210924
24th
September 2021
Shabbat
Shalom, Hag Succot Sameach and a Blessed Tabernacles
Here in
Israel, or the Jerusalem region anyway, we are beginning to feel that Autumn is
on its way. The sun is gentler, the evenings cooler and the leaves beginning to
fall. It isn't like Mapledurham where I used to live, we don't have the
spectacular autumnal reds, golds, oranges of the Capability Brown style bank of
trees reflected in the River Thames; not the breathtaking beauty of the
Ardennes, nor the wonders of Upstate New York and New England, here it is much
more subtle somehow – without the drama of more northerly countries. Suddenly
there are clouds flitting across the blue skies and the light breeze becomes
stronger and then, magically, the scent of rain fills the air long before it
falls.
Last
night we had our first rains! The prayers for rain said on this
wonderful harvest festival will be answered before they are uttered!! Whereas
on Passover we pray for dew before the searing heat of summer, on the last day
of Succot (Tabernacles) we pray for rain, to dampen the parched earth of summer
and bring forth new crops. Of course the fact that it will probably rain
tonight is a bit of a problem and before its intended time – because many
people sleep in their Succot (tabernacles) which are of course temporary
dwellings of questionable stability and somewhat open to the elements!!!
I am
sure you heard the news about Malka Leifer, the former Australian
Headmistress of a Haredi school in Melbourne Australia. Protected and brought
to Israel by the manipulations of the Haredi community, she managed to avoid
the allegations of paedophilia and sexual abuse of some 70 girls in her care
through a legal battle to prevent her extradition; a battle which lasted 7
years. Her extradition was hampered by the then Minister in the Israeli
Government, Yaakov Litzman. I am happy to report that Litzman is also being
charged here in Israel with hampering Court proceedings. She is now in
Australia and facing the heinous charges. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-23/malka-leifer-committed-to-stand-trial/100486900
I quote
from Rabbi Jeremy Rosen: The “World
Conference against Racism Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related
Intolerance”, was founded by the United Nations, after the Second World War
and the Holocaust. Its mandate was to fund research on racism and to arrange
international events organized through UNESCO to combat racist ideologies and
behaviours. This generator of anti-Semitism, anti-Judaism, and anti-Israelism
is a disgrace, and it is meeting again this week in Manhattan". The
current "Durban Conference" is a hatefest of such proportions one
could feel that one is watching the replay of the Wannsee Conference where
Hitler outlined the Final Solution. I have often expressed my belief that we
are reliving those times in our world today and have to fight back. Brenda
Katten represented Israel at the first Durban Conference and is still
traumatised by the hatred she faced. Since he has expressed everything that I
believe on the subject I strongly suggest you read Jeremy's original words http://jeremyrosen.com/2021/09/durban-disgrace-4.html
Oh
thee of little faith
- Alexandra Ocasio Cortez and her Squad made a great deal of noise about
withdrawing funding for Israel's Iron Dome – again doing a mini-Goebbels
claiming that the funding had already been withdrawn. Well their motion to
Congress was soundly beaten in a cross-Party vote 420-9! While we should never
take US support for granted we must also remember that we are the only reliable
allies for the USA in the entire area and that our arms funding is not a one
way street, despite the enormous different in our size it is a collaborative,
reciprocal relationship. Do not be blinded by inter-party loyalties, President
Biden is with Israel.
We
caught the last two terrorist escapees from the Gilboa Prison! The IDF, Israeli
Police and the Secret Service did a phenomenal job and they were caught in
Jenin, none of the six escapees put up a fight and all six were recaptured
without harm and put back behind bars. When I heard of their capture in Jenin I
thought about my visit to that city so long ago with the wonderful Malcolm
Hoenlein. Television reporters always describe it as "The refugee camp
of Jenin" yet have never spoken of the assistance given to the
administrators of Jenin by the Gilboa Regional Council to rebuild and
refurbish, to create a Museum of the people and a beautiful new Municipality
surrounded by fine mansions; and most importantly the wonderful rapport created
with the people. Apparently, from the reaction to their recapture, that has
changed. Anyway, a pat on the back to our security forces.
