Kippur, Succot and forgiveness

30th September 2022 5th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei in the year 5783 Shabbat Shalom! I hope your New Year, the first day of Tishrei, was sweetened not only by the traditional honey but by a sense of renewal. This is the period of time in which we wish each other “Hatima Tova” which literally means a good signature, but actually refers to the manner in which our fate is written in the book of life for the coming year. We can atone, change, regret and so change what is written to ensure our long life, but only if we really mean it. This period of the High Holy Days, also known as the Festivals of Tishrei, is a time of deep reflection, time to think about what we may have said or done that may have hurt others, or committed any of the endless list of sins that we recite on Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement, we meaning we as a people rather than we as a person. Fasting is not because we want to punish ourselves fasting is because we are so deeply in our state of repentance that we cannot think of anything else, including food. Many years ago, when my children were young, I was a Sunday School teacher in our small community in Reading, Berkshire, in the magnificent 120 year old synagogue. Each year, as the High Holidays approached I used to remind the children that while is was easy to recite the sins without thought, there is one sin for which one does not beg forgiveness from the Almighty, but rather from another human being. What is that sin? If by word or deed you hurt or embarrassed another human being. The most interesting aspect is that if you ask forgiveness 3 times and the other person refuses to accept your apology the sin reverts to them. Think about it. A fascinating fact on both levels, that of facing your wrong and theirs for being unable to accept an apology. Basically, it proves that Judaism is a very down to earth religion, based on human contact rather than dry laws. I’m not claiming that the laws serve no purpose – I am a very law-abiding person – but in the final analysis, human to human contact is of the ultimate importance. A horrific hurricane hit the West coast of Florida, overturning boats, flooding entire towns and causing general havoc and even death. My heart goes out to all those who have suffered. Once upon a time such a storm hit a boat bound for Tarshish, carrying one Jonah, who was supposed to go to Nineveh (today’s Mosul in Iraq). Jonah had gone against the word of God who commanded him to go to Nineveh and speak out against their wickedness, presumably he was afraid to stand up to the evil people of Nineveh and chose to flee to Tarshish. As the storm worsened and the boat was in danger, the sailors, who felt that Jonah was responsible for their near shipwreck in the tempest, at his behest threw him into the sea where he was swallowed by a whale which saved him, regretted his cowardice and finally went to Nineveh where he returned the people to being God-fearing thus saving the city. Sounds cut and dried and not a little like a fairy tale but, I feel that even if it is an allegorical narrative, it is relates to our world today. It is the Haftorah for Yom Kippur. You make your own decisions. https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2548/jewish/The-Book-of-Jonah.htm One thing that is for sure, there are an awful lot of politicians of all persuasions who need to pray very hard for forgiveness on Wednesday! I loathe the run up to elections when one cannot begin to weed out the truth from the rhetoric. At the moment nobody will achieve the required 61 seats in the Knesset to form a government, even a coalition government and since we seem to be on a Groundhog Day of repeat elections, less people are going to the polls and more people are getting angry at anyone who doesn’t think like them. As it stands in the most recent poll the major parties, let’s call them the centrist parties, are Likud led by Netanyahu 32 seats; Yesh Atid led by Lapid 24 seats; National Unity led by Gantz 13 seats but then the most distressing change is that the next party in size is the Ultra-right Religious Zionists, a combination of Otzma Yehudit led by Ben Gvir and Noam led by Smotrich. Labour, Meretz and Israel Beitenu (Liberman), together have another 16 seats for a centrist government but there are too many lines that cannot be crossed. I can only hope that the proven leadership of Yair Lapid over the last months will bring the complacent people out to the polling booths on November the first. The brave women of Iran have led an ever growing rebellion against the harsh theocracy led by the Ayatollahs in that once free thinking, educated country. The danger to those taking part in the demonstrations has not stopped their determination for change, determination to topple the already shaky government. Iran is yet another proof that democratic elections does not bring democracy. It is not a jump from dictatorship to democracy, it must be a gradual progression so ensure that chaos doesn’t fill the vacuum as it has done in Yemen, Iraq, Libya and many others. The dictatorial theocracy of Iran, with endless funds, has given us world terrorism and a very real nuclear threat. A Palestinian child died, collapsed, after Israeli soldiers came into the village to arrest stone throwers. The IDF spokesperson said that the soldiers called up to the parents to stop the children throwing rocks from their balcony. The parents claim that as a result he died of fright, despite saying that he was haemorrhaging on the way to the hospital. Vedant Patel, Deputy spokesman of the State Department “mourning the death of an innocent Palestinian child”. While sympathising with parents who lost their son, why on earth would the State Department of the USA see fit to demand an inquiry? Do you think Patel knows that 23 were killed and 27 wounded in a suicide blast in Kabul? Sabra is a fictional character who first appeared in 1981 but hit the headlines this last week or so as the announcement was made that the character will appear in the new Captain America film to come out in 2024. What was acceptable in 1981 has been condemned by a woke world because the heroic character is Israeli and will be played by an Israeli actress Shira Haas. The NYT printed an article quoting “By glorifying the Israeli army & police, Marvel is promoting Israel’s violence against Palestinians & enabling the continued oppression of millions of Palestinians living under Israel’s authoritarian military rule” What on earth have we come to? I’m going to be controversial. I try not to be but I cannot make my mind up about Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader. Is he a hero? On the one hand Zelensky visited the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Nazi massacre of over 30,000 Jews, but on the other hand he publicly derides Israel for “doing nothing to help” despite the fact that we sent 17 tons of medical aid, a field hospital, emergency water equipment and much more. I feel that he is manipulating his Judaism. On the other hand, he is fighting a horrific battle with a giant and his desperation shows through his façade of bravery. It is worth mentioning that until his rise to leadership the Ukraine consistently voted against Israel in every international forum. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the losses they have encountered anti-Semitism is rife in Russia. Ever the scapegoat. Lev Tahor translates to mean Pure Heart, a misnomer of gigantic proportions. The religious Jewish cult which makes the Taliban look mild has been chased out of Israel, the USA, Canada, Guatemala and now Mexico. Their very lifestyle is the antithesis of Judaism denying its members, especially children, the basic human rights and have been accused of child abuse and worse. Those who have escaped tell tales of horror. I can only hope that the leaders will be extradited to Israel where they will spend the rest of their lives in jail. King Abdullah of Jordan stood before an international audience and claimed that Israel had broken the status quo by allowing Jews onto the Temple Mount. Status quo? In the original agreement with his father Jews were never banned from the Temple Mount! I am surprised at his speech for two reasons. One, it was the Jordanians who destroyed synagogues in the Old City before 1948 and secondly because we met him in the Palace in Amaan and his private views are 180 degrees from his public rant. Oh boy, so much to write about and I haven’t even spoken about our week! We had lovely friends over for tea, a real tea time which I love. Relaxed, simple food on the table and chatting about the world and each other. They all waxed lyrical about our veranda and the view, of course! Our lovely friends Merle and Frank Friedman brought their daughter Wendy to meet us which was a delight even though I was amazed to find that Frank doesn’t take milk in his tea! Sorry Frank, only teasing. My honey cake came out incredibly moist and yummy and the bread I had baked was scoffed very quickly. We dipped our apple in honey, chanting the ancient blessing over the fruit of the tree and then there was the annual discussion as to whether or not one also dips one’s challah bread in honey. What about you, do you also dip your challah? My family certainly did! As Yom Kippur ends and the festive meal to break the fast is being prepared, the air all over the country is filled with the sound of hammers, saws and the dragging of sections of the succah! The Succah or tabernacle is a temporary structure which reminds us of the years of wandering through the desert and so much more. Inside we display the seven species, wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranate, olive and date representing the harvest and prepare for guests, in Aramaic ishpuzin . We also have a lulav and etrog, palm fronds and a citron. Succot is one of the three “foot festivals” in Judaism, festivals of pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. This tradition is carried through to Christianity and during the week of Succot/Tabernacles, thousands of Christians of all denominations come to the joyous parades and events, many organised by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Throughout Israel you will hear the blessing I referred to at the beginning of this missive “May you be written in the good book”. When an Israeli over the age of 60 hears the words Yom Kippur their thoughts immediately go to that fateful Yom Kippur when the men interrupted their prayers to go to war. Israel was invaded from all directions and the then Prime Minister Golda Meir was caught unawares. Too many died. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur_War Unetanney Tokef translates as “Let us speak of greatness” and here the IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson sings as we see scenes of the emergency enlistment outside synagogues on that fateful day in 1973 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyBToUaon2w I have to admit that I don’t normally like the jolly, parody festival songs in English but this one really sets the mood for Succot! Livin’ in a Booth! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXx5Wp3GcSE This last song fits any time of year. Written to give an emotional boost during the darker days of the pandemic it is a song of hope. Basically “We Got It” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58AjdhGSaTU For personal reasons I will not be writing for a couple of weeks but that doesn’t mean that you can’t write to me! I would love to hear your stories about your festivals, your families and of course your views on what is happening in this troubled world. It is irrelevant how you wish people a good year, what is important is that you do so. All people, everywhere. If we can only learn about tolerance, kindness and a better life rather than vengeance and pain just imagine what a wonderful world this could be. Be well and remember Jerusalem, the beautiful, spiritual centre of this earth. Shabbat Shalom, chag Sameach Sheila

