The Jewish Weekly Issue 308 - January 11th

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Israel on high alert

Israel remains on ‘high alert’ across the country as the war with Hamas in Gaza enters 100 days on Sunday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to continue operations until Hamas has been eliminated, over 130 hostages returned and Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Efforts to gain the release of the hostages held captive in Gaza remains challenging as Israel Defence Forces and Hezbollah have increased attacks in southern Leb- UN Secretary of State Blinken and PM Netanyahu anon and northern Israel. from close proximity to the border area, but The IDFs strategy of precision strikes against without crossing the threshold that would start senior Hezbollah commanders continued this a full-scale war. The IDF is managing the northweek with the assassinations of Wissam al-Taw- ern arena, whilst the campaign in Gaza remains il and Ali Hussein Burji. the main focus.”

Hezbollah missiles, rockets and UAVs has Israeli leaders met US Secretary of State seen air raid sirens across northern commu- Blinken this week during his fifth visit since nities. Over 60,000 Israelis from 40 northern the war began. President Isaac Herzog thanked communities have been evacuated. Rear Admi- Blinken for “steadfast commitment” to Israel’s ral Daniel Hagari said that in northern Gaza the safety.

IDF had dismantled Hamas’ “military frameHerzog spoke about South Africa’s “supwork”. The terror group can no longer mount posed” genocide case against Israel in the Interlarge-scale attacks and had shifted to a less national Court of Justice at the Hague starting intensive, phase of the conflict concentrating today. “There’s nothing more preposterous on the south. than this claim,” Herzog said. “Our enemies, Hagari confirmed an “underground city of the Hamas, in their charter call for the annitunnels” ran under Khan Yunis. In central Gaza, hilation of the State of Israel, the only nation troops uncovered the “largest weapons produc- state of the Jewish people.” Slating South Afrition site” since the beginning of the conflict. ca’s hypocrisy, Herzog added: “We will present Tunnel shafts were 30 metres deep. proudly our case of using self-defence under Bicom noted: ‘Israel’s objective remains to our most inherent right under international remove the elite Radwan Force commandos humanitarian law. We are doing our utmost

under extremely complicated circumstances on the ground, to make sure that there will be no unintended consequences and no civilian casualties.” He added: “We are using all means that international law enables us to move out people, so that we can unravel this huge city of terror underneath in people’s homes, living rooms and bedrooms, mosques and shops and schools. Yesterday, we unravelled a huge factory of terror underneath a humanitarian corridor which Israel is employing to help PHOTO: GPO the civilians of Gaza.”

Blinken arrived from meetings in Turkey, Greece Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. He noted: “We’re fully committed to working with Israel to find a diplomatic solution that avoids escalation and allows families to return to their homes, to live securely in northern Israel and also in southern Lebanon.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed with Blinken changes in combat tactics in northern Gaza that would enable Israel to achieve its goals in the war.

Gallant said operations in Khan Younis would intensify until Hamas leadership is detected and Israeli hostages return home. Gallant also called for increased pressure on Iran.

Regarding the north, Gallant said Israel preferred to achieve its goals through diplomatic efforts, but was prepared militarily.

Netanyahu held a private meeting with Blinken, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. An expanded meeting followed with the War Cabinet.

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Regev defends IDF actions

BY DAVID SAFFER

Mark Regev clarified Israel’s stance on the war with Hamas in an interview with LBC’s Andrew Marr on Tuesday evening.

Asked by Marr about civilian casualties in Gaza following Lord Cameron’s appearance before a Foreign Affairs committee on Tuesday when he voiced concern that Israel may have broken international law, Regev, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former UK Ambassador to Israel, was forthright in his defence of IDF operations.

Casualties, he said, were “much lower” in Gaza when comparing Britain’s campaign in World War Two. Regev observed: “You’re a student of British history, you will know about Operation Carthage in March 1945, where the RAF targeted the Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark Unfortunately, bombs went astray and over 100 civilians were killed in the area, including, I believe, 80-something children. This is not a war crime. This is called a tragedy of war.

“You’re endeavouring to hit a legitimate target. The Danish underground was very interested in the British, the RAF taking out that target the Gestapo headquarters. But if you inadvertently hit civilians, that’s called an accident of war.

That’s not a war crime.”

Questioned further by Marr, Regev

addressed the ‘combat to civilian ratio’, noting: “What is an acceptable ratio? My understanding is that when your country was involved in anti-terrorist operations... against Daesh, against ISIS in places like Mosul and Fallujah, we were talking about one to four, one to five, that means for every terrorist killed it, we’re up to four or five, unfortunately, civilian casualties.

“My understanding of the Israeli numbers is that they are much lower than that.

And when the dust settles from this conflict, when all the facts are out there, I believe it will be very apparent. All the efforts the Israeli defence forces went to show our effort to try to keep civilians out of harm’s way.”

Asked about a possible two-state solution, Regev told Mark Regev Marr: “Once Hamas has been defeated I believe when we have defeated the most extreme enemy of peace and reconciliation then there will be space I think, for more moderate voices to move ahead.”

He added: “We have a formula that is a bit different from Lord Cameron’s. Our formula is, and this is the Prime Minister of Israel’s formula, that the Palestinians should have all the powers to rule themselves, while none of the powers that could harm Israel.”

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Regev also recalled comments by former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in his last speech to the Knesset when he talked about reconciliation with the Palestinians.

The Palestinians, Rabin said, would receive ‘less than a state’.

Regev added: “He (Rabin) knew that such a state would have to be demilitarised, that such a state would have to be unable to sign military pacts with countries like Iran.

There would be restrictions on their sovereignty. I think the formula that I spoke about all the powers to govern themselves, and yet none of the powers to threaten Israel, I think that’s a safer terminology.”

Cameron also addressed South Africa’s upcoming case at the International Court of Justice.

He said: “I don’t think that is helpful, I don’t agree with it, I don’t think it’s right”.

Cameron added: “Israel has a right to defend itself, has a right to try and stop Hamas from launching future terrorist attacks.

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The Foreign Secretary noted that he could not see a “comprehensive ceasefire” while Hamas was able to launch rockets out of Gaza. “A ceasefire to work means you can’t have Hamas in power, able to launch rockets, not releasing hostages,” he said.

“We spend a lot of time asking what Israel should do to bring this to an end”, Cameron continued. “We should also spend a nanosecond saying if Hamas wanted, they could end this tomorrow.

They could lay down their arms, they could leave Gaza. They are the ones prolonging this conflict in many ways.”

Commenting on a recent visit to Kibbutz Be’eri, Cameron said he will “never forget” what he witnessed. There was “blood on the floor, bullet holes in the wall,” he recalled.

Regarding Iran, Cameron said they were a “malign influence in the region”.

He added: “There is no doubt that they give weapons, they give training, they give ability, they give money, they give support to all these (terror groups) groups”.

Cameron also said the Iran-backed Houthis’ attacks in the Red Sea were “illegal, unacceptable, (and) have to stop”.

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WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK WHAT’S INSIDE THIS WEEK 01 News 18 Judaism 04 News 28 Cookery 12 Games 22 Travel 15 Opinion 30 Judaism 14 24 Judaism 16 Opinion Games 36 Kids 18 Community 38 Youth 16 Community 26 Family Fun 26 Feature 30 Expert Advice

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‘Stories from the South’ recall October 7 terror attack

BY DAVID SAFFER

London School of Jewish Studies holds a special Spring Term event titled “Stories from the South” on Sunday (8pm-915pm).

Delegates will discover the biblical roots of Gaza border communities and hear first-hand accounts of the October 7 terror attack. All profits go to funds supporting families and rebuilding agriculture in the kibbutzim, which are steeped in Jewish history.

Sarah Evron, CEO of the Religious Kibbutz Movement, will relate what happened to communities and reflect on the future for southern Israel.

Born in the UK, Sarah made aliyah through Bnei Akiva and lives at Kibbutz Sa’ad. Since the terror attack members are in a Dead Sea hotel. Sarah will show how the Enigmatic Episode of Isaac’s Wells inspired the modern agricultural success of Zionism in the same area, 3,500 years later.

David Barr is a lead teacher of Tanach and Jewish Philosophy for the south of Israel with the Ministry of Education.

A Kibbutz Alumim resident, he speaks internationally about Israeli current affairs. The kibbutz has been evacuated to Netanya. David will speak about King David’s Hostage Crisis, a biblical episode that took place a few miles away from Alumim.

Sarah is responsible for 24 communities, 16 Kibbutzim and eight Moshavim

across Israel.

“They are ‘Dati’, that is orthodox, most of the kibbutzim are privatised,” she said ahead of the event.

Looking back at October 7 and the Hamas atrocity, Sarah recalled: “Two of our communities, Alumim and Saad were under attack. On Alumim there was fierce fighting in the kibbutz led by members from local squad that bravely defended their home and were later joined by IDF. There were 22 casualties, some kibbutz members, many farm workers, and two kidnapped farm workers, from the far east, which we see as part of the community. There are wounded people, the fighters of the local community squad force, there is great damage to the agriculture farm.

People spent 36 hours in their safety rooms, while the fighting went on and were taken out on busses as soon as it was possible.

“On Saad, members, Sarah Evron with the miraculous help from a tank passing by, saved the kibbutz. Saad has casualties, wounded people and damage. Both communities suffered loss of lives. People spent long hours in safe rooms and were evacuated. Over 100 young people that survived the party in Rei’m found refuge

in Saad.”

Sarah gave her view on how long it took the IDF to respond to the attacks. She said: “Part of our trauma is the fact that it took hours till the full force of the army arrived. During those long hours, the bravery of local forces and a few soldiers and civilians saved lives and kibbutzim, especially Alumim and Saad. Our neighbours in Kfar Azza. Nahal Oz and Beeri were massacred, kidnapped and their homes destroyed.”

How has the terror attack impacted people that lived at kibbutzim and wider communities in Israel?

Sarah observed: “October 7 changed our lives. Israel is at war, many lives are lost, families have members on service and almost everyone here, especially in small communities, knows someone who died in the terrible attack and massacre, or fighting in Gaza defending us, or kidnapped persons.

“All the people living near the border have been evacuated, over 150,000. People have been away from home for three months.