Jay
Ruderman takes
his role as leader of the Ruderman Family Foundation very seriously. A
determination to change the world to be a better place takes priority, there
are no empty words in his vocabulary. He, together with Rabbi Dr. David Barak-Gorodetsky presented some fascinating theories as to how
to combat the radicalisation of the left against Jews and Israel in the USA. A
very important read. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/left-wing-us-politicians-are-driving-jews-apart-heres-how-to-fix-it-679526
IMPACT-se has just
released a report showing further
dramatic improvements to Saudi Arabia’s school textbooks. Over the last year,
textbooks for the second semester of 2020/21 and the first semester of the
2021/22 school years have been moderated in several key areas.The greatest
number of changes have been made to lessons discussing Jews, Christians,
non-believers, and violent jihad. While problematic material remains, we found
profound change in these categories. A Qur’anic verse describing Jews being
turned into monkeys and another about Jews who cursed Muhammad have been
replaced. An entire textbook unit on jihad was scrapped. IMPACT-se’s report and
example list was presented to the Saudi authorities. We are gratified that so
much of the offending material that we noted there and in our follow-up report
has now been removed. Slowly, quietly changing our world. www.impact-se.org
Succot
is a time when we invite "Ushpizin" special visitors, spiritually we
invite our forefathers and actually invite real-life visitors. Guests are an
integral part of Judaism and the three foot festivals, the festivals which
entailed a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, guests are even more important. Inviting
people to share the joy of the Succah is of great importance. In the words of the great
philosopher, doctor, research scientist and teacher, Moses Maimonides (Mishneh Torah, Laws of the Festivals 6:18): “When one eats
and drinks, one must also feed the stranger, the orphan, the widow and other
unfortunate paupers. But one who locks the doors of his courtyard, and eat and
drinks with his children and wife but does not feed the poor and the embittered
soul—this is not the joy of a mitzvah, but the joy of his belly. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/sukkot-101/
On
the first night of Succot we were in Rachel and Igal's Succah, with the children
obviously. There are usually dozens of visitors but with the Covid pandemic
they kept it to family and close friends only. It was a joy to hear Yosef,
Talia and Ayala sing along with their father to the old, traditional songs
while we dined like kings on Rachel's excellent food.
The
next night our wonderful "Telavivim", (a group of friends so
dear and supportive that I wish everyone could be as lucky as we are to know
them) came for supper to our place and simply fell in love with our
veranda…..It was purely spontaneous and delightful visit – gosh I love them! It
never fails to fascinate me how good people will always leave you feeling loved
and happy in the knowledge that you were surrounded with joy, a virtual group
hug – as opposed to those who just find fault with what you have done. On Wednesday
night we went to Ehud and Gigi's Succah for another spontaneous evening of
chatter and Zvi's stand up!- and yes I took the food with me! Last evening
Steve and Shuli came to us for a light supper and a "catch-up" on
family news and this morning we are off to Tel Aviv to Rina's 70th
birthday party. We come home and then off again for Shabbat dinner at our
friend Itzik's Succah….. and yes I'm taking food to his home too – but just a
lemon cake and a big bowl of Guacamole!
Yesterday
I took our neighbour and my walking partner Rikki to Givat Ze'ev to the plant
nursery there. She was amazed that in this supposed "settler town",
actually of some 35-40 thousands people just outside Jerusalem, the shopkeepers
in the little group of shops, are both Israeli and Palestinian. The brothers
who run the highly successful plant nursery are Palestinian and the cars lined
up in the parking lot are also Palestinian…..kind of denies the label doesn't
it? We bought flowers for her little veranda, then went to the greengrocer and
from there to the bakery, all a few steps apart. On the way back home I pointed
out my favourite view, that from the very top of the hill beside Nebe Samuel,
Samuel's Tomb. In Rikki's words "So many people rave about the views from
Paris and Rome but they are totally unaware of this stunning panorama right on
their doorstep" It was a particularly clear morning and the view – ah the
view!
I need
to get ready for the party and wrote to you until after midnight, getting up
again at 6 because I will never abandon you. It's incredible, I've been writing
my weekly missive for more than 22 years, even I am amazed. I began with a few
family and friends and now, well ow there are thousands of you reading these
words as I pour out my heart to you. Each and every one of you is of great
importance to me. I feel that I have made friends, real friends, on each
continent, friends who spread my missives among their friends. It warms the
very cockles of my heart and shows your support for Israel.
Enough
schmaltz!
Music!
This
song has nothing to do with Sukkot, with Simchat Torah indeed nothing Jewish
and everything Jewish, "With a little Help from my Friends" began as
a simple Beatles song and evolved into a brilliant song about real friendship –
between all of us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyRwhXAzaGY
In an
absolute 180 religiously and emotionally as Tel Aviv rejoices on Simchat Torah
– literally translated the Joy of Torah. On that day we celebrate the reading
of the last portion of the Torah and dance in the streets, in the synagogue and
spread the joy of Torah. Tel Aviv is known as a secular haven but Jews will be
Jews given the opportunity!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO4qWWR6jyM
Finally,
for those who feel that, as Jews we are alone, here is a beautiful
international rendition of "Amen" from the International Christian
Embassy in Jerusalem. To our dear friends Juergen and Vesna, Tim and Martha,
Jay and Meridel and all the founders of that loved institution that has proven
time and again, their total loyalty to Israel, thank you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCjkhoN7chI&t=52s
With
love to you all, from that city whose hills reach up to heaven. Each morning I
step out onto the veranda and look Eastward toward Jerusalem, shining on the
hill before me.
Shabbat
Shalom, Chag Sameach and a blessed Tabernacles.
Sheila
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