Pageantry, Prime Ministers and Prince Charles (King Charles III)

23rd September 2022 27 Ellul 5782 Shabbat Shalom! Gosh, it’s nearly 5783, yes that’s right five thousand, seven hundred and eighty three! That’s 3,761 years more than the Gregorian Calendar. I find that fascinating and even proud that the Hebrew calendar predates the Gregorian by so many years! Before I sit down to write to you I always check the morning papers, just in case I missed something interesting in my reminder notes. In general it’s the same old same old, all the usual opinions that one expects from both right and left, but funnily enough I did find something very interesting today, something hinted at yesterday. Prime Minister met with British Prime Minister Liz Truss, a declared pro-Israel leader, and the discussion led to the idea, and it’s still just an idea, of moving the British Embassy to Jerusalem. It has to pass the very Arabist Foreign Ministry, but if a parliamentary vote is taken and the idea becomes law, even they won’t be able to stop it. In the UK there are no “Presidential” decisions, everything is by democratic vote in both Houses, but it is the first time the subject has been raised in serious discussion. As I mentioned, both Conservative Candidates for the position of PM were very pro-Israel – Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak – were very pro-Israel. Let’s see if this PM will succeed in their pro-Israel stance where former PMs did not. Since we are talking about Britain and Houses of Parliament I thought it a good time to tell you about our lovely friend Lord Stone of Blackheath. Andrew has known me since before I was born, literally. In his quiet way Andrew has been involved in more “charity” (I hate the word) committees and works than one can count on both hands and feet, many of which the then Prince Charles was also part of. Much to Zvi’s delight Andrew regaled us with delightful Prince Charles stories which deny every single one of the media stories which maligned him without cause. He is not only innovative in his problem-solving, he has a great sense of fun and humour and loves to invite and entertain those he works with into both his and “Mummy’s” homes. In fact, the opposite of everything we have been told and certainly the opposite of the way he was portrayed in the Crown. Finally, at least one Israeli heard the truth!! I believe that King Charles III will be a fine leader and his affinity to the Jewish community will benefit everyone. I couldn’t write to you without mentioning the funeral. We watched it from afar but were fixated. It was a phenomenal send-off for an exceptional and adored Monarch. The outpourings of love by the people, the elegance, dignity and sheer perfection of the pageantry, the deep respect, and most of all the deep sadness of her family. No country does pageantry better than the Brits. Perhaps one of the most memorable things was the way the Windsor Castle gardeners had collected flowers left at the gates and arranged them as if flowers beds at the side of the route of the procession. I know I’m supposed to get you up to date with Israeli affairs not British Royalty! So, let’s begin with something I didn’t necessarily expect but am very proud to describe. As you know, the last few appearances of an Israeli Prime Minister in the UN were dramatic and angry and yesterday before Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke before the General Assembly of the United Nations at the annual opening of the sessions, we, the Israelis were in a state of nervous expectation. The order of speakers in that august, if impotent, organisation is - First Presidents, then Prime Ministers and when his turn came the PM walked confidently to the podium and began the speech of his life. He was brilliant, quiet, understated but firm and his introduction- preamble – introduced us to his love of country, of his family’s Shoah history and quietly brought the discourse to the crux of the problem and the possible solutions. He promoted the idea of a two state solution but with one essential caveat, one proviso of specific stipulations upon which such an agreement depends. That first and foremost a peace agreement be signed and honoured. I happen to believe that whatever one’s position on the political compass, a two state solution is the only answer because a one state solution would mean the death of the Jewish State. Here is his speech, I would love to hear what you think https://youtu.be/dQVwHjFdahI Among the meetings of PM Lapid in New York this week was one with King Abdullah of Jordan. The two countries have so much in common, including the problem of the Palestinians who sadly hate the King. The Hashemites are considered interlopers because they were brought from Saudi Arabia by the British Prime Minster at the time, Sir Winston Churchill, to rule over Jordan when the prior two state solution was put in place (incidentally the Hashemites are direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammed). Israel plays a major part in protecting Jordanian Royalty and when we went to the palace (Zvi and I) we flew in by helicopter and discovered that the palace is in the middle of an army camp. If you want to know more about that https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/when-churchill-severed-transjordan-from-palestine Back to the subject! They spoke mainly about the current problems on the Temple Mount because in 1967 Jordan was given the overall control of the area. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that one! Another meeting, perhaps the most hopeful of all the discussions, was with Turkish President Recep Tayyep Erdogan. They spoke of the possibility of renewing the Israeli Embassy and Consul Generals in Turkey. PM Lapid also thanked President Erdogan for his security information and cooperation during the Iranian threats to Israeli tourists in Turkey. The Abraham Accords has borne exceptional agreements and friendships, perhaps one of the less expected but delightful results is this. Rabbi Levi Duchman, Rabbi to the UAE, and Lea Hadad celebrated their wedding in the country’s capital city, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday surrounded by 1,500 guests from around the world. Guests included Emirati royals, prominent rabbis, dignitaries, and much of the country’s burgeoning Jewish community. The wedding is a landmark event marking a new era for Jewish life in the Arab World. I would be dishonest if I didn’t mention the increasing violence both within and