I am in a hotel at the Dead Sea with my community Saad. Not as a vacation but trying to lead some sort of community life. Founding an education system, and

all that is necessary for a community of close to 800 people from new-born babies to senior citizens aged 90- 100.”

As for the IDF operation, Sarah noted: “The operation is essential and must be completed.” She added: “It’s important accurate information reaches the Diaspora.”

Regarding the hostages. “We must do all we can to bring them home. I wear a chain on my heart with a disc. It says in Hebrew ‘my heart is captive in Gaza’, in English it says ‘Bring them home now!’”

In terms of the future for the south of Israel, Sarah is optimistic.

She said. “There will be people who will not be able to return, but we will return to Saad and Alumim, and so will our friends in other settlements. It will be hard, long journey home but our journey has already begun. The agriculture work is in motion and communities are doing all they can to operate, preparing for rebuilding and new growth.”

Michael Rainsbury, LSJS Head of Adult Education, said: “Hamas’ invasion and atrocities aimed to destroy the communities in the Gaza border area. We want to highlight their stories through eyewitness accounts and by discovering a rich Jewish history. We also hope to bring attention to rebuilding funds of these kibbutzim.”

appointment: “Yaron brings with him experience and professionalism in this field, which is so important. Together we will do everything for the quick return of hostages.”

Cohen, of Moreshet in the Galilee, is a graduate of the National Defense College with an MA in national security. He has had held a senior position in human resources for Maccabi Healthcare Services since 2018. Previously he had senior positions in the IDF Personnel Directorate on the General Staff, 98th Paratroop Division and Galilee Division.

Netanyahu and Economy Minister Nir Barkat visited the IDF 769th ‘Hiram’ Brigade on the northern border on Monday.

Brigade Commander Col. Avraham Marciano briefed Netanyahu who met troops on the front line since the October 7 terror attack.

IDF operations had struck terrorist cells and Hezbollah infrastructure.

Netanyahu, Barkat and Chief of Staff, Tzachi

Braverman also visited the 769th Brigade command centre where they spoke with soldiers from the Devora Unit.

Netanyahu said: “I chose to come to Kiryat Shemona when we are being fired on with anti-tank rockets. I greatly appreciate the service you are doing to defend our northern border.”

Regarding Hezbollah, he said: “They made a big mistake with us in 2006 and also now.”

Netanyahu added that there was unity and a determination to restore security in the north of Israel.

“We will do everything to restore security to the north and allow your families to return home in safety,” he confirmed.

“We will do whatever is necessary. Of course, we prefer that this be done without a wide-ranging campaign, but that will not stop us. What is happening in the south is what will happen here in the north.”

Netanyahu and Barkat, meantime, travelled on to the Tnuva Galilee plant in the Kiryat Shemona for a forum of industrialists and factory owners from the north.

Netanyahu and Barkat met with Manufacturers Association of Israel President

Ron Tomer.

“We want to restore everything,” said Netanyahu. “First and foremost, this is a security commitment to residents. While this has implications, we are in a major fight to restore security.

“The test for the restoration of security is that residents will return to their homes. We are working on this with every possible tool, on all channels. This is another fight. At the same time, we are also looking at you. Yesterday, we passed a major package for reservists, but it is also a package for the self-employed. We provided resources in yesterday’s government decision so that money will flow immediately, because we are concerned businesses will be hurt.”

He added: “The assistance that you are receiving is yours by right, because you have no part in what happened. We will do whatever is possible to help you.”

Braverman, Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil, Kiryat Shemona Mayor Avichai Stern, Tnuva Chairman Haim Gavrieli, Tnuva CEO Gadi Cunia and Deputy Director General for Economy and Infrastructures Amir Barkan attended.

Tickets are £12, to book a place visit www.lsjs.ac.uk.

Cohen to lead hostage team

BY ADAM MOSES

Col. (Res.) Yaron Cohen is to head up the Hostages, Missing and Returnees Authority in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

The Civil Service Commission ratified Netanyahu’s recommendation for Government approval.

Cohen served as head of the authority’s situation assessment team at the outbreak of the Gaza war.

General Yossi Shelley welcomed the

PM Netanyahu at the 769th ‘Hiram’ Brigade

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Stella’s ‘lightbulb moment’

BY DAVID SAFFER

Tributes have been made to All Aboard Charity Shops founder Stella Lucas who passed away this week aged 107.

Established in 1987 when Stella had a ‘lightbulb moment’ whilst volunteering at the Board of Deputies, 21 charity shops in London and Manchester now raise funds for UK registered charities.

With an ethos of helping to create a more sustainable world, through its shops, the sale of clothes, homeware, bric-a-brac and small electronics has raised funds for scores of community projects through learning programmes, hospital equipment, outings, respite for terminally ill children and residential care.

Charities benefitting include Anne Frank Trust, Camp Simcha, Board of Deputies, US Chesed, JAMI, JCORE, Jewish Care, Jewish Women’s Aid, PJ Library, Resource and University Jewish Chaplaincy.

All Aboard led tributes to an outstanding community personality.

CEO Alan Haynes said Stella, who received an MBE in 2003, was a “true Eshet Chayil due to her foresight and tenacity.”

He noted: “All Aboard has been able to support hundreds of Jewish and non-Jewish charities to date, with grants of over £3 million. We are ever thankful for her dedication and energy. She will never be forgotten and her memory will always be a blessing to everyone at here.”

BoD president Marie van der Zyl said when the charity relocated to Edgware Stella was a “tireless” campaigner.

High Street. The building was named Born in Hackney, Stella started volStella Lucas House to mark her 94th unteering aged 14 by helping at Stepney birthday. Under Stella’s leadership, a Settlement and delivering the Meals on new warehouse, distribution centre and Wheels scheme. She married her huscentral office was opened in Watford six band Victor in 1938 and they continued years later. volunteering with community projects Stella stood down as a trustee and diincluding Jewish philanthropy. rector of All Aboard in 2017 but was kept During Victor’s tenure as United informed through the staff and friends of Synagogue president, Stella volunteered the charity’s continued success. at the Boards’ central enquiry desk in the Dayan Binstock, St John’s Wood United mid-1980s when she noticed hundreds Synagogue senior rabbi conducted of requests for people wanting to donate Stella’s funeral. unwanted clothes. Stella had her charity He said: “Stella will be sorely missed shop ‘lightbulb moment’ to help commuby the St John’s Wood community and nity projects.

United Synagogue family. The last three Stella weeks when she launched wasn’t in shul was the the first ‘All longest period of time Aboard for outside of Covid-19 Charity’ when she hadn’t shop with attended shul. three friends, “When asked volunteers for her secret she Monique Lanwould say, ‘keep dau, Trudie busy! There’s always Reiss and something that Jeffrey Pinnneeds doing and you All Aboard founder outside Stella Lucas House ick. Repaying could be the one to do a loan for the first rent to a friend in two it.’ Stella threw herself into all areas of weeks she never looked back. Premises community life being the first to sign on were located initially on Finchley Road for educational and social events. At the raising funds for charities including Jewage of 101, she resigned from All Aboard ish Care, AJEX and Great Ormond Street in protest at their decision to open some Hospital. of their shops on Shabbat.”

All Aboard grew to 16 shops in 2010 BoD president Marie van der Zyl said:

11 JANUARY 2024

“Stella was a tireless campaigner whose All Aboard charity, an idea she developed while volunteering at the Board, has helped so many people over the years.

She had an incredible impact on our community and will be missed by all who knew her.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care, said: “We are immensely grateful to Stella for her ingenuity and dedication, which led her, along with other volunteers, to create All Aboard. The shops raised incredible funds over the years to support Jewish charities and Jewish values. These funds have helped to support Jewish Care in our work to deliver excellent care that is Jewish at the heart to our wonderful older care home residents, community centre members and their families.”

National Chair of AJEX JMA, Dan Fox noted: “Another of the ‘greatest generation’ has left us. Out of the destruction of World War II, women like Stella helped rebuild our community and our country.

Their military service had kept us free.

Their public service ensured that their gains and sacrifice would not be lost.

Stella will be remembered for the network of support she established through All Aboard. There are few British Jews not touched by her work. This very much includes the veterans of AJEX. We salute her life and remember her commitment.”

Stella is survived by her daughter, Susan, and two grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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NJA commends NHS investigation of leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) commends the NHS for initiating an investigation into Dr. Abdul Wahid, the leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain (HUT).

This important step comes in response to Dr. Wahid’s concerning statements and actions, made after October 7, which praise Hamas and promotes Islamist extremism.

Dr. Abdul Wahid, an NHS GP who leads HUT in Britain, openly celebrated the Hamas attacks that took place on October 7 and claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. During an interview on Talk TV, Dr. Wahid referred to the Hamas terrorists as “Brave mujahideen” and defended their actions, stating, “I will defend the right of the Palestinians to resist occupation.”

Such rhetoric condones violence and fails to acknowledge the lives of innocent Israeli civilians who lost their lives in this brutal attack.

Hizb ut-Tahrir supporters have been seen at recent demonstrations outside

the Egyptian embassy in London, where they called for jihad and the mobilisation of “Muslim armies” to liberate Palestine.

Such calls for violence and the creation of a caliphate are incompatible with the values of liberal democracies and pose a significant risk to national security.

The NJA’s ongoing campaign seeks to raise awareness about the dangers posed

by Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain and calls on the UK government to take decisive action to proscribe the organization. It is vital to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and the radicalisation of individuals within our society.

The NJA encourages concerned citizens to support the campaign by signing our petition and sharing it on social media.

Together, we can send a clear message that extremism and hate have no place in the UK.

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IDF ‘targeted’ strike kills Hezbollah commander

BY ADAM MOSES

Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israel was “responsible” for a targeted airstrike that killed Hezbollah commander Wissam al-Tawil of the Radwan force in southern Lebanon on Monday.

A long-term target for the IDF, al-Tawil was behind terror attacks that cost the lives of IDF soldiers over the past two decades including Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser that resulted in the 2006 Lebanon war.

According to reports al-Tawil was planning an invasion of northern border communities.

Lebanese media outlets reported that Hezbollah commander Ali Hussein Barji died in another targeted airstrike prior to the funeral of al-Tiwal.

Bicom noted that al-Tiwal was an associate of Qasem Soleimani, a former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force killed in a US strike in 2020.

