NL Sept 2014 - Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

Transcription

the norrice leader september 2014
1
September 2014
ALL THE NEWS FROM HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB SYNAGOGUE
New Year – New Look “I
am pleased to report the completion, on time (and almost on budget),
of the most ambitious general refurbishment undertaken in more
than a generation”, writes Jeffrey Davidson. The aim has been to
create a renewed, cleaner, brighter, more open feel. While much
work has gone on behind the scenes, there are many improvements
which members will see, and be able to enjoy over the coming years.
The shul itself, has been repainted and re-carpeted giving a
fresh, vibrant look. New, brighter, hardwearing carpet has also been
laid in the foyers, corridors and stairways. We estimate that the last
carpets served some two million pairs of feet in the 20 years since
they were laid – we expect no less from the new floor coverings.
The shul foyer has been brightened and, with glass panels in the
doors light can pass between the foyer and shul, making it feel
more accessible and welcoming.
The hall has been completely refurbished, giving a fresh,
modern look. The new air-conditioning is quieter and gives a
more even climate control to the space. The new ceiling, with
its contemporary lighting arrangement, offers a selection of
separately controllable light settings. We have installed new audio
visual equipment. In the foyer outside the hall, partitioning has
replaced the walls to the small prayer room, allowing the foyer to
be opened up and increased in size as needed. New doors from
the foyer create an overall brighter and more integrated space. I
hope members will come to see, use and enjoy the hall, and will
consider it for their family celebrations.
The thanks of all of us go to our professionals, in particular
David Sagal and Mark Gould, who have worked tirelessly over a
period of more than a year planning, implementing and managing
these extensive works with a minimum of disruption. We thank
also our members, in particular Jessica Blair, Steve Martin and
Marc Samuels, who have worked alongside them on the strategic
planning and design work to make sure that the renovations meet
the needs of the community for many years to come.
ShabbatUK
Everything you wanted to know
about it but were afraid to ask...
So what is this ShabbatUK thing?
Shabbat is central to what it is to be Jewish. It plays a crucial role in Jewish identity with its
powerfully uplifting and transformative qualities. ShabbatUK is a project aimed at promoting
engagement with Shabbat throughout the UK. At its core, it is about harnessing all that is
good and unique about a traditional Shabbat, inviting Jews around the country to celebrate
it in a way they may never have done before. This is part of the global Shabbat Project – an
initiative started in South Africa, which will see simultaneous communal Shabbat activities in
170 cities and 30 countries around the world on the weekend of 24/25 October 2014.
Why take part – we already do lots of communal stuff on Shabbat?
This is a great opportunity to be a part of an international initiative, joining other shuls in
South Africa, America, the UK and elsewhere to celebrate one special Shabbat together. We
see it as a chance to really come together and celebrate not just Shabbat, but our community.
Why the 24/25 October – won’t we be ‘shuled out’ by then?
We realise that this Shabbat comes hot on the heels of all the chagim, but it was selected by
the Chief Rabbis of the UK and South Africa, and we want to join in. We hope to build on
the great sense of community that we create over Rosh Hashanah.
What do we have to do?
As much or as little as you want – the important thing is to enjoy Shabbat together, and to
get the most out of our incredible community.
● On Friday night, we kick off with our Kabbalat Shabbat service - if you’re not a regular
shul goer, then try out it out!
We will then host the largest communal dinner the shul has ever seen - we will take
advantage of the newly decorated facilities, as well as every nook and cranny of the building
- there will be different things going on, with activities for every part of our community...
an opportunity to chat to new and old friends, experience a fantastic atmosphere and
celebrate Shabbat together.
● On Saturday, we shift gear... there will be all the regular services in Shul, including
children and youth services, as well as an explanatory service for those interested in
understanding more about the what and why of a Shabbat morning.
Following a communal kiddush, Shabbat lunch will be a smaller affair. Hundreds of
our members have offered to host Shabbat lunch in their homes – this is a brilliant chance
to have a relaxing meal with your neighbours. Our hosts will be in touch with you directly
to invite you round – we really hope you will say yes! If, for some reason, you don’t
receive an invitation, please contact us – we don’t want anyone to be left out.
Throughout the afternoon, there will be activities for young and old, and then we come
back together to see out Shabbat as a community with a mass Havdalah service in the park.
From the Chairman
A
s many of you will know, in October 2013, just after Simchat Torah, I was honoured to have
been appointed as Chief Executive of the Jewish Leadership Council.
One of the projects with which I have been involved at the JLC is poised to blend with my
role as Chair of HGSS. We are soon to publish our report on Synagogue Vitality – a groundbreaking
report based on qualitative, quantitative and expert research under the auspices of Professor Steven
Cohen, a world renowned expert on Jewish communal affairs. The aim of this report will be to produce
a ‘toolkit’ of resources, ideas, inspiration and case studies which will enable synagogues to contribute
to community vitality.
This year at HGSS, under the inspiring spiritual leadership of Rabbi Dov and Freda Kaplan, Rabbi
Marc and Lisa Levene and Chazan Avromi and Rochelle Freilich, we have, seen the vital role that the
shul can play in the community. Our shul and hall have been packed as a series of events have attracted
the crowds. For example, the visit from Naftali Bennett, MK, our Shavuot Dinner with the Chief Rabbi,
our Summer Seudah series which brought Mike Freer MP, Cass Pennant and Niklas Frank, among
others, and Shtetl Day, have all demonstrated that our building can be a centre for learning, debate and
social gatherings as well as for prayer.
Your Board has invested in a refurbishment of the Shul, the Max Weinbaum Hall and reception
area, allowing for a brighter and more welcoming environment. Visitors and regulars are now greeted
and welcomed on arrival every Shabbat. All is in place for HGSS to cement its role as the centre of a
vital and vibrant community.
And in these challenging times, when the events in Israel around Operation Protective Edge have
prompted a spike in anti-Semitic discourse, violent protests and intimidating boycotts, the energy, generosity,
passion of our community, is needed more than ever. Shuls have been at the centre of community calls to
action and communication in recent months and I have no doubt that this will continue.
The HGSS community is one of the most generous, philanthropic and active of all communities
in this country and the coming months will require all of us to become involved in helping the wider
community to deal with the challenges that UK Jewry faces. The Shul will continue to be the place
where we can meet, discuss and call to action and I hope that you will all make use of it as the centre
of our communal lives.
May this year be one of peace and tolerance for the Klal Yisrael.
I wish you a Kativa V’Chatima Tova.
Simon Johnson
On 6 August, Simon was interviewed on BBC2’s Newsnight.
To see the transmission, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2sPsADX9qM
TOP MARKS FOR KEREM
Kerem School has been adjudged ‘Excellent’ in all eight categories of a report by ISI
(the Independent Schools Inspectorate) – equivalent to ‘Outstanding’ in the ratings of
Ofsted. Congratulations to Head Teacher Miss Alyson Burns, the School Governers
chaired by David Wolfson, the staff, pupils and all at the school. What a wonderful way
to start a new year.
2
Our Future’s
Foundations
The
Chief Rabbi’s
I
n recent weeks, over five thousand US members have taken the time to share their
views with us in probably the most comprehensive survey our community has
conducted. The extent to which our members have been willing to participate in
this process demonstrates on a grand scale that they care passionately about the future
of their community. As I begin my second three-year term as President of The United
Synagogue I am acutely aware of the responsibility that I and my fellow Trustees
have to meet the many needs of our community. Following the Trustee elections in
July I am particularly pleased that we have a talented and experienced mix of former
trustees as well as some new younger faces and that we now have four women
trustees helping to shape the governance of The US.
Thankfully we are building on extremely solid foundations. Just twelve months
ago we installed our new Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, who has already demonstrated
his strong leadership and vision for our community. His recognition as the preeminent voice for the wider Jewish community and his launch of ‘The Chief Rabbi’s
Shabbat UK’ testify to his masterful assumption of one of the most important and
challenging roles in Jewish public life.
The United Synagogue firmly supports Israel as it continues to face the terrible
challenges with which we are all too familiar. This crucial aspect of our Jewish identity
is one that we can never take for granted and our work continues to strengthen
our members’ connection with and love for Israel. I am very proud that dozens of
members of Tribe had the transformative experience of Israel Tour this summer.
Closer to home, many of our communities have excellent new Rabbis, Assistant
Rabbis, Rebbetzens and dedicated professionals providing the services, programmes
and support that our members want and need. In addition, it has been a great pleasure
to have welcomed a number of new member synagogues this year, including the
addition of Sheffield as our first ever provincial community.
Looking to the future, a real priority is to connect with our younger membership.
The work of Tribe and Young US have continued to provide opportunities for our
youth and young professionals with events such as Chanukah on Ice and Learn2Lead
alongside summer camps and schemes. It may come as a pleasant surprise to know
that this work is bearing fruit, and that our younger membership is beginning to see
real growth. My trustees and I are optimistic about the future of the US.
I am extremely proud of the 70 Days for 70 Years project which will launch in
January. This should connect thousands of people around the world who will learn for
70 days in memory of those lost in the Holocaust. It carries a message that resonates so
strongly with the United Synagogue: Remember the Past to Build the Future.
Building a strong future for our vibrant and engaged communities is huge task and
so I look forward after the Yomim Tovim to working with our new Chief Executive,
Dr Steven Wilson, and many others across the US family. The task that lies ahead for
us all is a great one and with the support of so many dedicated professionals and
volunteers throughout our many local communities I am confident that the future for
The US is something we can all anticipate with excitement.
With best wishes for a Shana Tova Umtucha - a happy, healthy and sweet new year.
Stephen Pack
Rosh Hashanah
Message, 5775
I
n our prayers for the High Holy Days we
say Simcha le’artzecha vesasson le’irecha –
Give joy to the land and elation to the city
of Jerusalem. Following a traumatic and
difficult summer it is our fervent hope and
prayer that the New Year ushers in peace and
security for Israel and the entire region.
Aspiration for happiness is central to our
Jewish psyche. We are encouraged to celebrate
what we have in a key passage in the Book
of Genesis, which we will begin to read on
Simchat Torah. The Talmud (Chulin 139a) asks a
surprising question: where can Haman be found
in the Torah? Surely nowhere! The answer is
mystifying: he appears in the Biblical account of
the Garden of Eden.
We read: “Hamin ha’etz…”. With these words,
God confronted Adam and asked whether he
had eaten of the forbidden fruit of the Tree of
Knowledge. The Hebrew Hamin has the identical
spelling to Haman. On this basis the Talmud
declares “This is where Haman can be found in
the Torah”.
As we often find in our sources, a creative
interpretation of the Hebrew language is the
vehicle for an insightful teaching – in this case
about inner peace and happiness. The entire
Persian nation paid homage to Haman. Only
one person, Mordechai, refused to bow down to
him. Instead of being content with what he had,
Haman fumed and obsessed about the one thing
he lacked – Mordechai’s submission.
The Torah provides us with a guide to all
situations that confront us in life. In asking where
we find a phenomenon like Haman in the Torah,
the Talmud answers by identifying him with the
precedent of Eden. Instead of being happy with
their bountiful blessings, Adam and Eve were
miserable about being forbidden the fruit of one
single tree. This destructive dissatisfaction led
them to lose their paradise.
A year ago, as I took up office, I called on you to
‘Come with me’ on a journey. During my first year
in office, I have enjoyed immensely the privilege
of visiting the majority of our communities in the
UK. I have been deeply impressed with what I
have seen. Our congregations boast spiritual and
lay leaders of the highest calibre. Many dedicated
and selfless men and women give contributions
of inestimable value to their synagogues through
their deep and unwavering commitment. We are
blessed with warm and hospitable synagogues
that stage beautiful services and provide a
welcoming home for wonderful people, some of
whom might otherwise be forgotten.
Unlike Haman, we recognize and rejoice in
our many achievements and take pride in the
work of our hands. While feeling gratified and
fulfilled we should not, however, be complacent.
There is far more that we can and should be
doing to breathe new, fresh and exciting life into
our synagogues and community centres. With
this in mind, I look forward to being your active
partner on this journey, in our quest to build on
our attainments to date in order to achieve even
greater success in the years to come. Valerie and I
extend our warmest wishes to you all for a happy,
joyous, healthy, peaceful and successful New Year.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
President, The US
Election Matters
A Rosh Hashanah Message from
The President of the Board of Deputies
A
t the time of writing this, Israel is under continuous rocket attack and there is no prospect
of a ceasefire. I hope and pray that by the time this is read the situation will have settled.