without the Israeli Arab towns and environs; I would be dishonest if I didn’t mention the increase in one-man terror attacks; I would be dishonest if I didn’t mention the vast increase of incitement to hatred within Mosques and on the street. However, it would also be remiss of me if I did not give credit where credit is due to President Abbas who has demanded that his police be alert to any possible attacks and prevent them and they work in close cooperation with our defence forces and police. As with all politicians he does not do it out of kindness or loyalty, he does it because he recognises that Israel is his only guarantee to continued rule. We often speak about the disinformation of the Palestinian media machine and their supporters but this week came the biggest lie that even Goering wouldn’t have attempted! As you know I’m Chairman of the Board of a tiny but incredibly effective educational research institute by the name of Impact-se https://www.impact-se.org/ . Well, meetings of our CEO Marcus and Assistant CEO Arik to Washington this week were very effective, which resulted in the most ridiculous claims I have ever read. Our tiny, shared office space has either four or five brilliant young researchers and the two mentioned above plus one outside professor of Middle Eastern Studies – that’s it. Well the most recent utterly insane “report” in a pro-Palestinian publication claimed that we have 20 branches worldwide and over 400 full time employees! Now do you realise that you must never believe the written word – unless of course it’s mine! On the other hand, it proves that Impact-se is highly effective and they are more than a little scared of our influence. This week we were meant to be in Florida for a Bar Mitzva but unfortunately we couldn’t go because I have to undergo surgery which precludes all travel. However, it doesn’t stop us from wishing those involved, the Lindenfeld and Naim families, a truly magnificent Shabbat of celebrations, I am certain that the Bar Mitzva boy, Jonathan, did a phenomenal job and since it was on a Thursday I hope you recorded it so that we can watch. To all of you I send love. One day this week we went for a delightful breakfast in the Ella coffee shop, right opposite the Botanical Gardens. As you know Zvi sings, in fact he has just been accepted to the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra’s Choir, and among his singing activities he, together with three others, formed an ensemble which sings in Homes for the Aged, Holocaust Survivors groups etc. They sing songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, Ladino and Spanish according to the audience. Anyway, I’m the non-vocal adopted member of the team and we met to celebrate their musical director’s successful surgery and the beautiful evening organised predominantly by Zvi and Ehud Tirosh to honour our late friend Frida, and were joined by her widower Sami. We sat chatting for a while and then it happened! The most Israeli thing that could happen. As we sat talking a young woman on the next table came and hugged Zvi’s musical director, the lovely Ronit Banit, and so the Israeli situation began. The young woman’s mother was Ronit’s kindergarten teacher! Then Zvi recognised the father, who is a member of the most famous Jerusalem, theatrical family – the Bana’i family. The grandparents emigrated from Iraq, came to Jerusalem and raised their burgeoning family in the environs of Mahane Yehuda Market. The gentleman sitting with us, Eli Bana’i, had travelled the world with “Hagashash Hahiver” and other family members as their stage manager, and then yet another coincidence. He said to Zvi that he looked familiar, what is his name? That’s when we discovered that Eli Bana’i had been a student of Kalman Raviv z”l, Zvi’s fabulous father, in the Tachkimoni primary school near the Shouk!! Of course, by that time our tables were joined, the conversation flowed and we were all family already! There is an expression, “Only in Israel” and it is true – it happens every day but rarely to such an extent! Tonight we are going to have Shabbat dinner with our lovely friends Nattie and Yolli Zonzsein and tomorrow will just relax. Unfortunately, I am banned from driving until my surgery so I cannot get to Rachel today, but she promised she will come to me, hopefully with the children, after Shabbat tomorrow. Let music be the food of love and let us feed our hearts with harmony This has been a hard year on many levels, especially before our elections. Discourse is harsh and getting harsher, less tolerant but, and I know it is a big but, perhaps next year will be better, more hopeful and kinder. Ehud Manor wrote the melody and Nurit Hirsch the lyrics for this beautiful hopeful song. Shiri Maimon sings it so gently that we can believe that next year really will be beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ojXjl5nLWU Going back to Eli Bana’i, HaGashash HaHiver and politicians, all together before our upcoming elections, here’s that wonderful group with the song Ovdim Aleinu – the closest translation I could think of is “They are pulling wool over our eyes”! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA1su_wvyHg This is time of atonement, of Selichot, apologies, when we regret our past actions, pray for forgiveness and promise to change, to improve as human beings. It is the run up toward Yom Kippur and there is one specific prayer which all Jews are expected to say during this period. Adon haSelichot – Lord of Forgiveness https://youtu.be/ptdc4JR1ECc I've been trying to think of what to wish you all for the coming year, 5783 I would start with tolerance, a huge helping of love, a kinder world, learning before judging, a great big dollop of joy and the ability to recognise just how lucky we are because no matter what hurts, there is always someone worse off. So.......... This Rosh Hashana I wish you all of the above and more. Above all I pray that Jerusalem, as our PM said in his speech, will be filled with visitors of all faiths, that each and every one of those visitors will learn what a beautiful, fabulous city Jerusalem is, with its incredible rainbow of faiths, creeds, peoples and beliefs. In fact, I pray that you will all come to visit Israel and discover her beauty, delicious cornucopia of foods and above all the incredible friendliness of our peoples – of all faiths. I know that many Christians will come to celebrate Tabernacles and fill the streets with joy. Shabbat Shalom, Shana Tova, a Gut Yor, a fine year. With love Sheila