Three Hezbollah members were killed in a targeted strike on Tuesday in Ghandouriyeh, southern Lebanon. Hezbollah identified Sharif a-Said Nassr and Issa Ali Nur ad-Din. The IDF said the terrorists were preparing to launch drones into Israel.

Hezbollah has increased strikes on

northern Israel after last week’s assassination of Hamas official Saleh al-Aruri in Beirut including 60 rockets at the Mount Meron base.

War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz noted: “Residents of the northern border can’t return to their homes needs an urgent solution. The world needs to remember that it was Hezbollah that started this escalation. Israel wants a political solution. If that doesn’t happen, the State of Israel and the IDF will remove the threat. All of the war cabinet ministers share that position. The only consideration is Israel’s security. That is the duty of every country towards its citizens.”

In southern Gaza, the IDF is expanding operations in Khan Yunis.

A spokesman said over 40 terrorists were killed and “significant” terror tunnel shafts were located with RPG launchers, grenades, cartridges and military vests.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that an “underground city of tunnels” ran under Khan Yunis.

The IDF, meantime, have discovered a tunnel shaft near a school and evidence of students training with weapons. A spokesman said that during operations, RPG missiles were shot at forces.

“The forces engaged in close-quarters combat and eliminated the terrorist cell that carried out the shooting with both

tank fire and airstrikes,” a statement noted.

In central Gaza, troops uncovered the “largest weapons production site” since the beginning of the conflict. Tunnel shafts 30 metres deep. The haul included long-range rockets, underground longrange rockets manufacturing facilities and explosives.

The facility represented a “terror stronghold of weapons production”, according to the IDF. News also emerged that the tunnel shaft had evidence of precision weaponry.

A spokesman confirmed: “Components proved terrorists of the Hamas terror organisation learned under Iranian guidance how to operate and build precision components and strategic weapons.”

Hagari said that in northern Gaza, the IDF had dismantled Hamas’ “military framework”.

The terror group could no longer mount large-scale attacks and had shifted into a new, less intensive, phase of conflict concentrating on the south.

He explained. “We are focusing on dismantling Hamas in the central and southern Gaza Strip. We will do so on a fundamental level based on the lessons we’ve gleaned from the fighting so far.”

According to IDF reports, Hamas’ 12

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battalions representing half of its manpower in Gaza had been destroyed. There are still four battalions in central Gaza, four in Khan Yunis and four in Rafah, although a military operation is unlikely due to its proximity to Egypt.

Hagari added that troops would shift toward “different types of special operations” and “take into consideration the huge number of civilians”.

“This is still an intense and complex operational activity”, he noted.

Hagari warned fighting may continue throughout 2024.

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi backed Hagari at IDF Central Command that 2024 would be a “challenging year” and the army would be fighting in Gaza “all year round”.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers at a cabinet meeting that the war will not stop until the elimination of Hamas, return of hostages and where Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel.

“I say this to both our enemies and our friends, this is our responsibility and commitment,” he noted.

The IDF and Shin Bet successfully targeted the commander of Hamas’s Nuseirat battalion, Ismail Siraj, and his deputy, Ahmed Wahaba, on Saturday evening.

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NJA condemns Al Jazeera The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) strongly condemns the recent Al Jazeera segment titled “How has Israel’s brutal Gaza war mobilised international youth” for its unabashedly one-sided bias and perpetuation of misinformation regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The segment was aired on January 1, 2024, and featured an entirely skewed panel that failed to include a single voice offering a balanced perspective on this complex issue.

The NJA is deeply concerned by the lack of diversity in the panel, which did not include any individuals who could provide an alternative viewpoint on the conflict.

Of particular concern is the participation of Noga Levy-Rapoport, who identifies as a “youth climate activist” and campaigns for Palestine. During the segment, Levy-Rapoport made numerous inflammatory statements that perpetuated false narratives about the conflict. Her characterisation of Israel’s actions as a “genocidal campaign” is not only inaccurate but also highly inflammatory and does a disservice to the seriousness of the term “genocide” and Israel’s targeted military operation against Hamas.

Furthermore, her analogy between Israel’s response to the October 7 massacre by Hamas and the Grenfell Tower fire in London as moments that connect UK youth to the Palestinians is insensitive and offensive. Such comparisons not only trivialise the suffering of those affected by both tragedies but also undermine the credibility of any serious discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Levy-Rapoport’s claim that support for Gaza in the UK is due to the perceived “decay of economic and social systems” is a gross oversimplification that ignores the complex geopolitical factors at play in the region, chiefly Hamas and Hezbollah’s paymasters in Iran. It is essential to base discussions on facts and accurate information rather than resorting to oversimplifications and misleading narratives.

The NJA calls on media outlets, even those as hostile to Israel as Al Jazeera, to uphold journalistic integrity by ensuring that their panels and segments are balanced and provide a fair representation of different perspectives. In the meantime, Al Jazeera’s total abandonment of journalistic standards will remain on full display.

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12 GAMES

11 JANUARY 2024

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Dealer: West Vuln: N/S ♠J 9 3 2 ♥ A Q J 10 4 ♦Q J ♣ 10 7 ♠A 7 6 ♥K 8 2 ♦A K 9 8 5 ♣5 4

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This one seemed to be easy. North led the ©Q to my king, and as the §K had to be onside I finessed succesfully with the §J in trick 2 - low club from both opponents.

When a diamond to the Ace captured the jack from North, I cashed the king as well and was rewarded, when North played the queen. I unblocked the ¨10, took three more diamond tricks and the ªA. I finished the job with a second club finesse, while North played the §10. 13 tricks?

No, the devilish player in the South seat showed up with a card he had denied: His

majesty in clubs. And the defence took he rest of the tricks. One off.

When I told about the bad luck to my colleague secretaries from Finland and Sweden, Leo Neimo (the Lion) and Björn Gustavsen (the Bear), I hoped for some sympathy, but in vain. Instead they couldn’t stop laughing.

They had experienced.

In short the story was that at this table West got only two tricks - the first and the last one! North led a spade to the queen and ace. A club finesse lost to the king, and now South and North “cross ruffed” in hearts and spades until they had to concede the very last trick to a shaky West.

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14 OPINION

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OPINION

11 JANUARY 2024

The opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

Why Hotovely is right and British politicians are wrong OPINION PIECE

BY GARY MOND

A few weeks ago, Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Tzipi Hotovely, made clear her and her government’s opposition to a ”two state solution” between Israel and a hypothetical Palestinian state. On the other hand, senior politicians from both our two major political parties, including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, the Home Secretary and the Leader of the Opposition restated their strong support for such an outcome.

To these latter individuals, following her interview on Sky News last month, must now be added Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who called on “the world community to implement a two-state solution” (presumably with force involved if polite requests fail).

Never in the history of international diplomacy has so much support been lavished on any project, for so long and with so little success, as is the case with

this so-called “two state solution”. The plan is supported by almost every government in the world, apart from those that do not recognise the state of Israel at all. It is supported too by most opposition parties in democratic countries and by all of the top four political parties currently in the UK (Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK). This support has lasted for over 30 years.

Yet it has had no success. Nor are there prospects for this to change. The reason for this is actually quite simple. Whatever the world might want, the two local populations of protagonists are both opposed, albeit for different reasons.

For any compromise agreement to be reached and to succeed, such a proposal must have strong support from the populations of both entities affected. Having a few rejectionists on either side, provided they are unlikely to be able to rock the boat with guerrilla warfare or other forms of massive civil dissent, would not be a barrier. This is why the Good Friday agreement in Northern Ireland has been largely successful. When, however, there is practically no support locally at all, such a move would be either a disaster of untold proportions

or, more probably, could not happen at all.

First, let’s view the issue from the side of the Arab communities of Judea, Samaria and Gaza and the Palestinian refugees in Syria and Lebanon. A large majority of them do not accept a Jewish state and continue to talk about the past 75 years of occupation. Indeed, most even support the heinous massacre of 7 October. Yet what of the minority of those communities, who do not support Hamas and would accept a Jewish state? What might they want? Their desire is to live in peace and to have the same opportunities that Arabs living in Israel currently have – successful careers in many different arenas, a good standard of living and, perhaps above all, high and realisable hopes that their children will do even better. Might these hopes be achieved under a government run by the Palestinian Authority, which is widely regarded as totally corrupt and whose education system brainwashes their children to hate and kill Israelis and Jews? They know the answer is no, and their preference is hence a one state solution (Israel).

Now the Israeli perspective. Many Israelis would sign up to a peace deal tomorrow with a partner who recognised Israel’s right

interests, from an early age. Indeed Yves Attal, lawyer and film producer, the son of a Jewish Tunisian pediatrician, shaped Gabriel’s ambitions. (“Attal” is a popular North African Jewish surname, meaning “porter”. Now the family is carrying the Destiny of France on its back!) At 13, Gabriel demonstrated against far right wing politician Jean-Marie Le Pen. Gabriel joined the socialists at 17 and studied at France’s prestigious Science Po, while also doing a legal degree. His father died in 2015, but Gabriel is clearly devoted to him.

Indeed Gabriel moves his father’s desk into whatever government office he is given, to have his father’s memory close to him.

Gabriel’s mother is orthodox. Greek orthodox. She brought him up Christian.

She tried to persuade her son to pursue a less risky profession than politics. But Gabriel would not be swayed. He gets a lot of hate mail from political opponents, also because his father was Jewish. When Education Minister, Gabriel banned the abaya (Muslim black robe) from state schools, and was widely attacked for that, sometimes in a “disgusting” form. He was prepared for this, because his father told him many years ago “Though you are not yourself Jewish, you will always feel a solidarity with the Jewish people, as you will suffer from anti-semitism, because of your

Jewish surname.” He doesn’t identify as Jewish, but does maintain good relations with the Jewish community. When Hamas invaded Israel, he visited a Jewish school to reassure Jews that they will be protected by the State. And they are. Usually.

Attal is the fifth French Premier of Jewish parentage. Léon Blum led the Front Populaire in the 1930s. Pierre MendesFrance withdrew France from Indo-China in the 1950s. He was known as “Monsieur France.” They were very important figures, at a time when the Premier ran the country, and the President was just a figurehead. Général Charles de Gaulle changed all of that, and created a new Constitution in his own image, with an all powerful President. He himself! Later came Laurent Fabius, the youngest French Premier before Atlan, and Elisabeth Borne. All five emerged from the Socialist Party.