This will be will be my final Rosh Hashanah address, as my term as President comes to
a mandatory end in May next year. Being President has given me many pleasing moments and
enormous pride. I am delighted that the Board has made so much progress and soon, hopefully,
will be housed in first rate up-to-date premises. Our discussions with the JLC for the creation
of a unified communal organisation continue but, whether on its own or as a part of a wider
organisation, the Board has a bright future.
None of what we achieve would be possible without our dedicated Deputies, from across the
UK – I thank them for their hard work: they are vital to the functioning of UK Jewry. Needless to
say, the Board exists on money from individuals in the community, half of which comes from the
Communal Levy: still, less than half of synagogue members pay the relatively small sum of £25 a
year to support our work. I think that the message here will support the fact that we are deserving
of that contribution.
We are helping to counter BDS, witnessed by our wide ranging response during Operation
Protective Edge which included effectively countering local council politicisation of the conflict,
being in regular contact with political parties and the Foreign Office, and engaging in multiplatform media responses, including on the BBC and in the national, Israeli and local press;
throughout the year we have also worked closely with different faith organisations including
the Methodist Church leadership, which led to a moratorium around BDS activity;
Through our lobbying, we are protecting Jewish, such as the right to teach Ivrit as a first
language. We are promoting Judaism via our revamped Jewish Living Experience exhibitions
and tours, through which thousands of non-Jewish children learn about our faith every
year. Through Jewish Connection, we are supporting small communities all over the UK who
need pastoral and social care, networking and advocacy support from the mainstream of the
community. We consulted the community and then worked with the Equality and Human
Rights Commission to produce new guidelines that clearly define the right to religious practice
both at work and in educational institutions.
Finally, our APPG on British Jews has already drawn wide support from politicians and has
helped us hone the community’s lobbying on core rights issues, namely: social care, restitution
of property for Survivors, protecting Shechitah, the right and value to a religious education
by showcasing our excellent schools, lobbying on child benefit credits and many other issues
affecting the entire spectrum of the community.
You will shortly become aware of a General Election Jewish Manifesto, produced by the
Board, which encapsulates all the interests, concerns and aspirations of the UK’s 300,000-strong
community. The Board will send this manifesto, which follows on from year’s successful European
Elections Jewish Manifesto, to Jewish communities, policy makers, and election candidates, in
order that the community has one clear policy document around the 2015 elections. The idea is
that, as individuals and local Jewish communities, you take the Manifesto to candidates and use
it as the centrepiece of lobbying efforts, be it at hustings, in letters or in public debates.
We recognise the diversity of the community and the range of interests which is why we
consulted throughout the community - reaching three hundred individuals and organisations.
The Manifesto is divided into 14 sections including Religious Freedom and Observance, Israel
and the Middle East, Education, and Health and Social Care. There are also a list of ‘Ten
Commitments’ which encapsulate in a breath the key aims of the document.
5774 has been a significant year of achievement for the Board. Let’s hope that 5775 will be a
year of peace for Israel and the Middle East and a successful one for the community.
Shana tova
Vivian Wineman
A Time for
Reflection
by Rabbi Dov Kaplan
O
nce again we stand at the onset of a new year. On
Rosh Hashanah, when the Jewish people celebrate the
anniversary of creation, we should not look upon it solely
as the beginning of life. To fully appreciate “creation” we
must contemplate further. We ought to consider the reason
for the creation of a world filled with living creatures. Did God
create us merely as playthings or servants? Judaism taught and described a new
and very different relationship.
Indeed, one of the Torah’s most revolutionary ideas was that the God/
human relationship was more of a parent/child concept than king/subject. In a
natural and healthy environment there is a bond of loving and caring between
parents and their offspring. Therefore, loving, caring, and family are essential
factors in a Jewish way of living.
Rosh Hashanah is also a judgement day, when Jews believe that God balances
a person’s good deeds against their bad deeds. Therefore, it is a useful period
for people to think about their priorities in life and to reflect on what has been
achieved in the past year.
It is a time of asking for forgiveness for wrongdoings; forgiveness and
reconciliation from God, fellow human beings, and ourselves.
The following are wise questions to consider regularly but especially at the
onset of the New Year and during the services at HGSS.
• What is the most meaningful thing in my life?
• Who in my life means the most to me? How often do I let them know this?
• What are the most significant things I’ve achieved in the past year?
• What do I hope to achieve next year and in my life generally?
I conclude with an invitation to become more involved in our community
here at Norrice Lea. I encourage you to join services and special events. Become
a volunteer to help others through the Nefesh Network. How often is up to you,
but I sincerely believe that our relationship is mutually beneficial. We need you
and you need us.
We pray for peace and safety for the miracle of our State of Israel.
Wishing you all a year blessed with health and prosperity and filled with
love and caring. Shana tova
3
Using our Heads
by Rabbi Marc Levene
R
osh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, also known as the days of awe, are
surrounded by significant symbolism and practice. These beautiful traditions
usually manifest in fun yet meaningful customs, such as dipping apple
in honey to highlight the sweetness of the year to come, as well as the
penetrating blasts of the shofar to awaken our souls. It is also noteworthy
that the name Rosh, obviously meaning head, is given great significance
and is used within our blessings as we liken ourselves to a head as opposed
to a tail. Therefore, Rosh Hashanah is not just the first day of the year,
it’s the head of the year, and that begs further insight.
The head is very different from other parts of the body. The first
and most significant distinction is that the head tells the other body parts
what to do, but not only that; all our other limbs and organs have limitations.
Our arms
can only carry so much weight, our legs can only run so fast, and our eyes can only see up to a certain
distance. By contrast, our heads have limitless capability. When thinking of complicated equations or
deep concepts outside our regular brain functions, this idea might seem farfetched. However, when it
comes to our spiritual growth and our understanding of the infinite wisdom behind God’s world, we
have immeasurable opportunities and limitless growth laid out in front of us. When it comes to our
observance and dedication, there is no maximum capacity.
It all comes down to desire – how much do we want to grow? How much effort are we prepared
to put into our spiritual life as we balance our already overburdened work and family responsibilities?
Merely knowing that we have endless potential doesn’t help us to move forward – we need an impetus
or kick start. This is the purpose of Rosh Hashanah. It is not just the beginning of the year; it exists to
help us get our heads in the game, to prioritise our spiritual needs, and to learn the important lesson
that our personal growth is unlimited and never-ending. Whether it will be our time in shul during the
prayer service, listening to the words of the Rabbis during the sermon; the familiar blasts of the shofar
and the lighting of the beautiful yom tov candles; or, perhaps, celebrating with friends and family with
fish heads and pomegranates, the opportunities are abundant. With so many aspects to the upcoming
festivals, we need only switch on and connect – realise we are joining with our brothers and sisters
around the world to keep the flame of Torah alight for another year. Rosh Hashanah is not just the time
to be like a head, but to use our heads.
I simply cannot believe another year has passed and that Lisa, the girls and I have the incredible
fortune of joining you here in Hampstead Garden Suburb. May we all be blessed for a happy and
healthy year, and may there be eternal peace for us all.
4
Our Bridegrooms of the Law – Succot 5775
Chatan Torah
Chatan Bereshit
Steven Lewis
Andrew Cohen
I
grew up in Stanmore
where my family were
very much involved
in communal affairs. My
mother ran the local Kosher
Meals on Wheels service
and my father
was on
the synagogue board of
management.
I trained as a Chartered
Surveyor and now run my
own property investment
consultancy.
It was my friend Adam
Science
who got me involved in communal work. It was with him that I attended my
first ‘community’ meeting. At its closure, he said, “You talk too much! Please be Chairman
of the Jewish Blind Society Pentland Business Lunch.” When Jewish Care was formed in
1990, I was asked to chair Young Jewish Care. I am now Chairman of Jewish Care and a
Trustee of the Jewish Leadershsip Council.
I could not have done any of this without the support of my wife, Alicia. We met at a
Jewish Chronicle disco and have just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We moved
to Hampstead Garden Suburb and became members of Norrice Lea in 1990.
Our four children all attended Kerem Kindergarten and School. Emily, now 21, is
studying Spanish and French at Birmingham University and about to complete her final
year, having just spent a year in Buenos Aires and France. Benjamin, 19, is about to start
his first year at Hertford College, Oxford, reading Economics. Nicola, 15, and about to take
her GCSE’s, currently attends Haberdashers Aske’s, as does Zachary, 14. All of the children
were coached for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs by Chazan Avromi and Rochelle Freilich.
I have always enjoyed my work with Jewish Care, particularly in my unofficial capacity as
a recruitment officer. From the outset of my involvement, in the early days, I always felt that if
people were prepared to get involved on any basis, then it would be possible to find a role for
them. Nothing in this respect has changed over the years. Having the ability to be a volunteer
in any way to improve the lives of others is a Jewish responsibility.
Alicia and I really appreciate this mitzvah being given to us by the Honorary Officers
and the Synagogue and we would like to wish Mazal Tov to Andrew and Marie-Hélène and
their family.
I
grew up in Blackpool,
“a famous seaside place
that’s noted for fresh air
and fun” as the inimitable
Stanley Holloway once put
it. Fresh air certainly, but
the fun element being of a
strictly non-kosher variety,
I was happy to move to
London after graduating
from university with a
degree in Classics. I trained
as an accountant with a
firm in the City and have
been beavering away in the City in one capacity or another ever since. My wife MarieHélène was brought up in Brussels, where her parents still live, and moved to England as
a teenager to attend school here. Marie-Hélène is passionate about music and works fulltime at Wigmore Hall, where she is development director.
With our two children, Jennifer (aged 16) and Thomas (aged 14), we have made our
life here in the Suburb and have been members of Norrice Lea for over 20 years. Neither
of us have close family locally, and we have been heartened all these years by the support
and affection shown to us by the many friends we have made. For those of us who come
from small provincial communities, joining a huge community like Norrice Lea is a severe
culture shock. I have been involved with the Nefesh Network since its inception in 2007,
and if the Nefesh has a single overriding objective, it is to bring people together in mutual
caring and supporting, and to make a large community behave more like a small one. I am
truly inspired by the many people who go out of their way to work on the Nefesh phone
line, make home visits, prepare and deliver meals, act as drivers and carry out the many
acts of kindness which make this community so special.
We would like to thank the honorary officers for honouring us with this important
mitzvah. We wish a hearty mazeltov to Steven and Alicia Lewis and their family with
whom we are delighted to be sharing our simcha and we look forward to celebrating the
chagim with our wonderful Norrice Lea kehillah.
5
Yom Some Memorable
Communal
Yerushalayim
Gatherings
Sunday, 25 May
A
large crowd gathered at 8
Norrice Lea to celebrate over
breakfast at 8 Norrice Lea.
We were joined by IDF Chief
Rabbi, Rafi Peretz, IDF Chief Chazan, Shai
Abramson and WZO Chairman, Avraham
Duvdevani, with members of the IDF Choir.
The weather was beautiful and the
food was
delicious.
A f t e r
addresses
by Rabbi
Kaplan, the
IDF Chief
Rabbi and
WZO Chairman, the Chazan and Choir entertained
us with their beautiful singing. We all sang our hearts
out.
We pray that these lovely boys who gave us so
much inspiration and pleasure are all safe and well.
The Communal Seder
T
he communal Seder at Norrice Lea has
become one of the great highlights of the
Shul calendar. Approximately 200 people filled
the Max Weinbaum Hall on the second night
of Pesach. Rabbi Kaplan and Rabbi Levene
led the many families through the Seder with
dynamism, energy and creativity. Oliver
Anisfeld comments: “Of particular amusement
was Rabbi Kaplan’s Pharaoh costume; as much
as he tried to come across as intimidating, I think
the Hebrew slaves could only have dreamed of
such a master.”
The Seder tables were designed to look like sand
with the blue of the sea in the middle
Pre-Pesach Rabbinic Roadshow
J
Left to right, Jerry Goldstein, IDF Chief
Rabbi, Rafi Peretz, Major Oded Becker of
the IDF Chaplaincy and IDF Chief Chazan
Shai Abramson
ust before Pesach there was a Rabbinic Roadshow when each of our Rabbinic teams –
Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kaplan, Rabbi and Rebbetzen Levene and Chazan Avromi and
Rochelle – visited three
local families to give
thoughts and ideas
about the forthcoming
festival. In the picture,
Chazan and Avromi
and Rochelle at the
home of Michelle and
Graham
Hirschfield.
