210226 Heroes, Harmony and Hamantaschen

 

210226

 

26^th February 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach. I hope this missive finds you well.

 

Purim, so many traditions which depend upon the land of the dispersion, taking on the flavours of wheresoever your family found safe haven – or not. I was fascinated to see an invitation to a Purim event by the Jewish community of the Gulf, yes the Arabian Gulf. Last night the keynote speaker was His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Center for Peaceful Coexistence. Megilla reading by Rabbi Dr Ellie Abadie.  Wonderful news of unexpected friendships. Impact-se discovered that the Emerati school syllabus already contained a class in Moral Education…an example we should follow.

 

The story of Purim goes far beyond hamantaschen (Triangular cookies representing Haman's hat or ears) and noisy greggers (noisemakers) to drown out Haman's name when reading the story of Esther. It is a story of a brilliant plot which included much feasting and bribery, a plot created by Esther's Uncle Mordechai (the real hero of the piece) and carried out by Esther. It is the story of how gullible a leader can be when he spends too much time in revelry and relinquishes power to his Grand Vizier who convinces him to kill an entire people. Of course "the people" refers to the Jews of Shushan, the Jews, the ever convenient scape-goat – a situation repeating itself today. We need a Mordechai to lead us out of the mire of the current rampant anti-Semitism whose claws reach far beyond the borders of Shushan and reach a town near you.

 

Israel is suffering the terrible results of an enormous oil spill along her shoreline. Whales and turtles alike are being washed up along the beaches and fishing is banned due to the tar and oil that make the fish inedible, a tragic situation. How? When? Who? The greatest tragedy is that it appears to be intentional. https://www.timesofisrael.com/tarred-and-shuttered-anatomy-of-the-oil-disaster-thats-closed-israels-beaches/

 

Saturday Night Live show’s co-head writer and presenter Michael Che's remark “Israel is reporting that they vaccinated half of their population, and I’m going to guess it’s the Jewish half.”  horrified me. That a presenter on a major television programme feels free to make such a clearly racist remark is a sad reflection on American society. If allowed to pass without demanding a retraction American Jewry will suffer repercussions or have to deny their connection with Israel. Che is so misinformed that he doesn't know that we gave thousands of vaccines to the PA and 100,000 Palestinians who cross into Israel each and every day to work, received the vaccine at the border.

 

This heartwarming story shows the true relationship between Israelis of all faiths. Maher Ibrahim ensured that an Orthodox Covid patient heard the Shema Yisrael prayer as he lay on his deathbed  "I knew it was important, we have one God"  The patient's daughter said: "This is where peace begins" The family did not manage to say goodbye to him and pray for him before his death. Medic Maher Ibrahim knew what must be done and without knowing the exact words he prayed for the patient in his final moments. In an interview he said: "We wanted to do something, it was the obvious thing, we have one God. I don't know all the prayers but I knew how important it was for him to even hear the words 'Shema Yisrael', I realised that the family was stuck in traffic and could not get there before he passed away. We knew he was a religious man, having bonded with him for a month, and we knew the family wanted to come for the prayer. We said it for them so that he would it would be the last thing he heard. I told his daughter when she arrived, it was important to me that she knew. Our mission is to be human before we take care, regardless of race, religion and gender."

 

Sport is supposed to be apolitical but rarely is! Saeid Mollaei, a 2018 judo world champion, fled Iran for Germany after Iranian authorities put pressure on him to drop out of the 2019 world championships in Tokyo to avoid a potential final round against Israeli contender Sagi Muki. Saeid just won a silver medal in the Tel Aviv Grand Slam world judo championship, thrilled that he is now free to challenge whoever he wishes!!

 

Another piece of sports news –If the COVID pandemic in Europe is still serious enough in May and June of this year that athletic events will have to be held without spectators, there is a possibility that the UEFA Euro2021, as well as key games in the Champions League and European League, might be held in Israel, president of the Israel Football Association Oren Hasson announced Sunday. What a turn around!

