October
Sussex Jewish News was conceived on a coach trip to the synagogue in Portsmouth in September 1993. Arnold Lewis z’l and Doris Levinson learned that Irene Noah, who had been producing a magazine called Jewish Life with her husband for some years, had decided to give it up because of ill health. As members of the Representative Council, Arnold and Doris felt that the essence of the magazine – the Communal Diary, so lovingly and carefully produced every month by Pauline Fifer z’l – should continue to be available for members of the Jewish community in Brighton and Hove. Read more...
The very first issue of Sussex Jewish News came out in October 1993 and consisted of a letter from Herzl Sless z’l, the then President of the Brighton & Hove Jewish Representative Council, with the Communal Diary on the reverse. It was sent out to members of synagogues and organisations asking for membership of £5.00 and a request for articles and advertisements. It was hand-typed and photocopied (no electronic equipment in sight at the time) and stuffed into envelopes and posted out to arrive on people’s doorsteps on the first day of every month.
And so it has continued – arriving on the doorsteps on the first day (or as near to the first day) of every month (except for a combined 2-month New Year issue). The price has of course had to be increased, due to printing and postage costs, but it is still very affordable and fantastic value for money, as well as being a lifeline for many members of the community, especially those who do not have computers or are housebound.
After a few months, Steven Morris very kindly offered to produce the information on his computer in his back room, often working until 2.00 am. Gradually, advertisements and more copy arrived, and the magazine grew to four, then eight and even twelve pages – still in black and white and still being photocopied, collated by hand before being sent out.
In November 1996, Hilary Miller designed the first colour cover and proudly SJN now boasted 16 pages of information, rising to 20 or even 24 for the Rosh Hashanah issue.
Every month, each of the four synagogues contribute a page with inspiring messages from each of the rabbis. News came in from Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings & Bexhill. Most of the community organisations send in stories and messages, including personal announcements, details of events and photographs, charity reports, information from the JACS and Historical Society team and also the very full programme at Ralli Hall. There continue to be film and theatre coverage, book reviews, reminiscences, personality profiles, poetry, history and information about Israel.
SJN has no reporters as such, but is grateful for all those who send in articles, comments, letters and advise the team of what has or is about to happen. All the major community events have been covered, such as the Holocaust Memorial at Meadowview Cemetery, the launch of Jewish Continuity; the Anne Frank Exhibition at Brighton College; the Brighton Jewish Film Festival; the deaths of our greats – Yitzhak Rabin, Rabbi Erwin Rosenbloom, Rev. Kalman Fausner; MBEs and OBEs awarded to members of our community; the Torah Academy; Hillel House; the Centre for German-Jewish Studies at Sussex University as well as the induction of Rabbis Efune and Rader by Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks; the visit of Chief Rabbi Efraim Mirvis; the induction of Rabbis Meyer and Zanardo at the Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue and Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah at the Progressive Synagogue.
The SJN team is very small, but very dedicated and there have been a few changes. Katie Lyons took over from Steven Morris for a while with her computer expertise and helped to redesign the SJN look. The blind and partially-sighted were delighted when Stewart Macintosh recorded each month’s issue onto cassette tapes and then floppy disks which were sent out free of charge every month to ten or twelve subscribers in special envelopes which they returned free of charge in the post.
Over the years, SJN benefited from the knowledge and support of a number of wonderful helpers – Laurence Temerlies, Calum Turner, Myra Winston, Deanna Samuels, Laura Sharpe, Angela Goldman, Sharon Rubin, Karen Pettit and Ivor Miskin z’l. Doris Levinson stepped down in 2006 as her husband was very ill and sadly passed away in 2007. Arnold Lewis, who had been the Administrator, also sadly passed away in 2007. But miraculously, Linda Freeman, who had come back down to live in Brighton from London, stepped up to the mark and offered to take over the editorship of the magazine for a couple of years, with Ivor Sorokin as Administrator, assisted by David Seidel, Sharon Rubin and Ivor Miskin, who sadly is also no longer with us.
Out of the blue, SJN had the extreme good fortune to be joined by Stephanie and Brian Megitt who had come to live in Eastbourne from Manchester and they have been and still are an immense asset, working tirelessly with great expertise together with Ivor Sorokin, Bernard and Lydia Swithern, David Seidel, and Michael Rich Doris Levinson, who came back on board,.
The magazine has been completely transformed into a full colour production with amazing front covers and interesting articles. Two weeks of every month are dedicated to the production of SJN, sourcing information, editing and proofing copy, chasing people for articles in time for the deadline, sourcing Communal Diary events, obtaining advertisements, sending out invoices and organising the printing and posting of the magazine. It is a professional production, produced by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Sussex Jewish News has become an archive for the Jewish community in Brighton, Hove and Sussex. It is sent to the East Sussex archive and to the Jewish Museum in Jerusalem. There are readers all over the world.
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Issue 289
October September 2018
1 September – OctOber 2018 • eLUL 5778 / cHeSHVAN 5779 • ISSUe 289 SUSSex SUSSex JewISH JewISH NewS NewS wHAt’S INSIde.... SHANAH tOVA / HAppY New YeAr | JewISH HIStOrIcAL SOcIetY prOGrAmme | recIpeS | wHAt’S ON | ANd mOre Whats 2 Community Spotlight Ralli Hall by Roger Abrahams 3 Another year has gone past and the High Holy Days will soon since been told is almost identical to the two range cookers in be upon us once again. I wish Shana Tova to all my readers. the kitchens of the Mark Luck Hall. Currently, it is quite quiet at Ralli Hall, particularly as Dyson Also, while the Meat Kitchen is not in use during the High Gymnastics and The Italia Conte Drama School are both on Holy Days, our caretaker will take the opportunity of carrying their summer breaks. However, Hillbury House Nursery, now out an upgrade to this kitchen, including the fitting of new under the new ownership of the previous Manager, Lizzie, is stainless steel base units, wipe-down splashbacks and a in the middle of an upgrade and is now looking very smart good deal of painting – we already have a new commercial indeed. dishwasher, compliments of the Lunch & Social Club. It As part of our continuing upgrade programme, we are in the process of renewing our Wifi system, so that every room will have high-grade Wifi, as well as ceiling-fitted projectors and should all look very smart and will make it a lot nicer and easier to use for our regular Lunch Club, plus separate function users. wall screens, together with far improved sound systems, We are prepared to link the Milk Kitchen to the Vegetarian suitable for meetings and functions of all types. We will Kitchen for larger, supervised, Kosher Milk functions, subject also have a three month room let in the autumn to Brighton to the “pre-koshering” of the combined kitchen by the Academy, a local Drama School for sixteen plus (including potential users. The Meat Kitchen is advertised as being degree courses), comprising the use of all of the Lower “Unsupervised Kosher” while in regular use by the Jewish Ground Floor rooms (fitted around the current user times), Care chefs, but this kitchen is also available for supervised with the agreement including BA providing and fitting sprung functions, again subject to “pre-koshering” by the potential floors in the Youth Lounge and Abrahams Room, and full users. length mirrors in the Gym and Youth Lounge - all now fitted and to be retained by RH. We look forward to the continued, and increased, use of all our facilities by our Community, and please do not forget that As you may be aware, we have not been able to provide full the Great Hall alone is licensed for up to 200 people, and will cooking facilities in the Milk Kitchen for some time, owing to comfortably hold about 140 people sitting at round tables, the demise of the rather old cooker. We have now had the with the Magrill Lounge used for receptions and buffets, etc. opportunity of purchasing a rather “swish” dual fuel range cooker, 90cm wide and with a full width oven, which I have I look forward to seeing you at Ralli Hall. Cover: Israeli Postage stamp dating to 2010 - one of a series issued to commemorate the festivals. EDITORIAL BOARD Doris Levinson, Stephanie Megitt, Michael Rich, David Seidel TECHNICAL ADVISOR Brian Megitt SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, announcements, people, congregations, communities, contacts and more. Delivered at SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS SUBSCRIPTION Name:_______________________________________________ Date:_________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode:____________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Telephone:____________________ Subscription (tick one) ❑ I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £20 p/a ❑ I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £27 p/a. ❑ I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ ❑ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 ADMINISTRATOR Hazel Coppins ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ivor Sorokin the start of each month, SJN is run entirely by COMMuNAL DIARy sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com volunteers for reporting, editing and circulating each edition. It has become the cornerstone of PRODuCTION/LAyOuT Anand Day the Jewish community across the region. SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 7 OCTOBER 2018 Email address for submissions and correspondence: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org.uk 2 Sussex Jewish News PO Box 2178 • Hove BN3 3SZ Telephone: 07906 955 404 Contents 3 sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org FEATURES 1 STAMPING ON THE FESTIVALS Israeli Festivals postage stamp 2 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Roger Abrahams provides an update on life at Ralli Hall 12 TIME TO GO HOME Jeremy Collick on living his dreams 13 SARID Fausta Shelton shares her memories 12-13 ROSH HASHANAH RECIPES Dishes for the holidays 15 NEW YEAR GREETINGS Wishes from the community 24 SUSSEX JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL An update from the Rep Council REGULARS 4 SUSSEX AND THE CITY Your news, views and stories from across the county 9 CULTURE History, books and film 22 WHAT’S ON – SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER Regular and special events in your community YOUR COMMUNITY 18 BRIGHTON & HOVE PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE 19 BRIGHTON & HOVE REFORM SYNAGOGUE 20 BRIGHTON & HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION 21 HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION Full page (A4 size) £170 Half page (A5 size) £100 Quarter page (A6 size) £65 1/9 page (credit card size) £40 Personal Announcements in a box (up to 6 lines): £25 Announcements up to 3 lines £10 Flyers: Price on application Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to editorial decision. Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are not necessarily those of SJN; • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY to sjneditor@sussexjewishnews. com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their consideration for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format using Times New Roman font, size 12. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 volunteers, any response may be subject to delay. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 MARTIN GROSS Funeral Director and Funeral Consultant to Jewish communities 01273 439792 07801 599771 4 Sussex and the City 5 Your News Births A well-deserved Honour Mazel tov to Hugo and Vivian Bieber on the birth of their son, Godfrey Gould has been awarded a Certificate from the a grandson for John and Joey. Jewish Historical Society of England ‘for his unstinting and Special Birthdays - September distinguished service’. Also, he has been appointed Hon President of the Sussex Branch of the Society. Mazel tov to Frances Bloch, Sheila Hart, Beryl Miller, Adele Percival, Michael Rich, Alisa Schulster, Collette Seltzer and all Deaths who are celebrating special birthdays during September. We wish Long Life to: Special Birthdays - October • Ian Ashleigh on the death of his mother, Bette Beryl Ashleigh z’l Mazel tov to Noam Buchalter, Bernard Harris, Sivan Sasson, • Ross and Katy on the death of their mother Linda Boyask z’l Sylvia Simon, Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo and all who are celebrating special birthdays during October. • the family of Shirley Field z’l • the family of Jill Richards z’l Bar Mitzvah Mazel tov to Ryan Walker who is celebrating his Barmitzvah on 13 October at Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue. Stonesettings The following memorial stones will be consecrated at the Jewish Cemetery, Meadowview, Brighton, in loving memory Wedding Anniversary Mazel tov to Jill and Paul Wiltshire on the occasion of their Coral Wedding Anniversary in October. for each of the following: • the memorial stone for Dr Tom Pastor will be consecrated on 16 September 2018 • the memorial stone for Rose Stein will be consecrated on Achievements Mazel tov to Ava Sharpe, granddaughter of Judy Irwyn, who achieved 3A* in her A-levels and has been accepted at 21 October 2018 at 2.30 pm • the memorial stone for Alan Tabor will be consecrated on 21 October at 3.00 pm Wadham College, Oxford to read Modern History. Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club Marilyn Fisher, one of our volunteers, celebrated her birthday on Friday 3 August (I am not giving away her age) and her best by Jacquie Tichauer friend of many years from London, surprised her and joined us I am writing this report a few hours after coming home from our 3-night stay in Eastbourne. We had an amazing time and, as usual, we say it cannot get better - but it does. The weather was super and the hotel gave us excellent service. Most of for the weekend. Marilyn was so happy when she saw her and it really made the weekend special for her. The sister of Sheila Hart (another volunteer) who helps at Jewish Care also joined us for the weekend. On 19 August we are having a brunch and meeting with our amazing volunteers, followed by a board meeting. On 22 August, we have been invited to Hyman Fine for their very tasty BBQ. We are very happy to welcome two new volunteers - Michael Marks on a Tuesday who helps us and entertains us with his lovely singing voice and he is happy when our members join in, which they enjoy very much. On a Thursday morning John Gold joins us and he has become a very valuable member of our team. On 27 September Margaret and Mark will be giving us a talk and showing us a film about their fantastic holiday in Israel this year (something not to miss). On the 18 November we are having our card afternoon, Bridge, Kalooki and Rummikub. Tickets are now on sale. Please call Alan on 01273 416335 or myself on 01273 739999 us enjoyed going shopping or on bus trips, listening to concerts at the bandstand, We send our condolences to the family of the late Francis Shepherd.. She will be sadly missed by all at the Lunch Club and we wish them Long Life. We are closed on the following high holidays: September 11 and 25 and October 2. socialising and On behalf of Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Committee we wish dancing the night you a Good Yom Tov and a healthy, happy and prosperous away. new year. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 4 5 issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 6 Sussex and the City 7 Hyman Fine House – The Great Outdoors! by Natasha Carson With the blessing of beautiful weather this year we have been making the most of our gardens at Hyman Fine. It is well documented that getting out into the air has tremendous benefits to health and wellbeing, helping older people feel, look and be generally more well, with a positive outlook on life. So, this year we have been able to put together an outdoor programme of activities in our lovely courtyard garden including our regular Jewish Chronicle discussion group, ably led by volunteer Bev, Star Music – when we sit and play instruments with professional musicians, Bingo with volunteer Shirley, Cookery Club, Keep Fit sessions, Art Group, Barbeques, Lunches, Afternoon Teas and so much more. Yes – the garden has been a busy, busy, place with relatives, friends, staff and volunteers all making the most of the rare pleasures of the English summer. Heritage Open Days issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 On a different note, Rabbi Samuel visited us recently (Yes – in the garden!) and we made plans to hold occasional Afternoon Prayers with him in the Synagogue here. This will happen after the Yomtavim when the nights have drawn in and we are looking for volunteers to make a Minyan with us. This will be on a weekday and refreshments will be provided. This year our Mitzvah Day fun will be helped along by P.J. Library, who are planning to come and invite many families, with a performance of The Mitzvah Magician. It’s always lovely to have children around – it makes us feel a little bit younger. If you would like to learn more about the home or are considering volunteering, please contact Natasha or Mark on 01273 688226. Middle Street Synagogue by Martin Gilmour On Sunday 16 September, from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Middle Street Heritage Shul will be participating in the UK’s European Open Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage with a talk at 3.00 pm. The Open Day is being organised by a cross-community team as part of activities taking place throughout the UK and 30 other countries and the Synagogue will be open to all. Entrance is free but any donation will be welcomed and will benefit the Synagogue’s Restoration Fund. Middle Street Shul was dedicated in1875 and was the third Synagogue in Brighton. The first shul in about 1800, was in Jew Street and the second in Devonshire Place, Kemp Town. The first recorded Jewish presence in our location was Samuel of Norwich 1267 and Jacob Harris, who was hanged in Ditchling in 1734. Israel Samuel and family resided in 22 East Street, Brighton in 1767. I am sure there were many more persons of the Jewish persuasion in the area from the 18th Century or even before. Middle Street Shul is a jewel in our community’s crown and is considered very highly, not only in our community but also by the Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission and the City Council. This year is particularly important as it will commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War and in Middle Street Synagogue we recognise the contribution our Brighton and Hove Community made by visiting the War Memorial in the Synagogue entrance. The Shul will be open to the general public and we look forward to your visit. Florence Place Burial Ground (photo by Michael Coppins) Please also note that on Sunday 16 September - National Heritage Open Day - there will be free conducted tours of Florence Place Cemetery at 10.30 am and 11.00 am. Numbers are limited and therefore pre-booking is essential through Heritage Open Days Office (Kevin Wilsher 07773 974584)”. Directions:- The cemetery is on a small side road, off Ditchling Road, opposite Downs Junior School, next to the Jolly Brewer pub. Please note that the ground is uneven. 6 Sussex and the City 7 Eastbourne Celebrates the Life of Menashe by Stephanie and Brian Megitt Readers may recall that in our March 2018 issue we posted an obituary to the late Menashe Cohen Harounoff z’l, who lived a long and colourful life. Menashe, Life President of Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation, passed away at the end of January and was buried in Israel. On 29 July a memorial service was held in his honour at Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation. Members of the congregation, friends and his family from London, Israel and elsewhere, were present, as was Stephen Lloyd, the Liberal MP for Eastbourne, who knew Menashe well. There was also strong representation by the Christian Friends of Israel. The Rev Malcolm Weisman OBE and Mr David Braunstein each took a part of the Minchah service and Mr Frank Miller gave the address after the service. In his speech Mr Miller read out a warm tribute from Ronnie Taylor, Chairman, and alluded to Menashe’s ability to speak several languages. These included a smattering of Hungarian, learned when helping Jewish Hungarian refugees disembark from ships that had run the British blockade and had been grounded on the beaches of the British Mandate territory. Mention was also made of Menashe’s accounts of his friendships with men in high places in Israel, many of which dated back to pre-1948 Haganah activities and the Sussex Jewish Golfing Society by Richard Simmons issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 1948 War of Independence. One of these was Moshe Dayan. The service ended fittingly with a rousing chorus of Hatikvah, followed by a superb afternoon tea, at which Stephen Lloyd MP addressed those present. He recalled that his partner’s father had been a member of the congregation and a friend of Menashe, which was how he came to meet him. Over meals they would discuss politics and Menashe would tell the stories of his involvement in the creation of the State of Israel. One constant theme was that of Menashe persuading him to become involved in matters relating to Christian Friends of Israel. Menashe’s granddaughter, Miriam, gave a short address, speaking warmly about her beloved grandfather and then thanking everyone for their attendance and for arranging the event. August was our busiest month with three matches against other societies and clubs, one tournament and our August society meeting. Our away matches against Coombe Hill Golf Club in Surrey and Dyrham Park Golf and Country Club in Hertfordshire were keenly fought as usual and we performed well again playing for the Tri-Nations trophy. This is our annual match held at a course in Berkshire against Jewish golf societies from South Wales and Bournemouth. We sent a team of six to play in the Association’s Seniors Golf Tournament held at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds, a predominately Jewish club. This is an annual tournament contested by sixteen Jewish golf clubs and golf societies but in spite of some very creditable scores, we did not win any trophies this time. Our meeting at the links course at Littlehampton, the only golf course in Sussex that replicates the testing conditions of the Open Championship, was very well attended and enjoyed by everyone. September will be a less busy month for us with the number of golfing days restricted by the Yom Tovim. However, we are looking forward to our meeting at Kingswood Golf Club in Surrey on 4 September. It’s a course which has hosted many professional tournaments and it will be a good test of our golfing skills. We expect another large turnout from our members. We are looking for new members to join us, both male and female, accomplished golfers or beginners, young or not so young. For more information please contact our Hon Secretary Ashley Woolfe at: ashley@sportscastnet.com 8 Sussex and the City 9 Sussex Jewish Outreach Group - successful garden party in West Sussex One of the most important social events in our calendar took place in early August when we staged our annual Garden Party at the home of Ian and Barbara Gordon. Situated in the picturesque village of East Preston, the garden was in immaculate order and the weather just about perfect. To add to the hospitality, there was shade from the sun so that none of the guests needed to court danger by staying exposed too long. Ian and Barbara worked tirelessly with Annette to ensure that the sandwiches were made, cakes cut up, and the two kettles were standing ready to deliver constant hot water to replenish the teas and coffees. Everyone had a splendid time and the party only broke up at 6.00 pm, very few people having left before. Helping Hands by Jason Lever What have been some of the milestones During the spring, we made an appeal in Sussex Jewish of Helping Hands since last year’s High News to ‘upgrade your connection’ – as a donor or Holydays? volunteer – to become ‘well-connected’ to the community. That is, of course, as well as the regular Sunday afternoon teas in the AJEX This could mean making whatever extra or new contribution that is within your means and time. Hall and the week in, week out regular Connectivity across our community was behind a volunteers’ support to our clients, wonderful Friday Night Supper at Ralli Hall on 29 June. whether through help with shopping or home issues, The idea was to allow guests, who typically would be on travel to hospital appointments, and all sorts of other their own on a Friday night, to get together for a traditional personalised assistance. Shabbat meal with friends and hopefully make new Hard on the heels of the Yomim Noraim 2017/5778 – when we respond to the Kol Nidre appeal in our synagogues to financially support our own and wider causes – came Mitzvah Day on 19 November 2017, when we were asked to give our time instead of money. Some of our Helping Hands volunteers invited clients to their own homes for friends. We had over 60 guests taking part, which began with candle lighting and ended with Birkat Hamazon. This was only made possible through the efforts of Helping Hands, the Lunch & Social Club and the Community Renewal Fund’s support, which of course comes through your Shul contributions. Please keep making them! tea and a chat, and we followed this up with a Mitzvah As we are entering Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we Day project themed on L’Dor Vador (from Generation to ask you again to consider becoming well-connected in Generation). Post bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah young supporting Helping Hands. This can also mean passing on people joined with our guests at the Helping Hands the message of the benefits of being a volunteer. This is Chanukah Tea on 17th December. the right time to thank again those of you who are already In January, we held a really successful Helping Hands generous with your time, support and donations. volunteer support day at Ralli Hall, run in partnership with So, as we start 5779, one key message coming through Jewish Care. The theme of the day was STOP IT – Stop from our year is that we are greater than the sum of our Isolation Together. The forty or so volunteers were first parts, when we share our support and time, and do so in reminded of the problems of loneliness and isolation by partnerships across the community. But of course, it all watching a short film, made by Impetus, Brighton, about starts with the individual and as one of our volunteers has the value of befriending. Expert-run sessions then gave said, “the Helping Hands team has built up an amazing valuable insights and opportunities for discussion about network of volunteers since the start and the organisation what it’s like to live with dementia and, more positively, is one that the town can only be proud of”. Please help us how befriending can transform the lives of isolated older ensure that this continues... people. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 01273 747722 8 Culture 9 Are you interested in Jewish History? by Michael Crook The Sussex branch of the Jewish Historical Society of England (JHSE) is pleased to announce its programme of talks from October 2018 to April 2019. Details are as follows: • On 23 October 2018 Jennifer Craig-Norton, a British Academy Post-doctoral Fellow of the Department of History at the University of Southampton will talk about Jewish Refugees from Fascism in Sussex 1933-1945 • On 27 November 2018 Michael Crook, the Chairman of the Jewish Historical Society of England, Sussex Branch will talk about The Brighton Jewish Community 1910-1920. This will be a special presentation to mark 100 years since the end of the Great War. • On 29 January 2019 Imogen Choi, Associate Professor at the University of Oxford, will speak about Medieval Sephardi Literature. • On 26 February 2019 Dr Carlotta Ferrara degli Uberti, Lecturer in Italian Studies at University College London, will present on Patriots and Jews: Navigating the challenge of equality and integration in Liberal Italy. • On 26 March 2019 Michael Jolles, a member of the Jewish Historical Society of England Council, will be speaking about the Jews of Hastings & St Leonards. • On 30 April 2019 Lyn Julius of the London School of Jewish Studies will present on How 3,000 Years of Jewish Civilisation in the Arab World Vanished Overnight. We hope that the varied and interesting subjects will have wide appeal. There is a strong local theme this session, with three speakers covering aspects of Jewish life in Sussex, but we will also be covering topics as diverse as Medieval Sephardi Literature, the dilemmas of Jews in Italy, and the fascinating and tragic story of the Jews of Arab lands. We are particularly pleased to welcome Lyn Julius, whose recently published book on this subject has received wide critical acclaim. Please join us at Ralli Hall on the Tuesdays shown below, meetings begin at 7.45 pm sharp, and we aim to end with light refreshments about 9.00 pm. Meetings are free to JHSE members and students, but we make a charge of £5.00 for non-members. For further information, please contact me on 01273 776539, or at amcrook321@gmail.com The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman Book review by Gillian Rich issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a long time. It is the story of Rachel Monsanto Pomie Petit Pizzarro, a Jewish woman born in 1795 on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. Her father was a merchant, who fled from a revolution in Saint Domingue in 1790. They were Danish citizens, although their families were originally from Spain, Portugal and France. Due to a business arrangement in 1818, Rachel is married to a widower, Isaac Petit, a French Jew of Marrano background. He is much older than her and has three surviving children. They have three more children before Isaac dies suddenly. A son is born after his father’s death. Rachel, as a woman, has no inheritance rights to property or business. Isaac’s French family send his nephew, Frederic, from Paris to run the business. He is eight years younger than Rachel, but it is ‘love at first sight’. The local Jewish community strongly disapprove and the synagogue refuses to marry them. Despite the scandal and ill feeling, they do eventually marry, having four children. One of these is Jacob Abraham Camille Pizzarro, later known as the Impressionist painter, Camille Pissarro. Alice Hoffman uses these facts and weaves a magical story of life on St. Thomas and in 19th Century Paris, producing a thoroughly readable novel. She explores gender, race, class and religion through several outcasts. The book is full of the perfumes and colours of the Caribbean. The reader feels the atmosphere within and outside the Jewish community. The family’s servants play a large part in the development of Rachel’s life. In addition, there is the story of slavery and the unrest in nearby North America. There is so much social history covered here, but none of it feels forced. The author has written thirty works of fiction, including young adult novels. I will definitely read more of her work after finishing this beautifully written book. 10 11 Tony Bloom was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sciences from the University of Brighton on 3 August 2018 for his impact on the city and major contribution to business in the city of Brighton and Hove. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 Photo: Tony Bloom with Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton Culture Woman in Gold On Sunday 14th October, we present Woman in Gold. This 2015 film, is a real-life story starring Helen Mirren, who plays the part of Maria Altmann. Altmann is an elderly Jewish woman who fled Vienna, some sixty years earlier. She attempts to reclaim some family possessions that were seized by the Nazis, including some very famous paintings, including ‘The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer’. After enlisting the help of young lawyer Randy Schoenberg, played by Ryan Reynolds, a lengthy court battle ensues to recover the paintings, and other treasures. This does not prove to be easy, as the drama in the courtroom unfolds. The Austrian establishment considers that the paintings are national treasures. Eventually they take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The film starts at 7.30pm and doors open from 7.00pm and is free to Ralli Hall members & full-time students. Otherwise admission is £4.00. For more information contact David Bresh at breshdavid1@gmail.com 10 Features 11 Zeh Rak Da’ati - 2 by Godfrey R Gould Cris (not exactly his real name) lived alone (he never as families, Helping Hands provides personal assistance married) in a flat in a listed terrace house in central tailored to specific concerns, as well as their monthly Brighton. Working, he had held an executive position teas. And amongst the help provided at Ralli Hall are the in a renowned specialist retailer in Hove. But it was for bi-weekly lunches and social activities. Now, only once a his communal work in Brighton that he became very month, JACS meets in association with these lunches, a well-known and respected. Interested in politics, he was far cry from the days when 60 or 70 people used to meet elected a Councillor on Brighton Borough Council and in every week at AJEX Hall. The need is probably still there; time became leader of his party on the council, leader of the organisational help to ensure the system functions is the council and in due course Mayor of Brighton. When not. And there is yet so much more (just look through the he retired from his employment he decided not again to pages of this journal). stand for election to the council. But that did not stop his involvement in public affairs. He was the chairman of the governors of one school and the vice-chair of another, he was on committees and panels, many of which he chaired, and he was involved in sundry charities and other organisations. There was hardly a civic function or Reception in this City at which Cris would not be present. But note the thoughts of Rabbi Samuel de Beck Spitzer on page 12 of the August issue “one reason why Yom HaDin remains a Yom Tov to be celebrated communally and amongst family (is) so that we do not sever our interpersonal contact on such an auspicious day”. Judaism is surely a religion essentially of the family and of the family table? Communal activity becomes especially But a few years ago, Cris did not turn up for his daily more personal on Shabbat and Yom Tovim. Candles breakfast at a cafe off London Road, not far from where may be lit on Erev Shabbat but there may be nobody he lived. And on that day he did not turn up for any of there (physically) to share their light. And when Kiddush the many activities at which he was scheduled to be. Nor is recited there is nobody there (again, physically) to on the next day, or the day after that. No doubt people share the Words or to respond ‘Omain’. But all is not wondered where he was but nobody did anything to find lost. Since Rabbi and Rebbitzin Rader have arrived at out. After a few days, one of his neighbours, not having New Church Road Shul they have invited many to their seen him for several days, knocked on his door. There Shabbat and Yom Tov table. And more recently that was no response. After several more attempts she looked same Shul has organised a communal Friday night meal through the keyhole to see Cris lying fully- dressed on once a month. And what a success it is! Individuals, the floor. The Police broke in and Cris was taken to the couples, families and groups of friends from all our local County Hospital. Having suffered a massive stroke Cris Congregations (and, none) participate. The demand is should have been dead, but he wasn’t and with the overwhelming. That the need is there is obvious, but the excellent treatment he received, began a process of physical capacity of Mark Luck Hall limits numbers. Truly recovery. It was hoped that he might return to his flat, welcome is the recently established Erev Shabbat meal but paralysed down one side of his body and partially (though before davening) at Ralli Hall. Throughout Anglo- paralysed down the other, he was transferred to a nursing Jewry the family table of the Sedarim has long been an home where he still resides. I regret to admit that I do not imperative, recognised here as elsewhere. Most of our visit my friend, Cris, nearly enough. local Shuls organise communal Sedarim on one day Of course, Cris is not unique. There are millions of us who live alone, many are lonely, and too often forgotten. And this is particularly true of Brighton and Hove and especially of our own Jewish community. When a partner dies, for some time those with whom the relict (a very or the other - there is, however, a remarkable variation of price and limitation! And, again at NCR, lunches are organised for all on Shevuoth and in the succah on Succoth. And there’s plenty more, but this is not a catalogue. Victorian term oft seen on gravestones of the period) But all these most worthy facilities do not entirely was friendly remain so, but as time passes couples compensate for the true family table. Rabbi Spitzer seem to associate so much more with couples and the referred specifically to Yom Kippur. After a day in Shul singleton seems to be almost an aberration. Even when fasting and praying, all slips quite away when the sole friendship persists we all get on, friends themselves die, congregant returns alone to his or her house or flat, and the time comes that even with the best of intent, closes the front door, and breaks the Fast in solitude. few can cope with looking after themselves, never mind Others may share this special moment, but..! considering the needs of others. However, here there is much done communally to help soften the blow. From the very first, over 180 years ago, there was established the Brighton Hebrew Philanthropic Society (now the Brighton & Hove Jewish Welfare Board) to help all those who are in need, though mainly financial. But times and ideas change, and today there is a remarkable raft of It might surely come to you, too. We all get old, and just as we also become alone and indeed for some of the time, lonely. We are for most of the time