181102 Pittsburgh, Daniel Seaman and much more

http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/pittsburgh-daniel-seaman-and-so-much-more/

181102

2^nd November 2018

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I know I abandoned you for a few weeks but I wasn't well and spent 10 days in Shaare Zedek Hospital, but I am home now – tired but recovering. While in hospital I was yet again reminded of the incredible rainbow of humanity that makes up the staff of an Israeli hospital. They range from Professors to ancillary staff, Jews, Moslems and Christians; black, white and in between; Religious and secular of all three faiths and of course the patients follow suit – indeed a truly magnificent mix – and they all talk to one another!

Tragedy hit a Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the screaming voices of blame made it so difficult to mourn, to assess, to repair. The blame doesn't lie on any individual other than the racist pig who pulled the trigger. It doesn't lie with any current leadership, nor does it lie necessarily in past leadership, it lies in the ease of access to weapons. Oh boy! I can hear the voices raised against me already! It is an innate right to carry arms, it is written in the constitution is the general war cry. "But if everyone in that synagogue was armed it wouldn't have happened". I was criticised for suggesting (on Facebook) that had there been a guard at the front gate it could have been prevented "The United States is not at war, we cherish the freedom of our congregants to come and go". Well, let's think about those two statements. How's it working for you?

I have two friends who wrote wonderful pieces about the tragedy. One is Rabbi Jeremy Rosen who recognises the danger of blaming politicians rather than the innate anti-Semitism which is raising its ugly head yet again. https://mailchi.mp/a60dcf27f4e7/death-in-pittsburgh?e=58fea4332b

Ashkenaz Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau, in an interview with an Israeli newspaper of majority Orthodox readership, said that “any murder of any Jew in any part of the world for being Jewish is unforgivable,” but instead of saying the massacre took place in a synagogue, he called Tree of Life “a place with a profound Jewish flavor.” The Conservative and Reform movement was deeply offended. I know his father would never have said it, maybe it was taken out of context, but it offended me too.

It offended Daniel Seaman, former Director of the Government Press Office who wrote this piece. It says it all

"All Jews must die"
All Jews - not Orthodox or Reform, Conservative or Reconstructionist; ALL Jews. Not right wing or left wing; not liberal or conservative; not Democrat or Republican, Likud or Meretz. All Jews. Not Baby Boomers or Millennials, old or young; not Ashkenazi or Sephardic, European or African Jews; not white or black Jews; not American or Israeli. All Jews. Just like every single persecutor throughout our history. They never, ever, cared about the differences we attach to each other. Never saw any of us as better than the other. It never matters to them. They always saw us as Jews. JUST JEWS. All of us - Jews. That which unites us. Makes us who we are, makes us stronger. We are one people. We are all Jews. And tonight we mourn with the Jews of Pittsburgh and the Jewish families and the families of the police officers who came to their defense.
We are all Jews. It could have been any one of us.

May their souls rest in peace. May their families be consoled among the mourners of Zion.

Israel suffered a terrible loss this week. A driver of a big Jeep clipped the corner of a small family van and 8 people died; parents and six children. It was on a relatively narrow road by the Dead Sea but that wasn't the problem. The driver of the Jeep was high! So terrible, so tragic, so angry.

Prime Minister Netanyahu paid an official visit to Oman and was greeted with great warmth. Minister of Communications Ayoob Kara paid an official visit to Dubai, and was greeted with great warmth and incredibly, two Israeli athletes, Sagi Muki and Peter Paltchik, both judokas, won Gold Medals in an international competition and Hatikva was heard in Abu Dhabi. https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-hatikva-anthem-played-at-uae-contest-after-israeli-judoka-wins-gold/  There is a definite and clear change in alliances, a recognition of Israel's status in the Arab world, This recognition doesn't come from the West which became more and more hostile, but from our regional neighbours who, conceivably, realise that Israel is a positive ally.

We had local elections!! Oh boy, did we have local elections! There were political upheavals, some surprising, there were old loyalties and in Jerusalem, beautiful surprises! After 15 years Zvi's friend Yona Yahav was deposed as Mayor by Einat Kalish Rotem, a vibrant woman with great plans. Another woman ousted the Haredi Mayor of Bet Shemesh, Aliza Bloch, herself Modern Orthodox, took the vote with ease, an important move for Bet Shemesh since she represents ALL sectors of society equally.  Here in Jerusalem it was all much more complex, well of course it was! There were three front runners, Minister for Jerusalem Ze'ev Elkin, Former Director of the PM's Office Moshe Lion and our special favourite, a young man Zvi and I have mentored for 10 years, Ofer Berkovitch. Some journalists gave 35 year old Berkovitch no chance whatsoever but he and Lion are in the run-off elections in 10 days! I felt sad for Elkin but despite being backed by Bibi and the Likud Party he just didn't cut the mustard. Moshe Lion has allied with Shas and Degel ha Torah whereas Ofer has chosen to discuss with everyone but ally with nobody. Moshe Lion did not win even one seat on the council so would be a lame duck Mayor which nobody wants. A young vibrant, handsome Mayor who represents us ALL, speaks Hebrew, English and French and is more than willing to accept advice from those with greater experience is our man. I'm not ashamed to express preference, Hitorerut (|Awakening) Ofer's Party, has in its ranks, Jerusalemites of all colours and creeds, which is about time! The Hitorerut campaign was the only one which ran on a positive note, not demeaning other candidates and putting forward a clear manifesto.