 

So how are you celebrating Purim? The government has put a "Seger Lila" a night closure restriction for last night, tonight and tomorrow night, in other words banning parties. Tel Aviv and Rishon le Zion decided that it didn't suit their lifestyle and have been holding huge parties, raves etc, without masks or green passes to prove they have been inoculated. It infuriates me because for them Purim is an excuse for a party, knowing nothing of the incredible story of Purim. On the other hand, the traditional "Tisch" (feast filled with Torah study and dancing) of the Haredi communities will be almost impossible to halt – proving Zvi's theory that the defiant actions against the Covid restrictions are "those who have no God and those who only have God"

 

It was so much fun to see children, finally able to go to school, dressed up in fancy dress for Purim. From tiny pre-schoolers to 18 year olds, they take their costumes very seriously. These days there are fewer Queen Esthers and more characters from Frozen but all want to be heroes and heroines! My favourite is the "Covid" microbe – a child inside a huge balloon with disposable cups around it! I love the home-made costumes not the shop bought ones – that's a cop-out! Incredibly one of the favourite Haredi costumes is a soldier in the IDF and a favourite secular costume is a Haredi man! Even newsreaders wear funny wigs!

 

One very important tradition is that of "Mishloach Manot" a tradition which began by giving food to the poor but today involves sending little baskets (or great big ones) containing sweet foods. Again I love the home-made rather than the bought ones! Another tradition is that one should imbibe until one cannot tell the difference between evil Haman and heroic Mordechai. The purpose? So that one doesn't hold grudges, doesn't develop hatred for ones enemies but rather that one finds forgiveness for everyone. Out of this tradition came the "Adloyada" celebration, parade and street parties. Adloyada – Ad Lo Yada – until he didn't know.

 

Zvi's fall made the Jerusalem Post!! We couldn't believe it but Greer Fay Cashman thought it an event worth reporting on! He is healing at an incredible rate, his bruises fading fast, his arm hurting less and he has already had three of the eight stitches removed, the remainder on Sunday. He still looks like he went 3 rounds with Evander Holyfield but basically back to his normal self.

 

Yesterday we went to see the progress (or not) in our new apartment. The trees are planted in the public gardens, in fact the public areas (within the project) are coming along beautifully. Perhaps the best part of this move is not the beautiful apartment and new beginnings (even at 75 one can have new beginnings) but rather the amazing cooperation between all future neighbours. We have 4 or 5 WhatsApp groups to help each other solve problems, to pass on names of good electricians or plumbers etc. and when we met up with the project manager for the builder, once he got over Zvi's wounds, he and Zvi swapped jokes in Yiddisch. This move feels right. Of all the 17 moves I had until I met Zvi, only 4 since we met, this one makes me happy. Our building only has 5 apartments and all the neighbours are open to good neighborliness, even friendship. I will not run out of a cup of sugar this time.

 

So what next? Tonight, since we live in Jerusalem, it will be a normal Shabbat candle lighting and a normal Torah reading – everywhere else in the world last night and today the Story of Esther is read and festival feasts prepared, the reading in the synagogues tomorrow will be from the Book of Esther. In Jerusalem, indeed in walled Jewish cities, Purim is celebrated on Sunday, Shushan Purim. Shushan was the walled city where Esther, Mordechai, Achasuerus, Haman (boooooo) and most of the Jews lived. Jerusalem, still special in every way.

 

So what music should I choose this week?

 

The Maccabeats tell the story of Purim in Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgJInVvJSZg

 

The Shalva Band sings about raising your eyes to the sky, of course the two lead singers are blind but still they lift their eyes to absorb the warmth of the sun. We have so much to learn from them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-NIHBHb9DU

 

Uziah Zadok was only 12 when he pulled at the heartstrings of everyone who heard him sing. Here he sings "Shma Yisrael" with English subtitles. Truly magnificent and so appropriate as we live in surreal and distressing times of uncertainty. The words give us strength and his voice lifts our heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aHtBoQ8jpY

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom and please, read the story of Purim, Megillat Esther is available in whatever language you are comfortable with. The message is so strong and sadly appropriate for our times. Queen Vashti's refusal to dance naked before the King's drunken guests was an incredibly brave act of feminism and our heroine Esther used her feminine wiles to change history and ensure that Haman received his own cruel medicine.

