, according to halachic
law, one is allowed the act of carrying
on shabbat.
To convert a secular suburb such as
Sea Point into a private domain can be
no easy task. Indeed, over many years it
did not seem as if it could be achieved,
owing to understandable objections
from the City Council.
About a year ago, however, after the
necessary assurances, the Council
changed its position and a real, final
countdown could begin.
The eruv that has been erected
broadly covers the upper parts of
Green Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay and
Sea Point, including Beach Road. As
David described it, one could say that
the starting point is at Three Anchor
Bay on the Beach Road.
Continuing from pole to pole or
connecting to walls and fences of
existing buildings or even thick bush,
the eruv follows a tortuous route up
Glengariff Road and upwards and
onwards, winding its way through the
areas as noted above. Occasionally
it takes its form from parts of the
mountain (as long as they exceed a 25
degree angle), bearing in mind that the
minimum height of any pole or fence
must be one metre.
The final stretch runs along the
promenade from Saunders Rocks
back to the pole on the corner of Three
Anchor Bay.
To view the route of the eruv, see
website: http://eruv.org.za/ct
continued on page 19
yet facing financial crunch
by the initiator of the new local
or the first time since its
monthly, Myra Osrin, was that it was
inception over 25 years ago, the
to reach every Jewish household in
Cape Jewish Chronicle is facing a
Cape Town, free of charge.
financial problem that needs to be
“We are proud that, to date, we
addressed now.
have adhered to this policy, relying
“The irony is that the paper is
on voluntary subscriptions to help
actually at a peak in terms of
balance the budget. However, to
success and popularity within the
date this year, only some 17% of
community,” says Editorial Board
the 6 500 householders to whom
chairman Ben-Zion Surdut.
the paper is sent, are paying
“Never before have the communal
subscribers.
organisations been so supportive,
“We understand that there may
as can be seen in every issue. So
be some who do not wish to receive
much so, that outsiders both within
the Chronicle, and there
South Africa and overseas
are others who just cannot
who read the Chronicle
afford to pay the R200
are filled with and express
voluntary subscription. But
great admiration at the
there are a substantial
vibrancy and commitment
number, we believe, who do
of a community which
read the paper and do want
is known to be slowly
to receive it, yet for some
diminishing in numbers.”
or other reason have not
“Nonetheless,
with
followed this up by sending
printing, production and
in their subscriptions.
postage costs ever on the
“If this situation could be
rise, and a decrease in the
substantially improved by at
Chronicle’s
advertising
least doubling the number
revenue, resulting from
of paying subscribers,
the severe economic
it would go a long way
downturn, we are facing
to solving our financial
a considerable budgetary
shortfall,”
says
CJC Above: level of problems and safeguarding
treasurer Lester Hoffman. 2010
voluntary the future of the Chronicle,
“From the outset in 1984 s u b s c r i p t i o n s an essential and invaluable
part of our community!”
the mandate, as framed received to date.
NOTE: The details for submitting voluntary subscriptions to the Chronicle
can be found on page 3 of this issue.
World Cup 2010 ... We’ve got the ‘gees’!
Proud and enthusiastic supporters stop the traffic in Hatfield Street.
(see Way IC it on p 3, and more on p 28)
2
CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE JULY 2010
Community Noticeboard
CT
TR E , U
N CEN
K A PL A IC LECTURE
PU B L
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Union of Jewish Women July AED programme
7 Lorna Levy
14 Joel Stern
21 Riaan Manser
28 Heather Blumenthal
Radical engagements — then & now
South Africa in a turbulent world:
Where are we heading?
Courage... Perseverance ... Attitude
Exploring Judaism through television — a journey
Stonehaven, 7 Albany Road, Sea Point 10 am for 10.30 am
Entrance: R15.00 (incl refreshments)
24 hours 086 18 000 18
CSO emergency number for medical and security
emergencies
HONOURABLE MENSCHEN
O
ur Johannesburg correspondent,
Bernard Katz, spoke on ‘Yiddish
Civilization — The Story of Yiddish
and the People who spoke it’ — at
the Linksfield Senderwood Shul on
Shavuot. Here are some extracts:
1881 is an important date in Jewish,
Russian, American and world history.
Tsar Alexander II was assassinated.
The Jews were blamed and this set off
a wave of pogroms throughout Russia
and was followed by emigration on
a massive scale. Between 1881
— 1914, 2.5 million Russian Jews
emigrated and of these 2 million went
to America.
It was said that when pious Jews left
the old country, they would address
G-d thus: “And now, good-bye, O Lord;
I am going to America.”
The trip by boat from Hamburg
to New York took 10 — 14 days and
passengers were required to provide
their own food. Kosher meat, being
salted, keeps well but when minced
it lasts even longer. Flattened into
patties, it can be rapidly cooked on
a hot plate and served on bread. This
dish soon became the staple diet on
the Hamburg — New York route and
became known as the ‘hamburger’.
Yiddish has enriched everyday
English speech. Webster’s International Dictionary lists over 500
terms in use in American English —
words such as bagel, maven, gonif,
kibitz, meshugger, oy vey, nebbish,
nudnik and expressive ‘sh’ words
such as, schlemiel, shlemazel, shlep,
shikker, shlump, shnorrer, shnapps,
shmaltz, shmooz, shmattes, shnoz
and shtik.
Yiddish phrases, when translated,
suffuse American speech:
The apple doesn’t fall far from the
tree. If you lie down with dogs, you get
up with fleas. If my grandmother had
wheels she’d be a trolley (and other
less pulpit friendly versions).
There are also structural borrowings
— expressions like Enjoy! Don’t ask!
Get lost! From that he makes a living?,
I should care, and I need it like I need
a hole in the head!
As Isaac Bashevis Singer said,
“There are some who call Yiddish a
dead language, but so was Hebrew
for two thousand years … Yiddish
has not said its last word. It contains
treasures that have not been revealed
to the eyes of the
world.”
qqq
The
Oxford
Dictionary of Humorous
Quotations
has
an
excellent section titled
‘Insults and Invective’.
Here are some Winston Churchill
(1874 – 1965) classics.
Nancy Astor: If I were your wife I would
put poison in your coffee!
Winston Churchill: And if I were your
husband I would drink it.
(Clement Attlee is) a modest man who
has a good deal to be modest about.
Bessie Braddock: Winston, you’re
drunk.
Churchill: Bessie, you’re ugly. But
tomorrow I shall be sober.
(An exchange with the Labour MP
Bessie Braddock)
qqq
This e-mail came from Jackie Sachar
and is headed, ‘If you need a good
laugh, try reading through these
children’s science exam answers’.
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.
Q: How can you delay milk turning
sour?
A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What happens to a boy when he
reaches puberty?
A: He says goodbye to his boyhood
and looks forward to his adultery.
Q: What does ‘varicose’ mean?
A: Nearby.
Q: What does the word ‘benign’ mean?
A: Benign is what you will be after you
be eight.’
qqq
We are getting wealthy as we get
older!
Silver in the hair. Gold in the teeth.
Stones in the kidneys. Sugar in the
blood. Lead in the feet and iron in the
arteries.
We
never
t h o u g h t
we
would
accumulate
such wealth …!
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED FOOD AND CATERING SERVICES ADVERTISED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE NOT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE CAPE BETH DIN
3
BLOW ME DOWN!
The Way
IC it
T
he synopses of the books in the
Gitlin Library list each month make
me itch to read them all! They cover
such a range of fact and of fiction.
I remember that when my Dad used
to come to visit from PE — right into his
90s, when he was still reading about
five a week, his first request was that
I go to the Gitlin to take out a pile of
books for him. Though I must admit
he did once comment that it was all
getting a bit “too Jewish”. He also liked
some really spicy ‘skiet and donder’!
Well, at the end of May, in ‘recovery’
after completing the June issue, I
took out one of those ‘synoposesed books that promised a light and
fascinating read. And so it proved to be.
A Fine Romance — Jewish Songwriters,
American Songs’ was S’Wonderful,
S’Marvellous! In fact, I found it
S’Awesome!
Being of the ‘old school’, with a love
of the jazz standards, I go for the music
and lyrics of the Gershwins, Irving Berlin,
Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers and
Larry Hart, Rodgers and Hammerstein
and co — and lyricists like Dorothy
Fields, Sammy Kahn, Frank Loesser …
and co! These Jewish musical geniuses
produced the greenest of evergreens —
S’Wonderful melodies and words that
soar way above most anything written
in later decades.
It was even said of the equally brilliant
Cole Porter, who was not part of that
‘club’ that he wrote “Jewish music”.
Well Irving Berlin wrote White
Christmas and Easter Parade!
Hundreds of those fabulous and
familiar songs — sung by Bing, Frank,
Ella, Sammy, Nat, Doris, Barbra and
even today by the likes of Michael
Bublé, as singles or in musicals like
Showboat, Oklahoma etc — were the
product of a Jewish pen. And we’re
talking about stuff produced 60 and
more years ago.
‘THEY GOT TALENT ….’
Not that there haven’t been wonderful
words and music created by a ‘string’ of
musicians in more recent times. Simon
and Garfunkel, the Beatles, the Bee
Gees … and co.
So happens, a new talent in
songwriters and performers was
showcased at the recent Herzlia 70
show at the Convention Centre. Yes,
four young Herzlia Highschoolers
— Nogapsbetween — made their
communal debut and wowed the crowd.
A real ‘cool’ quartet, their musicianship,
maturity and stage presence was
terrific. An encore or two would have
been a big plus. And they’re not even
in matric yet.
Yes, Herzlia’s got Talent. Blow me
down if we don’t hear a lot more of
them in days to come!
One of Cole Porter’s songs went
‘Blow ..ow Gabriel Blow ..ow’. Well, I
don’t know about Gabriel, but there’s
certainly a lot of blowing going on
hereabouts these days.
Yes, of course — the Vuvuzela! — the
‘horn of Africa’ — the most rousing
and invasive World Cup ear and mindblaster on the planet.
So, with apologies to the Gershwins,
They may be bursting drums — but
not for me.
I won’t be going to my ENT!
You see, just a day or two before the
grand opening session of World Cup
2010, when the soundwaves were
already approaching decibel peak,
my kindly colleague Anita brought
me a pair of sound-proof ear plugs
guaranteed to block out the ‘blozzing’
and the inevitable trip to one of
those happy ENT specialists, whose
appointment books are sure to be
booked up for weeks — and long after
the last vuvuzela has been blown and
the last soccer ball kicked.
WE GOT A KICK FROM …
As I write, just a day before ‘zero hour’,
the mood, the excitement, the ‘gees’
is already at fever pitch. And, as you’ll
see on page one, we Samson Centre
and Hatfield folk are also fully fired up.
Thursday at noon was amazing. We
stopped the traffic in Hatfield Street!
Waving flags and sporting all manner
of World Cup ‘dekorasie’ we shouted
and yelled — and to make it kosher we
had Cantor Camissar of the Gardens
Shul blow his shofar.
Real good sports. I was so proud of
our people.
And another kick, I was reassured
by Rabbi Deren today that the Chabad
CD I raved about last month will
“definitely” be in with this issue. We’re
holding thumbs. Seeing the rebbes
trounce their opponents may allay
any disappointment felt if the Bafana
Bafana don’t deliver.
I guarantee you’ll get a kick from
seeing the ‘black-hatted brigade’
perform. A halach-kick.
HIGH KICKS , HIGH FIVES, FOR
HALACHA!
Who says Cape Town can’t do it?
And now, with the completion of the
monumental ‘Big Bathtub’ and its
beautiful surrounds, not to mention the
rest of the infra- and super-structure
and transport upgrades, we have
another miraculous halachic-kick in the
erection of the Sea Point Eruv 2010 —
or I should say 5770.
Check out the story on page one
to view its circuitous route. It should
change the Shabbat face of Sea Point.
join the party!
While the eruv goes up, however, not
so exciting halachically or otherwise, is
the fact that, for the first time since we
Shabbat and Yom Tov Times
Date
Portion
2 July/20 Tammuz
9 July/27 Tammuz
16 July/5 Av
23 July/12Av
30 July/19Av
Pinchas
Mattot/Masei
Devarim/Chazon
Vaetchanan/Nachamu
Ekev
Candle lighting Ends
5.31
5.34
5.38
5.43
5.47
6.25
6.29
6.32
6.37
6.41
began the paper nearly 26 years ago,
our finances are on the decline. That
too you should read on page one. And
then maybe you would be inclined to do
something about raising the depressed
and depressing voluntary subscription
level, currently around 17% of the
paper’s mailing list, as you can’t miss
on the colourful barometer.
This figure does not depress us in
terms of the success of the paper,
however. The Chronicle is actually
bigger and brighter and better
supported by our organisations than
ever before.
But we do need our readers to come
to the party to ensure our future
financially.
THE SUN WILL COME OUT
TOMORROW
With a Little Help from our Friends, I
am confident that the ship will not sink.
And the ad on page 4 for a new editor
as of next year does not indicate that
this ‘captain’ is deserting. It’s just that I
think The Tide is High.
And whereas I hate clichés,
particularly about ships sailing into
smooth or choppy waters or whatever
the cliché-makers say, it is time for
someone else to take the helm.
As you can see from how I began
this column, I am of the ‘old school’. I
like the ‘old music’ and you’ve all had
enough of reading it My Way.
So, in December I shall be singing,
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen,
Goodbye … Goodbye …eye …
But not Till Then ... my darlings!
Get your R200 voluntary
subscription to us in any
one of the 4 ways below:
(A) Cheque to Cape Jewish Chronicle,
PO Box 4176, CT 8000
(B)
Direct
deposit
to
ABSA
Heerengracht: branch code 632005
a/c name: Cape Jewish Chronicle a/c
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ref no. at top of your address label)
(C) Credit card. Phone office 021 4646736 (am)
(D) Stop in (am) at the office: 87
Hatfield Street Cape Town
CJC Editorial Board
Chairman: Ben-Zion Surdut. Treasurer:
Lester Hoffman. Committee: Julie
Berman, Li Boiskin, Barbara Flax, David
Jacobson, Willie Katz, Gerald Kleinman,
Barry Levitt, Marianne Marks, Myra Osrin,
Jonathan Silke.
Editor: Irma Chait, Secretary: Tessa
Epstein, Advertising: Anita Shenker,
DTP: Desrae Saacks
The Annual Leah Todres
YIDDISH SONG FESTIVAL
Mazaltov — 10 Years of Song
A joyful celebration in the universal language of song!
Mazeltov — the traditional, celebratory good luck wish
— is the perfect title for the 10th birthday of the Annual
Leah Todres Yiddish Song Festival.
First produced in 2001 as a fund raiser for the CJSA (Cape Jewish Seniors
Association), the festival has grown into a much anticipated annual event
on the Cape Town cultural calendar.
Today, as a language, Yiddish may be fragile, but its soul and spirit are
still remarkably robust as it bursts into life in Cape Town through this
unique festival. This must be the only city in the southern hemisphere to
have a Yiddish Song Festival and certainly the only one in this century to
have produced a CD – ‘Cape Town ZING!’ – a live recording capturing
the talent, energy and vigour of the 2009 festival.
Staging is by Irma Kessler and musical direction by Fay Singer and
Matthew Reid. Together with stars of our previous shows and guest artist
Zola, daughter of the legendary Yiddish singer and actress Chayela
Rosenthal, we discover the wonderful world of Yiddish song, with music
provided by Playing with Fire klezmer band.
