NL June 2013 - Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

Transcription

the norrice leader june/july 2013
1
JUNE/JULY 2013
ALL THE NEWS FROM HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB SYNAGOGUE
Lag b’Omer
at
Chessington
O
n Lag b’Omer, the older children from
the ALC together with children from
other Chedarim went on a fun filled Tribe
outing to Chessington. They were able to
enjoy the attractions with their friends and take part
in the educational activities in the ‘Tribe Zone’. The
younger ALC pupils enjoyed a bouncy castle, toasted
marshmallows, shot bows and arrows and took part in
some exciting Lag b’Omer craft activities.
Inset: The children loved going on the roller coaster
with their Head teacher!
A Weekend
to Remember
The April Youth Shabbaton
recalled by the Greenberg Family
T
he HGSS Shabbaton, for families with children in Years 7 to 13, came at
a perfect time for us and was a very special 36 hours. We left fulfilled,
spiritually charged, educated and still singing Shabbat Zemirot on the
journey home. The weekend was organised with such attention to detail
and led by the dedicated HGSS team – the Kaplans and the Levenes. We were all
made to feel like an extended family. Each person was included in all the activities
be it at Shul, during learning sessions and discussions or at the Shabbat table.
The Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service was atmospheric and it didn’t take
long to get the ruach going. An energetic group of HGSS teenagers helped to
lead the Shabbat Zemirot under the guidance of Rabbi Levene. Divrei Torah
were delivered intermittently throughout the Shabbat meals - perfect snippets
of information from adults and children each with their own unique angle. The
catering, by Reich, was tiptop and the weather was supreme!
We are beyond grateful to our Rabbis and Rebbetzens for giving us such a
wonderful Shabbat - our community is truly blessed.
The New Team
F
ollowing this year’s Annual General Meeting, the new team, under the
Chairmanship of Simon Johnson (pictured right) is –
Vice Chairman: Neil Levinson
Financial Representative: Jeffrey Davidson
Wardens: Bernard Fromson, Julian Lewis
Board of Management: Victor Amar, Rene Anisfeld, Carolyn Bogush,
Shimon Cohen, Alexandra Davidson, Martin Kaye, Louise Norton, Meyer
Pearlman, Gideon Smith and Jo Summerfield
Co-opted: Jo Johnson (ALC) and Robert Akkerman
Chair of Nashim: Michele Yamin-Joseph
Chair of Security: Danny Green
Chair of Children’s Committee: David Grossman
Chair of Youth Committee: Mark Summerfield
Chair of Chesed: Naomi Taub
We look forward to a happy and successful year under their leadership.
Editor’s Note
W
ith this issue, I complete ten years as editor of The Norrice Leader,
a position which, though not without its moments of angst, has
proved thoroughly rewarding and has put me in touch with many
lovely people whom I might otherwise not have met.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Rabbinic teams
and Honorary Officers, past and present, as well as the editorial board for
putting their trust in me, and for their unfailing support which has allowed
the publication to develop in the way it has – it has been quite an adventure!
In this Issue:
Messages from our Rabbis – Rabbi Kaplan on Torah Study vs Army Service,
Rabbi Levene on the build-up to the 9th of Av, page 3
Yom Hashoah – this year’s deeply moving ceremony, pages 4-5
Memories of Baroness Thatcher – our members respond to our request for stories with
an interesting and entertaining collection of stories and photographs, pages 6-8
Some thoughts on standing down, from Keith Barnett, retiring Chairman, page 9
A Diamond Celebration – Joe and Joy Conway on their 60th wedding anniversary, page 9
A Pensioner Alone and what is means to be part of the HGSS community, page 10
An unforgettable Lag b’Omer in Lvov, page 11
Tracy Lee in the Negev, Israeli & Suburb doctors exchange notes . . . . and much more
2
A PrePesach
Road Show
Mock
Sedarim
at the ALC
Y
ears 3 to 6 enjoyed an exciting
first ever ‘Chocolate Themed’ Interactive Seder, with chocolate spread Charoset, chocolate
milk and chocolate frogs! Our Reception to Year 2 classes had a fun musical Seder with
live entertainment. All the children were able to go through the Seder stages in a fun and
interactive format, and were well prepared to be active participants at their own Sedarim. Rabbi and
Rebbetzen Kaplan acted out the story of Pesach to the delight of the children.
On Monday, 18 March, four
members of our Rabbinic team
toured the area giving fun ideas
and insights into Pesach and the
Seder. There were four locations
– the homes of the Goldberg,
Witkin, Carno and Callman
families.
Dara Rigal describes her
experience
W
ith a great sense of fun, our spiritual
leaders – Rabbi Kaplan and Freda,
Rabbi Levene and Chazan Avromi – presented
the Pesach Road Show. They ran between four
different homes to give inspiration and insight
for the Seder.
The discussion ranged from handmade
masks and games for children to the awakening
of memory through music and aromas from the
past. The role of the family was considered along
with Rabbi Akiva immersing himself in Seder
while his students stood sentry. We are grateful
to our Rabbinic team for an emotional, sensory
and intellectually stimulating evening.
. . . and as for the hosts
T
Farewell, Chief Rabbi,
and Thank You,
says Michael Fishman
Some thoughts on the tenure of Lord Sacks
A
nyone who was present at the sell-out event,
or who has watched the video of the Chief
Rabbi in conversation with Sir David Frost,
knows that he has immaculate timing. So all
the more reason to question how his “farewell to HGSS”
at the Seudah Shlishit on 8 June is going to happen one
week after The Norrice Leader goes to print, thus missing
the opportunity of an early report on what promises be
a great evening.
However, my editor has given me the opportunity to
reflect on the Chief’s tenure these past 22 years. One of
his first appearances as Chief Rabbi was at HGSS, when
At the induction of Rabbi Kaplan
he launched his ‘Decade of Jewish Renewal’. I had the
temerity to ask him “how he was going to achieve his
aim without the powers of an ayatollah?” I think his proud answer, when David Frost asked a
similar question, listing the various Jewish institutions and practices that did not exist before he
took office, says it all.
Be assured, he will remind us once again that we turned him down for the position of HGSS
Rabbi with “good enough to be Chief Rabbi, not good enough for Norrice Lea!”
For me he has been a great ambassador for British Jewry, he is immaculate in everything he
does, whether it be Thought for the Day on the Today programme or speaking at a pro-Israel
rally in Trafalgar Square, His defence of Israel’s actions in the often hostile media has never
wavered and he has earned the nation’s respect.
He is not dissimilar in character to Abba Eban, Israel’s first and most revered Ambassador to
the United Nations. Jonathan Sacks would make a natural successor and serve Israel’s interests
well, in spite of the built-in opposition that exists in the world’s forum.
He has experienced widespread criticism, especially in the area of representing Jews of
different persuasions – a matter which he faced head-on, during the Frost interview – but he has
gone to great pains to remedy the situation – we are one family and which family does not have
their differences?
Let me leave you with my favourite Jonathan Sacks story. He was invited by John Major to
join the new Israeli ambassador at a dinner in Downing Street. His office received a call as to
whether he wanted to arrange a kosher meal and would the Israeli Ambassador want the same
– of course! After much toing and froing, it was decided everyone was going to eat kosher.
During the evening, he was talking to John Major when dinner was called, the PM asked the
Chief Rabbi to say Grace. He was literally at a loss – in true English tradition, there was nothing
on the table with which to say grace. Just then a waiter went by carrying fruit and the Chief
grabbed a grape and made the brocha, thus saving a diplomatic incident.
Afterwards John Major congratulated him on his ingenuity, and the Chief Rabbi, replied
“Prime Minister, when you say grace, it is ‘for what we are about to receive’, when we do it, we
have received it already!”
Farewell, Jonathan and Elaine, we will miss you – you will be a hard act to follow.
hey all agreed that they found the
experience thoroughly enjoyable and
rewarding. They look forward to the next
time.
3
From our Rabbis . . .
More Important
than Torah . . . ?
Torah Study vs Military Service
by Rabbi Kaplan
T
here is no doubting the great importance in Torah study. At the beginning of Pirkei
Avot it is written:
“ Shimon the Righteous was among the last surviving members of the Great Assembly.
He would say: The world exists for three things: the Torah, service of the Temple, and acts
of kindness.”
As with the latter two the mention of Torah is referring to action and not just the
very existence of the Torah in this world. “Torah”, mentioned here, refers to the study of Torah! Observance of the
commandments of the Torah is rewarding in itself. However, we can raise our lives to even greater meaning by
dedicating time to “Talmud Torah”. We should all be doing it; young and old, men and women.
In the State of Israel, the nation faces a crucial question: Should mass exemptions from the Israeli Defence Forces
(IDF) continue for anyone occupied with full time Torah study? Since the creation of the State of Israel, yeshiva students
have been able to postpone their enlistment into the IDF until either age or family responsibilities prevent them from
joining. Gradually, the number of able men receiving what is, in almost every aspect, an exemption has grown from
hundreds to tens of thousands. This situation is viewed by many as undemocratic and unjust. Additionally, many
families are forced to live in poverty, as the men are prohibited from working during their deferment and rely solely
on yeshiva stipends. Over the years, public demand for the forcible drafting of Yeshiva students has increased.
Maimonides wrote in his monumental codex of Jewish law that, in a defensive war, “everyone must go to war,
even the bridegroom from his chamber and a bride from her nuptial canopy”. In the regrettable situation that Israel
has found herself since inception, it has been “all hands on deck”.
What provides us with heavenly support? Is Torah study sufficient? Rabbi Haim David Halevy, the late Sephardi
Rabbi of Tel Aviv, and others have stated that despite the enormous value of Torah scholarship, when it comes to
defending the people of Israel, everyone without exception must join the army.
In Israel, where so many young soldiers have given their lives for the State, there is great resentment. Having
lived most of my life in Israel and served in the IDF, I have often heard Israelis unable to understand how people are
allowed to sit in yeshiva while others risk their lives. Personally, in my experience as Rabbi of Caesarea, I have felt
that it pushes Jews away from Jewish Tradition. They would say to me that if this is the way of the Torah “it is not for
us”. It was particularly frustrating that so many people think that all religious boys use the exemptions. They would
express surprise on hearing just how many religious young men choose to serve and continue their studies later.
There are ways to fulfil both obligations – studying and serving. I had the privilege to study in Yeshivat Hakotel,
Jerusalem, where young men study Torah but also proudly serve in combat units of the IDF. It is one of many ‘Hesder’
yeshivot which offer a five year IDF programme: three and a half years of Torah studies followed by one and half years
of combat training and active service.
These Yeshivot believe in the building of the State of Israel – both spiritually and physically – and their students
have brought honour as both Torah scholars and soldiers. It was there that I learnt to understand the brilliance of our
Sages and also from where I set out with friends to defend Israel in the 1982 war. Mournfully, some of them did not
make it back . . . They need our support and we need their product. We should ensure that these yeshivot are available
for our children – and to provide the right type of rabbi for our communities.
Finally, let me say that we must all promote Torah study! We should be aiming for a deeper understanding and a
broader knowledge of the wisdom of the Torah. No one should feel that they are exempt.
During the year, we offer crash courses in Jewish Practice and Jewish Thought. Next year, we are planning
additional programmes to Familiarise Yourself with Siddur, and Central Bible Stories. We have regular lessons in
Sedra of the Week and Talmud, as well as exciting guest speakers at a light meal on Shabbat afternoon. Take your
pick!
The Torah is compared to an old but fresh spring; old because it preceded Creation itself, fresh because it
replenishes itself anew every generation. Come drink from the well.
As summer
comes
by Rabbi Levene
A
s we approach the summer
holidays, there is an element
of excitement looming in the air.