 

Don't worry, even though the view from our veranda will change, this view, the whole of Jerusalem before us in its beauty, the sunrises over the horizon inspiring me to optimism and our walks, exploring our surroundings, will continue………. Just a different panorama but my emotions stay the same.

 

With much love

Sheila

 

 

     

 

210119 Zvi's fall

 

210219

19^th February 2021

 

Good Shabbes dear friends.

 

I just wanted to drop you a note to explain why I'm not writing my long missive today.

 

Yes we had snow, albeit for a short time and yes President Biden and PM Netanyahu had an hour and a half long conversation, apparently a very friendly one, and yes we are out of closure but life has been a bit too exciting lately.

 

Two young grand-daughters came to stay to see the snow, which doesn't fall in Nes Ziona! On Wednesday, we decided to take them for a lovely walk in the Park ha Mesilot to see spring flowers. was an exciting day. It was a freezing cold day, but we had fun pointing out all the glorious spring wildflowers, cyclamen, almond blossom, lupins and bright red poppies. Then it happened, Zvi tripped and fell flat on his face – literally – from his 2 metre height flat on his face. Broken nose + 8 stitches on his nose, abrasions on all his joints. Luckily he had taken his glasses off because they were steaming up.

I tried to lift him after checking he could move, but wasn't successful and he couldn't lift himself. Two cars stopped to help, the men lifting him up onto a bench, taking care of him, stopping the horrendous bleeding, and waiting with him while I raced to bring the car to take him to hospital.....Both families were Israeli Arabs.....both helped without even giving us their names so that we could thank them. I want you to know that they were Arab, Israeli Arab families, because all you ever read in the media is that we fight each other all the time which just isn't true. They were superb.

 

In Shaare Zedek emergency they did all the tests, CT of his head and so on and then he came home.

 

In the meantime he is turning all sorts of colours on his face, black and blue, but being very brave. I just took him back to Shaare Zedek because the pain in his right arm suggests that the X-ray missed a hairline fracture.

 

So as you see – I have too much on my mind, and two grand-daughters who will wake up to find that Saba is back in hospital emergency!!!

 

I wish you, and us, a good Shabbat.

With much love from Jerusalem

Sheila

 

 

210205 Jabs, Jerusalem and the Judiciary,

210205

5^th February 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom! How are you?

 

Isn't it strange that now that the world has opened up and we can reach even the most remoted corners of the world, but we can't go anywhere? Yes of course that was a rhetorical question, yes it is strange, but when a virus has over 4,000 variants it is an annoyance we must accept.

 

This morning's Israeli newspaper reports tell us the only .06% of Israelis get Covid-19 after the second shot (vaccine) and none of them seriously, which means it works!  Of course there are crazy people who refuse to allow "unknown" substances to be injected into their bodies, but that's their problem – they are as self-centred as those who refuse to allow their children to receive the childhood inoculations thus causing the return of measles, TB and chicken pox. I'm very proud of the efficiency of the Israeli health funds (Kupot Holim) in distributing and exercising the vaccination, the nearest country in the number of patients who received the vaccine is the Emirates with a tiny population and endless finances.

 

Sadly, the number of deaths and patients in critical condition is high too, mostly due to the actions of the Haredi and Arab communities, who have acted irresponsibly, holding big celebrations and refusing to close schools and places of prayer. Very sad.

 

Hopefully Israel will open up again next week. Shops, stores, malls, parks, museums and life in general will return to some semblance of normal. Obviously we will still wear masks but that's just common sense. Maybe we can even get together for Purim! If you remember it was Purim parties that set this whole ghastly Covid-19 off when people ignored the warnings.

 

Since we are leading up to yet another splenetic, turbulent election (number 4 in 2 years) even the couple of days between a Friday easing of restrictions and a Monday easing of restrictions became a political issue rather than a medical one. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-government-meeting-on-lockdown-rescheduled-for-thursday-657781

 

Benny Gantz is against opening up stores and malls on a Friday because last time they were over-run and nobody stuck to distancing -  Monday is probably a better day.

 

Talking of Benny Gantz – apparently it doesn't pay to be an honest and polite politician! Sadly, I don't think he stands a chance in the next "anyone but Bibi" election, but in his quiet manner he has done a great deal to hold back the unyielding, bulldozer internal policies of the last government. Finally, the Netanyahu trial will begin, no more excuses or defermentFor the country's sake I pray he will be innocent, but sadly, that's just a dream.

