- SA Jewish Report

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SUPPLEMENT
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www.sajewishreport.co.za
Friday, 05 September 2008 / 05 Elul, 5768
Volume 12 Number 34
Limmud: Quenching the
Jewish quest for learning
SOME 1200 people with diverse interests attended the Limmud programmes in Jo’burg,
Cape Town and Durban over the weekend, almost doubling last year’s numbers, in a
festival of Jewish lifestyle and learning. SEE PAGES 3, 4, 5, 8
Documenting
the remarkable
life of Franz
Auerbach / 15
‘Human rights’
debate
continues -letters
pour in / 8 & 12
• ‘The history of the Jewish
nation abounds with people
of Jewish origin who wanted
to foist their impractical solutions on the majority.’
• ‘We do not seek the destruction of the State of Israel... We
participated in the tour to
lend support to principled
and courageous Israelis and
Palestinians working together to this goal.’
• ‘Criticising the Occupation is
not anti-Israel!’
Remembering
Springbok Radio
/7
Gorenberg:
The dilemma of
the Jewish
settlements / 8
IN THE SPIRIT OF
‘SHOSHALOSA’
YOUTH TALK / 16
Musical directors of the Imilonji KaNtu Male Choir and the JJMC, George
Mxadana and Evelyn Green, get into the swing of things with “Shoshalosa”,
during the combined performance of the choirs at the Linder Auditorium in
Johannesburg. (PHOTOGRAPH: RITA LEWIS) SEE PAGES 6 &14
SPORTS / 20
LETTERS / 8, 12
CROSSWORD / 19
BRIDGE / 17
Dr D wins
Women’s Lifetime
Achievers Award
/ 15
COMMUNITY BUZZ / 7
WHAT’S ON / 17
2
SA JEWISH REPORT
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Cape Town correspondent
Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206
05 - 12 September 2008
PARSHA OF THE WEEK
We are all G-d’s trees
IF WE look at the world around us
with open eyes and thinking minds,
we can often gain fresh insight into
familiar things. This new perspective may enrich our lives and give
new dimensions to our relationships with other people. It may also
add depth and meaning to our lives
as Jews.
For example, what can be more
common and unnoticed than a
tree? Yet this week’s Parsha,
Parshat Shoftim, remarks that
“man is (like) a tree of the field”
(Devarim 20:19).
What can we learn from this?
Trees, like most growing things,
comprise three parts - roots, body
and fruit. Roots are generally concealed underground. They are a
major source of nourishment for a
tree. The roots also determine the
PARSHAT
SHOFTIM
Rabbi Mendel
Rabinowitz
Greenside Shul
strength of the tree. If the roots are
deep and wide, the tree can withstand wind and storms. If the roots
are shallow, any wind may topple
the tree.
These hidden roots may be compared to a person’s neshama (soul).
Hidden and unobtrusive, it binds a
Jew to his source.
This spiritual root gives us vitality and formulates a purpose for the
observance of Torah and mitzvot. It
is our neshama that creates awareness and closeness to our Creator.
The bulk of the tree is the body trunk, branches and leaves. The
body constantly renews itself and
grows throughout its life. Fresh
leaves and new branches are so
much a part of the tree that its age
can be determined by the rings in
the trunk. Torah too demands constant growth and development from
an individual. Like a tree, a Jew
should be constantly growing,
adding to his knowledge and most
importantly constantly refining his
character and conduct.
The greatest compliment one can
give to a Torah scholar is that of a
“Talmid Chacham” - a wise student.
A Jew never “graduates” from
learning.
The perfection and perpetuation
of the tree lie in its fruit. Through
its seeds, new trees spring forth, far
from the parent tree and long after
ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Melvyn Jaye
‘Rights delegation’ reverberates right
up to Public Prosecution Director
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MOIRA SCHNEIDER
CAPE TOWN
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ZE’EV KREIN has labelled the decision to lodge a complaint of incitement to violence and/or crimen
injuria against him with the
Director of Public Prosecutions following a message he posted on the
wall of a public Facebook group, “a
bit immature”.
Several weeks ago, a group called
Stop Doron Isaacs & Habonim was
started on the social networking
site.
Isaacs co-organised the visit of 23
prominent South African human
rights activists to Israel and the
West Bank at the beginning of July
- which some regard as having
being biased in favour of the
Palestinians - and is a former head
of Habonim.
On August 15, Krein posted a
message on the wall that read:
“Dear doron, I want you to know
that when you go to sleep at night
you will see my face, when you
wake up in the morning you will
see my face and if you ever try anything against my beautiful Peaople
and Land again you will see my foot
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Honourable Abe Abrahamson (Chairman), Issie Kirsh, Dennis Maister, Bertie
Lubner, Herby Rosenberg, Russell
Gaddin, Marlene Bethlehem,
Stan Kaplan, Norman
Lowenthal.
Mr Justice Meyer Joffe
(Chair, editorial comm)
KASHRUT
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“...If you ever try
anything against my
beautiful Peaople
(sic) and Land again
you will see my foot
on your head.”
on your head. You piece of Ronnie
kasril crap.” (Spelling unchanged)
Approached for comment, Krein
said that Isaacs’ “whole thing” was
freedom of speech. “He can say
anything he wants and it’s really
just healthy criticism, however,
when other people react in any
other way, it seems that he doesn’t
apply the same principles.
“It’s ridiculous that you can post
something like that which is obviously coming from emotion” and
be accused of incitement to violence. “I don’t even live in the same
city as him.
“Any reasonable human being
can distinguish between when
someone’s saying something out of
emotion and when someone’s actually making a serious threat. I’m
(just) venting my anger on this
website.
“Obviously in no way did I mean
to do anything physically to him. If
I was really threatening him, I
wouldn’t put it on a public site for
the whole world to see - even if I
was a violent person, I’m not a stupid person.”
Krein dismissed the suggestion
that others might be incited to violence by his words.
“In truth, the person who’s really inciting violence against the
Jewish community is Doron Isaacs
when he goes and presents his findings (of the human rights visit),
which were so obviously orchestrated to project one view, to places
in Bo-Kaap where there’s a (large)
Muslim population” and “rallies
them up”.
Krein, who is one of the administrators of the site, said that should
Isaacs telephone him and ask him
to remove the post, he would “gladly” do so. “The point of the site is
not to incite violence, it’s to bring
awareness to the Jewish community that what he’s doing cannot be
condoned by the community.”
University of Cape Town student
Eitan Stern who wrote a letter to
Jewish Report raising the issue,
said he found Krein’s post “disturbing, because it’s a Jew inciting violence against another Jew. It’s
interesting how it’s the people that
are campaigning for the unification
of all the Jews (who) are the same
ones that are threatening violence
against Jews in their community.
“I think it’s worrying if the community stands by and lets this sort
of thing happen.”
Stern said the wall also displayed
“attacking and untrue” comments
directed against Mr Justice Dennis
Davis, claiming that he was antiIsrael and had made speeches in
this vein. Stern said that many of
these
comments
had
been
removed.
In another post on August 17,
Krein refers to one of Davis’s
speeches thus: “If I had closed my
eyes I would have thought I was listening to one of those nauseating
Palestinian speakers... or even al
jazeera interview (sic).
“He condemned every single
thing about Israel and when I
asked him one question... he
accused me of being right-wing
and did not answer the question.
After he’s (sic) talk someone asked
him, what can we do to condemn
Israel more strongly and he was
very happy with this question.”
Davis described the attacks and
allegations against Isaacs as “very,
very serious”. As for the statements made against him personally, he said that he had sent Krein a
registered letter “asking precisely
when I made the speech, what it
was that I said and to please pro-
SHABBAT TIMES
September 5 / 5 Elul
September 6 / 6 Elul
Erev Shabbat
Starts
17:40
18:10
17:26
17:46
17:45
17:36
18:29
19:06
18:16
18:36
18:37
18:28
Ends
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Bloemfontein
Port Elizabeth
East London
the parent tree’s life has ceased.
This refers to a person’s influence in his home, family and community. We make fruits by providing Jewish education for our children and encouraging them to
embrace their Judaism. We produce good fruit when we conduct
ourselves in such a manner that
we bring honour to Hashem’s
name, both in public and within
the walls of our homes.
vide me with evidence and then I’ll
see what action I’m going to take.
“I take it very seriously - I really
don’t think you can have this sort
of level of inflammatory nonsense
on websites and he must explain
himself.”
Isaacs said it was “silly” to make
Habonim the scapegoat for his
activities because he hadn’t been a
member of the movement for five
years.
Nevertheless, “it taught me to be
truthful, to stand up for justice and
not to be silent about one’s convictions”.
He said the Facebook group was
based on the belief that “one 27year-old mastermind had hoodwinked 22 of the most experienced
people in the country into believing false things and having a
warped perspective on IsraelPalestine, which is ridiculous”.
Referring to the current situation, Isaacs said he was “not whining. I know that in things like this
there’ll always be a bit of flak - one
has to have a thick skin.
“I’m not too fussed about any of
this - this doesn’t mean that I don’t
take the threats seriously, just that
I’m not letting it bother me. People
go after individuals when they
don’t have strong arguments on
the issues.”
Strongly repudiating suggestions by “very senior” members of
the Jewish community that his
activities were being undertaken
with a view to a career in national
politics, Isaacs said he had “no
regard” for either of the camps in
the ANC and had “zero intention”
of taking up any position with
them.
Isaacs’ colleague Nathan Geffen,
who laid the complaint against
Krein, said he had done so because
“we must be very clear that free
speech does not include threats of
violence”.
NOTE: The mispellings in the original quotes in the article remain as
we received them.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
Limmud topics range from
environment to human rights
ALISON GOLDBERG
“THE ENVIRONMENTAL time
bomb: What is the Jewish
response to the current global crisis?” was the apt topic of S’gan
Mazkir Klali in Habonim Dror,
Ilan Strauss’ talk at Limmud
Johannesburg, which he methodically showed through a carefully
prepared set of extrapolated
tables and statistics from a diverse
range of sources, to show the ecological time bomb.
These were accompanied by
Torah texts to pose the question
whether Judaism is anthropocentric (nature designed to serve
man) or eco-centric (equal value
applied to all of nature, including
man).
In Strauss’ view Judaism is
anthropocentric but there is sufficient evidence to suggest Judaism
is eco-centric if emphasis is seen
for instance in Genesis 1:28 on the
need to sustain the earth: “Be fertile and increase, replenish the
earth and subdue it, and have
dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and
over every living thing that creeps
on the earth.”
***
“HIV/Aids
Sense
and
Sensibility - A deeper understanding of the epidemic and why is it
so extensive in southern Africa,
and why now?” was the mouthful
Dr Clive Evian left his audience
with.
He sees migration and social
chaos as the ripe conditions for
the spread of Aids and the vulnerability of the disempowered. In
contrast to religious communities
where sex is regarded as holy and
the incidence is low to negligible,
Evian sees virtue in the elevation
of women in society such as
Jewish society, as a buffer to the
spread of the disease.
The figure is currently six million people in South Africa, with
the disease one of the highest
rates in the world. Of this, blacks
have 10 - 20 times the prevalence
of Aids compared to whites.
“HIV is telling us we need to fix
something, that is, about social
stability, respect, loyalty, faithfulness, less greed and family cohesiveness.
“Torah principles such as modesty (sniut), tahrat mishpacha,
severe sanction on adultery, and
tzedakah mitigate against an HIV
epidemic,” says Evian. Those in
treatment are approximately 300 350 000 and ARVs are freely available. The good news, he says, is
that there is less prevalence of
HIV among younger people than
before.
***
University of Pretoria associate
professor in constitutional law,
Stu Woolman tackled the question of the Constitution as “secular Talmud” and the relationship
between constitutional theory,
critical theory and Jewish intellectual life.
He pointed out that of the
major legal academics in the US, a
bold figure of 50% are Jews
engaged in constitutional theory
and law. In South Africa, four of
the 11 Constitutional Court judges
are Jews. They are: Arthur
Chaskalson, Richard Goldstone,
Albie Sachs and Sydney Kentridge.
Some of them are now retired.
This showed a positive commitment to democratic rule, but not
necessarily to a school of critical
theory.
Woolman sees constitutional law
like the Talmud - always majority
and minority opinions pushing
against one another.
***
Gill Marcus, inter alia a former
member of the ANC’s National
Executive Committee and National
Working Committee, believes the
question of human rights is at the
core of any debate of this nature
regardless of identity and that
South Africa’s Jewish human
rights activists were self-selected
and influenced by their activism in
other parts of the world.
She worries that in South Africa
we are once again assuming single
identities such as being white or
black and going back into our
laagers.
“We cannot take it for granted
that because we are Jewish we are
democratic and the question
remains as to how to plug into a
young democracy,” she said.
She admitted, nonetheless, that
being Jewish was important as an
influence but the moment we
described someone as an “other”
we dehumanised him and allowed
things to be done to him.
In most societies, she added, it
was a very thin line of activists at
the forefront of change. Activism
required another step which created risk.
“It’s not simply because we were
Jewish that makes activists but
what Judaism stood for. At the
same time we mustn’t underestimate terrorism. The way we
respond will determine if it
becomes greater.”
***
“Social networking, the Internet
and the global Jewish community”, was the subject of Arthur
Goldstuck’s well-displayed speech.
Goldstuck is described as an
award-winning writer, analyst and
commentator on the internet,
mobile, business and consumer
technologies. He heads the World
Wide Worx research organisation,
leading ground-breaking research
into how change is affecting business, large and small, with a focus
on Internet, mobile small and
medium enterprise issues.
Clients of the research include
South Africa’s major financial
institutions and corporations, government departments and agencies, and international organisations. Goldstuck is also author of
15 books, including South Africa’s
best-selling IT book ever The
Hitchhiker’s Guide to Going
Mobile.
Goldstuck pointed out that 4,4
3
million people had internet access
in South Africa. The money spent
in online retail in 2008 was estimated at R1,2 billion compared to R82
million in 2000. In 2007, 3,2 million
people had been using the Internet
for more than five years.
Those using broadband would
pass the one million mark this
year. Currently 100 million people
were using Facebook worldwide.
Even the Beth Din is on Facebook
as well as Kashrut for Dummies.
Other new features included
Second Life which was showing
real estate growth.
In 2009, the Seacom Undersea
Cable which extended from the UK
to the Cape, would increase international bandwith 40-fold and
therefore would make broadband
Internet access cheaper and more
accessible.
***
Political analyst Prof Steven
Friedman spoke on “The rabbis,
the oven, and the right to disagree”. Friedman is the director of
The Centre For the Study of
Democracy at the University of
Johannesburg as well as a teacher
at the Shalom Independent
Congregation.
Friedman tells the story of the
Tanur Achnai (the Oven at
Achnai) and the excommunication
of Rabbi Eliezer Onkelos who held
a minority view.
“There are two lessons to be
drawn from the tale” he says. “One
is that it is a warning against selfcongratulation” in that disagreement is conventionally held to be
tolerated in the Talmud.
“Beware, there have always been
people who have drawn red lines.”
The second point is that in the
end the attempt (to draw those
lines) fails because you cannot tell
a diverse group of people what you
have to do and be to be Jewish.
4
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
Of East European emigration, protest songs and loss
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY
MOIRA SCHNEIDER
CAPE TOWN
OVER 300 people flocked to the Ocean View
Hotel at the Strand for a weekend of feasting
- both intellectual and physical - provided by
Limmud.
“Mouth-watering” topics on offer covering
the spectrum from Israeli pop music as an
expression of the youth’s frustration with
the ongoing conflict, to the “real” reason our
forefathers left Eastern Europe and chose
this country, to a standing-room only presentation featuring an Israeli and a Palestinian
who have lost loved ones in the conflict,
ensured that the biggest problem participants encountered, was deciding which of
the myriad parallel sessions to attend.
Now in its second year, Limmud looks set
to become a permanent feature of the Jewish
calendar here.
Researcher Gwynne Robins said the “persecutions, prejudice and pogroms” indeed
contributed to Jews leaving Eastern Europe,
but this was not the main factor influencing
them. “In Lithuania there was a very high
emigration rate.
“There were virtually no pogroms in
Lithuania. There was also no work,” she
stressed.
“Another reason given for leaving, is the
army. I have often been told that the Jews left
because they had to serve 25 years in the
army.
“But that stopped in 1857,” she stated, “and
there was no emigration when that was taking place.
“The horror of the community memory is
being used by a later generation to provide a
reason,” she maintained, adding that the
Russo-Japanese War of 1904 was “a different
matter”.
Naming poverty as the true reason, Robins
referred to the Jewish population explosion
between 1800 and 1900 and the “insufficient
economic development” to support all these
people.
Drawing a parallel between this situation
and present-day South Africa, she warned
that one should be “careful when one judges
the poor immigrant black because one is really looking at one’s own family a hundred
years ago”.
As for the “pull” factors, Robins quoted
Professor Aubrey Newman’s hypothesis following research conducted on the “Poor Jews’
Temporary Shelter” in London. He discovered
that after 1891, the number of emigrants to
South Africa went up “by leaps and bounds”,
even though it was further and more expensive than going to America.
“Had the financially stressed Shelter come
to an arrangement with the shipping lines
that, in return for persuading their residents
that Africa would be a better destination than
America, the shipping lines would give them a
subsidy?” Robins asked.
“Aubrey Newman suggested that someone
should raise a subscription to erect a statue in
South Africa of (Union-Castle Line’s) Sir
Donald Currie as the founding father of South
African Jewry.”
* * *
Omer Rabin, Netzer’s Cape Town shaliach
and formerly a commander in the Israeli
army’s entertainment unit, played and led discussion on several songs reflecting the mood
of Israeli youth.
Referring to “The Kids of ‘73” performed by
the Educational Corps army band, that
speaks of unfulfilled promises of peace on the
part of their parents’ generation, Rabin said
there was a feeling that soldiers in uniform
singing these songs at the front could demoralise the army.
When a participant commented that one
wouldn’t find the United States Marines Band
singing this type of song, Rabin said: “It’s all
very different in Israel - you lose your friends.
“There’s not one of my friends that didn’t
attend the funeral of one of his friends during
army service. The children are saying they
were born in 1974, “a year after you saw what
war can do and we now still have to go to the
army 20 years later.
“It shows the sad cycle of the army and the
role it plays in Israeli life,” he said. “Art has
become a way to reflect society.
“The new generation is searching for solutions within Israeli society, (their anger is)
not directed at the enemy.” Interestingly,
Rabin commented that “every music style has
an agenda in Israel”.
Rap reflected the right wing, whereas reggae and rock was regarded as left-wing music.
Most of the songs reflected Israelis’ tiredness
of war, he noted.
Referring to the “very controversial” Aviv
Geffen, Rabin said he was the first artist to
say 15 years ago: “I’m not joining the army
and I’m calling on all my fans not to go.”
“He’s a symbol of the mid-’90s generation,
very angry at the country, his parents and
himself,” reflected in a line of the song
Cloudy Now - “We are a f—-ed up generation”.
“People who’re in the army now grew up on
that song.
“Lots of left-wing politicians latched on to
it and said: ‘See, that’s what happening to our
kids.’ It was a huge hit - people used to walk
the streets humming” that line, he said.
“People saw it as a wake-up call to their
parents’ generation.” Geffen never served in
the army.