Graham reported that
over 30 people attended
and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Lag b’Omer
T
his was celebrated this year on Sunday, 18 May with
a barbecue lunch at 8 Norrice Lea. There were songs
and stories around the bonfire – another happy family
occasion. This was followed in the evening by further
celebrations,
this time with
HGSS youth.
One cannot
help
but
admire
the
way that the Kaplan family allow their home to be
invaded by large numbers of the community, laying
on delicious food, always beautifully presented, and
take it all in their stride.
The Shavuot Dinner
A
nother highlight of the HGSS calendar must be the Shavuot Dinner.
The Max Weinbaum Hall was filled to capacity with members begging to be included at
the last moment. Over 200 people of all ages took their seats at beautifully decorated long tables
for a delicious milky meal in an atmosphere of friendship and happiness. The singing raised the
roof and we were able to enjoy an address by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis who spoke about the
five most important verses in the Torah. He helped us to understand the deep significance of
each of them.
Once again, we were had occasion to realise how blessed we are to have the dynamic
leadership of Kaplan and Levene families. Rebbetzen Freda’s inspiration for the beautiful table
layouts, Rabbi Kaplan and Rabbi Levine’s enthusiasm in involving everyone. Once again, we
returned to our homes feeling that we had enjoyed a very special experience.
The Bat Mitzvah Dinner
A
3
t the Bat Mitvah Dinner on ????, each girl received
this gift.
On the box is a picture of mother and daughter, taken at
the first session. The box contains miniature crib sheets
of all the sessions.
Stephanie Shaw writes: “On 16 My daughters, Talia and
Aimee, completed Freda’s batmitzvah programme in July.
“We enjoyed our time with Freda and the group. There were
about 50 girls and mums from our community. We were all at the same
life-stage of having our girls on the verge of starting senior school and
becoming more independent.
“Our agenda was to explore our Jewish identity, through discussing
topics such as, what values were important to us and what was the role of
family in our lives.
“We played games and talked, but mostly it was a chance to take time out from our busy everyday lives
and snatch some ‘special time’ and space to be together. And it did feel special!
Thanks so much, Freda, for your passion and commitment to making this happen.”
6
Manny Carter
M
anny, a true gentleman in every sense of the word, was born in
Islington in May 1925, where he grew up over the grocery shop,
that his parents owned.
He was called up to serve in the army before he had finished his
accountancy training and he served as a Captain in the 7th Rajput
Regiment of the Indian Army. After demobilisation, he resumed his studies,
qualifying as a Certified Accountant, at the time wrongly considered
inferior to a Chartered Accountant, since his parents could not afford the
price of the articles paid to the senior partner of the practice.
Soon after qualifying he set up on his own, calling his firm Carter,
Perin and Co. ‘Perin’ was, in fact, part of the maiden name, Gulperin, of his wife Gloria, whom he
married in 1951. The firm, staffed by Manny and Gloria as his secretary, started out in a small room in
Regents Park Road, Finchley and, such was the austerity at the time, they had to borrow a shilling for
the electricity meter from the company next door in order to have heat and light.
From very small beginnings, the firm prospered and to allow Manny and Gloria to move to
Hampstead Garden Suburb and, in 1951, they joined HGSS, where Manny soon joined the Board of
Management. He served as both Warden and Financial Representative for ten years in all.
He went on to become treasurer of the United Synagogue and then Vice President. While treasurer
he undertook a review of the US finances and how the financial organisation affected the various
constituent synagogues, the aim was to ensure a fairer distribution of funds. It was well received at
Woburn House and served as the groundwork upon which future financial planning was based.
He was very proud of the United Synagogue and considered it the finest Jewish organisation in the
world. “No other country has anything quite like it”, he would say, “holding together, as it does, a massive
membership of all ages with such a wide spectrum of Jewish observance.”
A lover of chazanut, Manny put this love to good use. After studying the Nigun for Yomim Noraim
with Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler, he went on to lead the Musaph services in the Hall, on Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur, for many years. One of his great pleasures in later life was to visit the Great Synagogue in
Jerusalem on Yom Kippur to enjoy the exquisite surroundings and listen to a great Chazanut.
Manny and Gloria were married for 54 wonderful years until her sad death in 2006. His son,
Melvyn, qualified as a Chartered Accountant and joined his father in the family practice – they worked
together, very successfully, until Manny’s retirement in 1985. His daughter, Karen, is married to Ken.
He was enormously proud of them as he was of his five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
After leaving his practice, Manny continued to be Chairman of the National Insurance and Guarantee
Corporation, until it was acquired by the Heron Corporation, allowing Manny to work with one of
England’s most successful entrepreneurs, Gerald Ronson. Manny served as a Trustee of the Heron
Pension Scheme before retiring last summer after 30 years.
Manny will be remembered for many reasons, not least his quiet dignity and immaculate appearance.
He was delighted how the new younger and dynamic generation had moved the shul forward but left
with one regret – that top hats were no longer de rigueur in the wardens’ box. In everything else,
Manny succeeded, and his presence will be sorely missed.
Yom
Hashoah
Monday, 28 April
T
he Max Weinbaum Hall was full to capacity for this year’s Yom Ha’Shoah
commemoration. The 300-strong gathering had come to hear the
testimony of Gena Turgel MBE who, with her family, suffered cruelly at
the hands of the Nazis throughout the war.
After introductory remarks by Yona Greenwood and Rabbi Kaplan the six
Yahrzeit candles were lit and, led by Chazan Avromi, all present joined in singing
Esah Eynai. Mrs Turgel, who was introduced by Sara Goldstein, sat on the stage and
told her story simply in a calm, steady voice. It was a harrowing story and, despite
her advanced years, she spoke for over an hour, recounting witnessing torture and
killing on a daily basis,
working as slave labour
and going on the Death
March.
As
far
as
there was not a sound
throughout
the
stunned silence, not one
proverbial pin dropped.
At the end, everyone rose
to their feet with applause.
All agreed that they had
witnessed something very
special.
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the
audience was concerned,
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7
Professor Michael Baum
A man not afraid to speak his mind
Interview by Julian Pollard
I
t takes a certain amount of courage and confidence to rebuke the Prince of Wales publicly,
but that is what Professor Michael Baum had cause to do in 2004. He is not a man to mince
his words:
“The power of my authority comes with a knowledge, built on 40 years of study and 25 years
active involvement in cancer research. Your power and authority rests on an accident of birth.”
Ever passionate about his areas of interest, Baum was deeply worried that the heir to the throne
had advocated alternative medicine as a treatment for cancer. Carrot juice and coffee enemas or
the Gerson Diet were no fit substitute for rigorous medical and scientific research and tried and
proven remedies. Complementary therapy integrated within modern medicine: yes. Alternative
therapy: no. Homeopathy also came in for his broadsides as being “among the worst examples of
faith-based medicine . . . these axioms are not only out of line with scientific facts but directly opposed to
them. If homeopathy is correct, much of physics, chemistry and pharmacology must be incorrect”. It was
a “cruel deception”.
Professor Baum was more than qualified to make such comments. A leading British surgical
oncologist, Emeritus Professor of Surgery and Visiting Professor at UCL and a Professor of Surgery
at King’s College London and the Royal Marsden Hospital, he is more qualified than most.
His team were the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of Tamoxifen for early breast cancer
treatment – a 30% drop in mortality was recorded – and its use as a possible preventative treatment
for women with high susceptibility. Later improvements were achieved through Anastrozole.
In 2009, he was awarded the British Medical Journal Group Lifetime Achievement Award.
The citation recorded: “His contribution to improving health had extended far beyond his
outstanding skills as a breast cancer surgeon”, his new treatment strategies had improved
survival rates and his innovative approaches cared for the whole person. He “challenged
practices that lack evidence”. Adopting a heretical stance at the time, he advanced limited
surgery and radiotherapy rather than radical mastectomy.
He also criticised breast cancer screening methods complaining that most women were not
giving informed consent and were unaware of the risks of the procedure. Over-diagnosis of
‘pseudo cancers’ meant women often received unnecessary treatment, including mastectomy,
radiotherapy and even chemotherapy.
However, his passions extend beyond the confines of medicine and research. In 2007, he
became involved in heated public debate about the anti-Israel boycott policy which the BMA
was considering. Never afraid to raise his head over the parapet, he proudly spoke up as a Jew
and Zionist to oppose the academic boycott.
The paper he published in the BMJ, opposing the academic boycott of Israel, provoked
an orchestrated 20,000 rapid responses online where he was stigmatised as “that Jewish Nazi
doctor, no better than Joseph Mengele”.
working on the archaeological excavation of Masada, he draws on his family history of breast
cancer and his Ashkenazi heritage. He skilfully blends the molecular and biblical genealogy
of the Jewish people with the fictitious search for an ancient relic to produce a gripping semiautobiographical novel.
The story follows Martin Tanner, who grows up in a poor Jewish family in the East End of
London during the Second World War. A brilliant student, he goes on to qualify as a surgeon at
University College London, learning along the way that his family is cursed with the Ashkenazi
mutation, a defect in the DNA coding that leads to an increased risk of cancer.
He emigrates to Israel in 1960 and serves as medical officer on the Masada dig in 1963 where he
meets and falls in love with Sara, a nurse who suffers the same fate as his mother. The tragedy
of Martin’s life is coupled with the discovery, on the dig, of the Eliezer Scroll which provides
evidence that a codicil to the Mosaic tablets of the holy covenant could exist. The translation of
these scrolls reveals that twin sisters escaped from the sacking of Jerusalem in 70 CE, carrying
with them holy relics from the Temple. This book combines the quest for a biblical relic from the
Second Temple in Jerusalem, with the biblical and genetic anthropology of the Jewish people.
Third Tablet of the Holy Covenant
A sequel, at the planning stage, concerns the fall of the Second Temple in 586 BCE, archaeological
research of contemporary letters unearthed in the 1930’s, and the mysterious death of a renowned
professor who secretly advanced Nazi style eugenics concepts at London University.
Looking to the future
What of current and future medical trends? Here he is clear if somewhat trenchant. Stem cell
research opens new vistas of treatment with huge potential. As to his own field of cancer
treatment and prevention, he has long campaigned to reduce cancer screening. Why? Simply,
he argues, it does not work and results in major over-diagnosis and over-treatment as well as a
diversion of funding from other more pressing needs. He warms to his theme. Most diagnosis,
every three years, misses the cancers that kill. Many of us have minor cancers with which we
live for many years and then we die from other causes. Seeking cancers at a pre-clinical stage – ie
before major symptoms emerge – does not prevent them. All major medical journals across the
world now agree and the UK Governments are gradually accepting this reality. However, the
public are still kept in ignorance of this.
Lung cancer is still a major killer and he advocates the banning of cigarettes which should
be graded as a Class A drug or poison. They are highly addictive and a far greater killer than
cocaine. When he asked the Rabbinate to speak out publicly he was told that refraining from
smoking on Shabbat was sufficient!
In passing, he observes that most of the world cancer expert doctors are Jewish. Asked
to explain this, he replies that Jews have always had the highest literacy rate (close to 100%),
that they use ‘Talmudic’ methods to challenge perceived wisdoms and, throwing political
correctness to the wind, Jews embrace an evolutionary survival advantage. In brief, the harsher
our persecution, the smarter we get.
He advocates spending scarce resources on such unglamorous sectors as the aged and
dementia sufferers. Following formal retirement, he now spends his spare time writing and
painting. He has published or delivered many essays during his life, many aimed at resolving
the ethical medical dilemmas he identifies.
Family Matters
He is an intensely proud family man. Married to Judy, and with three children and nine
grandchildren, he has lived in the Suburb for 15 years. Asked about his personal priorities,
Professor Baum carefully explains that his interests have included ‘identity stratification’
especially amongst Jews. This process analyses the levels of personal identity and their
importance. Using this analysis, he places family at the top of the tree followed, closely, by a
powerful association with Judaism. He is at pains to let his professional colleagues know that
he is a proud secular Jew. However, he uses the strict rigours of scientific analysis to probe and
question issues which touch him. Thus, his contributions to medical ethics are seen by regular
membership of and addresses to the local Suburb Doctors Group and he advised Chief Rabbi
Lord Jakobovits on acute medical ethical issues of the day.