 

Jonathan Sacerdoti writes of the investigation into bias in the BBC Arab news. In fact the entire Middle Eastern Department, headed by Jeremy Bowen is utterly skewed. In 2004 several of us forced the BBC to perform and internal report on anti-Israel bias. It was written by the former senior news reporter at the BBC, Malcolm Balen, and cost the British taxpayer nearly 350,000 pounds and was hidden, they refused to publish it. Well this one was published! https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/shame-of-bbc-arabic-as-systematic-bias-revealed-1.511433 If only the unquestionable bias of CNN, as serious as that of the BBC, were investigated instead of hiding under the guise of free speech.

 

So, back to the Israeli elections. The lists closed last night after a great deal of moving and merging between parties, especially by those who would not have passed the electoral threshold alone. The hope of the electorate is that there will be less parties and an effective government that can actually serve to term (4 years) without scandal and an opposition that plans our future rather than concentrating on personal attacks. Here you have a description of each party and their candidates. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/israel-election-2021-all-the-official-party-lists-so-far-1.9508075

 

Monday evening Israel time, midday in Bedford, NY, Rabbi David Greenberg opened his weekly Zoom chat with his congregants. I have a long relationship with the community and Rabbi Greenberg, and thoroughly enjoy their company and curiosity. It was a delight to see familiar faces of Sari, Harriet and Bob and tried hard to answer their questions. Some took me by surprise and some forewarned me. Harriet (Gigi) is fascinated by our Supreme Court, both the building and the workings, and all were amazed to hear the our Supreme Court judges hear some 20,000 cases a year as opposed to the 100-150 cases that actually reach the Judges in the USA. Our Supreme Court accepts all and any complaints against Civil Servants as well as the more complex legal cases and appeals. Even Joe Bloggs, John Doe or as he is known in Israel "Buzaglo from Hadera" can have his case heard. Compulsory retirement is at 70 but they then move to the central tier of the 3 libraries where they consider and advise on any cases at the sitting judges request. A brilliant system.

 

Among the many questions, personal, political and general Israeli questions, just one confounded me. I had never heard of QAnon, at least not by name. To my ears it sounds too close to the brown-shirts of the thirties, a frightening, right wing movement best described here https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/how-three-conspiracy-theorists-took-q-sparked-qanon-n900531   How can such a negative organisation have grown from an internet game into a threat to the very substance of the USA?

 

Isn't it strange? The entire world berated Israel for not giving the Palestinians Covid vaccines but none of them offered to do so themselves. The job of any government is to care for their citizens first and foremost and then to worry about others. The Oslo Accords were thrown at me, by people who had no idea that it is clearly stated that the PA is responsible for their own, but Israel is used to looking after the PA and we sent them 5,000 vaccines for their Israeli trained medical staff. Russia is sending them more, but sadly the PA refuses to waste their hard earned aid money on its citizens, it only wants what's free. It is a country of "shnorrers" or beggars whose leader live in huge palaces. Incredibly, the Lebanese have refused to vaccinate their "Palestinian refugees" and nobody said a word.

 

 

The world lost two brave men who taught the world so much. One, Professor, Psychiatrist and Rabbi Abraham Twersky who guided me through the toughest of times in my life (before Zvi) through his book "When Do The Good Times Start". A great Rabbi, he changed lives. The second was Sir Tom Moore who at 99 years old walked round and round his garden accepting sponsorship for Britain's National Health workers, raising 45 million pounds and won hearts around the world – they both succumbed to Covid.

 

One woman who influenced my life in indescribable ways my beautiful, incredible friend Arlene Wittels passed away this week. I first met Arlene many years ago as I walked in to a friend's home and saw her sitting there with Sandy Cahn. I fell in love with her vivacity, her leadership and her incredibly warm and loving character. Although I didn't manage to see her for 2 years, I will love her always. Whenever I did a big cook, I used to take a photograph of my jam packed fridge and send it to her. Why? Because Arlene didn't cook and it made her laugh right until the end when life was so hard. My heart goes out to her Milty and her children the loves of her life. https://jewishwomen.org/remembering-jwfny-founder-arlene-wittels/

 

I am happy to say that this has been a far less busy week although Impact-se has uncovered even more "hate speech" in the teaching of children in our region. Anotehr exciting aspect is that although we can't get to Shalva I had a Zoom meeting with the musical director and heard his wonderful thoughts of which musical instruments and sound equipment he has dreamed of for years and also to the general director of activities etc on how to decorate "Dr. Dan's Room". Their dedication is truly magnificent.