Contribution to this event will be made by the 60-voice Herzlia Vocal
Ensemble and the Herzlia Yiddish Festival Choir.
Sunday 15 August at 17:30 & 20:00
Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch
Tickets R60, R85, R100 & R120
Bookings: Baxter Theatre or Computicket
For further info, email: [email protected]
OT AZEY 3 Day Yiddish Course at CJSA
11, 12 and 13 August
OT AZEY! is the popular immersion course into the joys of Yiddish.
If you want to learn some Yiddish or brush up on your skills, enrol for the course
that will immerse you in the language, humour, literature, song, food and culture
that is all quintessentially Yiddish. It’s like a language mikvah.
There will be a glatt beginner’s course and a more advanced stream for those
who can read Yiddish.
Ot Azey is based on the programme offered in London by JMI SOAS (Jewish
Music Institute, London). The emphasis is on edu-tainment and to reconnect
you with your Yiddish roots.
Cost of the 3 day course, including lunches and tea and lots of laughter is R395.
Issued under the auspices of the Western Province Zionist Council and the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape Council)
87 HATFIELD STREET CAPE TOWN 8001 P.O. BOX 4176 CAPE TOWN 8000 PHONE 021 464-6700 FAX 021 461-5804 e-mail: [email protected] EDITOR: IRMA CHAIT
4
A Board Perspective
A message from the State of Israel
Ronen Plot, Director General of the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora
Jerusalem, 1 June 2010
D
ear friends around the world
In the wake of yesterday’s
interception of a flotilla of ships and
activists bent on lifting Israel’s blockade
of the Hamas regime, a regime whose
charter, rhetoric and behaviour are all
aimed at Israel’s destruction, we find
ourselves yet again in the center of a
perfect media storm.
We are sure that you — like us — are
frustrated with the situation. The
simplistic images and narratives that
appear in the media do not reflect the
complex facts on the ground in Israel or
in Gaza.
Few media outlets discuss Israel’s
position that the blockade is based
on the Hamas regime’s refusal to end
its state of war against our country,
and fewer still have shown the chilling
footage available on the Internet of
the Gaza-bound activists on one of the
flotilla’s ships beating, stabbing, lobbing
firebombs toward and even throwing
overboard IDF troops sent to enforce
the blockade on Hamas. Nor do these
outlets note the fact that Israel sends
15,000 tons of goods and supplies
into Gaza each week, a figure that
makes the flotilla’s cargo a mere drop
in the ocean. For all the discussion of
a terrible “humanitarian crisis”, there is
no hunger in Gaza, no starved children
and no famine deaths. There is only
tyranny, extremism and endless war
sustained by the brutal rule of Hamas.
We know that you, in the Diaspora
Jewish communities, often feel that
Israel fails to present these facts
adequately, and that Israel’s bad image
is projected onto you. We also know
that Diaspora Jews are passionate
defenders of Israel in its darkest hours.
Therefore we say that this is not the
time to talk about what should have
been done. This is the time to act!
You too can take part in Israel’s public
diplomacy, in showing clearly that
while Israel may make mistakes, it is
Hamas, Iran and other enemies who
are perpetuating the war and thriving
from the bloodshed they instigate.
In response to the calls to isolate
Israel and the efforts to place all
responsibility for the violence on our
soldiers, we must offer substantive and
clear answers, including the reason
that the flotilla was intercepted and
the need to continue to prevent open
shipping lines to the vicious tyrants of
Hamas.
From SAJBD National Chairman Zev Krengel
Some important talking points:
1. The Palestinian people are not
under blockade. In the West Bank,
Israel has worked hard in the past
year to bring prosperity and lay the
foundations for peace.
Most of the roadblocks are down and
the West Bank’s economy is now one of
the fastest-growing in the world. There
is only one reason that the blockade
was instituted: to prevent the rearming
of the brutal tyrants of Hamas, who
would use those arms against Israeli
civilians and their own people.
2. Civilians on the flotilla were cynically
exploited by extremist organizations.
Five ships did not act with violence
toward the soldiers, and were peacefully
brought to port. Only the ship that had
planned in advance to brutally attack
the soldiers and endanger their lives
was, in turn, met with deadly force.
3. There are ways to help the
residents of Gaza that do not also
help the Iran-backed Hamas regime
and terror organizations in the Gaza
Strip. Supplies can be donated to
UN agencies, for example. But Israel
cannot allow open supply routes for war
materials into Gaza.
We urge you to share videos,
photographs and articles about Israel’s
complex situation with your friends and
family around the world. Write letters
to your local newspapers, comment
on blogs and news websites, call in to
radio programs and post links to social
networking sites, to help spread the real
version of events. The more knowledge
people acquire, the more accurately
Israel’s position is represented.
Let us be clear. We are not asking
for blind support for the government’s
position. Even within Israel there is
criticism over the handling of the flotilla
operation and the policy that led to it.
We are a country that cherishes as
our highest ideal the freedom to speak
one’s mind and criticize.
We are however, asking for help
against the effort to delegitimize and
dehumanize our country, an effort
led by those who would deny us our
very right to exist. The flotilla was a
political act, not a humanitarian one
and the ultimate goal of those who
choose violence is not peace, but our
destruction.
EDITOR
Applications are invited for the position of Editor for the
Cape Jewish Chronicle as of January 2011.
In addition to journalistic experience, a knowledge of the
Cape Town Jewish community is highly desirable.
Applicants are requested to reply to: Chairman CJC,
PO Box 2350, Cape Town 8000.
Or email: [email protected]
World Cup Fever
B
y the time this column appears,
the eagerly awaited FIFA World
Cup will be well under way. So many
opportunities have been generated by
this event, not only business related but
just as importantly, in the interpersonal
and inter-group spheres as well.
For this reason, one of the Board’s
main areas of involvement this year
has been to get our Jewish community
actively involved in the build up and
excitement. We can reflect with
satisfaction on what has already been
achieved.
There was an enthusiastic response
to our flagship Jewish2010.com
website project, conceived as a forum
for us to welcome international Jewry
and show them what a great Jewish
travel destination our country is.
We also wanted to develop a handson, dynamic information resource
D
through which our
community
could
become involved and market their
products and services. The site
features one of the important symbols
of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
— the Makarapa. The gaudily decorated
hard hat is worn at soccer games in our
country and we have customised a hat
for Jewish2010 — the AmaJuda.
A valuable spin-off of the website
project has been the relationships
we have forged with our overseas
counterparts in publicising it to the
greater Jewish world.
All in all, we have found our Jewish2010
project to be as rewarding as it has
been exhilarating. I can only urge each
and every member of our community
to tune into the spirit of these exciting
times and make themselves a part of
it all.
Board’s Response to Ambassador’s Recall
espite our Government’s often
issuing statements on the Middle
East situation that we have disagreed
with, we were at least reassured by
the knowledge that we maintain full
diplomatic relations with Israel.
Regrettably, this was seriously
threatened for the first time when our
Ambassador to Tel Aviv was temporarily
recalled in response to the Gaza flotilla
affair. While this fell short of severing
diplomatic ties, it nevertheless
represented a significant low point
in the relationship between the two
countries.
The Board’s immediate response was
to join with the SA Zionist Federation
and Chief Rabbi in issuing a statement
expressing our dismay, and I further
conducted
numerous
interviews,
including with Voice of the Cape.
Media responses were followed by
numerous meetings and communications with members of Government,
in particular with the Department of
International Relations and Cooperation
(DIRC).
Jewish
organisations
overseas,
including the World Jewish Congress,
Conference of Presidents and American
Jewish Committee, were approached to
write to the SA Government.
The Board was integrally involved
in assisting SAUJS in planning a
successful protest rally and handing
over of a petition to the DIRC.
Finally, our National Director Wendy
Kahn met with DIRC Director Public
Diplomacy, Saul Molobi, who assured
her that the Ambassador would
definitely be returning to Israel within
the next two to three weeks.
‘Do not write such people off!’
M
ike Berger, currently engaged in creating a film for CT Limmud interviewed
people of different backgrounds and perspectives — “an enormously
challenging experience.” Here, he shares clear perspectives and advice.
O
ne wonderful spin-off of my
experience is the realisation that
the shrill, virulent voices condemning
Israel coming from our media and from
ignorant or extremist organisations,
are not universally representative.
I keep encountering ordinary,
non-Jewish South Africans who are
sympathetic to Israel’s predicament.
They may be confused like the rest of
us; perhaps more ignorant than those
of us who are engaged. But they grasp
the main issues and understand the
existential threats faced by Israel. They
want justice for all parties but also fear
militant Islam.
Do not write such people off.
Acquaint them with some of the
realities, while remaining honest
and avoiding excess and prejudice.
Israel is not perfect and it also bares
some responsibility for its current
predicament. But you should be
equally emphatic in pointing out the
exaggerations, the distortions and
outright lies, the decontextualisation
and the selective focus of world
opinion.
You should point out the source of
such distortions, without trying to deny
the ugliness which also exists within
Israel and some of its supporters. Most
people are able to understand that
few countries have spotless hands.
They understand the compromises
of survival. They understand and can
sympathise with moral ambiguity under
such demands. They know little of
Israel’s diversity or the challenge posed
by the traumatised and heterogeneous
nature of its society of refugees; they
need to be informed. While honesty is
valued, hand-wringing apologetics are
demeaning and counterproductive.
The ordinary Jew must be ready to
step outside his or her comfort zone
and engage with others. So must our
communal organisations in a much
more aggressive and systematic way.
Do not blur the message with feelings
of guilt over the right of Israel to seek
its own interests, and those of the Jews
it has rescued from extermination,
exclusion and denigration.
5
6
Integrity • diversity • community
Board of Deputies signs Charter for Compassion
Talking Tachlis
‘A serious man’ – ‘A
serious challenge’
with Li Boiskin
chairman BOD (Cape Council)
I
n
writing
Talking
Tachlis my mind was
preoccupied by a film
which I had viewed
recently, titled, ‘A Serious
Man’, another of the Coen
brothers’ enigmatic and
thought-provoking cinema pieces.
About to enter the cinema, I was
assailed by members of our community
exiting the film, and whose responses
ranged from, “hated the film”,
“incredibly saddened by the film’’, to
begging explanation — “What was it all
about?’’
The film, set in American suburbia
of the ‘60s, and partly biographical,
follows a short period in the lives of a
stereotypical Jewish family.
As I watched, engrossed, yet
disturbed, I found myself transposing
the unfolding challenges within the
story line to “ourselves”, and reflecting
on our challenges as Jewish individuals,
as members of a Jewish community,
but also how that impacted on our
relationships as members of a wider
South African and indeed world
community.
The film focuses on the lives of a
dysfunctional family — in many ways,
a “lost family”, and their struggle, both
as individuals and as members of a
collective, the family and community, to
cope with challenges of relationships,
the breakdown of relationships; of
life’s purpose, of a loss of caring, of
indulgence in the self; of belief systems,
choices and consequences, of faith, the
role of leadership, both religious and
secular, of “allowing” life’s challenges
to assume control, take over …
The film poses questions of Jewish
identity, faith, culture, tradition, value
systems and continuity.
What in fact sustains us as Jews? Has
it been the relentless pursuit of our own
dreams and desires?
Has it been the sense of belonging, of
relationships, of our belief that “every
Jew is responsible one for the other?”
Is it our deep understanding of the
intrinsic value of the sustainability of
family and community?
Has our faith sustained us?
Have our historical experiences
empowered us to face our internal and
external challenges?
Are the choices we make governed
by values, actioned with integrity and
honesty?
What are our responsibilities: how
seriously do we take them?
What have we learnt about tolerance,
respect for diversity, of caring?
Coincidentally, these questions and
others form the basis of a document
emailed by the Board to a broad-based
database of our community leadership.
The Cape Board calls for responses,
actions and feedback, and in so doing,
asks every individual as well as our
leadership to take ownership of and
responsibility for our community’s
current and long-term well-being.
NOW THAT IS ‘TALKING TACHLIS’.
I
n May the Cape Town Interfaith
Initiative celebrated its 10th birthday
with the South African launch of the
Charter for Compassion.
It was in March 2000 that Father
John Oliver gave a presentation to
the Board of the vision of an umbrella
interfaith organisation for Cape Town,
which the Board has supported since
its inception.
The Charter for Compassion was
the brain-child of former Catholic nun,
Karen Armstrong, a scholar and author
of books on comparative religion,
including a history of Christian, Jewish
and Muslim fundamentalism. She
noticed that “all the great traditions
are saying the same thing in much
the same way, despite their surface
T
differences”.
When Armstrong was awarded
the 2008 international TED Prize
(Technology,
Entertainment
and
Design), she wanted to use the
opportunity to make the world a better
place. The recipient of the annual prize
receives $100 000 and the chance to
make “One Wish to Change the World”.
Armstrong wished for a council of
religious leaders to draw up a Charter
for Compassion to identify shared
moral priorities that she hoped would
foster global understanding. This
Charter was to be a product of its time,
for its time. Our time.
This Charter was unveiled in
November 2009 in Washington DC.
It was drawn from contributions
Charter for Compassion
he principle of compassion lies at
the heart of all religious, ethical
and spiritual traditions, calling us
always to treat all others as we wish
to be treated ourselves.
Compassion impels us to work
tirelessly to alleviate the suffering
of our fellow creatures, to dethrone
ourselves from the centre of our
world and put another there, and
to honour the inviolable sanctity of
every single human being, treating
everybody, without exception, with
absolute justice, equity and respect.
It is also necessary in both
public and private life to refrain
consistently and empathically from
inflicting pain. To act or speak
violently out of spite, chauvinism or
self-interest, to impoverish, exploit
or deny basic rights to anybody,
and to incite hatred by denigrating
others — even our enemies — is a
denial of our common humanity. We
acknowledge that we have failed
to live compassionately and that
some have even increased the sum
of human misery in the name of
religion.
We therefore call upon all men and
women • to restore compassion to
the centre of morality and religion
• to return to the ancient principle
that any interpretation of scripture
that breeds violence, hatred or
disdain is illegitimate • to ensure
that youth are given accurate and
respectful information about other
traditions, religions and cultures •
to encourage a positive appreciation
of cultural and religious diversity •
to cultivate an informed empathy
with the suffering of all human
beings, even those regarded as
enemies.
We urgently need to make
compassion a clear, luminous and
dynamic force in our polarized
world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down
political, dogmatic, ideological and
religious boundaries. Born of our
deep interdependence, compassion
is essential to human relationships
and to a fulfilled humanity. It is
the path to enlightenment, and
indispensable to the creation of a
just economy and a peaceful global
community.
from 180 000 people from over 180
countries, sent in over a six-week
period and compiled into a document
in a meeting in Switzerland attended
by 18 councillors, three of whom were
Jews. It has been translated into more
than 30 languages.
For the event the restored Erin
Hall, destroyed in a fire in 2007, was
jammed to overflowing, with people
standing at the door, sitting on the floor
and listening outside the windows.
The Charter was introduced by Bishop
Peter Storey, the only South African on
the Council of Conscience that drew
up the document in Switzerland. There
was a DVD from Karen Armstrong in
England and a video-linkup with the
Parliament of the World Religions, with
chanting by Buddhists, a prayer from
Hindu Guru Vassen, a response from
Imam Rashied Omar, a power-point
presentation on CTII’s history, singing
from a joint Muslim-Jewish team and
a large birthday cake from the Shiite
community, it was some party!