Elisabeth Borne was an industrious, focused and brainy technocrat, but was hampered by the governing party having no majority in Parliament. She is the daughter of Joseph Bornstein, Holocaust survivor and French Resistance fighter. She and Attal have maintained their affection for each other, even after he got her job.

President Macron called for the “rearming of France” in his new year address.

Don’t worry! He is not calling for a return

France’s Youngest Premier OPINION PIECE

BY ANDREW M ROSEMARINE

Gabriel Nissim Attal, the new French Prime Minister, is the youngest ever. Scarcely out of his nappies! He’s only 34. He has just succeeded Elisabeth Borne. Attal is currently the most popular politician in France, and is a formidable communicator. Loyal and devoted to President Macron, who holds the real power in France, Attal will follow Macron’s policies. If Attal increases his popularity further, he himself will become France’s President, in three years time.

Mark my word! You read it here first.

He’s a political meteor! Macron appointed Attal as Education Secretary last year, after he’d been the youngest ever Minister of the Fifth Republic. He has also served as Minister for Public Accounts, and spokesman for both the Government and for La République en Marche, President Macron’s party. It is Attal’s very strong loyalty to Emmanuel Macron, which catapulted Attal into government, and up it. That, together with his dynamism, brains, hard work, eloquence and charm.

It was his father, who encouraged Gabriel Nissim to pursue his political

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to exist and wanted to live in peace as good neighbours. However, without that right partner, creating a state, with its own military forces and with terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah operating, would make “Palestine” a perpetual mortal threat to Israel. Rockets from the West Bank would become the norm. Consequentially, the two main Israeli political parties who prioritise the two-state solution ideal, namely Labour and Meretz, can barely muster enough votes in Israeli elections to gain Knesset representation (probably under 5% between them). Reality has sunk in, and the days when Israelis might have been prepared to give a two-state solution a chance are over. No Israeli government will support this.

In summary, the Israeli Ambassador is not merely expressing a policy. She is stating a totally sensible and rational viewpoint. She is right and our politicians are wrong.

Gary Mond is the Chairman of the National Jewish Assembly

of the Napoleonic Wars! Rather, he expects his Prime Minister to pursue Macron’s “industrial, economic, European and civil rearmament” programme. Attal launched a number of initiatives as Education Minister, aimed at instilling Republican values and aspirations. Macron wants more of that, and some of Attal’s popularity. Attal has already signalled in his maiden speech as Premier that he will indeed pursue this “rearmament.”

His English is fluent. He will be wellliked here. It is his boss, President Macron, who decides foreign policy.

Many see Attal as a likely future President of France. That will depend on his success as Prime Minister. I wish him well.

Barrister Andrew M Rosemarine runs an international law and immigration law office, is qualified in English, European and Israeli law and has 3 Oxford law degrees.

He practises law worldwide and has addressed the UN 10 times.

He was a lecturer at the Hebrew U’s Law Faculty, and a fellow of the Harry S. Truman Institute for Peace, Jerusalem, advancing peace processes with Israel, Jordan, and Morocco. He has been publishing, lecturing and broadcasting about the Middle East and France since 1981.

16 COMMUNITY

11 JANUARY 2024

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LSJS Meets Demand JTeen hosts Reb YY with Classes on Israel and the War

This term The London School of Jewish Studies is responding to public demand for talks and courses on the situation in Israel with a series of classes on Israel and the war, including ‘Stories from the South’, ‘Responses to War’ and ‘Israel History with a Heart – a deep dive for teens’.

“LSJS has really stepped up to meet demand from our students further to 7 October and we have put together a varied series of courses responding to the critical situation in Israel for both adults and teens”, said LSJS’ Head of Adult Education, Michael Rainsbury, who is based in Israel.

‘Stories from the South’ (on Sunday 14th January, 8-9.15pm) is a special conversation where students will discover the biblical roots of the Gaza border communities and hear first-hand accounts from 7 October.

The kibbutzim and towns invaded

by Hamas on 7 October are steeped in Jewish history and the session will give participants the chance to learn about the historical origins of the Jewish communities near Gaza, from educators who live there.

Stories from the South features leading Tanach and Jewish philosophy teacher at the Ministry of Education, David Barr and CEO of the Religious Kibbutz Movement, Sarah Evron, who will talk about the past and relate what happened to them and their communities on 7 October and reflect on what the future holds for the South of Israel.

David’s talk will feature King David’s Hostage Crisis, a biblical episode that took place a few miles away from Kibbutz Alumim, where he lives. Sarah will show how the Enigmatic Episode of Isaac’s

Wells inspired the modern agricultural success of Zionism in the very same area, 3,500 years later.

‘Responses to the War in Israel’ (starts Tuesday 16th January, 8-9.15pm) surveys the impact of the war on Israeli society, Jewish law and philosophy, taught by Rabbi Alex Israel, Rabbi Aviad Tabory and Dr Tanya White.

Drawing on Tanach and modern Jewish thinkers, Rabbi Alex Israel will reflect on how instead of despairing, Israeli society rose to the moment in remarkable ways, while Rabbi Aviad Tabory will examine halachic responses to the war. Dr Tanya White will offer a philosophical response and how Israelis have viewed the challenges of evil.

‘Israel History with a Heart- a deep dive for teens’ (starts Tuesday 16th January, 8-9.15pm) will explore the reasons and circumstances of the founding of the State of Israel and cover its triumphs and challenges in the 21st century. Teenagers will come out better-informed and able to contextualise the news from Israel so they can make up their own minds and debate the issues with others.

The course is taught by Israel educator Robin Moss in partnership with Etgar Israel. Robin is one of the community’s leading Israel educators, having spent years at UJIA, leading on Israel engagement. He ran a range of programmes for thousands of youngsters and educators, including Israel tour madrichim from across the spectrum. He has also lectured on Israel to adults in four continents.

All profits from Stories from the South will be given to funds supporting families and rebuilding agriculture in these kibbutzim.

Ealing celebratory lunch

Sixty members of Ealing United Synavote of thanks. The Chanukiah was lit by gogue held a Chanukah lunch to mark 25 Rabbi Vogel. years of service in Ealing from Rabbi Hershi and Rebbetzin Zelda Vogel.

Ten members of his extended family joined the simcha including Zelda’s father Rabbi Lew and his wife. A silver inscribed goblet and certificate were presented to the Vogels.

The lunch was punctuated by songs performed by chazan Shalom Rapoport which included a joyful duet with the Rabbi.

PHOTO: NIGEL BEWLEY Edward Cohen proposed the The Vogels receiving their new Becher

JTeen marked its third anniversary bringing together its team of volunteers, therapists, supervisors, informal educators and trustees to celebrate this significant milestone.

Since its inception, JTeen’s support line has been a vital lifeline for over a thousand teens, offering crucial support during challenging times. CEO Yaakov Barr expressed profound gratitude for the tremendous kindness exhibited by everyone involved—a kindness that is emphasised by the anonymity of the service meaning that nobody even knows the identity of whom they are helping!

As well as being on the frontline helping teenagers struggling with mental health challenges, JTeen has emerged as an organisation driving change in Jewish teen mental health. By aiding teens in crisis while actively establishing its prevention programs its role is crucial for a healthy Jewish community of the future.

Over recent months its significance has

Trustee Rabbi Saul Kelly with CEO Yaakov Barr

become especially apparent with a significant increase in teens and community leaders seeking support and guidance to

navigate the repercussions of the conflict in Israel and the rise of antisemitism in the UK. Recognizing that real change requires parental understanding and know-how, Jteen has expanded its proactive, extracurricular “JTeen Prevent” programme, engaging parents in insightful sessions, including a recent talk with expert Marcy Forta on eating disorders and body image. The keenly awaited, upcoming webinar with the world- renowned Rabbi YY Jacobson of New York will delve into some important ways to prevent emotional problems in our children and teens.

As JTeen faces the daunting challenge posed by the increasing mental health problems among young people in the community, there is also a sense of excitement and commitment within the organisation to tackle these issues headon. With an ever- growing demand for its supportline, teen ‘resilience’ workshops and teacher awareness training across the UK, Jteen is now gearing up for its inaugural charity fundraising campaign.

At the event, chaired by Trustee Rabbi Saul Kelly, Rebbetzin Dove inspired her audience by sharing stories highlighting the profound impact of kindness—a force capable of saving lives and changing worlds. In paying tribute to the tireless efforts of everyone involved, the celebration of JTeen’s 3rd anniversary is a testament to its determination to change the face of adolescent mental health in the Jewish community across the UK and beyond.

Melava Malka returns Last Motzei Shabbat, Higher Prestwich Shul held its first Melava Malka since 2019 when the Covid-19 pandemic struck the UK. Guest speakers included Mizrachi UK’s Rabbi Benjy Rickman, former Bury South MP Ivan Lewis as well as entertainment from Chazan Raphi Muller Rabbi Benjy Rickman, Ivan Lewis, Rabbi Herman and Chazan Raphi Muller accompanied by his son Shmuli Muller playing the organ.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

All the right moves Shmuel Shwarz, 16 has organised the Jewish Chess Champs. The launch evening began with Primary School Boys followed by High School Boys. Shmuel attends Manchester Mesivta. The Jewish Chess Champs took place in the Manchester Jewish Cultural Centre. Future occasions, starting from next week will be held in the Hershel Weiss Centre.

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PHOTO: LAWRENCE PURCELL

11 JANUARY 2024

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COMMUNITY 17

GIFT Volunteers show gratitude during Winter Holidays As the winter holidays unfolded, GIFT volunteers embarked on a series of impactful initiatives aimed at extending gratitude, solidarity, and support to both the blue light services in the UK and communities in Israel.

On December 25th, GIFT worked together with ‘A Time to Say Thank You’ an initiative which orchestrated the distribution of over 1200 chocolates to blue light workers across the UK. GIFT joined in this endeavor to express appreciation towards these essential frontline heroes

GIFT Israel Mission

including hospitals, fire fighters and police stations. In London alone, a team of 500 volunteers from the Jewish community came together to deliver chocolates, showing the communal gratitude to the dedicated blue light workers.