School exams coming to an
end, summer camps, family
holidays are on the approach,
but in the Jewish Calendar we
are preparing for three very important
weeks.
The time leading up to the 9th of Av is known to us as a
solemn time for the Jewish People. It is a period of mourning
and, in fact, many of the laws here are actually stricter than
with the Omer. We use this time to remember tragedy and
mourn the losses of our nation. Our Temple once stood at the
centre of the world. Although, today, Jewish people do flock
to the Western Wall, what remains there is nothing like what
history shows us. Our faith and practices are rooted in what
happened during Temple times. Miracles, worship and, most
importantly, the unity of a nation.
Today we seem to be so terribly divided. Different sects
and factions, along with tensions between the religious and
secular. The lack of unity that exists now is very much equated
as the reason for the Temple’s destruction in the first place,
yet we can’t seem to learn our lesson. This lack of a central
place, our Headquarters, is impeding our ability to become
one. No longer does our nation unite three times a year in
one place, no longer does the Shechinah, G-d’s presence in
the world, rest in our midst and no longer do we worship
together as one people.
When we don’t love our fellow, when we live life by
looking over our shoulder as to what ‘they have’, when we
make quick and unfounded judgements of others, we increase
the ever growing disunity that exists.
Thank G-d we have the most wonderful community.
Though maybe not without fault, in general, I feel we are
warm and welcoming and it’s such a beautiful place to call
home. There is, however, always more we can do. We at
HGSS can take it upon ourselves to make this world a better
place – to try and do our bit to bring loyalty and unity to
our great nation. By treating each other with respect and
practising acts of ahavat chinum - baseless love – even on a
communal level, we can evoke change. Please G-d, together
we can help the Jewish Nation to fulfil its ultimate destiny
and live life together in peace.
Norrice Lea’s Communal Seder
By Naomi Fisch
A
lthough Pesach was only a month earlier than most
previous years, it was unusually cold outside.
As windswept guests arrived at Norrice Lea’s
Communal Seder on the second night of Pesach,
they all received an incredibly warm welcome in the Max
Weinbaum Hall that night.
Families and friends gathered together and found their
seats at long trestle tables adjoining that of Rabbi and Rebbetzen
Kaplan – members of all ages sitting together in family groups.
The room was buzzing with anticipation for what was in
store. Many attendees, including my family had never been to
a shul communal seder and we were not sure what to expect.
The challenging task of organizing and running a seder for
over 200 people appeared so easy in the capable hands of Rabbi
Dov and Freda Kaplan along with our inspirational youth
rabbi and his wife, Rabbi Marc and Lisa Levene. They must
have done it before!
The seder started in a traditional manner and somehow
each family managed to be served seder plates, matzo, eggs
with salt water, charoset and wine without spillage!
As the evening progressed the seder took a more unusual
turn. Adults and children alike were asked to don head-costumes
distributed by Rebbetzen Kaplan. We all imagined ourselves
as the poor Israelites who were thrown out of Egypt many
thousands of years ago without time for our bread to rise and our
possessions to be gathered. We were creatively led through the
story and songs of the Haggaddah with family members of all
ages reading passages aloud to the audience in the hall.
The seder was cleverly organised to appeal to all ages and
levels of observance. It was not a formal and serious evening
where the Haggadah was read word for word and cover-
to-cover. Instead, along with silent prayer, we read through
selected pages where questions were asked and inspirationally
answered.
The highlight of the evening for many was seeing Rabbi
Kaplan dressed from head-to-toe in a completely gold Pharoah
outfit. He looked so good that he even convinced some of the
smaller children that he was real. In fact he was so convincing
that there were real tears shed at my family’s table – by my
husband’s four year-old nephew.
The flow of the evening was only interrupted for the
delicious meal at the natural point in the reading of the
Haggadah. Wonderful homemade soup made by Rebbetzen
Kaplan was ladled and handed round and this was followed
by a tasty main course and selection of desserts.
As we continued the seder, we sang the longest song of the
evening called “Who knows one?” Everyone joined in and the
rendition was made extremely enjoyable with the use of props
in the form of numbered flags which we all raised around the
room for each verse.
The evening drew to a natural close at the end of the seder.
We thanked our hosts and braced ourselves for the return home
in the bitter cold outside – a far cry from our imaginary lives in
the desert!
4
Alicia Melamed
Adams from
Drohobycz Galicia,
Eastern Poland.
Left: Alicia and
Adam, parents of
Charles Adams, in
Paris in 1949.
Right: Alicia and
Adam, with their son
and grandsons, in
Paris in 2011.
Bertha (Reinmann) Ohayon
Born in Poland, Bertha is the only survivor of
five children.
Following the invasion of Austria, in 1938,
she came over to this country with the
Kindertransport.
Right: Bertha and Solly with their three
children
Edith Schmidt Bodner, mother of Linda Rosenblatt.
Edith was born in Frankfurt in 1928.
Her grandmother died in Auschwitz.
She arrived in London in 1950.
Hadasah (Thaler) Conn, mother of Douglas Conn, was born
Pictured, right, at
the wedding of her
granddaughter,Joanna
Rosenblatt
in Amsterdam. She was one of the Hidden Children of East Holland.
She was married in England in 1960 and is pictured with her immediate family.
Sela (Schlussel) Oster, mother of Frances Martin.
Sela was born in Tarnov, Galicia Poland. Her parents,
brother and his family were all cruelly murdered by the
Nazis. Only Sela survived, going through the Tarnov
Ghetto and the Plashov,
Auschwitz and
Ravensbruck camps.
After liberation, she
married Vivian Oster.
Miriam and Max Sagal, parents of David Sagal.
Miriam was born in Liepzig, East Germany and survived
the camps.
Max
was
born in Cologne, West
Germany and survived
in hiding with the Jewish
French Scouts.
Her descendants live in London, Manchester,
Toronto, New York and Jerusalem.
Mrs Eva Freilich, mother of Chazan Avromi was born
in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, in 1937.
She arrived in Cardiff with
the Kindertransport.
Paula Mandell, mother of Hannah Loftus. Born
in Poland, she was the sole female survivor of her
immediate family. She moved to America.
With her great granddaughter,
Mia Green.
Nachman Herz,
father of Miles Herz,
was born in Berlin and left
Germany the day
after Kristallnacht.
He was married in
Jerusalem in 1957.
Seen here with his grandchildren.
Siggy Reichenstein, father of Shar, came to this country on the
Kindertransport in 1939.
5
Remembering the 6 Million
and the courage of those who resisted
On Monday, 8 April, over 170 people were in the Max Weinbaum Hall for this year’s Yom HaShoah commemoration – our 25th –
and it was probably the most moving that we have witnessed. Greville Janner and the Chief Rabbi have been amongst our guest
speakers. In 2009, Mr Jack Kagan, who lit a candle this evening, spoke to us about his experience with the Bielski brothers’ partisan group.
Simon Riterband,
R
abbi Kaplan made the opening remarks, after which six candles were
lit by survivors, refugees and their children. Chazan Avromi led us in
singing Esah Eynai, after which there were readings from two younger
members of our community, Amy Jacobs and Ellen Johnson.
The centrepiece of the evening was an edited version of the film Resistance,
Untold Stories of Jewish Partisans (prepared by 16-year-old Daniel Ross together
with Larry Weiss). Larry introduced the film by telling the story of his parents. He
said: “There are two people, who meant a great deal to me, who were not alive when
this film was made. Had they been, perhaps they would have been interviewed as well.
They were my parents.
“My mother, Vera Lipschitz/Winter/Weiss grew up in a very affluent, highly
educated family in Lodz. She saw her parents, her two brothers, her then husband and
her three children either die in the Lodz ghetto or sent off to the death camps. She was
sent to Auschwitz. There she was put into a work battalion making ammunition. She
and other women learned how to make
the ammunition backfire. This was her
form of resistance. She told me that
she had nothing to lose. She wanted
revenge. She never thought she would
live to be liberated.
“My father, Isaac Weiss grew up
in a small shtetl near Lvov. He worked
on his father’s farm raising cattle to
bring to market. I guess you could say
he was a Galicianer cowboy. When
the Nazis came they killed his parents,
and six siblings. My father was put
into a quarry work camp from which
he escaped. He fought with a group
Vera (Lipschitz) Winter Weiss and
Isaac Weiss with son, Larry
of Jewish partisans for the remainder
of the War. He told me he had three
objectives:
•
Revenge.
•
To show that Jews can fight,
•
And if he survived the War, to tell the world what the Nazis and their
collaborators did to the Jews.
These are the recurring themes from the people we are about to see. Jews from all
walks of life in pre-War Eastern Europe, Jews who had every expectation of living
normal lives, but instead found themselves fighting against the Nazi death machine.”
The stories contained within the film were amazing – stories of the unbelievable
bestialities of their Nazi captors as well as the courage of the Jewish partisans, men
and women who, having escaped captivity, somehow managed not only to survive
in the forests of Poland and Russia, but established communities with bakeries, shoe
repairing facilities and other means of life support. There were, unbelievably, some
20 to 30 thousand of them and not only did they manage to sabotage the Germans,
they often had to deal with the anti-Semitism of their fellow partisans.
Chazan Avromi then recited Yizkor and Kel Maleh Rachamim, and led all present
in Ani Ma’amin. Rabbi Levene made the Omer blessing and the evening ended with
the Hatikvah.
As we sang Hatikvah, there was a slide show of those of our members – either
survivors or those who came to this country before the war – photos of them as they
were then and then later in life, with their families. Hatikvah (hope) indeed – it is
inspiring to think that every one of them has created new beginnings, from those
who survived have come new generations of our people, people who demonstrate
that the Jewish people are not to be destroyed.
Here, we show the moving stories which featured in the slideshow. We
realise that these are incomplete and there are many more families with
similar experiences. Please send us your pictures and stories – we would
like to feature them in future editions and next year’s service.
Adam and Anna
Stephania, in 1941
Simon with Adam in
1933
father of Stephanie
Hurst, was born in
Lodz, Poland. He had
two siblings, Adam
and Anna Stephania,
neither of whom
survived. He studied
medicine in Rome and Fellow of the Royal College
Zagreb, finally ending
of Obstetricians and
up in Glasgow.
Gynaecologists in 1968
Left: This hand-written note on the back of the
picture above was smuggled out of the camp,
presumably via the Red Cross. It translates as
“To my dear brother, so that you will remember
our faces.”
Right: At the marriage of his daughter
Stephanie to Robert Hurst in 1975
Jack Kagan, father of Jeff Kagan and Debbie Frenkel,
escaped a death camp and joined the Jewish resistance
fighters, The Bielski brothers.
He married Barbara Steinfeld in 1955.
Above left: Identity card for a displaced persons camp
in Germany 1947.
Right: With his
children and
grandchildren,
visiting
Novogrudok in
2012.
Mia (Silberstein)
Lowenstein,
mother of Rachel Levy,
was born in Berlin in 1924.
She came to this country
with the Kindertransport.
Her mother and sister
were the only other
family survivors.
Emil Lowenstein was born in Vienna in 1933
and arrived with the Kindertransport.
Left: Emil with his brother David
6
Encounters with
the Iron Lady
With the passing of Baroness Thatcher, it occurred
to the Editorial Board that, as Member of Parliament
for Finchley, then Prime Minister, she must have had
contact with members of HGSS. How right we were!