The keynote speaker was Archbishop
Tutu and there were representatives
from the City Council and Parliament.
Gwynne Robins read out messages
of support from the Parliament of the
World Religions, from Chief Rabbi Dr
Warren Goldstein and from Michael
Bagraim, President of the SA Jewish
Board of Deputies.
BOD Cape Council Chairman Li
Boiskin sent a letter congratulating the
organisation on its record of work and
dialogue in the interests of promoting
in the city interfaith harmony and
the acceptance of the principles of
religious diversity.
The Charter hopes to change the
conversation, so that compassion
becomes a key word in public and
private discourse, making it clear that
any ideology that breeds hatred or
contempt — be it religious or secular —
has failed the test of our time.
If you wish to add your name to the
37 000 people world–wide who have
signed to-date, the Charter is available
at http://charterforcompassion.org.
Diplomatically Speaking
A shochet for the sacred cow
by Lindy Diamond, media and diplomatic liaison, BOD (Cape Council)
P
eople are funny ‘things’.
We enjoy reading cartoons that
make fun of other people, defending
the cartoonist as using freedom of
expression and ourselves as having the
freedom to express a sense of humour.
It becomes a different matter,
however, when the pen is pointed at us
and our sacred cows.
Suddenly, it’s not amusing; it’s a
threat to our way of life. We feel that
cold stone of critique in the pits of our
collective stomachs and then defend,
attack, defend.
How is it that we can reconcile the
balance books of what is acceptable in
satirical commentary and what is not?
The beauty of satire is that nothing is
sacred and everyone is fair game. How
can we avoid becoming hypocrites if
what’s halaal for the goose is definitely
not kosher for the gander?
Some people threaten with words,
and others threaten action, but surely
that’s just haggling over price. Either
you react, or you don’t.
Judging levels of how you react is two
sides of the same coin. In a world that
moves as fast as ours does, is there
still space to protect our sacred cows?
Is it even possible to protect them with
that sleepless, ever-hungry beast,
the internet, continuously trolling the
human world for new content, taking
bites at us all, ad nauseum?
Perhaps if we can shochet our
sensitivity for our own sacred cows, we
can create a platform for others to do
the same. Perhaps then we can all be
funny together.
A
Message from
Michael Bagraim
s our mission statement records, the
SA Jewish Board of Deputies works
for the betterment of human relations
between Jews and all other peoples of
South Africa based on mutual respect,
understanding and goodwill, and to
protect the civil liberties of South
African Jews. It is committed to a new
South Africa, where everyone will enjoy
freedom from the evils of prejudice,
intolerance and discrimination.
As
such,
we
wholeheartedly
endorse the Charter of Compassion,
whose clauses resonate so closely
with our desire to work for a more
compassionate world; one in which
scripture would not be used to breed
violence or hatred, one in which our
youth will be given tools to inculcate a
respect for other religions, traditions
and culture, one which appreciates
cultural and religious diversity and one
which provides outreach to anyone
suffering or in need.
7
A
A home for a plaque
chance meeting at shul
between the deputy director
of the Board, Gwynne Robins and
Lauren Snitcher had amazing
consequences.
Lauren told Gwynne she was one
of more than 3000 descendants
of the Ochberg Orphans and they
were planning a reunion in Israel
next year, along with the family of
Isaac Ochberg, to mark the 90th
anniversary of the orphans’ arrival
in Cape Town.
Gwynne told Lauren that when
they took over the artefacts
belonging to the old Jewish
Museum, the Board personnel had
come across a large bronze plaque
of Isaac Ochberg, President of the
Dorshei Zion Association.
When Ochberg died in Cape Town
in 1937, he left what was then the
largest single bequest to the Jewish
National Fund, the money being
used to redeem a piece of land in
Israel called Nahalat Yitzhak, which
included the kibbutzim of Dalia and
Ein Hashofet.
Who were the Ochberg
Orphans?
After the collapse of Tsarist
Russia, chaos broke out in Eastern
Europe, with pogroms and civil
war. When Isaac Ochberg read a
plea from the British Chief Rabbi
that a million human beings had
been butchered and that for
three years 3 million persons in
the Ukraine had been made “to
pass through the horrors of hell”,
and that there were something
like 600 000 homeless children,
150 000 orphans and 35 000
double orphans in the Ukraine
who would die from cold, hunger
or disease “unless Jewish hearts
remained human and came to the
rescue”, he immediately sprang
into action.
He contacted Prime Minister Jan
Smuts and gained permission to
bring orphans to South Africa, and
a massive fund-raising campaign
‘He who saves one life, it
is as if he saved the whole
world’
L
auren Snitcher is searching for information
about the following Ochberg orphans and
their descendants.
If you can help, please contact Lauren at
021 434-3322 or 082 8802257 or
tyfield @iafrica.com.
Chairman Li Boiskin hands over to Lauren Snitcher the Isaac Ochberg
plaque which will be placed on his memorial in Israel in association with the
commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the rescue of the Ochberg Orphans.
was launched by the Oranjia
Orphanage.
By the time Isaac Ochberg set out
alone on the dangerous mission to
Ukraine to rescue the 200 children
for whom they had raised funds,
the tragedy of the situation had
become clearer. No fewer than 400
000 Jewish orphans were known to
be destitute, so whatever was done
could only be a drop in the ocean.
Ochberg went from town to town,
choosing eight children from each
institution. The government had
stipulated that only full orphans
in good health and reasonably
intelligent could come, and the
problem of selecting among the
vast number was extremely hard.
their reunion. The stone monument
recognising Ochberg’s bequest
was removed from its original
spot at the Eliakim Junction for
road widening purposes, and has
now been found languishing in a
warehouse in Haifa, much as the
Cape Town plaque had been.
The descendants of the Ochberg
orphans plan to affix the Board’s
plaque onto the brick wall of the
pergola at Kibbutz Dalia, erected
in his name, along with the stone
monument and individual plaques
which will bear the names of all
176 orphans. Thus will the memory
of the remarkable member of our
community be honoured.
Barmatch Sara, Baruch Leya, Bernfeld Hersh,
Cwengel Saul, Elman Blume, Elman Jentl/
Izzy, Elshtein Abo, Engelman Jakob, Fremd/
Friend Max, Garbus/Goldstein Shmul, Gayer
Chawa, Gebencolc/Golz Rochel, Gerynshtein
Abram, Ginsburg Mintcha, Guber/Geiber/
Gruber Tcharna (Charlotte Odes), H/Gurwitz
Rosa, Israelson Chaim, Judes Rubin, Kahan
Channe, Kahan Golda, Kahan Morduch/
Mordche, Kahan Shachna, Kailer Rywka,
Kaufman Cypora, Kaufman Soloman/
Shlama, Kawerberg Mayer Kawerberg Mees/
Moshe, Kigielman Jacob, Knuboviz Zlata,
Kreindel Rejsel, Kruger Rejsel, Kruger Abram,
Kruger Jacob, Lipshis Moishe, Lipshytz Perel,
Margolin Sara, Miler Braindel, Mordochowitch
Gutro, Mordochowitch Estel, Nudeman
Gdalia, Ochshtein Salomon, Orliansky Abram,
Perrchodnik/Perechodnik Ussr, Pinsky/Pinska
Faywel, Pinsky/Pinska Feyga (Birdie Glaser),
Pinsky/Pinska Maisha, Pinsky/Pinska Zlata,
Reichman Abram, Reichman Chaim, Reisender
Rubin, Rekler Leya, Rinsler/Rinzler Chaskiel/
Chaykel, Rosenbaum Leon, Rosenblit Gdalia,
Rosenblit Szamay, Y/J/Sagotkowsky Jacob/
Jacov, Schtern/Shtern Szlema/ Solomon,
Schwarz Josef, Shteiner/Steiner Chaskel,
Shteiner/Steiner Hersh, Shteiner/Szteiner/
Steiner Isaac, Smith Morduch/Mordche,
Shtrasner Feyga, Stillerman Hersh/Harry,
Treppel Jacob and Weidman Sheindel.
SA Jewish Board Of Deputies
(Cape Council) Winter Appeal
the plaque
Motzei Shabbat Gwynne received
an excited e-mail from Lauren,
who had just received the latest
Ochberg newsletter. Included was
an old photo of men standing
beside the plaque with the query
from the son of one: “Who knows
where the plaque is now?”
The plaque has now been
donated by the Cape Council to the
Ochberg descendants and it will be
erected in Israel on the memorial at
SOUTH AFRICAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES
(Cape Council)
BURSARIES
Jewish undergraduate students, and postgraduate students,
resident in the Western Cape, should note that the Board of
Deputies co-ordinates various estates and trusts. These are not
scholarships, but bursaries for needy students. Students in need
of financial assistance for study during the 2011 academic year
at university, technical college or similar educational institutions
should apply to the office of:THE SECRETARY, BURSARY CO-OORDINATING COMMITTEE
P O BOX 2009, CAPE TOWN, 8000
Tel: 021 464-6700
e-mail: [email protected]
Closing dates:
Re-applications – 30 September 2010
New applications – 14 October 2010
NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED
AFTER THE CLOSING DATE
Bursaries will be considered on academic competence and
financial need.
BOD’s Debbie Katzeff with a bakkie load of goods for delivery to the Salvation Army.
O
n Yom Kippur we read the verses
from Isaiah reminding us that
Hashem desires us to feed the hungry
and clothe the naked.
Winter has arrived and with it, the
cold wet weather and the possibility of
flooding on the Cape Flats.
We appeal to you to empty your
cupboards and assist us in feeding the
hungry and clothing the naked.
Clothing, blankets, baby items and
non-perishable food items can be
dropped off at the Samson Centre,
87 Hatfield Street. These will be
appropriately distributed by the
Salvation Army.
Monetary contributions must bear the
reference ‘Winter Appeal’.
The banking details are:
Bank: Absa Branch: Adderley Street
Account name: SA Jewish Board of
Deputies (Cape Council) Account
number: 40-6049-3647 Branch
code: 312109
Account type:
current
We know that we can rely on our
community’s generosity of spirit and
civic mindedness and acts of Gemillut
Chassidim.
8
9
10
Marlene Silbert retires as Education
Director of SA Holocaust Foundation
O
n 2 June a function was
held at the Cape Town
Holocaust Centre to mark
Marlene Silbert’s retirement
from her position as National
Education Director of the
South African Holocaust
Foundation, a position she
had held since 2007.
Marlene was first engaged
by Myra Osrin in 1997 to
research and write the
text for the permanent
exhibition at the Cape Town Mervyn Smith, Chairman of the board of Trustees of
Holocaust Centre. In 1999 the South African Holocaust Foundation (SAHF) pays
she was appointed its first tribute to Marlene Silbert.
establishment of ‘The Marlene Silbert
Education Director. Her
deep knowledge of Holocaust history Prize for Holocaust and Human Rights
and her highly experienced education Education’, in recognition of Marlene’s
background made her the ideal pioneering work in this field in South
Africa. The prize will be awarded
candidate.
Marlene’s life-long commitment to annually to a post-graduate student
human rights activism and her Jewish from the education faculties of the
heritage informed all education Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch
programmes and education materials and the Western Cape for outstanding
she developed. Her vision of a submissions which contribute to the
centre that, to quote from her words, teaching of this component of the
...“memorialises and honours our curriculum in the classroom.
Through her compassion and great
brothers and sisters who perished in
the Holocaust, and would also serve professionalism Marlene has impacted
as a centre where lessons for humanity upon the lives of thousands who, over
could be learned and compassion the past 11 years, have participated
could be awakened” … has become in her education programmes, which
the bedrock upon which the success of many have described as “a life
the Cape Town Holocaust Centre and of changing experience”.
Whilst ‘officially retired’, Marlene
those in Durban and Johannesburg has
will continue her valuable work of
been built.
At the function Mervyn Smith, conducting programmes for adult
chairman
of
the
Foundation’s groups from the civil service and the
Board of Trustees, announced the broader society.
11
ORTJET and Project Natan
Business Plan Competition – 2010
H
ave you ever dreamed of running
your own business? Have you got a
great idea but no clue how to implement
it or have the funding to finance it?
Well, there is hope: Project Natan and
ORT JET have joined forces in order to
make your dream a reality!
The ‘Win your dream’ Business
Plan competition offers Jewish
entrepreneurs the opportunity to
submit their business plans and win an
‘entire start-up package’ for their new
business.
ORT JET, a project of ORT SA, has
been mentoring and assisting Jewish
businesses over the past 5 years,
offering a unique platform for people to
receive guidance, advice and training in
order to improve their businesses and
create sustainable growth.
Project Natan, a division of Chabad
House, was created to assist Jewish
businesses — by giving them the
opportunity to apply for an interest free
loan should they need funding.
Project Natan offers business loans
up to R100 000.
These two organisations work side by
side in order to facilitate the growth of
business. This competition is another
exciting initiative from which the
community can benefit.
“Our aim,” says ORT JET operations
manager Cindy Silberg, “is to stimulate
and encourage the entrepreneur to
reach his full potential by offering a
tangible way to make his dream come
to life. We believe in empowering
people to reach their goals.”
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors,
the winner of this competition will
receive everything needed to start a
new business including: R100,000
start up loan (Project Natan), Corporate
Mentoring (Urban Everest), accounting
(PKF) and legal services (Hugh Raichlin),
formal business training (Raizcorp) as
well as mentoring /coaching (ORT JET).
Don’t miss out on this fantastic
opportunity!
For more information on how to submit your business plan call ORT JET
(011) 728 7154 or register on www.ortjet.org.
Closing date for submission: 31 August 2010.
Restitution for Holocaust Victims’ Assets
Search for beneficiaries of some 55,000 unclaimed Israeli-based
bank accounts, properties and shares
T
hroughout the first half of the 20th
century, hundreds of Jews took an
active part in supporting the Zionist
dream by investing in what was then
Palestine.
Following the atrocities of WWII, many
of the assets were never claimed.
Included in these assets are untouched
plots of land, unclaimed bank accounts
and shares from the Jewish Colonial
Trust (the parent company of the Anglo
Palestine Bank, which later became
Bank Leumi), as well as other Israeli
financial institutions
Set up in 2006 by the State of Israel
as a direct result of the passing of the
‘Assets of Holocaust Victims’ Law by
the Knesset in 2005, the Restitution
of Holocaust Victims’ Assets was
established as a private, non-profit
organisation to provide historical
justice to the victims of the Holocaust
and reinstate with their legal heirs such
unclaimed assets in Israel invested
over 70 years ago.
The goal of the organisation is to
reunite these assets with the heirs
of the original investors, the rightful
owners of these properties.
The company has been mandated
by the State of Israel to handle the
return of domestic assets believed
to have been owned by Holocaust
victims, assisting survivors as well as
contributing to Holocaust education
and memorial efforts.
The Restitution of Holocaust Victims’
Assets has compiled lists of these
assets, with the intention of making the
process of returning the belongings to
their beneficiaries as easy as possible.
There are currently over 55,000
unclaimed assets, with the list still
expanding.
Go to www.hashava.org.il/eng for
information regarding information on
application to request restitution of an
asset published on the company’s list.