GIFT conducted its third Israel solidarity mission from December 24th to 27th, where more than 30 parents and children actively participated in a volunteer mission to Israel. This dedicated group engaged in a multitude of activities, including fruit picking, hospital visits, making fresh pizza and BBQs for soldiers, and supporting displaced families.

The volunteers’ commitment and engagement during this mission had a profound impact, providing tangible aid, assistance and emotional support where it was needed most.

Reflecting on this impactful experience, volunteers shared their sentiments, with one participant exclaiming, “That

was AMAZING!!! I feel so privileged to a positive impact and fostering unity and have joined you today… May you only support within the community. Their continue to inspire others and build actions exemplify the spirit of giving and goodness in this world.” solidarity, embodying the essence of the Another volunteer expressed heartfelt holiday season.” gratitude, stating, “To Rabbi Sandor and all the wonderful people we met on this incredible and meaningful mission...

It was everything that it means to be Jewish! So proud and privileged to be a part of this wonderful nation! Am Yisrael Chai.”

Expressing awe at the meticulous planning and thoughtful execution, another participant remarked, “I have no words to explain how I feel right now. I GIFT Time to say thank you volunteers had no idea what to expect yesterday, but it surpassed all of my expecFor those inspired to volunteer, GIFT tations. Everything was so meticulously extends an invitation to join their next planned and carefully thought out…” mission from January 15th to 17th, 2024, Rabbi Sandor Milun Managing Director and during the February half-term, GIFT said “This collective effort from encouraging individuals to be a part of a GIFT volunteers serves as a testament to transformative trip dedicated to making a their unwavering commitment to making meaningful difference.

Joy and respite at Camp Simcha Children’s retreat Seriously ill children supported by Camp Simcha enjoyed a transformative few days away from hospital appointments and treatments at the charity’s children’s retreat.

Dr Yaakov Opat, who was volunteering as doctor on site at his 9th children’s retreat, said it is always amazing to see the transformation in the children from when they arrive on the Thursday to when they go home on Sunday.

Twenty-five youngsters with illnesses ranging from cancer, heart conditions, brain conditions and rare genetic disorders, among others, joined Camp Simcha staff and the charity’s Big Brother and Sister volunteers for the four-day residential

Camp Simcha retreat starting the day

normally prevents them from participating in activities like this, adjustments are made so they can take part. The volunteers are amazing and all really focused on ensuring the children can get the most out of it.

“For those youngsters who are used to having to watch PHOTO: MERON PERSEY from the sideSmiles all round lines normally in Northampton. because their Along with Dr Opat, nurses and conditions prohibit joining carers on site, specialist equipment and in, it’s a huge boost to their a bespoke programme of confidence and sense of activities, the retreat provided independence. The smiles crucial respite for parents and on their faces say it all. They independence for the children are able to feel ‘normal’. You – some of whom have never really see growth and debeen able to go away without velopment in the children It’s party time their parents before. over the four days.”

Dr Yaakov Opat explained: Daniel Gillis, the charity’s Head of “On the first day we tend to Services explained: “Like everyone in the do physical activities like rock community, Camp Simcha families have climbing and archery, as well been devastated by the events in Israel as arts and crafts. For some of and the ramifications for Jewish people the children whose condition everywhere. However, this comes on top PHOTO: MERON PERSEY

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of all the daily pressures and constant anxiety that goes with having a seriously ill child.

“Now, more than ever, our families need relief and some light in all the darkness.”

With other activities including themed evenings, bowling, a silent disco, a ‘meet

PHOTO: MERON PERSEY

the animals’ experience and much more, the children – from London and Greater Manchester – had a joy-filled few days and an opportunity to make friends with other children who understand their struggles.

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Berachos and Klalos: Bounty and Boundaries (Part 2)

BY RABBI SHMUEL REICHMAN

In our previous article, we began exploring the concept of berachah (blessing).

We explained that berachah represents the transition from infinite oneness to particular twoness — the process by which Hashem’s divine energy (shefa) flows into this world. When we recite berachos and say “Baruch atah Hashem,” we are not blessing Hashem. Hashem, infinite and perfect, does not need our blessings.

Rather, there are two simultaneous intentions that we must have when making a berachah. The first, as Rabbeinu Bachya explains, is to acknowledge Hashem as the source of all blessing, abundance, and goodness in the world (Rabbeinu Bachya, Kad Hakemach, Berachah). This is a meditation of hakaras ha’tov (recognition of the good) and a practice of sourcing all multiplicity and berachah back to its source. In essence, when we make a berachah, we are recognizing Hashem as the source of all berachah.

Our second intention, as the Rashba (Shu”t HaRashba 5:51), Vilna Gaon, and Nefesh Hachaim (Nefesh Hachaim 2:2, 2:10) explain, is asking Hashem to continue to abundantly manifest into this world and into my personal life.

Bending the Knee Hakaras ha’tov, recognizing Hashem as the source of the good in your life, is an essential component of berachos. Only when we negate our egos and acknowledge that the goodness and berachah in our lives comes not from our own independent efforts but from Hashem — our ultimate source and creator — can we then receive more berachah. As the Nefesh Hachaim explains, by recognizing Hashem as your source, you transform yourself into a vessel capable of receiving more of the very berachah that you acknowledged. This is because Hashem can only flow into the space you allow for Him. When you negate your ego, you make space for Hashem to flow into your life. In essence, you are recognizing Hashem as the source of berachah, appreciating Him, connecting yourself to Him, and then continuing to bring His flow of goodness back down into your life!

This deep idea is illustrated in the famous story in Neviim of Elisha’s visit with Ovadiah’s destitute widow, a woman who was struggling with poverty (Melachim II,

chap. 4). Elisha instructed her to gather as many vessels as she could find so that she could pour oil into them. Miraculously, as long as there was room in the vessels, the oil kept flowing into them; but as soon as she ran out of vessels, the oil stopped flowing. This oil was a berachah from Hashem; it therefore flowed from an infinite source and would continue to flow as long as there was a vessel to receive it.

The same is true regarding all berachah

and shefa from Hashem; Hashem flows into the space that we make for Him in our lives.

Perhaps this is why we bend our knees in Shemoneh Esreh (Amidah/daily prayer) specifically when saying the word Baruch at the beginning and end of the first berachah and at the end of Modim — the berachah of thanksgiving. As humans, we are proud, capable, and intelligent.

Chazal identify our tall, vertical stature as one of the two key characteristics that differentiate our physical appearance from that of animals. (The second is our ziv ha’panim, the glow that shines forth from our face, a reflection of our higher intelligence.) Our spine represents our stature, but it also represents our ego.

Bowing down means negating our ego, recognizing Hashem as the ultimate source of our existence and the limits of our independent power. In Hebrew, the word “berech” shares the same root as the word “berachah,” and means a knee.

One form of negating our ego is by bending our spine (Bava Kama 16a), the other is by bending our knee, thus, lowering our height and stature. The very means by which we receive berachah is by bending our berech (knee), thus negating our ego and creating space for Hashem to flow into our lives.

There is a deeper idea here as well.

Bending the knee represents the process of expressing twoness from oneness.

When standing erect, the leg is one continuous limb. When we bend our knee, we take that oneness and bend it into

two. This is a literal act of creating twoness from oneness, a process we undertake as we become aware of the berachah that Hashem infuses into our lives.

Stealing from Hashem This understanding of berachah also sheds light on a famous Gemara (Berachos 35a). The Gemara states that if one fails to make a berachah before taking pleasure (hanaah) from this physical world, it is as if he stole from Hashem. The Gemara then points out a contradictory source: “The heavens are for Hashem, while the land He gave to man” (Tehillim 115:16), which seems to imply that man is permitted to use the physical world freely. The Gemara solves this contradiction by stating: Man is stealing from Hashem only when he does not make a berachah beforehand; however, once he makes a berachah, it is no longer stealing. The question then is: What fundamentally changes when we make a berachah?

The simple answer is that a berachah is the means through which we “ask permission” from Hashem to use His world. Once we do so, we are allowed to partake in it, because it is as if He gave us permission to do so. However, there is a much deeper layer here. The entire world stems from, and therefore belongs to, Hashem. Without a berachah, one fails to source him or herself, and the world as a whole, back to its root, i.e., Hashem.

In doing so, it is as if one is saying that Hashem is not connected to — or manifest within — this world.

Therefore, when one uses the world in this manner, he is disconnecting it from its spiritual source, “stealing” it from Hashem.

The spiritual concept of stealing is the act of taking an item away from its rightful owner and place.

If one proclaims through his actions that the physical world is not fully connected to Hashem, he is essentially stealing from Hashem, removing the world from its rightful owner and place.

However, in making a berachah, you source both the physical world and yourself back to Hashem.

In doing so, you have connected both yourself and this physical world to Hashem — our rightful source — and the issue of stealing is resolved.

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Klalos: Curses of Limitation Klalos (curses) are the exact opposite of berachah. If berachah is the overflowing and boundless expression of goodness and shefa into this world, klalah represents the limitation and constriction of Hashem’s flow into this world, replacing abundance with boundaries and restriction. A curse is the attempt to limit Hashem’s manifestation and presence in this world.

It is important to note that while the concept of klalah is often perceived as inherently negative, this does not have to be the case. Berachah represents outflow and endless abundance, while klalah represents a limitation of that abundance. If used correctly, the middah (characteristic) of klalah can actually be constructive. When the use of limitations is implemented only in order to help make the berachah useful and real, the klalah itself ends up becoming part of the berachah. For instance, too much rain results in flooding. A limitation on rain, resulting in a proper amount of water, is a necessary and productive form of limitation. The problem is when klalah is used for the purpose of destroying berachah and preventing any berachah from manifesting.

Beracha vs. Klalah The Gemara (Taanis 8b) states: “Ein ha’berachah mitzuyah ela b’davar ha’samui min ha’ayin — Berachah (abundance) occurs only in that which is hidden from the eye.” The logic behind this cryptic statement is profound. When something is not yet seen by the physical eye, it can be anything. The potential is limitless; Hashem can make it into anything. However, once the human eye

11 JANUARY 2024 sees it, it becomes fixed as that alone. It is now finite and limited, no longer subject to berachah and potential increase.

When you see something, you immediately give it boundaries and limitations.