I first met Yahya Mahamid when he was looking for a safe haven and protection against the radical elements in his town of Umm el Fahem. Always a charismatic and incredibly brave young man, Yahya travelled for Standwithus, speaking to students. He is now a soldier in the IDF. Watch and understand  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAr4aiC3GY

This week, historian and journalist Dr Uri Millstein interviewed both Zvi and Yona Yahav about their historic part in the World Struggle for Soviet Jewry. Both men brought along their memorabilia from that time – a copy of Zvi's speech to the first student demonstration; Yona's plan of action files; interviews with former refuseniks; Ida Nudel's interview; in fact everything that proves that in 1969 two young men with incredible chutzpah, caused an Israeli Prime Minister to change her attitude and began the open fight. As a result she sent Geula Cohen to the United States and everything happened. If you read Hebrew then  

https://www.maariv.co.il/news/israel/Article-667691 if not you will have to be satisfied with my report! http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/soviet-jewry-40-years-after/

While I was in hospital, the incredible angels of the Yuri Shtern Holistic Centre came each day to ease my path. Even after years of involvement and visits to the Oncology Departments of Shaare Zedek Hospital to see their work and its incredibly positive effect on patients, I still didn't grasp the beauty of their work. 150 volunteers who exude such love one feels it through their fingers. My pain seemed to leave and my fears dissipate as they performed reflexology and healing (they also have psychologists and a variety of therapies for patients). Watch the video https://youtu.be/kMhjARej5-o and if you choose to donate just go to https://www.israelgives.org/amuta/580475085  and choose Yuri Shtern

If I am talking about angels, Zvi and my daughter Rachel were phenomenal! Rachel really made sure that the right questions were answered by the doctors – Professors don't scare her! – and she and Zvi just took care of me with such love. In Israeli hospitals the family is expected to be part of the medical team, the best information comes through that way. They made sure I was never alone and it was deeply appreciated. Thank you both, I love you.

November 4^th, 1995 was a tragic day in Israel, the day our Prime Minister was assassinated by another Jew. Here is Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin's last speech and perhaps one can understand how great the tragedy was. Even the most cynical of politicians cried, Kings and Princes, Presidents and Prime Ministers came to mourn the man who won the hearts of the heartless. "Shalom Haver" was more than a bland motto, he really was loved and he brought that love toward Israel, his beloved Israel. Zvi and I are proud to have known him, the caring man who was more worried about me with the crowds in Washington at the opening of the Jerusalem 3000 celebrations than he was about the self-important politicians around him. That was just 9 days before he was assassinated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz8O0OcAA3c

Yitzchak Rabin was a growler rather than a singer, he was also a very shy man for whom the thought of singing in public was a nightmare but, that fateful night he chose to sing. What was the song? Shir le Shalom, a song to peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz8O0OcAA3c

Jethro Tull, the band, came to Israel and unlike all the others they played a huge concert in Jerusalem too. They donated all the monies to co-existence charities in the area. In concert in Binyanei ha Uma in Jerusalem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdLtkuPtshM

A truly beautiful Israeli song Biglal Ha Ruach – Because of the Spirit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPY7TwkwimM

May your spirit be strong because we are not in easy times. The only important thing to remember is that united we stand – there is no other option. We have so many wonderful traditions and history that bind us, we have to stop concentrating on that which tears us assunder. Read and re-read Danny Seaman's words. Jewish lives matter too, all of us.

Shabbat Shalom. With much love from Jerusalem, the most stunningly beautiful and spiritual city in the world.

Sheila

181012 Barkan Terror, Nikky Haley and lots of good news

181012

12^th October 2018

Shabbat Shalom one and all. I hope you are well and that life is being kind to you.

We have been watching the progress of Hurricane Michael with a sense of horror for those caught in his path. I am not sure I could cope with living in the constant fear of the force of nature cutting a swathe through towns, cities and farms alike. In truth it makes our problems look small.

I am still in a state of shock after the horrific terror attacks this week in which a 28 year old beautiful mother of a baby boy and a 34 year old father of three were killed – shocked by where it happened. The incredible Barkan Industrial Zone, about which I wrote just about a month ago, where Palestinians and Israelis work side by side; where politics, race and creed are irrelevant and Palestinians learn that Israelis want co-existence; where both sides of the fence gain hope – yes it happened in the Barkan Industrial Estate. An electrician who had worked in one of the factories for just a couple of months was clearly lured into his act of terror and left a note with another worker telling them not to open it. I spoke to Moshe Lev-Ran, from the Twito factory and he told me that it would not destroy hard-earned trust, but it horrified both Palestinians and Israelis in the factory, who hugged each other when they heard the news. https://www.timesofisrael.com/woman-killed-in-terror-shooting-identified-as-kim-levengrond-yehezkel-29/?utm_source=The+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=daily-edition-2018-10-07&utm_medium=email

As Zvi always states in his lectures. The agreements of Sykes and Picot basically caused most of the problems we now face in the Middle East. Prof. Gerald Steinberg explains…… https://m.jpost.com/Opinion/Sykes-Picot-2018-The-EU-and-Khan-al-Ahmar-568707

Nikky Haley is one heck of a lady. During her term as the USA Ambassador to the UN she never lost her calm approach, eloquent and elegant in her defence of her country and of Israel. Nikky Haley clearly despises injustice and stood firmly before the United Nations and called them out at their racist game. She will be a very hard act to follow but one can understand why she needs to move on and move on she will. Described as the tiger in high heels Haley proved that one can retain ones femininity while fiercely standing before the political bullies of the United Nations.

Rabbi Jeremy Rosen is more than my religious mentor, he is a dear friend and I was thrilled to discover that a new friend, Rami Blass, knows Jeremy and admired Jeremy's late father Rabbi Kopul Rosen, who founded and ran Carmel College where both of them studied. That preamble was because yet again Jeremy's weekly letter not only taught me but spoke to me – it is all about our reading Genesis from the beginning again – and questioning and discussing. Read it and enjoy!!! http://jeremyrosen.com/2018/10/bible-stories.html

This week I chose to tell you some lovely stories – real stories not made up ones!!!

