Shabbat, Succot and Tabernacles

 

210924

24^th 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 70^th 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

 

 

 

 

 

Rosh Hashana, Presidents and Paralympics

210903

3^rd September 2021

 

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, This is the last Shabbat of the Hebrew year of 5781 and the start of 5782, yes five thousand, seven hundred and eighty two years of history, Despite innumerable attempts to wipe us out we are still here!!

 http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/rosh-hashana-presidents-and-paralympics/

Today's Jerusalem Post made me angry! The headline read something like "US synagogues prepare defence over the High Holidays" – US synagogues? Synagogues all over the world have guards at the gate, police protection, volunteers patrolling, not just the USA. It is a sad fact whether one is in Melbourne or Manchester, New York or Naples, it has become dangerous to be a Jew. Should we hide our Jewishness or decide to stand up and be counted? You tell me!

 

Storm Ida has wreaked havoc in several States but for most of us, seeing the familiar sights of New York City over the last two days brought the incredible power of water to heart. Horrific flooding of the Subway, of main roads and as one went further afield destroying homes. It isn't that we don't care that both India and Thailand also flooded over the same period, it is the familiarity that brought our greatest fears home.

 

Prime Minister Bennett spent at least two hours of private time meeting with President Biden, a meeting in which reports suggest that both men are in agreement on virtually all subjects raised. Israel needed to repair damage to our standing with President Biden, to ensure that we are his best allies in the Middle East, that Israel and the USA, the tiny country and the huge world leader, are an essential alliance to counteract the ever more confident Iranian theocratic occupation of too many of our neighbours. The President assured Israel's PM that Iran would never achieve nuclear weapons.

 

Defence Minister Benny Gantz had a meeting with President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. Rumours suggested that Gantz did not consult with the PM but that is clearly just gossip! Hopefully the result of the meeting will be further collaboration. Few understand either the extent of collaboration with Israel or the importance of strengthening Fatah and weakening Hamas, undoubtedly yet another subject of the Washington discussions. One very important aspect concerns the Qatari money for Gaza which now is monitored by Fatah, by the PA, ensuring that the money goes to needy individuals and not to Hamas warmongering.

 

After 3 long and troublesome years without a budget, last night the budget proposed by the new government passed its first reading without problem, proving that Minister of Finance Avigdor Liberman understands both the problem and the solution.

 

I often speak about the work of www.impact-se.org. A tiny team in a shared Tel Aviv office are changing schoolbooks in the Middle East to introduce tolerance in education. This week we made major inroads into changing the hate education of the Palestinian schools. The long-awaited report by the Gerhard Ekert Institute confirms that PA-issued textbooks contain material that is anti-Semitic, glorifies terrorism and endorses violence. The study’s findings corroborate IMPACT-se research, cited in the report several times. As Chairman of the Board of Impact I am so proud of the team which has brought important reports to the attention of governments around the world, all of whom finance the PA heavily. Members of the EU Foreign Affairs, Budgetary Control and Cultural committees weighed in to condemn hate teaching in Palestinian textbooks. This on the tail of the EU condemnation of UNWRA's involvement in biased PA educational material, again, following a report produced by Impact-se.

 

The Paralympics is every bit as tough, competitive and fascinating as the Olympics. We were saturated with news and views of the recent Tokyo Olympics yet virtually bereft of news from the Paralympics! Something is wrong here! Anyway, for those who understand the sheer heroism of the Paralympians, Israel came home with 9 medals . Six of Israel’s nine medals have been gold, and eight of them have been won by swimmers: three by Dadaon, three by Mark Malyar and two by Shalabi. The remaining medal was achieved by rower Moran Samuel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-swimmers-win-2-more-gold-medals-at-tokyo-paralympics/  So proud of each and every one of them!

 

Israeli children went back to school on the first of September. The form that each school takes depends on the head teacher and I whether the town or city is green, amber or red in terms of Covid cases. Children in Red towns will have to learn at home again but all others will be in school with all the natural fears of going back into strange environments. I love to see the children of "Kita Aleph" first grade, being welcomed on their first day – red carpet, balloon arches, signs saying "Shalom Kita Aleph", greeted by smiling teachers – all of the children having already passed the Covid test. Strange times do not have to elicit strange behaviour.