“It’s not over yet” speaks of the kidnapping
of Eldad Regev, Ehud Goldwasser and Gilad
Shalit and “became another anthem of the
war. Four radio stations decided to play it
every day until the soldiers came home they’re still playing it because Shalit isn’t
home yet.”
* * *
“I’m paying the price of the Holocaust and
I’m not guilty for it.” This is how Palestinian
Ali Abu Awaad sees his situation in the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
He was addressing the audience following
the screening of Encounter Point, a film that
deals largely with the activities of the Parents
Circle - Families Forum, a group of 250 Israeli
and an equal number of Palestinian families
who have lost loved ones in the conflict.
With him was former South African, now
Israeli, Robi Damelin, whose son was killed
by a Palestinian sniper. Awaad’s brother
was killed by the Israeli Defence Forces.
The two travel the world, showcasing the
work of the Parents Circle, whose aim is to
promote long-term reconciliation through
dialogue and mutual understanding. “I can’t
think of a better way to commemorate my
child than by doing the work I’m doing,”
Damelin said.
She added that she had been “very influenced” by the mothers of South Africa’s
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(TRC). “Is this something I could do; am I
capable of that sort of compassion,” she had
wondered.
When the Israeli army informed her that
they had caught the sniper responsible for
her son’s death, she had to “face my demons.
Am I capable of what I’ve been preaching?”
she asked herself.
Awaad delivered a letter from her to the
sniper’s family, who she said were “totally
shocked” and wanted to write her a letter in
return. “I think the sniper wants to write to
me - that can have a ripple effect.
“That child saw his uncle killed very
viciously in front of him and went on a path
of revenge. The thing is, there’s no revenge
for the loss of a loved one.
“I would give up my life just to see (my
son) David again, but it’s not possible, so I
have to choose another way,” she explained.
Awaad, who served four years in an
Israeli prison during the First Intifada, said
he believed that non-violence was the first
step towards a solution. “We need your help
and your support - we’re not here to make
you feel sorry” for us, he said.
The group wishes to serve as the framework for a reconciliation process and is creating a centre to that end. “I’m hoping that
we’ll meet with Alex Boraine, one of the
architects of the TRC, and to take advice
from him on how to go about it,” Damelin
said.
They wish to establish a branch of
Friends of the Parents Circle here to serve
as a lobby group for their activities. See
www.theparentscircle.org
Israeli and former
South African Robi
Damelin, human rights
lawyer Hayley Galgut
and Palestinian Ali Abu
Awaad at the Limmud
conference at the
Strand.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
Limmud - a learning
journey like no other
LIONEL SLIER
OUR SAGES implored us to “study and
learn” and then to study some more. We
were not required to complete the task but
nor should we desist from it.
The annual Limmud learning “fest” in
Johannesburg - and also in Cape Town and
this year in Durban - has come and gone.
Almost 700 people attended in Joburg and
1200 countrywide and they created an
intense and amazing vibe. Overriding it all
was an atmosphere of friendship and
enjoyment.
There was so much to see and do and listen to. There were talks, music, films, dancing, food and companionship and the most
heard complaint was that there was just
too much. There were so many worthwhile
presenters that one just could not get to
hear. There were 90 talks and the maximum anyone could attend, because of the
time factor, was nine. Between sessions
people discussed with each other what talk
they had just been to.
Limmud showed that there is a tremendous depth of real talent and brainpower
in the local Jewish community and above
all, a desire to share it and be part of it.
The amount of talent on show, peppered
with some heavyweights from abroad, was
astounding and the interest shown, equally
astounding.
Yet one must pause to look at the organisation that went on to make Limmud so
exceptional. Co-chairmen of the organising committee, David Bilchitz and Coreen
Horwitz, started putting the pieces in place
in September last year. They gathered
together 25 volunteers who worked long
and tirelessly to stage this event.
This year a souk was added and the
lunch and dinner were served quickly
without any hassle for which Gary
Friedman and his team must certainly be
thanked.
Yet, in the background there was a cloud
hanging over the weekend and that was the
fact that apparently certain Orthodox rabbis had advised their congregants not to
attend Limmud. Nevertheless, there were
still many shomer Shabbat Jews present,
judging by the yarmulkes.
Opinion of why Orthodox rabbis had
objected to Limmud, ranged from it being a
covert Reform Jewish event, to a place
where men and women learnt together
which is frowned upon, to something
organised by gays.
Yet last year Ann Harris, wife of the late
Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris, was a speaker as
was the daughter of Rabbi Jonathon Sacks,
chief rabbi of Great Britain. In fact, Chief
Rabbi Sacks launched, in his home, a book
called Limmud Shabbat edited by his
daughter.
There are two differing views here. Chief
Rabbi Sacks told people: “If you want to go
to Limmud, go with my blessing. If you do
not go, you have my understanding.”
A Johannesburg shomer Shabbat man
told Limmud that his rabbi had said: “Go
there. That’s your problem.” He added that
the rabbi had said that he only wanted an
extremely observant community, no matter if it was small.
AROUND THE WORLD
NEWS IN BRIEF
REPORT: RUSSIA THREATENS TO ARM IRAN
JERUSALEM - Russia could supply Iran
with a top new missile system if the United
States pushes Nato membership for
Georgia and Ukraine.
US intelligence says that Russia has
threatened to sell Iran the sophisticated
S-300 air defence system, London's Sunday
Telegraph reported.
The news has raised alarms in the
United States and Israel since the system
can track 100 targets at once and fire on
targets from up to 120 kilometres, the newspaper said.
Pentagon adviser Dan Goure told the
Telegraph that the deal would be a "gamechanger. This is a system that scares every
Western air force."
Senior US intelligence officials said they
believed that Russia would use the
weapons sale versus US support for
Russia's pro-Western neighbours as a foreign policy showdown with the new US
president, the Telegraph reported.
Both Democratic presidential nominee
Barack Obama and Republican candidate
John McCain, back Nato membership for
Georgia.
Last week, Russia offered sophisticated
weaponry to Syria following US condemnation of its incursion into Georgia. Goure
said the sale could spark a unilateral
Israeli air raid on Iran. (JTA)
TEENS CHARGED WITH BEATING ORTHODOX MEN
NEW YORK - Three teens have been arrested after allegedly beating four Orthodox
Jewish men in an upstate New York parking lot.
The teens are scheduled to appear in
Thompson Town Court this week in connection with the beating on the night of
August 28 outside a Wal-Mart in Kiamesha
Lake, the Times Herald-Record reported.
Authorities say the altercation began
inside the store and continued when the
assailants chased the men in the parking
lot and made reference to their Jewishness.
One victim suffered facial fractures and
was treated at a nearby hospital.
The teens are expected to be charged
with second-degree assault as a hate crime
and second-degree gang assault, as well as
misdemeanours for aggravated harassment and disorderly conduct. (JTA)
5
6
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
SOCIAL SCENE
Rita Lewis jont@global.co.za
Angela Lurie, Evelyn Green, Russel Lurie, Ronnie David, Waganesh and Elias Inbram,
spokesman to the Israeli Embassy.
Tiisetso Nkomo, Mapaseka Lekabe, Doris Fani, Anna Thebehali and Pat Mxadana (wife of
Imilonji’s musical director, George).
Combined concert is a
true building of bridges
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA LEWIS
Father and son singers, Danny and Gerald
Nochumson with Mark Shapiro in front.
THE
LONG-AWAITED
“new
look”
Johannesburg Jewish Male Choir concert
which this year joined with the Imilonji
KaNtu Male Choir making a total of 46 participants in all, turned out to be a winner
with standing ovations and the entire audience getting to their feet for the finale,
singing and dancing in the aisles to that
inspiring evergreen, “Shosholoza”.
It was a varied programme. Highlights of
the concert were the singing of boy soprano
Marc Shapiro whose voice drew enthusiastic applause during the middle of his rendition of Al Kol Eile, again when he sang as
one of a trio with Chazzan Ezra Sher and
Russel Lurie in Avinu Malkeinu and the
melding and blending of Sher’s voice with
Lurie’s in R’tzei.
The proceeds of the concert at the Linder
Auditorium in Johannesburg went to two
worthy causes - the CSO and the Takalani
Home in Soweto - and attracted many dignitaries including Deputy President Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka, Rosh Beth Din Rabbi
Moshe Kurtstag and his wife Batya, Chief
Rabbi Warren Goldstein and Elias Inbram,
spokesperson of the Israeli Embassy.
Imilonji’s musical director George
Mxadana said working with the JJMC had
been a wonderful experience. The sharing
and caring attitudes of everyone involved,
had been gratifying. He paid tribute to
Evelyn Green who had dedicated her life to
music. He said much had been said about
her, but he could not have believed it all to
be so true.
Lurie the chairman of the JJMC, first
paid tribute to Maxadana and his choir
adding tribute to Green, who had organised
and co-ordinated the entire event, saying
her vast understanding and interpretation
of the music had no peer in the world.
There had been much bridge crossing
between the choirs: “they to Hebrew and
English and we to their languages” and
everyone in their spare time learning a little
Italian, Yiddish and Russian for the “foreign” songs.
Marc Levy, nephew of former JJMC conductor, the late Gus Levy, stands between
Thami Nkomo and Mbongeni Sibeko.
Visually impaired Cecil Alexander with
Neville Steinberg.
Jennifer Sugden, with Sylvia and daughter Evelyn Green.
Evelyn Green and Russel Lurie with Chief Rabbi Warren
Goldstein.
The four youngest members of the JJMC, Dean Berzen, Warren
Klass, Mark Shapiro and Gary Abelman.
George Mxadana and Warren Klass think about
sharing a le chaim during a well-earned break.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
COMMUNITY BUZZ
LIONEL SLIER
082-444-9832, fax: 011-440-0448,
lionel.slier@absamail.co.za
JOHANNESBURG
Rollo Berman continues about the
SABC in 1960s:
“Springbok Radio was a very popular
radio station and some of the serials
featured daily were ‘Portia Faces
Life’, ‘Randy Stone’, ‘The Creaking
Door’ as well as ‘Consider Your
Verdict’ which had a run of about 20
years.
“It was produced by Michael Silver
at his studios called Commercial
Radio Corporation. His ‘outfit’ was
situated about one floor above from
where I worked and that was ‘African
Radio Productions’.
“We were in Panama House in
Commissioner Street. I used to write
the ‘Pick-A-Box’ questions for Bob
Courtney’s show. On Wednesday
nights, ‘Lux Radio Theatre’was flighted and ran for an hour. Victor
Mackeson was a regular actor in the
cast.
“Afrikaans was equally important.
A programme hosted by Esmé
Euvrard and Jan Cronjé called ‘So
Maak Mens’ (was very popular). As
the name depicts this was a food programme discussing recipes. Tapes of
this show were despatched to LM
Radio where it was flighted in the
afternoon. A lady known as Evie
Martin and myself were featured in a
show called ‘Special Occasion’. It was
a request programme.
“On Springbok Radio, Dulcie van
den Bergh made a big name for herself with ‘Hospitaaltyd’. She used to
play music for people in hospital. Its
opening lines were, ‘Dis ‘n lied en ‘n
glimlag vir jou, met Hospitaaltyd
onthou’ (There’s a song and a smile
for you from Hospital Time, remember). The jingle was sung by Jimmy
Rayson.
“I periodically carry on as the radio
memories of yesteryear are still fresh
in my mind. They were such exciting
times.”
LONDON
From Joel Levy:
“The Internet is a marvellous tool for
genealogists like me. I can read the
Jewish Report in London and pick up
things of interest. I met a family member, Libe Kaspi once while I lived in
Israel. (Libe was in contact with
AROUND
THE
WORLD
NEWS IN
BRIEF
Community Buzz when Louis Hack,
an uncle of hers, was mentioned).
“That was long before the internet and computers and I was still at
the early stage of my research. I
therefore had no contact details for
her and I want to thank you for
passing her e-mail address on to
my dad. Libe and I have re-established contact and I can start to
bring that family up to date.
“So, what do I hope to achieve by
getting some publicity?
“1. For any members of my family to get in touch and help me
update their section of the
Sagorsky family tree. My job in
assembling this has been quite a
struggle.
“I managed to get it almost up to
date before I left South Africa 21
years ago. And the challenge for me
now has been to try getting the tree
back up to date.
“An added problem is that many
in the family have probably moved
on to Australia and Canada. There
are, of course, other family names
attached to this, due to family
descending from female lines.
People may wish to relate stories
that they have regarding the
Sagorsky family.
“2. I am not only collecting family names, dates of birth etc, but am
also trying to get ‘headshot’ photos
of every person whose name
appears on the tree.
“Members of the public may
have photos of Louis Hack, for
example, or photos of the memorial
gates that bore his name at the
Balfour Park Sports Stadium.
Basically I am searching for any
memorabilia.
“3. I believe that Louis Hack’s
mother, Toba/Tilly Hack was quite
a character in Doornfontein. It
would be interesting to hear what
memories people have of her as she
was supposedly a legend in her
own lifetime.”
Contact e-mail: scoobydoouk@hotmail,com
BRIGHTON & HOVE,
ENGLAND
From Rabbi Charles Wallach:
“Since my return to England I
always spend time on Friday nights
reading the SA Jewish Report
online. I am now rabbi of the
Brighton
&
Hove
Reform
Synagogue. My induction is due to
take place during the Shabbat
morning service on September 13.
The inducting rabbi will be Rabbi
Dr Tony Bayfield, head of the
Movement for Reform Judaism.
“About Limmud in South Africa, I
can tell you that British Limmud where it all started - has now
spawned local ‘Limmudim’ as it were.
The one for this area is due to take
place in March next year at the
famous Roedean School overlooking
the English Channel. I am one of the
series of presenters invited to participate.
“Under the rubric of ‘Limmud’, last
month during the annual conference
of religious educators (who operate
in the school system here since
knowledge of comparative religions
is required under the curriculum)
which was held in Brighton & Hove, a
group of 25 of these educators spent
an afternoon in my synagogue.
“They heard four speakers - one, on
the various activities of the Jewish
community here, one on the programme of ‘Limmud’, one on 15
Jewish personalities going back over
a century who have been commemorated along with others by having
their names displayed on the buses of
Brighton & Hove, and by myself on
the meaning behind the beautiful
stained glass windows of our synagogue plus aspects of our ritual.”
ISRAEL
From David Kaplan, editor Telfed,
the magazine of the SAZF Israel
(about Abie Nathan (z’l) and South
Africa):
“Prior to a planned visit in South
Africa in 1996 to enrol the SA Jewish
community in establishing a medical
clinic in Alexandra township near
Johannesburg, Abie visited Telfed in
their old offices in Klal Building in
January of that year. An article of
mine about Abie, appeared in the
February issue of Telfed in January
of that year.
“Recalling his days as a fighter
pilot in 1948, he proclaims that ‘the
best volunteers that I had the experience to serve with during the War of
Independence, were the South
Africans. They were the most committed and ideologically motivated’.
“Nathan always felt ‘that whenever
there is a disaster or a need, the first
people to be on the scene should be
the Jews’.”
* Abie Nathan launched “The Voice
of Peace” ship which broadcast peace
messages
from
the
eastern
Mediterranean Sea, beamed mostly
at Israel and Egypt. In 1986 he was
refused a visa to visit South Africa.
He had daily also called for the
release from Robben Island of Nelson
Mandela.
DUTCH RECALL SPY FROM IRAN FEARING U.S. ATTACK
JERUSALEM - The Dutch intelligence
service has stopped an espionage operation
in Iran because of an "impending US
attack".
A top agent was recalled from what was
described as a successful operation to infiltrate and sabotage the weapons industry in
Iran because it was believed he would be
inside one of the targets of the alleged
attack, according to an August 29 report in
the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
The newspaper quoted a source as say-
ing that the agent was recalled "because
the US was thought to be making a decision
within weeks to attack Iran with
unmanned aircraft".
The Dutch intelligence service reportedly shared information from the operation
with the CIA.
Israel's daily Ma'ariv reported on
August 29 that Israel had made an independent decision to attack Iran if diplomacy failed to halt its nuclear programme. (JTA)
7
8
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS
On power and debate
AVRAHAM INFELD, a former South African
who emigrated to Israel many years ago, and was
director of Jerusalem’s Hartman Institute and
the first director of the birthright israel programme, is quite clear about what he wants from
the Jewish people.
At a Limmud session in Johannesburg on
Sunday focusing on what lies ahead for Jews, the
charismatic speaker declared to an enraptured
audience: “I want the Jewish people as an entity
in 18 years to receive the Nobel Prize for tikkun
olam.”
His statement strongly resonated with the listeners, as if reinvigorating a sense of Jewish purpose they longed for and the ability to proactively
influence the world.
We live in confusing times, when national purposes for cultural and religious groups tend to be
smothered by the fog of the internet, globalisation, multiculturalism, post-modernist confusion, etc.
For Jews specifically, the passionate focus on
the Zionist cause which characterised the last
century, has significantly dissipated - Israel is
now established, strong and prosperous, and
intrinsically plugged into the global community,
notwithstanding the enemies who hate it.
Jews also no longer live in the poverty and discrimination of old Eastern Europe that caused
massive migration to the “New World” in the late
1800s and early 1900s. At that time, they were driven to build better lives for themselves and their
children - which a significant proportion
achieved through sheer hard work and perseverance.
Jews today are generally affluent and free. So
what is their collective purpose now? Infeld connected his vision with another thread in the
Limmud discussion: Jews have significant power
- political, economic and so on - more than at
almost any other time in their history. How will
they use it?
The exercise of power, particularly over others,
is not something we have much experience in.
Jewish tradition developed from centuries of
being a minority - often an oppressed and powerless one - and is therefore filled with “fantasies”,
according to Infeld; in contrast, Muslim tradition
developed from centuries of being a majority.
Both the possession of power and absence of it
are potentially dangerous. Consider what happened to a people (the Jews) in the Holocaust,
who had no power at all; and consider what happened to a people (the Germans) who wielded
immense power!
The possession of power and how it is exercised
is an intrinsic question motivating the recent
“human rights delegation” to Israel and the West
Bank. Sharp pictures are being painted by them
and their opponents about who are the powerful
and who the weak, who are the villains and who
are the victims: the Israelis or the Palestinians?
The answers depend on one’s starting point, as
the letters to the Jewish Report have shown.
Angry letters continue to pour in, both supporting and criticising the delegation.
A noticeable thread running through many of
the critical ones is that they concentrate on
negating the delegation’s “legitimacy” and
impugning its members’ “character”, rather than
what the delegates have actually reported about
their trip.
Some writers have made statements laced with
vitriol. The story on page 2 reports on a highly
inflammatory comment placed on a Facebook
group aimed at Doron Isaacs - the organiser of
the delegation - which all but called for violence
against him and has evoked a complaint to the
Director of Public Prosecutions. In turn, the delegates’ letters have largely turned into attempts to
defend themselves and their legitimacy, rather
than discussions about their trip.
Are the attacks on the delegates merely smear
tactics designed to draw attention away from the
West Bank situation? Or is there something genuinely amiss in the make-up of the delegation and
its agenda which letter-writers are rightly drawing attention to? Again, it depends on one’s standpoint.
Ultimately, it would be a pity if the debate
remained at the level of personal attack rather
than considered discussion about the actual
issues of power and the appropriate exercise of it
in the Middle East, from which everyone could
benefit. Hopefully, future letters will begin to
raise the level to a more constructive one.