First of all there was a special marriage in Israel this week. Lucy Aharish married Tsachi Halevi, which may sound a normal every-day happy event but one needs to know that Lucy, a broadcaster and Israeli Christian Arab, is the recipient of the highly esteemed Israel Prize and a highly regarded journalist speaking out for Israel in many forums; Tsachi is an actor and star of the prize winning Fauda TV series. Some MK's reacted with spite, but I wish them joy and a life of love and acceptance.

This week we went for my daughter Rachel's annual check-up in the Oncology Department of Hadassah Hospital. Thank Heaven - all clear and we go back in another year! Our visit gave me the opportunity to tell you about Miri.

Miri has a trolley which she borrows from the hospital and she arrives at Hadassah with huge boxes and bags of sandwiches and crisps, chocolates, drinks, indeed all sorts of goodies, what my parents would have called "nasherei" - all of which she personally buys and gives away for free, gratis! Israelis of every colour and creed brighten up and the doctors and nurses come out to hug her. She is obviously not rich yet each day arrives at the Oncology Unit to cheer up, hug, sit with the family and generally to bring sunshine to the wait for results and the crucial doctor's visit.

Miri is a religious lady and when I commented on her beautiful make-up she said: "I'm here to make people happy not to scare them with my normal face"! One time I asked her what brought her to perform this act of Hessed and she told me – "I just couldn't get pregnant. We had done everything possible medically and then a Rabbi told me to perform an act of Hessed and it would happen." She now has four children but continues her kindness out of love and gratitude.

Zvi's dear friend Yitzik Lev (and mine) is a special person. Yitzik has been an emissary for Israel to Britain, Belgium, Australia, Switzerland and has made friends in each and every place. Last week Yitzik was having breakfast in Henrietta Coffee Shop with his daughter Mali, both of them having returned from travels. As they were sitting and chatting Yitzik noticed a group of 6 soldiers eating breakfast and he called over the waitress, paid the soldiers bill and left the restaurant quietly with Mali. Mali proudly wrote about it on her blog and Henrietta did the same. The soldiers discovered who their "fairy godmother" was and Yitziks secret was out. Zvi and I are so proud of him and I know you will be too.

On Monday evening we met up with Lidia and Mauricio Appelbaum, beautiful friends from Mexico who live in Los Angeles. It is always a pleasure to spend time with them and I have a special place in my heart for Lidia.

On Wednesday I found myself in the Abu Tor neighbourhood of Jerusalem, overlooking the Temple Mount and much of the Old City Walls. I was to be interviewed by Josh Reinstein for the Knesset Christian Allied Caucus television station. I was to speak on behalf of Lena Shtern to tell the Christian world about the Yuri Shtern Holistic Center for Cancer Patients and their families. Josh is an excellent interviewer and as we sat before the view of the Old City I felt very proud to speak about the incredible work of the Center. I promise to send you the finished interview and tell you when it will be aired and where. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=kMhjARej5-o  

Leor, Zvi's younger son, is 40 years old this week!! Leor is an exceptional young man, already having risen to great heights in the company he works in he is the father of 4 girls and a superb husband. Leor is the rare type of person who no matter how busy he is, he always has time to care for and help others. Happy birthday lovely man. Shabbat dinner will be in his honour this evening.

Alain and Martine Carnel will be here in a few minutes. Alain and Martine never miss a chance to come to Israel from Paris, although they usually spend most of their time in Tel Aviv. This time they heeded our complaints and Zvi will show them the city of Jerusalem his style – with complete history!

Wow! I didn't think I would manage to sit and write to you this week – I have done something to my back- we don't know what I've done yet but it hurts! In fact I am on some wonderful pills which have taken most of the pain away but I am very fuzzy-headed so hope I made sense this week!!!

Hakol Yachassi is the name of the choir, Zvi Raviv is the name of the Director!! Here they sing "From Mount Scopus" M'al har haTsofim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orcifB_ytzg The beautiful young dancer, Liron Mussachi, is now a married lady!!

Another song by Hakol Yachassi is called Israel Mio – My Israel – in Ladino. The words were written by Eli Yaron and the music by Adi Hayat and it is my favourite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oZfs4WjDpU

Finally, Yaakov Shwekey reminds us of the miracle that is Israel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmyKFLQDHns

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom on this beautiful day of gentle sunshine as we look forward to Autumn, look forward to the rains that will wash this land and cleanse away the hatred that surrounds us. That is my prayer.

With love

Sheila

  

Kippur, Succot, Corbyn and Ari Fuld z"l

180920

The Fasting is over now for the Feast!

Yom Kippur is over for another year. I don't know what happens in your country but for most secular Jews in Israel, the fast is essential but the prayers are not. In fact many just come to the vicinity of the synagogue to hear the shofar sounding at the end of the service, announcing the fact that one can go home and eat, drink and be merry. It is a shame really because the purpose of the fast is that one is so deep in contemplation and prayer that the food should not be a distraction. On the other hand, each to their own, who am I to dictate to anyone else?

My only desire is that we all make our decisions from knowledge. When I was a "Cheder" teacher a parent said to me, "Why do you teach them all about Judaism when we don't do any of it at home and they probably never will either"? My response was that I was teaching the children the basics and then they could make their choice out of knowledge not ignorance. I tried to explain that most children will not be professors of history or chemistry learned at school but one would never think of denying them the chance to choose.

I am a traditional rather than a religious Jew, but I love the traditions and give respect to those who are more religious than I. After all, I admire a clever mathematician or historian for his greater knowledge so why not admire a Jew for his depth of learning?

OK that's off my chest for today!!