Our appeal for stories produced the following:
Strangers on a train
From Leila Wynbourne, Honorary President of WIZO uk
Kerem – a ‘rival’ to state education
T
Above: At 10 Downing Street in 1988
l to r: Leila Wynbourn, President, British WIZO,
Roya Jaglom, President, World WIZO,
Gina Monty, Chairman, British WIZO, Ida Nudel,
Neil Bradman, Chairman, National Council for
Soviet Jewry, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher,
Elena Fridman, Ida’s sister, and Yehuda Avner,
Israeli Ambassador
L
eila met Margaret Thatcher on several
occasions. The first was on a train in the
1960s when Leila was travelling to Leicester to
address the local WIZO group and was using
the time to fine-tune her speech. She looked
up and saw that Mrs Thatcher, who was on
her way to address the Leicester Conservative
Party was also working on her speech, was
sitting nearby. The two got talking, chatting
and comparing notes throughout the journey.
The next occasion was in 1988 when she
escorted Ida Nudel (The Angel of Mercy)
to 10 Downing Street to meet Mrs Thatcher,
Inset: Mrs
Thatcher
visits Wizo in
1990
now
Prime
Minister.
Ida had spent
many years in
refusal
while
she struggled to
emigrate to Israel.
She had spent much of this time in Siberia.
Ida had a warm welcome at number 10 and
Mrs Thatcher chatted with her for some time
about her experiences, showing herself to be
very knowledgeable and understanding.
Leila welcomed Mrs Thatcher at British
WIZO’s Conference in 1990.
When in Israel Mrs Thatcher visited the
Jerusalem Baby Home and The WIZO Day
Care Centre in Sderot which is in her name.
Mrs Thatcher and Human Rights
From Rita Eker, founder member and Co-Chair of The 35’s
(The Women’s Campaign for Soviet Jewry)
W
e had several memorable meetings with
the late Margaret Thatcher.
On her visits to the
former Soviet Union she
intervened on behalf of
many of the Hebrew
Teachers and Refuseniks
who were being persecuted. Together with us, Avital Sharansky had
meetings with prominent people and met
Margaret Thatcher on several occasions after
her husband, Anatoly (now a Minister in
Israel’s government), was imprisoned.
In 1983, Sharansky learned about her
meeting with Mrs Thatcher from his mother
when seven years into his sentence in Perm
35 prison camp. On his release, in 1986, she
was one of the first people that he and Avital
met on their celebratory tour of this country,
organised by the 35’s.
When we were successful in getting
George Samoilovitch released in order to have
cancer treatment in London (he was prominent
in the military and also in the USSR’s space
programme), we had the support of Margaret
Thatcher who personally intervened with
President Gorbachev to have the case cleared
before Gorbachev’s visit to London.
From her early years in Parliament,
Margaret Thatcher demonstrated an active
sympathy, not only for the broader issue of
human rights, but also for individuals trapped
in a barbaric USSR system. From February
1975, when she wrote to the Foreign Office
about 30 Prisoners of Conscience, and on
numerous subsequent occasions throughout
the 1970s and 1980s, she espoused the course
with a genuine concern – Sharansky, Panitsky,
Nudel, the Beguns, Sosner Ovsisher, the
Yussefoviches, Tufeld, Schvartstein, Zelichenok
and Samoilovitch are just a few of the victims
of injustice on whose behalf she made personal
appeals to the Soviet authorities.
Mrs Thatcher was always available to meet
with the 35’s and to listen and support our
cause to obtain the release of Jewish Prisoners
of Conscience.
he above photograph was taken at the dinner celebrating the 25th anniversary of Kerem
School in 1973. On the left is fondly remembered headteacher, Moshe Dover. Speaking
with Mrs Thatcher is Stanley Frankfurt, the School’s founder and Chairman. Also in the
picture: the Mayor and Mayoress of the London Borough of Barnet, Councillor and Mrs F
Gibson.
Mrs Thatcher, Secretary of State for Education at the time, toured the classrooms before
dinner. In her speech she paid tribute to the charitable work of the Hampstead Garden Suburb
Jewish community which, she said, saved the ratepayers a substantial amount of money.
According to the Jewish Chronicle report, she said she had visited Jewish day schools
ranging from Carmel College to Lubavitch. “It is extremely good for the State to have a rival
system – it is a great safeguard against a monopoly in education!”
These schools had served their country well, said Mrs Thatcher, and in addition brought
to the immediate purposes of education the wider and deeper purpose of the religious
community. “I hope this great partnership will long continue,” she added.
They also set an example for the State at a time when most of the debate was about higher
education, by emphasising the importance of early training, and the value of the family.”
Albert Rosenberg, who was present at the dinner, recalls that, when called upon to give an
address, she said, “I hope that my address will soon be 10 Downing Street.”
It all started in the Max Weinbaum Hall
says Michael Fishman
I
n 1959, Margaret Thatcher began her political career in our constituency, then Finchley, by
holding a rally in the Max Weinbaum Hall. I was a naïve, recently married member of the Shul
and that was my first and only political rally. I vividly remember her entrance, her speech and
her grand departure in double quick time, accompanied by her newly acquired cohorts and
sycophants hanging on to her coat tails like grim death. It was obvious that this Lady was going
places. The first was Westminster when she was duly elected Member of Parliament and she
was on her way to a sensational stratospheric career – and all those present seemed to sense it!
It was a well-known fact that she admired Jewish people, had many in her cabinet and as
personal advisers and, dare we suggest, we played our part on that special day in the Max
Weinbaum Hall’s history.
The second occasion was at the Annual JFS Dinner, in 1975, when she had been elected as
Leader of the Conservative Party. The headmaster at the time was the legendary Dr Edward
Conway. By this time Margaret had presence and poise and was beginning to look the part of
the Meryl Streep look-alike.
JFS was a purpose-built comprehensive school, as opposed to the stuck-together
comprehensives of the era, and was offered to the rest of the country as the criterion of what a
comprehensive was about. Needless to say, much had to do with Conway himself.
I cannot remember her speech but I do remember part of his. He referred to the age-old
moan about school dinners. He said that many parents thought they were poor quality and
demanded a far better standard. He said he had responded by calling in the top Jewish caterers
of the time, Schaverein and Fay Schneider, to name but two. They had openly said that, for the
sum of 1 shilling and 5 pence per meal, they could do no better, in fact they congratulated him
on what had been achieved by his catering staff. He concluded by saying that the children
were no doubt well fed – if not over-fed at home so, whilst at school, “let the little angels
learn to rough it” – game, set and match!
PS – I managed to get her autograph, which, although fading, I treasure to this day.
With Dayan Lew and Sir Jack Cohen of Tesco’s on the
occasion of the Kinloss jubilee celebrations in 1976.
When Mrs Thatcher was
elected to the leadership
of the Conservative Party,
Michael and his business
partner, Barry Sherrard,
sent her the following
message:
“Barry Sherrard and Michael
Fishman, the Directors of
Feminella Ltd, would like to
congratulate Mrs Margaret
Thatcher on her election to the
leadership of the Conservative
Party and ‘hopefully’ look
forward to the day that they
too can display the insignia
“By appointment to the first
lady Prime Minister”.
7
The relationship between Chief Rabbi, HaRav Marcus King – a loyal friend
Lord Jakobovits and Prime Minister Thatcher Marcus’s son, Neville, writes from Israel:
missed by very many people everywhere.
– some memories
By Shimon Cohen
Private Secretary to Chief Rabbi Lord
Jakobovits, 1983 to 1990
W
ith the passing of Baroness Thatcher, there
have been tributes from all over the world,
all recalling the immense contribution made
by Britain’s greatest peacetime Prime Minister.
Even political foes have remarked that they
too recognise the incredible leadership that she
brought as a true conviction politician.
When I joined the office of Chief Rabbi Jakobovits, Mrs Thatcher loomed large. Chief Rabbi
Jakobovits first met the MP for Finchley in the 70s but it was her elevation to Education Minister
in the Heath government that brought them close. He remarked to her once that, with her
responsibility for the education of our children, she was truly Secretary for Defence, a comment
that she was proud to repeat time and again.
On Immanuel Jakobovits’ elevation to the peerage in 1988, much was written of the special
bond between the Chief Rabbi and the Prime Minister. The media had determined their closeness
and a combination of Lord Jakobovits’ discretion and his irritation at the tittle-tattle of the press,
prevented any meaningful public discussion. Upon his passing in 1999, Amelie became the
protector of that relationship and her friendship with the, then former, Prime Minister again
prevented much public discussion. So now, as the fourth player in that period of history, it is left
to me to relate the reality of that relationship.
They were not friends in the usual sense. They did not take dinner together, nor did they go
to the theatre or the movies, nor was he a Conservative as some media commentators would
have you believe. Their relationship was born and flourished as two conviction-driven leaders
whose sense of public service was paramount. He enjoyed the common sense of her politics and
her belief in herself, and she enjoyed his.
When, in 1985, the Archbishop of Canterbury published his Faith in the City report, Lord
Jakobovits published, with Archbishop Runcie’s approval, his response, From Doom to Hope. His
thesis was based on self-help and community strength. When Robert Hughes MP tabled an Early
Day Motion praising the Chief Rabbi, some 350, mainly Conservative, MPs signed up. It was the
Prime Minister’s reaction to that which propelled the media to see them as political soul mates.
But Lord Jakobovits saw above the party politics, for which he had little time, and forged an
intellectual bond with the Prime Minister that saw her seek his opinions on a myriad of subjects,
from nuclear disarmament to Northern Ireland. When the Prime Minister recommended to the
Queen that the Chief Rabbi be ennobled, it was left to me to explain to Lord Strathclyde that he
would sit as a cross-bencher and that the Government could not always rely on his support. He
spoke against the Government on the settling of refugees and on health service reforms yet, in
spite of that, the bond between the Prime Minister and Chief Rabbi continued to flourish.
When, in the late 1980s, Shechita came under attack, Dayan Berger and I went to see the
Agriculture Minister John Gummer. Mr Gummer wanted to help us but was under a great deal of
pressure from animal welfare groups. We were not making much headway and it was Mr Gummer
who suggested that the matter could only really be resolved if the Chief Rabbi approached the
Prime Minister. Lord Jakobovits, reluctant as ever to circumvent the process, was hesitant, but
so serious was the situation that he too recognised that his relationship was the only card left to
play. It was at a private meeting in the Prime Minister’s flat above Number 10 that the deal that
ultimately secured Shechita then, was hatched, and the Prime Minister’s clear statement of support
has been something that we have successfully won from every Prime Minister since.
She was in awe of Lord Jakobovits’ passion for Jewish education and Jewish schools, and
her presence at the fundraiser for his Jewish Educational Development Trust in honour of his
retirement, was a testimony to their friendship.
When Lord Jakobovits died and the British Friends of Bar Ilan built a medical ethics centre
in his memory, as well conferring a doctorate on Amelie, Lady Thatcher and Sir Denis were the
guests of honour. My wife and I had the honour to escort the Thatchers. “You must have had the
best job in the world. He was my friend. I relied on him and miss him so”, she said to me.
After Sir Denis’ passing, Amelie did what she did best. She made sad people smile and the
regular lunches at Chester Terrace became more frequent. Two great women had lost two great
men and each showed friendship and support for each other.
Lord Jakobovits taught Lady Thatcher why Jewish education is the security of our people.
He taught her why the bond between Jews of the Diaspora and the State of Israel is so vital to
our future and he nurtured a relationship that brought pride and benefit to our community.
Margaret Thatcher the Mother
Julian Pollard remembers
I
n 1971, Margaret Thatcher had been appointed
Minister of Education by Edward Heath. She
recommended the saving of government cash
by restricting or removing free school milk in
primary schools and rapidly became known as
“Margaret Thatcher – Milk Snatcher”. Worse
was to come and very soon, she also alienated
university students. A series of demonstrations
and marches were organised in Central London
and, invariably, these began from the Senate
Building of the University of London, or my
own college, UCL, itself in Gower Street.