As a child he joined in regular family debates over the Shabbat table and often ended up
playing the role of ‘devil’s advocate’. While these and future debates would be conducted in a
Talmudic way – considering both or all sides of an argument – he still prefers scientific discipline
to shape the process.
New Interests
He has drawn and painted from an early age and while his father advised him to become a
doctor and only then to paint in his spare time, he reflects that this was poor advice. The urge to
paint is insistent, unrelenting and all consuming. His passion and ability are clear for all to see.
He has recently taken up writing novels, the first of which, The Third Tablet of the Holy
Covenant, was published in November 2013. Inspired by his experiences of living in Israel and
Claire is new
US Trustee
C
ongratulations to Claire Lemer who has been elected a
trustee of the United Synagogue.
She says: “I did not reach the decision to stand as a
trustee of the US easily. In fact, standing for election was rather
intimidating. I fully understand how big the responsibility is
and how fundamental the work of the US is to so many people,
but, it seemed crucial to ensure that the trustee board was made
up of a representative sample of people. Furthermore, after the efforts of so many people,
over such a long time, to enable women to be trustees, it seemed important that women
did step forward.
Now, a few months in, I am starting to understand how the US works. The next few months
will see further changes at the US; with the strategic review due to report and a new Chief
Executive starting, I look forward to being a part of these exciting developments.”
HGSS Friends of Lvov
A
new committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Jerry Goldstein
who is very happy to announce that Rochelle Freilich has agreed to take on
the role of vice-chairman. They are now hard at work preparing for the next
concert which will take place on 7 February 2015. Performers will include: Cantors
Avromi Freilich, Simon Cohen and Shloime Gertner , as well as Violinist Miriam
Kramer and the Ne’imah Singers under the direction of Marc Temerlies. Raymond
Goldstein will provide the piano accompaniment.
The brand new website is up and running giving all the latest news and photos
from our twin community in Lvov as well
as news items on events in Ukraine.
There is also a link to Virgin moneygiving
for donations. The committee invites
members of the community to mark a
happy occasion with a gift to our twin
community.
Happy faces at the Lvov School
8
Goodbye, Maddy 5755: A year of
W
more or less
e say goodbye to Maddy
Drucker who has served as PA
to the Rabbis for the past four years.
Maddy, with her husband, Alex,
and 18-month-old son, Yishai, is
relocating, for two years, to Hong
Kong where Alex will serve as
Assistant Rabbi and Maddy will be
responsible for youth and educational
programming.
She says of her time at HGSS: “This
has been the most incredible place to
work. I never fail to be amazed at how warmly community members welcome a call
from their shul office. I am so lucky to have worked with incredible role models in the
office and especially the Kaplans and Levenes. I hope we can take some of the HGSS
energy with us on our travels.”
We wish the family every good fortune at this exciting new venture.
Hello, Shelley
T
aking over from Maddy is
Shelley Castaldi. Shelley grew
up in London. Her parents
are Israeli and she speaks both Ivrit
and English. She studied at Leeds
University, graduating with a BSc in
Business and Financial Economics.
For the last six and a half years
she has been working for the Israeli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, first in
Atlanta then, more recently, at the
Embassy in London.
She is married to Nathan whom she met in Israel. They have a 23-month-old
daughter.
We hope that she will be very happy at Norrice Lea.
for United Synagogue Women?
O
ver the past year, US Women has worked hard to bring more educational programmes and
events to women across United Synagogue communities. We launched ‘The Female Jew:
Options for the 21st Century’, our roadshow course which explored matters relating to a
woman’s experience of being Jewish. It started off at Stanmore and Muswell Hill Synagogues and had
such overwhelming support from host and neighbouring communities that it was rolled out to others,
including HGSS, and will be continuing its journey to more communities this Autumn.
We found that many women wanted to ask questions – be it about saying Kaddish, benching Gomel
or other areas of female ritual engagement and so we created a programme to ensure participants
would have access to relevant sources and knowledgeable teachers.
We hosted our US Women’s conference back in March, where around 100 women gathered together
on a sunny Sunday to hear from our keynote speaker, Elana Stein Hain, who had flown in from New
York, our own Chief Rabbi Mirvis and many local female Jewish educators to discuss our Jewish
relationships with family, our communities and G-d.
We also welcomed Zehava Taub, the Ambassador’s wife and education expert, to our Annual
Dinner where she spoke about the importance of learning and speaking Hebrew and of welcoming
more Israelis into our communities.
For the first time, we welcomed in four female Trustees to the United Synagogue who will build
upon their experiences and knowledge to benefit us all and act as powerful role models to women and
young girls across the United Synagogue.
Throughout the year, we organised many training events: for the female shul chairs and vice-chairs;
for our Liaison Officers who work so hard to be the bridge between US Women and the 17,000 women
within the United Synagogue; and for the US Women Executive in conjunction with important partners
such as Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA).
We are lucky to be living at a time when women can learn, where we have many knowledgeable
female educators and where so many of our shuls are offering innovative and exciting programmes.
The Yamim Noraim is always an important time to reflect on what we have achieved in the past year
and to consider our hopes for the year ahead. Ask what is going on in your community – what you
can give and gain from it; ask what US Women are planning and let us know if you would like the
Female Jew roadshow brought to your synagogue; but above all ask yourself will this be the year your
knowledge increases or decreases, for as the Torah says, it cannot stay the same – it is up to us which
direction it goes in.
Lauren Hamburger sits on the US Women’s Executive
To find out more about US Women or get involved in one of our projects email [email protected]
Wishing all the community
a happy and healthy
NEW YEAR
Atlantis Travel (BDH) Ltd
43 Market Place, Hampstead Garden Suburb
London NW11 6JT
Tel 020 8458 9422
Fax 020 8458 6366
9
HGS Residents
Association
Rosemary Goldstein. If we are to be
a real part of the community we live
in, we should be taking an interest
in local affairs and contributing
to them. The age profile and
membership of the HGSRA should
reflect the community it represents.
Hopefully with Jonathan Seres
in the chair, his enthusiasm will
awaken us from our parochial
slumber and we will find the time to support his efforts
to make the Suburb an even better environment in
which to live.
What does it mean to us?
Jeremy Hershkorn writes:
W
e are fortunate indeed to live in such a lovely
area as Hampstead Garden Suburb. Its
unique character and pleasant surrounding
area and amenities are preserved and maintained,
not only by the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, but
also with the very active assistance and support of
the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association
(HGSRA) of which our own Jonathan Seres is the newly
appointed Chairman. This is an entirely separate
organisation from the Trust (although the Residents
Association does liaise with them). This leads to the next
question – do you know of, or are you already a member
of the Residents Association?
What does the HGSRA do?
The HGSRA, which lobbies Barnet Council and the
Trust on matters affecting the area, also holds numerous
events and meetings of interest, including the Summer
Fun Day on Central Square and the New Year’s Eve
Firework Party for all the family, as well as assisting
with the running of the Library in The Market Place
(following the proposed closure by Barnet Council).
It also applies funds to a number of worthy causes,
including the refurbishment of the Northway Gardens
playground for the young and park benches for the not
so young. For shul members, it successfully lobbied
Barnet against the proposed boxing matches in Lyttelton
Playing Fields.
The benefits of membership
So please do take an interest and become a member – the
annual subscription is just £15. Not only will you receive
information on news and events in the Suburb, you will
also have access to the regularly updated local Masterrecommended tradesmen lists for all professional and
other services, as well as for carpentry and repairs of all
kinds. You will be entitled to discounts in over 40 local
shops and assistance with local parking tickets. You
will also have the opportunity to take part in matters
affecting the Suburb – entirely optional. The key is that
shul members should show their support and join.
If you would like more information or would like to
become a member, please contact me on my mobile 07831
349 068 or by email to [email protected]
Why should we be involved?
Since joining the HGSRA Council, I have discovered,
to my surprise, that, very few members of HGSS are
involved or even know about the work of the Residents
Association, with the honourable exceptions of Louise
Felder and her successor on the Council, Stephanie
Hurst, and long-standing supporters Alan Cohen and
Northway Playground opened by Mayor of Barnet,
Councillor Hugh Rayner, with (from left) Jonathan
Seres, RA Chair, Katie Fearn, Committee Chair,
Nicole Tillman, Committee Member
Bringing Chana’s
Services to the
Suburb
D
id you know that 1 in 6
couples deal with infertility? This holds true for
the Jewish community as well.
Chana was founded 20 years ago by a group of women personally dealing
with infertility in their lives and has since helped hundreds of couples in the
Jewish community to better understand and deal with the challenges of primary
and secondary infertility. To date more than 560 babies have been born as a
result of Chana’s support.
Chana is in the process of extending its services to a wider audience and
hopes that any couple facing infertility issues in Hampstead Garden Suburb
and the surrounding areas know who to turn to for help. Are you aware that
Chana offers:
• A confidential telephone helpline;
• Counselling for individuals and couples to talk through
issues at various stages;
• A Medical Advisory Panel which benefits Chana clients by
enabling them to access the most up to date information by
calling the Chana helpline;
• A range of preventative events and a helpline under its ‘Well’
services umbrella.
• Financial Assistance.
During the month of December there will be a wonderful opportunity to
get involved in Chana’s Teacember campaign. Last year, a delicious tea party
was prepared by Norrice Lea member, Stephanie Nagus, in her home. This
was the first Hampstead Garden Suburb Teacember and was a resounding
success; hoping to add several more in the area this year!
For more information on Chana and how you can help by hosting a
Teacember; please visit the interactive website www.chana.org.uk or call the
office on 020 8203 8455.
A message from Rebbetzen Freda Kaplan
“Having suffered the pain of secondary infertility myself, I know how
important it is to have an organisation like Chana helping members of our
community and ensuring no-one struggles with infertility on their own. ”
10
Shabbat Tots
learn about Rosh Hashanah
O
Year 6 Graduate with Honours
F
orty students from the ALC’s Year 6 class completed their seven years of Cheder attendance and
there was reason to celebrate. At their graduation on Sunday, 6 July, staff members took time to
reflect on many of the students’ wonderful achievements. In their years at the ALC, pupils have
been encouraged to discover and explore Jewish topics, focusing on their relevance today. The graduating
students are able to read Hebrew fluently and are familiar with many parts of the Siddur, the Festivals and
Mitzvot. Most of all, they have attained a strong pride and positive sense of Jewish identity coupled with
understanding of the morals, values and ethical behaviours in Judaism.
Their graduation was a culmination of a discovery project on their own individual Jewish heritage, which
was launched at an inter-cheder trip to the Jewish museum. The pupils had to present a family-owned
Jewish artefact and say how this article inspires their Jewish observance. Many students gave moving
presentations on the heroic lives of their grandparents and pledged to continue upholding their legacy.
The students were addressed by their Headteacher, Chayli Fehler and Rabbi Kaplan of HGSS. Rabbi
Andrew Shaw concluded the event by inviting the students to continue their Jewish studies in the Tribe
Challenge programme. The graduation was not an end but rather the beginning of an exciting new chapter
in their Jewish education. They were also congratulated on winning the Inter-Cheder Jewish General
Knowledge Quiz.
n Friday, 6 September, the Shabbat
Tots thoroughly enjoyed learning
about Rosh Hashanah. There was shofar
blowing and how to dip apples in honey.
There was singing and dancing. Led by
Zahavy with her accordion and Rebbetzen
Freda, proceedings ended with the lighting
of the Shabbat Candles, Kiddush and
Hamotzei.
There will be a special Shabbat Tots
for Succot on Monday, 13 October.
Year 3 Musical
Siddur Presentation
Y
ear 3 pupils put on a lovely musical
presentation for parents explaining all
the key daily prayers and what they
mean. Chayli the ALC Director spoke to the
pupils about the importance of prayer and how
to look after and appreciate their new Siddur.
Rabbi Kaplan presented the Tribe Siddur to
each child. Pupils also presented their Tefillah
projects and a moving video presentation was
shown of each child sharing what they wanted
to ask Hashem for and for what they were
grateful.
Bac
the C
Shtet
Sunday,
Rachel Ka
The ALC wins Jewish General Knowledge Quiz
Y
ear 6 students from Mill Hill Cheder and the
HGSS Aleph Learning Centre competed in a
Jewish General Knowledge Quiz to battle for
the Inter-Cheder Quiz cup.
Based on the Etgar handbook, the students were
quizzed on a variety of topics ranging from the Jewish
calendar, Jewish history, Mitzvot, Prayers, Brachot etc.