For further information contact:
The Company for Location and
Restitution of Holocaust Victims
Assets Limited, 18 Hasivim St, Petach
Tikva / PO Box 7286, Israel 49250
Tel: 972 3 7566800,
fax 972 3 7566828
[email protected]
Or contact Jeremy Ruden Media
Services – (972)-52-407-0775 –
[email protected]
BARGAINS GALORE
SECOND HAND SHOP
Are you moving house or cleaning out cupboards?
Think of us!
We need assorted clothing and bric-a-brac
305 Main Rd, Sea Point (next to Laughtons)
phone: (021) 434-7142
Under the auspices of Jewish Community Services
S
Rugby exhibition returns to
South African Jewish Museum
occer may be taking centre stage
in South Africa, but rugby lovers
are able to view the highly successful
exhibition paying tribute to their game.
Owing to popular demand, the
exhibition ‘The Glory of the Game:
Rugby and the Jewish Springbok
Minyan’ returned to the South African
Jewish Museum on 21 June.
The exhibition pays tribute to those
Jewish Springboks who made their
mark on the world sporting stage.
It traces the origins of rugby and
its recorded history in South Africa
before and after apartheid, describing
its early beginnings in the Cape and
proliferation throughout the provinces.
It highlights South Africa’s world
domination of the sport from 1906 to
1956, and describes the 8-year journey
back from international ostracism and
boycotts to the democratic South
Africa’s triumphant return to world
rugby at the 1995 World Cup.
The exhibition comprises text,
graphics, audio and video recordings
and interviews and unique documentary
footage.
Says Shea Albert, who curated the
exhibition, “We had a phenomenally
positive response to the exhibition
last year, and felt that running it again
at the same time as the Soccer World
Cup, will give visiting fans a close view
of another well loved sport.
“This exhibition tells a remarkable
story. It has given us the opportunity
to honour outstanding Jewish South
Africans who have contributed to
the game as players, coaches and
selectors. We
also are able
to
recognise
the
great
achievements
of SA referees,
administrators,
commentators
and medics.”
V i e w e r s
can discover
remarkable
anecdotes
about
the Newlands 1949. Ockey
players,
who Geffin puts over a penalty
were not only kick in the first Test
heroes on the against New Zealand.
rugby
field.
For
example
Louis Babrow was awarded the Military
Cross after the Battle of El Alamein in
World War 2, Morris Zimerman was a
founder of the Progressive Party, and
Okey Geffin was coached while playing
barefoot as a POW in Stalag IVB in
Germany.
Several
players
have
been
acknowledged in international Sporting
Halls of Fame and according to Shea,
every individual has an exceptional
story to tell.
The ten members of the ‘Rugby
Minyan’ were Morris Zimerman, Fred
Smollan, Louis Babrow, Okey Geffin,
Wilf Rosenberg, Cecil Moss, Syd
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Joel Stransky, who placed the winning
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12
L
Bza wizo gets into the Vuvuzela
spirit of the fifa world cup
ynne Hirsch initiated an amazing
project involving the ladies of Iziko
Lo L’Wasi. It began with 16 ladies
beading cards six years ago and now
employs 60 beaders who have been
working “flat out” fulfilling orders for
vuvuzelas bearing the flags of the
countries participating in the FIFA
World Cup here in South Africa.
Lynne is the energising force behind
this wonderfully positive initiative.
Dominique Gamsu has been a
long standing, enthusiastic and
committed member of her branch,
but her level of involvement peaked
higher when she returned from the Dominique Gamsu and Lynne Hirsch of Aviv
WIZO International Aviv Seminar Perach branch who spearheaded the ‘beaded
in Israel last November. She had vuvuzela’ project.
taken vuvuzelas to Israel, where
they were enthusiastically received,
and she returned with the idea of
‘personalising’ them in national
colours.
Lynne and Dominique have worked
together with great energy on this
project, taking orders and delivering
vuvuzelas all over Cape Town and
many homes throughout the world
will have mementos of World Cup
South Africa!
qqq
The first prize of two tickets to the
World Cup Final at Soccer City in Felicity Isserow BZA WIZO fundraising
WIZO’s World Cup ticket raffle was convener, with Abe Newman, winner of the
first prize in the World Cup ticket raffle.
won by Abe Newman of Cape Town.
support of this fundraising competition
The second prize of two tickets to
the Semi-final in Durban was won by and we appreciate the ongoing support
our first prize winner has given Bnoth
Mervyn Chipkin of Australia.
We thank everyone for their generous Zion Association WIZO over many years.
Chelsea Butik
Now open
... in the Piazza at the Cape
Quarter.
We look forward to welcoming our
customers from the Atlantic Seaboard and CBD
area to this conveniently situated new store …
Stockists of Homework, Lauren
Videl, Sarah Pacini and lots more.
Cape Quarter - 021 419 4108
Wynberg - 021 762 0547
Benjamin Pogrund speaks on crucial
issues currently facing Israel
T
he South African Zionist Federation
(Cape Council) was privileged to
host Benjamin Pogrund to a luncheon
on 10 June at the Samson Centre.
Close on 40 people came to hear his
talk on the rising tide of hostility in the
world towards Israel, a thorough and
informative presentation, which gave
rise to much discussion on a crucial
topic.
Benjamin Pogrund is a South African
born author who now resides in Israel.
He grew up in Cape Town and began his
career as a journalist in 1958, writing
for the Rand Daily Mail in Johannesburg.
This was the only newspaper at that
time that reported on events in the
South African townships.
In due course Pogrund became
deputy editor of the Rand Daily Mail and
in that period also became acquainted
with the key members of the Apartheid
struggle. Through his work he gained
the respect and confidence of leaders
including Nelson Mandela.
Pogrund reported extensively on
Apartheid in South Africa and his
coverage of police behaviour in
the Sharpeville massacre (1960)
was counted as a most important
breakthrough. His reporting in this
area resulted in him being put on trial
various times, put in prison once and
also having his passport revoked.
During his extensive career, he has
worked as chief foreign sub-editor
of The Independent in London and
has also served as an editor of the
World Paper in Boston. In 1997 he
immigrated to Israel and founded the
Yakar’s Centre for Social Concern.
Further, he has been successful in
authoring books on Robert Sobukwe,
Nelson Mandela and the South African
press under apartheid.
During his presentation, Pogrund
expressed concern at the current
increase in anti-Israel sentiment and
delegitimisation of the Jewish state,
and encouraged more discussion and
debate on this topic. He commented on
the media battle that is currently raging
around Israel and acknowledged the
challenge in responding to the myriad
of distortions of truth that fill our papers
today. He did suggest, however, that in
his opinion, most of the mainstream
media has not entirely lost its credibility
in reporting fact.
“The world press is basically with
us,” he said, but added that the flotilla
incident had been a “tipping point”.
Pogrund elaborated on various
factors that he feels have contributed
to this current rise in hostility towards
Israel. In this regard he is of the opinion
that the continuation of the Settlement
movement is a “key trigger”. Further, he
described the ‘occupation’ since 1967
as being an “unmitigated disaster” and
something that has brutalised both
Benjamin Pogrund (back) with Moonyeen
Castle, Esta Levitas, Jonathan Silke and
Abe Buchman.
sides in the conflict.
He explored several avenues of
combating the worrying and increasing
tide of hate. Primarily, he focused on
Israel’s role in changing public opinion
and highlighted the need to improve
advocacy and public relations. He
stressed the right that the Diaspora
has to offer constructive criticism
concerning Israel’s actions and PR,
saying, “It is right to express your views,
publicly or privately. You do have a role
to play.”
Benjamin Pogrund offered much food
for thought as he tackled a most critical
issue. As a member of the Israeli
delegation to the United Nations World
Conference against Racism in Durban,
and a recipient of the 2005/6 Dr Jean
Mayer Global Citizenship Award, he
is certainly well-versed and highly
qualified in addressing such complex
issues.
All present were privileged to hear
him.
Reader compares Nazi
cartoons with those in our
current press
T
hrough your newspaper I would like
to ask the Jewish History/Studies
teachers at all the Jewish day schools
throughout the country to do the
following.
Please discuss with your classes how
Jews were portrayed prior to and during
the Nazi era, when anti-Semitism was
at its height.
Give them some cartoons to analyse
from this period and include Zapiro’s
latest cartoon (to be found at the
following link http://www.monitoringsa.
com/pdfs/2010_06_04_1454437 ).
Ask them to choose which, if any do
not fit into the Nazi era. They will soon
learn that one does not have to be nonJewish to be a rabid anti-Semite and
that anti-Semitism is as virulent today
as it was then.
Monessa Shapiro
Glenhazel, Johannesburg
Account Manager Cape Town / Bellville
Sal Neg ++++
Excellent Opportunity!! Corp sales exp & ability to
canvass & maintain clients, ambition, desire to achieve
& general spunky personality. Min 3 yrs corp sales.
Enjoy outstanding incentives in exchange for client
development successes! Own transport.
Amanda 011 4424503 / [email protected]
13
14
SOUTH AFRICAN ZIONIST FEDERATION (Cape Council)
A view from the Chair
Moonyeen Castle
T
he notion of constructive criticism is
one that is embedded within Israeli
society. Comments, observations and
critique that seek the betterment and
positive development of the State
of Israel are to be forthcoming and
welcomed. Attacking rhetoric, however,
that seeks to break down and destroy
is a separate issue.
The Jewish people, and Israel, are
used to being the scapegoats of the
world and enduring censure from
without. Constant criticism of Israel
is unceasing. The higher standard
that Israel is always held to is both
hypocritical and duplicitous. The United
Nations Human Rights Council, for
example, is an organisation that has
representatives from countries such as
Saudi Arabia — countries that are guilty
of deplorable crimes against humanity
but who take it upon themselves to
continuously condemn Israel at every
turn, whilst their actions go seemingly
unnoticed.
Israel is by no means perfect and
is far from immune to wrong-doing
and making mistakes. One-sided and
hypocritical criticism, however, is not
acceptable. It appears that most of
the world is able easily to forget all the
positive and good that Israel brings
into the world, probably because
they’re all too busy singing the song of
disingenuous rebuke.
K
Another life saved by SACH!
elvin Mazibanhanga is
a 15 year-old boy from
When this regular
Zimbabwe whose life is a
flurry of unbalanced
testimony to the outstanding
critique is condoned by
work being done by the Save
those within the Jewish
a Child’s Heart Foundation.
community, the damage
. SACH is an Israeli-based
is ever greater.
international
humanitarian
By all means, opinion, healthy debate project, whose mission is to
and reasonable criticism must be improve the quality of pediatric
encouraged. However, it is a sad day cardiac care for children from
when our own take the path of handing developing countries who
down lopsided and excessive censures. suffer from heart disease and to
Being a volunteer and a servant of create centres of competence Kelvin Mazinbanhanga after his successful life
saving heart operation in Israel, with a SACH
the community is not always easy. in these countries.
Differences of opinion will always be
Kelvin recently returned home volunteer.
there, but let us not allow that to sow to Zimbabwe after having open
seeds of discord from within. Instead, heart surgery in Israel. If he had not was a great success and as is evident
may we all remember and aim for the had this operation, doctors say, Kelvin in the photographs, Kelvin is strong,
healthy and recovering well.
standard King David shared with us would not have survived another year.
There are many more children out
thousands of years ago: Hinei ma tov
However, thanks to your generosity
uma naim shevet achim gam yachad! after the Save a Child’s Heart Exhibition there just like Kelvin who need a helping
— Behold how good and how pleasant it we were able to send Kelvin to Israel for hand in their quest for survival.
Save a Child’s Heart is totally
is when brothers live together in unity! his life-saving surgery. The operation
dedicated to the idea that every child
deserves the best medical treatment
South African Zionist Federation (Cape Council)
available, regardless of the child’s
nationality, religion, colour, gender or
financial situation. If you would like
to make a donation to the work of
Hebrew Classes for beginners, intermediate
Save a Child’s Heart or if you have any
and advanced commence
questions, please feel free to contact
Esta Levitas: [email protected]
Monday 12 July, 2010 at 5.30pm
Bank details for donations: W.P.
88 Hatfield Street, Albow Centre, Gardens
Zionist Council, ABSA Bank Account
No: 4055916169, Adderley Street For information and registration, contact Ilana:
312109. Ref: SACH
073 2341235
021 439-9310
ULPAN 2010 HEBREW
GILAD SHALIT SOLIDARITY VIGIL
4 YEARS IN CAPTIVITY
IT’S TIME TO TAKE A STAND
25th June 2010 marked 4 years to the day since young Israel soldier Gilad Shalit was abducted by
Palestinian militants in a cross-border raid. Gilad was 19 at the time of his abduction and has been
held as a hostage in the Gaza Strip by Hamas ever since
.
JOIN US AS WE REMEMBER GILAD IN HIS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
Friday 16 July
Venue: Outside Parliament
Time: 1pm
15
Israel Connect Expo 2010 creates a special buzz!
T
he Israel Connect Expo 2010,
May 21 and 23, was an incredible
success! Approximately 200 people
attended the Cape Town Expo, allowing
them an opportunity to build their
networks with people in Israel. It was
also a platform for those considering
Aliyah to meet with experts from
numerous fields and pose a variety of
questions.
Unlike previous years, where the
Expo was held twice a year with
the emphasis purely on Aliyah, this
one-time event also included higher
education specialists and arts and
culture representatives from the city of
Beit Shemesh.
For two days the Weizmann
Primary School Hall was filled with
delegates from Israel. They included
representatives from Telfed (South
African Zionist Federation), the Jewish
Agency for Israel, property agents,
health insurance reps, the umbrella
organisation ‘MASA’ and their fabulous
programme ‘Oranim’, the Israel Student
Authority and Haifa Technion.
We were also privileged to have an
exhibition of works from the artist
community in Beit Shemesh and a
delegation from Beit Shemesh. All
experts and delegates were warm and
approachable and offered the highest
quality of service and hospitality.
With the high interest in Israel
opportunities, visitors to the Expo
were able to gather information about
visiting Israel, studying in Israel and
immigrating to Israel.
A
Audience at the Aliyah Expo heard from Israeli experts and delegates
There was great excitement and a
real buzz in the air over discovering
the endless possibilities. One visitor
commented, “I never knew just how
much was on offer to me in Israel and
how willing Israelis are to help me.”
Further feedback from the Expo
reiterated this sentiment. Many visitors
did not know about the free higher
education in top universities and
technical institutions on offer in Israel.
Others discovered the incredible job
opportunities available to them, as well
as the generous rights and benefits to
which they are entitled.
A farewell was said to the Benninghaus
family, leaving on the July Aliyah group
flight. They were overcome with joy and
pride to be making Aliyah.
The Benninghaus family will be one of
Western Province Maccabi makes a
determined comeback!
fter a long absence
Western Province
Maccabi is proud to
say that we are back!
Not only have we
commenced with free
weekly soccer training
sessions (summer will
be cricket), but we
have a number of very
exciting projects in
the pipelines.
We are serious
in our undertaking
to provide sporting
opportunities to all
Jewish participants,
in
particular
the
youth, through our
Some of the Maccabi youngsters in training.
volunteer structures.
Maccabi Park on Sunday 2 May against
The establishment
of Maccabi Park is our first notable Grass Boots FC. Not only was it great
accomplishment, and paves the way to see all the boys thoroughly enjoying
their first official Maccabi game, but it
for many exciting ventures.
Earlier this year, through the was fantastic to see all the hard work
generosity of United Herzlia Schools, and training over the past three months
WP Maccabi commenced managing paying off, with WP Maccabi winning.