Yesterday was peaceful; children took advantage of the fact that there are no cars on any roads, by running in the streets, roller skates and bicycles galore. Yesterday was peaceful, but 45 years ago it most certainly was not. Taking advantage of the holiest day of the Jewish year and the fact that everyone, was in the synagogue, the Arab coalition led by Egypt and Syria attacked Israel, taking everyone by surprise. By today's standards of information technology it should not have been a surprise attack, but our spies relied on less efficient methods then. Golda Meir was woken by the Head of the Mossad Zvi Zamir had gone to London to meet with a source who informed him that Egypt and Syria were going to attack that very evening. The Minister of Defence was Moshe Dayan. It was a tragic war (what isn't) with terrible losses and it is by fortune that we won. The scars on those who fought have not healed even after all those years. The leader of the coalition of that war was Anwar Sadat who learned that war could only impoverish his people whereas peace could improve their lives; thoughts that brought him to Jerusalem and a peace treaty.

Less than a week ago an American Israeli called Ari Fuld, was stabbed in the back by a 16 year old Palestinian yet despite being critically injured raced after the attacker to prevent his stabbing a young woman. The attacker was in a shopping mall in Gush Etzion, a mall used by Palestinians and Israelis equally; he went into a falafel stall, picked what he wanted to fill his pita, sat outside to eat leisurely then returned to stab Ari and the falafel stall owner. Tragically, Ari Fuld died in the ambulance on its way to Shaare Zedek hospital. Ari was a father of four, a terrific Israeli, in the same field as I but so much better, and is mourned by a whole nation. What was written in the European press "Settler shoots Palestinian after attack" Shame on them. The strength of Ari's widow and children is phenomenal – last night, after synagogue prayers they built their Succah, their Tabernacle, because that is what Ari would have done. May his soul rest in peace. https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-fatal-stab-wound-victim-fuld-stopped-terrorist-from-attacking-mall-worker/

Incidentally, the attacker's family will be rewarded for Ari's death with a generous stipend. Yup that's where your money goes.

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party in the UK, is an Arsenal supporter; my grandson Zachary, an avid Chelsea supporter, would say that's stupid enough on its own (sorry lovely Brian Kerner) but the plot thickens! Arsenal chose to advertise Israeli tourist destinations so Corbyn has called for a boycott of his favourite club!!! In Britain one would say "What a plonker"! ttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6185075/Jeremy-Corbyn-calls-boycott-Arsenal-FC-advertised-Israeli-tourist-destinations.html

A Russian aeroplane was shot down and the world blamed Israel, except for Putin! A senior IDF representative went to Russia to discuss the situation and to extend Israel's condolences at the loss of life. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria-shoots-down-russian-spyplane-during-israeli-strike-russia-blasts-israel-you-re-to-blame-for-15-killed-1.6489773  The situation in Syria is so confused, so tragic, the powers vying for power, that the brouhaha over the Russian plane seems almost ludicrous. If only world leaders had done the right thing at the beginning 500,000 lives could have been saved.

The eternal strength of nature has played havoc in the Caribbean, the Eastern USA and the Philippines causing death and destruction in the path of storms proving yet again that water, the giver of life, can take it away.

Jerusalem is nearing municipal elections and the citizens are on tenterhooks awaiting the result. The turnout is usually pitiful but hopefully this year they will understand how crucial this year's elections are. A dear person, Haredi, said "It is essential that Jerusalem stays as the city for all her residents. It will always be a Holy City but it also needs to thrive and if we allow it to become a city for Haredi residents only, there will be no tourism, no services and Jerusalem will fall into disrepair. Zvi and I have no secrets – we support Hitorerut – Awakening – and Ofer Berkovitch who respects all streams and religions.

A Bedouin Village has been gradually growing, and growing, and growing on the hills next to Ma'aleh Adumim. Not buildings per se, rather tents and shanties, on land designated for building. It is completely illegal but since it is Bedouin and not Israeli the EU has insisted that the shanties remain and not be demolished. The Israeli government is prepared to move the Bedouin, who live a gypsy-like life anyway, alternative housing, with all amenities, specially built so that they can remain as a clan, even though they are neither Israeli nor Palestinian citizens. Apparently even that doesn't please the Europeans. Just another case of double standards or is it more sinister than that?  

There was a strange tap-tap-tapping sound in the air as we returned to Jerusalem from Nes Ziona where we spent Yom ha Kippurim with Leor, Shiri and the children. Everyone was putting up their home extensions! No, not the kind that require planning permission, the temporary kind – the Succah. It is such a wonderful tradition, remembering wandering in the desert and the temporary shelters the Children of Israel slept in while celebrating the harvest, the 7 species, the cornucopia of fruits and vegetables of the Promised Land. Succot begins in just 3 more days, the air will be redolent with the aroma of fruit, of wonderful special foods which express the abundance – stuffed vegetables, stuffed pastries, stuffed dates……….kreplach, indeed anything that has something inside something else! We eat and many sleep in the Succah, entertain "Ishpuzin" (Aramaic for guests), decorate with fruits, paper chains and tinsel which looks surprisingly like Christmas decorations!!! We all visit each other, bearing sweet pastries and of course, eat, eat and eat some more!!!! The Succah, above all, embodies the impermanence of life, especially for the Wandering Jew.

Sunday was delightful! I went to the King David Hotel to meet up with three very special ladies from my past and my future. Three Cardiff ladies all of whom live in Israel.  Averil Wien Weinstein, Susan Gaba Yakir and Tema Gaba. Tema is my link special to my late Mother, my link to my childhood and an incredible lady of 96 years old. She is full of incredible stories of Cardiff and of wisdom earned during the last 96 years, and a keen sense of humour. I often think that Tema is younger than many of my friends. She is so special. The King David veranda was decked out for Succot, a thousand tassels hanging from the "schach" (temporary roof) I felt like a Princess but then Tema would tell you that I always was!!!