This is why the gematria of “re’iyah” (seeing) is the same as “gevurah” (limitation and middas ha’din). Something spiritual cannot be seen. A neshamah is boundless, containing no boundaries or edges. A body, on the other hand, starts and ends

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 walking to your grain storage house to count your grain, and you have not yet seen it, you can daven that your grain should be increased. If, however, you have already seen it, you can no longer daven for the increase. Before you give it concrete form, it could be anything; it remains in the world of potential and is still subject to the boundless flow of berachah. Once, however, you give it finite measure, it can be nothing more than what it already is. Davening for additional berachah would be a tefillas shav (prayer in vain).

Bilaam: From Klalah to Berachah

at specific places.

The Gemara (Taanis 8b) illustrates the application of this principle in regards to tefillah. The Gemara says that if you are

We can now understand Bilaam’s attempt to curse the Jewish People in an entirely new light. Bilaam attempted to curse Klal Yisrael, to cut off their spiritual connection with Hashem. In response, Hashem did more than just negate Bilaam’s curses; He turned these very curses into berachos, strengthening the connection between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, and reinforcing the channel of berachah that flows from Hashem into this world.

The Historical Shift: From Light to Darkness

Returning to our original question, why were berachos [as we know them] only instituted at the time of the second Beis Hamikdash? The answer is as follows: There are two stages of history.

The first stage lasted from creation until the time period of Purim and Chanukah.

This stage was highlighted by the miracles of yetzias Mitzrayim and Matan Torah and the presence of nevuah. During this stage, Hashem’s revelation in this world was apparent and clear. The physical world was naturally seen as an expression of a spiritual reality, and it was easy for one to source the physical back to the spiritual.

As a result, institutionalized berachos were unnecessary; when one ate a meal, they naturally sourced the food back to Hashem, as it was abundantly clear that the food came from a transcendent, spiritual source — Hashem. The same was true for the rest of daily life; spirituality came naturally and spontaneously.

However, with the end of prophecy came the end of this stage as well. We no longer experience miracles; we no longer experience Hashem as openly manifest in the physical world. As a result, Chazal instituted standardized tefillah and berachos for everyone to say throughout the day, the yearly cycle, and the various stages of life. The world has bent; the light has faded. We no longer naturally source ourselves back to Hashem; we need help pointing us in the right direction so that

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JUDAISM 19 we can achieve this mission. This is the function of the standardized berachos and tefillah; they serve as a guiding path back to Hashem. (It is important to note that while the standardized format is identical for everyone, the internal experience and awareness is unique within each of us.)

Our mission is to use the physical world as a medium through which we connect to Hashem. We no longer see reality with a clear lens. But that gives us a unique opportunity — to create light within the darkness and to use our free will to choose to see Hashem. We don’t only ask for berachah; we create it by actively seeing Hashem’s presence flow into every aspect of our lives. May we be inspired to live lives full of berachah, sourcing every dimension of our lives back to Hashem, and living a life of oneness within this world of twoness.

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the CEO of Self-Mastery Academy. He has lectured internationally on topics of Torah thought, Jewish medical ethics, psychology, and leadership.

He authored a bestselling book, The Journey to Your Ultimate Self. After obtaining his BA from YU, he received Semicha from YU’s RIETS, a master’s degree in education from Azrieli Graduate School, and a master’s degree in Jewish Thought from Bernard Revel Graduate School. He then spent a year studying at Harvard as an Ivy Plus Scholar.

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Weekly Dvar Torah F R O M E R E TZ Y ISR A E L

Torah and Nature - Paths to Ahavas Hashem

BY RABBI ZEV LEFF

In honor of my grandson Dovi Leff’s Bar Mitzvah this Shabbos.

The second plague which G-d brought upon the Egyptians was frogs. They invaded Egypt, including the ovens for baking. The Talmud (Pesachim 53b) relates that the frogs were the inspiration for Chananiah, Mishael, and Azaryah.

What did they see that caused them to enter the furnace of Nebuchadnezzar?

They reasoned a fortiori from the frogs. If frogs, which are not commanded to sanctify G-d’s Name entered the furnace, how much more so should we, who are commanded to sanctify G-d’s Name, do?

Rambam in Sefer HaMitzvos says the path to love Hashem is through Torah learning. Yet, in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah, Rambam says contemplating the natural world and its awe-inspiring wonders leads one to love Hashem. There are crucial differences between nature and Torah as paths to Hashem.

The Midrash says that HaKodosh

VA’ERA

Boruch Hu didn’t create the world with the first letter, alef, for it signifies arur – cursed – but with the second letter, beis, which signifies bracha – blessing. When using nature as a path to Hashem, one’s explorations must be carefully guided, so that one indeed finds Hashem.

As King David proclaimed, Hashem can be found in nature. “When I see Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, I am inspired to realize my insignificance in relationship to G-d, Who is overwhelming” (Tehillim 8:4). But danger remains in the observation of nature, as the Torah warns us: “Lest you raise your eyes heavenward and observe the sun, the moon, and stars, and are enticed to bow to them and serve” (Devarim 4:19).

Yuri Gagarin, first Soviet cosmonaut, announced upon returning to earth that he was sure that G-d didn’t exist, chas veShalom, because he didn’t see Him. On the other hand, American astronauts on one of the Apollo missions transmitted breathtaking views of Earth from space, and recited Psalm 119, “The Heavens declare the glory of G-d…” Observations

break from the previous narrative to discuss this genealogy? (6:14)

3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 6:29-7:7

1st Aliya (Kohen) – Shemot 6:2-6:13

G-d reassures Moshe (Moses) that He will keep His promise to the forefathers to bring the nation into the Land of Cana’an (later Israel). G-d has heard the crying out of the enslaved Israelites; He instructs Moshe to tell them that He will redeem them from slavery. The Israelites, exhausted from their labour, do not accept Moshe’s reassurances.

2nd Aliya (Levi) – 6:14-6:28

The Torah details the genealogy of Moshe and Aharon (Aaron). They are the sons of Amram and Yocheved, who were both descendants of Levi, the third son of Yaakov (Jacob).

Point to Consider: Why does the Torah

“Go to Pharaoh in the morning; behold he is going out to the water.”

Moshe re-expresses his reluctance to speak to Pharaoh, given his speech impediment.

G-d restates that Aharon will be Moshe’s spokesman. G-d will harden Pharaoh’s heart and He will send plagues.

This will make Egypt aware of G-d’s omnipotence.

4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 7:8-8:6

of the same thing with two different responses.

The basis of blessings must be clear and decisive when observing G-d through nature. However, the path of Torah isn’t fraught with such danger. Quite the contrary, the inner light of Torah guides one toward the good. When it comes to Torah, even what can potentially be cursed, alef, can be inspired and directed by inner light of Torah for good. For this reason, Torah study must be the primary path. Only one steeped in study of Torah can truly and properly utilize the path of observing nature, the secondary path. As physical beings, we are affected more by what we sense than by what we know intellectually. Emunah and ahavas Hashem are as real and intense as what we experience with senses. Torah manifested in nature helps one concretize his emunah.

Entering the furnace to sanctify Hashem’s name required strength and commitment. Unless Chananiah, Mishael, and Azaryah reached a level where their knowledge of kiddush

Upon G-d’s command, Aharon throws down his stick in front of Pharaoh; it turns into a snake. Pharaoh’s magicians duplicate this. However, Aharon’s stick swallows up their sticks. The 1st Plague: Moshe and Aharon confront Pharaoh while he is bathing in the Nile and warn him that if he does not let the Israelites leave, the waters of Egypt will turn to blood. Pharaoh ignores the warning; Aharon strikes the water with a stick and it turns into blood. Pharaoh’s magicians duplicate this.

The plague lasts a week. (This pattern follows for most of the rest of the plagues – three weeks of warning and a week of plague – see Rashi’s commentary.) The 2nd Plague: Aharon strikes the waters of the Nile. A plague of frogs emerges, which covers Egypt. Pharaoh asks Moshe to pray for the frogs to die.

5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 8:7-8:18 The 3rd Plague: Aharon strikes the ground with his stick and lice spread all over Egypt. The Egyptian magicians fail to duplicate this, admitting it is the ‘finger of G-d’.

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Hashem had become concretized by their senses and observed as a fact of nature, they might have shied away from taking that step. They saw nature’s sanctification of G-d’s Name through the frogs, which supplemented their knowledge of the mandate to sanctify G-d’s Name. Their knowledge gave them courage and will to fulfill what they knew to be intellectually binding. Seeing kiddush Hashem represented in nature, they sensed and felt it. If frogs had strength to do this, they reasoned, that same strength exists within us.

May learning Torah and observing nature, especially in Eretz Yisroel, where nature and Torah bond intensely through the mitzvot dependent on agriculture, bring us to greater levels of love and awe of Hashem.

Rabbi Zev Leff is the rabbi of Moshav Matityahu, and a renowned author, lecturer and educator. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www. mizrachi.org/speakers).

6th Aliya (Shishi) – 8:19-9:17

The 4th Plague: A plague of wild beasts spreads over Egypt, apart from Goshen, where the Israelites live. Pharaoh agrees to let the Israelites leave for three days to bring offerings in the desert. Moshe prays for the plague to stop but Pharaoh reneges on his promise. The 5th Plague: The Egyptian livestock is killed, but the Israelites’ animals are untouched. The 6th Plague: Moshe throws a fistful of ash in the sky. This turns into dust covering all of Egypt, which then turns into boils on the Egyptians and their animals. G-d hardens Pharaoh’s heart.

7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 9:18-9:35

The 7th Plague: A fiery hail falls on all of Egypt, apart from Goshen. Pharaoh admits that he has sinned and that G-d is righteous. After Moshe has prayed for the hail to stop, Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go.

Haftarah

The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel) prophesies about the downfall of the future Egyptian empire, after Israel will have mistakenly relied upon them as an ally.

Egypt will be invaded by the Babylonian leader Nebuchadnezzar.

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Think You Can’t Afford a Passover Programme

Are Passover Programs overpriced?

The price of everything increased over the past few years, from eggs, to gas, to mortgage rates. It would only make sense for the cost of Passover programs to rise as well. Well, not everything makes sense.