Our second match saw WP Maccabi
the old Yeoville Sports Club’s bowling
green. Subsequently we have been take on Table View FC on Sunday
hard at work converting the space 23 May. With a large contingent of
into a multi-sport facility, aptly named supporting parents and families on the
‘Maccabi Park’, which will be open side-lines, the three WP Maccabi teams
for use to all registered WP Maccabi put on a gallant effort against the more
established and league-leading Table
participants.
One of the current projects under way View teams, with Table View winners on
at Maccabi Park is providing over 25 the day.
Photographs can be found on
Jewish boys under the age of 9 weekly
Sunday soccer coaching. Furthermore, Facebook – ‘WESTERN PROVINCE
we are also arranging friendly matches MACCABI OFFICIAL GROUP’
For further information, please
against local club teams.
The first friendly match was played at contact Ronen Cohen: 084 6650655
Experts and delegates answer a myriad of questions.
many leaving as a group on the Aliyah
‘Red Carpet Experience’.
For those who have been living ‘in
hiding’ and have just joined the Aliyah
wave, the group Aliyah is described
as a “red carpet experience” because
of the assistance given to olim. Olim
are escorted on their flight, met at
the airport to be processed and skip
the queues by completing their Aliyah
process at the hotel in Jerusalem,
where they are put up in luxury for the
night.
One cannot ask for more, other than
transportation to their first address,
which is also provided!
This group flight is the seventh of its
kind from South Africa, and all we can
say is “Practice makes perfect”.
Hashem created the world in six days
then rested; the Aliyah Department
do not plan on resting until they have
helped all Jews find their way home to
Israel.
With this feeling in mind, the Expo
proved to be the perfect platform to
create an awareness of the ‘coat for a
rainy day’ idea that is encouraging all
Jews worldwide to get their unabridged
birth certificates and proof of
Jewishness ready, just in case.
With the July flight set to take off,
the Aliyah department is thrilled to be
meeting everyone in the community
who is interested in gathering more
information about Israel. We would love
to hear from you!
To meet your shaliach today, call 021
464-6718 or email [email protected]
16
UJC General Campaign Launch 2010 ...
C
lose on 200 people attended the
UJC’s 2010 General Launch at the
Albow Centre on 25 May, where guest
speaker, the renowned diplomatic
leader Dore Gold, treated them to an
insightful and eye-opening talk on the
Goldstone Report.
Dore Gold is an Israeli statesman
who has served in various diplomatic
positions
under
several
Israeli
governments. He served as an advisor
to former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon and also to Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu during his first
term in office. From 1997-1999 he was
the Israeli ambassador to the United
Nations. Currently, Dore Gold is the
president of the Jerusalem Centre for
Public Affairs, an independent nonprofit institute for policy research and
education.
In November 2009 Gold took part
in an exchange with Judge Goldstone
at Brandeis University. That exchange
formed the basis of his presentation at
the UJC General Launch.
The problems with the Goldstone
Report, or as the former ambassador
prefers to call it, “The UN Gaza Report”,
were laid out in a concise and succinct
manner. He elaborated on the various
charges brought against Israel by the
UN initiated report, showing them up
for the distortions of fact that they are.
He highlighted the predisposed nature
of the report, especially evident in
the actual people represented on the
panel and he discussed the lack of
and inconsistency in use of evidence,
providing various examples of this
inexcusable shortcoming of the report.
Gold emphasised and explained
the multiple flaws, failures and
shortcomings of the supposed UN
fact-finding mission in a very thorough
manner, deeming the report itself to
be a document lacking in integrity
and reaching conclusions based upon
incomplete, shoddy work.
The fact that such a report has been
used to issue what he viewed a blood
libel against Israel, required sober
attention.
Dore Gold brought clarity and fact
to a cloudy situation through his most
informative and powerful presentation.
The vicious indictment that the
Goldstone Report has brought upon
Israel cannot be left unchallenged, and
all who were fortunate enough to hear
Gold’s address benefited greatly from
his insights and research.
The UJC’s 2010 General Launch
provided an opportunity for the
community to give and to be a part of
making a positive difference in many
lives. Through their faithful efforts,
and thanks to the many people who
give so generously, multiple individuals
and projects within the community are
funded and nurtured.
Clearly, the evening with Dore Gold
was a tremendous success and greatly
enjoyed by all.
Back: Warren Kaimowitz, Marcel Danon, Daniel Danon, Eddy Oblowitz. Front: David
Resnick, Selwyn Solomon and Jackie Solomon.
Guest speaker Dore Gold.
Lester Hoffman, David Jacobson and Rael Kaimowitz.
Rubi and Anne
Chaitman
Foundation
Ivan Katzenellenbogen, Colin Traub and Simon Brodovcky.
Norma Marshall, Merle Saxe, Nina Kovensky and Cyril Saxe.
With Compliments
FREDDY AND AGGIE
HIRSCH
THE CAPE JEWISH COMMUNITY RECORDS ITS GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO OU
Meyer Hirsch
Goldschmidt
Foundation
THE HAROLD
AND BEATRICE
KRAMER
FOUNDATION
Paul Arieli
of the Goldschmidt
Family Trust
17
... with Guest Speaker Dore Gold
Leina and Abe Sank.
Irene and Jeff Moss.
Dore Gold and Philip Krawitz.
Owen Futeran and Li Boiskin.
Norman, Joshua and Charlene Katzeff.
Nesta and Dennis Shorkend, Linda Saban, Cherna and Udi Kredo.
Alex Groeneweg and Ariella Kuper.
Ida and Jonathan Broll with Linda Saban.
Clive Chitiz, Dore Gold, Nicole and Alan Martin and Doron Chitiz.
With compliments
The Jack & Ethel
Goldin Foundation
The Susman
Charitable
Foundation
UR PATRONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP OF THE ‘CAPE JEWISH CHRONICLE’
Stanley and
Zea Lewis
Foundation
www.stonehage.com
18
Cape Town Progressive Jewish Congregation
Premier Helen Zille delivers stirring
Sherman lecture
Consider This
by Rabbi Richard Newman
A tribute to Rabbi Dr David Sherman
T
his year we were honoured to hear
the message of inspiration and
hope for the future of our country, given
by Premier of the Western Province and
the leader of the Opposition, Helen
Zille. This was at the Rabbi Dr David
Sherman annual lecture, an important
milestone in the calendar of Cape
Jewry.
I have recently unearthed a trove
of writings of the Rabbi, to whom the
annual lecture is dedicated. This to me
was a true ‘geniza’.
The word geniza — ‫ גניזה‬comes from
the root ‫ז‬″‫ — גנ‬to cover up or hide. But it
is not to the etymology of this radical I
wish to draw attention. It is the human
activity which brings this into being — or
rather the lack of action, the neglect,
the downright dereliction of duty and
responsibility.
Yet at times this misdemeanour can
be of great value and reward to our
knowledge of a period in history, a
civilisation and even individuals.
So it was with the famous Cairo
Geniza1 when, in the closing years of
the 19th century, the Jewish scholar
and leader Solomon Schechter came
to possess over 140 000 documents,
letters, manuscripts, speeches and
even ‘mundane’ items such as shopping
lists and a wife’s complaint to her rabbi
about her husband’s extended absence
from home on business trips.
And all these from nearly 1000 years
ago.
Why do I quote the Old Cairo or Fostat
Geniza2, which I was fortunate to
consult as an undergraduate student
of Semitic languages in the 1960s?
All these documents (from the most
complete and of Jewish significance
to the most meagre of scraps) were
written in Hebrew or Arabic and
thus were destined for burial, when
the beadle deemed that there were
sufficient items to open a grave at
the nearby cemetery. The beadle —
the shamash — for what ever reason,
usually overworked with a plethora of
duties, sometimes neglected to enact
this mitzvah and the ‘treasure’ was
preserved for all time.
The Jewish custom of storing away
old books and manuscripts seems to
have grown out of the near humanlike respect we bestow on worn-out
bibles and other sacred texts which
were to be buried. Hence, all papers
bearing the Tetragrammaton or other
divine appellations should be thus
dispatched.
As a rule, such manuscripts were
only temporarily stored away in some
1 The author was fortunate to visit the
site of the find when, in 1961 he found
himself in Cairo and spent some time
in the then ruined Karaite ben Ezra
Synagogue in the old Fostat area.
2 This collection, the Taylor-Schechter
Geniza Collection is housed in the
Cambridge University Library.
chamber of the synagogue until such
time as they were able to be given a
permanent burial in the cellar or in the
local cemetery.
Such was the case with the genizah, or
bet genizah, of the ancient synagogue
of Fostat, Egypt .
qqq
Some years before his death, in May
2002, I interviewed Rabbi David
Sherman, the founding rabbi of our
congregation. I expressed, with
hopefully eloquent, non-critical hubris,
the fact that over so many years he
had not committed to writing the great
ideas and historical importance that
he represented, other than his two
volumes; one of his sermons — never
a best-seller in rabbinic corridors — the
other a valid comment on Jewish values,
which was published by posthumously
by the Sherman Foundation. Copies
of this valuable book are presented to
the boys and girls of our congregation
on the occasion of their bar and
batmitzvahs.
Rabbi Sherman correctly cut me short
and reminded me of his two-pronged
calling here in South Africa — to build
a congregation and to make its voice
heard in the struggle for justice in the
apartheid period. Then, en passant,
he referred to the great outflow of
his thoughts when he was a senior
student at the Hebrew Union College in
Cincinnati in the 1930s.
David Sherman was born in
September 1909, the son of Rabbi
Abram Moses and Shifra Shershevsky.
In 1927, he was awarded a teaching
certificate, and in 1930 a BSc degree
from the University of Boston. He
entered the Hebrew Union College in
Cincinnati, where he was ordained in
1934. He was called to the pulpit of
the Binghamton in upstate New York
and congregations in Ohio and New
Jersey, and later, as an associate of
Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, he spent years
of active Zionist work, a passion which
he expressed throughout his long life.
David Sherman arrived in Cape
Town in July 1946 to serve as the
first rabbi of Temple Israel, which has
become the largest Progressive Jewish
congregation in the country. Here he
served with the assistance of his wife,
Bertha Rose (nee Cohen) until 1983
where, on his retirement, he became
Rabbi Emeritus. His retirement was
twice interrupted when he was recalled
to duty to assist the congregation.
In 1959 he was awarded an Honorary
Doctor of Divinity from the HUC for
his years of dedicated service to the
Reform movement.
This extant collection I have recently
unearthed and I would like to bring to
light some of the wisdom, the insight
and the humour of a man who played
so important a role in the life of our
congregation, the Jewish community
of Cape Town, and indeed the whole of
South Africa.
H
undreds of people
from all sectors of
the Cape Town Jewish
community gathered in
Green Point on Thursday
20 May to hear the
Premier of the Western
Cape, Helen Zille, deliver
the annual Rabbi Dr
David Sherman (z’’l)
Memorial Lecture.
The evening began
with a welcome to
congregants, guests and
visitors by president,
Roy
Fine,
followed
by a tribute to Rabbi
Chairman Sherman Foundation Cyril Saxe, President Roy
Sherman presented by Fine, Premier Helen Zille and Rabbi Greg Alexander.
Rabbi Richard Newman.
and the role of the Jewish community’.
This
was
followed
What was particularly impressive was
by a message from Leslie Bergman,
president of the European Union for the manner in which Premier Zille linked
Progressive Judaism and immediate her presentation to the major teachings
past treasurer of the World Union of protrayed in Rabbi Sherman’s book,
Progressive Judaism, which was read ‘Judaism, A Growing Tradition’ (2003).
She followed up her address
on his behalf by Cyril Saxe.
Li Boiskin, chairperson of the Cape by answering questions from the
Council of the SA Jewish Board of audience, which ranged from corruption
Deputies and Rina Epstein, shlicha of to education to the economy.
Cyril Saxe proposed a vote of thanks
Netzer Cape Town, brought greetings
and appreciation to the Premier.
from their respective organisations
The evening ended with a closing
After being introduced by Rabbi
Greg Alexander, Helen Zille held the prayer delivered by Rabbi Malcolm
audience captive with her excellent Matitiani and delicious eats and drinks
address: ‘South Africa 2011 onwards provided by the Green Point Sisterhood.
2009 / 2010 ‘Jews by Choice’ class
welcomed into the congregation
Michelle Marais, Janet Shimansky, Suzanne Glock, Tracey-Lee Saayman, Mark
Pearce, Clive De Wit–Bainbridge, Marcelo Anwar Adam Saad Ayres, Gregory Anderson,
Kathleen Klass, Kirsti Lockitch, Alice Learmont,
Jacqueline Dobrin and Mari McFarlane.
I
n moving ceremonies on Friday 28 and
Saturday 29 May, the graduating ‘Jews by
Choice’ class were officially welcomed into
the congregation.
It was an intensive course for the class,
both spiritually and intellectually, as the
rabbis of Temple Israel had implemented
a brand new one-year programme, which
realised outstanding results.
We at Temple Israel welcome the thirteen
new families and look forward to their
continuing their positive and dynamic impact
on our growing congregation.
B’Sha’ot Tovot ...
Tivon Shuman
barmitzvah 31 July
THIS PAGE IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE DAVID AND BERTHA SHERMAN
FOUNDATION
19
BIRTH NOTICE
Sea Point eruv
Family Announcements
ENGAGEMENT
continued from page 1
S
CONDOLENCE – THANK YOU
SIMON / JONES
NATHAN BLACHOWITZ (BLACKIE)
ALAN ODES
Norma Simon of Cape Town
and Mike Simon of Pretoria
are thrilled to announce the
engagement of their only
daughter, Monique, to Brendan,
son of Geoff and Talya Jones,
of Cape Town.
To all our very special friends and
family — thank you so much for
your love and support received
on the recent passing of our
much loved “Blackie”.
Our heartfelt thanks to family,
friends and organisations for
their support and kind wishes
of sympathy on the sudden
passing of our beloved father,
grandfather and brother.
80TH BIRTHDAY - THANK YOU
MAURICE KATZ
Your calls, visits, letters, emails,
sms’s and cards are truly
appreciated and are a testament to
the high esteem in which he
was held.
May he rest in peace and his legacy
last forever.
I would like to thank family and
friends for their kind thoughts,
good wishes, telephone calls and
letters on the occasion of my
80th birthday.
A very special thanks to Rabbi
Hayon, Normy Isaacson, the
president and committee of the
Green and Sea Point Hebrew
Congregation.
It is very much appreciated.
Glenda
Roy, Perri, Ben and Eli
Marc, Linda, Ruby and Bella
RECUPERATION – THANK YOU
EMELDA MILLER
SAMUEL COHEN
My children and I wish to thank
most sincerely Rabbi Osher and
Rebbetzin Sara Feldman, the
chairman, president, executive,
committee and office staff
of the Gardens Shul,
all organisations, my precious
family and friends who have sent
flowers and gifts, and shown so
much love and care during my
recent illness.
Beattie and family wish to thank all
relatives, friends and organisations
for the loving support and kindness
shown to us by visits, letters and
numerous phone calls, during the
very sad loss of Sam.
With gratitude to Hashem, I am
now well on the road to recovery.
RUTH REITSTEIN
Thank you, thank you, to my dear
family and the many friends from
near and far who by their acts
of kindness, emails, phone calls
and visits have shown their deep
concern for me during my recent
illness.
Baruch Hashem, I am now on the
road to recovery.