This interactive, exciting event was held at HGSS.
The quiz master, Rabbi Marc Levene, led the first round
where students had to decide whether statements they
were given were true or false. In the second, they had to
respond with a number for the correct answer. The final round was based on Who wants to be a millionaire.
The questions were challenging and the contestants had the option of lifelines - phone a friend and ask the
audience. There was a wonderful atmosphere as the students fought to win the cup for their cheder,
The cup was eventually won by a group of Year 6 pupils at the HGSS Aleph Learning Centre. Gold
medals for the Millionaire round were given to Aaron Morris and Dina Mandel of HGSS and silver medals to
participants from Mill Hill.
Visit to Belmont Farm
Y
ear 1 enjoyed an educational trip to
the farm as a culmination to their
Kosher project. They saw signs of what
makes a Kosher animal and enjoyed hands on
demonstrations. Thanks to our parent volunteers
who joined the trip.
H
ampstead Gard
welcomed 250 p
at Shtetl Day. Fro
Shtetl, once again, was bu
Children and adults
experience some of the
one was afraid to leave
behind to get their hands
options to do embroidery,
and wine-making. A sofe
your Hebrew name on t
if it came from the Torah
a petting zoo with donk
rabbits.
If that wasn’t enough,
which rewound time to t
on how the shtetl change
Jews are unable to rem
food, so there was plenty
Youth Director Steve
event by commenting “I
many of the community
together to recreate the S
truly memorable occasion
ck to
Chaim
tl Day
11
Youth Highlights
Krav Maga
Bubble Football
Sixteen members of our youth in years 7-10 joined Rachel and
Steven at Hasmonean Boys School for a football game like
no other. The event was so successful that we intend to run it
again for both our sixth form, as well as for years 7-11.
Lag B’omer
Fifty of our youth members joined Rachel and Steven at
the home of Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kaplan for a delicious
barbecue. The BBQ was followed by an exciting drum
session led by the JooDoo Drums Company. A big thank
you goes to Ian Carno who came especially to help cook
the food for us.
End of Year Casino Evening
All of our youth came together
for one last time to celebrate the
end of a wonderful year at HGSS.
We had five casino tables hired
including 2 roulette tables, 2
blackjack tables and a poker table
and was enjoyed by all. Delicious
food was supplied to us by K Grill
in Edgware. Mocktails were supplied by our barmen, a photo booth was
installed for picture taking, and a Ferrari pulled up outside the shul for a
y, 6 April
aye reports
den Suburb Synagogue
people to go back in time
om 12 noon to 2 pm, the
uzzing with life.
of all ages were able to
aspects of Shtetl life. No
their modern technology
and feet dirty. There were
y, candle- making, cooking,
er-in-residence transcribed
to parchment, looking as
h itself. Also featured was
keys, chickens, goats and
, there was a Klezmer band
the days of Fiddler, a talk
ed the Jews and, of course,
member anything without
y of that.
en Kaye summed up the
It was wonderful that so
y, young and old, joined
Shtetl experience. It was a
n”
As part of our Learn
to Lead programme
for years 9 and 10, we
incorporated Krav Maga
training, provided by the
CST, where participants
learnt how to defend
themselves on the
streets. Learn to Lead returns this year with ten more exciting
sessions planned for both years 9 and year 10.
picture opportunity.
Dads and Lads
Ben Marcus and his father Bryan at Dads
and Lads learning how to put on his Tefillin in
preparation for his Bar Mitzvah.
HGSS Youth invites all those approaching
Bar Mitzvah to join Rabbi Levene and Steven
every Sunday from 14 September at 8:45 am
in the youth centre for a shortened shacharit
service, followed by breakfast.
The Young Professionals Dinner
O
n 16 May, Young JBD, the young professional arm of Jewish Blind & Disabled, the charity which
enables people with physical disabilities or impaired vision to live independently, held a Friday night
dinner for 125 people at HGSS, attended by many of our members. The guests not only enjoyed
a wonderful meal, provided by Zeitlin & Co, in a very special atmosphere, but they also had the opportunity
to learn more about the charity’s unique work from Kelly Burack, one of Jewish Blind & Disabled’s house
managers, and Ben Teacher, chairman of the Young JBD committee. It is hoped to build on the success of
this event and that it should become an annual highlight of the committee’s calendar.
CST and our Jewish life
12
CST is the Community Security Trust, a charity that
provides security for Jewish communities throughout
Britain. CST is also there, 24-hours a day, for those of
us who are unfortunate enough to suffer, or witness,
CST is the Community Security Trust, a charity
antisemitism.
It is teamwork and we want everyone to be in
the partnership. Please contact our local CST
representative and ask what part you can play in
supporting our local security teams.
CST and our Jewish life
that provides security for Jewish communities
throughout Britain. CST is also there, 24-hours
Wea want
to lead
Jewish lives
day, our
for communities
those of us who
aretheir
unfortunate
with
safety
and
confidence,
and
invite
you
to join us.
enough to suffer, or witness, antisemitism.
We are extremely fortunate that this
partnership is in place and our local
We need to shareand
responsibility,
together.
This
representatives
the community
have
long
means
understanding
why
we
do
security
and
worked closely together.
cooperating with our local teams. CST can only be
It as
is strong
teamwork
and
we want everyone
as the
communities
we serve. to be in
We want our communities to lead their Jewish the partnership. Please contact our local CST
CST draws upon a proud tradition of British Jewish
lives with safety and confidence, and invite
representative and ask what part you can play
self-defence, in which British Jews come together to
you to join us.
in supporting
our PLay
local security
teams.
PLEaSE
yOUR PaRT
by:
play their part in defending their community. Before
CST
draws
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of British
and
after
Worldupon
War Two,
the threats
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self-defence,
in
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right sources. Today, those threats remain,Jews
but they
together
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their
have
been joined
bytheir
morepart
modern
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community.
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and
after
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jihadist
terrorism,
such as
that
by Al-Qaeda
andTwo,
others.
the threats came from far right sources. Today,
We need
share responsibility,
• to
reporting
informationtogether.
to us This
means understanding why we do security
• joining our local teams
and cooperating with our local teams. CST
helping
to fund
ourcommunities
work
can only•be
as strong
as the
we
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those
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butBritish
they have
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It is
CST’sthreats
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Sharing responsibility also means keeping
joined by
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including jihadist
Sharing responsibility also means keeping a healthy
protected
from
these
hatreds
and extremisms,
but
a healthy sense of perspective. Physical
terrorism,
such
as
that
by
Al-Qaeda
and
others.
sense of perspective. Physical and political threats
this requires a real partnership between CST, local
and political threats do exist, but that should
do exist, but that should not stop any of us from
communities
andBritish
the Police.
It is CST’sand
job synagogues,
to ensure that
Jews are
not stop any of us from appreciating and
protected from these hatreds and extremisms, appreciating and celebrating the overall excellence of
celebrating the overall excellence of Jewish
requires
a real that
partnership
between
Jewish life in Britain today.
Webut
arethis
extremely
fortunate
this partnership
life in Britain today.
local
and synagogues,
is CST,
in place
andcommunities
our local representatives
and the and
We
allfor
forplaying
playing
your
part.
the police.
Wethank
thank you
you all
your
part.
community
have long worked closely together.
RepoRt antisemitism
& suspicious activity
CST is a charity that protects British Jews
from antisemitism and related threats.
Please report any antisemitic or suspicious
activity to the Police and CST.
London
(Head Office)
020 8457 9999
Emergency 24-hour number 07659 101 668
Manchester
(Northern Regional Office)
0161 792 6666
Emergency 24-hour number 0800 980 0668
CST_UK
Community Security Trust
www.thecst.org.uk
Community Security Trust is a registered charity in
England and Wales (1042391) and Scotland (SC042391).
When will the
turmoil end?
David Z Harris at No 8
Report by Michael Fishman
W
hen Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kaplan left Israel to come to
HGSS, they did so on the understanding that they would
use their home at 8 Norrice Lea to promote Israel’s cause
whenever they could. This they have done many times.
On this occasion it was to meet David Harris, Director of
Research and Content of the Israel Project (TIP). The organisation
was the idea of three wealthy American women who believed that
Israel did not receive a fair showing in the media.
Born in Manchester, David graduated in Middle Eastern Studies at Manchester University.
He worked in the media, held several high profile positions and, at the age of 29, gave up a
dream job at the BBC to make aliyah. His department, the TIP, advises and accompanies foreign
journalists based in Israel.
The theme of his address was how the regional turmoil is affecting Israel – at the time of his
talk, the conflict in Gaza was in its early stages.
He started with some good news. Egypt now has a government that is almost as opposed
to Hamas as Israel and there is close co-operation regarding Egypt’s own border crossing with
Gaza at Rafah.
Under President Sisi, Egypt is Israel’s best friend in the region, albeit Sisi was responsible for
the downfall of the elected government of the Muslim Brotherhood of President Morsi. It was a
case of the bad guy now being your best friend!
He does not believe that the government of the Hashemite Kingdom in Jordan is sustainable,
and the chaos created by the emergence of Isis (now The Islamic State) on the borders of Syria
and Iraq, creating a Caliphate state, is fraught with danger and doing Israel no favours. Lebanon
is under the virtual control of Hezbollah, who are occupied with helping to sustain the hated
Assad regime. Iran remains quiet at this moment.
He said that what he had to say would depress us and he was right, This did not stop me
from asking him if he could send us away with some hope for a solution to the area’s problems,
especially from Israel’s viewpoint – if not now, in 10 years’ time or even longer?
His answer was surprising, since it was neither social nor political. He believes that the
solution lies in a version of the European Common Market, led by Iran, which would include
Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and Turkey, besides Israel. There is one caveat – Iran is the most
internally hated regime in the Middle East and the regime has to be replaced by means of an
internal revolution.
Allowing for the fact that since he spoke the region has gone from bad to worse on all warring
fronts, we can only hope and pray for a peaceful solution, in whatever form it takes.
13
A Midsummer Night’s Seudah
With the long, summer evenings, what better way could there be to see out Shabbat than to get together with friends and fellow Shul members, between Mincha
and Ma’ariv, for food, conversation and a thought-provoking talk. This year, we have enjoyed an excellent programme. Rabbi Livingstone got the series off on a
high note with a talk entitled From the Suburb to Sandhurst: a Jewish Journey – how he coped with military training for the British Army, including field exercises
and a spell at Sandhurst, where no concessions are made to one’s religious requirements. Two speakers attracted particularly large audiences.
Cass Pennant
by David Lew
S
habbat Parshat Korach fell on midsummer’s day and the
longest Shabbat gave plenty of time to daven at hashkama,
visit Central Square Minyan (relocated to the hall at
Henrietta Barnett) where Lord Sacks was giving the sermon, drink
a couple of whiskies, eat lunch and have a shloof before returning
to the Max Weinbaum Hall for a seuda addressed by Mr Cass
Pennant, a former football hooligan.
Lord Sacks spoke to a packed hall on Leadership, which is his chosen topic for this year’s
weekly Covenant and Conversation, together with the sub-plot, Power and Influence into which
the story of Korach fits like a glove. His sermon was precise, concise and incisive and his weaving
of the sedra’s message into an analysis of the situation in the Middle East led one of my friends
to describe him as ‘a prophet of our times’.
Cass Pennant also spoke to a full hall. The crowd was disparate, with a large contingent
from our younger male members, possibly hoping to pick up some tips from the master. Adam
Cannon was announced as the chairman, but had little to do as the speaker embarked on a long
chat about his life and continued to answer a couple of questions from the audience after a break
for mincha. Strangely, Mr Pennant too spoke about Leadership, Power and Influence, with the
additional ingredient of Loyalty. Not quite as concise as Lord Sacks, he gave us an insight as to
the difficulties of his life from which most of us in the Suburb have been protected. I will not
repeat the whole story here as it is readily available online and well worth looking at. He wrote
his memoirs during his first prison sentence, but they were confiscated on his release on the
dubious grounds that they had been written on HM Prisons’ paper. He therefore arranged for a
second term inside, but this time managed to smuggle his work out as he wrote it.
Of all the highs and lows which he shared with us; the jail terms, the shooting, the realisation
of the importance of the printed word, the most moving part of my day was the pride with which
Mr Pennant told us about his son who is a serving officer in the Royal Navy.