so visible. But when we close our front doors then we seem, to those who moments before enthused so much about our presence, no longer to be even there. I wonder why? organisations to help the elderly, the infirm, the lonely Never mind: your time, too, may surely come. Unless? and the needy. To satisfy the needs of individuals as well issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 12 Features 13 Time to go home by Rabbi Dr Jeremy Collick The last four and a half years have not been easy ones for simchas and sitting with them and their families, is the me. Forced into early retirement by ill health, followed by 5 greatest privilege a man can have and was a vocation, a way months in hospital and the never-ending routine of thrice of life and a career I treasure every day. weekly dialysis, my days are still relatively busy but with rather different activities. The last 15 years at Edgware Masorti and my previous years at Brighton and the beginning of my career working with It has been interesting being on the ‘other side of the bed’ so Rabbi Michael Leigh, have given me a unique opportunity. to speak and to feel the loneliness and institutionalisation of being in hospital or at home. One of the frustrations has been being unable to travel much in general and particularly, not being able to fly to Israel. But, with the permission of my doctors, all that changed in June and we had a magnificent trip to our home in Ashkelon overlooking the sea. There were numerous rocket attacks from Gaza and we sat on our balcony listening to the boom of Israeli artillery, but somehow it felt like home in a way that Edgware never has. All my life I have had 3 dreams – to help create a Bayit beyisrael, a Jewish home, filled with love, laughter and tears too. Cindy and I have had the privilege of many wonderful years together and seen our sons grow into fine young men So that dream came true. My second dream was to be a Rabbi. From early childhood that is what I wanted to do and to be. To study, teach, lead, inspire, comfort and celebrate with Jewish people. So that dream came true. My third dream was to live in Israel. As a teenager I volunteered to go to Israel at the time of the Yom Kippur war and have spent many months there since – studying, holidaying but never living full time as an Israeli Jew. Cindy and I were determined that when I retired this is what we would do and at the beginning of January that is what we are doing! Not that I am uncomfortable living here, far from it. But the racism and increasing anti-semitism since the ‘brexit’ vote has saddened and disappointed me. I will miss the people we love and our friends and Jacob, our younger son who is studying at Leeds University (Joel,our oldest has already made Aliya). But I will enjoy living a Jewish life in a Jewish country however frustrating that is! Making some small contribution to the life of the third Jewish commonwealth will be challenging but fulfilling as well, I hope. In spite of it ending early, I thoroughly enjoyed every (well, nearly every) minute of my 36 years as a community Rabbi. Being with people at the time of their greatest joys and Please God that dream will come true, too. May this New Year be a time when your dreams come true. Recipes for a Sweet Year The following recipes were taken from The Taste of Shabbos cookbook, a project by the Aish Hatorah Women’s Organisation and published by Feldheim, but is now out of print. Please note that all the recipes use standard cup, teaspoon and tablespoon measures. Streusel Coffee Cake 3/4 cup of sugar 1/1/3 cup oil 1 egg 1/2 cup orange juice (or any other juice) 1-1/2 cups plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 cup raisins (optional) Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tbsp plain flour 2 tsp cinnamon 2 tbsp oil 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts Combine the sugar, oil and egg. Add the juice and beat thoroughly. Mix raisins with the dry ingredients. Add the flour/ raisin mixture and beat until smooth.Spread in a greased 9” square cake tin. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 Combine the ingredients for the topping with a fork and sprinkle over the batter. Press down slightly. Bake at 185o C (375o F) for 30 – 35 minutes. Old-Fashioned Honey Cake 2 eggs 1/4 cup honey 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cocoa 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup nuts 2 cups sifted plain flour 1 cup strong coffee Combine eggs, honey, sugar and oil. Mix in dry ingredients alternating with liquid. Beat for 5 minutes. Pour into a 9” by 12” greased cake tin. Bake till done at 185o C (375o F). 12 Features 13 Eulogy to Sarid by Fausta Shelton I was assailed by a mixture of sadness and nostalgia when I recently heard that the AJR – acronym for Assocation of Jewish Refugees - has, wisely and understandably, decided on the dissolution of SARID, the Holocaust Survivors Group, that I had started in Hove in October 1998 and ran until September 2011, when I retired. The Hebrew word ‘sarid’ has several meanings, one of them being ‘remnants’. I had met an Israeli family in London whose parents had survived Auschwitz and had subsequently decided to acquire that noun as their surname, and I asked and obtained the approval of two local Rabbonim before proposing to my line manager to name the group so significantly. I was at the time social worker in Sussex for Jewish Care, where I found help to locate prospective members in the area. My heart swelled with great emotion when so many enthusiastically enrolled, not only from Brighton and Hove, but also from places like Arundel, Eastbourne, Horsham and further still. It was exciting, and daunting at the same time, to meet and interview the Survivors, originally from Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria and Czechoslovakia, as they all had a story to tell that reflected, not only their suffering, but also their dimension as extraordinary human beings, who had survived, both physically and emotionally, the unrelenting persecution of the Nazi regime, the extermination camps and the ghettos. The number of people registered eventually reached fifty, of whom twenty-three were AJR members, and it was soon agreed between Jewish Care and the AJR that the latter should take financial responsibility for the project, as they received a grant for that purpose. As a result, Myrna Glass issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 joined me at the helm and we had a core number of well over twenty members attending the monthly sessions at the Ralli Hall, where the atmosphere among us was just perfect for meeting old friends and making new ones. On such occasions, we always had speakers of distinction from different backgrounds and in 2002 we even had the great honour of being given a talk by Sir Nicholas Winton, then aged 93, who travelled from London by train to be with us on the day. In 1999, after talking to Judith Hassan, Director of Shalvata, a model Centre for Holocaust Survivors under the umbrella of Jewish Care in London, I asked and obtained that Dr. Andras Herskovits, an academic and himself an Auschwitz survivor, supported us to form a Creative Writing Group, similar to the one he was conducting there. In fact, such a group was successfully run by him in Hove until 2010, when his health deteriorated and prevented him from travelling. By then, the ‘Writers’ had grown in number and they were producing excellent work, which had increasingly acted as therapy, while at the same time reaching literary achievement of the highest quality. These are the memories that I treasure and I hope that all those who were once there shared the same feeling of belonging when they thought of SARID. Now, only a few are left and to them and their friends, who are no more, goes my deepest gratitude for answering my invitation twenty years ago and for allowing my empathy to be silently known to them. Editorial Note: The SARID Group continued to meet on Mondays at Ralli Hall until the Spring of this year – 2018. Sweet Potato Kugel 1 large sweet potato 1 potato 1 carrot 2 apples rind and juice of 1⁄2 lemon 1/3 cup matzah meal 1/3 cup oil 3/4 cup sugar (*) pinch of salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup raisins (optional) (*) Editor’s note: feel free to reduce quantity. Shred vegetables and apples. Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Spread in a greased casserole dish. Bake, covered, at 165o C (325o F) for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Wishing all our customers a Happy New Year 14 15 issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 14 THE FOR SUSSEX SUPPORTING OUR WARMEST NEW JEWISH YEAR US NEWS GREETINGS DURING EDITORIAL GREETINGS THE FOR PAST TEAM THE YEAR, 5779 NEW THANK YEAR AND 15 YOU SEND ALL ABBOUDI Juju and family wish everyone a happy New Year and well over the fast. ABRAHAMS Roger and Irit wish Shana Tova and good health to all of their family and friends. BARNARD / SEIDEL Rachel, David, Moses and Gabriel wish the community a Shana Tova. BARNETT Sandra wishes family, friends and the Community a happy, healthy and peaceful 5779 and well over the fast. BARSAM Claire and Sam wish Rabbi Samuel, our relatives and friends and all the Community a happy New Year. BLOOM Wendy and Ronnie wish all their children, grandchildren and many friends a happy New Year and well over the fast. BOOKER Beryl, John and Maurice wish family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. BURKE Shirley and Alan wish their family and friends a happy and healthy New Year and all best wishes for the future. CARLEBACH Myrna wishes a happy and successful year for the Brighton and Hove Community. Shana Tova. CARLTON Sandra and Derek wish all their family and friends good health and happiness for the coming year. CATERING CONNECTIONS Angela and Dann wish the entire community a happy and peaceful New Year. CENTRE FOR GERMAN JEWISH STUDIES שנה טובה ומבורכת May it be a year of peace, reflection, dialogue and enlightenment. Warm wishes to the Community. COLLICK Rabbi Jeremy and Cindy together with Joel and Jacob wish all our Sussex family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. COLLINS Jean wishes her family and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 CONN Anne sends New Year greetings to all family and friends. CONWAY Susan, Jonathan, Simon and family wish family, friends and the whole Community a happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. COWAN Janet wishes everyone a very healthy, happy and peaceful year ahead. CROOK Janet Ann and Michael and family wish all their relatives and friends Shana Tova, and a happy, healthy and peaceful 5779. CROWN/LYONS/ANDERSEN Shana Tova from Jeremy, Saonie, Elizabeth, Ghila, Rich and Annalise. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful 5779. CUDDIS Shan and David wish family and friends a very happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. DAVIS Angela and Joe wish all their family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. DELACOUR Robert and Marion wish all their family and friends Happy Rosh Hashanah greetings, L’Shana Tova. DOCTORS Philip and Anthony wish all friends and the Community a healthy and happy New Year and well over the fast. DUKE Norina and all the Dukes of Hove wish Shana Tova and well over the fast to all their wonderful friends and family. EVANS Evelyn wishes her family and all her friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. FAULL Dian wishes all family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. FAULL Maurice, Laura, Matthew and Emily wish family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. FELSENSTEIN Linda and Raymond wish their family and friends a healthy and happy New Year and well over the fast.. FERRIS Benita wishes her family and friends a peaceful and healthy New Year – Shana Tova. FISHER Marilyn wishes all her family and friends a happy New Year and well over the fast. FLASHMAN Roz and Michael wish their dear family and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year and well over the fast. FEUERSTEIN Jacqui and Raymond wish all their family, friends and the team of SJN a happy, healthy and successful 5779. GOODMAN/KORBY Debra, Micheal, Charlotte, Nicholas, Leora and Sam wish all their family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. GORDON Barbara and Ian send love and good wishes to their family in Shoreham and friends in Worthing for a happy and healthy New Year. GORDON Joan wishes her family and friends a happy New Year and well over the fast. GOULD Godfrey - may 5779 bring us all a year of peace, good health and every happiness. L’Shana Tova. GREEN Sheila and Ruth wish all the Community good health and happiness for the New Year and well over the fast. HARRIS Karen, Michael and Oliver wish all members of the Community a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Shana Tova. HELPING HANDS wish our wonderful volunteers, clients, and the whole Community a good and sweet year. Shana Tova Umetukah. Thank you for all your support. IRWIN Judy wishes all her dear friends Shana Tova and good health for the coming year. ISAACS Barbara wishes Shana Tova to her children, grandchildren and all her many friends. 