Passover programs usually operate the bulk of their promotions, sales, and discounts right after the holiday of Sukkot all the way up till January. There are people who begin thinking and researching about Passover right after Sukkot. Which is understandable being that Passover programs can be pricey. If you think going on a Passover program is financially unattainable, there may be a possibility you can attend one this year.

Pricing depends on multiple factors, such as location and the number of family members. Europe based Passover programs are generally cheaper than American based programs. European program operators hire workers that are based in Europe making their minimum wage lower than American minimum wage. The cost of operating in Europe is generally cheaper than America, leaving flexibility for spending. Hotels and transportation are on the cheaper side as well. However, airfare is usually more costly since the flights are international, as opposed to domestic flights. With that in mind, it is imperative to keep in mind what the program offers. Programs that are on the $15-20K range offer more sophisticated

options and higher-end amenities. Leisure Time Tours, a Passover program with four locations, one of which is in Santa Margherita, Portofino, Italy this year. “The five-star Imperiale Palace Hotel is today one of the most outstanding and prestigious hotels in the Ligurian Riviera…The hotel was originally built as a private villa in 1889 by the aristocratic Costa family of Corsica. Le Vele Beach Club is widely considered to be one of Santa Margherita Ligure’s best beaches. It has an intimate atmosphere with vibrant turquoise waters and provides a picturesque setting for relaxing. Luxurious loungers and umbrellas are reserved exclusively for hotel guests.”

You get the point; the location and hotel are lavish and luxurious. H Hoffman, a Passover program traveler, left a review on Passover Listings, a website that showcases hundreds of Passover programs with honest and real feedback stating, “The accommodations were regale, terrific and spotless rooms and amenities”.

American based programs are still extravagant and grand, but at a higher

price point. Lasko Getaways, a Passover Program located in Aventura, Florida is being held at the “Conde Nast Readers Choice #1 Resort in Florida JW Marriott Turnberry Miami Resort and Spa in Aventura, Florida… with luxurious, elegant 25,000 square-foot Four-star rated Ame Wellness Spa with an extensive menu, 21 treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, a SPA boutique and a full-service Salon.” Mike S. commented that “the resort is magnificent, the rooms are large, and the facilities get better each year. We are looking forward this year to being able to enjoy the entire waterpark that was completed after last Pesach. The Lasko family truly runs Pesach like a family. Meals are great, abundant, and well planned.

You can’t compare the two, different strokes for different folks. Each family operates differently and has various wants and needs. It all depends on what your family is satisfied with. There are highend luxury programs and there are programs that are simple, without being too excessive. If you are concerned about the

monetary aspect, Passover is expensive in general. For those hiring cleaning help, the price can add up. I’m sure you’re thinking about the groceries too, from shmura matzah that ranges from $20-25, to bottles and bottles of grape juice. It’s a lot. Then you must purchase meat, vegetables, and kosher for Passover desserts and cereal that cost an arm and a leg. You are anyway spending money, might as well channel that money and be smart with it. Don’t know pricing for each Passover program? Visit passoverlistings.com and check out their new Pricing Tool.

Put in your contact information, budget, and location preferences and every single program worldwide will show with pricing, transparent and simple. If you’re looking to save, look for Europe based programs and read each description to detect any hidden costs. There are certain programs that charge additional costs for extra amenities or excursions/trips.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. There are deals and promotional offers, such as percentages off adult and children’s rooms, early bird specials, and black Friday deals on websites like www. passoverlistings.com. But you must act quick before they expire. So be mindful when researching and ask as many questions as you see fit, you deserve to be fully aware of all charges and costs. You worked hard for your money.

PESACH PROGRAM PRICING TOOL! PRICE YOUR VACATION BEFORE YOU BOOK passoverlistings.com

INPUT ROOMS AND PEOPLE

SET YOUR BUDGET THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

@passoverlistings

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ASK THE RABBI Looking for answers? Send your question to Rabbi@RabbiSchochet.com PESACH IS IN THE AIR Dear Rabbi I know we are only in January, but I have a Pesach question: I was wondering if there is any point of koshering from non-kosher to kosher?

I mean it’s not as if by magic somehow the hot water or the fire can transform something? I extend this question to Pesach. How do we just make something that isn’t suitable for Pesach use to become suitable? It all sounds like fiction to me.

Hesh

Dear Hesh It’s true we are only in January, but Pesach is on people’s minds. That typical question, “so where are you going to be for Pesach?” is already being asked. Lists are already being drawn up of who is getting invited to your Seder (Aunt Sadie & Uncle Marv), and who’s scratched off your list this year (the Millstones didn’t invite you to their 50th wedding anniversary, you’re not inviting them to your seder).

Before I deal with your question specifically, it is important to understand that we didn’t make up the laws of kashrut.

“Kosher” means “fit for use.” (It’s even been adopted in the secular world). If the laws of kosher and non-kosher had anything to do with health, then most Rabbis would look like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

And let’s face it – they don’t. These are Divine laws and like many others, we never claimed to have conceived them, nor to fully understand them.

That’s insofar as kosher food is concerned. The “koshering process” follows logic and the laws of physics. When you cook non-kosher in a pot or in an oven, they will absorb some of the flavouring.

The basic principle to bear in mind is that the way the non-kosher food substance is absorbed into the walls of a utensil is the way it is expelled. Thus, when you then cook something else in that same pot, the non-kosher will be expelled into the later food.

However, when looking to kosher the pot or to render it fit for Pesach, either water or fire can be used to expel the flavouring from the utensils, depending on how it was absorbed. Hence, a pot used for stewing can be koshered by boiling water in it; a pan used for frying or baking can be koshered only by blowtorching (direct contact with heat).

Sometimes people are perplexed and are not sure what to do. I would urge you to get in touch with Go Kosher (there are others) rabbihgruber@aim.com. If you

want to make your kitchen kosher, they can do it for you. If you are doing Pesach, you might as well do it right. (Oh - and get over it. Invite the Millstones!)

A BAR MITZVAH DILEMMA Dear Rabbi We enjoy your column each week and now have a question we hope you can advise on. Our eldest son’s Bar Mitzvah is coming up and my mother had kindly told me when my Grandpa passed away that he had recently purchased a new pair of tefillin in Israel and that she would be happy to give this set to our son, her eldest Grandchild, for his Bar Mitzva.

We were touched by this and thought nothing more of it. My mum then saw my husband’s parents and my mother-in-law mentioned she would be buying our son a pair of tefillin as she has done for all her other grandsons. My mum didn’t say anything about my Grandpa’s set as she didn’t want to upset her. We are now in a dilemma whether to tell his mother that we have a pair or whether we accept their gift if they do go ahead and buy a set. My mum has said she is not offended if we don’t use my Grandpa’s but I feel like it is a very special gesture. We would welcome your response.

Tali

11 JANUARY 2024

I would think, owing to the unique circumstances and sentimentality involved, she would be OK with it.

Perhaps suggest to her that she buy a special Tefillin bag for your son with his name in Hebrew on it. Determine least upset and that’s what you go with.

Above all else, the most important thing here is to make sure your son puts on those Tefillin every single day, as required.

Mazal Tov on the upcoming simcha.

Follow Rabbi Schochet at: RabbiSchochet.com Twitter: @RabbiYYS Facebook: facebook.com/Rabbiyys

Dear Tali Apologies for the late response, and I hope not too late. First things first.

Forgive me for being presumptuous, I don’t know you or your late grandpa, but, depending on where the Tefillin were purchased in Israel, sometimes too many people, without realising it, end up with questionable sets. It happens all the time. If you’re not sure, then have them checked. If they are a problem, then your dilemma is resolved.

Assuming everything is good and kosher, then the only real solution to my mind is to establish least possible upset. The Tefillin from your grandpa has special sentimental value. Obviously, that means a lot to you and would mean a lot to your son. If he is not given them, will that cause you and him some upset?

You did mention that your mother said that she would in fact not be upset if they weren’t taken by your son. However, no one knows how your mother-in-law would react as no one told her. You implied she’d be upset (hence no one said anything) but I wonder, if the specifics were mentioned to her, how she would react.

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Va’era

This week we have the makos, the ten plagues! Or actually, the first 7.

Hashem sends Moshe to Pharoah to warn him to let Klal Yisrael go or he will turn the Nile to blood. Pharoah refuses and Moshe instructs Aharon to strike the Nile and turn all the water into blood!! The Egyptians all had to buy water from their slaves, the Jews. The whole of of Egypt stank!

Once the plague ended, Moshe comes and warns Pharoah to let them go or face a second plague. What do you think Pharoah said? Get lost! So Aharon hits the nile again, bringing frogs? The frogs got everywhere, no one could sleep or eat frog free! Pharoah asked Moshe to stop the Makkah and he will let the Yidden go.

But he breaks his promise as soon as Moshe gets Hashem

to lift the plague! So Hashem sends the 3rd Makkah- lice!

Itching, itching, so itchy, the lice cover the whole bodies of the Egyptians! But Pharoah wouldn’t give up and Hashem sent them wild animals! Lions, bears, tigers, elephants crash through Egypt, destroying the land! When Pharoah continues to be stubborn, Hashem sends the 5th plague all livestock drops dead from one second to

Word Search

the next!

At this point, there’s hardly anything standing in Egypt, you would think Pharoah would give up- but that guy’s heart was as hard as a rock. Hence came the 7th plague and the last one for this parshah – boils cover the skin of all the Egyptians. How could things possibly be worse?!

They will do…

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Jewish Riddle

Last weeks Answer: What word in Hebrew is spelled “Vav Vav Vav Vav”?

This weeks Question: Answer: "And his hook" The When can a person be Hebrew word for 'hook' is 'vav'. It called to the Torah for 3 is spelled with two letters: 'vav' and 'vav.' The letter 'vav' as a successive aliyot on the prefix means 'and.' The letter 'vav' as a suffix means 'his.' Hence, same day? the word spelled 'vav vav vav vav' means 'and his hook.'

ANIMALS • BLOOD • BOILS • FROGS • LICE • MITZRAYIM • NILE • PLAGUES

Email your name, age, where you live and the answer to office@thejewishweekly.com!

Next weeks paper will feature the answer and will mention one person who gave the correct answer!

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FAMILY FUN 27

Tangram Challenge!

Using all the shapes, can you make the shape on the right?

Word Wheel The goal of a word wheel puzzle is to create as many words possible with the letters in the word wheel.