Elections etc

16th September 2022 Shabbat Shalom! Today’s Hebrew date is the 20th of Elul, 5782, almost Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year which isn’t really a NEW year but rather the “Head of the Year”. It has been an interesting week, a week in which even the most determined anti-monarchist has been following the Royal family. Despite not living in the UK any more I still admire the dignity and brilliance of ceremonial Britain, because Britain holds on to traditions built over many centuries. The level of respect for an exceptional woman who upheld those traditions is directly relative to the respect she showed to her subjects. One fact little known was her close relationship with Rabbi Jonathan Saks who was her advisor on the Old Testament and on Judaism. This friendship with Jewish religious leaders will continue because King Charles also turned to his Jewish friends for advice on many occasions. The greatest lesson we all need to learn from just one British sentence used last week is “The Queen is dead God Save the King”. Unlike politicians in constitutional government there is no rancour and jealousy – it is a fact – to move on to the future instead of bemoaning the past. All over the world tea “parties” will be held to enable mourners, ordinary people, to watch the funeral together. In Jerusalem one will be held in the Kumkum tea rooms. One can also sign the condolence page for the Royal Family https://www.royal.uk/send-message-condolence To understand the relationship that the Royals have with the Jewish community explained https://plus61j.net.au/featured/the-queen-gave-uk-jews-a-sense-of-security-the-king-has-long-been-a-friend/ Back to the Middle East where things are never dignified or understated! Just a few one-liners to get you up to date. As a result of a report by Impact-se the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously marked up the Palestinian Curriculum Bill HR2374 which will now go to Congress. As Israel nears elections the extreme factions of the PA are showing their true colours and individual terror attacks are more frequent as a direct result of blatant incitement to hatred. The IDF has accepted that despite being unable to make absolute decisions without all the evidence, it was a stray IDF bullet that killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the USA accepts that it was not intentional. In case you wondered why that is important just look at the Palestinian publicity machine! At the Jerusalem Post Conference which for some reason takes place in New York not Jerusalem Defence Minister Benny Gantz reported on the Iranian Nuclear threat. “Iran is not only advancing in its capabilities, but also in its rate of production. At the Fordow underground site, Iran’s enrichment rate has tripled in the last year” He also spoke at the United Nations Israel's predominantly Arab Joint List faction broke up on Thursday as its leader Ayman Odeh announced the bloc will run separately from the anti-Zionist Balad party, a move which endangers their ability to pass the 3.25% electoral threshold. Perhaps that will encourage Arab voters to the polling booths because they have not been convinced by the current lack of policies. A major factor in the Arab vote will be the uncontrolled violence and killings within the Arab towns. Mansour Abbas and his party are finding partners in Israel’s most conservative parties because, “for purely religious reasons” they fear LGBTQ, however they have expressed a willingness to join any coalition. Incidentally, in Impact-se’s discussions with the MENA region Islamic counties the only subject on which they are unwilling to compromise is just that. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, who represented his country at the White House unveiling of the Abraham Accords on September 15, 2020, visited Israel yesterday to mark the second anniversary of the blessed peace deal. His visit highlighted the beauty of the Abraham Accords, meaning that they are marked by warm friendships, and backed a discourse of genuine tolerance and ideological moderation. This is even more important than the burgeoning trade and amazing defense relationships with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco. (Quote from the Jpost) Coming back to the Jerusalem Post Conference Mazal Tov to Shira and Jay Ruderman on their well-earned Lifetime Award. We should all follow Jay's advice “If you want to make an impact as a social entrepreneur, go narrow and go deep. Their championing of the inclusion of people with disabilities into society and strengthening relations between Israel and the American Jewish community; and in recognition of more than two decades of leadership, innovation and advocacy in civil society. I am proud to say that Jay is a member of the Impact-se Board. I know that if I say this has been a crazy week you will ask why that’s any different from other weeks – but it honestly been quite exceptional. It all began on Sunday evening when we went to a very different kind of “memorial” for our friend’s sister. Different because Ilana z”l’s friends from primary school met in an Indian restaurant sang Israeli songs while eating onion bhajis! Funerals and memorials are very different in Israel. Funerals are not an issue of wearing black, fancy hats with veils or formality, it is much more a fact of life. People leave their work and arrive and it doesn’t matter if they are wearing jeans or dungarees, their presence is enough. Another difference is the speeches, the eulogies, the poetry written the stories told……. Last Friday’s Shabbat dinner was lovely with a special celebration of Amiad’s birthday then after Shabbat we went to a brilliant play at the Khan Theatre. On Monday Zvi worked very hard writing the programme and his words as narrator and presenter of a memorial for our friend Frida. More of that later Tuesday we walked along the to visit our new neighbours in building number 18. I love seeing how everyone has taken identical spaces and made them so individual! Wednesday morning and I got the surprise of my life. The doorbell rang and my son Gideon stood there! Due to Covid and family and work commitments Gideon hasn’t seen our new apartment indeed hasn’t been to Israel for nearly 3 years. He toured every corner of the flat, loved the veranda and we spent time catching up on hugs! Of course, Zvi was thrilled when Gideon suddenly appeared at the study door. Rachel raced over immediately and we laughed at our excitement because we were together in London just a couple of weeks ago! After enjoying watching him sit on our veranda to catch up on some last-minute work (the reason he was here) Rachel and I took Gideon to the Naya restaurant where we chatted non-stop, ate good food, took selfies and then we drove him to the airport so that he could catch his plane back home. Gideon caught my determination to be utterly relaxed and get to the airport early, but it pays off to know the rules of getting through security quickly, something his British colleague didn’t manage and had no time to enjoy the Business Lounge!! It was absolutely wonderful, ridiculously short, but the deflation showed on both Rachel and my faces after my larger than life son had gone. On Wednesday evening Zvi headed the concert to honour Frida z”l. Choirs sang, young musicians from the various music projects Frida supported played beautifully and the incredible Michal Korman, an internationally known cellist, https://www.israelichamberproject.org/artists played like and angel accompanied by her Mum Betty on the piano. Zvi sang a beautiful song with our friend Dana and did a phenomenal job as Emcee his words resonating with the assembled friends, he and Frida and Sam have known each other since University days and grew their children together. I say that the concert was to honour Frida because her family didn’t want a “memorial” they wanted to show her joie de vivre. Last night we had an “End of Summer“ party for the entire estate outside on the huge patio of the White House building. Music, booze and fun….it really was a beautiful evening where the women danced with each other and the men pretended to be deep in conversation! Zvi was one of the brave ones and danced with me but later in the evening when the music got wilder the youngsters danced and had so much fun! After about a year and a half we are all getting to know each other. One incredible young woman determinedly organises these evenings, without her energy I’m not sure we would all meet up and celebrate the seasons! Tonight we are going to our wonderful friends Yossi and Ronit Dagan for Friday night Dinner. It’s so wonderful to know that we will be pampered…..Ronit’s speciality, and tomorrow we will go to the Pe’er’s to raise a glass to the New Year. The world is not a pretty place, people have lost the ability to be tolerant of others, lost patience, lost politeness, and I try to find the cause, the reason. Freedom is a very interesting word because in order to achieve freedom aka democracy, one cannot behave as one wishes, that’s what laws are for, democracy means the demands of the individual are subject to the needs of the many. Democracy is not without constraints, quite the opposite, democracy can only be achieved when we are willing to abide by the rules that protect the weak without infringing on the rights of others. As we get closer to both Rosh Hashana and yet another round of elections in this, a Jewish State, I wonder how many politicians really care what the voter thinks or feels. In general, for most politicians, it is just about keeping ones seat not about policy making. Perhaps reading the prayers of atonement and understanding them, not necessarily as a religious exercise but as an exercise in humanity, in how to treat others, the rules of engagement with power, they are all written so clearly. In the atonement service one begs forgiveness for being high handed, for calumny and abuse of power amongst many other sins, but politicians believe themselves exempt from such rules. Is it true that we get the leaders we deserve? I want to end on a happy note not talk of politicians! The weather is changing, the evenings cooler, the sunrises and sunsets more beautiful and the plants are all sighing in relief as they find solace in the autumnal sun. The passion fruits are ripening, the lemons slowly filling with their health-giving juice, the little lime tree is bearing at least 10 fruits – mojitos here we come!! I was very excited that my stolen snapdragon seeds from the public gardens produced enough seedlings to fill the planters setting me up for winter colour. Music really does bring warmth and colour to life, be it Beethoven or Beatles so let’s sing together You quite rightly love Koolulam as I do and when a Federation (USA) Mega Mission met up with the residents of Carmiel and Misgav they sang One Day. Listen carefully to the words https://youtu.be/lNDX9Vgq80o Arik Einstein was a very popular singer songwriter. This song expresses all our dreams of changing the world Ani v’Ata – You and me will change the world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUgCUgDUBmA Above all, elections and wars, battles and chasms, we pray for the State of Israel. This prayer is said every week, every Shabbat in synagogues around the world. It is truly one of the most beautiful prayers, songs and here Cantors from around the world join in this invocation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc8c1II7Z8w The translation of the prayer is at the end. I wish you a good weekend, a healthy and kind weekend with friends and family and a peaceful Shabbat With love from Jerusalem Sheila