Settlements pose dilemma for
Mideast peace - Gorenberg
LIONEL SLIER
PHOTOGRAPH: SHELLEY ELK
ISRAEL WAS trying to maintain a democratic state within the Green Line, but the
settlements continued to undermine Jewish
law, Gershom Gorenberg (pictured), former
associate editor on The Jerusalem Report,
told Limmud Johannesburg.
American-born Gorenberg who emigrated to Israel in 1997, spoke on “The accidental empire. Israel’s settlement dilemma”.
On the blackboard behind the platform
in the lecture room, were written the following words from the book by Jarred
Diamond The Collapse: “The values to
which people most stubbornly cling
under inappropriate conditions are those
values that were previously the source of
their greatest triumphs over adversity.”
“In early Zionism,” said Gorenberg,
“there was disdain for people who
worked with their minds. They wanted
brawn over brain with a return to manual labour on the soil. This was the ‘New
Jew’ in the co-operative socialist movements. The entire yishuv (the Jewish settlements) were to be one giant kibbutz.
“They maintained that that the borders
of the Mandate were imperialistically
imposed. The entire Land of Israel was to
be settled. Settlements were making a
claim to the land.
“The 1937 British Peel Commission
proposed that Palestine should be partitioned into three; the areas of Jewish settlement were to belong to the Jews; there
was to be Arab areas and Jerusalem,
Bethlehem and Nazareth which were predominantly Christian, were to be under
British control.
“These proposals went nowhere.
Jewish settlements were established as
far from the periphery as possible. In
1938, Kibbutz Hamita was established on
the Lebanese border. Twenty one-yearold Yigal Allon (who was to play a major
role in future Israel) was to decide where
the kibbutz was to be built. He was
involved in the 1940 decision of the
yishuv to create a Jewish army.
“To cover this decision, soldiers had to
spend six months working on a kibbutz
and six months doing military training.
Allon was the commander of the
Palmach, the regular army of the United
Kibbutz Movement. In the November
1947 United Nations Partition Plan, the
areas of Jewish settlement were given to
Israel.
“In 1948 after the State was established, a parliament was created, so too
was a supreme court, a free press and
the Communist Party remained legal.
“(David) Ben-Gurion accepted this.
Further settlements were an ideal, but
not a reality as all the large settlements had already been established.
“In March 1967 Israeli Intelligence
believed there would be no war in the
near future, but it was wrong. By June,
Israel facing the mobilised Arabs and
Nasser’s threats, feared another
Holocaust and so ordered a pre-emptive strike.
“The war itself was chaotic. Israel
conquered the Golan, the West Bank
and Sinai. General (Moshe) Dayan
invaded Syria against a Cabinet decision. Some lieutenants went further
than their generals wanted.
“A policy was established after the
facts on the ground. After the war, the
Cabinet wanted to give the conquered
territories back in exchange for a
peace treaty. Cairo and Damascus
refused. At that stage nobody used the
term, Palestinian.
“If Israel held onto the West Bank
and then gave the vote to the Arabs living there, this would mean the end of
the Zionist enterprise. There would be
a bi-national state. Prime Minister
(Levi) Eshkol said: ‘We are maintaining a colonial regime.’
“No decision was taken but there
were three issues. The security issue
was the first. The ancient history of
Israel took place in Jerusalem,
Bethlehem and Nablus and the current
leaders of Israel had all lived in Biblical
Palestine which was the landscape of
their youth.
“American President Lyndon B
Johnson asked Eshkol what kind of
Israel he wanted. Eshkol answered that
his government had decided not to
decide. There was actually no policy.
“In July 1967 the first Israeli settlements were set up on the Golan. It was
illegal but the army assisted. The settlement was done by members of the government who were actually against new
settlements. Then the famous Three
Nos came from Khartoum, which
meant no peace treaty in the future and
no recognition.
“Eshkol was told that settlements in
the Territories would be illegal but
Nahal groups were set up to establish
settlements as temporary army bases.
“Then religious groups decided that
the war had been a redemption and part
of G-d’s plan and they threw themselves into settling these new territories. The Likud Party encouraged these
settlements. It is estimated that today
there are 270 000 Jews living in these
‘illegal’ settlements as well as in East
Jerusalem.”
Gorenberg pointed out how difficult
it was for Israel to maintain a democratic state within the Green Line, with
the settlements continuing to undermine Jewish law and with nobody
knowing what the government was
spending on the settlements. But everyone agreed that Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert’s unilateral plan to withdraw
from the West Bank would be disastrous from a security point of view.
Gorenberg said Israel needed a negotiated agreement and the Palestinians
must give up an important value of
theirs - the armed struggle. But there
was also the problem of the “Hard Left”
against the “Hard Right”.
Pointing to the quotation on the
blackboard behind him, Gorenberg
said: “We must recognise the values
which were the sources of our greatest
triumph over adversity and now wonder whether these are the ones that we
cling to most stubbornly under inappropriate conditions. Do we not want to
take yes for an answer? “
LETTERS
NOTE: The debate provoked by the “human rights delegation” to Israel and the West Bank continues apace. The Jewish Report
continues to receive letters both supporting and criticising the delegation. We publish here a letter from members of the delegation
responding to a critical letter in last week’s issue. More letters appear on page 12.
‘RIGHTS DELEGATION’ HOPED TO MAKE A SMALL CONTRIBUTION
ZE-EV KREIN (SAJR August 29) blames
Doron Isaacs for what he believes are the
shortcomings of the human rights delegation to Israel and the West Bank.
He suggests that Isaacs has manipulated and duped 22 people with substantial
records of campaigning for human
rights. Krein’s suggestion is silly. None
of us is naïve or gullible enough to fall
prey to the far-fetched scheme Krein
alleges.
We joined the tour knowing its agenda
and cognisant of its implications. We are
all individuals with differently nuanced
views about the conflict - though we all
share a belief that human rights should
be respected.
But it is Krein’s claim that we are
“anti-Israel” that is most misconceived.
We are neither anti-Israel nor proPalestinian.
We do not seek the destruction of the
state of Israel. We seek peace on just
terms. We participated in the tour to lend
support to principled and courageous
Israelis and Palestinians working together to this goal.
The locus of their work is in the West
Bank and not Gaza or Sderot. Our objective was to see and understand the circumstances within which they operate.
Krein clearly cares deeply about the
future of Israel. He would therefore do
well to heed the concerns raised by members of the group.
While he might not agree with all we
say, when 23 diverse and experienced
South Africans raise serious worries
about Israeli human rights abuses perpetrated on the West Bank, we suggest it is
worth considering whether there is some
merit in our claims.
We are hardly the first to make these
criticisms. It need hardly be added that
we too care about Israel and Palestine.
We also care about Muslim and Jewish
relations in South Africa, which are
imperilled by differences over the Middle
East.
It is in the spirit of making a very
small difference toward improving these
conflicts that we participated in the tour
and commented on what we saw.
Signed:
Janet Love
Edwin Cameron
Dennis Davis
Andrew Feinstein
Nathan Geffen
Zackie Achmat
Jack Lewis
Zubeida Jaffer
Farid Esack
Fatima Hassan
Barbara Hogan
Geoff Budlender
Jonny Steinberg
Jody Kollapen
Jonathan Berger
Pregs Govender
Jonny Copelyn
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
OPINION AND ANALYSIS
FORUM FOR DIVERSE VIEWS
Orthodox rabbis’
Limmud contribution
is sorely missed
THIS PAST weekend witnessed a truly
remarkable event in the life of our community. More than 1 000 people attended
the Limmud learning experience in
Johannesburg and Cape Town, with a further successful event in Durban, which
will boost the total numbers.
These events are significant for three
separate reasons: They drew vast numbers of Jews, many of whom fall outside
the radar operated by establishment
institutions. They provided members of
the community with an astonishing
range of topics and ideas over which to
feast intellectually.
Limmud proved to be a forum for discussion and debate over core questions
that go to the heart of Jewish identity. On
a personal note, I met and debated with
two of my favourite opponents to views I
express in this column and in both cases
I came away feeling grateful for such positive encounters.
After returning from Israel recently, a
dear friend who was also on the trip and
whom I consider a truly great human
rights lawyer and a uniquely wonderful
person, commented that, not since
apartheid, had he felt so cautious about
articulating his considered position. I
agreed with him - certainly if the hate emails are any guide.
But Limmud offers a clear counter
where open debate, dissension and analysis can take place, not only in the lectures
theatres, but also in the coffee breaks and
at meals.
Let me return to the first reason.
Whatever the “demographers” may say,
the establishment assessment of the
nature of the community has, in my view,
always been skewed to a small minority
who attend shuls regularly or similar
communal events.
Thousands of our community show little interest in the Board of Deputies, the
Zionist Federation and are thus not
touched by all the wonderful efforts of
these two key institutions. But they want
to engage with their Jewish identity in an
embracing, nurturing environment.
Limmud has tapped in to this large vein
of the body of Jewish South Africa.
Whether this constituency is the majority, is debatable but to be sure, it is hugely
significant.
For that reason I expect Limmud to
increase its numbers significantly next
year - who knows, 1 500 to 2 000 people?
Perhaps we will not reach the penetration
of Limmud in Lithuania where 1 200 of
the 5 000-strong community attended, but
we can move in that direction with confidence.
THE JURY
IS OUT
Dennis Davis
Within this context, it is important to
revisit the Orthodox stay-away - some
may call it a boycott. While the call may
have been less successful than some of
Cosatu’s recent efforts among delegates
who voted with their feet, the fact
remains that, save for a few exceptions,
Orthodox rabbis did not attend. And that
is truly a pity for anyone who wants this
community to thrive.
Let me again state my position, which I
have emphasised on countless occasions
in this column: I admire and support the
massive efforts of Orthodoxy in this
country to promote a culture of learning.
Yes, much of it may not be in the
haskafah of my teachers, but that is not
important. When any Jew returns to
engagement with his or her identity, that
is a cause for celebration.
We are a 70 000 - 80 000-strong community. Other than to support those who
make aliyah and hopefully can contribute
to lasting peace in Israel, I for one desperately want to hold on to all in our community and ensure its continued vibrancy.
Limmud offers an opportunity to
engage with a host of people whom,
absent from such events, we may never
reach. We are not a people of Noah who
save only two, we are a people of
Abraham who seek to save all. Hence we
should all be able to respect difference
and use every opportunity to engage.
For me, had Johannesburg Limmud
had the benefit of intellectual contributions of a Rabbi Goldman, Lipskar,
Tanzer, Perez, and Cape Town someone
like Rabbi Levetz, a vast constituency
could have been touched by their contributions.
It is most unfortunate that the opportunity to reach, arguably the majority of
the community, is passed up in this fashion.
I readily accept and understand that
the Orthodox approach, which is hegemonic in this country, finds problems of
accommodating
the
pluralism
of
Limmud, which, by the way, is not the
case elsewhere.
But the community deserves to be put
first. Hopefully we can begin to fashion a
way in which we can all drink our kosher
tea and debate for the sake of heaven.
9
10
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
TAPESTRY
ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE
ARTS MATTERS
COMPILED BY
ROBYN SASSEN
Call 084-319-7844 or
info@frodo.co.za at
least one week prior to
publication
Artspace, Parkwood: “Traces of memory”, Lee-At
Meyerov’s first solo, will be
opened by Leora Farber,
September 10. Exhibition closes September 27. (011) 880-8802
Beyachad, Raedene: An
exhibition of art and craft, celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary, September 8-14. On
September 9, Mirah Wilks
presents “A Celebration of
Contemporary Israeli Art:
Pop, Schlock and Shock”; September 11, Lily Mark presents
“Jewish Art, Jewish Artists
and the Genetic Factor”,
September 14, Terry Kalinko
talks on “My personal journey
as a Jewish artist” and Jeff
Fine evaluates Judaica (011)
645-2510.
Civic, Braamfontein: In the
Nelson Mandela, Veronica
Paeper’s ballet of Verdi’s “La
Traviata”, until September 7.
In the Tesson, Dorothy Ann
Gould and Michael Maxwell
perform Fugard’s “Hello and
Goodbye”, until September 28.
In the Actors’ Centre, “The
Tragical Historical of Doctor
Faustus”, by Marlowe, until
September 13. In the People’s
Theatre, “Little Red Riding
Hood and Other Stories”
opens September 8 (011) 8776800.
Dance Factory, Newtown:
“Romeo and Juliet”, choreographed by Dada Masilo with
PJ Sabbagha and Greg
Maqoma, until September 7.
(011) 833-1347.
Linder Auditorium, Parktown: On September 10, 11,
JPO performs works by
Rachmaninov and Sibelius.
Soloist: Andrei Korobeinikov
(piano). Conductor: Robin
O’Neill. (011) 789-2733. On
September 13, JMS hosts Trio
Fibonacci playing Beethoven,
Jean Lesage and Shostakovich. (011) 728-5492.
Ninth Street, Parkhurst:
Join Stanley Peskin for an
audiovisual talk: On September 14, he focuses on
Donizetti’s comic opera, “Don
Pasquale”. 072-240-2997.
Old Mutual Theatre on the
Square, Sandton: “Freak
Country”, by Paul Slabolepszy, until September 6.
From September 9, Sylvaine
Strike’s “Pregnant Pause”,
with Michael Richard and
Charmaine Weir-Smith, back
by popular demand. On
September 12, Matthew Reid
(flute) and Pieter van Zyl
(piano) perform at lunchtime.
(011) 883-8606.
RCHCC, Oaklands: Jewish
music performed by the
Buskaid Intermediate Ensemble, on September 7. (011)
728-8088.
The Thompson Gallery,
Melville: Natalie Liknaitzky
and Sally Thompson present
“Defining Moments”, September 14 - October 13. (011)
482-9719.
Masilo makes this untraditional ‘Romeo’ her own
Show: “Romeo and Juliet” (Dance Factory,
Newtown. (011) 833-1347)
Cast: Vishanthi Arumugam, Nicola Haskins,
Tebogo Khumalo, Gustin Makgeledisa, Nombulelo
Mashiqa, Daniel Mashita, Dada Masilo, Songezo
Mcilizeli, Lesego Ngwato, Bafikile Sedibe, Bailey
Snyman, Carlynn Williams
Choreography: Gregory Maqoma, Dada Masilo,
PJ Sabbagha
Music: JS Bach, Phillip Glass, Arvo Pärt, Sergei
Prokofiev, Antonio Vivaldi.
Writer: William Shakespeare
Until: September 7
Juliet (Dada
Masilo) with
members of
the ensemble cast.
(PHOTOGRAPH:
REVIEWED BY ROBYN SASSEN
DADA MASILO cannot put a foot wrong; in Romeo
and Juliet, the result of her winning this year’s
Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance, she
manifests an ability to take a classic and smash it,
then repossess it with haunting ownership.
This is Romeo and Juliet as you have never seen
it before; it will enrich your understanding not
only of the story but of the music and the art of
dance.
Early in this year’s National Arts Festival, critics
were outspoken in saying that if you’d seen this,
you may as well go home - it was of such a high
standard it seemed critically untouchable; they
weren’t proven wrong.
With a deeply intelligent, oft irreverent respect
for traditional European dance, Masilo quotes the
overture from Prokofiev’s ballet (1935); it’s big,
rousing music that you know even if you don’t
know its context.
But Masilo goes further: she segues Prokofiev
with Vivaldi, with whose wild strings she enjoys on
JOHN HOGG)
a visceral level; with JS Bach and contemporary
composers, New Yorker, Phillip Glass and
Estonian Arvo Pärt. The result is an elegant
iconoclasm, witty and passionate, but never disrespectful.
In choreographing and performing the lead,
Masilo takes incendiary leaps in reflecting the
feud between the Capulets and Montagues. It’s
about gender.
So, you may be surprised to see a female
Tybalt and women sparring with men. You
might find the shaven head of Juliet out of character; nothing, but for a few cursory references
to Elizabethan costume, is traditional in this
work. In interpreting Juliet, just shy of her 14th
birthday, Masilo’s impish size and characterisation feels devastatingly authentic. This Juliet
appropriately embodies all the slippery hormonal contradictions of tomboyhood and budding
womanhood.
Masilo has a reputation of holding captive her
audience’s gaze (and often its breathing ability),
forcing an unforgettable reading of the music.
The piece’s astonishing climax features a pas de
trois between Romeo, Juliet and Death.
The vignette is tightly lyrical and magnificent
in bringing this, the most famous of English literature’s love scenes, to its tragic close.
Romeo and Juliet acknowledges contemporary dance as an increasingly obscure and elitist
genre, yet without compromising its own artistic
sophistication, it is readable, beautifully raw and
violent in its sense of integrity. If you see one
dance work this year, see this.
Celebrating life’s mundane little moments
CHRISTINA KENNEDY
SYLVAINE STRIKE’S plays are often described as
“quirky” and “offbeat”. But this actress, director
and playwright’s sensibility goes deeper than that:
it’s all about celebrating life’s mundane little
moments, and elevating them to the exceptional.
Strike is a busy woman at the moment, what
with two young children to take care of and two
plays simultaneously on the boil in Johannesburg.
Pregnant Pause, created by Strike in collaboration with performers Michael Richard and
Charmaine Weir-Smith, returns to the Old Mutual
Theatre on the Square in Sandton from this week,
following its run earlier in the year, due to public
demand.
Coupé, her Standard Bank Young Artist Award
commission, starts at the Market Theatre on
September 16. It won six Naledi Theatre Awards
last year, following its brief run at 2006’s 969
Festival at Wits and its National Arts Festival
debut.
Strike and Weir-Smith were both pregnant at the
same time, which led to the conception (in a manner of speaking) of Pregnant Pause. “The only solace was that someone else was going through the
same nausea, vileness, general disfigurement and
terror of pregnancy,” she confesses.
“Neither of us felt radiant. You feel sick, ugly,
unsexy and your hubby thinks you’ve gone mad.
We definitely bonded over that.”
That unromanticised notion of pregnancy - far
removed from the pictures of glowing moms and
FELDMAN ON
FILM
Peter Feldman
Live!
Cast: Eve Mendes, David Krumholtz,
Rob Brown, Eric Lively
Director: Bill Guttentag
Attractive Latino star Eva Mendes plays a television executive who develops a concept which she
hopes will create the most watched reality show
ever.
It’s an ultimate reality show called “Live!”
where contestants play Russian roulette with a
loaded gun. This means that some unfortunate
soul will drop dead in front of millions of viewers.
“Live!” is a film within a documentary with documentary filmmaker (David Krumholtz) recording details of the executive’s glamorous life and
how she conceived her show.
tots shown in baby magazines - formed the basis
for Pregnant Pause, an uncompromising but
affectionate comedy about the horrors and hysteria of being in the family way.
Strike explains that the challenge was to make
their stories universal. Instead of going with the
archetypal “Brangelina” yuppie couple, it was
decided to add an extra dimension by using an
older man (Richard) as the first-time father, with
his wife (Weir-Smith) heading into the “last
stretch” of her child-bearing years.
“It’s not a glamorous place to be,” says Strike.
“You leave your pride at the door and pick it up
again on the way out. You are stripped of who
you were - it’s a huge transition. We stay true to
the experience if we don’t make it rosy or shine
it over with a hue that isn’t there.”