Niklas Frank
by Lawrence Harding
A
n audience of over 300 was present to hear Niklas Frank,
son of Hans Frank de Vater, the German governor general
of occupied Poland during World War II. His father was
found guilty at the Nüremberg Trials and hanged for crimes against
humanity. Niklas was seven years old at the time. Sixty years after
Nuremberg, he still harbours hatred for his father and the Nazi
regime. His father considered himself equal to Himmler and, driven
on by his ambitious wife, openly competed with his rival for the Fuhrer’s favour.
Niklas was one of four siblings and, even though he was so young at the time of his father’s
death, he still remembers the abuse he suffered as a child – his father was convinced that he was
the product of one of his mother, Brigitte’s, many love affairs in which both his parents freely
engaged. His obsessive burning hatred is such that he poured scorn on his father, who sought
absolution from a Priest, a personal friend, before he was hanged.
He has enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, writer and correspondent. In 1987, he
wrote the best selling book, In the Shadow of the Reich, which was serialised in the magazine
Der Stern, and for which he was criticised for his disloyalty to his father and his country.
In 1995, he was commissioned by the Weiner Foundation (Vienna Festival) to co-write a
play, Der Vater, based on his father. In 2012, he appeared in a television documentary, Hitler’s
Children, which was about the effect on the descendants of the leaders of the Nazi regime and
resultant genocide.
Now 66, he has carried this vendetta against his father and the Nazi regime all his life, almost
to the point of being surreal. He fervently believes that the circumstances that existed at the time,
still exist today, and, looking at the world, the growth of anti-Semitism in Europe and the Middle
East, who is to say he is wrong?
Other speakers in the series have been: David Frei, , Elana Chesler, Dayan Yonoson Abraham, Rabbi Dr Jeffrey Cohen, Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski, Clive Lawton,
Vivian Wineman, Rabbi Danny Kirsch, Rabbi Malcolm Herman, Josh Bennett, Rabbi Daniel Roselaar, Rebbetzen Lauren Levin and Dr Tamra Wright. It is impossible
to review them all here, apart from to say that all were excellent and we look forward to next summer’s programme.
THE ONE YOU TRUST
FOR KOSHER MEATS
Serving the Suburb for over 60 years
HAPPY NEW YEAR
9-11 Lyttelton Road, London N2 0DW
020 8455 7709/9921
14
Celebrations and
Births
Mazal tov to
Helen & John Simon on the birth of a
granddaughter, Grace Carmel Simon-Marks,
a daughter for Rebecca & Avi.
Sheila Aarons on the birth of a granddaughter. A
daughter for Reuvain & Elisheva Aarons
Frances & Mati Sinai on the birth of grandson, a
son for Jamie & Gemma Nathan
Lucianne & Victor Amar on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for
Miriam & Donny Wilks
Natalie & Daniel Austin on the birth of their son,
Samuel Rafael. Also to grandparents Mandy &
Robert Welby, Mandy Neau and Ivan Austin
Su & Michael Blake, on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for Nicola & Julian
Blake. Mazel Tov also to great grandfather
Walter Davis.
Lisa and David Bogush on the birth of a grandson,
a son for Suzanne and Edward Fitch
Gwen & Alan Cohen on the birth of great
grandson
Faridah & Yakhdan Cohen on the birth of a
granddaughter, Chloe Avital, a daughter
to Natalie & Daniel Feigin
Doreen & Phillip Stein on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for Tamara &
Anthony Gerrard.
Sam & David Witkin on the birth of a daughter
Juliet and Philip Woolfson on
the birth of a grandson
in Manchester, a son,
Yehoshua, for
Gillian & Dennis Levine on the birth of a
granddaughter, Mila Rafaella, a daughter
for Emma & Ohad Greenfeld
Carolyn Lewis on the birth of a granddaughter
Oliver, son of Julia and Andrew Clarfield,
grandson of Diane and Michael Morton and
Patricia & Michael Levin
Madeline & Joost Cohen on the occasion of the
Bar Mitzvah of their grandson,
Alexander Levy, in Yad Binyamin, Israel
Marilyn Lehmann
Jacqueline, daughter of Miriam & Isaac Levy,
granddaughter of Doris & Bernard
Kushner and David & Louise Levy
Julia & Stephen Goschalk on the
engagement of their son, Joel, to Leila,
daughter of Natalie & Stephen Harris
Amanda, daughter of Robyn & Gary Mond,
granddaughter of Frances Mond and
Stanley Feinman
Alicia, daughter of
Sara and Ian Shiner,
granddaughter of
Marilyn and
Len Gatoff.
Hilary Halter on the engagement of her
granddaughter Devorah Brocha Halter,
daughter of Rosa and David, to
Avi Birnbaum
Bat Mitzvah
at Mitzpe Ramon in
the Negev Desert
Emily, daughter of Lucie
& Charles Spungin,
Levi, son of Mylene & Jeremy Freud,
grandson of Adrienne & Laurie Phillips
and Gita & Tommy Freud
granddaughter of
Marilyn & Kenneth
Bieber
and Ruth Spungin
Isaac, son of Aviva
& Andy Kaufmann,
Albert Rosenberg on the engagement of
his grandson
Simona & David Wise on the engagement
of their daughter, Joanna, to Avraham
Cohen. Also to grandparents Lela & Fouad
Yamin-Joseph and Olive Wise
Photo by Jeremy Coleman
grandson of Flo &
Goldschmidt
Albert Rosenberg on the birth of two great
grandsons, one in Israel and one in Zurich
Ann & Jerry Goldstein and Marion
Silverblatt on the engagement of their
grandchildren, Shoshana Goldstein and
Benjamin Silverblatt
Alicia celebrted her
Eran & Lital Messeri on the birth of a daughter
Susan & David Rodney on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for Sheli &
Simon Rodney. Also to great grandparents
Frances & Monty Samuels and
Eleanor & Izzy Miller
Frances & Paul Elster on the engagement
of their daughter, Elizabeth to Ben
Sheldon, son of Madelaine & Stephen
Sheldon
Julian Goodkind on his engagement to
Laura Altman. Also to Julian’s mother,
Wendy, and grandparents,
Sylvia & Harold Sobell
Ezekiel and John &
Mazal tov to
Aubrey Kaufmann
Elizabeth & David Parlons on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for Alison &
James Goolnik. Also to grandparents
Jacky & Edward Goolnik
Aliza & Osmond
Bar Mitzvah
Etty Mandell on the birth of a grandson, Joseph
Avi, A son for Allon & Sarah Barsam
Lorraine & Michael Mount on the birth
of a daughter
Hannah May,
granddaughter of
Adrienne & Stewart Laitner on the birth of a
grandson, a great grandson for Ann Sevitt
Sophie & Adam Lauffer on the birth of a daughter,
Chloe, a granddaughter for Beth &
Jonathan Lauffer and a great-granddaughter for
Carrol & Harold Stern
Georgia, daughter of Sasha & Warren Cohen,
granddaughter of Ruth & Michael Berman-Wald
and Norma & Irving Cohen
& Ivan Ezekiel,
Aaron, son of Francine & Michael Barrie,
grandson of Hilary & Stanley Einhorn
Debbie & Brian Kobrin on the birth of a
granddaughter, Meira Rachel. A
daughter for Talya & Rafi Masher
Sophie, daughter of Vanessa & Alexis Brassey,
granddaughter of Susan Brassey, Barry Brassey
and Harold & Molly Sher, great granddaughter
of Beryl Kinshuk
daughter of Deborah
Irene Fine on the birth of great granddaughter,
Evie Glenda, a daughter for
Elliot & Nicola Olivestone
Linda Greenwall & Henry Cohen on
the engagement of their son, Andrew
Greenwall Cohen, to Deborah Cicurel
Mia, daughter of Annie & Paul Bentley,
granddaughter of Alan & Ros Fine, Carmella &
Harvey Bentley, great granddaughter
of Mina David
Tirza Woolfson
Nicholas Adams, his mother, Elizabeth,
and father Charles
Rabbi & Freda Kaplan on the birth of a
granddaughter, Niggun. A daughter for
Yoad & Maor
Mazal tov to
Robert (Shimon) and
Zahava Dover on the birth of a great
granddaughter in Jerusalem
Emily & Richard Green on the birth of a son
Bat Mitzvah
and Louise & Alfred
Ben, son of Lynn & Bryan Marcus,
grandson of Betty & Jack Pollack
Ben, son of Roberta Schlagman
and Mark Schlagman,
grandson of Doreen & Ronald Brown
and Jack Schlagman
Jamie, son of Yael & Darren Selig,
grandson of Jackie & Alan Wootlif
and Esther & Mesod Benady
Engagement
Mazal tov to
Ruth & Wayne
Chodosh on the
engagement
of their daughter,
Jessica, to Ben, son of
Martin and Deborah
Hofman. Also to
grandparents Paul &
Pauline Ashton
Michele & David Yamin-Joseph on the
engagement of their daughter Yael to
Mikey, son of Shula & Yoel Salem. Also to
grandparents Lela & Fouad Yamin-Joseph
15
Congratulations
Marriage
The community came
together to celebrate with
Chazan Avromi & Rochelle
Freilich the wedding of
their daughter Yaeli to Sami
Birnbaum, son of
Ruth and Wayne Birnbaum.
Mazal tov to
Jacqueline & Jonathan Barnett on the marriage
of their son Jamie to Danielle Shirion
Debbie & Ian Fenton on the marriage of their
daughter, Danielle, to Gilad Kestenbaum.
Also to grandparents, Sara & David
Morein, and great grandmother Renee Bourne
We wish Yaeli and Sami many years of health and happiness.
Mazal tov to the whole family and thank you for all the pleasure
you bring us.
Anniversaries
Mazal tov to
Marsha & Saul Biber on their
Silver Wedding
Hadassa & Clive Freedman on the marriage
of their daughter Fleur to Joshua Barth, son of
Claire & Julian Barth
Janet & Steven Kirsch on the marriage of their
granddaughter, Esther Kirsch, also on the
marriage of their grandson in Manchester
Gillian & Allan Wells on their
Golden Wedding
Felice & Jeremy Hershkorn on their
30th Wedding Anniversary
Mazal tov
or reasons which cannot be explained, this lovely photograph
and mazal tov message did not make it into the relevant edition
of The Norrice Leader.
This is, of course,
the marriage of Leo
Davidson
(son
of
Alexandra and Jeffrey)
to Donna. We wish
them a very belated
mazal tov and much
happiness.
Leo and Donna’s
wedding was last
December, since when
they have entertained us, playing King Achashverosh and Queen
Esther in the animation of the Megillah story at Purim.
The omission was particularly unfortunate, given that the
Davidson family are among the most hardworking in the community.
Jeffrey, as Financial Representative, has been steering us through the
Shul’s much needed refurbishment. Alexandra is a long-serving
member of the Board of Management.
Elder daughter, Lauren, has been working as a journalist in
America and we hope that she may write about her experiences for
The Norrice Leader. Younger sister, Olivia, is about to start her second
year at Birmingham Uni, studying biology. The youngest of the
Davidson clan, Hugo (Huggy) is always a cheerful presence around
the Shul – sporting a streiml, he certainly entertained us on Shtetl
Day. All three Davidson men – Jeffrey, Leo and Hugo – lein regularly.
I have no idea how it happened. I can only say that I am so very
sorry. HRH
Michael Steinhart on his 80th birthday
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to
Rabbi Reuben & Esther Livingstone on the
marriage of their daughter Tsofia to Chaim Cohen,
son of Robert & Elizabeth Cohen
Adam Adams on his 91st birthday
Hilary Halter on her 80th birthday
Gillian & Steven Martin on the marriage of their
daughter Danielle to Moshe Moses, son of Gamool
& David Moses. Also to grandmothers Brenda-Lee
Martin and Arlene Beare
Ann Sevitt and Herta Stiefel on the marriage of
their grandchildren
Daniel Sevitt and Samantha Stiefel
F
The Editor says Mazal tov
and I’m Sorry
Malvern Kaye on his 80th birthday
Freddie Overlander on his 91st Birthday
Hanna Reichenstein on her 90th birthday
A hearty mazal tov to everyone
in the community who has
celebrated any special occasion.
We would love to include a
photograph on this page.
Please send to
[email protected]
Bernard Taub has gained a
BA (Hons) degree in Hebrew & Jewish Studies
from University College London
Gideon’s One-Man Exhibition
G
ideon Apfel (son of Marie Louise and Nathan) with one
of his paintings at an exhibition of his work held in June.