Her Majesty, Truth and Motza

9th September 2022 13th Elul 5782 Shabbat Shalom dear friends. I know it is hard to absorb the depth of sadness that Britain is experiencing now. Queen Elizabeth II represented everything that is good in a leader, albeit a nominal leader, a titular head, but a figurehead representing dedication to post and people, humility, dignity; a woman who took the Monarchy into the 21st century. She grew up unaware of what the future held for her, yet prepared to take on the responsibilities that came with her family. It was the abdication of Edward that threw her family into the front line and led to her taking the crown at the tender age of 26, married barely a year and mother to a tiny baby. Please, watch this excellent short video about our Queen, the beautiful young woman who took the cares of the world upon her shoulders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYGByWrjyFw Her sense of humour was legend as we see here, taking tea with Paddington Bear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UfiCa244XE Britain is in mourning. Not just an issue of the Union Jack flying at half mast over every public building, but many stores and shops will close, all public institutions too and the crowds will flood to Buckingham Palace Gates to leave their flowers of gratitude to a woman who showed us how to behave in dire situations. It is right that she passed away in Balmoral Castle, the only place where she found solitude and freedom to walk, ramble, ride, drive and just be herself. Her family was around her and while poor Prince Charles has taken more than his fair share of criticism, he is now King Charles and we wish him well. One fascinating fact is that when the Queen’s passing was announced, a double rainbow appeared above Buckingham Palace. The Queen held the title Defender of the Faith, as head of the Church of England, yet it never ever coloured her decisions or the decisions of her governments. The separation of Church and State was and is irrelevant because it never interfered with freedom of prayer or belief. She was a devout Christian with the openness and humility that entailed. Prince Philip, who always considered himself Church of England was in fact born and christened in the Greek Orthodox tradition. The world is in turmoil and it is my duty to report upon the issues that touch on Israel, so I will give you a fast run down of the events of this week before trying to lighten our spirits. Did you know that 15 war correspondents have been killed covering battles and events since May? According to the International Federation of Journalists 2658 war correspondents have been killed since 1990. Nidal Aghbariya was an Israeli Arab correspondent who did not die in battle. He was threatened then murdered in cold blood by Palestinians who wanted to silence his truth. Every Arab Israeli journalist is a target if they tell the truth, they and their families live in fear, yet, the world centres on one war correspondent called Shireen Abu Akleh who was killed by an errant bullet in an area of crossfire. Why? because she was Palestinian. The IDF has concluded that in all probability the bullet came from an IDF soldier, unintentionally, that’s clear, and not a final decision because our pathologists, and I happen to know the senior pathologist very well, were not given access to the bullet. The hysteria has reached the highest levels of government in the USA when they demand that the rules of fire be changed in the IDF! Ultimate Chutzpah! Yet again, one standard for the world and another for Israel. I’m sorry if I offend any of my wonderful American readers, but this report from Brown University explains my distress “The U.S. post-9/11 wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Pakistan have taken a tremendous human toll on those countries. As of September 2021, an estimated 387,072 civilians in these countries have died violent deaths as a result of the wars. That’s not a Republican or Democrat issue, it’s pots and kettles. https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human/civilians A great fuss was made in the media about the proposed law related to visitors from abroad visiting the PA from Israel. For some reason the relationship section upset many Americans! Perhaps that’s because they have never seen the visa application form or the questions asked for any visitor from anywhere in the world wanting a visa to enter the USA. The Israel proposed law was based on those self-same questions!!! “I am ashamed,” German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in front of a grieving Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the commemoration event in Munich. “As head of state of this country and on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, I ask your forgiveness for failing to protect Israeli athletes and for the subsequent failure to seek explanations,” https://english.elpais.com/international/2022-09-06/germany-apologizes-50-years-after-the-munich-olympics-massacre.html Guess what? Suddenly the West has come to understand that UNWRA, which employs some 35,000 Palestinians on your penny, is biased and clearly part of the problem not part of the solution to the dire situation in Gaza and the PA https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-716230 A Memorial to the Children of the Kindertransport was dedicated in the port of Harwich, UK, (pronounced Harritch) this last week. Harwich was the main point of entry for most of the 10,000 children who came to Britain on the Kindertransport, from December 1938 to the outbreak of war in September 1939. Nearly 2,000 children spent their first weeks at the Dovercourt holiday camp just two miles from the Harwich docks. When the doors of almost all other countries was firmly shut, the Brits opened their doors and hearts to these children who had nobody in the world. If you want to know more - https://kindertransport-memorial.org/ Incredibly 21 years have passed since the world was held in sheer disbelief, watching as two planes flew into the Twin Towers in Manhattan. 3,000 people lost their lives in those towers, in the Pentagon and in Stoneycreek. Incredible bravery saved Washington as the passengers and crew attacked the Al Qaeeda terrorists who had Hijacked their plane causing it to crash in a field in Stoneycreek Township, all on board lost their lives. Have we learned the lesson that when someone says he wants to kill you, wipe you off the face of the earth, you should take it seriously? Apparently not. Just three days ago Liz Truss travelled to Balmoral Castle to meet the Queen and become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Conceivably the last official action taken by Her Majesty. I admit that I actually wanted the other candidate to win but I gave up my right to vote so it makes little difference what I believe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liz_Truss and the other candidate, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rishi_Sunak . Although it has nothing to do with their ability to lead it is heartwarming to know that both candidates are declared supporters of Israel. Phew What a week! On Sunday I met with Margie and Dubi Gordon in Shalva where they got “the tour” and came with me to see Dr Dan’s Room. They were blown away by the atmosphere, the beauty, the joy of Shalva, exactly as I hope I describe it. When Dubi writes his weekly missive to the Natick Community of Boston he will tell you all about it. Many of you ask about where we live. Well, it’s about 12 kilometres outside Jerusalem in the direction of Tel Aviv but happily still high enough in the hills to have wonderful air and no humidity! It is next to the Avenue of Presidents, five minutes from the Castel and close to several pill boxes from 1948 and before. Of course, I could show off and tell you that the village below was one of the first settlements outside Jerusalem, is beside a big reservoir (well in winter there’s water there) and situated on the Seven Sisters Road, the original hairpin bends of the road to Jerusalem. In addition, we have a famous archaeological site under the new road, in Tel Motza, the site of what has been declared the world’s largest ancient settlement of C9,000 years ago. Avenue of the Presidents sounds impressive, it is where Theodore Herzl planted the first tree in 1898, a tree he was told was a cedar but in fact was a common fir! Every President since that time has planted a tree and hopefully next year the area will become a site for visitors to the area as both KKL/JNF and JAFI will make it beautiful and replant the broken and dried up remains of the once beautiful trees planted with such hope. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/herzls-tree/ This week, our estate opened a new synagogue! The celebration was huge, music dancing, unlimited food and even a few prayers. Of course Zvi discovered that apart from all the people he knows on the estate, the Rabbi is the son of on of Zvi’s friends from the synagogue in Gilo where we used to go with Zvi’s parents. It’s hard for some to understand that here, in Israel, the opening of a new synagogue is not a formal event, it is bringing all the neighbours together, tables laden with every salad under the sun, the “mangal” or barbecue send unbelievable aromas over the entire estate and every so often the smoke billowing in our direction. It was irrelevant whether one was a regular or an occasional prayer-goer, everyone was welcome. The music was unbelievably loud, but joyous Eastern music, the sound of thousands of years of absorbed culture of the Jews from Arab countries who came home when they realised that they were not welcome in the lands they had helped to build. Since the attendees were mixed we were warned with a “Zeh maod Chariff” – That’s very spicy when the salads were distributed! Three new glistening Torah Scrolls were brought into the Synagogue, but not before they were taken, dancing, around the entire estate and everyone who wished could kiss the beautiful silver casing. As to the Seven Sisters road which was relaced by Road Number One, now there is a new road on the block!! Road Number 16, The Ariel Sharon Highway, is open, at least the section from our home to Malha. What used to take anything up to an hour, fighting heavy traffic, now takes a mere 5 minutes! A series of tunnels under Jerusalem brings me out next to Shaare Zedek hospital in three minutes! It is really a beautiful piece of engineering. On Wednesday I met Rachel in Modiin. September the 7th was the day I became a mother, the day that Daniel Joseph Cammerman was born 53 years ago. We sat in a restaurant and talked about Daniel, laughing at what my Mummy would have called his “silliosities”. Just the two of us keeping our memories alive. Last night we went to a phenomenal concert by the Raanana Synphonette led by Gil Shacham with singers and….all held in a car workshop! 700 guests were entertained and fed like kings by Shimon Barzilai in celebration of his 75th birthday. Shimon, son of Romanian immigrants, brought up in relative poverty, worked his way up the ladder of success by denying all the old saws about car salesmen (like my Daddy) and building an empire full of close friends, warmth, charity and a loving family. Tonight I am breaking doctor’s orders, simply because I don’t know how to hold back from having a full house! We will be 12 at the Shabbat table, Zvi’s boys and their children, and you will be relieved to know that everyone is bringing something and this time I am not cooking all day! As we near Rosh Hashana and the time to rethink our lives and our relationships with others; time to apologise for words that may have escaped our lips and hurt someone; actions we should not have taken and remember that no amount of throwing our sins and actions into the sea can bring back thoughtless chitchat without an apology to the one we hurt. As a pre-Rosh Hashana surprise, everyone at the dinner table will get a little gift. Each one will get a chocolate, a spoonful of honey and a little beeswax candle, all representing our wish for a sweet year. I wish you all, whatever your faith, wherever you turn to pray, however you pray, all I ask is that you be good people, remember that once words leave your mouth they can never go back. Shabbat Shalom from our home to yours. Sending love from Jerusalem, across the ether, straight to you Sheila