Strike’s signature is making the everyday
magical, as well as her “vintage” thrift-shop
styling. In the case of Coupé, with its ingenious
set design by her husband, Chen Nakar, this nod
to a bygone era comes in the form of a sleeper
train compartment, in which three strangers
find themselves - to their mutual alarm.
Under the directorship of Sue Pam-Grant,
Strike plays an enigmatic French woman, with
Brian Webber and Gerard Bester as the other
two passengers. Toni Morkel plays the conductor/shunter, and then there’s the bizarre
Springbok head...
To portray the anonymity of commuting,
Strike drew on her experiences travelling on the
Paris Metro when she studied at the Lecoq
Bill Guttentag’s production is flimsy and uninspiring where one is not involved enough to care
about the fate of the various characters.
Tropic Thunder
Cast: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr,
Brandon T Jackson, Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, Tom
Cruise, Matthew McConaughey
Director: Ben Stiller
“Tropic Thunder” will make a lot of money at the
box office for Ben Stiller because the film offers
moments of outrageous escapist fun.
But the downside to all this, in which Stiller is
commander-in-chief, is that the combustible action
and explosive, in-your-face gags tend to overstay
their welcome. There is no stop button to this
Vietnam War send-up and tedium is a constant
companion as silliness continually creeps in.
Stiller serves as director, co-producer, co-writer
and co-star, but with so much on his plate, he cannot see the wood for the trees.
“Tropic Thunder” is a spoof on the making of a
Vietnam War film and, in the process, attacks
From left: Charmaine Weir-Smith, Michael
Richard and Sylvaine Strike, the cast and
director of “Pregnant Pause”. (PHOTOGRAPH
COURTESY OLD MUTUAL THEATRE ON THE SQUARE)
Theatre School, and memories of catching the
train from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
Webber describes her style: “Sylvaine’s work
speaks in a sentence, not a paragraph; this minimalism is more potent and powerful than some
of the poor theatre pyrotechnics out there.”
In zooming into people’s little worlds and magnifying the tiniest moment, Strike’s alternative
theatre continues to illuminate the complexity of
the world through the magic of simplicity.
* Pregnant Pause runs at the Old Mutual
Theatre on the Square, September 9 - 27; Coupé
runs at the Market’s Barney Simon Theatre,
September 16 - October 26.
Hollywood which it perceives is at war with its
own gigantic ego.
The film-within-a-film has Stiller portraying muscular superstar actor, Tugg Speedman, who in turn is playing John “Four Leaf”
Tayback, a tough-as-teak Rambo-style soldier
on whose book the film is based.
All hell breaks loose when these inept
actors actually encounter the real guns of a
heroin cartel.
Stiller assembled his own army for the
escapade; Tom Cruise as a balding, overweight, studio chief with a fiery tongue,
Robert Downey Jr, who goes the full AfricanAmerican route with hilarious results, Jack
Black as a bungling gunnery sergeant and
Briton, Steve Coogan, as a befuddled film
director.
There is also a grizzled Nick Nolte as the
real Vietnam vet “Four Leaf” and Matthew
McConaughey as Speedman’s motor-mouthed
LA agent.
“Tropic Thunder” is over-long and overdone and all the good that is generated is soon
diluted by waves of silliness.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
A feature compiled by The SA Jewish Report: (011) 886-0162
HEALTH
II
II
Inside
A step towards true
health with Old Eds
Virgin Active
Striving for that
magazine-cover look
III Top Danish watch,
sunglass collection
here for spring
III Medical treatment at
Community Medical
Centre
IV Experience freshness
at Fruit & Veg City
V
Misty Hills - an African
sanctuary
V
Regular mammograms for peace of
mind
The GI and the GL are newer nutritional tools that can effectively be used
to fine-tune carbohydrate intakes. The GI describes the rate of absorption
of carbohydrates and the GL is a reflection of the glucose load that the body
has to deal with in order to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
THE GLYCAEMIC Index (GI) is a rating of foods on a scale from 1 to 100
according to the actual effect on our
blood glucose levels.
• Low GI foods have GI values of below 55.
• Intermediate GI foods have GI values
of between 56 and 69.
• High GI foods have GI values of 70
or more.
ucts to suit your
requirements
VII Vision therapy
- improving eye
co-ordination
VIII Nutrigion - the
nutrition religion
IX The Studio in
Sunny Road, Glenhazel, now open
IX Health and beauty
at the House of Isis
X
X
Slimming ClinicTM
- tackling weighty
matters head-on
Reset your ageing clock by five
years...
XII HFPA sees multiskilling as a major
aim
XII Common cold - that
dreaded lurgie!
SUPPLEMENT 2008
The Glycaemic Index (GI) and
Glycaemic Load (GL)
VI Skincare prod-
VIII Rene Vrey Optometrists: Difference
is eye-catching!
&
BEAUTY
The South African Glycaemic Index and Load
Guide is one of the most reliable
sources of GI values of commonly
eaten foods in South Africa.
The guide is available from the Glycaemic Index Foundation of South
Africa at (www.gifoundation.com)
health shops or local bookstores.
Benefits of using the Glycaemic Index:
Foods with a low Glycaemic Index
(GI), release glucose slowly and
steadily into the bloodstream and do
not over-stimulate insulin
secretion.
High insulin levels are implicated in
many of the diseases of our modern
lifestyle, such as high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, hypoglycaemia, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and
coronary heart disease.
By using the GI concept in combination with lower saturated fat intake,
we can lower serum triglycerides, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the
“bad” cholesterol), total cholesterol and
blood pressure, and we can increase our
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
What exactly is the Glycaemic
Load?
The new concept which finetunes the Glycaemic Index (GI) is
called the Glycaemic Load (GL). The
GL of a specific food portion is an expression of how much impact, or power, the food will have in affecting blood
glucose levels. The higher the GL of a
food is, the more insulin will be required
to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits.
We calculate the GL by multiplying the food’s carbohydrate content
per serving by the GI as a percentage
value:
• GL = carbohydrate content of serving
X GI as percentage.
Recommended GLs are as follows:
Meals: Between 20 and 25 as far as
possible, certainly below 30.
Snacks: About 10 or just below, but no
higher than 15.
Average daily total: About 100, depending on age, activity, weight, etc.
How to make the GI and GL work
for you
All foods that have a GI
of 55 or less are slowrelease carbohydrates
and constitute the more beneficial choice for most people.
The GL takes into consideration the amount of carbohydrates in a portion, as well as its
rate of absorption and digestion. This means that the larger
the carbohydrate portion, the
greater the effort required by
the body to maintain normal
blood glucose levels.
The higher the GI, the more
insulin will be required over a
short period of time. By keeping to the recommended GL
values for snacks and meals,
we can optimise our blood glucose control.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; it “sets the
stage” for the rest of the day. A
well-balanced, lower GI, lower
fat breakfast has a stabilising
effect on blood glucose levels,
so that when it is time for lunch,
you are only just hungry again
and have not had a blood glucose surge or slump during the
morning.
A high GI and/or high fat
breakfast, can result in shakiness, fatigue and irritability
throughout the day, unless you
did a substantial amount of exercise beforehand.
Today, people tend not to eat
lunch. This results in low blood
glucose levels before suppertime, resulting in the urge to
raid the fridge.
To counter this, we emphasise the importance of eating a
lower fat, lower GI lunch, consisting mainly of salad or other
vegetables or fruit and a fistful
of lower GI starch.
The bulk of supper should
once again be vegetables, with
a fistful of low GI starch. Only a
palm-sized portion of lean protein should be added to this.
It is essential that you make
sure that you eat low GI, low fat
snacks when you feel the urge
to eat between meals.
Remember that a high GI
snack can make you hungrier
within the hour, and you will
want to eat again and again.
I
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Top Danish watch, sunglass
Medical treatment at
collection here for spring
Community Medical Centre
A NEW DANISH watch and sunglass collection has
arrived in South Africa in time for spring. Europe’s
best-selling watch brand, Skagen, which is also the
top-seller through department stores in the United
States and Australia, is experiencing very high interest from consumers and retailers alike.
Highest early demand is for Skagen’s new Swiss
Movement Collection for men and women, which is
seeing brisk sales with buyers snapping up the elegant timepieces.
The Skagen sunglass range is proving popular. Skagen sunglasses have until now not
been available in South African stores, but
with the watches they can now be bought
at selected outlets, including Truworths,
stores in up-market shopping malls and at
Johannesburg and Cape Town international airports.
Paul Kent of Scandinavian Brand
House which imports Skagen
watches and sunglasses from
Denmark, said: “In pre-sales higher priced items are moving the
most rapidly. It surprised us given
the economic downturn, but it seems that buyers are
more cautious with their money; they want jewellery
to be an investment and hi-tech non-scratch, difficult-to-break, sunglasses.
“The days of a different watch with jeans and another with the corporate suit, seem to be over for
the moment.” The Skagen Swiss Movement Collection is the ultimate globalised watch; it has Swiss
quartz movement - assembled in Switzerland - with
Italian leather straps or stainless steel links to Danish design. The Skagen Denmark Swiss Movement
Collection features spring-powered mechanical function, to reduce friction during movement. Many of the
spaces between gears are set with tiny synthetic gem
crystals - using this feature instead of metal reduces
temperature changes and holds lubricant longer, extending the life of these watches. The bestseller in this
range are hyper-elegant stainless steel cases with
chrome mirrored borders and mother of pearl dials
for women, with diamond indicators and two-tone stainless steel links.
In the men’s range,
stainless steel cases
in silver or rose-gold
with mirrored borders
and brushed chrome or
brown dials with two-eye
multifunction and luminous
hands and indicators with black
or brown Italian leather straps, flew off the shelves.
“Skagen sunglasses with their very light titanium
frames in metal, gold or with leather or tortoise shell
accents, some embedded with Swarovski crystals,
superior polycarbonate or nylon lenses in every shade
from purple, to black, brown or grey, were instant
best-sellers,” Kent said.
The new range puts South Africa in line with the latest trends from Europe with four style lines; most are
corrosion resistant which makes it almost impossible
for the lens to scratch, even with the most careless
use. Spring hinges which allow the glasses to bend
beyond the limit of normal hinges limit breakage of
the frame under stress and keep frames properly
aligned.
Pictured: Skagen Swiss 583XLSDO
THE ERIC AND SHEILA SAMSON Community Medical Centre in Sandringham Gardens
in Johannesburg, provides professional and
excellent co-ordinated healthcare for those
in need of it.
Its services are accessible to all those who
are unable to afford medical attention. At the
outpatients department, consultations with
general practitioners are available to people who might sometimes neglect their own
health, and that of their children, rather than
be faced with debts they are unable to pay.
The model and comprehensive structure
of the Community Medical Centre is an extension of the Chevrah Kadisha’s mandate
to care for the Jewish helpless and never to
turn away the needy.
Radiography
department.
The Community Medical Centre provides:
* The outpatients department which is open
every weekday morning. It operates on an appointment/referral system and encompasses
four areas: namely general practitioners and
consultants clinic; X-ray/radiography unit; Alpha
Omega dental clinic; and podiatry clinic.
It boasts five fulltime general practitioners and
200 nurses; visiting specialists; a physiotherapy
department; a registered dispensary; speech
and hearing therapy ;a hospital - which treats
up to 300 patients; Hymie & Mavis Datnow Care
Unit for terminally ill; Sandringham Lodge Mental
Health Facility; Training for Wits medical students
and training for KHANYISA nurses.
Anyone in the community in need of medical
attention can avail themselves of these services.
Sandringham Gardens Medical centre exterior.
III
IV
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Experience freshness at
Fruit & Veg City
Any healthy diet should start first and foremost with a
generous helping of the freshest fruit and vegetables.
IT HAS BEEN proven that by eating the right balance of fresh produce, you can significantly reduce
your risk of cancer, as well as other
life-threatening diseases.
Fruit and vegetables are high
in energy and packed with vitamins, minerals, protective plant
compounds and fibre, so they’re a
great source of nutrients and vital
for staying healthy.
They should be slotted into every meal, as well as being the first
choice for a snack. These days,
however, it is quite difficult to find
that farm-fresh produce they had
in the good old days, especially living in the city.
However, there is hope for those
who still value freshness above all else. At
Fruit & Veg City we are dedicated to bringing
you the freshest fruit and vegetables available. That’s why farmers are our best friends.
We source our products straight from the
farm, so you can be assured that freshness
is all you’ll get when shopping at Fruit & Veg
City.
And as most of our fruit and vegetables are
loose selling, you can choose exactly what
you want. Our produce also sells extremely
quickly, and is constantly replenished, further
ensuring freshness. In this sense, Fruit & Veg
City can bee seen as a modern market with
a hint of yesteryear.
So, visit Fruit & Veg City, Bruma or Fruit &
Veg City, Sandton today for a fresher food
experience.
IV
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Experience freshness at
Fruit & Veg City
Any healthy diet should start first and foremost with a
generous helping of the freshest fruit and vegetables.
IT HAS BEEN proven that by eating the right balance of fresh produce, you can significantly reduce
your risk of cancer, as well as other
life-threatening diseases.
Fruit and vegetables are high
in energy and packed with vitamins, minerals, protective plant
compounds and fibre, so they’re a
great source of nutrients and vital
for staying healthy.
They should be slotted into every meal, as well as being the first
choice for a snack. These days,
however, it is quite difficult to find
that farm-fresh produce they had
in the good old days, especially living in the city.
However, there is hope for those
who still value freshness above all else. At
Fruit & Veg City we are dedicated to bringing
you the freshest fruit and vegetables available. That’s why farmers are our best friends.
We source our products straight from the
farm, so you can be assured that freshness
is all you’ll get when shopping at Fruit & Veg
City.
And as most of our fruit and vegetables are
loose selling, you can choose exactly what
you want. Our produce also sells extremely
quickly, and is constantly replenished, further
ensuring freshness. In this sense, Fruit & Veg
City can bee seen as a modern market with
a hint of yesteryear.
So, visit Fruit & Veg City, Bruma or Fruit &
Veg City, Sandton today for a fresher food
experience.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
V
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Regular mammograms for
Misty Hills - an unforgettable
your peace of mind
African sanctuary close by
OVERLOOKING THE Kromdraai
Valley in Muldersdrift, Misty Hills
Spa in the Country is truly an
African sanctuary. Guests can
pamper themselves in a serene
environment that encourages relaxation and personal rejuvenation
- the key to vibrant health. Our
Signature Room at Misty Hills Spa
in the Country incorporates European opulence within an African Kedar Spa Building
environment, allowing guests to indulge their When experiencing a day escape package,
senses in total seclusion.
a spa lunch is served in our dining area with
Future developments include Misty Hills uninterrupted views of game grazing in their
Spa in the Country Conferencing. Set among natural environment.
the lush indigenous gardens, the new conferSpa in the Country focuses on qualified
ence venue will provide a relaxed, yet profes- therapists delivering a quality experience that
sional environment.
pampers the individual. Indigenous African
Fully equipped with all audiovisual equip- herbs, flowers and spices embody a natural
ment, the facility has been designed to stimu- approach to body and skin care, infusing anlate productivity and creativity. This new con- cient African beauty and health therapies with
ference experience is the ideal incentive for conventional treatments.
your staff.
Our spa shop offers and exclusive range
Kedar Spa in the Country, located in the of spa face and body products which allow
North West Province, embodies a truly Afri- the delegate to enjoy the spa experience at
can Spa experience. The design of the spa home.
embraces the true beauty of Africa.
We offer tailored individual and group packBuilt on the perimeter of a natural wetland, ages with a variety of treatments ranging from
guests may indulge in a variety of spa treat- anti-stress massage, aromatherapy, reflexolments while the mind can be relieved by the ogy and water treatments.
breathtaking views of our African skies.
Contact our Spa Director for any large
Each therapy room consists of double treat- groups or conferencing needs. Packages can
ment beds, spa bath, shower and bathroom be customised according to group size and
to integrate privacy with pure indulgence. requirements.
THERE IS MUCH talk about breast cancer
and its devastating effects. This and the fear
of the unknown, induce huge anxiety. An annual mammogram can often reduce the cancerophobic stress.
Having an annual mammogram and receiving a clear bill of health, may promote a feeling
of well-being which can reflect in one’s general appearance.
Dr Shirley Lipschitz and Associates are in
practice at the Netcare Linksfield Clinic and at
Sunninghill Hospital, where dedicated mammography and bone densitometry are performed. The two clinics are noted for their
women’s health focus.
Breast cancer awareness is vital. The early
detection of any breast abnormality is important for more effective treatment and the better
chance of cure. Early breast cancer diagnosis
often results in less aggressive treatment.
We therefore stress that mammograms
at regular intervals of between one and two
years, are essential.
There are two types of mammograms done:
Either a screening or a diagnostic mammogram.
Screening is done on women without any
problems and usually needs no further followup. These women constitute about 90 per
cent of cases.
A diagnostic study is one where a mammogram is found to be abnormal or when
a woman presents with a problem, either a
lump, pain, swelling, nipple discharge, nipple
change or dimpling of the skin. Further investigations will then be done.
Regular mammograms and early detection
of abnormalities, have been shown to lower
the chance of succumbing to breast cancer
by 35 per cent in women over the age of 50,
while studies suggest that for women between
40 and 50 the chance of dying from breast
cancer is lowered by 25 to 35 per cent.
Digital mammography is being used more
frequently in practice today. Its use is of benefit to the patient, especially for improved
patient comfort, quicker examinations, less
breast compression and radiation exposure.
In addition the improved contrast of the exposure has resulted in an improved cancer
detection in the younger patient with dense
breast tissue.
When an abnormality is detected by the
radiologist, a biopsy may be scheduled. An
ultrasound or X-ray or MRI-guided biopsy
can be done. This is done on the specialised
equipment designed for maximum patient
comfort, the highest level of efficiency and accuracy in locating the abnormality .
The Linksfield practice is located in the Netcare Linksfield Clinic, and is situated next to
the radiology department. The rooms have
recently been redecorated and refurbished to
provide the patients with the utmost comfort.
The staff are professional, warm and empathetic, and a relaxed atmosphere pervades.
We still offer medical aid rates to all valid
members of medical aids.
VI
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Skincare products to suit your requirements
‘SilkSa Skin Care’ is an energised and dynamic young company that
specialises in developing natural and uniquely South African skincare
products to suit your daily skin care requirements.
THESE PRODUCTS have been
specifically developed to meet our
day-to-day needs as determined
by our harsh environment. Our
team of specially-trained employees is fully committed to provide a
range of top quality South African
skincare and beauty products to
suit both men and women around
the globe.
SilkSa’s amazing product range
includes a wide variety of natural and
organic ingredients as well as all the
necessary essential oils, natural moisturisers and good measures of silk protein.
The range encompasses unique products from bath-time treats, daily body
treatments and perfect gifting packages to
essential beauty-care products and accessories. Our Spa Therapy range and Christmas
hampers, are to be introduced shortly and are
anxiously awaited by our numerous clients.
Silk protein is included in all our products and is
sure to make your skin feel refreshed and rehydrated whenever you use them.
Careful hydrolysis of pure silk protein
provides 18 essential amino-acids,
most of which form part of the
essential building blocks of the skin and act as the
perfect natural moisturiser.
Absorbed directly into the skin, it filters into the
blood stream and hair shafts, thus providing the
necessary nutrients required in the process of restoring damaged tissue and hair follicles.