Her daughter, Carol, had enrolled as a
law student at UCL in 1971 and we studied
together for three years, often attending the
same seminars and lectures. Carol was shy
by nature and was placed in an unenviable
position by the militancy of fellow students
who implored her to join the demonstrations
against her mother. She declined of course and
generally kept a low profile.
Some years later, Mrs Thatcher had become
leader of the Tory party and was pressing
the flesh of the party faithful (or at least
potential supporters) at a private reception
in Hampstead to which I was invited. She
dominated the room and, as she circulated,
I noted that she was listening to several
conversations at once. Speaking to one group,
she overheard a couple engaged in some
discussion about government statistics. “Oh
no, you are quite wrong”, she interjected and
proceeded to correct the hapless bystanders
with facts and figures.
Later we were introduced and I mentioned
that Carol had been a fellow student at
university. “Yes, you were all perfectly beastly to
her”, was the curt response and she moved on.
Carol shed her inhibitions and went on
to become an author (biographer of both her
parents) and winner of the TV programme I’m
a Celebrity – get me out of here.
M
y father, Marcus King, was an active
member of the Conservative Party from
about 1955, both at a national and local level,
serving as a Conservative Councillor for the
Bishop’s Ward on Finchley Borough Council.
My parents knew Mrs Thatcher very
well from the early 50s and my father was
instrumental, and mainly responsible, for
her being nominated as the Conservative
candidate for Finchley. My father was also an
active member of the Dartford Conservative
Association which is where he met Mrs
Thatcher who had been the unsuccessful
Conservative candidate in a predominantly
Labour constituency.
I clearly remember weeks of night-time
telephone calls from people trying their
hardest to dissuade my father from putting
forward her nomination as candidate. Our
house, 20 Norrice Lea, was not only her
election committee rooms, but also a place
where she could meet people.
When my father died, we received the
following, letter from her. Although, as Prime
Minister, she must have had very little spare
time, the letter was handwritten:
For you, there will alas always be a gap in
your heart that can never be filled. But I hope too
that a lifetime of happy memories of a wonderful
life together and a lovely family will sustain you
through the difficult times ahead.
Denis and I send all our sympathies and
warmest regards. We shall be thinking of you. We
were proud to have Marcus as a friend.
Yours ever,
Margaret
Rabbi Jackson read this at the memorial
service which was held for my father in Shul
shortly after he died.
Mrs Thatcher’s (as I still call her) funeral
was the day after Yom Ha’Atzmaut. That
evening, I flew to London to be present. Unlike
my friend Vivian Wineman, I was not inside St
Paul’s – although I did meet him outside! See
below). I returned to Israel 36 hours later.
10 Downing Street, 10th May 1989
My dear Syd,
I heard late last week of your tragic news, that
Marcus is no longer with us. It seemed almost
impossible to believe, for he has always been so
active, so interested and so loyal. He gave of his
time and energies to his faith, his family and every
cause in which he believed.
Your grief will be deep indeed. You were
constantly together and totally devoted to one
another. Denis and I too feel the loss because
Marcus had been part of our lives ever since I came
into Parliamentary politics. Marcus will be sadly
She was clearly a great friend to Israel
says Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies
I
t was an honour to attend Margaret Thatcher’s funeral – a state
occasion in all but name. There is no denying the huge impact
she made, not only on British politics but on the world scene, both
economically and geopolitically.
Moreover, she was clearly a great friend to Israel and to the
Jewish people. I do not recall hearing about her work with
Kindertransport until after her death, but it speaks volumes for her
decency and compassion as well as for her initiative and enterprise
at a very young age.
It was fitting, therefore, that as I was queuing on the steps of St
Paul’s I was greeted by Neville King, my former madrich in Bnei
Akiva, now living in a kibbutz in Israel only a few kilometres from Sderot. He
had made the journey from Israel just for the funeral – not to be one of the invited guests,
simply to be part of the crowd of well-wishers, paying their respects, who lined the route on
her final journey. His father had worked in the local Conservative Party and had therefore had
dealings with her a long time ago. (see above).
The event itself was hugely impressive. It has to be admitted that here in this country we do
these events rather well. First, there was the setting: St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most glorious
edifices in this country and unquestionably the greatest masterpiece of English Baroque. As for
the service itself, meticulously planned by her in advance. This was also inspiring.
As another guest, Natan Sharansky noted, it all seemed quite Jewish, the verses from Job,
the recitation of Psalms and the moving sentiments about the transience of life. It was much
more a service with the emphasis on eternal themes than a eulogy about someone who, it has
to be admitted, was one of the most influential politicians of our times.
Sharansky had also flown over just for the funeral. Whilst the world saw that he owed his
liberty to the United States, he thought that Thatcher’s role was at least as effective.
Controversial she undoubtedly was, but there is no denying not only her impact on her
times, but also her courage and determination in defending decent values and her sympathy
for persecuted victims generally, and for Jews in particular.
8
She was of a different mettle
Alan Cohen writes
A
I
n a sense, Gwen and I actually came to know Margaret Thatcher because
we were far apart in the political forum. In October 1959, she stood, for the
first time, in Finchley to defend the parliamentary seat held previously for
the Conservative Party, by Captain Crowder, an MP famous for the rarity of
occasions on which he spoke.
I was, at that time, a Finchley Borough Liberal Councillor and,
some three years later, my party took control and elected me their leader.
Margaret Thatcher soon proved to be of very different mettle to her
predecessor and took an active interest in Finchley’s well-being and, in this context, we met
informally quite frequently.
She took great interest in the Jewish community and one our informal discussions took place
unexpectedly. In the early summer of 1964, Gwen and I were in Israel and stayed for a few days at
the Queen of Sheba Hotel in Eilat. In those days, Eilat was quite small and there were few, if any,
other major tourist hotels. We strolled out towards the swimming pool and noticed that there was
only a single bather in it. The swimmer came towards us and, holding on to a rail at the edge of the
pool, and called out to me. It was Margaret Thatcher. We then had quite a chat, she still in the pool!
Some twenty or so years later, Margaret Thatcher, now Prime Minister, was visiting Glasgow.
At a press dinner, Gwen’s father, Alec Frutin, was seated beside her. Making polite conversation,
he asked her if she had come across his daughter Gwen who lived in her constituency in London.
She instantly replied, “You mean Gwen and Alan Cohen – they have three sons, I believe, Colin,
Ian and Malcolm”. To have remembered this in such detail showed an extraordinary memory.
She went on to add, “Alan is a very good fellow, but it is such a shame he has the wrong politics!”
But, politics apart, at times she related closely to us. When she heard we were going to
Australia where, at the time, her daughter, Carol, was living, she asked us to take certain items
to her, as well to pass on messages of a very personal nature.
The Prime Minister and a pair of gloves
Stephen Kirsch recalls:
On hand
The policeman who failed to stop his Alsatian chewing
a pair of Mrs Thatcher’s white gloves while she was at
Heathrow last month can stop worrying. The Prime
Minister has already been sent a replacement pair,
completely free, from the Worshipful Company of Glovers.
The Company, of which she is a member, pointed
out that they would have presented her with a new
pair anyway had she been able to attend their annual
banquet this year, but unfortunately it had clashed
with the Party Conferences. But as the Prime Minister
had missed out earlier, their letter added, they were
particularly glad to be able to rectify the omission.
T
he above appeared in the London Day by Day
Janet Kirsch with Lady Thatcher at a local
column of The Daily Telegraph on 1 November
Conservative Association function
1985. The then President of the Worshipful
Company of Glovers, Stephen Kirsch, received
the following letter:
Dear Mr Kirsch,
Thank you very much for your letter of 15 October with which you enclosed a pair of gloves to mark the
Annual Banquet of the Worshipful Company of Glovers. I was of course delighted to receive the gloves not
only in their own right but also as a reminder of my link with the Worshipful Company. You may however
be assured that the police dog to which you refer did not do any lasting damage to the pair of gloves in the
newspaper photographs.
Once again, thank you for your good wishes and please pass on my appreciation to the members of the
Worshipful Company of Glovers.
Yours sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher
Handing out
the prizes
at a Finchley Conservative
Association function in 1991. Flo
Kaufmann was the lucky winner of
the bottle of Champaigne which she
gave back to them.
happy memories
for Jon Barnett
T
he occasion was a constituency meeting
in 1983. We were discussing the health
service.
The disconcerting thing was the
intense way that she listened – without
interrupting – when you were speaking.
Afterwards she commented “Now
there’s a doctor who knows what he’s
talking about. . . !”
It was very nice meeting her. Both
she and Denis went round greeting and
thanking all the workers and we had very
happy memories of her.
Mrs Thatcher and the beautiful game
W
alter Hubert was born in Germany
and came to this country with his
parents. They travelled, via Holland,
on a significant day – 3 September 1939.
After a spell in internment on the Isle of
Man, they settled in Blackburn where
Walter became a fan of Blackburn
Rovers Football Club and joined the
Board in 1965. They made him finance
director and, realising that the club was
in dire straits financially, he created a
rights issue and gained a controlling
share, becoming chairman in 1970.
It so happened that Margaret Thatcher, then Minister of Education, who had no interest in
football whatsoever, met the chairman of Burnley Football Club who invited her to pay them
a visit. This she agreed to do. Now the animosity between the Burnley and Blackburn clubs
is legendary – it makes that between Spurs and Arsenal look like a minor spat. Obviously not
aware of this, when Mrs T’s PA phoned to arrange the visit, she phoned Blackburn by mistake.
They were delighted to invite her.
She duly arrived in Blackburn and, in the morning, visited the school attended by Walter’s
daughter Sarah (Fromson). In the afternoon, she came to club where all the players’ wives had
been invited and a training session was in progress.
Walter remarked to his fellow board members, “If the Tories get in, at the next election, she
will be Prime Minister. Why not make her an Honorary Vice President?” This suggestion was
met with cries of “Rubbish!” However, Walter asked her and she enquired what this would
entail. He told her that there would not be anything
much for her to do. Her name would appear on all
the club’s printed matter and they would keep her
informed as to their progress.
“Jolly good idea”, she said.
During her first official visit to Israel, as Prime
Minister, in 1987, Walter was present at an official
reception at the King David Hotel. She said, “How
nice to see you Mr Hubert. The club is going awfully
well, isn’t it? What are you doing here?” “I live here
now”, he replied. “Do you come over to the UK and
visit the club?” she asked. “Yes,” he replied, “but only
for weekday matches now.” She gave him a long, hard
look while taking a large gulp from her glass of Scotch.
When, in 1995, Bar Ilan University conferred on her
an
honorary doctorate, Walter, an Honorary Fellow,
With Blackburn Rovers captain
assisted
with the robing. He is pictured with her at the
Jim Smith
ceremony (see above) which took place at The Guildhall.
A memorable event
Graham Hirschfield
A
s Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher founded
and served as President of the Conservative
Friends of Israel’s North London Council in the 1980’s.
Many of its members lived in the Suburb.
As the Council’s then Chairman, in 1986, Graham,
pictured here with Mrs Thatcher and his wife, Michelle,
recalls one particularly memorable event in Finchley
where Mrs Thatcher was the Guest of Honour.
It had been a week of huge crisis with Libya – so much
so that she had cancelled a meeting with the Queen during
that week. We did not expect her to turn up, but she did,
on time and not showing any sign of stress or strain. She
stayed for about two hours and made a moving speech in
which she recognised Israel as a democratic, shining light
in an otherwise troubled Middle East.
I found Mrs Thatcher to be a remarkable person who
was sincere in her friendship for the Jewish community
and in her support of Israel.