16 17 JAY Jean wishes her family and friends a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. JOSMAN Cecil wishes all his friends and family and members of the Sussex Jewish Golfing Society, a happy and healthy New Year. Shalom Aleichem. KRAVETZ Sylvia and Arthur wish their dear family in New York and Israel together with their friends at Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation a sweet, healthy and happy New Year. LASKY Doreen and Malcolm and their family would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. LEVER Alan and family wish the Rabbonim, friends and the Community Shana Tova with health, prosperity, success and peace. LEVINE Sydney and Cecile send their warmest good wishes to their family and friends for a happy and peaceful New Year. LEVINSON Doris wishes the Rabbonim, her family, friends and colleagues in the Community a happy and healthy New Year. LIND Eleanor and Freddy wish the whole Community a healthy and happy year ahead. LUPER Renee wishes Shana Tova to all her family and friends. Best wishes to all the Community and all at SJN. MAGRILL Marilyn wishes Shana Tova to her dear mother, family and friends. MANN Lewis would like to wish all his family and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. MASON Harry and Hazel wish their children, family and friends a very happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. MEDIPHARM LTD The Solomon family wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. MEGITT Stephanie and Brian wish all their friends in East Sussex a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 MELCHER David and Joan wish all family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. MILLER Pearl wishes all the city’s Rabbonim, their families and our wider Jewish Community a healthy and happy New Year and well over the fast. MITCHELL Rita and Ronnie wish their darling family and friends a happy and healthy New Year and well over the Fast. MORDECAI Louise and Steve wish their family and friends Shana Tova. May 5779 bring good health, happiness and peace to us all. MOSS Pat and Roland wish their family and many friends a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and well over the fast. NOAH, LEVEY June and Adrian wish their friends at Holland Road Synagogue a happy and healthy New Year. OBERMAN Rochelle, Gerald, Lheila and Zelig wish family, friends and all the community a very happy, peaceful and healthy New Year. PANTO Rosa and Stuart wish all their family and friends a healthy and happy New Year. PANTOOCK Rosalind wishes a healthy and peaceful New Year to her friends and relatives living locally. PHILLIPS Michael and Penelope wish the Jewish Community a good and sweet New Year. POSNER Liz wishes her family and friends a happy and healthy 5779 and well over the fast. RALLI HALL would like to wish its members Shana Tova. Thank you for many years loyalty and continuing to support your local community centre. RALLI HALL LUNCH & SOCIAL CLUB wish our amazing volunteers, members, supporters and the community a happy, healthy and peaceful year and an easy fast. RENTS Renee and family send good wishes for a very happy and healthy New Year. RICH Gillian and Michael wish family and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. RICHARDS Jill and Ivor wish all family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. ROLAND Marianne and Bernard would like to wish family and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. ROSE Jack and Elaine, Adam and Eva, Mariamne, Dan, Joseph and Max wish Shana Tova to all. ROSE Susan and David wish all our friends and family a very happy and healthy New Year. ROSENFELD Sue and Tony wish all their family and friends Shana Tova, a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. ROSENTHAL Jessica, together with Miriam, Dave, Esther and Jacob Rich and Sam, Ruth and Tessa, wish everyone a sweet and joyful 5779. RUBIN Brian and Sharon wish all their family and friends a Shana Tova and health and happiness and well over the fast. RUBIN Hazel and Joe send their best wishes to their family and friends for a happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. RUTHERFORD Sandra, Amanda and Fiona, together with Filipa and Julia wish their friends good health, happiness and success in the coming year. SCHAVERIEN David wishes Rabbonim, fellow congregants and friends a peaceful Shana Tova. SELIGMAN Melanie and Simon, together with Daniel, Liora, Rachel and Charlotte wish all family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. SHELTON Fausta wishes the whole Community Shana Tova and good health, happiness and peace, always. 16 17 SHARPE Beryl and Mef wish our dear children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends a happy, and prosperous New Year and an easy fast. SILVER Bernice and Arthur wish Jason, Jeffrey, Roman and all their friends a most happy, healthy and trouble- free Yom Tov and an easy fast. SILVER Bobbie, from her new home at Nightingale House, London, wishes her dear family and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. SILVER Corinne Rachelle wishes health, happiness, love, laughter and a very sweet year to all her dear family and friends in the Brighton and Hove area. SIMMONS Eugenie sends New Year greetings to the entire Community. SIMONS Philip wishes L’Shanah Tovah to family, friends and volunteers, members and staff of Ralli Hall, and the Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club. SIMONS Ruth wishes Shana Tova to the whole Community. SOROKIN The Sorokin family send sincere Shana Tova wishes for health, joy and peace within our local community. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 STANFORD Jeffrey, Lydia, Simon and Lisa wish family, friends and the entire community a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. SUGARMAN Lucy and family wish their dear family and friends a very healthy and happy New Year and well over the fast. SUSSEX BRANCH JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Shana Tova. We look forward to welcoming you to our next set of lectures. Full details at https://jhse.org/branches/sussex/ SUSSEX JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL The President, Chair Team and Executive wish all the community a happy and successful New Year and well over the Fast. SWITHERN Lydia and Bernard wish their dear family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. TAYLOR Ronnie and Linda wish their dear family and friends and all the Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation a happy and healthy New Year. TORRANCE Tom and Cherry wish family and friends here and in Israel good health, peace and joy in 5779. Shana Tova Umetuka. WALKER Doreen and Bernie, Les, Steve, Oliver and Ryan wish their families (at home and abroad) and dear friends a healthy and joyous New Year. WALLACH Rabbi Charles and Marilyn wish their relatives and friends LeShana Tova Umetuka. THE WESSEX JEWISH NEWS TEAM wish everyone at SJN and the community a happy and healthy New Year. WEST SUSSEX JEWISH COMMUNITY wish Happy New Year 5779 to Jewish people and their families in West Sussex.Join us at our monthly events: 01273 728178 westsussexjc@gmail.com www.sussexjewishoutreach.com WILKS Sarah and David wish all the Community L’Shana Tova U’Metukah a good and sweet year and well over the fast. WINSTONE Everyone at Sarah’s Catering and Jewish Deli would like to wish family, friends and customers a very happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. WOOLFE Laurel and Julian wish children, grandchildren, great- grandchild Millie, relatives and friends a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. ZANARDO Rabbi Andrea, Sara, Dov, Yair and Hila wish everyone a year full of sweetness. Brighton and Hove Jewish Housing Association provides sheltered accommodation in Central Hove It currently has a vacancy for a one bedroom unfurnished flat, suitable for single occupancy. A further vacancy is expected to arise shortly for a flat that could be suitable for a couple. The affordable rent includes central heating; constant hot water; use of garden; television and telephone points For further information concerning either of these flats or to request an application form please telephone 07716 114012 or email bahjha@googlemail.com 18 BHPS Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: info@bhps-online.org www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk 19 Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue Twitter@BHPS2011 The (Complex) Jewish Calendar by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah Rosh Ha-Shanah is early this year – although not as early 5779 will be a 13-month year, known as shanah m’uberet, as it could be. The sacred season begins with S’lichot, a ‘pregnant year’ – hence, Rosh Ha-Shanah 5780 will be prayers of ‘Forgiveness’, on the night of Saturday/Sunday, late. It isn’t necessary to know the technical details of the 1st/2nd September. This is very early. According to the calendar in order to experience the flow of the Jewish year. Ashkenazi custom, to ensure that S’lichot are recited for The Jewish year simply goes from Rosh Ha-Shanah to at least four days prior to Rosh Ha-Shanah, if Rosh Ha- Rosh Ha-Shanah. Nevertheless, the importance of, both, Shanah falls on Monday or Tuesday – as it does this time the lunar and solar years to the Jewish calendar is critical round – S’lichot are held back a week. So, this year the to the experience of the flow of Jewish time. After all, Jews autumn festivals will be all over by 3rd October. live not only from festival to festival, but also from moon/ Next year, by contrast, Rosh Ha-Shanah will be at the end of September (Erev: 29th). What’s the reason for this disparity? The Jewish calendar is rather complex. It is complex because it reconciles the solar year and the lunar year – the latter being eleven days shorter. The Jewish calendar does this so that the festivals fall in the right month to moon/month. I mentioned that the biblical name for the month in which Pesach falls is Aviv. According to the Torah, Aviv, is the beginning of the Jewish year for months (Bo, Exodus 12:2). In other words, Aviv, which after the Babylonian exile acquired the Babylonian name, Nisan, is the first month of the year. season. For example, Pesach is a spring festival, which It makes sense to begin a year in the springtime. It makes according to the Torah takes place in the month of Aviv, even more sense that the Exodus from Egypt, which ‘spring’ (Bo, Exodus 12:1ff.). In the 4th century, Rabbi Hillel defined our existence as a people, should begin in the II established a fixed calendar, which standardised the spring. So, what do we make of the fact that the New length of months – 29 or 30 days – and followed a 19-year Year falls on 1st Tishri, the seventh month of the year? cycle, in which an additional month is added seven times Rosh Ha-Shanah means ‘the head of the year.’ Rosh Ha- – in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th and 19th years of Shanah is the highpoint of the Jewish year. Its significance the cycle. To ensure that Purim on 14th Adar and Pesach, is spiritual rather than material. On Rosh Ha-Shanah, we which begins on 15th Nisan, remain one month apart, this embark on a soul-searching journey that concludes at additional month became Adar 1, Adar Rishon, ‘first Adar’, the end of Yom Kippur. During that ten-day odyssey, we with Purim taking place in Adar 11, Adar Sheini, ‘second effectively step out of the natural world in order to examine Adar’. The 19-year cycle also includes adjustments to our deeds and repair our lives and our relationships. ensure that neither Yom Kippur nor Hoshanah Rabbah, the And then, the first thing we do afterwards is re-enter the seventh day of Sukkot, fall adjacent to Shabbat. To avoid seasonal cycle by building the sukkah. May we find the this problem, a day is added to the month of Cheshvan or spiritual nourishment we need for our journeys. L’shanah subtracted from the month of Kislev in the previous year. tovah! Events@BHPS High Holyday Tickets are available from the office. Email or ring for details. Students and members of progressive congregations are free but will need a ticket for security purposes. Sunday Lectures and Lunches 2018/19. 11.30 am Welcome drink 12 to 1.00 pm Lecture by guest speaker 1 to 3.00 pm Lunch including wine or soft drinks and coffee £22.50 per person, 10% discount if all 5 booked. Non-members and friends welcome. October 14: Ann Berger, director of development, promoting the life changing medical research funded by The Rose Tree Trust. December 2: Dr Wilf Assin, consultant psychiatrist on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. ‘Not all wounds are visible’. January 27: Sir Anthony Seldon, on his latest book. (Title still under wraps!) February 24: Aviva Dautch - ‘The remarkable Isaac Rosenberg’, First World War poet. March 31: Dr David Jacobson, Jewish historian - ‘Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem’. Sunday: Nov 25: Annual Art Exhibition. Original art and prints, jewellery, ceramics and pottery. Onagim - Friday evenings at 7.30 pm with a shortened service and light refreshments. All welcome, but if not a member or friend please contact the office. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 October 12: Dr Ben Kasstan: ‘The Charedim of Manchester - culture, faith and health’. November 9: Dr David Jünger: ‘Kristalnacht’. Are you Jewish or Jew-ish? 13th October, 10:30 - 15:45 An opportunity for those unaffiliated or disaffiliated to explore BHPS. 10:30 Tea and coffee, 11.00 Beit Midrash (House of Study) Shabbat morning service, 12:30 Kiddush and shared lunch. 13.00 What is Judaism? 14:30 sample Hebrew learning. Exploring Judaism with Rabbi Elli Shabbat, 2.15-3.45 pm, after the Access to Hebrew class (1-2pm) • Sept 1 Elul & S’lichot • Sept 8 Rosh Ha-Shanah • Sept 15 Yom Kippur • Sept 22 Sukkot • Sept 29 Simchat Torah • Oct 6 God Oct 3 What is Judaism? PLEASE NOTE: 1.00-2.30 (Access to Hebrew: 2.45-3.45) 18 BHRS Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue, Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org https://www.facebook.com/BrightonReform 19 BrightonReform issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 What should an apology look like? by Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo This morning during breakfast my son Dov asked me out of the blue “So, Dad, what was Jeremy Corbyn up to yesterday?” Initially I was most impressed that my son had been following the news. Then, I realised we were on holiday and he must have picked up something from conversations between his parents! Yes, the current leader of the Labour Party is currently the topic of conversation in our family. We are no different from many other British Jewish families. We are furious, worried, disappointed and astonished, all these things together and maybe more, because of the inability displayed by the Labour leadership to handle the blatant antisemitism inside the Party. Added to this is the discovery of a rabid anti-Semitic City Councillor, of all places, in Bognor Regis, not so far from our lovely city. He tweeted the most horrendous of anti- Semitic canards, along with praises for Hitler... But, I hear someone saying, the heinous man from Bognor Regis is not a Labour Party member anymore. Also, Corbyn has apologised and promised he will personally take care of anti-Semitic members of his party. But we, as the clear majority of British Jews, and our representatives elected e.g. at the Board of Deputies, do not take these apologies seriously. Jeremy Corbyn has first denied the problem, then minimised it, then committed himself to root it out. This sounds like admitting that the Party has an antisemitism problem, but he did not admit it, he merely moved from denial to commitment to root it out. Part of the apologies are just a repetition of something written four months ago. He has also shown a lack of understanding of our culture: his article of apology was released while most Jews were busy with preparations for Shabbat, hence had no time to read a column published, of all places, in the Guardian. Worst of all, Jeremy Corbyn really does not understand why Israel is so important to us Jews, (actually, he barely mentions it at all), and wants to reserve the right to deface it and call for punishment for, well, everything bad that has happened in the region since 1948 and even before. Truly Jeremy Corbyn has shown us what a real apology must NOT look like! Perhaps we should thank him... In these coming weeks we Jews are busy with apologies. We engage in the process of teshuvah. During Yom Kippur we apologise to God and commit ourselves to do better, and while we prepare ourselves for the most holy day of the Jewish year, we apologise to our family and friends and do whatever we can to change relationships for the better. It is a universal commitment, because, as we say during the service over and over, all the community is responsible, and every single Jew has transgressed. No one is perfect. A true apology, which leads to a real teshuvah, must be sincere and not the repetition of a script, it must be empathic, and not blackmail, and it must include a commitment to do better. May we all find the strength to do so, over the next week, to our fellow human beings and to the Eternal One. Bulletin Board September Saturday 1 Rabbi’s Torah Breakfast, 9.00 am Selichot Service, 6.30 pm Sunday 2 Wedding of Keren Shaw & yoni Nisner , 3.30 pm Thursday 6 Rosh Chodesh, 7.30 pm Saturday 8 Shabbat Service including a Baby blessing, 10.30 am Sunday 9 Erev Rosh Hashanah, 6.30 pm Monday 10 Rosh Hashanah, 10.00 am Tashlich, 5.00 pm 2nd night Rosh Hashanah, 6.30 pm Tuesday 11 2nd day Rosh Hashanah, 10.00 am Saturday 15 Book Club, 9.15 am Sunday 16 Mourners’ Kaddish at the Grounds, 11.00 am Tuesday 18 Kol Nidre, 7.00 pm Wednesday 19 yom Kippur, 10.30 am Sunday 23 Sukkah building, 3.00 pm Erev Sukkot Service, 6.30 pm Monday 24 Sukkot Service, 10.30 am Sunday 30 Erev Simchat Torah, 6.30 pm October Monday 1 Simchat Torah service, 10.30 am Saturday 6 Shabbaton & Shabbat Doroteinu, 10.30 am Sunday 7 Stonesetting of Riv Russell, 12.00 noon Community Tea, 2.30 pm Tuesday 9 ulpan (intermediate), 7.00 pm Rosh Chodesh, 7.30 pm Thursday 11 ulpan (beginners), 7.00 pm Friday 12 Shabbat Kolot, 6.30 pm Saturday 13 Rabbi’s Torah Breakfast, 9.00 am Bar Mitzvah of Ryan Walker, 10.30 am Sunday 14 Stonesetting of Sidney Norton, 2.30 pm Saturday 20 Bar Mitzvah of Luke Bodner, 10.30 am The diary is subject to change. 20 BHHC Rabbi Hershel Rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation, 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: office@bhhc-shul.org www.bhhc-shul.org 21 Rosh Hashanah – Resisting the Blame Game by Rabbi Hershel Rader Rosh Hashanah, observed on the first and second days of woman You gave me, she gave the fruit to me’. Is it his fault? the Jewish Year, is unique among the festivals of the Jewish Of course not! It’s the woman’s fault. It’s G-d’s fault for giving calendar. Unlike the other festivals, which mark a particular him the woman. But Adam himself? Absolutely not! And how event in Jewish history and the experience of our People, does Eve respond when presented with the same question? Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of a universal event; the The serpent gave me the fruit! She too plays the blame game. creation of the world and, more specifically, the creation of the first human beings. G-d doesn’t confront us personally with our wrongdoings, but He does give us a time of yearly focus, before and during Accordingly, Rosh Hashanah is the festival that emphasises the Days of Judgement, to confront ourselves. To look back the universal, rather than distinctly Jewish, aspect of our on the past year and take stock, both of our virtues and life mission. On Rosh Hashanah we proclaim G-d king of shortcomings. Most of all He asks us to be truthful with the universe and that ‘every object shall know that You ourselves and certainly not to ascribe our deficiencies to have made it, every creature shall understand that You others. The blame game is what we expect from children; the have created it, everything that has the breath of life in its ability to examine oneself honestly and objectively is a sign of nostrils shall proclaim G-d, the G-d of Israel, is king and his maturity. sovereignty rules over all.’ Yes, the observances are uniquely Jewish, but we pray for all of mankind and, importantly, the judgement of Rosh Hashanah is a universal one. At the conclusion of Yom Kippur we also sound the Shofar, but the mood is very different, it is a sound of triumph, expressing the confident hope that our prayers have been Foremost amongst the observances of Rosh Hashanah is accepted and G-d’s judgement has been a merciful one. the sounding of the Shofar; on a day which recalls creation we proclaim the Creator’s sovereignty, sounding the Shofar like a trumpet. Not only is Rosh Hashanah the anniversary of Mankind’s creation, it is also the anniversary of our first sin, Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Knowledge, accordingly the cry of the Shofar is also a call to repentance May our prayers this coming New Year be answered in a positive, good way and may the year that lies ahead be one of peace and prosperity for all Mankind. Perla and I wish the entire community a Shana Tova U’Metuka – A Good and Sweet Year. initiating the Ten Days of Repentance which culminate on Yom Kippur. The story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, one of the first Biblical narratives, offers a great and enduring insight into human nature. Firstly, here were two people who had only one restriction, one thing forbidden to them, and they were unable to adhere to it. They were allowed to eat any produce except the fruit of one tree and they could not control themselves. In the words of Oscar Wilde, they were able to ‘resist anything except temptation’. The Sages tell us ‘stolen waters are sweeter’; that which is not ours so often seems more desirable! Secondly, how did they react when confronted with their transgression? G-d says to Adam ‘did you eat of the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?’ and Adam replies ‘the issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 Our Weekly Shiurim Three shiurim are held every week at 31 New Church Road, Hove. Wednesdays, 12.30 - 1.30 pm. Lunch and Learn for all. A light informal lunch followed by a shiur. £3 a head. Thursdays, 10.00 to 11 am. Ladies’ Shiur (no charge). Saturdays, half an hour before Minchah (times vary - please see weekly notices). The shiur is followed by Minchah, a Seudah Shilitit and Ma’ariv (no charge). Annual Summer Barbeque Our Annual Summer Barbeque will take place this year on Sunday 2 September in the Shul grounds from 12.30 pm. Great food and atmosphere. Adults - £17.50 Children - £7.50. Book your place by contacting the Shul office on 01273 888 855 or office@ bhhc-shul.org. Bookings must be made by Thursday 23 August. 20 HHC Rabbi Hove Email: Hebrew hollandroadshul@btconnect.com Samuel Congregation, de 79 Beck Holland Road, Spitzer www.hollandroadshul.com Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 21 Downward Dogs and Salutations by Rabbi Samuel de Beck Spitzer I am persistently requested to focus some attention on if we allow ourselves the benefit and the flexibility to the subject of Tefillah, commonly translated as ‘prayer’, overcome set stereotypes, if we transfer skill sets from one something that we tend to do in no short measure over discipline to another, I am convinced that we will begin to the High Holy Days. Intuition tells me that most of us have see and feel within ourselves a radically improved form of eaten our fair share diet of the subject and heard bog- synchronicity. I am not advocating asanas (yoga postures) standard lectures on our rites of prayer at some point in our in the middle of Musaph, although to quote the Babylonian lives, albeit seldom containing any detailed textual analysis. Talmud (Tractate Succot 53a): On prostration Rabbi Shimon Has it perhaps occurred to you that Jews in their place of worship have not always been confined to pews, shtenders, designer suits and dresses, enclosed stuffy ben Gamliel would “bow down and put two thumbs into the earth, suspend his body in the air, kiss the ground and straighten up!” spaces, minimalistic movement, English decorum, a myriad What I would advocate however is a stillness of spirit, focus of unintelligible words and stained glass. On the contrary, of heart, clarity of thought and all-round mindfulness that the origins of Israelite service were full of blood, guts and can be achieved during our designated fixed ritual within innards, splatterings and sprinklings mixed with penitential the Synagogue. It will probably require some preparation meditative states and ramblings, ranging from remorse to prior to entry to this Holy space or at least to desist from sheer ecstasy. If, as Maimonides so eloquently penned it, distraction on arrival. The Chassidim I dare say, within their “All existence depends on God and is derived from God”, diverse strands are probably the last living remnant of our then this is serious business and not for the faint of heart. ecstasy filled past with their exuberant swaying, hopping There are ancient systems that advocate movement and and chanting. After all, this is raw, in-your-face, God time. types of chant in order to induce internal conscious human Good luck to all of you brave souls who find the courage connectivity with our Source. The most obvious that comes to break out of ingrained stultifying moulds of automated to my mind is that of Yoga (I highly recommend it!). Yes...I ‘Service’, the likes of which have transformed some places know... there are always those who will immediately cry of worship into museums and far too many hearts so that ‘avodah zara’ (Idol worship), but it needn’t be so. Indeed, they no longer beat in rhythm with their emotions. It’s never to the informed and initiated, there are many paths to too late to dig deep... we have everything to pray for. kosher yoga and its benefits are immeasurable. Moreover, A heartfelt Ketiva Ve’Chatima Tova to you all. issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 22 What’s on: September 2018 Website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org Email: sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com SJN Email: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org.uk 23 COMMUNITY EVENTS – IMPORTANT REMINDER: Contact the Communal Diary before planning your events. Email: sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com SHABBAT SHALOM – BRIGHTON TIMES REGULAR ACTIVITIES Please note that during the High Holiday period, events may be In Light candles Out Havdalah cancelled. Please check with event organisers. Fri 31 Aug 7.30 pm Fri 7 Sept 7.15 pm Sat 1 Sept Sat 11 8.37 pm 8.21 pm Mondays Shiur for the Actively Retired with Rabbi Efune 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm at Fri 14 6.59 pm Sat 15 8.04 pm 11 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Hove. Tel: 07885 538 681 Fri 21 6.43 pm Sat 22 7.48 pm Talmud for the Thinking Man with Rabbi Efune. 