Our professional team has achieved the ability
to produce our outstanding range of products by
harnessing local knowledge of the essential oils derived from rooibos, aloe-vera, marula, baobab and
mulberry and sensitively combining them with the
deep secrets of silk that are steeped in China’s ancient history.
These trees and fruits are grown in our “back
garden” of the Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Cape
provinces of South Africa. This culmination of qualities, offers you, as a guest of SilkSa Skin Care, an
amazing mind and body experience.
With the help of the local community, we strive
to create a sustainable and quality supply of natural
ingredients and products that are used in the manufacture of our entire SilkSa range.
The secret of the people with the most beautiful
skin in the world is now available to you! Come and
try the secrets of Silk for yourself!
All our SilKSa products as well as our other fine
silk and cotton bedroom products, are available
through our Silk Collections stores.
Browse: www.silkcollections.co.za
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Opening closed doors - letting natural intelligence through
JARED, A NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY, is not
coping at school. His parents and teachers are at a loss to explain why this should
be. Jared works hard and is very motivated.
He excels at sports, ball skills and socially.
So why is he underachieving? Jared has
been assessed over and over again, with no
concrete findings.
When examined in the course of a full
binocular visual examination by an optometrist, some interesting points come up.
Jared’s eye movements are jerky and
irregular. His eyes are not able to jump
accurately from line to line and word to word.
When he tries to read, he really tries to
concentrate and absorb the facts, but his
unstable eye movements cause the words
to jump around. He also reads the same line
over and over. He is embarrassed to read
aloud in class because he stumbles over
even the simplest of words.
When we recommend that Jared can
improve his eye movements with the help of
vision therapy, his mother is incredulous. “It is
impossible that anything can be wrong with
Jared’s eyes! He sees everything; in the game
reserve he is the first to spot the animals.”
We then design a series of specialised
and fun eye exercises to suit Jared’s specific
condition, to be performed both at our offices
and at home. The improvement is obvious Jared begins to excel! He suddenly realises
how much fun reading really is. The “closed
book” has been opened. A whole world is
waiting to be explored.
Letting natural intelligence shine
through
As a very successful businessman, the fact that he has
always been a slow reader has
hardly bothered Sam, for his
innate, intelligence and constant
perseverance have allowed him to
excel in his chosen field.
A few years ago, Sam became
observant. He struggles with his
Hebrew reading and assumes
that this is due to his late start.
In his usual fashion, he puts an
enormous effort into learning how
to daven.
An eye examination reveals
eye movement and convegence problems. It becomes
apparent that Sam has learned
efficient methods over the years to
compensate for his deficiencies.
He has honed his listening skills so that he is able to
take in as much information
as possible. But now that he needs
to learn to read a new language in
a totally new direction, his survival
mechanisms no longer work. He
begins to feel very inadequate and
a failure in this new area.
Again, some customised eye
exercises, using both home
therapy and computer programs
help dramatically.
Learning to read
When a child learns to read, both eyes have to
learn how to point together at the same word
and to jump smoothly from one word to the
next. If the process is too jerky, the child cannot keep the place and re-reads the same line
repeatedly.
If this first step in the complex path of
reading is not in place, the child will suffer for
the rest of the schooling career.
Such children may lose their place, or read
very slowly and will not take in what they are
reading.
The problem is exacerbated in Jewish
schools where Hebrew reading is taught. Here
the eyes have to move smoothly, not only from
left to right, but also from right to left as well as
slightly up and down for Hebrew vowels.
A functional visual examination by
an optometrist
• checks more than merely if a
child is short or long sighted
and can see letters on a chart
• it assesses the functional ability
of the child
• can the eyes work as a team,
can they focus, can they
move smoothly from word to
word?
• can the child change focus to
the board and then to close
range work and vice versa?
• are the basic mechanisms
and building blocks in place,
so that the child can excel
academically?
What is vision therapy?
Vision therapy teaches and
strengthens skills which
have not been correctly
learnt. While it can be
done at any age (even
in adulthood), maximum
advantage is gained before
the age of about 12.
Vision therapy trains the
eyes to move and focus
correctly, to align and converge correctly, building up
the child’s abilities, so that
mental energy can be used
for perceptual tasks rather
than for simply processing
the words.
A unique programme - Sunny Road Optometrist has developed its own unique and customised
computer - aided vision therapy programme. The course of 12 sessions is fully covered by most
medical aids.
VII
VIII
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Nutrigion - the nutrition religion
Rene Vrey Optometrists:
NUTRIGION IS AN import company which was
created to service the Jewish community.
Currently 30 per cent of the global population
is interested in health and wellness. This excludes all cases of children or adults who need
to lose or gain weight for health or physique reasons; have mineral deficiencies; have vitamin imbalances; or have other health problems.
These health problems may be cholesterol-related; joint pain; concentration problems; sleeping problems; or other health concerns.
The fact that the Jewish community in South
Africa was not able to have the availability of
high-end kosher supplements encompassing a
full range of products, disturbed us.
Nutrigion prides itself on the quality of
its products:
a. Quality of supplier relations and communications
b. Quality of distribution efficiency and professionalism
c. Quality of products which Nutrigion has exclusive rights of
d. Quality of relations with resellers
As to what these products are and how kosher
they are, the following:
a. Spirutein protein
i. Highest grossing non-gym-specific shake in
the US
ii. Available in over 65 countries
iii. Child-specific proteins available
iv. 6 flavours
v. Varying sizes
vi. Built-in spirulina multi-vitamin complex
vii. Non-genetically modified products
viii. FDA approved
ix. Gluten free
x. Member of the US Heart Association
xi. KOF-K parev
b. Freeda vitamins
i. Full range
1. Gluten free
2. Yeast free
3. OU parev
c. Maxi-health
i. OU parev
ii. OUK parev
iii. Mehadrin
Nutrigion has a range available at Nutria-balance, Blubird; Nature’s Way, Linksfield. Other
stores are coming soon.
We are aggressively seeking new resellers, especially in other cities. Please contact the managing director, Joni Kowensky on her cellphone
082-857-9169 or e-mail her at nutrigion@mweb.
co.za
Kashrut certificates are available at all participating stores and from the distributor.
Difference is eye-catching!
RENE VREY Optometrists
will test your eyes with an
in-depth 45-minute eye test,
using state-of-the-art technology in line with the highest worldwide optometric
standards.
Along with accurately
checking your actual eyesight
and prescription, the test will
cover checking the function
of the 12 eye muscles, check
for signs of eye disease, and
also a screen for ocular signs
of general health problems
like high blood pressure and Rene Vrey, Johannie Nel and Candice Pyle.
diabetes.
As over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoid- Eye-opening value - 2 for 1
able through early detection of diseases, a At Rene Vrey Optometrists, value is important
comprehensive eye test should be conducted too. Prices are exceptionally affordable, espeevery 18 months for adults, while children and cially on branded designer frames, normally
people over 60 should have it annually.
being priced out of reach.
The 2 for 1 option allows you to receive a
Putting you in the right frame
second frame (from a selected fashion range)
Should you need glasses, the professionals and a pair of single vision lenses (with or withwill help you choose the frames that suit your out tint) at no extra cost.
face shape, hairstyle and colour, and skin
Plus, to add more convenience, Rene Vrey
tone. Comfort and fit are equally important, is contracted to most medical aids, and drivand the Rene Vrey team will make sure the er’s licence eye screenings are conducted
frames you pick are perfect for you in every free.
way.
All in all, if you’re looking for a difference
The Rene Vrey contact lens experts are also you can really see and not feel in your pocket,
on hand to offer you advice and practical tips Rene Vrey Optometrists should be your first
on buying and wearing contact lenses.
choice.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Opening closed doors - letting natural intelligence through
JARED, A NINE-YEAR-OLD BOY, is not
coping at school. His parents and teachers are at a loss to explain why this should
be. Jared works hard and is very motivated.
He excels at sports, ball skills and socially.
So why is he underachieving? Jared has
been assessed over and over again, with no
concrete findings.
When examined in the course of a full
binocular visual examination by an optometrist, some interesting points come up.
Jared’s eye movements are jerky and
irregular. His eyes are not able to jump
accurately from line to line and word to word.
When he tries to read, he really tries to
concentrate and absorb the facts, but his
unstable eye movements cause the words
to jump around. He also reads the same line
over and over. He is embarrassed to read
aloud in class because he stumbles over
even the simplest of words.
When we recommend that Jared can
improve his eye movements with the help of
vision therapy, his mother is incredulous. “It is
impossible that anything can be wrong with
Jared’s eyes! He sees everything; in the game
reserve he is the first to spot the animals.”
We then design a series of specialised
and fun eye exercises to suit Jared’s specific
condition, to be performed both at our offices
and at home. The improvement is obvious Jared begins to excel! He suddenly realises
how much fun reading really is. The “closed
book” has been opened. A whole world is
waiting to be explored.
Letting natural intelligence shine
through
As a very successful businessman, the fact that he has
always been a slow reader has
hardly bothered Sam, for his
innate, intelligence and constant
perseverance have allowed him to
excel in his chosen field.
A few years ago, Sam became
observant. He struggles with his
Hebrew reading and assumes
that this is due to his late start.
In his usual fashion, he puts an
enormous effort into learning how
to daven.
An eye examination reveals
eye movement and convegence problems. It becomes
apparent that Sam has learned
efficient methods over the years to
compensate for his deficiencies.
He has honed his listening skills so that he is able to
take in as much information
as possible. But now that he needs
to learn to read a new language in
a totally new direction, his survival
mechanisms no longer work. He
begins to feel very inadequate and
a failure in this new area.
Again, some customised eye
exercises, using both home
therapy and computer programs
help dramatically.
Learning to read
When a child learns to read, both eyes have to
learn how to point together at the same word
and to jump smoothly from one word to the
next. If the process is too jerky, the child cannot keep the place and re-reads the same line
repeatedly.
If this first step in the complex path of
reading is not in place, the child will suffer for
the rest of the schooling career.
Such children may lose their place, or read
very slowly and will not take in what they are
reading.
The problem is exacerbated in Jewish
schools where Hebrew reading is taught. Here
the eyes have to move smoothly, not only from
left to right, but also from right to left as well as
slightly up and down for Hebrew vowels.
A functional visual examination by
an optometrist
• checks more than merely if a
child is short or long sighted
and can see letters on a chart
• it assesses the functional ability
of the child
• can the eyes work as a team,
can they focus, can they
move smoothly from word to
word?
• can the child change focus to
the board and then to close
range work and vice versa?
• are the basic mechanisms
and building blocks in place,
so that the child can excel
academically?
What is vision therapy?
Vision therapy teaches and
strengthens skills which
have not been correctly
learnt. While it can be
done at any age (even
in adulthood), maximum
advantage is gained before
the age of about 12.
Vision therapy trains the
eyes to move and focus
correctly, to align and converge correctly, building up
the child’s abilities, so that
mental energy can be used
for perceptual tasks rather
than for simply processing
the words.
A unique programme - Sunny Road Optometrist has developed its own unique and customised
computer - aided vision therapy programme. The course of 12 sessions is fully covered by most
medical aids.
VII
X
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
Skin Renewal: reset your
Slimming ClinicTM - tackling
ageing clock by some five years...
weighty matters head-on
DR WIAN STANDER, MBChB, qualified
from the University of Pretoria in 2000.
After completing his community service
at the Johannesburg General Hospital,
he joined the private hospital industry. He
was involved in the operational management of Arwyp Medical Centre in Kempton Park and was appointed as medical
superintendent in 2004.
This period also saw him completing
his diploma in tropical diseases and travel
medicine.
During 2007 he consulted for the Netcare Private Hospital group whereafter he
decided to join the private sector and now
heads up the Slimming Clinic TM in Melrose
Arch - previously owned by the reputable
Dr Jack Flaks.
“Good health - and by that we mean the
presence of well-being - is the fundamental foundation stone for a long, rewarding
and fulfilling life.”
Located on Level 1, 10 Melrose Boulevard in the distinguished and trendy Melrose Arch Precinct, Slimming ClinicTM is
the indisputable “Practice of Distinction”.
“We are proud to persevere with a very
distinctive weight loss programme that
bears witness to many successful weight
loss journeys over the past 50 years.
“Since it’s inception under the guidance
and supervision of Dr Flaks, it has been
meticulously adjusted and refined to assist
you in achieving your ideal bodyweight.”
Adele Mynhardt (practice manager)
and Dr. Wian Stander (owner)
The following range of nutritional supplements complements the Slimming ClinicTM
Weight Management ProgramTM:
GlucAssistTM - Comprehensive blood sugar
stabiliser to reduce cravings.
MultiAssistTM - Comprehensive anti-oxidant
and multivitamin complex.
OmegaAssistTM - Optimises hair and skin while
lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
CalMagAssistô - Optimising bone mineralisation and restores nerve and muscle fibres.
XX-AssistTM - Uniquely restores female balance.
XY-AssistTM - Uniquely restores male balance.
ArthroAssistTM - Unique joint complex and
anti-inflammatory.
CardioAssistTM - Reducing the risk of most
heart diseases and dysfunctions.
CLA 1000mg - Increases lean muscle mass
and reduces body fat.
THE ANTI-AGEING revolution has taken the world is important to be able to treat all three layers of
by storm and is rapidly making inroads here in the skin, as ageing is a multi-layered problem. It is
South Africa. Consumers are always interested in also important to start in one’s early 30s or before
maintaining a youthful appearance, and as the glo- the wrinkles produced by ageing have become inbal population’s median age increases, this market grained and difficult to erase.
is increasingly expanding.
The new concept today is to start with non-surIn addition, a background of increasing life-spans gical rejuvenation treatments early so as to avoid or
and improvements in technology have resulted in postpone surgical solutions for as long as possible.
aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine becoming The need for invasive major facelifts will be much
more available and affordable to the average per- less because the current generation of savvy 20-,
son. Due to the increasing media coverage, savvy 30- and 40-year-olds have all the preventative tools
30-year-olds are also opting for preventative non- available to them and will not allow their faces to
invasive treatments to actually try and stop age- get to the stage that today’s 50- and 60-year-olds
ing before it starts, as opposed to stopping it in its have. Skin Renewal prides itself on visible results.
tracks once it has begun.
However, one must understand that aesthetic and
This new trend will see a much different type of anti-ageing treatments are a marathon race, not a
ageing than older generations experienced. As we sprint. The best results become evident down the
age, sun damage and pollutants such as smoking, line and require a commitment from the patient.
damage the collagen, the building block of youthQuick-fixes can best be viewed as temporary in
ful-looking skin, and our imperfections turn into nature and one cannot possibly fix a problem that
multi-layered problems.
has taken years to develop with one treatment.
Another cause for ageing is that the function
If you feel that your skin requires more intensive
of our fibroblasts, cells in the dermis which are treatments, schedule an appointment with one of
responsible for producing collagen and elastin, Skin Renewal’s aesthetic doctors to determine
starts declining from our early 20s. Over the ensu- which medical aesthetic treatment should be
ing years much of the collagen is lost and the face prescribed. The bottom line is that by combining
seems to go south. The ageing itself is inevitable the different non-surgical procedures mentioned
unless the process itself can be delayed. This can above with a balanced diet, abstaining from alcobe done by finding ways to stimulate the fibrob- hol and cigarettes and sun avoidance, one is able
lasts, the cells that produce collagen. Loss of col- to achieve superior results and effectively reset the
lagen is the key factor in the visible signs of ageing, skin’s “ageing clock” by a minimum of five years.
as the skin loses its ability to hold
its shape. If no preventative action
is taken, as the 40s are reached, a
sculptured jaw line becomes a jowl
line and an elegant neck develops a
double chin and a turkey-like effect.
This is where skin rejuvenation
treatments come in. There is a new
generation of lasers, infrared lights,
radiofrequency and carboxytherapy treatments that can treat skin
of any colour. If skin rejuvenation
3D Lift - after.
treatments are to be successful, it 3D Lift - before.
Linksfield Square - Club Street (Opposite King David School)
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
XI
XII
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT 2008
HFPA sees multi-skilling as a major aim
The Health & Fitness Professionals Academy (Pty) Ltd has been a
leader in the education of fitness professionals for 30 years.
OUR AIM IS to multi-skill our students so that
they are able to choose from a variety of career
paths within the sport and fitness industries.
We offer a national diploma in exercise science, which covers sports conditioning and
advanced personal training.
As from 2009 we will be offering a coaching
science track (optional), which will be incorporated into the national diploma syllabus.
We have developed management programmes: facility & event management, and
small business management & entrepreneurship. These also can be included into the
national diploma syllabus to further equip the
graduate for the workplace. We also offer
many continuing education programmes and
short courses.
We offer fulltime and part-time programmes
from all major centres.
For further information please contact the
HFPA head office or your regional academy.
Head office: Rivonia campus:
(011) 807-9673;
Durban campus: (031) 303-4429;
Cape Town: (021) 674-3969;
Port Elizabeth, East London, Knysna/George,
Vaal Triangle - contact head office.
E-mail: www.hfpa.co.za
Common cold - that dreaded lurgie!
The common cold is caused by more than 300 distinct viruses.
Since there are so many different types, it is impossible to develop a single
vaccine effective against them all.
THE COMMON cold is spread by airborne droplets from an infected person breathing, coughing
or sneezing. One thing to remember is that just
because a person is exposed to an infection,
does not mean that an infection will ensue. Infection is very much dependant on the host resistance.
Other factors include: a) virulence of the organism and b) inoculation size of the organism.
Since we cannot change or prevent the common cold virus from infecting us, we can focus on
strengthening our immune system in order to fight
whichever infection comes our way.
Because the common cold is virus-borne, antibiotics that treat bacterial-borne infections are
ineffective. Only with bacterial sinusitis is an antibiotic necessary.
Many of the over-the-counter medications suppress the symptoms of the common cold very effectively, but does very little for strengthening the
immune system and assisting the body to heal
itself.
In other words, physically you feel much better,
so you carry on with your daily activities at work
and maybe even go to the gym, since you feel so
much better.
Stress is a major factor that can increase the
susceptibility to a cold and the duration of the
cold - so the lack of adequate rest affects the
immune system by weakening it.
In a study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1999, researchers measured the severity of respiratory symptoms, mucus production, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in test
subjects injected with influenza A virus.
Volunteers who reported greater psychological stress before inoculation, reacted to infection with more intense symptoms, increased
mucus production, and higher concentrations
of interleukin-6.
Lifestyle tips
Proper rest and sleep:
Eating properly may help to shorten the cold’s
duration or make the symptoms less severe.
Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables,
whole grains and essential fatty acids.
Avoid saturated fat (animal proteins and
dairy) and fried greasy foods. Eat easily digestible foods like vegetable soups, so the body
can focus on healing instead of trying to digest
a heavy meal.
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper
and black pepper can help with the sweating
(elimination) process - take with herbal teas.
Drink a minimum of 8-10 glasses of fluids a
day to avoid dehydration. Keep mucous membranes moist and loosen phlegm. Room temperature water and vegetable broths and herbal
teas are very good options.
Abstain from alcohol because it reduces the
body’s ability to fight infection.
Avoid smoking and smoky places.
Keep nasal passages moist - use a cool-mist
humidifier.
Essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree can
be used to relieve a stuffy nose.
A ginger foot bath can help relieve that feeling
of congestion in the head.