9
Diamond celebrations Some thoughts on
for the Conways
standing down
Interview by Hilary Halter
Early Days
I
n February 2013, Joe and Joy Conway
celebrated their Diamond Wedding
Anniversary. They married on 3 February
1953, immediately moved into the house
in Middleway, where they still live, and joined
HGSS at a time when the Shul was being
redeveloped to incorporate a ladies’ gallery.
Services, Joy recalls, were being held on the
site of the present Max Weinbaum Hall and
the women sat at the back.
There were not many young couples in
the community at that time, but the Honorary
Officers and older members were very
Joy and Joe with their latest
welcoming and Joe and Joy have fond memories
great-grandchild
of them. In the 50s, Shabbat afternoon teas,
rather than lunches, were very popular and
they were often invited to such events – the Landys , the Fishmans, the Seftons, the Rabinowiczs, the
Frankfurts and the Fulders come to mind.
Joy was invited to join the Ladies’ Guild and remembers the ladies sitting round in the foyer of
the Shul, sewing – as far as she can remember they were making nightdresses for ladies in hospital.
This did not last long because her eldest child was soon born and this was not really a suitable
environment for a young baby!
Communal involvement and Joy discovers a woman’s place
Their family grew and, in time, three of her children joined the Cheder which, at that time, meant
attendance three times a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays, straight from school, as well as Sunday
mornings – and Joy joined a group of mothers who prepared buns and drinks for them. This
became the Cheder PTA of which she eventually became chairman.
The Headmaster (Mr Tony Brown) thought it would be a good idea for the chairman of the
PTA to be co-opted on to the Shul Education Committee. Having worked at the Jewish Marriage
Council on an equal basis with orthodox men, Joy was surprised at the reaction of the gentlemen
of the Education Committee. She found the experience both intimidating and infuriating –
intimidating because the men, mainly in the older age range, made little secret of their resentment
at her presence, infuriating because, as a young mother, and the only one present whose children
were actually being educated at the Cheder, her views did not appear to count.
Later, on rejoining the Ladies’ Guild, she became one of their two observers at meetings of the
Shul Board of Management. Once again, this involved a certain amount of frustration, as women
were expected to confine their opinions to such ground-breaking issues as kiddushim and Succah
preparations. As Joy says, “I felt I was becoming a token woman in a man’s world”.
Joy has been deeply involved in communal work over the years – the Jewish Marriage Council,
Emunah (Miriam Moses Society), Association of Jewish Women’s Organisations (AJWO) and the
United Synagogue Mikveh Committee. Joy had been invited by Lady Jakobovits
to chair this group
and, as a result, was invited to join the Executive of the Association of United Synagogue Ladies’
Guilds (now the Association of US Women).
For many years the United Synagogue administered the Visitation Committee which supervised
and arranged hospital visiting, Prison Chaplaincy and the Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service
across the spectrum of the Jewish community. Joy was invited to join this committee and eventually
became the first woman Chair. She recalls that at the election meeting, a US Vice President attended
and insisted that a woman could not be Chairman and that he would be informing the Chief Rabbi.
Two days later, she received a congratulatory letter from the Chief Rabbi!
The Visitation Committee was a cross-communal group and Joy felt privileged to act as Chair.
She says that her interaction with fellow Jews across the wider community was most refreshing and
valuable. She also represented Norrice Lea on the Board of Deputies for several years and served on
the executive group of Limmud.
Soon after his induction as Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks set up an inquiry into the role of women in
the community. He invited Joy to head the section on Synagogue and Religious Affairs. She says
that this was a most interesting two years – visiting many communities up and down the country
and meeting with hundreds of women.
Joe, a well-known eye surgeon, (Consultant at The Royal Free Hospital) served on the Board of
Management and was Chatan Torah in 1973. Owing to the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, the
planned celebrations were cancelled and were replaced by a simple afternoon tea on Yom Tov. Joy
remembers that the ladies were asked to knit balaclava helmets to send to Israel!
The family grows up
As for their children, Aviva, elder daughter, attended Henrietta Barnett School then decided that
she wanted to attend seminary in Gateshead. She graduated as a Jewish Studies teacher and later
became an accomplished designer florist.
Jeremy, who attended Menorah Primary School followed by University College School, always
wanted to be a rabbi and transferred to Hasmonean for the Sixth Form. He attended yeshiva
in Gateshead, then Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, followed by Kollel in Amsterdam. On his return to
London, he became Student Chaplain in London. Two years later, he was appointed Rabbi of the Bet
Hamedresh Hagadol Synagogue in Leeds. Two years later he was headhunted for the position of
Director of the Kashrus Division of the United Synagogue – a position he has now held for 26 years.
Benjy, who attended Kerem School, then Hasmonean, works in property management. He is
very active communally and, until recently, served as Chair of Governors of Hasmonean.
The youngest, Sarah, who also attended Kerem and Henrietta Barnett Schools, teaches at the
Beis Yaacov School. She has four children, three of whom live in Israel.
Joe and Joy now attend the Central Square Minyan on Shabbat – which is much nearer to their
home. Joe has become a popular and well-respected member there.
We trust that Joy and Joe will celebrate many more anniversaries and enjoy many more happy,
healthy years among us in the Suburb.
At this year’s election, Keith Barnett stood
down as Chairman of HGSS after three
years in office. Hilary Halter interviewed him
as he hands over the reins to his successor.
What were your feelings on standing down
as Chairman?
Mixed, to be honest. I had always envisaged that I would serve
a three year term and that was the time period that I set myself
both for the purpose of overseeing the selection process for the
new Rabbi and the formation of the rabbinical team, as well as the necessary settling down
period post appointment. Many aspects of the role have been enjoyable and to see the
community develop and grow has always been something I have wanted to be involved
with. Nevertheless, I am very happy to be able to hand over to a very energised and
competent team and to return to earning a living!
What do you see as the greatest achievement of your Chairmanship?
I don’t really see it in those terms. I was a Chairman, not a President. My role was to try
and get the best out of everybody and to achieve consensus on issues which affected us all.
I was very proud to work with a great team of HO’s as well as a young and energetic Board
of Management. I have always seen the engagement of the next generation as absolutely
key to what we do. I realise that this is controversial in some quarters, but the engagement
of families must be at the centre of all that we do.
I think, therefore, that the main achievement of this period in office has been, without
doubt, the appointment of new rabbis in both Rabbi Kaplan and Rabbi Levene and the
ensuing energy and extensive programmes that have come from those appointments. I
consider it a great achievement of the whole Shul management team that the Shul is buzzing
with activity, Friday night services are memorable, weekends away are being enjoyed, and
home hospitality is taking place on a regular basis. These are all very good things and, from
my many conversations with the United Synagogue and the Chairmen of other synagogues,
members may be surprised at how envious others are of our achievements.
Are there any things which you wish had happened during your
Chairmanship?
Yes, without a doubt. Simply, we involve too few of our members in our weekly activities.
We have to understand that not everybody is a Shul-goer and therefore we need to make
more effort to bring those people in to our various activities. When 900 people turned up to
meet Gilad Shalit and his unit, the vast majority of those were Shul members. We see very
few of those people in the building on a regular basis and we need to engage more with the
wider membership than we do at the moment.
We also do need to accept that a large proportion of our community are in the older
age category whose children have now left home. Many of those members have told me
that they feel marginalised within the synagogue. Whilst I still maintain that retaining and
attracting young families is the correct focus, we do also need to convince people that the
community needs to be seen as embracing people of all generations.
What are your hopes for the future of the Community?
The Community has a very bright future indeed. Membership has been stable now for
some time, whereas overall US membership has declined. We have a very energised and
competent leadership team in which the community should have every confidence, and
we have two very talented rabbis with excellent support in place to help them maximise
their potential. We also have an ongoing membership whose capacity to help and support
others when they are needed, and whose support for those who run the Shul is really quite
remarkable. I have been so grateful for so many kindnesses from members during my
period in office.
Finally, do you have any advice for your Successor?
Don’t take criticism personally, and don’t be fooled into thinking that successes are your
own.
A new face in
the office
A
warm welcome to Gayle Kravitz, who
has taken up the post of Community
Events Coordinator. Gayle grew up in Prestwich,
Manchester, but has lived in Mill Hill for the last
15 years. She graduated in Business Management at
Leeds Metropolitan University, since when she has
worked in marketing and events.
She looks forward to working with our rabbinic team and has accepted
our invitation to join the editorial board of The Norrice Leader. We trust
that she will enjoy being part of the HGSS team.
10
A Pensioner Alone?
That’s not how it turned out
What it means to be a member of HGSS
J
acob Sachs, a member of HGSS for very many years, What had they brought from their youth to the Suburb? Jacob
died, at the age of 90, in March 2013. He was a private told them about coming from Nazi Germany and establishing
person, a refugee from Nazi Germany who had himself in England. The visit went particularly well and the
never married, nor had any children. He attended children were fascinated by his story. His reaction . . . ? “It
Shul but resisted overtures of friendship and attempts by
neighbours to find out whether he needed help.
Gradually, things began to change when the Nefesh
Network established the first tentative contact. He started
to accept a few invitations for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals.
His health, however, was beginning to decline and, last
year, a Shul member who lived nearby, found him, fallen
in the street and unable to get up on his own. She helped
him into his house and alerted Nefesh Network. The
outcome of this was that she became a volunteer herself.
Jacob began to allow regular visits from the volunteer and
others, some of whom were neighbours. He developed
close relationships with them and they held his key for
emergencies. Rabbi Kaplan and Rebbetzen Freda were
also regular visitors, building upon a relationship which
began with an invitation to their Seder. Eventually, as
he became increasingly frail and was unable to cook for
himself, he accepted offers of homemade soup and other
Here is Jacob Sachs with the children of Kerem when they visited him on
strictly vegetarian meals.
Mitzvah
Day. Miss Wolinsky brought it to the Memorial Service and those
As Mitzvah Day approached, Kerem teacher, Miss
present
were
very moved by it. The children all enjoyed the stories that Mr
Wolinsky contacted Nefesh Network, asking for suggested
Sachs
shared
with them and were sad when he passed away as they were
names of older people who might enjoy giving school
hoping
to
have
another opportunity to hear more. In order, they are: Noah
children the opportunity to hear about their lives and
Menashe, Yossi Hurst, Amber Lovat, Ethan Stock and Aminoam Kaplan.
experiences. Nefesh Network approached Jacob hesitantly
– he was someone who was not used to children and
they wondered how he would respond to the idea. They were wasn’t long enough. I wanted to talk with them for longer.” A
delighted when, along with others, he agreed to participate. In bond developed between Jacob and the children. They sent him
advance of the visit, the children prepared questions: What had a card on his birthday and, on Purim, they arrived at his front
it been like to live in the Suburb? What was it like to grow old? door in fancy dress with Mischloach Manot. The children’s
Norrice Lea Nefesh Network
Our volunteers are available, on a totally confidential basis, to help members in a number
of areas, including arranging invitations for Shabbat/Yom Tov meals, transport for hospital
visits, assistance with shopping, small DIY jobs, to talk to you about your particular
concerns or for someone to come and spend a little time with you in your own home.
8455 0040 email us on nefeshnetwork@hgss.org.uk
The line is now manned on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
At other times, we aim to respond within a working day
parents wanted to organise more visits. However, Mr Sachs was
the sort of person who, if he had any visitors of any age, would
want to offer hospitality – and to carry this out properly. At this
point, he felt too frail to do so and, therefore declined, hoping
that he would be able to host again when he felt stronger.
As he had no close family members, there was no shiva
when he died but, it was decided to hold a memorial service
for him. He had some family and friends in Golders Green who
asked for the memorial to be held for all those who had known
him. The Community was advised that it was taking place and,
on 19 March, over 70 people gathered at his house. The service
was led by Rabbi Kaplan, with Rabbi Levene and Chazan
Avromi in attendance. Many Nefesh Network volunteers, their
families, and Mr Sachs’ neighbours, were there and they had
the opportunity to meet each other.