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Here are some words you may have found from last week – you may have found more! incur junco coring

Jokes

Q: Why can’t you trust the law of gravity?

A: Because it always lets you down! : Did you hear the one about the little Q mountain?

A: It’s hill-arious!

T curing nuncio corning

unicorn jouncing conjuring

Riddles 1. What has many ears, but cannot hear?

2. I know a word of letters three. Add two

and fewer there will be. What is the word?

Q: Where do polar bears keep thir money?

A: A snowbank!

3. What question can you never honestly say yes to?

Q: Why was the broom late for school?

A: Because it overswept!

1. A cornfield | 2. Few(er)| 3. Are you asleep?

3. T he long and the short of it 4. Close nit community

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1. Cash on delivery 2. Keep left

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Answers

Each word must contain at least three letters. You can only use each letter once and every word must have the letter in the centre of the wheel.

Use the area below to write the words you have found.

5. Right under your nose 6. Sit down and shut up

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PESACH 2024

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A Slice of Heaven...

Rabbi Dr. Laibl Wolf

Ohad

Rav Doron Perez

The Solomon Brothers

Rabbi Yossi Fachler

Meni Hollander

Aleeza Ben Shalom

Shlomi Lanyado

Shay Barak

YOUR 5* EXCLUSIVE PESACH PACKAGE INCLUDES: 10-nights at our Beach front property Hotel exclusive to our guests in 250 Rooms A wonderful Chag atmosphere hosted by David & Chana Walles Inspiring Tefillot & Learning by World Renowned Scholars & Guest Speakers Top lineup of Entertainment Private, Semi Private/Family and Communal Seder options

3 Gourmet meals daily incl. wines & Soft Drinks.

Lavish Kiddushim Lobby bar open midday to midnight Early kids dinner.

Kids Club & Teen Program Day trip options & attractions Lagoon Pool & Spa heated pool.

Discounted Kosher Travelers charter flights and airport transfers

Kashrut is Glatt Mehadrin, under the strict supervision of Rabbi Berel Simpser. Non-Gebrochts www.ikmehadrin.com Avi Steinitz

Arik Porat

www.koshertravelers.com | info@koshertravelers.com

ISRAEL: +972 2 992 9801 | USA/CANADA: +1 646 240 4118 | EUROPE: +44 207 048 6168 | AUSTRALIA: +61 39 9997496 LUXURY CRUISES | EXOTIC TOURS | SKI VACATION | AFRICAN SAFARI | SUKKOT HOTELS | ISRAEL TOURISM

30 EXPERT ADVICE in association with

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488 richdale

11 JANUARY 2024

YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

EXPERT ADVICE

FINANCIAL SERVICES (FCA) COMPLIANCE

Dear Martin Me and my 3 siblings have inherited a house in Hendon and want to know what the property is worth? We would all need to agree on the property value and decide if we should sell it now or hold onto the house, as we have seen in the news that the property market is not doing so well currently.

Laura D.

JACOB BERNSTEIN A member of the APCC, specialising in financial services compliance for: • Mortgage, Protection and General Insurance Intermediaries; • Lenders, Credit Brokers, Debt Counsellors and Debt Managers; • Alternative Investment Fund Managers; • E-Money, Payment Services, PISP, AISP and Grant-making Charities.

Hi Laura This is a very good question. There has been a lot of media coverage recently with regards to the current cost of living crisis and how that ties in with the property market. The media appears to be sowing an undercurrent of worry; but one must be mindful too that there has been a genuine change to the property market as it has been affected by things like the rising cost of mortgages, additionally, a further Bank of England base interest rate rise is predicted to be announced later this week.

However, locally within Hendon, Golders Green and the surrounding areas, we continue to find that the market is still hot and buyers remain very keen to purchase properties, we have continued to achieve good results for our vendors and we are experiencing strong demand for properties. Whilst you have not provided many details of your property, you have told us that it is in Hendon – a house in Hendon would sell well in the current market. It is crucial that it is priced correctly in order to achieve a good result. I would therefore suggest that you collectively agree to appoint two agents and ask them each to appraise the property for you. This will allow you to compare and contrast the sales appraisal and ensure you can agree on the correct asking price and in turn that you sell at the best possible price.

Contact: 020 7781 8019 info@richdale.co.uk www.richdale.co.uk

WEALTH MANAGMENT MARC OVITS – BA (HONS) APFS CERT PFS (DM) Over 25 years of successful experience in financial services including 11 years of investment banking experience.

Offering expert independent financial advice to individuals, businesses, charities and trusts.

Individual services:- Wealth Management, Investment, Retirement, Estate/IHT, protection planning, Tax Mitigation and Cash Management Solutions Business & Charity services:- Investment Planning, Business Succession & Business Exit Planning, Business Protection, Corporate Pensions, Employee Benefits, Cash Management Solutions, Profit extraction strategies Alpha Wealth Management Contact: 020 8203 6920 info@alphawm.co.uk www.alphawm.co.uk

You should take care to select a reputable high street agent that is regulated. Roundtree Real Estate would be happy to assist; if you email me at sales@theroundtree.com I will be delighted to assist further on your journey to a successful sale.

Martin

ESTATE AGENT

BUTCHERS

MARTIN FRYDENSON - ROUNDTREE REAL ESTATE Roundtree Real Estate are your local experienced Estate Agent having been established on the High Street since 2009. We are both ARLA and NAEA Propertymark regulated and we are here to offer you expert advice in Property Sales, Lettings, Commercial and Full Management Services, covering Hendon, Golders Green, Finchley, Colindale and surrounding areas. We have built long standing relationships with all our clients and should you have any property related queries please do contact us.

KOSHER DELI Kosher Deli was established with the intention of making kosher meat and poultry affordable for all with the convenience of multiple locations and a comprehensive delivery service. All this without compromising on kashrus or quality.

Locations in: Golders Green, Hendon, Temple Fortune, Edgware, Borehamwood & Manchester

Contact: 020 8203 2111 mail@theroundtree.com www.theroundtree.com

Contact: 020 8381 4450 info@kosherdeliuk.co.uk www.kosherdeli.co.uk

PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SPECIALISTS

CHARITY

PATIENT HEALTH Market specialists is affordable health cover, advising on maximising cover with lowest premiums, for individuals, families, and companies (1-200).

Excellent knowledge on health providers, pre-existing issues, and family-company scheme • FCA Licensed • LLB Solicitors Finals • Member of Chartered Institute

JEWISH CARE Jewish Care is the largest health and social care organisation serving the Jewish community in London and the South East. Our vital services touch the lives of 10,000 people every week. We provide services and offer a wide range of support groups to older people, people with mental health needs, Holocaust survivors, people living with dementia, people with a variety of needs and carers support.

Contact: Trevor Gee 020 3146 3444 07956 244350 trevor@patienthealth.co.uk www.patienthealth.co.uk

Contact: 020 8922 2222 helpline@jcare.org www.jewishcare.org

RICHDALE – YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS THEJEWISHWEEKLY.COM

11 JANUARY 2024

EXPERT ADVICE 31

TO ADVERTISE CALL 020 3906 8488

YOUR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLIANCE EXPERTS

in association with

richdale

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

ALIYAH ADVISORS

MARTIN HEIMAN – SMARTINET We’ve been providing businesses with all of their communication needs since 2010.

We specialise in supplying businesses with VoIP Packages, Mobile Plans, Broadband, Card Merchant Services, Leased Lines, On-Hold Marketing, and Call Centre Services.

Smartinet, your reliable and efficient business communications provider.

ALIYAH ADVISORS - GARY BROWN - PRACTICAL ALIYAH ADVICE Book a FREE meeting with UKAA’s founder Gary Brown, who will go through your particular needs and wants on a the PRACTICAL side of leaving your country of origin and/or living in/moving to Israel. This is both for pre and post- Aliyah Olim.

This FREE meeting will allow Gary to advise on who you need to speak with for each requirement and when in the year you should approach them. Confidentiality assured.

Contact: 0333 613 0000 connect@smartinet.co.uk smartinet.co.uk

Contact: +972 (0)2 372 3775 / +44 (0)20 3 989 5080 info@ukaliyahadvisors.com ukaliyahadvisors.com/providers/

BUILDING AND PARTY WALL SURVEYING

MANAGED I.T. SERVICES PROVIDER (MSP)

MATRIX SURVEYORS LIMITED Offering a range of building surveying services and specialising in party wall matters, nationwide, for both consumers and businesses, including; • Pre-acquisition Surveys • Planned Preventative • Party Wall Matters Maintenance Schedules • Defect Inspections • Construction Project Management • Schedules of Condition • Licence for Alterations • Insurance Reinstatement Costs Assessments • Insurance claims

SIMON MOSCOVITZ BSC (HONS) – EUROTEK UK LIMITED We are a well-established and successful Managed I.T. Services Provider (MSP) with a clear sense of purpose. We plan, design and enable the procurement, implementation, protection and management of a wide range of modern technologies through an earned and trusted partnership with our clients across the UK. We enable our clients to be operationally efficient by successfully embracing their digital transformation journey.

• Why choose Eurotek UK? Deliver > Manage > Automate > Secure > Backup

Contact: Toli Moscovitz BSc (Hons) MRICS 0161 823 6973 info@matrixsurveyors.co.uk www.matrixsurveyors.co.uk

Contact: 0161 660 2745 hello@eurotekuk.co.uk www.eurotekuk.co.uk

SHIPPING STEPHEN MORRIS SHIPPING With almost 40 years experience, our company has the ability to move household and personal effects and antiques and fine art with the professionalism and care that comes from that experience coupled with an attention to detail.

We construct our own Tri-Wall and wooden packing cases on site and employ full-time art installers and handymen for those ‘extra’ jobs that always need doing on a move or installation.

And size is no limitation – we have moved trains, boats and planes across the world and even bridges and a 5,000 seater tent!

Contact: 020 8832 2222 info@shipsms.co.uk www.shipsms.co.uk

Looking for a bespoke Kosher holiday that meets all your tailored needs?

YOUR ADVERT HERE CALL TODAY 0203 906 8488

Discover your perfect Kosher getaway with Bespoke Kosher Travel! Our experienced team specialises in creating customised holidays that meet your every Kosher requirement. From remote destinations to popular tourist spots, we've got you covered.

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