8.15 pm – 9.15 pm at Fri 28 6.28 pm Sat 29 7.32 pm Chabad House 01273 321919 Rubber and Duplicate Bridge 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm £4.00 + £1.00 NOTABLE DATES transport Ralli Hall. Tel: Reba 01444 484839 • Erev Rosh Hashanah – Sunday 9 September • Rosh Hashanah - Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 September Torah & Tea with Penina Efune. Weekly Discovery and Discussion Group based on Jewish texts focusing on the personal meaning and relevance to our lives. 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm at Chabad House. Tel or Text 07834 669181 • Wednesday 12 Fast of Gedaliah – Wednesday 12 September • Erev Yom Kippur / Kol Nidre- Tuesday 18 September • Yom Kippur - Wednesday 19 September Tuesdays Something to Say? - Discussion Group with Rabbi Samuel, with Rabbi Samuel, every other Tuesday Hove Hebrew Congregation, 79 • Erev Sukkot - Sunday 23 September Holland Road, Hove 10.30 am Tel: 01273 732035 • Sukkot – 24, 25, 29 and 30 September • Hoshana Rabba – Sunday 30 September Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club 10.30 am - 4.30 pm Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 Weekly Ralli Hall Mummy and ME Music with Penina Efune @ Montessori Nursery from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm. Enjoy a stimulating environment with your baby/ EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER Tuesday 4 Sussex Jewish Golfing Society at Kingswood Golf Club toddler, some meaningful discussion, music and movement Painting with Rochelle (JAS) Studio at Ralli Hall, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm. Tel: 07811 601106 Summer break from 3 July – 9 October Chutzpah Choir yiddish singing in 4 parts with Polina Shepherd. 11.00 Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 am – 1.00 pm weekly. For Hove venue contact chutzpahchoir@gmail.com ‘Shackleton’s Carpenter’ a play by Gail Louw at the Rialto Theatre, or tel. Betty on 01273 474795 Dyke Road, Brighton 7.30 pm Tickets £12/£10 Tel: 01273 725230 Israeli Dancing 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Ralli Hall Tel: Jacky 01273 688538 Sunday 16 National Heritage Open Day - Florence Place Cemetery conducted tours at 10.30 and 11.00 am. No charge. Limited numbers; pre-booking Wednesdays Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community (affiliated to Liberal Judaism) essential through Heritage Open Days Office (Kevin Wilsher 07773 Coffee morning, 11.00 am, 1st Wednesday of each month, Hydro Hotel, 974584) Eastbourne. Information: www.eljc.org.uk or phone 01323 725650 National Heritage Open Day - Middle St Shul 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm Thursdays Wednesday 26 - Saturday 29 ‘Plaza Suite’ a New York comedy by Neil Simon at the Barn Theatre, Southwick Street, Southwick, 7.45 pm. Tickets £11.00 01273 597094 or www.wicktheatre.co.uk Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club 10.30 am - 4.30 pm Weekly. Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 RH JACS members are invited on the first Thursday of every month to the Ralli Hall Lunch &Social Club. Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 RH Voluntary Support Agencies Bridge at Ralli Hall 11.00 am Weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Efune - men and ladies welcome - • Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club (Day Centre) 8.15- 9.15 pm at Chabad House. 01273 321919 01273 739999 ralliday@tiscali.co.uk Fridays • Norwood/Tikvah, Rachel Mazzier House 01273 564021 Kuddle Up Shabbat parent & child playgroup with Sara Zanardo and her • Hyman Fine House 01273 688226 guitar will recommence in the Autumn term Free Happy Hour @ Montessori Nursery 12 noon – 1.00 pm ALL • Helping Hands 01273 747722 helping-hands@helping-hands.org WELCOME. Come and celebrate, see, taste, hear and feel the joy of • Brighton & Hove Jewish Welfare Board 07952 479111 or info@bhjwb.org; website: www.bhjwb.org Shabbat! Tel 01273 328675 Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community (affiliated to Liberal Judaism). Service at 6.30 pm on the 4th Friday of each month, at CTK Hall, • Brighton & Hove Jewish Housing Association. bahjha@googlemail.com Eastbourne, BN23 6HS. Information: www.eljc.org.uk or phone 01323 • Welfare at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue/L’chaim project 725650 01273 737223 Saturdays • Welfare Officer at Brighton & Hove Reform. (Sue Rosenfield) 01273 735343 Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Shabbat services at 22, Susans Road, Eastbourne, 10.00 am. Contact 01323 484135 or 07739 082538 • Jewish Community Centre at Ralli Hall. Various communal activities. 01273 202254 or rallihall@tiscali.co.uk Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community (affiliated to Liberal Judaism). Service at 12.30 pm, 2nd Saturday of each month, at CTK Hall, Eastbourne, BN23 6HS. Information: www.eljc.org.uk or phone 01323 725650 issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 22 What’s on: October 2018 Website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org Email: sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com SJN Email: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org.uk 23 SHABBAT SHALOM – BRIGHTON TIMES In Light candles Out Havdalah issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 EVENTS IN OCTOBER Sunday 7 Helping Hands Community Tea at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Fri 5 Oct 6.12 pm Sat 6 7.16 pm Fri 12 5.57 pm Sat 13 7.02 pm Fri 19 5.42 pm Sat 20 6.48 pm Hove 2.30 – 4.30 pm. Donation £3.00. Transport can be arranged. Contact 01273 747722 Sussex Jewish News – Submission deadline for the November 2018 issue. Send your articles, thoughts, photos and Fri 26 5.28 pm Sat 27 6.35 pm announcements to sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@ sjn.org NOTABLE DATES Sunday 14 • Shemini Atzeret - Monday 1 October • Simchat Torah - Tuesday 2 October BHPS Lecture and Lunch 11.00 am – 3.00 pm, with guest speaker Ann Berger, Director of Development on Promoting the life-changing medical research funded by the Rose Tree Trust. 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove £22.50. Tel: 01273 737223 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Sussex Jewish Film Club presents ‘Woman in Gold’ at Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove. 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Donation £4.00 For visitors using a satellite navigation system in their vehicle. JEWISH CEMETERY, MEADOWVIEW, BRIGHTON The post code for this cemetery is BN2 4DE JEWISH CEMETERY, OLD SHOREHAM RD, HOVE Tuesday 23 Jewish Historical Society of England with guest speaker Jennifer Craig-Norton ‘Jewish Refugees from Fascism in Sussex 1933- 1945’. 7.45 pm Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove. Members The post code for this cemetery is BN3 7EF. free, Visitors £5.00. Contact amcrook321@gmail.com Tuesday 23- Saturday 27 ‘Old Stock – a Refugee Love Story’ at The Old Market, Market Street, Brighton 7.30 pm. Booking: Tel: 01273 201001 Please note that our next issue will be November 2018. The deadline for your announcements, news, views, articles, photos, adverts, etc., is 7 October 2018. Important message HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY VISITS If you are in hospital or know anyone being admitted into hospital, please get in touch with info@ sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org or telephone 07789 491279 so that a Jewish chaplain can be contacted to visit. 24 24 Sussex Jewish Representative Council It would appear that all has been quiet this summer other Jewish organisations and can play a more since our very successful and well supported Yom contemporary role in the civic life of the city. Please do Ha’atzmaut Celebrations. But this is not the case. follow us @SussexJewishRep to see what we’re doing. Behind the scenes, the Council receives enquiries In addition, our community saw demonstrations by weekly on all different aspects of Jewish life in the pro-Palestinian groups trying to boycott the Seret Israeli community, many from outside organisations or Film Festival, organised by BNJC at the Komedia in individuals. We do our best to respond to all enquiries May. Part of the remit of the SJRC is to protect the directing them to the relevant body or organisation, or interests of the Jewish community. We supported the the Chair Team provides a response or the information efforts of the BNJC, SFI and CST to make sure the required, if we feel equipped to so do. Film Festival continued. This reached local and national However, the issue that has concerned us the most has been the ongoing problem of anti-Semitism not only in media and brought one of the VPs of the Board of Deputies down to Brighton, in support. the Labour party, but also on our doorstep. We were privileged to have been involved in the Henry Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing & Shoreham, recently held a discussion on the Israeli/ Palestine Conflict. Sadly, this was scheduled for a Friday night. When it was pointed out to him that this made it very difficult for many people from the Jewish community to attend, we were told that as no-one Solomon Memorial Ceremony together with BHHC and Sussex Police. In addition to the memorable commemoration it was wonderful to see the Florence Place cemetery restored for the occasion. We hope this can be maintained as it truly is a local Jewish site of historic interest. had raised it with him - although we did - he wouldn’t We are currently working on the redesign and update change the date. A few people did attend to represent of the SJRC website. The end result should be a user- the community and unfortunately the presentation friendly calendar for the communal diary, and a more was very one-sided with Mr Loughton at one point effective way to post and read about upcoming events, suggesting that ‘the rockets serve Israel’s purpose’. A and local news. particularly offensive sentiment. The requirement for us to send out important local We raised our concerns regarding the disgusting news on a regular basis is on the increase. We are views shared on Facebook by Bognor Regis Labour building our database and would love to be able to Councillor, Damien Enticott and contacted the Bognor include all of the community. If you don’t receive our Regis Town Council. He was subsequently suspended updates please do contact us and ask to go on the list. from the party and removed from the town council. (sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com) We have also been in discussions with Brighton & We would like to end our report this quarter by paying Hove City Council regarding the adoption of the full tribute to a dear colleague and friend Irvyn Isaacs, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) who passed away this summer. Irvyn was an active definition on anti-Semitism. We hope to have a fuller member of the SJRC, a Vice President and the first report on this in the next issue. Administrator of the Community Renewal Fund. He is In the last month, the SJRC has been quoted in the missed and not forgotten. Argus twice, has appeared on Latest TV discussing You can visit the Rep Council on their website at www. the IHRA definition and has been interviewed on BBC sussexjewisshrepresentativecouncil.org. They can be Radio Sussex about anti-Semitism. contacted by email at sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com We have also moved into the 21st century and are or followed on Twitter @SussexJewishRep now on Twitter. This means that the SJRC can respond immediately to issues of concern, can engage with issue 289 | sePTeMBeR – OCTOBeR 2018 -
Issue 268
November October 2016
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Issue 279
November October 2017
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Issue 245
October 2014