CONDOLENCE – THANK YOU
SHAI BLAU
Doron and Leora, brothers Mark
and Gadi and their families,
and grandmother Dorris Marks,
wish to thank Rabbis Suiza,
Hayon and Silman, family,
organisations and friends, as well
as Shai’s many friends, for their
visits, phone calls and messages
of condolence on the tragic
passing of our beloved Shai.
Your kindness and caring is very
much appreciated.
STEVEN MARTIN COHEN
Sincere thanks for the many
messages of condolence received
on the untimely passing of my son,
Steven.
They were a great source of comfort
and strength.
A special thanks to Rabbi
Feldman and Cantor Camissar of
the Gardens Shul.
Cindy and Russell, Michelle and
Doron, grandchildren Daniel
and Keren, Charles and Dawn,
Michael and Julia and their
families.
AARON SEARLL
We, the family of the late Aaron
Searll, would like to thank all
our family, friends and various
organisations for their
incredible support during
Aaron’s illness and for the
wonderful phone calls, letters of
condolence and tributes received
on his passing.
They have been of enormous
comfort during this most
devastating and darkest of times.
Lauren, Graham, Balu, Jenny,
Cathy, Juliette, Sophia, spouses
and grandchildren.
ome poles are free standing, David
explained, while other shorter ones
are strapped to existing electrical poles.
The connecting wires are attached to
the electrical poles and run exactly over
the top of the shorter poles.
David enlisted an outstanding team
of specialists to create this amazing
structure, if one could term it that.
Landscape architect Tarna Klitzner was
specifically asked by the City Council
to do a visual impact survey and was
instrumental in providing the Council
with all the necessary detail and
assurances.
Jeff Borstrock managed the erecting
of the poles and wires, while Sea Point
resident Stan Grusd planned and
supervised the construction, assisted
by Kim and Lance Katz who oversaw
the construction of the wooden fences
on parts of the mountain, all of which
took some two-and-a-half weeks.
Once operational, the eruv has to
be checked every week immediately
prior to Shabbat. A suitable person is
in the process of being trained for this
onerous task.
Rabbi Dov Tanzer and latterly, Rabbi
Anton Klein of Johannesburg, have been
the halachic consultants, Rabbi Klein
taking ultimate rabbinical responsibility
for halachic conformity.
And now that this miracle has finally
been achieved, there are plans (and
ideas) afoot to ‘eruv’ Claremont, maybe
Milnerton — and even Muizenberg,
to accommodate the needs of the
‘northerners’ who descend on the area
during the December holiday season.
It seems that in the eruv department,
Cape Town is well on the way to ‘keeping
up’ with Johannesburg!
Charlotte Cohen and family
HELEN GORDON
Our heartfelt thanks to family
and friends who condoled with us
so sincerely following the loss of our
dear mother, sister-in-law
and aunt, Helen.
We are deeply appreciative of your
visits and messages of sympathy.
Jennifer Gordon
Anthony, Linda Gordon and family
Lilian Sarembock and family
BELLA MILLER
The children of the late Bella Miller,
Sheila Brenner, Evelyn Kruyer and
Alan Miller, would like to thank the
rabbis, communal organisations,
family and friends for their visits,
calls and letter on the loss of our
beloved mother.
Special thanks to the staff
of Highlands House for their
wonderful care.
To place a family announcement
phone Tessa 021 464-6736 (am)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
All donations to Glendale are now tax deductible
Thank you most sincerely for your continued
support.
Our residents are most grateful
Our well known shabbat, miniature shabbat, yartzeit candles
and shabbat glass candle holders are now available from all
supermarkets and at our office. Bridge cloths available at R120.
Getting married overseas? Ask your guests to donate to Glendale
Home in lieu of wedding gifts. An appropriate letter will be sent to
the bride and groom advising them of your donation. No amount will
be disclosed for further details contact the office.
Glendale Greeting Service
Letters can be sent to your loved ones and friends for birthdays,
wedding anniversaries and chaggim or any special occasion. Make
use of this service which is available world wide.
Tins: If your tin needs collecting please phone the office
10 Galway Road Heathfield
PO Box 40 Bergvliet 7864
www.glendalehome.co.za email: [email protected]
tel: (021) 712-0270 fax: (021) 712-0873
Glendale activities now on you-tube: www.youtube.com search
Glendale Cape Town.
20
UNION OF ORTHODOX SYNAGOGUES OF SOUTH AFRICA
In and around Cape Town
The Mitzvah of ... the Vuvuzela?
By Rabbi Asher Deren
S
Rabbi Feldman leads a ‘Lunch ’n Learn Perogen Club’ at Alliance group.
Above and below left: Pre-Shavuot: Ladies’ creative flower arranging and decor evening
with Rebbetzins Maizels and Hecht, at the Camps Bay Shul.
Rabbis and rebbetzins at a farewell Melave
Malka to Rabbi Moshe and Moriah Ordman.
Ladies of the Gardens Shul and Chabad
of the West Coast enjoy a pre-Shavuot
evening of art, music and delicious dairy
delicacies.
At a candle lighting ceremony at Chabad
Centre, Doreen Perlman lights Shabbat
candles with Rebbetzin Avi Popack.
The crowd of children watch the Candle
Lighting Ceremony at Chabad Centre.
o, how’s it going so far? What’s
it like hosting the world’s biggest
sports event a few blocks from your
house? Chances are that you’ve had
the opportunity to be at one of the
games at Cape Town Stadium and
you may be one of the lucky few to
have tickets to the quarter final next
week. Either way, you have definitely
(1) been at or at least watched or
will watch a game and (2) are very
annoyed at those pesky vuvuzela
things that make you think you’re in
some industrial factory instead of a
sports arena…
In fact, a few months ago some of
the European commentators even
wanted them banned from the game.
But apparently FIFA didn’t agree
with that and as Sepp Blatter said,
when explaining why they wouldn’t
be banned, “We should not try to
Europianise an African World Cup.”
Yes, to some the vuvuzela may be a
bit annoying, but it’s not all about us;
we’re only half of the picture.
Mr Blatter actually has a point. And
that’s been true since the days of
the biblical vuvuzela, when G-d first
commended the Jewish people to
make the vuvuzela: “And you shall
make for yourself two silver vuvuzelas
(chatzotzrot in Hebrew or trumpets in
English) and they will be used (1) to
gather the community
and (2) to signal the
new journeys (in the
desert).”
Numbers,
Chap.10 Verse 2
In the desert they were used most
prominently to signal when it was time
to begin or end the different journeys
that continued for the next 39 years.
Once they entered the land of Israel
they were used to signal the new
and special chagim, holidays being
celebrated.
Ok … that seems like a vuvuzela we
could all deal with, only two of them and
only used a few times a year — not by
thousands of people. Well, whilst the
biblical requirement was specifically
for these two trumpets, the Tosefta
in the Medrash tells us that at the
time of Hakhel — the post Sabbatical
rally of the entire Jewish People, men,
women and children to the Temple —
all of the Kohanim the priests, would
stand at the borders and gateways
to the cities. With trumpets in their
hands they would beckon the masses
to come participate in the special
Hakhel holiday in the Bet Hamikdosh
— the Holy Temple.
So much so, that whichever Kohen
didn’t have a vuvuzela in his hand
“domeh zeh she’ain Kohein hu” — it’s
as if he is not a Kohein!
Really? Just because he didn’t have
a vuvuzela in his hand? Perhaps a
deeper look at the Hebrew word for
vuvuzela could shed light on this
puzzling concept.
‘Chatzotzrot’ — trumpets - is actually
a combination of two words ‘Chatzo’ay
Tzurot’ loosely translated as — a Half
an Image.
The blast from the trumpet wasn’t an
arrogant or self-glorifying call. On the
contrary, it was a call to our deeper
identity, our appreciation that we are
in fact only ‘half the image’.
The other half of our image is G-d,
and how He has projected that image
into those around us.
Now, the Kohein’s life was spent in
the spiritual pursuits of the Temple
service. But ultimately his whole
purpose was the service of G-d and the
millions of his fellow men and women
beyond the Temple. His passion and
vigour in blowing the chatzotzrot —
vuvuzelas to bring the people into
the Temple at Hakhel expressed that
ultimate purpose of his life, to serve
others.
If that call of the trumpet was lacking
— ‘it’s as if he is not a Kohen’. He’s
missed the point.
So let’s take this mitzvah as our own
reminder that we too must blow the
trumpet, not of our own egos, but the
sounds emanating from the wisdom
of Torah, from the warmth of mitzvot,
and the special ways we have, and
can do more, in bringing them into our
lives.
Oh, and about the vuvuzelas, if that
buzzing sound during the World Cup
is getting a little annoying, remember
the message of G-d’s vuvuzela — It’s
not all about me, I’m only half the
picture. And in our African World Cup
— maybe take a blow at it yourself.
21
Nechama
9 Gorge Road, Highlands Estate Tel: 021 465-9390
Fax: 021 465-9391 Email: [email protected]
Cameraderie at the tables at Nechama fundraiser
N
echama,
the
Jewish
Bereavement
Organisation, gives counselling to bereaved
families, training courses, workshops and
public lecturers, all based on a very dedicated
group of volunteers who give willingly of their
time.
As a fundraising event Nechama held their
first ever Bridge/Kalooki charity day on Tuesday
25 May at Chabad House in Sea Point.
Well co-ordinated by Ada Sher, over 100
players enjoyed their afternoon at the
tables. High tea was served and there was a
tremendous spirit of goodwill and camaraderie.
Nechama Executive Director Avigail Popack
is particularly happy with the success of the
function and expressed her thanks to the
fundraising committee for all their planning,
hard work and dedication, which ensured the
success of the day.
“Many interesting functions are being planned
for later this year,” she says, “ and we look
forward to and appreciate the support from the
community.”
And a final word … “Have a great break and
enjoy the festivities of the Soccer World Cup!”
Above and below left: the bridge and kalooki players enjoying the afternoon. Bottom right: a section of the beautifully
presented high tea.
Retention versus Attraction
I
by Joanne Benjamin, Director StaffWise
n tough economic times, employee
morale tends to be down. Companies
need to focus on making sure their
employees are kept motivated and
satisfied.
It is important for companies to retain
their intellectual property as there
is a skills shortage in our country.
Organisations cannot afford to lose
core skills and spend time and money
on training staff to fill critical positions.
Another problem is that increased
pressure from companies to drive
sales up and costs down has led to an
increase in stress levels, which means
employees have less free time.
This becomes a never ending spiral.
In the end, employees are miserable,
which results either in their resignation
or in serious health issues.
Companies need to focus energy
on finding a way of assisting their
employees and thus improving
productivity.
Nechama Bereavement Organisation
Position For Registered Qualified Social
Worker/Psychologist
The successful applicant would be responsible for the
management, planning, co-ordination and implementation of all
therapeutic services offered by Nechama.
Part-time position.
3/4 mornings per week.
To apply please contact Joanne of Staff Wise
at [email protected]
or 021 464-6700
SALES REPRESENTATIVE Atlantic Sea Board. Dynamic representative
required for upmarket, exclusive fashion brand. Bubbly, energetic, with a
go getter attitude will secure. Sales experience preferred. LI1705
Chef Kosher chef required to work at a children’s camp in December.
Must have experience and knowledge of Kashrut. Salary negotiable. CK
1010.
RELIEF HOUSE PARENT Town. 3 Weekends per month. Relief house
parent required to cook and supervise from Friday afternoon till Sunday
evening. Lovely environment. Must be responsible, patient and have great
communication skills. Ref AS1205
BOOKKEEPERS S/Subs. Full time position available for experienced, high
level bookkeepers. Must be able to use Pastel. Payroll advantageous,
excellent computer skills and attention to detail. To start July/August
2010. Ref EA 2202
For more information concerning available positions or applicants,
Please contact Joanne or Linda on:
Telephone Number: 021 - 464-6700 Fax Number: 021 – 086 6263397
E-mail address: [email protected]
Web: www.staffwise.org.za
22
JACOB GITLIN LIBRARY
ALBOW CENTRE PHONE: 021 462-5088 FAX: 021 465-8670
FICTION AND LITERARY WRITING
GROSSMAN, David. WRITING IN THE DARK (808.84 / 10/14693). These
exquisite autobiographical essays and speeches, about people who have
touched this great writer, form a key to the understanding of his mysterious
works and speak of the love and pain that bind him forever to the Jewish state.
HORN, Dara. ALL OTHER NIGHTS (10/14729). A dynamic historical thriller,
with very funny interludes, set in the time of the American Civil war. The chief
protagonist, a Jewish soldier in the Union army, is given a terrible assignment
that catapults him into a crisis of conscience.
LUSTBADER, Victoria. HIDDEN (10/14717). An intertwining family saga
reaching across three generations of Jews and Americans. With unique
courage, it addresses socially uncomfortable issues such as ageing and dying,
the horrors of battlefields, human cruelty, antisemitism, ethics and forbidden
love.
KERR, Philip. BERLIN NOIR: MARCH VIOLETS, THE PALE CRIMINAL, A
GERMAN REQUIEM (10/14704). Three novellas unfold in the early days of
National Socialism in Germany. Bernie Gunther, a private detective, creeps
into the psyche of shady figures in the Berlin underground and finds budding
Nazis who thrive on the poison of intrigues.
KERR, Philip. A QUIET FLAME: A Bernie Gunther Mystery (10/14703). A
gruesome thriller links underground crimes of prominent Nazi perpetrators
who fled Germany after the Holocaust and continued their crimes after finding
shelter in Argentina.
PORITZ MILLER, Lily. IN A PALE BLUE LIGHT (10/14716). A Jewish family from
Lithuania settles in South Africa and finds it difficult to adjust to its rampant
racism. They decide to relocate to America. Peppered with Yiddish and
Afrikaans expressions, the narrative reveals difficulties of adjustment, such as
embarrassment at the parents’ manner of speech, the class distinction within
the Jewish community, the relationship between Africans and Afrikaners. The
chief protagonist is painfully aware of her condition as outsider in this society.
What’s on at the Gitlin
Exploring the life and work of Felix Nussbaum
O
n 23 May the Jacob Gitlin Library
and the Cape Town Holocaust
Centre presented a special event
entitled ‘The Life and work of Felix
Nussbaum. (1904-1944)’.
The evening was inspired by Terence
Matzdorff, introduced by Dr David
Scher and presented by Dr Ute Ben
Yosef.
The fate of this great German-Jewish
artist became inextricably linked with
the Holocaust, in which he developed
his own metaphors as a reaction to his
life and fate.
His paintings were an act of heroism.
They bear witness as works of art and
at the same time as documents of the
Jewish fate in Western Europe.
POST-HOLOCAUST HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY
BERGER, Joseph. DISPLACED PERSONS. Growing up American after the
Holocaust (964.3021 / 10/14727). The experiences of Polish refugees to
America: the difficulties of adaptation whilst suffering post-Holocaust trauma;
parents without knowledge of English working long days in dreary factories;
the children living in two worlds, always in a state of peril and poverty, aware
of their foreignness; the limbo of their refugee condition, and the mark this
has made on their lives.
OREN, Ram. GERTRUDA’S OATH. A child, a promise and a heroic escape
during World War II (964.31 / 10/14664). A story of cruelty and hope and
the rescue by a Catholic nanny of a Jewish boy whose parents perished in
Holocaust Poland. His later attempt to retrieve his inheritance, withheld by a
Swiss bank, becomes an epic saga.