Justice, Politics and Basel

2^nd September 2022

 

Shabbat Shalom everyone! Can you believe that it’s already September? 2022 is in it’s ninth month, let’s see what the remainder of the year gives birth to!

 

For a change I’m going to start right away with news so that we can talk about the more pleasant aspects of life, leaving us with a sweet taste in our mouths.

 

This weeks Torah reading is Shoftim, or Judges. It teaches us that prior to the Children of Israel entering the Promised Land they had to learn how to behave – how to create a fair society with laws and mores befitting.  Judges and law enforcement officers were appointed and as their leader Moses declared “Justice, Justice shall you pursue” which leads me to a very important Supreme Court decision this week.

 

Amiram ben Uliel committed a heinous crime, the crime that only a zealot could justify. In 2015 Ben Uliel firebombed a house killing three members of the Dawabshe family in the small town of Duma for no apparent reason other than that they were Palestinian Arabs. He and his cohorts thought that they would get away with their foul hate crime but after his final appeal, the Supreme Court upheld Ben Hiliel’s three life sentences. “Justice, Justice shall you pursue”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/supreme-court-rejects-appeal-by-israeli-killer-of-palestinian-family-in-arson-attack/

 

 

Recent Israeli air strikes against Iranian arsenals and missile sites in Syria are causing a rethink of the Iranian presence in that wretched and devastated country. After 500,000 ordinary Syrians died, were killed mostly by their own leader, perhaps the Iranians realise that Israel may be tiny but is definitely the moused that roared and we have a very loud roar. Syria, once proud, is finished and apparently the Iranians decided that it is less strategically essential than they thought.

 

 

Mikhail Gorbechov, who passed away this week, was arguably the primary catalyst in the breakdown of the Former Soviet Union. His determined leaning toward the West and his recognition that Sovietism led to corruption and uneven distribution of wealth he encouraged and was in power during the virtual breakdown of the Iron Curtain and the actual breakdown of the Wall between East and West Berlin. His decision not to shoot those crossing to freedom was a brave and historic move that brought about the recognition of Glasnost and ultimately Perestroika. Of course, those of us who were involved in the Campaign for Soviet Jewry during the 1970’s recognise that the brain-drain of Soviet Jews undoubtedly contributed in a major manner to the downfall of the USSR.

 

"At Basel I founded the Jewish State. If I said this out loud today, l would be greeted by universal laughter. In five years perhaps, and certainly in fifty years, everyone will perceive it."

(Theodor Herzl, 3 September 1897)

 

I happen to believe that there are no coincidences in this world. This week a group of 1,400 active Jewish (and non-Jewish) leaders from around the world met in Basel, Switzerland, for the 125^th Anniversary of the first Zionist Congress. It was not just a celebration, although celebration it was, it was a very important coming together of leaders in every relevant stream of Zionism to discuss the manner in which it affects our lives today. Zvi was there to represent Maccabi World Union, the largest Jewish non-religious and apolitical Organisation in the world which represents over 400,000 members. As I saw the photographs of Zvi standing on the podium in the Congress Centre as if giving THE Herzl speech and leaning on the railings of the balcony  of room 117 in the Three Kings Hotel in Basel I must admit that my mind went back to the “coincidence” of Mikhail Gorbechov’s passing and the Zionist Congress and how Zvi, with Yonah Yahav, all those years ago, fought a Prime Minister (Golda) and brought about the freedom for Jews to emigrate from the then, Soviet Union, to Israel with the blessing of the Israeli Government. Zvi and Yonah proved yet again that if you will it, it is no dream.

https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/switzerland-event-marks-125th-anniversary-of-first-zionist-congress/

 

Last week I wasn’t in the mood to describe the current morass, farrago, muddled miscellany of personal interests that makes up Israeli politics. I don’t know if it distresses me too much to think that we are yet again wasting billions on irrelevant campaigns and lost days of work, or the fact that the same man is causing us to go into our fifth elections in three years, or that same man took a supposedly pragmatic party and agreed to form a coalition with the devil – aka Smotrich and Ben Gvir for the sake of getting back into the Prime Ministerial seat.

 

Who are Smotrich and Ben Gvir? A pair of ultra-extreme right wing politicians who appeal to the worst side of everyone, the racist, anti-Moslem, Kahanists who represent everything that I despise. Wait, let me be absolutely accurate, in a deal brokered by Benjamin Netanyahu, the far right parties of Ben Gvir and Smotrich will unite and help to form a stable coalition with the Likud. I sense Menachem Begin is spinning in his grave at the dreadful turn of events. The Likud Party was founded on the premise that it covered a wide range of political views, Zionist of every hue and now, members of the Likud central committee including people like Dudu Amsalem and Miri Regev call Benny Begin and old fool. Please excuse my rant but I love this country and we deserve better than the feasible coalition or the right thus presented https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Likud

 

OK, rant over, who else is there and what are their chances of achieving 61 seats?

Top of the “Middle of the Road” list

Yesh Atid led by Yair Lapid (current PM) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yesh_Atid

National Unity (Blue and White united with New Hope) led by Benny Gantz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Unity_Party_(Israel)

Yisrael Beitenu led by Avigdor Liberman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yisrael_Beiteinu

Meretz led by Zahava Galon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meretz

Labour led by Merav Michaeli https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli_Labor_Party

Ra’am led by Mansour Abbas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_List

Together they can glean 52 seats of the 61 needed to form a government coalition. However there is an unexpected turn by Degel Hatorah religious party led by Moshe Gafni https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degel_HaTorah which if they move from supporting Likud to joining Yesh Atid and National Unity they will tip the balance from Likud to the above coalition.

 

I hope that left you a little less confused. I know who I trust, I know who has kept his word, acted in a dignified manner from the very start and now that he has been joined by three similarly minded former Chiefs of Staff my “petek” will go for National Unity because the most natural partners to create a relevant a coalition, one that we deserve, will be Yesh Atid and National Unity with fair representation of other parties which represent the honest working men and women of this country.

 

I have gently returned to work, Impact-se CEO Marcus Sheff ( https://www.impact-se.org/ ) saved some of the best news for my return from the UK. Thanks to our revelations UNWRA has to justify the billions in aid that pours into their coffers without actually working to ensure a better life in Gaza and the PA. As more and more countries withdraw their financial support after reading our reports UNWRA is now crying out that they are starved of money. It is rather like the bully who cries because someone hit him back. In addition, the team went out of Impact’s regular area of the MENA region and produced a report on the Russian textbooks and their attitude toward Ukraine and found it lacking in tolerance.