Use a calendula and hypericum ointment to
apply around the nose to prevent the skin from
getting dry and cracking.
Gargling with honey in lukewarm water is a
wonderful remedy for a sore throat. Viridian’s
100 per cent organic Echinacea throat spray is
easy to use and you can carry it around in your
bag and use any time of the day.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
TAPESTRY
ART, BOOKS, DANCE, FILM, THEATRE
These are children trapped
in pre-menopausal bodies
The Ten-Year Nap
by Meg Wolitzer
(Random House, R195)
REVIEWED BY
GWEN PODBREY
LAST YEAR, Ariel Levy’s
controversial work, Female
Chauvinist Pigs , explored
the way American women
are betraying the feminist
movement by reverting to a
level of sexual exhibitionism that reinstates every
demeaning stereotype ever
constructed about them.
In Meg Wolitzer’s new
novel, however, the reverse
is examined: the feminist
movement’s betrayal of the
women who invested heavily
in its heady promises - and
assumed that the only valid
criterion for self-definition
and a sense of worth was a
successful career.
For three of the women
depicted by Wolitzer, this
belief has backfired, because fulfilment has always
eluded them. Their truncated
careers have either fizzled out
completely, or never got off the
ground in the first place.
Each of the women has been
removed from the working world
for 10 years, in which period they
have devoted themselves to raising their children and playing
itinerant community roles. Now, a
decade later, they take a long, critical look at their lives - and are
dismayed.
For Amy Lamb, a former
lawyer, the realisation that she
has been sidelined - both professionally and domestically - taps
into a deeper, older sense of inadequacy. The daughter of an ardent
feminist who did the precise opposite (abandoning a housewife’s
role for a career at the age of 40),
Lamb still harbours resentment
towards her mother - specifically,
for succeeding.
Amy’s best friend, Jill Hamlin,
is equally frustrated. Once a
promising academic, she abandoned her studies to raise an
adopted Eastern European child,
who is now showing signs of being
mentally handicapped.
Like Lamb, Hamlin is bewildered and angry at what she has
been reduced to: “Your personal
history of pain, by the time you
reach the age of 40, is supposed to
have been folded thoroughly into
the batter of the self, so that you
barely need to acknowledge it any
more,” she muses.
For Roberta Sokolov, a failed
Jewish artist married to an equally unsuccessful puppeteer, midlife is no sweeter. She tries to
throw herself into political and
social causes, but these are tran-
sient passions which offer only
fleeting distraction.
“Maybe there are no second acts
in American lives,” she thinks.
In contrast, there is Karen Yip:
a gifted Chinese mathematician
who gave up an illustrious career
to care for her sons. Yip, however,
is perfectly content with the shape
her life has taken. She and her
husband - like her, a first-generation American - are thrilled with
the standard of living they have
managed to achieve in a country
where their immigrant parents
once laboured in menial jobs.
Yip alone carries no regrets,
and considers the exchange of
ambition for suburban affluence a
bargain.
The novel traces the choices
made by these four women, comparing them with those made by
their mothers and weighing the
middle-aged consequences of
decisions taken years before,
when youth and potential seemed
inexhaustible.
The novel features very little
action or interaction, comprising
mainly sustained inner dialogues
and detailed, long-range studies of
four disembodied individuals.
While this makes for a slow,
demanding, read, Wolitzer’s writing is fluid, her perception trenchant and her descriptive powers
admirable.
Yet, for all its acuity and candour, there is something fundamentally wrong with this novel: it
is not about adult women at all. Its
characters are children trapped in
pre-menopausal bodies.
Their morality is diluted by
New Age truisms, and their rivalries and revelations are those of
rueful teenagers, aghast at discov-
ering that nothing lasts forever: breasts sag, skin wrinkles, marriages lose their
erotic sparkle, children disappoint and even the most
pampered, narcissistic existence eventually gives way to
tedium.
Amy Lamb, for example,
finds renewed purpose - for a
time - by becoming the confidante of a far wealthier,
more successful woman who
is having an affair. Although
she knows the woman’s husband, Lamb blithely accompanies the lovers on illicit
outings, so enjoying the
vicarious thrill that she completely endorses their infidelity, spending all her time
with them.
As a result, Lamb’s friend,
Jill Hamlin, becomes envious
and spiteful, clamouring for
more attention and sulking
when she does not receive it.
Is this really how grown-up
women behave? It seems that
Wolitzer has raided the cast
of an Enid Blyton schoolgirl
odyssey for her novel.
Or perhaps it is simply the
unique insularity of middle-class
Americans - and the satiety of a
First World, consumer-centric
society - that gives the novel its
unreal feeling.
Whatever their frustrations,
Wolitzer’s characters all take for
granted a lifestyle which is so
sanitised, structured and predictable, that it poses few challenges.
The women ferry their children
to a school where every conceivable amenity is laid on, where
activities are seamlessly supervised, and where even parents
dutifully attend meetings and
obey instructions.
They shop at emporiums where
convenience and cleanliness are
equally matched. They trust their
government to protect them from
repetitions of 9/11. They lack any
initiative or imaginative energy:
in short, they are bored - and boring.
In fact, the malaise of their
lifestyle is not linked to the miscalculations of the feminist
movement, or to changing gender
roles. Rather, it is the natural,
inevitable result of growing
older, when idealism surrenders
to disillusionment and there is
limited time left to rectify errors.
Perhaps the American rejection of ageing - and its obsessive
repackaging of tired human
minds and bodies into glitzy new
slogans and wrappings - is the
real villain.
As Margaret Atwood once
famously observed: “You aren’t
sick and unhappy / Only alive
and stuck with it.”
11
12
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
LETTERS
Disclaimer
The letters page is intended to provide opportunity for a range of views on any given topic to
be expressed. Opinions articulated in the letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the editor, staff or directors of the Jewish Report
The Editor, Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Randburg, 2125 email: carro@global.co.za
Guidelines for letters
Letters up to 400 words will get preference. Please provide your full first name and surname,
place of residence, and a daytime contact number. We do not publish letters under noms de
plume. Letters should preferably be e-mailed. Letters may be edited or shortened.
CAREFUL NOT TO LABEL ANY CRITICISM ‘ANTI-ISRAEL’
WE MUST SUPPORT ISRAEL MORE INTELLIGENTLY
I AM an Israeli who lives and works in Israel,
and was therefore deeply troubled by Ze-ev
Krein’s piece to the Jewish Report last week. I
have been following the report-backs from the
human rights delegation to Israel over the past
couple of months, and was highly impressed
with the sharp, yet nuanced and balanced comments made by the various delegates.
Can Doron Isaacs who mourns in his article
“Human rights in the ‘here and now’” both the
Israeli and the Palestinian victims of the violence be described as “viciously anti-Israel”? Or
should this characterisation be reserved for
Jonathan Berger who describes accurately the
deep agonies of peace activists from both sides?
I do not want to respond to the various accusations made by Mr Krein, save one: criticising the
Occupation is not anti-Israel! For too long, representatives of the right-wing have co-opted the
discourse of Jewish communities worldwide,
claiming that any criticism made regarding
Israeli policy, must be anti-Israel, if not also antiSemitic.
As an Israeli, I feel that this strategy is hurting
us. There are many voices within Israeli society,
some very critical of what is happening in the
Territories and, at the same time loyal to Israel
THE STURM und drang surrounding the
Jewish response to the self-styled human
rights delegation to the Middle East conflict, has to a large part, as I see it, misunderstood their real agenda, and even
played into that misunderstanding.
Barack Obama in his acceptance speech
at the Democratic Party Convention in
Denver, Colorado, whatever your political
convictions, made a very telling comment
aimed at the American electorate.
Referring to the Obama phenomenon
he said: “John McCain does not get it. It is
not about Me. It is about You.”
The 23 individuals from South Africa
who made up the (human rights) delegation, are obviously all very intelligent and
surely did not expect their visit to make
the slightest difference to the situation
over there. Their concluding statement of
July 10, acknowledges this.
We do not get it if we assail them for not
being “even-handed” or only giving cursory or grudging attention to Israeli human
rights. How could this be, if their funding
came from a wealthy member of Kasrils’
“Not in My Name” group which has been
virulently indifferent to any context to the
security measures necessitated by
Palestinian choices, which are causing
their own distress?
The non-Jewish members quite possi-
and to the Jewish nation as a whole.
We believe that the prolonged Occupation is
hurting our moral image as a people, and our
security as well. We also believe that our
Jewish families in the Diaspora, who see this
State as theirs as well, have every right to
voice their opinions on the future of the
Territories.
I believe Mr Krein makes a very dangerous
point when he equates protecting Israel’s
image, and protecting Israel. I want to live in
a just society, not a society that is corrupt, but
appears just worldwide. Indeed, Israel’s occupation is turning us into a corrupt and violent
society.
But all of this can change. We can still be a
“light to all nations”. In order to do so, all of
us, must stop using Mr Krein’s over-protective rhetoric, and start describing what is
really happening on the ground. I believe the
human rights delegation did just that, and
urge the South African Jewish community to
do the same.
Alon Harel
Professor of Law at the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem Law School
OPEN DEBATE ON ‘RIGHTS DELEGATION’ IS WELCOME
I RESPOND to Ze-ev Krein’s letter published in
the Jewish Report of last week.
Mr Krein, I’m glad you care about the conflict.
I think we need people to care and debate and
give input to move forward.
I also think we need to be talking about the
conflict, and not just talking about talking about
the conflict. The human rights delegation gave
us the opportunity to do this. Whatever we may
feel about the views of individuals on the trip,
should be secondary to the real issues at hand.
Their reports gave people such as yourself an
excellent opportunity to launch arguments and
explanations for what they saw. The publicity it
created gave space for a full range of discussion
on the issue, and if, as they have before, some
people used the apartheid analogy, it is within
their rights to do so, and I don’t think it was the
intention of the tour.
It is insulting to the individuals on the tour to
suggest that they were fooled into propagating a
false view of the conflict. If you think they misunderstood or wrongly interpreted what they
saw, express that. But don’t write off the valuable experiences of 23 very respected individuals because you disagree with some of their
conclusions.
The more we are able to hear, firsthand,
about the situation, the more we can engage
with it. Let’s make the most of this. I want to
hear what you think about the situation, not
what you think about someone else who has
an opinion. We need not interpret every gesture, effort or piece of publicity involving
Israel as a political onslaught. Maybe there is
no malicious agenda behind this. Maybe 23
people, like yourself, also care (about everyone suffering in Israel and the territories).
Perhaps, with a little freedom of speech and
open-mindedness, this tour may get more people thinking, more people talking and more
people pressuring all parties involved into taking steps forward.
Tali Cassidy
Rosh Netzer Cape Town
A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE TONE NEEDED IN ‘RIGHTS’ DEBATE
DESTRUCTIVE. This is the only word suitable
to describe Mr Krein’s approach to this issue
(last week’s Jewish Report). It appears to me
that Mr Krein has lost sight of the debate in
view here and shifted to a destructive tone slandering Doron, and a human rights delegation
purporting “untrue facts” about the preparation and facilitation of this tour to Israel.
The five-day long tour was attended by many
of South Africa’s most respected people, and
these people - from the facts - spoke how they
were sympathetic to both sides of the conflict,
condemning all the violence and thus the tour
was not themed as the “one sided affair” Mr
Krein postulates.
The point of the tour was also not to empower the delegates with the ability to condemn the
situation as “apartheid” and this is reflected in
the official statement of the delegation. Farid
Esack, a member of the delegation, has publicly
deemed the description as “simplistic”.
To compare Doron Isaacs to the tyranny of
Robert Mugabe, for leading a delegation to evaluate the human rights situation in Israel, is
laughable at best. Once again, according to the
facts, the tour’s majority of presenters were
Israeli, highlighting Israeli perspective, with
the only official meeting being held between
the delegation and the Israeli Chief Justice.
Other informal speakers included three victims of conflict (two of them Israeli), and the
Israeli Deputy Attorney General. Therefore to
assume this tour held the agenda to “bash
Israel” is, if nothing else, not mathematical.
However, the real issue here is that this
debate is not being held in the forum it
deserves. It has been cast in a destructive tone,
succeeding only in driving the wedge between
the left and the right deeper, pushing them further apart.
Perhaps, a more constructive tone can be
taken with this disagreement in the form of a
public debate, to bring everyone together and
follow with peace-driven action, instead of
public denouncement in a swirl of personal
attacks and false assumptions.
Matthew Wolf, Australia
KINROSS’ ASSUMPTIONS ‘HOLD NO CREDIBILITY’
THE ASSUMPTIONS in L Kinross’ letter in
SAJR, August 15, entitled “There are two sides
to every story”, holds no credibility.
Kinross admitted that she was not there to
witness what transpired, therefore her comments are based totally on speculation, and
are of a kind which would be totally inadmissible in any halachic and secular forum of
right-thinking people.
She uses the oldest trick in the book, namely to divert the subject at hand (which was bad
management), to instead launch an attack on
my character (with her letter totally based on
assumption, which holds no credibility at all).
In doing so she hid behind her initials and
surname, not writing her first name when
writing a letter like this with accusations of
that magnitude. She should be proud of who
she is!
I’ve put in a quote for you Kinross because
of her skewed understanding of business:
“There is only one boss - the customer. And
he can fire everybody in the company, from
the chairman on down, simply by spending
his money somewhere else.” - Sam Walton
(1918-1992), founder of Wal-Mart.
Kinross in future should not project her
own insecurities about “your friends being
embarrassed by your actions” and try and
pin them on someone else.
Since my letter, I have received an offer
from Next Door Pizza (Barrio-milk) inviting
me for two free pizzas. I think it’s a good business gesture on their behalf and thank them
for that.
Zami Romm
Johannesburg
bly saw this as a sponsored (free?) opportunity to experience the humanitarian situation for themselves, to what end is not
clear.
Looking at the CVs of the Jewish members, it is hard to escape the conclusion
that they carry a large baggage load of
anti-establishmentism against the traditional community approach to Zionism.
A few have made hobbyhorses of attacking, gleefully or sorrowfully, the perceived
“right-wing” values of the dominant
Jewish community leadership, whether
secular or religious.
This is their right and I would not be so
arrogant as to cast aspersions on their
good faith or that their strongly held beliefs
do not have merit. However, outrage
demanding that we reject them, only leads
to them cementing their “righteousness”
and intensifying their provocation.
It is no good complaining why they do
not also focus on Hamas, Darfur,
Zimbabwe, etc. It is not about “them” or
even universal human rights; it is about
“us”. The sooner we understand this, the
better we can deal with meeting the challenge of our support for Israel in a more
intelligent manner.
Stephen Paul
Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town
NOT SUCH AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION FOR ‘RIGHTS DELEGATION’
AS I was away when some individuals
reported back into their investigations of
so-called abuses by the Israeli Defence
Forces (on Wednesday afternoon August
13), I asked a close friend to inform me
what transpired at the report-back, which
he duly did.
So, imagine my amazement when I read
the letter from Lionel Walter Gordon
(“Rights delegation - the debate should
carry on”, Jewish Report August 22).
He states: “Every second Jewish person I
encounter is reasonably positive about
these people...”. He also wrote “...200 enthusiastic members of Cape Town’s Jewish
community attended the evening...”
However, my friend reported to me as
follows; “We estimated that there were less
than 100 people. There were many nonJews there. There were very few from the
mainstream Jewish community there.
When one of the latter spoke, he was rudely and impatiently interrupted.
“So much for their tolerance. They are
making very little inroads into the Jewish
community in general.”
There are approximately 16 000 Jewish
souls in Cape Town. Let us assume a minimum of 8 000 adults. So, even if there were
200 “enthusiastic members of the Jewish
community” at the report-back, that makes
2,5 per cent, a far cry from the 50 per cent
claimed by Gordon (“every second Jewish
person” etc, etc )
Down the ages, the history of the Jewish
nation abounds with people of Jewish origin who wanted to foist their impractical
solutions on the majority.
The Hellenists were a prime example. Are
those members of the group who went to
Ramallah, who are of Jewish origin, also
Hellenists?
The jury is out.
Bennie Katzman
Oranjezicht, Cape Town
KREIN’S LETTER IS FILLED WITH DECEIT AND FALSE INFORMATION
I HAVE just read Ze-ev Krein’s letter in
The Jewish Report (of last week) with dismay.
I have always been amazed at the Jewish
community’s ability to vigorously debate
and discuss issues and I never find a
Shabbat supper dull as there is always
something to argue about.
I remember one Passover with fondness
as it involved much debate about the
meaning of Pesach and comments where
encouraged from the youngest child
around the table.
I have followed the responses to the
human rights delegation to Israel with
much interest as I believe it is a key step in
shifting the Israel/Palestine debate from
one of blame and counter-blame to one of
open debate and acceptance of the wrongs
(and rights) of both sides.
A key feature of the response in Jewish
community newspapers thus far has been
to vilify and make personal attacks on the
organisers of the trip and to write-off the
participants as anti-Israel. I do not believe
that this response is fair and Mr Krein’s
letter is not just unfair but filled with
deceit and false information.
He claims that the delegation was made
of people who were “viciously anti-Israel,
including some Jews who have proven on
numerous occasions their anti-Israel
stance”. If he was asked for proof of this
he would not be able to provide it, because
it is false.
He writes that the purpose of the delegation “was to give them the power to bash
Israel”. In fact, many of the delegates
spoke of their love and support of Israel.
All the delegates condemned Palestinian
violence unequivocally. Mr Krein chooses to
write off criticism of Israel as “Israel bashing”. It is this type of knee-jerk reaction to
criticism of Israel that will keep the conflict
at the level that it is.
Mr Krein believes that the Palestinian
side was overly emphasised and places like
Sderot was never visited. He conveniently
fails to mention that the delegation visited
Yad Vashem (some delegates spoke of this
visit with tears in their eyes), the Israeli
Chief Justice, Israeli victims of violence, Tel
Aviv, the former Israeli deputy attorney
general and the former deputy mayor of
Jerusalem.
Mr Krein neglects to mention any of this
in his letter; a negligence that may point to
an attempt to deceive.
Lastly, Mr Krein attributes Doron Isaacs
with almost super-natural powers in his
attempt to vilify Doron. Not only can Doron
sway the minds of seasoned politicians and
newspaper editors, but “has managed to fool
a proportion of this community into believing him” and to “perfectly orchestrate a
powerfully anti-Israel campaign with significantly high profile members”. I quote Mr
Krein because his own comments best illustrate how ridiculous his arguments are.
Mr Krein’s letter left me wondering:
“What kind of criticism of Israel is
healthy?”
I suspect the answer, according to Mr
Krein, would be “None”.
Faizel Slamang
Gardens
Cape Town
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
15
14
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
COMMUNITY COLUMNS
ABOVE
BOARD
Zev Krengel,
National Chairman
A column of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies
LAST WEEK our Gauteng Council ViceChairman Gershon Hurwitz, accompanied by
Marc Pozniak, attended the regional meeting for
the 2009 Regional Preparatory Meeting for next
year’s Review Conference to the 2001 World
Conference Against Racism (WCAR), held in
Abuja, Nigeria.
From the outset, I would like to warmly commend our young “Jewish diplomats” Gershon and
Marc. We look forward to hearing from them first
hand on their return, as to what transpired at this
important international meeting.
However, from the reports already sent through
to us, it is already evident that they were far from
being mere passive observers, but rather were
very active in various aspects of the proceedings.