 

This week's Torah reading is Nitzavim -Deuteronomy 29.9-30.20 in which Moses, given the words of god, sets out the difference between good and evil and basically what are the rules of both. The fascinating aspect is that one is given a choice. One can choose to take the path of goodness, kindness, that is set out before us in performing the duties of our religion or go the other path. There is no absolute in this and sometimes, as Robert Frost so clearly stated one can walk the path less taken and still be a good and observant Jew – or indeed a good and observant Christian. There is nothing about one path to goodness being better than the other, there is none of the uncompromising form of religion one tends to see today.

 

This has been a good week. Family and friends who have suffered Covid are getting better and while I have been busy preparing and freezing the food for the Eve of Rosh Hashana, Zvi has been busy with his singing preparing for producing shows for the Aged which will include lectures on history from Motti Friedman, and rehearsing with the Hakol Yachassi choir for their upcoming performance.

 

We had lovely visitors this week, one in the shape of Marcus Sheff, the CEO of Impact-se who brought me up to date with everything and then, yesterday, a very special couple came to visit. Liz and Melvyn Harris are the parents of Richard Harris who was one of my Daniel's best friends. The boys went to Carmel College together and remained friends over the years. I always loved Liz and Mel and somehow distance meant that we just didn't see each other for far too many years. Well, all I can tell you is that we pretty much made up for it yesterday! They are here for their daughter Louise's son's wedding. What fascinated me was that Zvi joined the conversation and thoroughly enjoyed hearing our stories, not an everyday occurrence!

 

As I told you last week I have been feeding the freezer, the only way that I can cope with the 27 family members coming on Monday evening. I wish I could invite more but the Covid rules are absolute. A maximum of 30 people outdoors, which is where we will all sit, remember that there will be police checks. The weather has changed somewhat and when asked what to do if it is cool out on our veranda I simply suggested they bring sweaters! Slightly cool to anyone from the Tel Aviv region is anything under 25 degrees Celsius! What was that you asked? What have I already cooked? OK, here goes. Chicken soup and kneidlach; leek, sweet potato and carrot  aka "Orange" soup; potato kugel; Rachel's brisket; a huge pot of stuffed veggies; apple cake, lemon cake, honey cake, plum pudding, and in the fridge I prepared jars of home-made pickles. I admit to buying the gefilte fish since I refuse to make it from Carp (which I cannot abide) but rather from white fish mix – and I cannot bear to see the look of dismay on Zvi's face!!!

 

This has been a very difficult year on every level. Harsh weather conditions, harsh, political conditions, anti-Semitic violence, terror and dealing with the new isolation and non-hugging societies. It doesn't look like most of the above will change but we can change. We can change our own environment, our own attitudes to others. I know that some of you misinterpret TOLERANCE, to mean to tolerate, but it actually means to introduce more tolerant speech, less violence, less bias, less racism……. Less intolerance. We can all do it whether with family members, neighbours, friends or colleagues, a kind word can change a person's life, especially for a child.

 

So when I thought about music I obviously wanted to give you some traditional Rosh Hashana tunes. The first is "be Shana Haba'a" This rendition not only has a translation but also transliteration so that you can join in! https://youtu.be/DQEJyPkZo8A

 

The next song isn't traditional, not even in Hebrew but it really explains what Rosh Hashana, "The Days of Awe" and starting over by being more thoughtful to others. Although the singers are Orthodox Jews the purpose of the song covers all of us, whoever we may be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlF8SZFs44I

 

Searching for songs sometimes takes longer than writing the newsletter! This song just jumped out at me, it shows that we are not only all over the world but are a diverse and fascinating people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9DjEDA-gfE

 

Before ending I want to wish Zachary David, my beautiful, Chelsea supporting, car loving and ever kind grandson, a great birthday today. Zacky, you are my hero!

 

I have a sneaky feeling that I won't manage to write to you before Rosh Hashana so I want to wish you all, whatever your religion, faith, a year of kindness and justice, of friendship and forgiveness.

 

With much love from Motza Illit, overlooking Jerusalem

 

Sheila