 

 

Can I move over to more palatable subjects? I realise that the election process here is broken and one reason I want a change is so that we can repair it.

 

Firstly I want to thank Claudia de Beneditti for the wonderful recipe book and for being an excellent companion to Zvi while in Basel. I promise to try out some of the recipes for each Shabbat and report back to you!! In the meantime our Shabbat dinner will be of my own creation until I actually have time to sit down and read the book. Thank you dear Claudia!

 

Both of us have been really busy this week but not with anything exciting! Yesterday was special though. In the morning Zvi went to the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem for the Bar Mitzva of the grandson of Mindeleh and Avraham Jasqui who coincidentally became great-grandparents on that very same day! Mazal Tov to all!!

 

Last night we went to a surprise party in Nes Ziona, a lovely dormitory town right next to Rehovot, to the home of Leor and Shiri Raviv – Zvi’s son and daughter in law, for a celebration of Shiri’s parents (Menashe and Galia) Golden Wedding. We were very honoured to be invited because out of the thousands of friends that this amazing couple have, only about 40 of us were invited. Very few spoke, mostly about the crazy adventures that both enjoy all over the world, but the stars were definitely their daughters and their children. They sang and danced to their parents, some practiced some spontaneous and sang along with the “Shira b’Tzibur” community singing that both Galia and Menashe love.  Zvi sang a special song for them, reminding them how lucky we are to have them as our “mechutanim” our in-laws.

 

Zvi has gone to a meeting then he will come back to get me, I will drop him at his parliament at Caffit in the Botanical Gardens, which as you know is one of my favourite spots in Jerusalem, and then I can go to visit Rachel and find out how Yosef, Talia and Ayala did on their first day back to school. Ye, this government succeeded in preventing yet another teacher’s strike (there’s a first for everything) and the children all went back to school on September 1^st as planned. I already know that my tea will be ready, the delicious challot hot from the oven and my loving grandchildren trying to tell me their stories as quickly as possible so that they can return to chatting with friends!!

 

Oh yes, we will go to the Botanical Gardens on the incredible new road from right next to our home directly into Jerusalem through a series of tunnels. Road number 16 or the Ariel Sharon Highway came in over a year early and cuts the travelling time from at least 20 minutes (far more during rush hours which seem to be 24/7) to a mere 5 minutes from our home to Shalva. In fact I am going to Shalva with my wonderful cousin Joanna on Sunday which is going to be wonderful as always. She couldn’t come to the opening of Dr Dan’s Room and really wants to see it in action. Once finished we will stay on for lunch in the excellent restaurant then go our separate ways.

 

Tami Isaacs Pierce is a baker. She opened a small bakery in Hampstead, London and it is growing not only in popularity but in size. Tami and her sister Sasha are the daughters of my friend Stephen, grand-daughters of my mother’s friend Queenie, and neighbours of ours in The Oval in Cardiff so of course I am proud of Tami’s achievements as the Challah Queen. This week the huge supermarket chain Tesco’s put Tami’s Challah recipe in their magazine. https://www.tesco-magazine.com/issues/september-2022/how-to...-apple--honey-challah Enjoy!!

 

Gosh, I was going to wax lyrical bout seeing the relief map, the amazing panorama from Samuel’s Tomb but I feel I have taken enough of your time. Time for music and this week we have hopeful songs.

 

Shalom Lach Eretz Nehederet – Shalom to you wonderful country, is self explanatory. This is a wonderful country!  https://youtu.be/__oEmwpEmTc

 

Looking at those who rule our world I thought about the character of Mr Bumble in the West End production of Pickwick

Harry Secombe, that wonderful Welshman, so funny with the voice of an angel. If I ruled the World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpzCM1aitHw

 

I love the last song because of its lyrics, it’s also a really fun melody.  It talks about the day when fairness and parity will come to our tortured earth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXnM_nz1icc

 

A day will come, a day will come

shortly, soon it will come

everyone knows

in the depths of their hearts

a day will come, a day will come, it'll come!

 

 

A day will come, a day will come

it comes closer and goes on it's course

no longer will a man be degraded

because of his race or his color

a day will come, a day will come, it'll come.

 

 

It'll come, it's today

thus we said and it's not a dream

if we'll die like Moshe on the summit of Mount Nevo

this we'll know, it's already here

it's already here, it's already here

 

 

A day will come shortly

the liberty bell will call out

and blacks and white will gather around

a day will come, a day will come, it'll come.

 

A day will come, a day of light

a day of celebration for the black man

G-d will then smile down from his seat on high

a day will come, a day will come, it'll come.

 

It'll come, it's today

and with the morning we'll rise and suddenly

we'll suddenly be human beings like everyone else

so we'll know, it's already here

it's already here, it'll come!

 

I wish you a Good Shabbes, a fine weekend, a good month of Ellul and kindness in your life

 

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem dear friends, Shabbat Shalom

Sheila

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Brits, Russians and Moslems

 

26^th August, 2022

 

Shabbat Shalom! Did you miss me? I felt really guilty about not writing last week, I think the first time in many, many years, but soon got over it! Instead of writing I spent Friday morning with my children and grandchildren walking through the English countryside picking blackberries which I turned into a blackberry and apple crumble using the incomparable Bramley Apples which disappear in a delicious fluffy mouthful!

 

As you can well imagine my sojourn was just amazing with all three families coming together from Israel, New York and Leeds all for Gideon’s 50^th birthday celebrations which were stupendous! Not only did all the grandchildren get to know each other and renew their love for each other, seeing Gideon and Rachel hugging was special and my two daughters in law couldn’t stop smiling and …… Gideon and Stephanie’s famous hospitality reached new heights. All of their closest friends, including many from childhood, were at the party, the food didn’t stop coming (catered by Jason Millan) and the love was tangible. We celebrated each other and of course Daniel was always in our minds, always uniting us never causing pain.

 

Rachel, Yosef, Talia, Ayala and I stayed at Julian and Hayley’s home, yes really! They were in the States on holiday and without a second thought offered us their home together with instructions on all the machines and dishes in the house! Through their generosity we learned about Borehamwood, a suburb of London, and the incredible Kosher shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries on Borehamwood High Street. Julian is my dearest friend Valerie’s (and Martin’s) younger son. Valerie and I “grew” our children together in the tiny Reading community and Julian’s response when I told him how grateful I was for their kindness was “Auntie Sheila (I love that this 50 year old still calls me Auntie Sheila), you were my second Mum for so many years and I spent such wonderful days in your house, this is a natural way to say thank you” Wow!

 

Thanks to Rachel’s bravery at driving me to Oxford in a gear car on the other side of the road, I also managed to see my siblings, Ronnie, Sandie and Doreen at my lovely cousin Lynne’s and Mike’s; had lunch at Susan’s, tea at Valerie and Martin’s and had the most glorious walk through the best parts of my past. The warmth and love enveloped the Israeli clan, of course including the Seligs and Rob Rab.

 

I should start at the beginning. Our flight included a group of British Moslems from Derby, near Birmingham, quite a large group led by a Sheikh and an Imam. The delightful young man sitting next to me had joined the group at the last minute, together with his two brothers. He was born in Pakistan and raised by his grandparents, whereas his father had remarried and come to Britain and had two more sons. His name is Adnan and when I asked him what he thought about Israel he looked me in the eye and said “Gobsmacked” which for the uninitiated means wow! He talked about his amazement at the freedom of movement and prayer in the Old City for all faiths, of the fun in the new city, of the sense of ease walking everywhere with the traditionally dressed Imam and Sheikh, and his dismay that Israel is portrayed so badly in the general media and often in Mosques. He and his brothers are coming back on their own and bringing their families to see the real Israel.