Sunday evening and we were on our way to a very exciting event. It was a celebration of 69 years of the People's Republic of China, to which we were invited by two lovely people, Leo and Emily Mao. It was spectacular!!!! A lovely kosher reception with great food, the indefatigable Tal Brody was also an invitee, then into the auditorium of the Tel Aviv Museum for a truly magnificent show by the Beijing Opera. Chinese Opera is more acrobatic dancing, every move has deep meaning; humour; rather high pitched singing and drum accompaniment and most importantly, story telling. The Chinese Ambassador gave a delightful speech and Israeli Minister of Science, Technology and Space Ofir Akunis spoke of the deep co-operation between the two countries – he also mentioned that 20,000 Jews fleeing from the horror of Hitler's Europe found safe haven in Shanghai; that 150,000+ Chinese visit Israel and over 50,000 Israelis visit China each year. Indeed China is Israel's largest trading partner. To my amazement Leo (a well-established journalist in China) wrote about us in the China Times and our photo appears! Fame at last.

Last night Zvi took Yosef and Talia Go-karting. I gave the excuse that I need to write to you guys and then when they got home I took them to the First Station where food and culture meet. It was fun! Throngs of happy people out on a balmy Jerusalem evening (actually it was rather chilly!) There was a rock band playing in a free concert; craft stands galore; restaurants and my favourite store in Jerusalem which has every type of mind puzzle imaginable, not that I can do any of them! Wooden shapes that never fit into their designated spaces and metal shapes that miraculously fit together for the young people who sell them to you but just won't work for me. In fact, I love the fact that the First Station is full of people who just want to have fun – whatever their origin or faith, something we take for granted, but in our region only happens in Israel. http://firststation.co.il/en/events/schedule/

Talia and Yosef slept over at our place last night, giving Ayala a rare evening alone with Mummy Rachel!

So what songs do you want to hear? For Kippur the music was solemn but now we can sing – I had great difficulty finding a song about Succot, or one that made sense to me, but finally I found one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXx5Wp3GcSE

Simchat Torah – the joy of the Torah – is the Festival which abuts Succot. It is the completion of the reading from the Torah and the beginning again from Bereshit – Genesis, expressing so clearly the circle of life and of our story. Dancing and singing is an important part of this joyous festival. I found this beautiful Simchat Torah song in Yiddisch – sadly I don't have it with translation but the accompanying paintings tell the story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1b7xnlIw_o  

Let it Be – more of a prayer than a song – from two superstars who support Israel. Paul McCartney and Billy Joel  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztcoi88M3BU

Shabbat Shalom, Chag Succot Sameach, Moadin le Simcha, Good Yomtov

I promise that I will look out over Jerusalem from our veranda, a special long look just for you – can you feel it?

With all our love for a joyous year.

Sheila

    

180907 Rosh Hashana 5779

Rosh Hashana 5779

Shabbat 27^th Elul, 5778

Shabbat Shalom, Shana Tova, Happy Al-Hijra, a sweet and kind new year.

This weeks Torah reading deals with the choices we make in life, as put to the Children of Israel by Moses from the word of Hashem, of G-d. It is made very clear that one's standing in life is irrelevant, that the purity of one's soul is the ultimate requirement. Today's religion, all religions, are too reliant upon using learned men and women to pray for us and make our decisions when it is very clear that while we need their knowledge to understand the written word and what lies behind it, each person must come to their own conclusions, their own judgement, their own ability to absorb.

I've been trying to think of what to wish you for the coming year, 5779.

In Hebrew Savlanut means patience and Sovlanut means tolerance. It is not by chance that they come from the same root. So, I would start by wishing you tolerance, a huge helping of love, a kinder world, learning before judging, a great big dollop of joy and the ability to recognise how lucky we are because no matter what hurts, there is someone worse off.

It is easy to smile at the words above, to nod and agree but how many of us truly live by those simple rules? We tend to judge by our standards not by learning the reasons someone thinks a certain way; we jump to conclusions based on our filters not theirs.

So, my prayers are simple.

I wish all of us a world in which we are too busy dreaming of our children's future to kill the dreams of others.

I wish us a world in which leaders do what they say not what their greed and fears dictate.

I wish a world where we are confident enough in our beliefs to accept the beliefs of others.

Being right and expressing our views is not always the best way, sometimes silence is not only golden it displays wisdom.

I wish us a world too busy teaching the wonder of curing illness and poverty to think about teaching hatred.

I wish you love, joy, good health and a love for mankind.

There is something incredibly innocent about this beautiful song for Rosh Hashana. I hope you like it. It comes from the group Chocolad, Menta, Mastik (Chocolate, Mint and Gum) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8C0Mb9UQOQ

Lu Yehi – Let it be – All that we pray for, let it be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJoZ9R4i-N0

Finally, a magnificent rendition of Al Kol Eleh from the Argentinian community. It has no translation but you know the words by now! Of the Honey and the sting…… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPsAXOUmNXc

Today, 49 years ago my life was filled with a level of joy and pure love that came upon me without warning. Today 49 years ago my incredible eldest son Daniel Joseph Cammerman was born. Daniel, you are everything I prayed for and more, may you have a truly magnificent year.

Lots of love and wishes for a year filled with sovlanut and savlanut, of honey without the sting; wishes that fly to every corner of the earth from our veranda with a stupendous view, here in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

Sheila

180831 Twito and the Lord

180831

31^st August 2018

Shabbat Shalom! How are you? Yes I am back from my various travels and do not intend leaving Israel for 6 months at least!!!

Our last trip was to the Greek Island of Kos, 6 adults and 6 children ranging from 6 months to 12 years and we found the locals incredibly friendly. Walking around town every building and every sidewalk showed the effects of the last earthquake in July last year, even the antiquities were further destroyed – however – we found the synagogue of Kos. The sign outside proclaimed that it was founded in the 16th Century and closed its doors in 1944. Why 1944? Because the entire community, like Greece and other Greek Islands, was taken on a one way ticket to Auschwitz.