Working long and focused hours, Gerson and
Marc lobbied tenaciously for appropriate balance
in the conference documents. The aim was to prevent the inclusion of lopsided resolutions against
Israel and Jews, make delegates aware of the how
badly the 2001 conference was derailed by antiSemitism and radical anti-Zionism and to built
bridges of trust and friendship with the other
African NGOs.
They certainly helped influence the outcome of
the NGO part of the conference, which I am
pleased to report focused - as it should, given that
this was a regional meeting - on African issues.
They were also instrumental in ensuring NGO
participation (as observers) in the Government
Drafting Committee.
While South Africa will not be hosting the
WCAR follow-up - dubbed “Durban II” - it is nevertheless taking a leading part in its organisation.
It played a prominent role in the regional meeting (inter alia chairing the government Drafting
Making a
difference for
Durban II
Committee meeting).
Our government has been made well aware that
the success, or otherwise, of Durban II depends on
whether or not it is allowed to be hijacked once
more by anti-Israel extremists and Jew-baiters.
Gerson and Marc, our representatives on the
ground, have assured us that South Africa has
been even handed throughout. Only genuine evenhandedness, on the part of all participants, will
ensure that the 2001 Durban fiasco is not repeated
and allow for a constructive outcome.
Agreeing to disagree
We have noted with considerable concern, some of
the recent and very personal attacks in public
forums (most notably the internet) on certain
members of our community by their fellow community members.
Such behaviour is in no way condoned by the
communal leadership. Every individual has the
right to their own opinion, be this on the Middle
East, religion or any other matter. Others are, of
course, equally entitled to disagree with such
views.
However, such a right must be exercised in an
atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance.
Resorting to abusive and petty threats, is in any
case counter-productive. It undermines one’s own
legitimacy and also gives credence to the other
person’s grievances and criticisms.
Calls to act in a violent nature are reprehensible
and we hope to see such statements ceasing immediately.
By all means, let us critically and vigorously
debate the various issues facing our community,
but at all times let it be on the basis of playing the
ball and not the man.
Voices blend in harmony
Concert: Choral Extravaganza II
(Linder)
Choirs: Johannesburg Jewish Male
Choir and Imilonji KaNtu Male Choir
Musical directors: Evelyn Green and
George Mxadana
Soloists: Russel Lurie, Raymond
Mabaso, Jacky Motloung, George
Mxadana, Mark Shapiro, Cantor Ezra
Sher
REVIEWED BY PAUL BOEKKOOI
A CONCERT like this can be described
as a continuous cross-cultural bonding
exercise, but it’s far more than just
that. On this stage a process of inner
spiritual value systems are not only
being fulfilled, but also exchanged.
Inspired amateurs - doing it for the
love of it - are, at the end of the day, the
salt of the musical world. One must
congratulate each member of the combined choirs for being living instruments in achieving this goal. And even
when the musical results were not
always “perfect” as such, the quality of
the chosen works carried the concert to
greater heights.
A single example was “Avinu
Malkeinu” by Max Janowski with its
atmospheric instrumental introduction
which closed the first half of the programme. This brooding prayer, specifically connected to fasting, grew in
intensity - especially through the voices
of the three soloists - and ended triumphantly.
The same kind of elation one could
feel in “Halleluka Psalm 150”, with the
combined choirs managing the extended Hallelujahs nearer to its end with
glorious abandon.
Also Russel Lurie and the choir’s resonating and emotional singing of
“Avinu Shebashamayim” managed to
fully tug at the heart strings.
Musical directors George Mxadana
and Evelyn Green, with the JJMC’s
chairman, Russel Lurie. (PHOTOGRAPH:
FRANK TAPNACK)
On another level one could fully
enjoy the traditional Zulu song “Woza
Ngiku Tshelindaba”, carried by such
amazing strongly-grounded harmonies
and uttered with fully burnished resonances.
Cantor Ezra Sher’s voice often
reflects a haunting quality, but there
were times when he pushed his voice
too hard. The result was sharp intonation - a recurring aspect which some
other soloists should also take note of.
Mark Shapiro’s boy soprano was
inspirational. He has a great feeling for
extended vocal lines and projects the
clarity of his voice with the necessary
stamina. It was a pity that his voice was
under-amplified in “The Lion Sleeps
Tonight”.
One must laud the hard work the
musical directors of both choirs put
into this programme. It’s a challenging
one and I must confess that it’s purely
heaven-sent that George Mxadana and
Evelyn Green complement each other
so wonderfully.
• Due to overwhelming public
demand, this concert will perform
again on Tuesday, November 11, at the
Linder Auditorium.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
15
Three new documentations
Dr D wins Women
Lifetime Achiever Award on life of Franz Auerbach
Radio and TV personality Dorianne Weil, or “Dr D” as she is
more widely known, has been honoured by CEO magazine with a
Lifetime Achiever Award at South Africa’s Most Influential
Women awards. It was given to her at a ceremony in Sandton.
A MEDIA release stated that Dr D, a clinical psychologist who has consulted for
over 25 years in hospitals and in private
and corporate practice, was nominated
several times in four categories, namely
business and professional services, education and training, welfare and related
services and telecommunication/Media.
The judges, however, felt “it was impossible to categorise her as she has made an
on-going and serious contribution across
the board”.
Dr D is well known in the media as a television and radio talk show host and an
expert in her field. Her show “Thrive”
which is broadcast on Thursdays at 19:00
on Classic FM, promotes the development
of excellence, fulfilment and well-being.
Her regular contributions in the press on
a diverse range of topics have assured a
following among thousands of readers.
She is also renowned for her knowledgeable, inspirational and entertaining presentations and as a public speaker, facilitator and trainer. She has had a hand in
training CEOs in 49 countries.
Sector recipients have included, Pam
Golding for property, Carrol Boyes for
culture, Wendy Ackerman for consumer
business, Prof. Fikile Mazibuko for education and training, Minister Geraldine
Fraser-Moleketi for government, and
Louisa Mojele for financial service (general).
DAVID SAKS
LAST MONTH, the Wits School of
Education launched three newly completed documentation projects devoted to the
life and writings of the late Dr Franz
Auerbach. The projects, two years in production, were sponsored with a view to
assisting researchers “grappling with the
process of educational transformation
during the apartheid and early apartheid
eras”.
Auerbach (1923-2004), a German Jewish
refugee from Nazism, was a leading figure
in the fight against institutionalised
racism in the South African educational
system. He was in addition prominently
involved in Jewish communal affairs, both
in a lay and a professional capacity, inter
alia as a long-serving member of the
SAJBD and the SA National Yad Vashem
Memorial Foundation.
He wrote and lectured extensively on
matters relating to anti-Semitism and the
Holocaust.
The Franz Auerbach Papers, now
organised into 16 volumes, have been
housed in the Historical Papers division of
the Wits library. They include Auerbach’s
extensive writings, including the hundreds of his letters (many written under
pseudonyms) published in the mainstream media over more than half a century.
Leading Educationalist: Dr Franz
Auerbach is a bibliography with extensive
commentary written by Mark Sandham,
education librarian.
Its main entries include Auerbach’s
writings on education, including unpublished and unsigned papers, as well as
writings elicited by him and articles in
which he is quoted at length. At 150 pages,
The front cover of a new bibliography
on Franz Auerbach.
including an index, it has been brought
out in book form and is available from the
Wits School of Education at R100.
The third completed project is a 28-page
index to No Single Loyalty, Auerbach’s
autobiography that appeared in 2003. It
was compiled by Alison Chisholm, deputy
educational librarian at Wits.
16
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
YOUTH TALK
Shelley Elk jewishreport@yahoo.com
Young y-idols contestants get
ready for the finishing line
ROMY SALANT
PHOTOGRAPH: SHELLEY ELK
JEWISH Y-IDOLS is working its way to the
finishing line, and has whittled down the
contesting hopefuls from an initial 152 in
Johannesburg and 35 in Cape Town, to five
Johannesburg finalists, who will compete
against another two finalists from Cape
Town in the final on December 3 in
Johannesburg. The Cape Town finalists will
be selected on September 11.
The competition started off in March with
singing hopefuls aged between 14 and 25.
One winner of the December 3 final will
receive a recording contract, air tickets,
money, luggage and other prizes.
Finalists Ryan Isakov, Natasha Millar,
Dan de Combes and Ryan Peimar were
selected by the judges, while Dana
Samowitz, a fifth finalist, won the audience
vote and the five will showcase their vocal
talents at the y-idols finals in Johannesburg.
“It is an incredible dream come true,”
Isakov told the Jewish Report as he shared
his elation with the other finalists.
Piemer told the Jewish Report: “I entered
the competition to put myself on the map in
the Jewish community and in South Africa
in general. I feel y-idols has given me the
platform to do this.”
Millar said: “Competing with other people
and learning how to perform in front of people, is a good experience to grow as a vocalist.”
The semi-finals of y-idols at the Victory
Theatre in Johannesburg on Sunday
evening, gave 12 semi-finalists the opportu-
y-idols
finalists,
Dan de
Combes,
Natasha
Millar,
Ryan
Isakov,
Ryan
Peimar and
Dana
Samowitz.
nity to showcase their singing ability.
Justine Shear, Ryan Isakov, Jayde Kaftel,
Natasha Millar, Gia Jacobs, Ari Brest,
Courtney Fhur, Dan de Combes, Danya
Amoils, Glen Kier, Ryan Peimar and Dana
Samowitz each had their turn to fight for a
place in the finals. After each performance
the judges gave feedback and contestants
where interviewed by hosts, performer,
Vicky Friedman and radio host, Kevin Fine.
During interval the judges deliberated and
the audience cast their votes.
The competition was tough, where each
contestant had one song to prove themselves in front of the panel, of David
Alexander; Dawn Lindberg; Peter Feldman;
Cantor Ivor Joffe; Rochy Demby; Prof
Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph and Sizie Modise.
Prof Zaidel-Rudolph was impressed with
the contestants overall, saying: “There is a
very high standard tonight. The kids are
well-prepared.”
Lindberg explained: “It is such a wonderful experience to stand on stage and hear
the support of the audience. I hope the contestants had fun and are inspired to go forward and not to give up.”
Rochy Demby said: “The contestants were
all smoking like hot tamales.”
So, spice up your taste buds and book for
the y-idols finals by e-mailing Nadine
Lazarus on nade@mweb.co.za
Y-idols was born when co-creators Helen
Heldenmuth and Nadine Lazarus combined
their creative strengths to produce a spunky
singing competition for Jewish youth.
Y-idols is supported by the South African
Jewish Arts and Culture Trust (SAJACT),
which aims to bring Jewish arts and culture
to the Jewish community.
GAN AVIV, Herzlia nursery school in
Cape Town, recently invited parents to
share their professions with the kids.
It was a special experience for the children, who learned so much about the
real world.
After discussing professions, June
Hayman and her “Buzzy Bees” were
taken on an exciting gastronomic journey by one of the fathers, who is a chef
by profession.
The children were shown the finer
arts when preparing pizza and snacks
and of course, indulged in the tasting!
A comment made by one of the
learners: “Let’s go and see the Chef
and his Dad!” It was such an exciting
hands-on experience for both parents
and kids.
DANIEL LINDE
ROSH KEN - HABONIM DROR CAPE TOWN
RUTH MERSINGER, president of the
American Jewish World Service, on a
recent visit to Cape Town from New York,
presented Habonim with an award in
recognition of the youth movement’s
work in aiding those displaced in the
recent xenophobic attacks in Cape Town.
The award read: “The American Jewish
World Service salutes the brave and passionate work of the local Habonim Dror
Southern Africa activists, who are determined not to let history repeat itself, but
to take charge, pursue justice and make a
difference in the world.”
The American Jewish World Service is
world-renowned for focussing on international
development
motivated
by
Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice.
Receiving this award was a proud
moment for Habonim Dror and all the
families in attendance.
“We are indebted to individuals like
Ruth and organisations like the
American Jewish World Servic, for the
work they do, and we were humbled by
this award.”
Aleh vehagshem.
KD Sandton
takes up
the lion
challenge
Gan Aviv tots learn
about the ‘big world’
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY
MAUREEN SHAGAM
Habonim
receives
award from
AJWS
Young chefs, from left: Mia Krieg, Lior Sherman and
Ariella Cohn.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY VIV WEINER
THE JNF presented all the Jewish day
schools with the plaster cast of a life-size
lion.
The brief was to decorate it in commemoration of Israel’s 60th anniversary.
The learners took to this task with
enthusiasm and achieved a powerful aesthetic statement of Israel then, now and
in the future, utilising both mosaic and
paint media.
Back row: Zoe Cohen, Helena
Kahanovitz, Stephanie Finn, Tahli Hanan
and Gina Mendelowitz. Front: Jenna
Hertz, Seth Gottlich, Talia Zaken, Chelsea
Fisher and Talya Granat.
05 - 12 September 2008
SA JEWISH REPORT
WHAT’S ON
Today, Friday (September 5)
• Friday Night Fever at Sydenham Highlands
North shul, Rock ‘n Soul Service - stunning
street brocha. Davening 18:00 to 19:00, then
mingle on Main Street for schnapps, soup
and perogen. Members and non-members
welcome.
17
Shelley Elk carro@global.co.za
singer or Jazz singer?, - a musical journey
Shlock! and Shock!” at 10:00 at Beyachad.
featuring audiovisuals of the greatest shul
Info (011) 645-2510/2512.
voices ever. (Part 1 of 2 parts). Featuring
Wednesday (September 10)
Rabbi Yossy Goldman, Chazan Yudi Cohen,
maestro Jose Stern at 20:00 at Sydenham • SFCC is hosting Rabbi Michael Katz of
Highlands North Shul. Cost R20 includes
Chabad House who will speak on a subject of
tea.
topical interest at 10:00 at the Sandton Shul.
• UJW, Johannesburg is hosting Dr Stanley
• Federation of Synagogues Jewish Women’s
Lipschitz, specialist in osteoporosis and
Guild of SA, hosts a national day of prayer,
geriatric medicine, on “Memory Loss” at
requests all women in South Africa to set a
09:30.
few minutes aside on Erev Shabbat at 17:25,
to pray for peace and harmony in our land, • SAIJE is hosting Jonty Rhodes on “Being
successful at success” at 20:15, Sandton
pledge a donation to any charity of choice,
Shul. Cost R50. Bookings (011) 883-4210.
recite Psalm 27 in the tranquillity of our
homes, just before lighting Shabbat candles. • Hospice Flea Boot Market held at Checkers
carpark, Barry Hertzog Ave in Emmarentia.
Sunday (September 7)
08:00 until 13:00. Information (011) 646• Second Innings is hosting Marion-Jill Segal
0980.
on “Pearls of Africa - the Abayudaya Jews of
Uganda” at the Gerald Horwitz Lounge, • Exlusive Books, Killarney is launching “The
other side of Shame”, by Joan Jowell at
Golden Acres. Cost R10 members, R15 non18:00 for 18:30. RSVP: (011) 646 0931.
members.
Tuesday (September 9)
• Tiyulim is going to Sci-Bona, Discovery
Centre, Newtown Johannesburg. Enjoy • Second Innings Men’s Not Out Club, is
demonstrations regarding sound, electricity,
hosting political analyst Steven Friedman on
optical illusions. Meet at Balfour Park near
“Important issues of the day” at Our Parents
the carwash at 09:00. Free. Greg 082-959Home at 14:15 for 14:30.
9026.
• WIZO Fortnightly Forum annual mystery
• RCHCC presents a programme of Jewish
bus tour. Bus leaves Beyachad at 09:00
music performed by Buskaid Intermediate
sharp. Join us for an exciting day to places
Ensemble at 15:30. Adults R80. Children
you have never visited before. Bookings
R40.
Joyce (011) 645-2548.
• Preview Theatre, Bagleyston is screening • WIZO Waverley branch book sale at
“The Secret of Santa Vittoria”, a story of an
Benmore Gardens from 09:30.
Ilalian village hiding bottles of wine from
Germans in the Second World War. Tel (011) • RCHCC book launch at 20:00. Joanne
Jowell, journalist and author, of On the other
640-1061.
side of shame will talk about “Letting the
Monday (September 8 -14)
skeletons out of the closet: The challenges
• SAZF’s art exhibition in celebration of
of writing memoirs (and guarding family
Israel’s 60th birthday at Beyachad. Info (011)
secrets!)”. Cost R50.
645-2510/2512.
• SAZF’s art exhibition in celebration of
Monday (September 8)
Israel’s 60th is hosting Mira Wilks on “A celebration of contemporary Israeli art: Pop!
• CAJE: Music of the Synagogue - chazzan,
• UJW Johannesburg is screening “Sense and
Sensibility” based on Jane Austen’s novel, at
09:30.
• Pivotal branch JWB presents guest speaker
Dorianne Weil on “Make the rest of your life
the best of your life” and Lynelle Hammiah
on “Improve your make-up skills” at 09:00 12:00, Old Mutual Theatre on the Square.
Price R300.
• WIZO Cyrildene branch hosts an Israeli
breakfast and 1000 Club draw. All welcome.
Bookings Fanny (011) 646-9743.
• WIZO Killarney branch book sale at Balfour
Park from 09:30.
Thursday (September 11)
• UJW, Na’arot is hosting a “My Fair Lady”
gala evening at ArtScape at 20:15.
• Y-Idols semifinal will be held at the Albow
Centre, Cape Town at 19:30. Tickets R50.
Contact Helen 083-272-8541 or e-mail:
hel@netactive.co.za or Nadine 082-8918252 or e-mail: nade@mweb.co.za
• Tiyulim is going to learn to salsa. Join us at
the Dance Junction at 19:30 on the roof level
of Rosebank Mall. Cash bar available. Cost
R65. Greg 082-959-9026.
• SAZF’s art exhibition in celebration of
Israel’s 60th is hosting Lily Mark on “Jewish
art, Jewish artists and the genetic factor” at
10:00 at Beyachad. Info (011) 6452510/2512.
• RCHCC is hosting Jungian analyst, Dr Naomi
Lowinsky (San Francisco Jung Institute) - “A
ghost from the Shoah: A grandmother “ at
19:30. Cost R50.
THE BRIDGE LOUNGE by Jeff Sapire
IT'S OFTEN a good idea to run off a
long suit when short of a trick or
two for your contract. On the surface there may seem to be no point
to it, but it's amazing what problems
it can cause.
Discarding is one of the toughest
areas of defence, and often the
defenders will go astray - being
unsure of what to keep or what to
signal. As it happens, there was no
way out for East on today's hand.
Note South's opening bid of 1NT
(15-17). In days gone by it would
have been opened 1C. But the modern style is to begin with 1NT
instead, even though the hand is
only semi-balanced.
The thinking behind this is that it
avoids having to rebid a five card
suit, and also it hides a lot of information from the opponents.
Partner is still there to use Stayman
if necessary, but sequences like
1NT - 3NT are always much tougher
to lead and defend against.
Declarer put up the king of dia-
monds and weighed up his chances.
He could try leading a heart, and if
opponents ducked, he'd have nine
tricks. However, at this level, against
top class players, they would surely
take the ace of hearts quickly and
then take their four diamond tricks.
So he decided to run the club suit
to see if anything would happen.
Well, it did - East had to find four discards. The first three were easy - the
encouraging nine of hearts followed
by the three, and then the queen of
spades, showing the spade sequence.