 

Actually Noor Dahri, an observant Moslem and Zionist, came to Israel and wrote thus

“I visited Aqsa Mosque and Kotel (wailing wall) and prayed in both places.

I was so ashamed of to see that I had free access to any Jewish religious area in Kotel to pray and no any single religious Jew ever bothered to stop me but Jews weren’t even allowed to come closer to Damascus Gate! (One Jewish came close and said “God Bless you” when I was filming video).

Where is freedom of religion and expression. We Muslims have right to go anywhere in Israel but Jewish people have no right to even go to certain areas of Jerusalem. This is the great example of Muslims Apartheid in Jerusalem.”

 

 

I have described much of our visit above so it’s time to get you up to date with what happened in the last two weeks that you don’t already know!!

 

Impact-se (www.impact-se.org) determined to reveal and repair lack of tolerance in education wherever it appears, not just in the MENA region, decided to prepare a report on Russian schoolbooks and the report revealed a disturbing lack of tolerance, even distain, toward Ukrainians, not just recently. I am so proud to be Chairman of the Board because we don’t concentrate on the obvious but change our world quietly. The report https://www.impact-se.org/wp-content/uploads/Russia-Ukraine-Report-4.pdf  Please excuse the long link but I couldn’t find another media report on the Russian attitude to Ukrainians https://www.haaretz.com/2022-08-24/ty-article/.premium/saviors-of-ukraine-russian-textbooks-littered-with-demonization-of-ukrainians/00000182-d113-d972-a7d6-d99f7fb90000

 

The West seems set upon self-destruction by entering yet another nuclear agreement with the Iranians who have never upheld the promises in the past. The latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency states that the Iranians are but 10% away from capability.  Should the current policy toward the Iranian nuclear capability continue Israel will have no option but to destroy the facilities alone. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did not heed George Bush and ordered the destruction of the Syrian reactor - imagine what would have been had he listened, had he not recognized the danger to Israel, and Assad, who had a free hand in slaughtering 500,000 Syrians and used chemical weapons on his own people had a nuclear facility. It doesn’t bear thinking about. Danger thousands of miles away takes on a very different light when a stone’s throw away. Ask the Saudis, Qataris, Emeratis, Bahrainis, all of whom know that they are also in the line of fire. Iranian schoolbooks emphasise Iranian hatred of the United States, determination to eradicate Israel and world domination through Islam.

 

One of the guests at Gideon’s 50^th birthday party was Dr Dan Lasserson. The lovely Dan was and is a senior doctor concerning Covid among the geriatric sector in Britain. He was amazed (should I use the word gobsmacked again?) when Rachel explained to him what happened, after the mistakes of the initial stages of Covid in the Haredi communities here in Israel, the Haredi community gathered together and helped each other, bought oxygen machines, tanks and oxymetres for those who needed it, ensured helplines and on-call doctors. I also learned that each child in the Haredi school system that wants to pass their bogrut (baccalaureate) must do a full course in first aid and CPR and perform many hours of volunteer work. As a doctor Dan was amazed and impressed, as an Israeli I realised that the secular community has a great deal to learn from the Haredi community…….. Of course there will be cries of “but they do not serve in the IDF and so on” I agree but that does not negate their sense of community.

 

The United Nation’s Pillay Report, conducted by former human rights head Navi Pillay, concerning Israeli treatment of Palestinians was slanted and mendacious as one would expect. All of us have a hard time explaining the truth about Israel but thank Heaven there are a few who do so beautifully. Yosef Haddad is an Israeli, a Moslem, an Arab and served in the IDF, he also speaks out. Here he tells the Security Council exactly what he thinks of the Pillay Report https://youtu.be/WAbDcq9BORE  

 

Pillay obviously never heeded the words of Former UK PM Tony Blair

“The best answer to the de-legitimisation of Israel lies in the character of Israel itself and in the openness, fair-mindedness and creativity of ordinary Israelis. That character and those people built the State of Israel. They remain its guardians. They are why to de-legitimise Israel is not only an affront to Israelis but to all who share the values of a free human spirit.”

 

Hadassah hospital has revealed a huge breakthrough in the treatment of Aortic Aneurisms. They can save lives without open heart surgery!! https://hadassahinternational.org/patients-with-aortic-aneurysms-face-a-devastating-choice-but-now-theres-hope-in-an-experimental-new-treatment-and-hadassah-is-helping-lead-the-way/

 

I think you are now up to date! It was a truly incredible visit to the UK. To be with all my grandchildren together was so fulfilling, so heartwarming and to be with all the family, my daughters in law, Philip and Barbara, the friends, siblings, cousins…..and to walk in a British field to pick blackberries…..all amazing. I must tell you of one special moment on Shabbat. Philip spent some time with Rachel and her children all of whom are used to the Mizrachi tunes and version of the grace after meals. Philip decided to sing the very Ashkenaz tunes of our childhood that I thoroughly enjoyed. Yosef, Talia and Ayala love for their Saba (grandpa) so much and they learned that there is more than one way to pray, after all the words have the same meaning.

 

I hear you ask, “What did Zvi do while you were busy gallivanting?” He had a ball with his grandchildren! He spent a few nights sleeping at Leor and Amiad’s homes then when Amiad and Noga had to have some home repairs done he took Ella, Yonatan and Ori to the new indoor fun fair in Mishor Adumim, then he brought them to us to swim and sleep, he fed them their favourite pizzas, in fact he had a wonderful time! Both of us had special grandchildren time.

 

Gideon’s playlist at the party made me recognise why so many of you relate to the music that ends each missive. The songs accompanied the fabulous atmosphere in fact they complemented the atmosphere. So I have to be extra careful in my choice this week.

 

Steve Lawrence translated this song from the Yiddish “Where Can I Go” the story of a lost people turning to a land of our own! I dedicate it to his wife Eydie Gorme z’l, who passed away last week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7AjIAFqG6o

 

Dire Straits performed in Jerusalem in 1985, a huge concert in the Sultan’s Pool under the walls of the Old City. Mark Knopfler sang his own song in his haunting voice “Brothers In Arms” written in honour of the IDF. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o66MdP3kpKo  So much water has flowed under many bridges in the nearly 40 years since this YouTube video was made but the atmosphere is the same.

 

This song by Westlife is almost a prayer, it expresses incredible love, be it for the Almighty or for each other, it expresses the love of a child to parents and in the case of Shalva it expresses what we all pray for – that we become the best person we can possibly be. You Raise Me Up   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bxc9hbwkkw

 

You Raise Me Up also describes the man my eldest son Daniel was. He raised us all up in his gentle urging, his are and his example. He was present the entire time, for all of us, while together. He was there yet so horribly missed. It will be his birthday next week and we will celebrate his birth and his presence, all he was to us and what he still is, but life is hard without him.

 

This week’s Torah Reading is Re’eh In Hebrew that can be spelled in two ways, one meaning evil and one meaning perception. Coincidentally this week’s reading asks us above all to perceive the difference between good and evil and to make the right choices. There are many laws and customs outlined clearly but above all we are expected to make the right choices, to choose good.

 

I wish you a Shabbat Shalom, an excellent weekend surrounded by friends and family, warmth and love.

 

With love from Jerusalem, even more beautiful upon returning.

 

Sheila