A non-stop stream of visitors were able to admire, and
buy, Gideon’s paintings, vases, dishes and ornaments at what has
become a popular regular event.
Gideon’s talent was discovered at an early age, a talent
nurtured, first at Kerem School and then at JFS where he did
painting, lino cuts and pottery as well as Design and Technology.
He says: “For the last 20 years, I have concentrated on developing
my love of pottery and acrylic painting and attend a number of courses
on these areas at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute and also
studied under various specialist art teachers.
“My painting also influences my pottery as I view a piece of pottery
awaiting decoration like a canvas. I
am influenced by architecture
and various artists of the 20th
century, who worked in painting
and pottery. I have participated
in various exhibitions in London
and three solo exhibitions.”
To see more of Gideon’s
work, visit http://gideonapfel.co.uk
HAPPY NEW YEAR
16
Champion
again
Young HGSS at the
JCC Maccabi Games
T
Annabel Anisfeld – the most
considerate to her teammates
As well as competing at the JCC Maccabi
Games, George Bier won the Temple
Fortune Club 2014 Under 14s Boys Tennis
Tournament.
Beating best friend Eddie Lisberg (also
an HGSS member) 6-1, 6-1 in the final.
George (aged 13) is a pupil at UCS and
is representing Great Britain at the JCC
Maccabi games in New Jersey this summer.
He has won the Under 12s tournament for
the last two years, but this is his first win
at this higher level.George Bier (left), Eddie
Lisberg (right), seen here with Junior Head
Coach Alex Kolesnikow, receiving their
winner’s cup and runners-up medal
he JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sporting
competition held in the USA each summer, is the
second largest organised sports programme for
Jewish teenagers in the world. The first North American
JCC Maccabi Games were held in 1982 with 300 athletes.
Today, over 6000 teens, ranging from 13 to 16 years of age,
participate each summer. The Games are co-sponsored
by the Jewish Community Center Association of North
America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada, and
Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel.
This year, at Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Maccabi GB fielded
an 84-strong team and there were strong performances
from HGSS members.
Annabel Anisfeld, Dance – Bronze in Modern Dance Solo
and Silver in Israeli Team Dance. As an individual, she won
Gold for The Most Passionate Performer and for showing
the most kindness and consideration to her teammates.
Nathan Sonn (L) and Jonathan Stelzer
– Table Tennis doubles partners
Tash Mosheim and Tammy Salt, Tennis – Gold in the
Under-14 Doubles
George Bier, Tennis – Under-14 Doubles Gold
Nathan Sonn, Table Tennis – Bronze Doubles and Silver
Team
Jonathan Stelzer, Table Tennis, Silver Singles, Bronze
Doubles, Bronze Team
Tash Mosheim (L) and
Tammy Salt – Tennis Gold
Amelia Shiner captained the Under-16 Girls’ Football
Team. They were the first GB girls’ team to ever reach the
quarter final knock-out stage of the competition. They won
more games and scored more goals than any girls football
team before them!
The Lvov Cup 2014
U
George Bier (Under-14 Tennis)
with his doubles partner
The GB Girls’ Football Team, captained by Amelia Shiner
nder blue South African skies, the annual
South Africa v England Lvov cricket
match took place on Lyttelton Playing
Fields.
The English, led by Rafi Saville, were put into
bat first and the team’s two youngsters, Sam
Clarfield and Marcus Foux, came out to open
the batting. Under the watchful eye of our
reliable umpire, Harold Nass, they faced some
tight bowling by the two young South Africans
who opened the bowling before Marcus was
bowled by Rayno Greenwall-Cohen. Once the
two youngsters had given up their wickets, the
The Triumphant South African Team:
strong English middle order batsmen came in
Standing L-R: Sam Chait, Henry Cohen, Grant, Itamar Shein,
to face a hostile bowling attack by the two older
Brian Kobrin, Trevor Berkowitz, Sean Melnick
Greenwall-Cohen brothers. Alex Dell, Rafi, Colin
Kneeling L-R: Steven Chait, Greg Levin, Rayno Greenwall-Cohen,
Andrew Greenwall-Cohen, Shane Melnick, Joseph Greenwall-Cohen, Davis and Andy Fisch put in an impressive
batting display, on an unpredictable pitch, to put
Justin Cessman
up an impressive score of 119 for 5 wickets.
The South Africans, supported spiritually by Rabbi Marcus, dentally by Harris Sidelsky and Henry Cohen,
and medically by Itamar Shein, sent in their youngsters to bat. Young Marcus restricted the batsmen in his first
over, taking two wickets. However, this brought together Andrew Greenwall-Cohen and Justin Cesman who put
on a run partnership of 82 before Andrew
was bowled by Rafi. This allowed Joseph
Greenwall-Cohen to come to the crease and
finish the innings with three consecutive
fours, with Justin remaining unbeaten on
45 and two overs to spare.
Over £1000 was raised on the day. Well
done to Brian Kobrin and Rafi Saville for
arranging this wonderful event which
was enjoyed by all, including the many
supporters who turned up to give their
professional opinions.
It was wonderful to see so many
youngsters involved, putting up such
a wonderful performance. With Justin,
Joseph, Andrew, Marcus, Rayno, Sam The gallant England runners-up
Chait, Shane, Sam Clarfield, Clark and Jake Back Row L-R: Jonny Goldstein, Alex Dell, Clark Norton, Jake Norton,
Norton, youth cricket in the Shul has a great Andrew Clarfield, Andy Fisch, Rafi Saville, Colin Davis, Marc Samuels
future.
Front Row: Sam Clarfield, Marcus Foux
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can cope better with the stresses and strains
of everyday life and stop feeling tense, tired,
and uncomfortable.
* Improve your posture and feel more at ease
when working at a computer, giving a
presentation, or playing an instrument.
Learn the Alexander Technique with
Elizabeth Abrahams Bsc (Hons), MSTAT
Telephone or text: 07787 904 315
Email: [email protected]
Lessons in NW11
The Chaim
Bermant Prize –
Celebrating
Journalism
at its best
W
hen was the last time you read an article
in a newspaper, magazine or online which
moved you or made you stop and think?
Perhaps you tweeted it or put it on Facebook so
others could share it. The Chaim Bermant Prize for
Journalism aims to go a step further and recognise
the writers behind these exceptional and thoughtprovoking pieces of journalism.
Established in 2008, in memory of the author,
journalist, commentator and HGSS member, Chaim
Bermant , husband of Judy, the award recognises
outstanding journalism on Jewish and Israeli themes.
It is being relaunched as part of Jewish Book Week 2015 and offers a prize of £5,000 for a
major article or collection of articles published between 1 June 2013 and 30 November 2014,
which furthers the understanding of contemporary Jewish life and Jewishness.
As the Jewish Chronicle’s main opinion columnist for nearly 40 years, until his death
in 1998, Chaim Bermant covered all aspects of Jewish life in his weekly column ‘On The
Other Hand’. His witty, thought-provoking chronicling of Jewish life and concerns still has
profound resonance today. Chaim also wrote features and reviews for the nation’s most
prestigious broadsheets and periodicals as well as over thirty books of history, fiction, satire
and memoirs.
With this legacy in mind the prize seeks out journalists who are also making their mark
in this way. The judging panel this year includes Miriam Gross (former Women’s Editor of
the Observer and Literary Editor of the Sunday Telegraph), Gerald Jacobs (Literary Editor
and former Assistant and Comment Editor of the Jewish Chronicle) and Geoffrey Paul
(Journalist and Editor of the Jewish Chronicle 1977-1990).
Journalists can enter themselves or they can be nominated for the prize by colleagues
or members of the public. So if you are a journalist or there is a journalist whose work you
admire please send nominations or entries, ideally as a link or in PDF format by December 1,
2014 to [email protected]. More information can be found at http://www.bermant.
com/chaim/news.php or you can email Emma Shrimsley at [email protected]
Following Hadrian
for a good cause
T
hree intrepid north London hikers, Anne Segal,
Tracy Lee and Simone Ross, headed north to
Newcastle and beyond to trek 25 miles along
Hadrian’s Wall, over two days, to raise money for
Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Teenage Cancer
Trust.
Simone reports that, although they decided not to
to camp with the rest of the trekkers, they immersed
themselves fully in the camp spirit, hiking up and
down through many undulations and, by the end of
the second day, they strode to the finish line to reach
their 25 mile target.
They raised close to £4000 between them and met
some amazing people. Some were raising money for
At the finish, L-R: Anne, Simone
loved ones or the hospitals who cared for them, or
and Tracy
were putting cancer behind them after a long personal
battle. Tracy was, in fact, inspired to raise money for
Breakthrough Breast Cancer by her friend, Amanda Turofsky, who was diagnosed with breast
cancer in December and is now, thankfully, on the road to full recovery. Simone and Anne wanted
to support teenagers with cancer.
Says Simone, “Not only did we get to see a spectacular part of the English countryside, we
also got a medal for our troubles and feel privileged to have been part of the experience.”
Well done, girls!
Marathon Effort
Louise Bentata, daughter of Elizabeth and
David Parlons, seen here hugging her husband,
Morris, during this year’s London Marathon.
She ran the 26.2 miles in 4hrs 44mins raising
£4000 for the World Wildlife Fund.
17
Prague to Berlin...
Team Leumi faces its toughest challenge to date
O
n 3 July, a 29-strong team of
cyclists, from Bank Leumi (UK)
successfully completed their fifth
Annual Charity Bike Ride which raised
over £78,000 for Leket Israel and the Royal
Marines Charitable Trust, supporting the
Hasler Company.
Taking on their toughest challenge to
date, the 29-strong Team Leumi, led by their
(now retired) CEO, HGSS member Larry
Weiss, cycled vigorously from Prague to
Berlin, covering the five hundred kilometre
route over the course of four days.
At the finishing line, Larry Weiss (2nd from
Embarking on their journey from
right) with, L-R
Prague, the team cycled through Bad
Schandau and Litomerice over the first two
days before reaching Dresden on their third
day. The fourth and final day saw the team completing the last leg of the journey – a stretch of
over 140 km – to arrive at the finishing line in Berlin.
This year, Team Leumi was also joined by representatives from both charities, making the
challenge even more special. Cycling on behalf of the Hasler Company were the Sergeant Major
of the Company, a Royal Marine who was severely injured during active duty in Afghanistan
and a Royal Navy Serviceman who is part of the Company’s exercise rehabilitation team. The
morale and passion of these three men proved truly inspirational for the whole team.
Representing Leket Israel was Joseph Gitler, Founder & Chairman of the charity, who joined
the team for the last two days of the ride. Joseph has transformed his one man charity operation
(based in his own garage) to Israel’s national food bank providing meals to over 140,000 people
around the country every week.
Larry Weiss, former CEO of Bank Leumi (UK) commented “The Leumi (UK) Charity Bike Ride
has become the flagship event of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme. To date, the Bike
Rides have raised over £250,000 in aid of charity. Having cycled on all Leumi rides, I am proud of every
Team Leumi member and I feel privileged to have cycled alongside, and in aid of, Hasler Company and
Leket Israel. I would also like to thank everyone who supported the team and the charities for their great
generosity”.
18
Sandys Row Synagogue – a milestone
David Parlons has just been appointed a Deputy (on the Board of
Deputies) for Sandys Row Synagogue where he has been responsible
for running the Mincha and Tehillim Services for the past 25 years. In
October, the Synagogue will be celebrating 160 years of continuous
existence. David tells its story.
S
andys Row Synagogue is the oldest Ashkenazi Synagogue in London, the third oldest in
the country and the last remaining in Spitalfields, once the heart of the Jewish East End.
The main Synagogue, a Grade II listed building, is almost 250 years old. In 1763, a French
Huguenot community purchased an old chapel and its freehold located on a corner of Henry
VIII’s artillery ground. L’Eglise d’Artillerie was dedicated in 1766 and remained open until 1786
when it merged with the London Walloon Church.
In 1854, fifty poor Dutch Ashkenazi Jewish families founded a Chevrah – a type of Friendly
Society with a small Synagogue attached, known as The Society for Loving-kindness and Truth –
it was the first of its kind. It had grown to five hundred members when, in 1867, it acquired the
leasehold of the French chapel, having found a champion in the architect Nathan Joseph. The site was
particularly suitable because it had a balcony and was on an East-West axis, albeit facing westwards.