BACK TO LITHUANIA
KAPELUS, Ivan. REFLECTIONS ON A VISIT TO LITHUANIA (964.3174 /
10/14739). A personal memoir, beautifully related and rich with historical
insight, recaptures the return of the author and his wife to the Lithuanian
shtetls of their forebears. They find a country of revelations and cover-up,
of the void and the visible of Jewish heritage sites. The circumstances of a
chance meeting are utterly incredible and deeply moving.
ISRAEL
SHABI, Rachel. WE LOOK LIKE THE ENEMY: The Hidden story of Israel’s
Jews from Arab Lands (301.45 / 10/14723). Articulating, from a personal
viewpoint, the pain and exclusion of Mizrachi Jews, who felt that they were
regarded as “backward” within the Ashkenazi-dominated cultural environment.
By exploring the ethnic tensions that have ensued, the author offers new
insights for reflection.
CD
CD 204. CAPE TOWN ZING. A toe-tapping celebration of Yiddish song.
The evening was enhanced by a
uniquely receptive audience.
ISRAELI AND GENERAL FICTION
LARSSON, Stieg. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (H 10/9031). A
breakthrough in thriller-writing set in contemporary Sweden.
LARSSON, Stieg. THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (H 10/9030).The second of
the trilogy of the Mikael Blomkvist-Lisbeth Salander thrillers.
YANAI, Zvi. TOO LATE (H 10/9032). The diary of a mysterious disappearance in
the Serengeti Reserve in Tanzania.
WISH LIST
HISTORY – BIOGRAPHY
GERBER, Michal. JAZZ JEWS (780 / 10/14731). The African-Americans were
the originators, yet the Jewish impact on Jazz was extensive and so was
their interaction. A profound research, spiced with anecdotes that reach into
the psyche of the musicians and song-writers, ‘Jazz Jews’ all over the world
including South Africa. It also covers klezmer, swing, blues, bee-bop and rock
in America.
MEZRICH, Ben. THE ACCIDENTAL BILLIONARES: Sex, Money, Betrayal and
the Founding of Facebook (650 / 10/14682). Documents, interviews and
records recapture how Facebook was initiated by a playful dorm-room idea of
Harvard undergraduates Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg, who shared
a yearning to date spectacular girls.
Head librarian Ute Ben Yosef with
Terence Matzdorff at the evening.
Lehman, David - “Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs” R 177
Edsel, Robert M. – “The Monuments Men”
R 217
And many more to choose from on a list at the library.
Sincere thanks Dina and Yacov Sivan for so immensely enriching our Hebrew
collection.
Head Librarian
The SAZF(Cape Council) seeks a qualified Head Librarian for the
Jacob Gitlin Library to commence 1st September 2010.
The incumbent would need the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Self starter who is able to motivate staff members
Excellent communication skills
Knowledge of community and Jewish affairs
Computer literacy
Administrative skills
Good command of English and Hebrew
Public relations and marketing
10 years relevant experience
Salary commensurate with experience. Email CV with a covering
letter to [email protected]
23
A
A fabulous ORT fundraiser!
most
successful
ORT ‘Poker
evening’
fundraiser was
held at the
Hellenic Club in
Mouille Point in
May.
The evening,
which drew
enthusiastic
‘players’ of
every age, was
Alon Sachs, who ran the evening, with his assistant Rael Sher.
co-ordinated by
Alon Sachs. All
Grateful thanks to the sponsors
the participants
Broll
Properties, Gold Sun Industries,
enjoyed the games, but the big winner
Kanan Wealth, La Vie Du Lac Mineral
was ORT! And that means those
Waters, Lindt Chocolates, Mazor
who reap rewards in ORT’s aim — to
Engineering, Merchant Factors and
‘Educate for life’.
Womag.
The ORT team for the evening. Back: Ivan Epstein, Nilly Baruch, Stuart Kantor, David
Ginsberg. Front: Gabi Sulcas, Elaine Chernotsky and Debbie Staniland.
Celebrating Simchot at Coffee Time
A Chuppah and a Brith
Karen and Steven Kahn with
their two other children
Hannah and Angela.
At the brith milah of baby Matthew Kahn at Coffee Time.
Grandfather Jos Kahn holds baby Matthew, with Rabbi
Maisels, grandfather David Diamond, proud dad Steven
and Rabbi Altman.
Coffee Time’s beautiful spread shortly
before the guests tucked in.
Stephanie and Brandon Treger celebrated
their chuppah at Coffee Time.
24
Herzlia
May TICKET DRAW • Paul and Marcelle Zuckerman – R2500 • Derek Shapiro – R1250 • Stuart Stone – R625 • Luci
MATRIC DANCE 2010 @ THE RUNWAY
IT Matrics, Steven Theron, Bradwell Markgraff, Mikhail Todes, Mr Rob Wucherfpennig,
Bradley Kahn, David Lutrin, Mordechai Serraf, Shane Kaplan and classmates.
Matric Dance Committee: Nicole Marcus, Lauri Shone, Melissa Zackon, Tamara Marcus,
Aimee Koff, Mrs Di Dos Santos, Yarden Kalif, Jenna Goldberg and Tarryn Kawalsky.
Front: Brandon Cumings.
Back: Ross Horwitz, Joshua Katzeff, Ricky Novis and Jesse Lazarus. Middle: Josh
Horwitz, Benji Weiner, Melissa Zackon, Josh Sher and Debbie Lipschitz. Front: Michael
Bootkov, David Lutrin, Jaryd Kay, Shane Lipman and Mikhail Todes.
Student Council: Benji Weiner, Kiara Klitzner, Mr Sydney Samakosky, Brynn Travill,
Ricky Novis, Bradley Kahn and Jordy Sank. Front: Candice Schneider, Chelsey Varkel,
David Nathan, Tarryn Kawalsky and Jenna Goldberg.
Herzlia High School Staff: Jeremy Fortuin, Sydney Samakosky, Michal Kaplan, Marianne
Marks, Di Dos Santos, Rob Wucherfpenning, Jacqui Kowen, Amanda Israel and Lizelle
Fryer. Seated: Paul Schooling, Hadleigh Abrahams and Saul Kaplan.
Adam Todes, Tamara Marcus, Jarred Marcus, Gali Hartuv and partners.
25
Highlights
cille Saben – R200 •Irwin Krombein – R200 •Jenny Altschuler – R200 •Ilana Sacks – R200 •Derrick Lewis – R200
MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES OF OUR SCHOOL YEARS
Isabella Bisogno, Cari Miller, Simone Adler.
Dylan Wakefield and Lara Osrin with Loren Naiker and partner.
Candice Schneider, Kyle Levin, Joshua Katzeff, Dalit
Anstey.
Mikheila Sank, Ruby Schalit, Claire Friedman.
Alex Cohen, Melinda Simon, Jessie Puterman and Josh Gelb.
Darren Rosman, Casey Slot, Daniella Mosselson and
partner.
Photos by Len Marks
and Adele Goldberg.
Captions supplied by Herzlia.
Bradwell Markgraff, Arnosjca Santana, Gabi Goldberg, Nicholas Muller.
Joseph Simon, Daniel Ulrich, Marco Joffe, Joshua Singer and Jesse Lazarus.
Romy Fur, Idan Smollan, Franchesca Steenkamp and Eden Lurie.
Gali Hartuv, Michael Lazard, Darren Rosman, Mordechai Serraf and Ryan Fabian.
26
Gary Hobson to Amy Sochen
Photo: John Armstrong
Ryan Rittoff to Tamara Wagenheim
Photo: Toney Jade
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Also every Wednesday at The Grand,
Camps Bay, from 7.30pm.
27
Adrian Kaplan to Lindi Casper
Anton Levin to Emma-Kate Frankal
Photo:
Brooke Fasani and Sheldon Moutrie
Yaacov Pinsky to Ariella Sevitz
married in Israel
To enhance your Ceremony or Reception
with the best performance in Jewish Music
IVOR JOFFE
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Lisa Radomsky Physiotherapy
Lisa Radomsky
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Tel/Fax: 021-4396051
021-4393558
SPINAL CONDITIONS, HOME VISITS,
ORTHOPAEDIC REHABILITATION, SPORTS
INJURIES, DRY NEEDLING
Photo: Clifford Alexander
28
Mila’s star shines ever brighter on
Eisteddfod stage
Awards and recognition for
UJW members and personnel
M
ila De Biaggi, from the Cape
Academy of Performing Arts
and a senior member of the Cape
Dance Company, shone yet again at
this year’s modern dance Eisteddfod,
winning her ‘own choice solo’ in the
20 and over section. Her teacher
Debbie Turner won the choreography
cup for this dance.
Mila danced with the Cape Dance
Company, under the directorship of
Debbie Turner, at the Masque Theatre
in June. She will be performing her
winning solo at the upcoming Cape
Town International Ballet Competition,
CTIBC, taking place at the Artscape
Theatre in July, and will also be
dancing at the Grahamstown Festival,
and at the Edinburgh International
Arts Festival in August.
Mila is the daughter of Ezio and
Robyn De Biaggi of Sea Point, and
Oudtshoorn Branch members Susanne
Freeman, Theresa Markus (chairman) and
Joan Miller receive Sara Sloman Awards
for more than 25 years of service to UJW.
At the UJW AGM. Sister Margie Meggy of
St Luke’s Hospice with Georgina Solomon,
co-ordinator of UJW’s project to support
the hospice.
Mila in a ‘classic’ modern pose.
granddaughter of Joe and Juliet
Mauerberger. Juliet is an honorary life
member of the Union of Jewish Women.
Simone dances a sublime Juliet at
the Baxter Theatre
F
ormer
Herzlian
Simone
Muller
began her training at
UCT Ballet School and
at the tender age of 14
went on to the UK to
continue her studies.
Subsequently
she
joined Northern Ballet
Theatre, touring the
UK, Scotland and
China.
Two years later,
after sustaining an
injury, she returned
to Cape Town, and
once fit again joined
Cape
Town
City
Simone soars across the Baxter stage.
Ballet, where she
Bovim’s fine production, Romeo’s Kiss,
performed principal
roles in Cinderella, The Sleeping at the Baxter Theatre in June.
Just prior to that season, on 31 May,
Beauty and The Nutcracker. She also
danced in Sean Bovim’s Swing Time Simone danced at the CTICC in the
at The Ballet and Queen at the Ballet Herzlia 70 anniversary show. And later
and other ‘classics’ with Ballet Theatre in the year audiences will see her in
Afrikan, iKapa Dance Theatre, Bovim Roxy Levy’s production of Annie at the
Ballet, Free Flight Dance Company and Artscape.
Simone is the daughter of Patsy and
InSPIRAtion Dance Company.
In 2008 Simone was a finalist in Syd Muller of Tokai and in January
the South African International Ballet this year became the wife of Adam
Lotz. Added to that, she is currently
Competition.
She has been dancing with Adele completing a part-time degree in
Blank and Sean Bovim, her most recent Psychology and is a qualified Pilates
role being a superb, lyrical Juliet in instructor.
Ayoba — We even stopped the bus!
Samson Centre staff stop the City Hopper in Hatfield street on a sunny Thursday morning
10 June, showing their excitement as World Cup fever rises to a pitch in Cape Town.
Kesher Group is presented with Pearl Mandelstam Shield of Excellence. Back: Michelle
Cohen, Jann Saven, Ilana Shone, Karen Shandel, Cathy Barnett, Barbara Gurwitz. Front:
Daphne Miller, Helene Rabinowitz, co-chair Toby Shenker, Adele Klitzner, Peta Feldman.
Absent: co-chair Silvana Silverman, Carolyn Singer, Jane Plit, Laura Wisenberg.
UJW Branch Events – July/August 2010
29 July
Constantia Cooking Demonstration
22 August Florentia lunch - card afternoon
info: 083 4462535
Stonehaven
12 noon
Volunteer Jordan enjoys a unique
Soccer World Cup experience
H
overseas — access to
erzlia
matric
the Stadium.
student
Jordan
A
fascinating
Cohen has been
and
broadening
enjoying a unique
‘once in a lifetime’
experience over the
experience, it has
past few months,
enabled him to work
since being appointed
with more ‘senior’
earlier this year as a
colleagues and also
FIFA volunteer for the
to meet a range of
2010 Soccer World
interesting
people,
Cup.
both Capetonians and
Jordan applied for
visitors to our city.
a position as a FIFA
At the ‘cutting edge’
volunteer from an ad
of this global event,
on the web last year.
he must surely be
Contacted earlier this
Jordan in his FIFA volunteer gear.
the envy of all his
year, among hundreds
Herzlia peers. And he has the
of applicants he ‘passed’
opportunity to see the games
various interviews and tests,
too — but from a separate
and was the youngest of
volunteers room, not a seat
the group accepted, going
on the stand!
through the required training
Jordan is the son of
workshops to qualify as an
Marc and Michelle Cohen.
‘Accreditation’ volunteer at
Michelle,
an
executive
the Cape Town Stadium.
member of the Union
Jordan’s job involves working
Sister Jodi, the
dancer.
of Jewish Women and a
on
computer,
checking
member of the Kesher Group,
information on volunteers
in various fields including security, was co-convener of the ICJW held in
medics and the like, and completing Cape Town in May.
Their daughter Jodi — the accredited
the process of providing them with the
FIFA volunteer’s sister — also lit up the
official accreditation documentation.
He now has his full volunteer kit and Green Point area before the World Cup
works as many shifts as he can in his began, when she was runner-up in the
‘office’ — a tent next to the stadium, U20 ‘Own Choice’ at the Modern Dance
where he and his co-workers make-up section of the Cape Town Eisteddfod at
the necessary lanyards allowing the the Sea Point Civic Centre, her teacher
various personnel — local and from being former Herzlian Ilana Margolis.
29
CHRONIC ADS
Rates: R27.00 per line + VAT
Phone: 021 464-6736 (mornings)
WORLD CUP ACCOMMODATION
Kosher apartment in centre of Sandton.
1 block from station. Large dble room
en-suite. With/without meals. Leonie
011 783 0943 / 072 3836063.
FLAT TO LET SEA POINT
2 bedrm sea facing flat on Beach Road.
Fully furn. Avail immed – end Nov.
Strictly kosher. R9,800 pm incl garage.
Alma 083 2676796 / 011 453-8152.
APARTMENT TO LET SEA POINT
2 bedrooms, furnished, near Marais
Road Shul. Avail immed. R6,500 pm.
082 7722224.
HOLIDAY ACCOM OFFERED
Sea Point. 22 Dec – 4 Jan. Luxury
apartment in prestigious block. Near
beach, shops, shul. No small children,
pets, smoking. Email:dicol@telkomsa.
net
LEON BOYD
for best prices on
appliances tv sets
and beds
021-4343852 076 9262041
[email protected]
HOUSE / PET SITTER
COMING TO JOHANNESBURG?
Reliable, professional, over 9 yrs exp.
Refs avail. Linda 083 7269873
Go with the Pro. Airport shuttle and
lifts to business appointments etc.
Sam 011 728-5219 / 083 6278516.
AU PAIR FOR THE AGED
Offering my services Mon – Fri 9 – 4.
Will take you wherever you need to go.
Reliable car, reasonable rates. Carol
082 4249051 / 021 552-1794.
EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
Offers litigation, rent ejectments,
debt
collections.
Lewis
Wiener
021 689-2552 /072 1282033.