But on the fifth club East was in
big trouble, squeezed in three suits.
He had to hang on the ace of hearts,
and another spade would have given
declarer all four tricks there. So he
discarded a small diamond - but now
declarer could safely play a heart,
with the defence only able to take
another three diamonds.
On this hand there was no escape
for East, but even if there was, the
principle is sound. The late Terence
Reese once wrote about playing off
South dealer, EW vul
NORTH
K842
QJ8
K2
KJ82
WEST
765
765
AJ96
643
SOUTH
A3
K1042
Q5
AQ1095
West
North
P
P
2C
3NT
East
NK
EAST
QJ109
A93
108743
7
South
1NT
2H
P
All pass
Opening lead: D6
one's long suit. He said that even if
there wasn't material gain, one
could often gauge what was troubling the defenders.
05 - 12 September 2008
18 SA JEWISH REPORT
LIFTS
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
SEA POINT
Near Beach Front 2 bed.
Flat with garage
O84 407 8728
levers@icss.co.za
RIVIERA
Beachfront, Sea Point, opp
Pavilion. 1 bed, sleeps 4
19/12/08 - 26/12/08
(021) 552-1308
Tel (011) 886-0162 • Fax (011) 886-4202 • email: brittl@global.co.za
OVERSEAS
ACCOMMODATION
HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED ADVERT:
1. Only adverts sent via email to brittl@global.co.za will be accepted. 2. You will be advised on cost & payment details. 3. Payment is prior to the advert appearing. 4. DEADLINE for BOOKING and PAYMENT is Tuesday 12pm. If deadline is missed the advert will appear (when payment is received) in the next edition. Our banking details: SA Jewish Report, Nedbank
Randburg, Account Number: 1984 514 865, Branch Code: 198405
NOTICES
COMMUNITY NOTICES
CONSECRATIONS
PERSONAL
BEAUTY & HEALTH
LIFTS
FOR SALE
SOULMATES
SINGLES SEEKING
MATCHES
Pretty blonde pharmacist 27 yr
Surgeon 58yr. Dentists 29, 36,
40, 55, 62 yr. Doctors 26, 33,
45, 64yr
Beautiful IT manager 43yr.
Stunning MD 48yr
Attorneys 65, 55, 46, 39, 32,
26yr advocates 62, 55, 35yr
Designers pretty petite 22, 28
and 43yr
Handsome lecturer 29yr
Pretty teachers (all ages)
Many other pretty/handsome
prof/exec singles want to meet
u!
Mazeltov Jill & Abe and Ben &
Kim on your engagements
COUNTRYWIDE INCL
CAPE (O11) 485-4034 /
082-357-3616
HEARING TESTS
HEARING AIDS
Elbé Boshoff
M.S. (Washington)
CCC-A (USA)
AUDIOLOGIST
13 Pentz Drive, Table View
021- 556-9265
CAPE TOWN SHUTTLE
Coming to Cape Town?
Affordable rates. Airport
transfers from R160
Phone Andy
082-336-9780
CHILDRENS CORNER
SERVICES
AIRPORT SHUTTLE
JHB
Reliable,
Reasonable Rates!
Contact Arnold,
082-447-0185
011-454-1193
BEAUTY & HEALTH
PRIVATE
CONSULTATIONS
USA Medical Award Winner
DISEASES/
NATURAL CURES
www.basilgoldtv.com
Phone 074-448-8892
COMPUTER REPAIRS &
TRAINING
COMPUTER REPAIRS
For all your IT hardware,
repairs and training,
Contact Moshe from
Techguy on 082 362 8621.
HIRE
CASTLEMANIA
Jumping Castles for Hire.
Weekend deliveries.
www.fantasiacastles.co.za
GLENDA: (011) 452-1958
LIFTS
ARTHUR’S SCHLEPPING
SERVICE
The original schlepper
We will schlep you wherever
you want to go. Supermarkets,
hairdressers airport etc. etc.
We work very early. We work
very late. But please don't ask
us on a Shabbos date!
083-788-2509
011-440-5455
DIAL-A-LIFT
Reliable safe transport, door-todoor, airport transfers, etc.
Phone Pip Friedman
(011) 728-3998
cell: 083-267-3281
ERIC’S TAXIS
Anytime Anywhere
082-684-9805
011 264-4394
IRENE'S SCHLEP SERVICE
I will take you anywhere. Shops,
Friends, Doctor, Airport,
Appointments. I schlep Parcels,
People, Shopping, Documents,
Courier service. Honest,
Trustworthy.
Schlepped by Irene.
072-356-0282
OT'S, SPEECH
THERAPISTS, MOMS
Smile Educational Toys DSA closing down - end Sept.
Order your superb range of educational toys, games, puzzles,
CDs and books while
stock lasts.
Contact Heather 011 440 6908 or
082-391-9540
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
ABSOLUTELY ALL
Home repairs,
General maintenance
and electrical,
24 hours
Call Mendel
084 559 7923
(011) 640-1429
Pensioners 10% discount
MISCELLANEOUS
Sydney Eastern Suburbs,
fully furnished apartments &
homes. Available for short
or long-term lets.
Contact Peter or Shannon
Simon
www.sydneyholiday
apartments.net
info@sydneyholiday
apartments.net
SYDNEY, NEAR BONDI
BEACH
Beautiful, furnished, kosher
home with pool, comfortably
sleeps 6, avail in Dec.
082-445-5118
NETANYA ISRAEL
Furnished 3 bedroom apartment. Sleeps 6. Available for
rental. Minimum period 1 week.
Tel: 083-659-9919
MAD ABOUT
MUIZENBERG?
Order your branded
souvenirs now!
082-429-5539
muizlogostore@iafrica.com
VACANCIES
WANTED
NURSE
Highly experienced, outstanding
registered geriatric nurse.
Contactable ref’s, understands
kashrut, honest, empathic
available for live in, daily or
night duties.
Phone Denise
re Molly
083-273-3699
CAREGIVER
Very responsible, many years of
experience avail immediately.
Tel: 084-5858-448
SECRETARY/PA
Mature Secretary/PA/Copy
Typist seeks position
(011) 640-4782
or 073-145-0123
A-TAXI
SERVICE
Let Warren Pogorelsky chauffeur
you to your destination in
Jo’burg and back only R100
round trip.
Tel: 082-399-6187
REPAIRS
SMILE-LEE'S LIFTS
A reliable lift service.
Specialising in lifts to and from
airports,shops,appointments,
casinos and courier.
Call Charna 083-391-6612
VISITING CT?
On business/holiday/simcha let
me meet you at the airport and
take care of your road transport
arrangements etc. Vehicle,
passenger liability insurance &
permits. Vehicle max.
4 passengers
Phone Malcolm Lee.
Registered tour guide
Mobile: 082-907-4790
www.capefocustours.co.za
MISCELLANEOUS
ACCOUNTS
done at your
home or mine
Tel (011) 640-4782 or
073-194-4123
WANTED
PROPERTY TO LET
ACCOMMODATION TO LET /
FOR SALE
HOME SERVICES
GENERAL
LYNDHURST
R1.1mil
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3
receptions and more or to let at
R10k p/m
Contact Sonja
on 073-159-3642
PROPERTY TO LET
ACCOMMODATION TO LET /
SHARE
MORNINGSIDE
Professional required to share
fully furnished
2 bed / 2bath apartment.
Available immediately.
Phone Diana
082-725-2425
FLATMATE SEAPOINT
Neat female. Non-smoker. 2
bed flat in quiet, secure block.
No pets. Avail 1st Dec.
Contact Shana
083-241-4284 or
(021) 433-0521
VEHICLES
FOR SALE
2003 CHRYSLER
VOYAGER (COMBI)
Mileage 135 000
Price: R95 000
011 447-2159
084 214 7006
WANTED
05 - 12 September 2008
AROUND
THE
WORLD
NEWS IN BRIEF
SA JEWISH REPORT 19
SWASTIKAS DRAWN ON CAMPAIGN POSTERS
NEW YORK - Swastikas
were scrawled on campaign
posters for a Jewish candidate running for the New
York state Senate.
Three swastikas drawn in
black marker on posters for
veteran City Councilman
Simcha Felder, were discov-
ered August 29 in the heavily
Jewish Borough Park section of Brooklyn, the New
York Daily News reported.
Felder, a Democrat, is an
Orthodox Jew.
A New York Police
Department
hate-crimes
unit is investigating. (JTA)
CROSSWORD NO 86
BY LEAH SIMON
ACROSS:
1. He will go to Hades, at length (4)
3. Did their player get the sack? (8)
8. Look after trade leader, finally (4)
9. Artist stared awkwardly - and was
taken into custody (8)
11. A report we can’t hear! (3, 2, 7)
13. Sir, set about finding sibling (6)
14. Owns half a score - but must hurry (6)
17. Never the same executive! (6, 6)
20. They’re kept for retired residents (8)
21. Old, and hidden in stage drama (4)
22. Last time we see the poultry? (4, 4)
23. Breeding horse kicks up the dust (4)
DOWN:
1. Not a very cool place for the
plant (8)
2. Measures to be taken - but not
shortly! (7)
4. A breather for the flight company? (6)
5. Media groups with very forceful recruitment tactics! (5, 5)
6. It returns to father for nothing
on the terrace (5)
7. Thus District Attorney gets
cooldrink (4)
10. They’re here daily, before getting even (10)
12. Partial to half of the players
(3, 5)
15. It will be here after today (7)
16. He’s a woman’s chap, alright!
(6)
18. She’s among the matched dancers (5)
19. One bulkhead is enough for the
sacred bird (4)
SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD NO 85
ACROSS: 1. Lore; 3. Contacts; 8. Nods; 9.
Apoplexy; 11. Jack o’ lantern; 13.
Molopo; 14. Obeyed; 17. Mixed doubles;
20. All heart; 21. Pine; 22. Paradise; 23.
Eggs.
DOWN: 1. Long jump; 2. Radical; 4.
Orphan; 5. To put about; 6. Clear; 7. Says;
10. Comprehend; 12. Odysseus; 15.
Yelling; 16. Adores; 18. Idler; 19. Wasp.
3
2
1
8
4
6
5
7
9
10
11
12
15
14
13
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Isaac Rootshain of
‘Connoisseur’ fame, passes on
ISAAC REZNIK
ISAAC ROOTSHAIN, best remembered by the older generation Jews in
Johannesburg as the owner of the
Connoisseur Hotel in Joubert Park where all Zionist Federation, Board of
Deputies and Board of Education
conferences used to take place passed away at his home in Ra’anana,
Israel on Shabbat 11 Sivan 5768, corresponding to June 14 this year.
Born in Poland in 1923, he came to South
Africa in 1928 at the age of five, with his mother,
Genia, and sisters, Kayla, Riva and Esther. The
family came to join Reb Meshulem Feivel
Rootshtain, a shochet, who had arrived in South
Africa the year before.
Isaac’s parents, Meshulem Feivel and Genia,
opened the first glatt kosher hotel in
Warmbaths. The hotel was known as
Rootshtain’s Kosher Residency Hotel and it
attracted members of the frum community in
Johannesburg who travelled the then, long distance of 160 kilometres, to Warmbaths for holidays - rabbonim, chazonim, shochtim and their
families.
My late father of blessed memory, who had a
kosher butchery in Jeppestown, (Goldfields
Kosher Meat Market) used to send the
Rootshtains meat every Thursday morning by
passenger train from Jeppe Station, arriving
some three hours later at the Warmbaths
Station. Genia, was renowned as a superb cook
and hotel guests always remarked on her delicious meals.
A younger brother, Solomon, and sister
Adele, were born to the Rootshtains in
Warmbaths.
Isaac grew up in this observant hotel environment in Warmbaths. In later years these surroundings proved to have had a strong influence
on him when he opened the Connoisseur Hotel
in Johannesburg.
Isaac matriculated at Athlone Boys High and
at the age of 24 married Gloria Seskin
in 1948.
Soon after his marriage, Isaac, a
qualified auto-electrician, opened his
own motor business which he sold in
1957 in order to assist his wife in her
fast-growing and successful catering
company, Gloria’s Caterers.
Mirroring his parents’ example,
Isaac, together with Gloria, opened
the first glatt kosher hotel in
Johannesburg
in
1975.
The
Connoisseur Hotel offered a wonderful dining
room for residents and Yomtov and Shabbos visitors; several function venues; a variety of
excellent restaurants and plenty of accommodation.
Its Thursday night smorgasbords are fondly
remembered by community members to this
day. Isaac and Gloria worked hard and long
hours to achieve these superb results.
Many notable visitors and dignitaries from
abroad stayed at the hotel, to name a few the late
Abba Eban, Israel’s foreign minister and
spokesman at the United Nations; Chief Rabbi
Shlomo Goren zt’l; Chief Rabbi Lord Jakobovits
zt’l; and many other distinguished guests.
In 1989 Isaac sold the hotel and he and Gloria
finally fulfilled a life-long ambition to go on
aliyah.
Isaac was known to be brilliant, practical,
clear-thinking, honest and straightforward. He
set high standards of integrity and taught, by
example, an excellent work ethic.
The warmth, concern and generosity he displayed towards family members and friends,
made him a man much respected and loved. His
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren took pleasure in spending quality time
with him and frequently sought his advice on all
manner of issues.
He is deeply mourned and missed by his wife,
Gloria; children, Michael, Tzivia and Meshulem
Feivel Uri; siblings Solly, Riva and Esther and
his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
20
SA JEWISH REPORT
05 - 12 September 2008
Yaacov - a package of effervescent wushu energy
I remember attending a media conference with a very young Pete Sampras many years ago. He had just
defeated the then world number one Ivan Lendl in what was considered a major upset.
was his commitment to his Judaism that
gained Yaakov that respect.
As the result of a misunderstanding, a
AT THAT stage of his career, Sampras
written test that Yaakov and his coach
was very introverted and looked to his left
thought would take place on the Friday,
at the floor for most of the time when
was actually slated to take place on the
answering questions. But one member of
Saturday. Being shomrei Shabbat, Yaakov
the media asked him about how he rated
refused point blank to take the test under
himself as a tennis player.
those conditions. But rather than chastisAt that moment his entire body laning him for that, the Chinese were taken
guage changed. Sampras looked directly
with his unwavering commitment and
at the journalists and said with absolute
gave him an oral exam instead.
conviction: “When I was 13 I knew I wantThat visit to China opened new horied to be a professional tennis player and I
zons for Yaakov and when he came back
knew I was going to be good!”
to South Africa his focus had changed.
Well, the rest is history but somehow
“I wanted to start learning what I had
one knew it was going to happen, that
seen there. So when I came back I tried to
Sampras would “make” it happen.
find out who taught that form of wushu.”
Yaakov Pinkus is just 17 years old and
He found a school in Sandton,
run by Byron Jacobs and Yang Li
Hua, which was registered with
the SA Sports Council and
Olympic Committee (Sascoc) and
was the official SA Wushu body.
Yang is a six-time world champion
and a seventh Dan and a top-class
instructor.
In 2006 Yaakov participated in
the SA National Championships
and walked off with two gold
medals. That won him the right to
take his place in the first World
Junior Wushu Championships in
Malaysia in his branch of wushu,
called talou.
Yaakov Pinkus displays his art on the Great Wall
A week prior to the start of the
championships Yaakov went off to
of China.
China for the second time to train
with the kids’ team. “They are so more
his sport is wushu, a martial art, but he
advanced than us. Those kids have been
speaks with the same commitment and
stretching from a very early age and they
passion as Sampras did nearly 20 years
can do remarkable contortions with their
earlier. Of course there is no staring at
bodies.”
the floor either.
The championships in Malaysia comThere is the occasional glance at his
prised youngsters from 52 countries.
computer but that is only to share a phoYaakov was competitor No 3002 and that
tograph or two.
was not the last of the participants. But
For the rest he is just a package of efferhe performed remarkably well, ending
vescent energy, bubbling with enthusithe tournament with a ranking of 13.
asm and excitement as he talks about his
Last year Yaakov received a unique
sport, his peers and his Olympic dream.
honour when he was invited by the
Yaakov, currently a grade 11 pupil at
Chinese to come and train with their
Yeshiva College, has always been involved
Olympic team. It is a privilege rarely
in sport. He played school soccer, cricket
afforded to a Westerner. Yaakov stayed in
and volleyball at Bnei Akiva camp. But at
the Chinese School of Excellence and met
the age of 12 he began to get involved in
some of their leading athletes.
traditional Kung Fu for fitness purposes
“When I was watching the Olympics on
and self-defence. It was a move that
TV, I would recognise many of their
changed his life.
champions. I knew the two girls who won
Shortly after his barmitzvah, Yaakov
gold in the table tennis.”
went off to China with his coach and
Of course one of the problems Yaakov
spent a week being graded for his first
has when travelling to a place like China
Dan.
is finding kosher food. “I used to live on
“We went to Yantai, which was some
tuna and noodles but this last time I was
way from Beijing. I thought it was amazinvited to eat at Chabad in Beijing.”
ing because it was the first time I witThat may come as quite as surprise to
nessed how the art was done and saw real
many people but there is a Chabad in the
Chinese teachers.”
Chinese capital, run by Rabbi Freundlich
It was also a trip in which he earned the
and his wife, who is the daughter of Rabbi
respect of the Chinese, something that
Lipskar of South Africa.
would play an important part in his
“The Chinese have the utmost respect
future visits to the country. Ironically, it
JACK MILNER
Maccabi Sportsman Banquet
JACK MILNER
THE MACCABI SA Sportsman Of The
Year banquet takes place at the Sandton
Shul Hall on Tuesday.
The three nominees for top honours are
canoeist Shaun Rubenstein, golfer Stacy
Bregman and table tennis player Dana
Samowitz.
The guest speaker this year is controversial, yet highly entertaining journalist
David Bullard.
for other cultures. Apparently there are
around 2 000 Jews from all over the world
travelling through Beijing,” explained
Yaakov.
Two weeks ago he once again participated in the SA Championships and again
took home two gold medals and qualified
for the Junior World Championships to
take place in Bali in the first week of
December.
Yaakov has had the opportunity to meet
sportsmen from all over the world. “We
interacted at times with the Iranian team
and one realises how a common interest
in sport can bring people together and
make one more tolerant of one another.”
Maybe with the exception of some of
the Russians. “Most of them I found very
aloof and unfriendly. They had this real
military approach to everything.”
On gaining his national colours, he
said: “When I was awarded my Protea
colours we had to fork out the R600 for
them. I cannot believe the poor deal South
African athletes get from sporting author-
ities in this country. They don’t want to
put any money into our Olympic athletes
and they complain when they don’t get
medals. It’s ridiculous!”
Even when he talks of sponsorship - or
the lack thereof - the first thought is for
his school and his fellow athletes. “Our
school can only afford the rent for us to
train every second day. Even if we could
get some help so that we could train every
day, it would make a difference.
“In China they train for six to nine
hours a day and that’s why they get the
results.”
Yaakov has his sights set on one thing the Olympic Games. “I am working, going
to school, training and now I’m going to
start teaching. I want to be on that podium!”
In order to raise some extra money
Yaakov will start teaching at Jabula
Centre in Sandringham from this week.
Anyone interested in taking advantage of
his extraordinary talent can get hold of
him on 071-491-3216.