The community’s independent streak, which perhaps goes a long way to explaining its
longevity, was first evidenced in 1870, when the leading Sephardi Rabbi of the time, Haham
Benjamin Artom of nearby Bevis Marks Synagogue, formally consecrated this Ashkenazi place
of worship. The Chief Rabbi at the time, Nathan Marcus Adler, had publicly opposed the
establishment of any new Synagogue by the poor East End Ashkenazi migrant community and
refused to be associated with it.
In November 1887, Sandys Row Synagogue was the largest of the East End congregations
that founded the Federation of Synagogues. It left the Federation in 1899, and was refurbished
for the 50th anniversary of the community after acquiring its freehold. It became an Associate
of the United Synagogue in 1922, returning to independent status in 1949. For many years the
Synagogue acted as the secretariat of the Stepney and Whitechapel Street Traders’ Association,
bringing together all the market traders from both Petticoat Lane and Whitechapel Markets.
Sandys Row Synagogue is committed to opening its doors, and sharing its stories and its
unique, rich heritage with all sections of the community. Many groups arrange private visits.
These include school groups and guided walking tours. In recent years we have hosted live
music, community and heritage events. In addition we participate in Jewish Heritage Open
Days and Open House London. We also have recently hosted talks, concerts, film shows, book
launches and film shows.
The Synagogue holds a wealth of artefacts, many of which originate from its early beginnings. Thanks to recent donations and support, some of them, including a framed paper plaque
commemorating the 50 founding families, have been preserved for future generations.
Although very few Jews now live in the East End of London, Sandys Row Synagogue
continues in its primary function as an Orthodox Synagogue. A daily mincha service and shiur,
started about 25 years ago by HGSS member David Parlons, attracts on average more than 40
people per day and around 100 people on fast days. In 2004, David, with Reverend Malcolm
Gingold, organised a very successful celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the Synagogue
which was attended by the then Chief Rabbi, now Lord Sacks. In addition there is a fortnightly
Shabbat service and Kiddush with a growing and diverse congregation. We are fast becoming
a popular venue for couples who want a traditional wedding ceremony and, in fact, have
celebrated seven weddings at the shul in the past three years.
In 2009 we were given a grant of £300,000 to restore the original Huguenot roof, ceiling and
windows that were about to fall down on our heads. However, we have an ageing membership
and we desperately need funds to help renovate vital parts of the listed building.
Today, our beautiful Synagogue is run entirely by volunteers who strive to keep its heritage
alive. Please come and visit us soon.
To find out more or to arrange a visit please email [email protected] or
telephone 020 7377 6196.
Sandys Row Synagogue, 4 Sandys Row E1 7WH
Mincha services are held on Monday to Thursday between 1.30 – 2.00 pm.
Approximately 30-40 people take part daily.
Our Hidden Histories Exhibition – will be launched at Sandys Row Synagogue on Thursday,
23 October 2014, and will be open for viewing Sundays in November from 12 noon - 3 pm.
The exhibition (sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund) covers the 150 year history of the
synagogue, and includes a guided audio tour.
19
A Visit to Ramsgate
Louise Felder reports
O
n a sunny Sunday in June, a group of 19 people from various local communities, including Norrice Lea,
Hendon and Finchley, joined Blue Badge tour guide, Rachel Kolsky on an enjoyable and informative day
trip, by coach, to Ramsgate to visit the Montefiore Synagogue (a Grade 2 listed building, built in 1833) and
Mausoleum, together with Montefiore’s estate, now a Country Park.
En route, Rachel explained about the background and life of Sir Moses Montefiore, founder of the synagogue,
now used only for special occasions/services.
Moses Montefiore (1784-1885), first of the eight children of Moses Haim Montefiore and Rachel Lumbroso de
Mattos Mocatta, was born in Leghorn, Italy, where his parents were in business. The Montefiore family had lived
in Italy since the sixteenth century – Moses’ grandfather, a merchant, had settled in England in 1758 and laid
the foundations for the future and the social standing that the family would enjoy in England for the next two
centuries. The Mocatta family, also of Italian origin, had settled in Holland and came to England at the invitation
of William of Orange.
In 1810, Moses Montefiore married Judith Cohen (both aged 28). She was the daughter of Levi Barenth Cohen
who was considered to be the wealthiest Jew in England – their marriage linked Ashkenazi with Sephardi and
lasted for over 50 years. Judith’s sister, Hannah, married Nathan Meyer Rothschild (1777-1836). Moses Montefiore’s
firm acted as stockbrokers to N M Rothschild who headed the family’s banking business and, the brothers-in-law
became business partners. Moses Montefiore, retired from business, aged 40, in 1824. A philanthropist, he used his
time and fortune for communal and civic responsibilities. Jewish philanthropy and Israel (then the Holy Land)
were at the centre of his interests. He travelled to the Holy Land seven times, by carriage and ship, sometimes
accompanied by his wife, making his last journey there at the age of 91.
In 1831, Montefiore purchased a 24-acre estate on the popular East Cliff of Ramsgate, and bought a plot of
land a short walk away from his home, where he commissioned his cousin, David Mocatta, to design his own
synagogue, which opened to the public in 1833. A Mausoleum (a replica of Rachel’s Tomb) was built adjacent to
the synagogue, where his wife Judith was buried in 1832 (aged 78) and he was buried alongside of her in 1885
(aged nearly 101). They had no children and his heir was a relative, Joseph Sebag-Montefiore. Next to the shul, he
built a Yeshiva, which ceased operating in the 1960s, to be amalgamated with Jews College.
Montefiore’s estate was sold to the Borough of Ramsgate in 1952 and his
home demolished in 1954. The remaining buildings, which we saw in the
estate, now the King George VI Country Park, included outbuildings with the
Italianate Greenhouse. The Shul was specially opened for our tour group and
the curator told us about its history and well-preserved artefacts.
Moses Montefiore was very involved with Ramsgate, and the town
celebrated his 99th and 100th birthdays, as so many local charities had benefited
from his philanthropy.
The tour group managed to spend lunch time by the sea, only a short drive
from the Shul, before returning to spend time in the country park. A great day
out was enjoyed by everyone.
A Book for your shelf Shared Experiences
Thank you for your business
An evening with Sathnam Sanghera
– the Jewish contribution to the British Economy
by Hilary Halter
by Derek Taylor
T
he vast majority of the Jewish community of the UK has ancestors who were
penniless, foreign and uneducated, who didn’t know the customs and mores of
Britain, and who should have sunk economically without trace.
Derek Taylor’s book (with foreword by George Osbourne) explains why we did not.
A number of other ethnic communities face exactly the same problems today. As “a light
unto the nations” perhaps, we have shown them the way as many are emulating our
success. The Chancellor of the Exchequer agrees.
Derek examines what we did and how we achieved outstanding success in the worlds
of retail shopping, merchant banking and finance and beyond. Limiting his analysis to
merely the economic world (he could have added pre-eminence in medical research, the
law, music, literature, art, philosophy, movie pictures and politics), he identifies over 350
significant businesses founded by Jews and they are an astonishing mixture.
A Jewish company from Belfast (Harland and Wolff) built the Titanic, another built
much of the London Underground system (Sir Edgar Speyer). ICI resulted from the
merger of four great British chemical companies by Sir Alfred Mond. The first portable
gramophone was the Decca Dulcephone, produced by Barnett Samuel & Co. The book is
full of stories like this. For example, how the Jewish banker to the King of Denmark, who
needed a surname when dealing with the court, took the name of the town in which he
was born – Hamburg. However, the registrar spelt it wrong – Hambro.
In the wider public economic realm, we steadied the pound during both Jacobite
invasions, raised a large percentage of the money for the Napoleonic Wars through the
brothers Goldsmid and the Rothschilds and, when Sir David Salomons died in 1873,
The Times recorded: “to his unremitting care and attention to its interests, are greatly due the
development and importance of the body of Joint Stock Banks in London.”
The Jews in Britain have never approached I% of the UK population. They came from
countries where, for centuries, they had been subject to pogroms, massacres, discriminatory
taxation, forced conversion and army conscription and, invariably, expulsion from their
native lands. However, the Jews have a secret weapon – in today’s parlance a ‘USP’ – a
unique selling point. This allowed them to trade in China from North Africa as early as
the tenth century. The laws of Nezikin (part of the 6th century Babylonian Talmud) lay
down all the laws on trading with people. Jews also had Batei Din to settle disputes all
over the Jewish world. No other people could rely on a similar network. A Moroccan
trying to trade with an Indian was hopelessly out of his depth. A Moroccan Jew trying to
trade with an Indian Jew had no such problems.
They turned disadvantage and disability to success. Usually forbidden to be
members of guilds, they couldn’t be part of the normal economic and commercial heart
of their native countries. So they developed new industries – and as this was often a case
of survival, they became very good at it. The first block shipment of tobacco into Europe
was brought in by a Jew.
The result of their precarious hold on earning a living or acquiring property allowed
Jews to develop entrepreneurial (one may think gambling) instincts. If you could be
thrown out of your home tomorrow, or killed in a pogrom, these were risks worth taking.
In the field of economics and commerce alone the list is enormously impressive; Lord
Weinstock of GEC, Jack Cohen of Tesco, Sir Isaac Wolfson of GUS, Sir Charles Clore, Lord
Bernstein of Granada, Sir John Ritblat of British Land, Sir Alexander Korda of London
Films and our own Sir Harry Solomon of Hillsdown Holdings. The current generation
has produced Lord Sugar and Sir Philip Green,: Lloyd Dorfman of Travelex, Sam and
Adam Kaye of Ask Pizzas, the latest Rothschilds and Ray Kelvin of Ted Baker .
Certainly, the trade of the countries who have treated us badly have suffered as a
result. Egypt might have had venture capitalism if they hadn’t thrown out Sir Ronald
Cohen. Germany may regret having thrown out Sir Siegmund Warburg. The British
economy has undoubtedly benefited from the input and drive of Jewish entrepreneurs
and Derek Taylor describes how and why this has occurred. We are fortunate to be living
in a country whose governments don’t do racism.
A
t an event organised by the HGSS Book Circle, seventy people enjoyed
an evening in the company of Sathnam Sanghera, Times journalist and
author, who talked about his latest novel, Marriage Material,, based
on the life experiences of a Punjabi family, living in the Midlands, many of
the characters based on members and friends of his family. It speaks of the
experiences of Asians coming to this country in the 60s and 70s. Why did
they open corner shops? Due to racism, they could not get jobs and they
were determined to get on and establish themselves.
He grew up in Wolverhampton which has the smallest Jewish community
in the country – just 28 people. On going up to Cambridge University, he suddenly discovered that half
his friends were Jewish. This he put down to the fact that Jewish and Punjabi men generally have similar
things on their minds: marriage, overeating, money, a disinclination for physical activity and a feeling of
guilt about all of the above. On meeting Jewish people he was astonished to learn that white people could
experience racism – it had never occurred to him.
There is, he said, very little literature about the Sikhs. They just do not read literature – and there
are many anachronisms within the community. Alcohol is forbidden, yet they have the highest rate of
alcoholism. Men and women are equal, but there are still honour killings. There is no caste system, yet
there is are separate temples for each level – for farmers, potters, carpenters etc, often side by side in the
same street.
While, like the Jews, the Sikhs strive to preserve their culture, there is a high rate of intermarriage –
and marriage is seen as a solution to many problems. If a young person has emotional problems, or is
causing trouble, marriage
is often seen as the panacea
which will cure all.
Mental illness is seen
as something that should
be pushed under the
carpet – Sathnam has
personal experience of
this as his father suffered
serious mental illness. If he
happened to say something
strange, those around him
would change the subject
and carry on talking about
something else. Seeking
medical help was never
considered. There is no
spiritual leadership on
which to call in the Sikh
community. There are no
priests, just elders.
This was an interesting
and thoroughly enjoyable
evening. The mainly female
audience certainly warmed
to Sathnam when he said
that he far prefers the
company of women. “They
are far more interesting,” he
says. “Men only want to talk
about cars and money.”
20
Avenue wishes the community a happy and healthy New Year
Inclusive packages available
from £99.00 per person
Terms & Conditions apply
Outside Caterers welcome
The perfect venue
for your
special day
Avenue
58 Regents Park Road
London N3 3JN
020 8371 6050/6052
[email protected]
Our Meeting and Venue Rooms: capacity from 20 to 400 people www.avenue.uk.com
Golders Green
London

NL Sept 2014 - Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

Transcription

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