A long-time friend, a fellow refugee, described Jacob
as a man who may have appeared stubborn – indeed he
was proud of being fiercely independent – but who was
principled, honourable, loyal, who had a sense of humour
and who lived his life with total integrity.
Rabbi Kaplan spoke on his and the volunteers’ relationship
to Jacob. Executive Officer, David Sagal, commented that
Nefesh Network’s involvement had had a positive impact
on Jacob’s later life. The HGSS Community was able to
enrich the last months of a member who, seemingly, had
few to care or mourn for him.
This is where the Nefesh Network can make such a
difference. Many people are under the impression that it is
a separate entity, working independently from the Shul –
this could not be further from the truth. Nefesh Network
is here to support the pastoral work of the Rabbinic Team.
Although Nefesh Network operates from a separate office
in the shul complex, there are regular meetings with the
Rabbonim, allowing for a very close working relationship.
Under its auspices, a large number of members volunteer
their time to visit or phone those who are unwell or on
their own, to accompany members to and from hospital
and doctors’ appointments, the hairdressers, shopping and
much much more.
There are other members who, like Jacob Sachs, have no
close family. Let us look out for them – all our members are
precious – to ensure that they too can benefit from membership
of our multi-faceted community.
Rosa addresses
the United
Nations
O
n Tuesday, 28 May, barrister, Rosa
Freedman , daughter of Gill and Jeremy,
addressed the Human Rights Council
of the United Nations in Geneva, on the
publication of her book, The United Nations Human
Rights Council: A Critique and Early Assessment. After
a fifteen-minute address, she answered questions
from the floor.
The Council, created in 2006 to replace the UN
Commission on Human Rights, aims to overcome
the Commission’s flaws. Despite the need to avoid
repeating its predecessor’s failings, the Council’s With Rosa (seated) are: Left: Blandine
form, nature and many of its roles and functions Bluckacz-Louisfert, Chief, Institutional
are strikingly similar to those of the Commission. Memory Section, Library, United Nations
The book examines the creation and formative Office at Geneva. Right: Karen Pierce,
years of the United Nations Human Rights Council Ambassador and Permanent Representative,
UK Mission to the UN and Other
and assesses the extent to which the Council has
International Organisations, Geneva
fulfilled its mandate. International law and theories
of international relations are used to examine
the Council and its functions. Council sessions,
procedures and mechanisms are analysed in-depth, with particular consideration given to
whether the Council has become politicised to the same extent as the Commission. Whilst
remaining aware of the key differences in their functions, comparing the work of the Council to
that of treaty-based human rights bodies and drawing on observations from her attendance at
Council proceedings in order to offer a unique account of how the body works in practice.
Rosa, who lectures at Birmingham Law School, has published academic articles on international law, international human rights law and international institutions. Her research is
interdisciplinary, focusing on law, international relations and post-colonial studies. Rosa also
writes comment pieces on a wide range of legal matters for The Guardian, Huffington Post and
UK Human Rights Blog.
Rosa’s husband Andrew, father Jeremy, brother Seth, and other family members flew to
Geneva for the event. Gill stayed at home to look after grandson Alfie.
The book, priced at £100, sold out!
Lag b’Omer in Lvov
Gill Freedman describes a very special weekend
with our twin community
O
n the weekend of Lag
b’Omer, 25 to 29 April,
eight of us travelled to
Lvov to spend the weekend
with our twin community in the capital
city of western Ukraine.
Lvov (Lviv as it is now called in
Ukrainian) is truly an undiscovered
jewel of European cities. It is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and the centre boasts
cobbled streets, beautiful buildings and
a magnificent opera house where we
watched the ballet Coppelia from the best
seats – for $25 each!
Four teenage friends from the Lvov School
Friday was spent on a coach,
travelling to shtetls and towns in the
Galician heartland. We walked in the streets where some of group members’ grandparents
had lived and from where they had escaped. In the peaceful village of Rozniatov we found a
cemetery where Wendy Fireman’s grandfather was buried amongst the ancient stones. Here, we
stood and said the memorial prayers as the birds sang and butterflies glided amongst the graves.
We returned to Lviv in time to prepare for a mystical and spiritual Shabbat, davening in
the unique painted shul whose artwork and fabric we had restored and rededicated in 2007.
How was it possible that Rabbi Bald and Sara could extend such superb hospitality to the eight
of us, as well as their own eight children and several local teenagers – all in their small, twobedroom flat?
The food was delicious, plentiful and heimishe, and all cooked in the small kitchen by the
resourceful Rebbetzen Sara who manages to be headmistress of the school that we support,
whilst caring for the many and varied visitors who pass through the city as well as dealing with
the problems of the poor and the elderly. Everyone was amazed at Sara’s quiet and patient
ability to treat everyone with the dignity that they deserve.
Rabbi Bald, wearing his shtreimel, sat at the head of the Shabbat table, surrounded by his
children whom he taught with love and affection. At the same time, he included the teenagers
at the table in the conversations, paying particular attention to those children whose own fathers
or mothers were absent from their homes. So many of the stories were heartbreaking, yet the
Rabbi and Sara ensure that these broken children are educated, cared for and given confidence.
On Shabbat morning, one of these beautiful teenagers took a Jewish name – Aviva Avigail
– which was read out in shul and sweets were handed round to mark this special day. She was
bursting with pride. I asked her why she had chosen those names: “I always loved the name
Avigail but now that the sun is shining and it is spring I wanted to add the name Aviv.”
This beautiful girl tried not to make too wide a smile. The rabbi quietly told us that her
two front two teeth are blackened with decay! The group immediately offered to pay for dental
treatment (whilst thinking of our own well-tended children and thanking Hashem for our own
good fortune).
On Shabbat afternoon, we walked through the old Jewish ghetto and saw the remains of the
sixteenth century Golden Rose Synagogue, the oldest in Ukraine. We passed bustling market
stalls and street performers. The sun shone and we fell in love with this special place.
More treats were to come . . .
11
On Sunday – Lag b’Omer – the
Rabbi and Sara had hired a small farm
and barn just outside the city and sent a
coach to collect children and parents to
arrive in time to build a barbecue and
to play games before sitting down to
a scrumptious lunch of home cooked
foods.
Amongst the families was a little
girl and her grandparents. This child
had been born with genetic deafness
but, thanks to a benefactor in London,
we had sent out hearing aids and had
taken spare batteries with us. She is
doing really well at school and even
spoke a few words to me in English.
Her smile could light up a room and
Above: Enjoying the picnic at the Lag b’Omer barbecue.
her grandparents are so grateful to their
Below: After lunch, Rabbi Bald blessed the blossoms on the twin community. Again we counted
trees in the garden.
our own blessings.
After such a fun-filled day, we
had a meal at the Shul where we each
recounted our experiences and our
feelings about the trip – but we did
not yet know what was to come on our
final day.
On Monday morning we drove
straight to the Jewish School in a
residential part of the city where we
toured the classrooms, admired the
children’s artwork and saw the two
computer rooms. The first held PCs that
some of our shul families had donated
about six years ago when the school
computers had become so dilapidated
that they could no longer be used. The
second room was provided by British ORT whose chairman, Simon Alberga, is an HGSS member.
ORT provided equipment and training via the computers for both the children and their
teachers. This way the children get the benefit of the most up-to-date teaching methods and are
part of the ORT educational schools network.
After seeing the rooms, and even the tiny beds were the kindergarten children enjoy an
afternoon shluf, we were ushered into a large room where parents, teachers and children had
been waiting patiently for our arrival. We smiled and cried as the children sang to us in Hebrew
and a young teenager gave a wonderful speech in English.
We ate lunch with the children before an emotional farewell and a dash to the airport to
catch our flight to Warsaw where we were met by a wonderful, middle aged man and his eightseater coach. Bolek’s parents were both survivors – his mother hidden by the family servant
throughout the war and his father surviving with the patriots in Siberia. After the war, until his
death, Bolek’s father served as the guardian of the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery.
Bolek drove us around the city, pointing out landmarks, and then dropped us at the
magnificent new Museum of Jewish Life in Poland where I had managed to arrange a tour in the
short time that we had in Warsaw before our connecting flight to London.
The two young Polish Jewish guides are so proud of their new museum and we discussed
the possibility of a future feature on Lviv which was, pre-war, a Polish city where a third of the
population was Jewish. Watch this space . . .
We managed the tour of the museum, a drink in the
reconstructed city centre and still caught our flight home
with some minutes to spare. Although it is now a while
since that visit, each participant is still thinking of Lviv
every day.
As Daniel Knobil said, “We must keep supporting the
school and the community and we must find younger
members of the shul to become involved and take over
from Gill, who is retiring after 17 years and 15 Lvov
concerts.”
gfreedman@hotmail.com
Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Engagement, Wedding, Birthday . . .
911 Finchley Road
Special rates
available
for HGSS
members
(opposite Golders Green Tube station)
London
NW11 7PE
Tel: 020 8371 6050 / 6060
E-mail:
UNIQUE VENUE FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY
contact@uniquevents.uk.com
Car Parking available
In the village of Tysmenytsia, the group found this
memorial on the side of a house. The bronze bust is
of Solomon Freud who moved to there to further his
education. He decided to settle in Tysmenytsia after he
met and married a local girl. The newly-weds were soon
blessed with a son, Jacob, father of the world renowned
founder of psycholoanalysis, Sigmund Freud.
12
Celebrations and
Births
of their grandson, Rafi, son of Richard
Mazal tov to
and Shobha Baum
Samira and Latif Blass on the birth of a grandson,
a son for Simone and Rob Gershon
Thomas, son of Marie-Hélène and Andrew Cohen,
Daniella and Ari Boyd on the birth of a daughter
June Freilich on the birth of a great grandson,
a son for Laurence and Sterna Freilich
Marriage
Judy and Michael Baum on the Bar Mitzvah
Mazal tov to
Robert Beenstock on his marriage
to Natalia Wise
grandson of Evelyn & Eric Osterweil
Ben, son of Danielle and Laurence Jelen,
Rosemary & Robert Goldstein on
the marriage of Anthony to Ruth Jacobs
grandson of Maureen & Michael Butterworth
and Martin & Sandra Jelen
Hilary Halter on the birth of a great grandson. A
son for Elisheva and Mordechai Fulda
Amira, daughter of Francine and Miles Herz,
granddaughter of Helen & Nachman
Herz and Sam & Claire Barsam
Melissa and Elliott Hornblass on the birth
of a daughter
Kate Last and Paul Tannenbaum on their
marriage. Mazal tov to parents Frankie & Ralph
Last and Fiona & Charles Tannenbaum
and to grandmothers Minnie Lew
and Ethel Wilkov.
Rabbi & Mrs Livingstone on the marriage of
Emunah to Rachamim Kennard
Charles and Judy Landau on the birth of a
granddaughter in Israel, a daughter for
Gabi and Asaf Almagor
Mark & Vivienne Prevezer on the marriage of
Rose to Gabriel Botnick. Also to grandparents
Shirley & Henry Prevezer
Alexander, son of Claudia and Anthony Kitsberg,
grandson of Monica Maimann and
great grandson of Anna Maimann
Rabbi Marc & Lisa, Rachelli and Miri Levene on
the birth of a daughter and sister, Ruti
Joshua, son of Caroline & Simon Maurice,
grandson of Monica Levinson, Jack & Viv
Maurice and Leila & Barry Moss
Birthday
Abigail, daughter of Amanda & Mark Gershinson
Veronique & Jonathan Lewis on the birth of
a granddaughter, a daughter for Sara & Dan
Silverman and a great granddaughter for
Jenny & Henry Lewis.