The world is spinning faster, or so it seems, and just when we think that extremes have reached their limit we discover that it has barely started! It happens on every side of the political spectrum and throughout all continents. The West has not been spared. Extremes of Left and Right have taken the word Liberal and changed its once beautiful meaning and taken the words National Pride from love of country to xenophobia. So it has become within the Jewish community, between Israel and the Diaspora and Christian communities worldwide. It's almost Rosh Hashana – let's make a new start! Instead of concentrating on our differences let's remember and celebrate our similarities. We have to stop putting people into boxes, to think outside that same box and see………. People!

I want you to meet two Brits who will never become sheep and bleat about Jewish power. One is J K Rowling, author of Harry Potter https://www.timesofisrael.com/j-k-rowling-takes-on-anti-semite-fellow-author-in-twitter-spat-over-corbyn/

The other is Maajid Nawaz a Moslem and a brilliant broadcaster and defender of Israel, the Jews and human rights in general through Quilliam. Please listen to his put-down of a defender of Jeremy Corbyn https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/maajid-nawaz/ends-row-with-caller-after-anti-semitic-comment/

So, rather than talking about politics today I want to tell you, again, about my friend Israel Twito.

Through a great deal of persuasion and emotional extortion I convinced my childhood friend, Andrew Stone (aka Lord Stone of Blackheath) a true believer in human rights and the good in every person, to come with me to see a factory in an Industrial Zone in a settlement. Andrew sat beside me throughout the long drive convincing himself that he would listen to the owner, hear his story and try to keep his mouth shut on what he feels about settlements. Understand, Andrew does not think with his eyes closed, his work for Israel is constant and as a Labour Peer he determinedly puts Israel's point forward, but he feels that it is wrong to build on potential Palestinian land.

WAZE took us a tortuous route through highly suspicious roads to the Barkan Industrial Estate, just outside Ariel, which in fact gave us time to observe our surroundings and to talk – strangely enough not of Cabbages and Kings but of really serious issues as set out above. I have known Andrew almost since my birth so knew better than to argue, I simply kept saying "Wait and see" you will love Israel Twito (the initiator of the project).

We were met by Moshe Lev Ran, the International Sales Director of Twitoplast and sat in his office as he explained that he deeply believes in what Israel Twito is doing and drives every morning from his kibbutz on the Gaza border to Ariel to work. Moshe explained the rationale of the highly successful business which was created out of the need to give back. Israel's family fled Tunisia, were interred by the British and finally in 1948 arrived in the Land of Israel without a penny. It took the "kishkes" out of his father who never really recovered but even at the age of 4 Israel knew he had to succeed. Poverty plagued the family and Israel never finished high school. At the age of 14 he went to work for a carpenter who took a deep interest in the boy and encouraged him to forge ahead in life – for the first time Israel was told he was special. Despite a lack of funds Israel later created a plastics factory in Petah Tikva, in central Israel, but when the government asked Israel to employ Russian immigrants in his factory he took the chance and moved to the Barkan Industrial Estate, with Palestinian neighbours, and decided to employ 50% Russian immigrants and 50% Palestinians. Every move is in tandem with his wife Shoshana who is the power behind the throne. This man of no apparent education has nearly 150 international patents to his name, I feel because his mind was unfettered by the constraints of logical academia he is able to fly with ideas without the obstacles of scholarship. Why is this important? Because my incredible friend, Andrew, achieved great heights too, thinks outside the box, is always learning, has a sharp and brilliant mind and reached great heights as CEO of Marks and Spencer and an active member of the House of Lords, and also didn't finish high school!

As we walked around the factory and the innovative, eco-friendly greenhouses we met workers, understood that Israel gave the same salary to all his workers and because the Palestinians, unlike the Israeli workers, did not get Governmental medical care, pension funds, social extras, Israel decided to give those to his Palestinian workers too, out of his own pocket. Each morning he greets each and every worker and the obvious love that emanates from their faces is reward enough. Not everyone is accepted to work in the factory – any talk of politics is banned absolutely – it is through family connections or recommendation of current workers. As I told you last time, if a worker is exceptional Israel pays for his university tuition in Ramallah and he comes back to the factory in a managerial position. The Factory manager, line managers, director of research etc are all Palestinian.

There were two very funny incidents. Israel stopped to talk to each of his workers and one young Palestinian was fascinated to be standing before a Lord. Immediately he pulled out his cellphone and took selfies with all of us but especially with Andrew!!!

The other was when Israel's grandson showed fascination with talking to a Lord (especially when I translated it to Abir which made Andrew look more like Sir Galahad) and I told him that Andrew arrived on white horse following my car……. Of course he saw through my ruse even at the age of 10 but it worked for a moment!

As we were leaving for home I saw that Andrew was deep in thought. We are never quiet when together but this was different. All of a sudden he said "OK, so you've changed my mind". I said nothing but I knew what he meant. He will never approve of building settlements on disputed land but when projects like Israel Twito's Twitoplast can change the lives of Palestinians and give them security and honour it is a blessing wherever it is built.

We went to see Rachel on the way back to Jerusalem because he, with Stephen Isaacs, was my stand-in family at her wedding and wanted to see the children – yet another eye opener. When we stopped for a coffee and cake to go at Nehama's Bakery at the entrance to Givat Ze'ev, he saw that Israeli and Palestinian shops and businesses worked together in this particular settlement – actually right next to Jerusalem. Next I took him to the girls school, just so that he could look down the road by a few hundred metres to see that Ramallah has grown unfettered almost abutting the wall that separates it from Ramot.

Finally, that panorama I always talk about, the one from the height of Samuels Tomb, blew him away as it does me every time I go past.

I know that Andrew is speaking in the House of Lords next week about the United Nations and the need to close the doors of the organisation which has so sadly failed in its duties, a cross party debate, and I know that if not in this speech he will use things he saw and learned on Wednesday in future debates and in the current fight with anti-Semitism in the Labour Party.