TAX
For all special occasions. Michelle
083 6409955.
BEAUTY THERAPIST
All About U. Skin and body care.
301 Medical Centre Sea Point.
Phone Shelley Myers 021 434-5857
Painting – Waterproofing -Stainless
Steel Manufacturing- Gates- Fencing
All General Home Maintenance
Services
No job too big or too small
For a No Obligation Free Quote
Contact Anton – 084 5817252
Or Mike – 083 7751205
[email protected]
KITKE BOARDS / CHALLAH COVERS
PERSONALISED SERVIETTES
A stunning range of kitke boards,
challah
covers,
mezuzahs
and
much more for all gift requirements.
Phone Sybil-Ann 021 715-1964.
Stickers and stationery. Michelle Shev
021 797-0412 or 083 3535732.
MAGIMIX FOOD PROCESSORS
Bridge Cards. Gayle 021 423 4115
Sales, repairs, spares. Phone Brenda
021 7129932 / 082 7825054.
PASHMINAS AND SHAWLS FOR SALE
K A B SHUTTLES AND TRANSFERS
Phone Keith Benjamin 082 4218219.
KOSHER FOOD AND CATERING
Returns
and
Revenue
queries.
Individuals,
Corporations,
Trusts.
Established firm. Ph 021 418-2320 or
021 551-9917 (a/h)
BECK ’N CALL
Shuttle and airport transfers. Avail
24/7. Covering the peninsula. Air cond
vehicle. From R180.00. 072 2526989.
COMING TO JHB?
Experienced, reliable driver avail to
fetch you from O.R.Tambo – 24 hrs.
Paul 083 5426480.
VISITING JHB? DIAL-A-LIFT
Airport shuttle. Phone Pip Friedman
083 2673281 / 011 728-3998.
[email protected]
HOWIES SHUTTLE. SINCE 2007
Airport transfers, general lifting, scenic
drives, day trips. Driver for hire. Full
passenger liability cover.
Phone Howard 082 7114616.
MODERN FUNCTION HALL AVAILABLE
The Israel Abrahams Hall at the Albow Centre, 88 Hatfield
Street has recently been substantially upgraded:

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PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP ARTIST
ON TIME HOME & METAL WORKS
SERVICES CC
Simplify your life. Call On Time Today
kosher kitchen fully modernised, including new ovens
modernised air-conditioning
security provided
adequate parking
tables and chairs available for hire on site
Functions, dinner parties or individual
dishes for freezer. Gifts, cakes, biscuits,
kichel made to order. Bev Kleinman
021 439-4232 / 021 439-7608.
STICKERS/CLOTHING LABELS
Great quality, great prices. Personally
selected. Rhona 021-438 8055 /
082 8950200.
INVITATIONS
Stunning and different, all occasions.
Phone Paula 021 423-1544.
SUNSHINE
COTTAGES
CALITZDORP ROUTE 62
Spacious Self Catering Cottages
With fabulous mountain views
Fully equipped to ensure you a
comfortable stay
Swimming Pool, Braai Facilities,
Secure Parking Air Conditioned
Excellent value for money
Contact SANDY
Ex ROSE OF THE KAROO
044 2133 204 / 078129 6498
e-mail [email protected]
www.sunshinecottages.co.za
For bookings, please call Elaine on 021 464 6700
or email on [email protected]/[email protected]
Too old to drive?
No garage space?
Emigrating?
I will buy your vehicle!
Melville Silke
Ph 072 132-5572
021 5523429 a/h
PRINTING & PACKAGING
SPECIALISTS
PRINT CENTRE
WESLEY STREET
CAPE TOWN
TEL: 021 461-7030
30
Podiatrist
Sean J Pincus
NHDPod (SA) BSc Hons (Brighton)
20 years clinical experience
Has commenced practice in
Cape Town
At the Cape Quarter Greenpoint
For appointments call
021 425 2298 or 082 4674581
Email queries to [email protected]
For treatment for the following:
•Chronic foot, ankle, knee and lower back pain
•Sports injuries
•Foot orthotic management
•All general foot and nail conditions
•Diabetic foot management
•Video gait and cycling assessment
•Force plate analysis
CHRONIC ADS contd
JEWELLERY EVALUATION
Your jewellery evaluated in the safety
and privacy of your home. Robert Lurie
Jewellery Evaluations. 021 551-1686.
THE WEDDING TANGO
Blow them away with an Argentine
tango on your special day. 9 yrs tango
exp. Rachael 082 255 7829.
MADELEINE STONE PHOTOGRAPHY
For all Events. 083 4561913. email:
[email protected]
SEAMSTRESS – SEA POINT
Alterations and creations. No job too
big or small. Ph Vivienne 084 7098789.
CONVERT VHS AND PICS TO DVD
Barry Kay 082 885 7458
[email protected]
http://mediamemories.bax.co.za
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Hardly used. Wheelchairs, 1 motorised.
Oxygen regulators / concentrators,
portable and electrical. Commode on
wheels. 072 6747022.
ACTIVE ELECTRIC
ERRORS, OMISSIONS AND
CORRECTIONS
The Cape Jewish Chronicle regrets
any errors or omissions that may
occur in the paper and, where
possible, will attempt to rectify these
in a subsequent issue, should such
a measure be deemed appropriate.
No
repeat
advertisement
or
credits will be given for small
typographical errors which do not
appreciably lessen the value of the
advertisement. The appearance
of an advertisement does not
necessarily indicate approval by the
Editorial Board for the product or
service advertised, and it takes no
responsibility for any loss or damage
suffered by any person as a result
of the reliance upon the information
contained therein.
Reliable 24hr 7 day service. All
contracting, maintenance and servicing
(including intercoms). Phone Norman
021 439-4311 or 083 2257409.
PLUMBERS TO THE RESCUE
Plumbing maintenance services.
Phone Harold 082 9628477.
MONUMENTAL ART
Tombstones AND
REPAIRS
Satisfaction guaranteed
Contact Cantor Ian Camissar
021 434-5664 / 072 6795533
[email protected]
JOFFE PLUMBING
For all sanitary plumbing repairs,
maintenance and renovations. Phone
Hilton 082 7892897 or 021 439-5550.
CARPET CRAFT
For the steam cleaning of carpets and
upholstery. All work done personally.
Phone Leslie Kaplan 082 5477208.
BLINDS
New
blinds,
and cleaning.
082 5631955.
servicing,
repairs
Stephen Guinsberg
COMPUTER SALES AND SUPPORT
Professional service in IT systems,
solutions and management for
business and home users. Hardware
and software sales, repairs, networking,
ADSL, e-mail, data recovery, security.
083 4590009 www.BlueChipIT.co.za
COMPUTERS
All PC needs including new computers,
virus removal, upgrades, ADSL, Skype
and troubleshooting. Phone Ilan
082 7324830 or 021 434-7691.
COMPUTER LESSONS
MAZAL MOTORS
Leon Levitt — Maintenance and
repairs to all types of vehicles. Try us.
Ph 021 797-1550 or 082 4102756.
Easy steps to learn email and internet.
Patient teacher in the comfort of your
home. Joyce 084 6704989.
STANS REMOVALS
BRIDGE LESSONS
No job too big or too small. House and
office moves. Personal supervision.
Stan 021 434-8035 / 083 2923781.
Learning the game and supervised
bridge play. Joyce 084 6704989
AMBASSADOR REMOVALS AND STORAGE
Home and office, since 1985.
Storage – safe, secure, clean.
Prices slashed.
Ph Eric 021 555-1988
THE COMPUTER GUY
Internet connectivity, Upgrades, New
Systems, Specialised software, Repairs
and Troubleshooting. Ph 082 549 0457.
MASTER MATHS
Sea Point and Gardens areas.
Expert maths tuition. Grades 6 – 12.
Reasonable rates. 28 yrs experience.
Ph Karen Weinberg 021 423-8543.
MATHS LESSONS OFFERED
Very experienced and qualified maths
teacher. Primary – Gr 10. Setting solid
foundation and achieving excellent
results. 079 6765535
Aviva - the PC Diva
Are you in desperate need of some fundamental PC know-how — the kind of
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Well, Aviva Katzman, provides workshops in the comfort of your own home.
Let's emphasise this: She comes to YOU to give you detailed and step-by step
guidance and tuition, at home, at a pace that works for you. Aviva will help you
to close the gaps in your knowledge and understanding. Ideal for self-starters in
business, people trying to stay in touch with loved ones overseas, and for those
who want to enrich their marketable skills.
Call Computer Tutor, Aviva Katzman on: 082 8266 368.
31
I
NETZER
BNEI AKIVA
Redefining, revaluating, reshaping our
movement
Farewell to Shlichim, Noa and Avrumi Gross
t’s been almost 6 months since
Netzer South Africa’s newly formed
2010 Mazkirut body sat together for
5 long hours deliberating and deciding
our goals and roles for this year. Now,
with the establishment of the Mazkirut
Seminar in the June/July holidays, we
seek to redo all that.
This seminar is aimed at reviewing
our plan of action and how it has been
implemented throughout the year so
far. This is a crucial step in pinpointing
and ascertaining what needs to change
and what needs greater attention.
A second aim of the seminar, besides
unifying our national body, is to see
where we are headed for the rest of this
year. Particular focus of the seminar is
evaluating and planning a prospective
Israel Tour for our madrichm body
and of course our traditional and epic
summer camp held in the December
holidays.
All this and more become major
focuses of the movement.
Thirdly, the unprecedented Ve’adot
committees established at our last
Veida (conference) will finally get a
chance to present their findings, so we
can move to policy.
These committees cover a range of
topical but hazy or undefined issues
in the movement, such as our policies
on ‘Shabbat’, Tikkun Olam’ and even
‘Kashrut’. These committees aim to
explore general attitudes and opinions
within the movement and the wider
Jewish world, to create reworked and
refined information that can be put into
policy and be useful to future leaders of
the movement.
For many of us on the mazkirut, this
is a very new and highly challenging
experience. Running and being part of a
movement that has international scope
is terrifying!
It’s often quite daunting to consider
the mere logistics of hosting minor
events, and the question of whether
something is worth it or not readily
springs to mind. But this Mazkirut
Seminar is aimed at reviewing our
priorities, seeing what is workable and
what isn’t, and what is really and truly
worth pursuing.
Finally, Netzer sits on the brink of a
changing time in the movement world,
where all movements are seeking to
redefine their importance to the youth,
their agendas and their overall rights or
responsibilities to exist.
Nilmad ‘Ve Naseh’ — We will learn and
we will do!
HABONIM DROR
Machaneh Koach LeShanot
9 – 29 December!!!
E
very year a lot of time and thought
is given to coming up with the
name for our December Machaneh.
It is important that the name is a
representation of where the movement
stands ideologically, and that it makes
a statement about our experiences and
aspirations. The name must also be
easy for our channichim to relate to, so
that they can take ownership of their
Habonim education.
We are proud to announce that this
year’s Machaneh name is …
Koach LeShanot – Power to
Change
T
he members of Habonim Dror have
never shied away from voicing our
concerns about and our dedication
to our environment, our society, our
friends, family, community, Israel
and South Africa. The movement is a
place where channichim are taught
to recognise injustice, inspired to
make changes and equipped with the
emotional and intellectual tools to do
so.
Channichim are encouraged to realise
their own power to make changes in
the world around them. The aim is that
in the end they emerge as responsible
and principled leaders with the skills
to empower the next generation of
channichim.
The most important thing about the
camp name is that the idea of Koach
LeShanot can be implemented into
every aspect of December Machaneh.
For three weeks hundreds of young
Jewish people will come together
A Shtilim channicha proudly displays her
Habonim chultzah.
and create change through their own
initiative, inspiration, passion and
sense of kehilla.
This year, Rosh Chinnuch Julian Kesler
(head of Education), will guide the
educational syllabus so as to explore as
best as possible the concept of Koach
LeShanot.
Under the strong leadership of Rosh
Machaneh, Jodi Wishnia, and the rest
of the Vaad Poel (Steering Committee),
Machaneh Koach Leshanot is set to be
Habonim’s biggest and best Machaneh
yet!
Don’t miss out: the dates are 9 – 29
December 2010.
For more information call our offices
in Cape Town: 021 464-6763 or
Johannesburg: 011 786-7046.
Mia Candy
H
owzit guys! This month has been a
super wild one in Cape Town, not
only in Bnei but in the city as a whole.
Bnei CT sent 11 Hagvurah channichim
to Israel on Hadracha. They joined up
with 65 Joburgers and will be returning
home shortly. We trust that they are all
having the experience of a lifetime and
can’t wait to hear the report backs.
CT Winter Camp 2010 has also just
ended. Stay tuned for next month’s
edition for a full report back.
However, I feel it is significant to
mention that this past month saw our
shlichim, Noa and Avrumi Gross, pack
up their home, our bayit, and return to
Israel.
Noa and Avrumi have been in Cape
Town for the past two years. Noa worked
mainly as the Bnei Akiva shlichah and
Avrumi has been very involved with the
Yeshiva of Cape Town.
It is truly difficult to put into words
exactly how big an impact they have
had on the Cape Town community.
Together they have helped transform
the Bnei Bayit in Sea Point from just
a building into a true home. They have
opened their doors to all on countless
occasions for Shabbat meals and
accomodation, as well as for all our
Bnei functions and organisations.
Noa’s commitment to the movement
has been especially noteworthy. Over
the past two years she truly became
a role-model and a motherly figure
to all who know her. Her passion and
The Gross family
dedication to the development and
transformation of Bnei Cape Town into
the fully-functioning team that we have
today is an unbelievable achievement.
Both Noa and Avrumi’s strong
presence in Cape Town will be sorely
missed. We wish them the best of luck
with all their future endeavours back
home in Israel.
Please G-d, we will be welcoming
our new shlichim with open arms very
shortly.
Enjoy the rest of the World Cup!
Hashem Imachem,
Shayne Saacks
32
Maccabees of Yesteryear
I
by Beverley Klein
All-round sportsman, Ike Scheiner, recalls the
first Maccabi Games
beat the British light-weight
ke Scheiner started wrestling
champion to bring home the
when he was 18 years old
gold medal.
and continued to wrestle for 20
He was selected again
years. He was a member of the
in 1953, where he won
Maccabi Wrestling Club, where
the bronze, and he again
he was the captain, coach and
represented South Africa at
physical culture instructor.
the games in 1957. “The team
In 1947 Ike was selected for
camaraderie was fantastic,”
Western Province to wrestle
Ike Scheiner
he recalls.
in the SA championships held
After retiring from wrestling,
in Pretoria. He came home
with the title of light-weight champion. Ike took up squash, which he played
It wasn’t long before he was called for many years. He was selected for
up for the very first Maccabi trials WP veterans, coming second in the
in Johannesburg in 1950, which he championships and was awarded WP
topped, and was soon on his way to Veterans colours. He was also a keen
tennis player and a member of the
Israel.
In 1950 the first Maccabi Games were Three Anchor Bay Tennis Club for 30
held after the War of Independence and years.
Ike, who still leads an active life,
Ike had the honour of walking out into
the stadium and listening to Ben Gurion cherishes the memories of his Maccabi
give a speech to mark the beginning of Games days.
“The
experience
of
meeting
the Games.
sportsmen from all over the world was
“I’ll never forget it,” he says.
It was at these Games that Ike would extremely special,” he says.

July - Latest Edition

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