Katherine and David Mass on the birth of a son.
Ruth and Victor Press on the birth of a
Great Grandson, Noah
Albert Rosenberg on the birth, in Israel,
of a great grandson
Emma and Tony Saigh on the birth of a son. A
grandson for Lyetta and Alan Witzenfeld.
Jacob, son of Carolyn & Gideon Smith, grandson
of Lisa & David Bogush and Judy & Gordon
Smith, great grandson of Lori Sinason
Helen & John Simon on the birth of a grandson,
a son for Emily & Elie Jesner
Bat Mitzvah
Chaim Pearlman on the birth of a great
granddaughter
Mazal tov to
Albert & Talya Singer on the birth of a
granddaughter, a daughter for Rebecca &
Tom Irwin and granddaughter for Harriett
Goodman.
Engagement
Mazal tov to
Lucienne and Victor Amar on the engagement of
their daughter, Miriam, to Donny Wilks
June Freilich on the engagement of her grandson,
Stephen Wallace, to Dina Chelms
Bar Mitzvah
Anna Yeroshalmi & Ofer Goldfarb on
their engagement
Mazal tov to
Saul, son of Karen Hirth and Stephen
Austin, grandson of Barbara &
Kenneth Fenton and Felix & Myrna Austin
Osnath, great-granddaughter of Mia and Emil
Lowenstein who was Bat Mitzvah, in Israel
Ariella, daughter of Hilda & Michael Aaronson
Natalie, daughter of Daniella Winton and
Eli Ezra, granddaughter of Joseph
and Anne Winton
Maya, daughter of Claudia & Richard Fetterman,
granddaughter of Valerie & Norman Fetterman
and Sylvia Mowlem
Ben, son of Daniella and Tony Harris
Tamara, daughter of Emma & Graham Spitz,
granddaughter of Madeleine & David CopeThompson and Toni & David Spitz, great
granddaughter of Hanid Kahn
Naomi & Jeffrey Greenwood on the engagement
of their son, Ethan, to Naomi, daughter of
Vivienne Pottesman
Elizabeth & David Parlons on the engagement of
their daughter, Alison, to James Goolnik,
son of Jacqueline & Edward Goolnik
B
orn in North Finchley, Bernard and his
family moved to the Suburb in 1950. He
attended the Hebrew Classes (three times a
week in those days) and the Children’s Service
(there was only one) on Shabbat. He was a
member of the choir which sang every Shabbat
and Yom Tov. He was Bar Mitzvah in the
rebuilt synagogue, joined the Youth Service
and soon became a warden.
Joining Study Group at 14, he enjoyed the
summer and winter camps. After A levels, he
took time to visit Israel and worked on Kibbutz
Be’erot Yitzhak. On his return, he joined the
family fur business. Some of his friends started
a junior JNF charity group and asked him to be
chairman.
Bernard married Naomi, at HGSS, in 1966.
They have three children.
In 1968, he was elected to the Board of
Management where he served until 1974
when he became warden. After several terms
in office, he became chairman in 2007. In 2010
he retired from office to devote more time to
personal pursuits.
Naomi
and
Bernard
have
six
granddaughters.
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
hilaryrh@f2s.com
13
Congratulations
HGSS and the London Marathon
Nick Bitel
Award for LPF
gets Top Sport
Playground
Appointment Saviour Adam
A
Eli and the Spirit of London
E
li Gottlieb, 21, achieved his target time of
three and a half hours, raising £4200 for
World Jewish Relief – he had hoped to achieve
£2000. This was his first London experience.
Eli, who is in the second year of an Economics
and Politics degree at Manchester University,
spent his gap year in Israel with Bnei Akiva.
While there, he ran two half marathons, raising
money for Magen David Adom.
As he approached the finishing line in the Mall
– having achieved such a spectacular time – his
legs just gave way and, a couple of yards from
the line, he collapsed to the ground. Incredibly,
before he had time to think, three of his fellow
runners simply picked him up and helped him
over the line. Surely this shows the wonderful
spirit of this event. Those runners, who so
selflessly came to Eli’s aid, sacrificed precious
seconds of their own time. This is what makes
the London Marathon so very special.
World Jewish Relief aims to transform
the lives and livelihoods of individuals and
communities living in poverty throughout the
world – last year they worked in 20 countries
reaching 90,877 people. The money that Eli
raised will go towards providing access to
education for eight Jewish Children with
special needs. www.wjr.org.uk
Photo: John Rifkin
Kisharon’s mother and daughter
marathon duo
S
olicitor Danielle Donne and her student
daughter Miranda, 20, ran for Kisharon,
both finishing in four hours and 51 minutes.
They raised £4000 for the special needs charity
which supports Jewish children and adults
with learning difficulties and disabilities.
This was Danielle’s third London Marathon
but Miranda’s first time in the race. “It was really
good; it was the perfect weather and the crowds were
fabulous. We are proud of finishing in such a good
time,” said Danielle. Praising the runners,
Richard Franklin, Director of Fundraising and
Communications for Kisharon, said: “I feel
genuinely uplifted by the incredible efforts of our
runners and their tireless dedication and good will
towards helping children and adults across the whole
spectrum of special needs.”
C
ongratulations to Nick Bitel who has been
appointed Chairman of Sport England,
succeeding Richard Lewis. Nick is already the
Chief Executive of the London Marathon, the
world’s leading marathon which is also the
world’s largest annual one day fundraising
event. Just how special it is can be seen in the
stories we feature here.
Nick will continue in both roles.
Note: Danielle recommends Kisharon Print Shop in
Hendon (8202 3936) for invitations to family Simchas
“because they do a beautiful job and it is nice that they give
work to young people who might otherwise find it hard.”
Photo: John Rifkin
Emunah’s fastest runner – Daniel Pearlman
aniel, 40, an experienced athlete who
made Aliyah in 2007, returned to the UK
for his first London Marathon. Pictured here
with his proud mother, Hilary, he completed
the race in three hours 18 minutes, making
him Emunah’s fastest runner.
To celebrate his 40th year, Daniel decided
to run four marathons in four months – he
also ran the Tiberius, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
marathons to help the charity. “This was an
amazing experience, very different from the others.
The crowds are fantastic and they carry you through.
I was very pleased with the race, it was my second
fastest. My family has been involved with Emunah
for years so that it was an obvious choice.”
Daniel, now based in Modiin, works for
a high tech company as well as doing professional photography.
There was praise from Emunah Director,
Deborah Nathan, who said: “Our runners have
shown tremendous spirit, both in terms of training
for the race and their sheer dedication towards
raising funds. They have done us proud.”
Through the efforts of its seven runners,
Emunah, a major provider of welfare services
in Israel, supporting thousands of children
through its network of residential homes, high
schools and day care therapy and counselling
services will benefit by over £20,000.
www.emunah.org.uk or call 020 8203 6066.
D
Jonathan achieves his best time
J
onathan Goldstein who ran for Cancer
Research and raised over £30,000, says,
“This was my third marathon and I was
delighted (and exhausted) to finish in my best
time of 3.58.
With Jonathan in the picture, taken on
Horse Guards Parade immediately after the
race: his wife, Sharon, son, Ben, and parents,
Ann and Jerry, .
CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAYS
As part of the GIFT programme
children are invited to donate any
unwanted presents which can be
distributed to those in need. Gifts
can be placed in the box in the foyer
(Sundays to Fridays).
A personal best for David
D
avid Wise ran for Norwood, raising about
£1600. He completed the course in 3 hours
31 minutes, equalling his personal best time.
This was his fifth Marathon – he has now run
in four London Marathons as well as the north
of England Keilder Marathon.
Running has been his hobby for over 20
years, and he receives constant encouragement
from his wife, Simona, and daughters, Joanna,
Nicole and Hayley.
He has more marathons on the horizon – he
is already booked in for Keilder in October and
Brighton next April. He has Paris, Amsterdam
and Dublin on his wish list and, who knows,
perhaps even further afield.
dam Bass has received a Civic Award
from The London Borough of Barnet for
his work in the refurbishment of the children’s
playground in Lyttelton Playing Fields.
Adam says, “I decided to have a go and do
something about the playground in Lyttelton Playing
Fields towards the end of 2009. We’d had our son’s
birthday celebrations in the park but, amidst the joy
of the party, the playground stuck out like a sore (and
rusting) thumb. Despite being in a pleasant location
and regularly frequented by local people, it was badly
dilapidated. I remember thinking to myself, ‘How
hard can it be?’ In the event, the answer was the
answer was ‘Not that hard’.
With enormous help from a committee of 13
people (not to mention a supportive wife and
family) it took nearly three years to raise lottery
funding, run launch events, carry out community
consultations, design the playground, choose
the equipment and manage the construction of a
150-seat amphitheatre. Yes we had some hiccups
along the way – mostly when the weather decided
to rain down on our launch event, or when the
cement hand printed tiles needed to be rescued from
Nottingham – but the overall experience has been
fantastic, particularly the chance to meet and work
with such a lovely group of people.
Getting a civic award from Barnet council was a
very nice cherry on the cake. After being nominated
by a member of the committee, Valerie and I were
invited to attend a reception at the Town Hall in
The Burroughs. Sitting in the council chamber,
we heard the Leader of the Council read out
extracts from the nominations of some 20 people.
It was incredibly humbling to meet those generous
people who had donated so much of their time and
efforts to the local community and, at the end of
the evening, there was a lovely reception where we
could all congratulate each other on our certificates
and achievements.”
Chayli wins
Masters Degree
C
hayli Fehler, Headteacher of the Aleph
Learning Centre, has been awarded a
Masters Degree in Jewish Education. Here she is
at the Graduation Ceremony, held at the British
Institute of Education, University of London.
14
A Letter from
South Africa
Dear HGSS Members,
The time has come for us to remind you that we haven’t forgotten about all our
friends at HGSS!
We emigrated to South Africa on 17 March. It was slightly annoying that our
house wasn’t ready when we arrived but the shul put us up in a great hotel with
two balconies and a sea view so we got over it! There was a family sitting shiva in
the community at the time of our arrival so I had to hit the ground running and
give a Dvar Torah at the shiva house a few hours after our arrival.
Pesach followed shortly after and I was super busy giving sermons, leading
discussions, leining and davening! For some reason, people here don’t seem to
want short sermons which is a bit of a culture shock coming from Hampstead
Garden Suburb when the rule seems to be the shorter the better! My parents were
with us for the whole of Pesach which was very special and gave us an opportunity
to spend lots of time together before they went home.
There are some really great people here and we are starting to develop some
special relationships. There is a lot of building to do in the shul but, please God, we
will be up to the challenge! At the moment, I’m at the stage of canvassing opinions as
to what people want from the community as well as planning our opening events.
Dovid and Rachelli attend a wonderful school in our shul called Phyllis Jowell.
Dovid is loving the whole Cape Town experience (though he moaned today that he
doesn’t want to go to the beach every day!) and Rachelli is... getting there, slowly
but surely.
One of the great pleasures of the last few weeks was being joined over the Yom
Tov period by friends from Hampstead Garden Suburb. It’s so nice to know that
our special relationships continue from the other side of the world!
Over this last Shabbat, I spoke about the importance of using our time in
shul to establish a connection with Hashem. The Sfat Emet develops a beautiful
idea in this regard. He refers to the story of Cain and Abel in which both offer
sacrifices to Hashem. The verse says ‘Vehevel heivi gam hu’. The plain meaning
of this verse refers to Abel bringing a sacrifice but the Sfat Emet understands it
to mean that Abel ‘also brought himself’. For Abel, offering a sacrifice wasn’t just
a behavioural performance. When he offered the sacrifice, he invested his very
essence with devotion. So too with our davening which should be much more
than a perfunctory ritual but an expression of our deepest yearnings. On Shabbat
morning after Kiddush, I ran a discussion on Kashrut and whether we observe the
laws out of deference to Hashem’s command or because of the underlying ideas
that the laws represent.