What has this to do with Rosh Hashana? Everything!!  

It is about two men with pure minds trying to make this world a better place – each through his own path.

It is about not letting the past dictate the future.

It is about changing enemies into friends

It is about taking Judaism in its purest form and adapting it to every day life

It is about new beginnings

It is about forgiveness

It is about reaching out instead of shutting out

Now is the time to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Now is the time when Jews of every colour and trend stop fighting and trying to prove who is right and just come together in a world that is becoming less and less welcoming. United we stand divided we fall

This week promises to be excruciatingly hot with temperatures going over 40 degrees!! Not my favourite situation but since the children will all be back in school at least they will be in air conditioning!!

So what music fits this week? Forgive us for we have sinned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxRfX5WkztE

For everyone who is thinking of getting married or who wants to express love for their spouse Shlomi Shabbat who had a birthday this week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_74zNYoQv0

Sarit Hadad sings "Borei Olam" Creator of the world. I am but a human and I have erred but forgive me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Vz2bNBzzk

Finally……….. my website exists!! Udi Ohana has done an amazing job. We are not finished I still have to upload my original archives and to create an email facility but…………… See what you think!!! http://www.theviewfrommyveranda.info/

With love to all and every one of you. Tonight as I light the Shabbat candles I will look over the glorious view from our veranda and say thank you

Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

180817 Trump, Corbyn, Al Sisi, Erdogan and other stuff

180817

17^th August, 2018

Good Shabbes, Shabbat Shalom, we wish you a great weekend wherever you are.

Shabbat, a day of rest and contemplation which recharges ones batteries and gives us time with family, probably the greatest gift given by Judaism to the world. Sadly the importance of rest, contemplation and family have been eroded by the demand for "instant" satisfaction and too little time or importance is given to those principles. As a child in Wales there were no shops open on a Sunday, even pubs opened just at lunch time so that families could stop by after chapel and before their huge Sunday lunch. In our determination for instant satisfaction perhaps we have lost too much, Sabbath, whichever day you celebrate it, is slowly disappearing………. Or maybe not!

I try to keep away from the politics of other countries but I am breaking my rule this week. Jeremy Corbyn. Jeremy Corbyn and his cronies have taken a political party which was founded as a vessel to air and fulfil the needs of the working class, was taken over by an awful lot of "good souls" from the aristocracy in the 60's and 70's and settled into a cross-social expression of distaste with the nastier side of capitalism. It was but now it isn't. Gone are the days when Prime Minister Harold Wilson wrote The Chariot of Israel; gone are the days of Tony Blair; the Labour Party has become a mouthpiece for BDS culminating in the laying of a wreath by Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party and potential candidate for Prime Minister of Great Britain, at a memorial to the perpetrators of the Munich Massacre. This preamble is to beg my British family and friends not to vote for Labour, no matter how uncharismatic Prime Minister Theresa May may be. Survival first, things will only get much worse if Corbyn gets in.

If we are talking leaders I want to weigh in on President Trump. Totally inappropriate like LBJ on speed – but the man has done just about everything he promised, for better or for worse! The USA is talking to her enemies, even her sworn enemies, through meetings and rhetoric in equal portions. One does not negotiate peace with friends, one negotiates peace with enemies so his "off the record" moments with the likes of Putin and Kim are of utmost importance. I was terribly disturbed by one friend who proudly announced "He is not my President" – he is – Donald Trump is the President of the United States. Like it or not that is how democracy works.

Prime Minister Netanyahu had a secret meeting with President Al Sisi of Egypt – a leader with whom Israel has more in common than one would think. Please understand that Egypt is the fulcrum around which the Middle East turns. Sadly it was misunderstood by the last administration when they helped depose Mubarak. Mubarak was a tyrant for sure, but he was conceivably the most important leader in the area and kept the Moslem Brotherhood and all the others in check – especially in Sinai. Sinai is of ultimate importance because with the fall of another leader, Muammar Khadaffi, and the disintegration of Libya into 700 warring tribes, the vast Libyan arsenal was transferred to Sinai. Al Sisi is following in many of Mubarak's footsteps and is a determined fighter to keep his country from descending into the depths of fanatical Islam. I didn't vote for Netanyahu, and almost certainly never would, but one must recognise the positive not just the negative and as I said – one doesn't make peace agreements with ones friends.

Recep Tayeb Erdogan is the leader of Turkey. Turkey's history is rich and terrible – from the Ottoman Empire which ruled most of the Middle East and large tracts of Europe – until the diabolical Armenian Genocide which resulted in Attaturks banning of most expressions of Islam, until today. The recent history is thus – Erdogan tried to take Turkey into Europe but was rejected by the EEC; disappointed he then chose President Assad of Syria as his ally, but that didn't work too well for him so he chose more powerful allies – Russia and Iran. Russia was uncomfortable with the Iranian alliance which left a very angry and increasingly religious Erdogan backed into a corner and like all rats he chose to go for the carotid of the West, Israel. His oppressive regime has killed and imprisoned all voices of dissent, including almost all the Turkish journalists – to the apparent unconcern of the Western media!!