Zvi and I have been planning our move, thinking about what we need to take with us, what to buy and where to put it. Yesterday we went to the apartment to meet the kitchen worktop fitters. These days even an outing like that is cause for excitement! We managed to spend time out on the verandah taking in the new view, so different from our Jerusalem vista but just as beautiful. Alongside our apartment is the "Avenue of the Presidents" the first tree planted by Theodore Herzl. Opposite, trees planted by KKL, right next to the grove planted in the name of Zvi's little brother who was tragically killed in an accident in Mexico. It is a new start for us, new beginnings, but close to our Jerusalem. I love this city, the sheer variety, the rainbow of humanity, the mosaic of faiths and architecture…..there truly is no city that comes close to its fascinating diversity. As Zvi always says Jerusalem is a city from Wall to mall – and so much in between. Right in the middle is Shouk Mahane Yehuda, the epitome of Jerusalem's heterogenity. The costermonger putting on his tefillin (phylacteries) in the morning, turning Eastward to the Temple Mount beside the Moslem stall holder kneeling on his prayer mat, turned toward Mecca. The long black robes of the Armenian and Greek Monks, the hijabbed mother buying for her large family; the Haredi woman with her entire brood behind her; the men talking to their wives on Facetime making sure that they buy the right produce, and if in doubt showing her; tourists fascinated by all of the above and the sounds, aromas and colours of the shouk that we all miss so much. Maybe next week.

 

We have a new way of meeting friends. This week I met with Ronit and Efrat on the bench in the square opposite, dinking excellent Israeli "Café Hafuch" (literally meaning upside down coffee) from the coffee shop and chatting about our lives. One person who actually came into our home was my dear friend Susan, we grew up together in Cardiff. As you can imagine we have so much to talk about, since our get-togethers are rare and usually on WhatsApp! For me it was a good excuse to bring out my lovely round china teapot and brew a good cuppa of Yorkshire Tea!

 

Yesterday when we got back from the apartment I went for a little walk, waiting for the "light rain" promised in the forecast.  Just as I got in the door the "light rain" started. The noisiest, heaviest hail storm imaginable followed by a downpour with thunder and lightening!!

 

I hope I will manage to see Rachel and family today, I really miss it when I don't and anyway, I really love sitting down, hearing of the children's week, with a good cup of tea and one of Rachel's little challas with egg salad! Tomorrow we will see Amiad and Leor's families, even though it's in the garden with masks it's just lovely. Ella will be 8 years old!

 

Songs, hmm what songs fit the title Jabs, Jews, Jerusalem and Judiciary?

 

This song is for all of you, especially those of you having a tough time at the moment "You've Got a Friend" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIQK4bCb8Ms

 

Yaakov Shwekey sings this beautiful blessing for the "best soldiers in the world" the IDF, the soldiers of Zahal. Mi Shebrach – Those who blessed our forefathers bless the soldiers of Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suKZK8O_x2s

 

Shalom Aleichem is traditionally sung when returning from the synagogue on Friday night to welcome the angels that accompany them. It is a liturgical poem written in Safed in the 17^th century. There are many very different renditions but I love this joyous one sung by Cantor Avraham Fried! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdCBebC87Ak  

 

That's it! Time to get cooking and set the table. Even when it's just the two of us we set the Shabbat table, best china, challah, Kiddush and good food……….it's so special it would be sad to miss out on the beauty of candle lighting. Just like the Seligs, I light two special Daniel candles, just because.

 

Shabbat Shalom, be well, take care and stay hopeful that we can all meet together on our new veranda

With much love from both of us in Jerusalem

Sheila

 

Please say a special prayer for Canon Andrew White. What they thought was a relapse in his Multiple Sclerosis was actually Covid-19.