Please be in touch and we hope to see you when you come to visit.
With all our love,
Anthony, Carly,
Dovid and
Rachelli
Tracy joins the JNF
Negev Vision Trek
In April, Tracy Lee spent an unforgettable week, trekking in the Ramon Crater
in the Negev desert and being educated about the area. She writes:
A
s a group of eleven we were honoured to raise funds and inspired to see some of the many
projects that JNF are supporting and to meet those who are totally dedicated and focused on
implementing the Negev Vision. The Negev forms 60% of Israel’s landmass but is only home to
6% of the population. JNF are committed to fulfilling David Ben-Gurion’s vision of making the
desert green and our currently supporting 14 new projects in the Negev.
Our days were long and action packed sometimes we would finish a day’s trek and go straight on to
see a project, no time to change or rest but it was so worth it. The Maktesh, as the crater is known in Ivrit, is
one of the world’s great geographical phenomena. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, we hiked in Mitzpe
Ramon climbed Mount Ardon, 720 metres above sea level, walked along the spice trail of the Nebatines and
were privileged to catch sight of wonderful wildlife, including ibexes, wild donkeys and eagles. We also
visited the memorial dedicated to Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli to travel into space. Ramon was so in awe of
the beauty of the Negev that he even changed his surname to pay tribute to the area.
One of the first projects to which we were introduced was HaShomer HaChadash which was founded
in 2007. It literally means “The New Guardians”. Yoel Zilberman, son of a third-generation cattle breeder
from the north, saw his father brought to the brink of bankruptcy by thieves. They destroyed his fences, stole
and slaughtered his livestock and physically threatened him. Refusing to abandon the ranch, Zilberman
took a leave of absence from the army for a year and kept watch, at night, over the land and the herd. Soon,
friends and army buddies were inspired to join him and, what began as a movement of one, became a
rabbiknopf@
yahoo.com
This picture was
taken at the last
session of Lunch
and Learn before
Rabbi Knopf’s
departure
Tracy on top of Mount Ardon
Gary Green
Monumental Stonemasons
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movement of thousands. Today there are 2000 volunteers and 250 regular guardsmen and women, which
are run in full cooperation with local authorities (including the police). Farmers and ranchers are already
reporting significant improvements in their security situation, with a marked drop in violent crime. Local
farms are also seeing an increase in productivity. JNF UK supports HaShomer HaChadash in its educational
programmes, providing training and operational equipment.
Another project we visited was in Yeruchem, a small town situated between Beer Sheva and Sde Boker,
mostly populated by immigrants from Russia and Morocco in the 1950s. It has been struggling with social and
economic issues for many years, but all that is changing. We arrived in the town late in the afternoon and visited
the recreational lake project and park on which KKL/JNF have been working, together with the local council,
to create an area that is attractive and also has a positive effect, providing leisure activities for the residents. JNF
UK is also supporting an Early Learning Childhood Centre in Yeruchem. One of the entrepreneurial success
stories of this town is attributable to the women and their brilliant idea to help the local economy. There are
no restaurants, so they decided to use their culinary skills to cook traditional Yemenite food, and to open up
their homes and provide wonderful meals to those visiting the town on educational programmes. We were
privileged to be hosted by a wonderful, warm family and to eat the most delicious food (three weeks before
us, Shimon Peres had sat at the same table when visiting the town). This was a truly wonderful evening where
we learnt so much about the culture and history of our hosts. ”The Culinary Queens of Yeruchem” as they are
known have also produced a beautiful cookbook.
We also visited Sderot and saw the construction of the delightful park and a playground, equipped with
bomb shelters to provide safety from rockets, as well as a new youth centre and kindergarten. These are all
a testament to JNF UK’s work, allowing the residents to live a more normal life. We also saw the basement
control centre with its state-of-the-art, high-tech equipment – when the siren is sounded, the residents have
20 seconds to get into a shelter. Can you imagine living under the stress of being in a local park with your
children or grandchildren, or when your children are out on their own? This is how they live in Sderot.
After five wonderful days in the Negev, we felt a wonderful sense of achievement – from the trekking,
from the JNF projects that we had seen and the pioneers we had met. We had walked the land and truly
connected with it. Eretz Israel – the only one we have. From sharing this wonderful experience, we had made
friendships and bonded as a group. We travelled up to Jerusalem for a special Shabbat and then it was home.
To continue my fund raising support for JNF, and following the sell-out success of last year’s event, I
have organised “Another Night of Kosher Komedy”, hosted by Mark Maier, on Sunday, 3 November 2013,
Venue: Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village London N6 4BD. For ticket information, visit www.jnf.
co.uk or call Melanie on 020 8732 6146.
15
Magic Moments
I
From left to right: Irene Leeman, co-chair of US Women, Elaine
Aarons, guest speaker, Lady Elaine Sacks, Dalia Cramer,
co-chair of US Women
US Women’s
Annual Dinner
U
nder the title Looking Back, Moving Forward, this year’s
event, which took place on 1 May, was a tribute to Lady
Elaine Sacks.
The banqueting Hall of Finchley Synagogue, Kinloss Gardens,
was packed to capacity to hear Lady Sacks talk about her time
as Chief Rebbetzen – and most entertaining she was. As well as
reflecting on the responsibilities of the position, she described
some of the lighter moments.
There was an informal evening with the Prince of Wales and
Camilla, the latter wearing what could only be described as a frum
ladies’ housecoat – a gift from some Sephardi, Jewish ladies. And the
occasion of the State Banquet for Israeli President, Ezer Weitzmann.
The gold cutlery at Buckingham Palace was kashered for the
occasion, and not without incident. Some items fell apart when
being doused in boiling water and had to be stuck together again.
She also recalled sitting opposite Bill Clinton at a charity dinner.
There was a strong HGSS attendance – as well as the Shul table,
headed by Rebbetzen Freda, several members came, representing
WIZO and Emunah. The food was delicious, the atmosphere
happy and relaxed. We all agreed that we had enjoyed a wonderful
evening. HH
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n April, we were fortunate enough
to host six young people from the
UJIA Magic Moments group from
Israel’s Galilee area. They were here
in the community to assist HGSS in
commemorating Yom Hazikaron (Israeli
Fallen Soldiers’ day) and celebrating
Yom Ha’atzmaut.
As young ambassadors of Israel,
they wanted to tell our community
about Israel, The Galil and what Yom
Hazikaron means to them.
They had a very full itinerary,
including a visit and activity at Kerem
Early Years Unit and Kerem School. On
Shabbat, there was an introduction and
talk at the HGSS Suedah Shlishit, a very
moving Yom Hazikaron Ceremony, for
over 120 adults and children, on Sunday
evening (they repeated this at Muswell
Hill Synagogue on Monday evening), and, on Tuesday,
they took helped with the Kerem School Yom Ha’aztmaut
programme.
They also assisted the wider Jewish community with
their Yom Hazikaron Ceremony and, straight afterwards,
helped to create a great spirit at their Yom Ha’atzmaut
programme. They visited and spoke at the Israel Society
meeting at Haberdashers’ Girls School, joined the Yom
Ha’atzmaut celebrations at JCoSS and found time to do some
chesed, packing food parcels at GIFT in Hendon and visited
Sage retirement home in Golders Green.
They still found a little time to enjoy shopping trips to
Primark, eating out in Golders Green, bowling and the ZF
Israel concert at Wembley.
We wish to thank our young Israeli Ambassadors all
of whom had worked for over six months, preparing their
ceremonies to such a high standard. Thank you to Re’aya
Paltiel, Adi Dolev, Rotem Cohen, Stephany Bukritz, Maya
Cohen, Liel Gerbi, Peleg Hava and their very experienced
madricha Lior Moshe. Also a big thank you to our HGSS
host families – Rabbi & Freda Kaplan, Laurence & Olivia
Sugarman, Steven & Alica Lewis, Jonathan & Sharon
Goldstein, Marcus & Sasha Sperber and David & Jane Sagal.
Doctors exchange notes
HGSS and Israeli doctors take tea at No 8
O
n Shabbat, 1 June, Rabbi Dov and Freda Kaplan hosted their longstanding friends, Drs David and Orna Blondheim
from Israel. Orna, the first woman to head a major hospital in Israel, is Director of the Emek Medical Centre, Afula.
David, a senior cardiologist, is involved in research at Hillel Yaffe Hospital, Hadera. The Kaplans invited doctors in
the community to 8 Norrice Lea to meet the Blondheims for a chat over Shabbat afternoon tea, and several HGSS doctors and
colleagues, with common goals, compared differences between the Israeli and UK medical systems.
Jeremy Marshall reports, “Our guests, trained in Jerusalem and decided to dedicate their medical practice to the more
underprivileged, diverse community in the more peripheral communities in the North of Israel.
We all agreed that dealing with the whole patient, including the patient’s understanding of their own problems, their
concerns and, sometimes even more vital, their attitudes to health, was critical to their ultimate treatment and wellbeing.
This included their health beliefs and cultural values – this so often involves others outside the medical profession, from
family members to spiritual leaders. Understanding and including this aspect of the overall problem, rather than just the
condition itself, was vital to the patient receiving the best overall response and outcome.
Of particular note was the huge thought and care that has been directed to the Arab population, particularly when trying
to address the rare conditions that occur much more frequently than would be expected in a ‘normal population statistic’,
due to the huge number of marriages within families – of cousins etc, leading to the increased incidence and potentially fatal
genetic conditions such as Thalassaemia (a disease affecting the blood system). Involving Imams in encouraging such areas
as genetic counselling has made huge strides.
While many similarities between our practice were appreciated, including the challenge of looking after diverse
populations with multiple needs, we also contrasted other areas, in particular, improving communications between hospitals
and community and family doctors. This has made great strides in Israel with IT development allowing different electronic
systems to store vital information about patients in different locations. These can be readily accessed for relevant details
in, for example emergency hospital admissions, allowing doctors and nurses to have the fullest picture of the patient’s
background. However, the concern of compromising patient confidentiality is overcome, as this information is not stored
centrally, thus overcoming the problem of data protection and issues of information being accessed inappropriately.
This was an interesting discussion, actively involving all who attended, and the two hours flew by before we all said our
farewells, hoping to meet again, here or in Israel.
The Editorial
Team
Editor
Editorial Board
Hilary Halter
Ruth Black
Louise Felder
Michael Fishman
Madeleine Gottlieb
Gayle Kravitz
Julian Pollard
Ylana Roback
Simon Sadie
Artwork & Typesetting Hilary Halter
Proof Reading
Cynthia Delieb
Maddy Drucker
Louise Felder
24 Fairacres
164 East End Road
London N2 0RR
Telephone 8365 2187
Email hilaryrh@f2s.com
Editorial Office
Email Addresses:
● Does the office have your email
address?
● Has your address changed?
In either case, please send the current
information to the Office –
office@hgss.org.uk
The Synagogue
Office
Norrice Lea, London N2 0RE
Tel 8455 8126 Fax 8201 9247
Email office@hgss.org.uk Website
www.hgss.org.uk
Executive Officer
David Sagal
Office Manager
Sharon Drucker
Accounts
Brian Gray
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
9.30 am to 4.00 pm
Friday
9.30 am to 1.00 pm
(Telephone queries only)
Sunday
9.30 am to 1.00 pm
16
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NL June 2013 - Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue

Transcription

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