There is only one conclusion to be made from all of the above……

"Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time".…’Winston S Churchill, 11 November 1947

Qatar has offered to pay for the rebuilding of Gaza. Of course there is much argument as to the wisdom of allowing them control of that tiny area so close to Israel but Hamas rejected the excellent offer of Egypt to enlarge the area of Gaza and help with the rebuilding. Why? Because poverty plays into the hands of Hamas/ISIS/ISIL etc – they can feed the families and so control the minds of their children. In the same manner, Hamas had fallen off the media map for a long period so they decided it was time to launch missiles of various types at Israel to ensure their place on the front page however – we barely responded and thanks to the intervention of Al Sisi, their wish was short-lived. I loved this video "If only Israel would" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76NytvQAIs0

As you know I feel very strongly about the Nation Law in Israel – not because it is wrong in principle to create a Nation Law but rather its content and omissions. As I said last week we have a wonderful Declaration of Independence which should have been used and not changed. I have no problem calling this a Jewish State. In Mexico only a Catholic can take high office; in Britain is Anglican; the USA despite all protestations is Christian; Italy is Catholic…..however………… I am desperately disturbed by the choice of many American Jews to use the law as another excuse to distance themselves from Israel. In truth it has nothing to do with anyone else, it is an Israeli decision and mistake. Why? Now when we need to unite against the ever increasing anti-Semitism, and make no mistake anti-Israel is anti-Semitic, why would anyone choose to create factions of dissent? Don't distance yourselves, if you disagree then learn the facts, become part of the solution not part of the problem.

Not everything this week was doom and gloom – there were many glimmers of light.

Standing out from other Scandinavian countries Norway refused to allow the donation of Saudi Arabia toward the building of mosques in Norway stating that they will not allow the building of mosques in Norway until Saudi Arabia allows the building of churches. Wow!

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/norway-refuses-millions-of-dollars-from-saudi-arabia-for-mosque-building.77280/

We started the week in Tel Aviv, having a delightful supper with Jyl Bell and Phil Levy, dear friends of the lovely Hammermans of Sydney, Australia all of whom met Zvi when he established Young Leadership for Keren Hayesod in that wonderful country. For me they were new friends and as you know I love meeting new people especially when they become new friends!! That night and the next day were spent with Amiad and Noga's children, Yonatan (4) and Ella (5). I think we succeeded in entertaining them, they are such amazing children and really good but yet again we realised that there is good reason why people do not have young children when they are over 70!!! We came back from Tel Aviv through Shoresh for the wedding of Liron Mussachi, daughter of our dear friend and choir member Itzik – what a joyous affair it was

On Tuesday we celebrated the 28^th (or according to Zvi 29^th) anniversary of our first date by having supper in "HaKatzavim" (the Butchers) restaurant next to Shouk Mahane Yehuda. The meal was amazing but enormous!! Quite apart from the vast selection of salads (and piping hot chips) we were presented with a pair of steaks, a pair of kebabs, a pair of chicken shishliks and chicken livers – in other words a heart attack waiting to happen!! We cleaned the meat platter but couldn't manage the salads. As we were munching away we heard an American couple at a nearby table asking something of the waitress, of course we weighed in and they invited us to join their table where, in response to their questions, Zvi gave them a potted history of Turkey and Jerusalem and I introduced them to "Mayim im Nana" a tisane of hot water and mint which they loved. Marcie Abramson and Jeff (I'm sorry Jeff I cannot recall your family name but I do recall that you are taller than Zvi!) from Boston were on a trip with their Temple having a wonderful time. It was Jeff's first ever visit to Israel and I have a feeling that we have new BFF's who will be back!

Lord Stone of Blackheath knew me before I was born. He was my brother Ronnie's friend and later in life became my "Madrich" – leader – in the Habonim Youth Movement, and the first one of our friends to come to Israel. Andrew is a fine advocate for Israel in the House of Lords and in the Labour Party – a great supporter of Joan Ryan and the Labour Friends of Israel. If you doubt there is opposition to Corbyn just read here http://www.lfi.org.uk/

Anyway, Andrew is a dear friend and stood by me through thick and very thin times and it was such a joy, as always, to meet him in the Jerusalem Botanical Garden Caffit for lunch. Even better Zvi joined us. Andrew has worked unremittingly to find a solution to the Israel/Palestinian problem, risking his life on occasion, talking to the leaders of our neighbouring states, never giving up on finding a way to give Israel peace and recognition simultaneously trying to find economic solutions that will give the Palestinians a normal life. We don't always talk politics when we are together we try to find our own solution for unity among the diverse and argumentative Jewish people and achieve world peace and inner contentment. In other words – I love Andrew Stone!

Aretha Franklin was a giant personality with the voice of an angel that sang of our woes and our needs with emotion and strength. Respect, arguably her greatest song, was my mantra during my lowest period. Car windows wide open and the tape blaring RESPECT, which was all I had ever wanted or needed, Rachel and I would hare up the M1 Motorway singing our heads off!!! Ms. Franklin – thank you for the joy and respect you're music brought to so many. May your sweet soul rest in peace. The song I chose is not Respect – but rather I Dreamed a Dream –for it is not just a dream -breathtaking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4F4SbGtqL4

Jews come in all sizes and shapes…and colours, just like everyone else. The difference is that when our people are repressed and oppressed we bring them home. Nearly 900,000 from Arab countries, over 1,000,000 from Russia – and some 140,000 from Ethiopia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsLJCNhWANY&list=PL1WC0PL2DeIVjVwcYgdtTe80V-UhLomRk&t=0s&index=35

Finally – to wish you a real Good Shabbes – Shalom Aleichem – May peace be upon you angels of peace – a traditional song for the eve of Shabbat. Interestingly peace is the word most used in every Israeli song – a prayer, a greeting, an invocation, a plea…….. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szSb2abAaWU

Next week we are travelling again, yes again, this time to the Isle of Kos with Zvi's boys and families – for a rest this time!! Don't worry my orange, pomegranate, kumquat and lemon trees will be watered as will all the herbs and flowers. I wouldn't dare allow anything to die off – Stanley Roth would never forgive me!!!

Shabbat Shalom, Shalom Aleichem, Salaam Aleikem, Pax, baris seninle olsun, mir se vani, la paz sea con vostros, que la pais soit avec toi….. to each and every one of you from the view from our verandah,  Jerusalem, the most beautiful city in the world laying before us.

Sheila