1 SUSSEx JEwISH NEwS NEw WhatswHAT’S INSIdE.... NEw YEAR GREETINGS | SONIA ELLIMAN IN CONVERSATION | PITIGLIANO | dAYTONA | wHAT’S ON | ANd MORE SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2014 • ELLUL 5774 – CHESHVAN 5775 • ISSUE 245 2 Pause for thought 3 The world we live in is not so simple. It is faster, There are always heroes and villains. There are sometimes much faster, than we’d like. always the guilty and the innocent. Freely adapting Events in Israel have been and are changing from the Serenity Prayer, we hope that everyone regularly. So much so that whatever we try to write will be granted the wisdom to know the difference. may be out of date by the time it sees print. So During the Ten Days of Repentance, we can only what to do? To paraphrase hope that in exercising Divine our friends from across one of judgement to all, regardless of There are always the Abrahamic divides, we’re faith or belief, God will determine damned by what we write and heroes and villains. who will be inscribed in the Book damned by what we don’t. of Life for another year and that There are always At this time of year, in advance it may be a year of peace for all of the Yomim Noraim, it seems – for Israel, the people of Israel the guilty and the more appropriate to recognise and all people and nations in the innocent. that there are many sides of world. any conflict – and that includes Shana tova umetukah. the media, the international community as well as those who are engaged in battle. EDITORIAL BOARD Doris Levinson / Stephanie Megitt SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, David Seidel/ Michael Rich announcements, people, congregations, TECHNICAL ADVISOR Brian Megitt communities, contacts and more. Delivered at ADMINISTRATOR Bernard Swithern the start of each month, SJN is run entirely by volunteers for reporting, editing and circulating ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Ivor Sorokin, Lydia Swithern each edition. It has become the cornerstone of COMMuNAL DIARy info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org the Jewish community across the region. COVER IMAGE Brian Megitt PRODuCTION/LAyOuT Anand Day SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 5 OCTOBER 2014 Email address for submissions and correspondence: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS SUBSCRIPTION Name:_______________________________________________ Date:_________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode:____________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Telephone:____________________ Subscription (tick one) I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £18 p/a I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £24 p/a. I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 2 Contents 3 Sussex Jewish News PO Box 2178 • Hove BN3 3SZ FEATURES Telephone: 07906 955 404 1 THE PERPETUAL CALENDAR, PITIGLIANO The Synagogue’s perpetual calendar is set at Rosh Hashanah (image by Brian Megitt). 9 A FAMILY MEAL From Jewish Women Friends of Sussex’s Marion Adler 12 AN INTERVIEW WITH SONIA ELLIMAN Stephanie Megitt speaks with the actress 14 PITIGLIANO Brian Megitt finds much to explore in Italy 14 POETRY CORNER Original verse 16 NEW YEAR GREETINGS Messages from Chief Rabbi Mirvis, the Board of Deputies and the community REGULARS 4 COMMUNITY LIFE Your news and stories from across the county 9 CULTURE Daytona comes to Brighton, film and more 24 WHAT’S ON Regular and special events in your community YOUR COMMUNITY 20 BRIGHTON & HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION 21 BRIGHTON & HOVE REFORM SYNAGOGUE 22 HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION 23 BRIGHTON & HOVE PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE Full page (A4 size) £170 Half page (A5 size) £100 Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are Quarter page (A6 size) £65 not necessarily those of SJN; 1/9 page (credit card size) £40 • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or TISING services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and Personal: £4 per line • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or Flyers: Price on application submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to to sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their editorial decision. consideration for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format using Times New Roman as a font. Receipt of submissions may not BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 ADVER IN SJN GUIDELINES be acknowledged, unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, any response may be subject to delay. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 4 Community life 5 Your news Achievements Births Mazel tov to Caroline Elizabeth Spencer daughter of Shirley & Mazel tov to Rabbi Vivian and Lynette Silverman on the birth of a Alfred Huberman on gaining a PhD (Professional Doctorate in granddaughter, a second daughter for Lauren and Richard Devris in Nursing). Amsterdam. Get Well Special Birthdays We wish a refuah sheleimah to Alegra Adler, Aubrey Cole, Bill • Mazel tov to Peter Brook, Jack Sasson, Malcolm Sharpe (80) Goodfellow, Sam Jacobs, Penny Phillips and all who are unwell or and Sharon Starr, all of whom are celebrating special birthdays in in hospital at the present time. September. • Mazel tov to John Abrahams, Peter Bloom, Evelyn Davis and Thank You Karen Pettitt, all of whom are celebrating special birthdays in October. Corinne Blass would like to thank her amazing husband, children and very dear friends for all their love and support, dinners and Bar Mitzvah gifts, and all who sent their good wishes following her recent hospital stay and recuperation at home. Mazel tov to Lucy Sugarman on the barmitzvah of her grandson Jojo in Israel. Deaths Weddings We wish Long Life to the families of Joe Benjamin z’l, Jack Mazel tov to Rabbi Pesach and Penina Efune on the wedding of Blomenberg z’l, Phillip Conway z’l, Ann Sugarman z’l and Ivan their son Sholem Dovber to Devorah Rachel Ebriani in Israel. Tannenbaum z’l. Wedding Anniversaries FAULL Stanley - The memorial stone in loving memory Mazel tov to: of Stanley Faull, beloved husband of Dian, will be • Shirley and Alan Burke on the celebration of their Diamond consecrated at the Meadowview Jewish Cemetery, wedding anniversary. Bevendean Road (off Bear Road), Brighton BN2 4DE on • Roz and Mike Flashman on the celebration of their Golden Sunday, 7 September 2014, at 4.15pm Wedding in September. • Jacqui and Simon Rickman on the celebration of their Pearl On 14 September, stonesettings will be held at Meadowview, Bear Wedding in October. Road, Brighton for Anne Goldberg z’l (2.00 pm), Anthony Weinstein • Jill and Ivor Richards on the celebration of their Golden Wedding z’l (2.30 pm), M. Cherlin z’l (3.00 pm) and Miss D. Goldstein z’l in October. (4.30 pm) Diamond Wedding Anniversary AJEX - Association of Jewish It was with much happiness Ex-Servicemen & Women that Renee and Joe Rents celebrated their Diamond by Norman Grant Wedding Anniversary on I have recently been elected as Chairman of the Brighton & Hove Friday 11th July 2014. Branch and look forward to serving all our present and future They enjoyed a family tea members. party, hosted by their eldest daughter and husband, I would like to pay tribute to Sidney Lipman, our Hon. President Lorraine and Graham, at and all the active Officers for all their good work over the past their home in the ancient years. I look forward to working with them in the future. high street of Tarring Village, I am pleased to report that we have four new members and invite West Sussex. anyone who supports our aims and principles to also join, whether Renee and Joe were joined or not you served in the Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy. All by their son Michael, his are very welcome. wife Dee and their children Felix and Florence, as well On 4 August the AJEX Standard was processed into the B & H as their youngest daughter Benice and her partner Richard. Reform Synagogue for a WWl Centenary Memorial Service, which was incorporated into the Tisha B’av Service. This was led by Warm wishes had been received from their other grandchildren. Rabbi Andrea Zanardo in the presence of the Deputy Mayor and many other civic and religious dignitaries. On behalf of AJEX I had the honour to recite the traditional poem and the Kohima Epitaph, The Zionist Federation in conjunction when our Standard, carried by Bernard Frost, was dipped to honour the memory of those Jewish servicemen who served in that with the Sussex Jewish Representative war. It was a moving moment. Council’s solidarity meeting at Ralli Hall Later in the year we hope to organize a visit to the Jewish Military on Sunday 3rd August, attended by over Museum in London. Would all those interested please let me know, 200 people, raised over £4,000 for care as we will have to arrange transport, etc. I would like to wish all our packages for Israeli soldiers. members and the whole community a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 4 Community life 5 Brighton National Rally for Israel and Peace by Neil Duncanson Sussex Friends of Israel (SFI), the Brighton and Hove based Col. Kemp pro-Israel community activism group hosted a National Rally for was joined Israel and Peace on Sunday 17 August, attended by more than by two 1,000 Zionists from across the country, including many from excellent Sussex. speakers on the day. The event, designed to allow Israel’s supporters from across the Mayor of UK to come to Brighton to stand in solidarity, supported peace Efrat Oded in the Middle East and recognised Israel’s right to exist. Revivi, who Colonel Richard Kemp CBE, the retired British Army officer who interrupted commanded British forces in Afghanistan, gave the keynote a family address. Col. Kemp said: “I have been closely following the holiday to excellent work of Sussex Friends of Israel and its growing reach come to in grassroots activism for Israel. Brighton, spoke “It is horrifying to witness the hatred and vitriol expressed eloquently of towards Israel and the Jewish people at protests across the UK. life in Israel Israel’s opponents are using a variety of methods to question and how Israel’s legitimacy and that is quite simply wrong. touched citizens of Efrat are by the support and solidarity from “I chose to define some of the military aspects of the current people in the UK. conflict and bring some balance to the messages that come SFI was also delighted to host Rebecca Bat Raphael, from the from some quarters of the media. Israel does not deserve to be Israeli Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum, who delivered a vilified in the press, nor demonised on the streets. It has done very emotional speech about the loss of family members on more than any nation at war, in history, to limit the number of both sides of the conflict. non-combatant casualties and it deserves a fair hearing”. Sussex Friends of Israel Trustee, Dr Winston Pickett said: “We were delighted that Col. Kemp, Mayor Revivi and Rebecca Bat Raphael joined us to speak at the event. They received a superb reception from the gathered audience and provided excellent speeches that really hit the right note. “For some time now, grassroots activists for Israel have been asking SFI to take up the baton and hold a national rally in solidarity of Israel and for peace. We were happy to oblige in the hope of an extension of the current ceasefire and a long and binding agreement for peace”. The rally took place at Victoria Gardens and in addition to the three excellent speakers, included live music from the SFI band, a ride past by Sky TV’s Jews on Bikes and refreshments. Everyone received an ice cream thanks to the generosity of the Community Renewal Fund, for which SFI is extremely grateful. To find out more about SFI’s activism for Israel, please join the thousands who follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Happy new year to all our customers 87 Old Shoreham Road, Hove BN3 7AQ Tel: 01273 880022 Email: bdsanders1@tiscali.co.uk issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 6 Community life 7 Memories of Anne Sugarman [nee Apel] by Rochelle and Natalie We have great was unable to take her place due to family circumstances. Instead memories of our she attended the JFS school in London and had lots of happy mother, a very memories of being there. kind, gentle and At the beginning of the war, the family moved to Leeds and then Mum sweet lady; always went into the Land Army in Lincolnshire. While serving her time there, smiling, a really she lived on boiled eggs, as there was no kosher food available. wonderful mother. In the following years she would rarely eat them. A couple of years She was born in ago, Mum received her medal and certificate for her Services to the Brighton, after Nation. her parents came When she returned to Brighton she was met by her brother, our Uncle down from London Jack Apel, who told her she should meet up with the Sugarman to live here and family again. Mum’s brothers had played football with Dad and his was the youngest brothers and Mum remembered going to watch them play together of seven children. when she was a child. She was warmly welcomed into the family - Her brothers, and the rest is history. They had a very happy marriage. Mum always Uncle Alf and Uncle Bob, lived until 97 and 95 respectively. They had all the family in for Yom Tovs. In the summertime she would go were a very close family. Mum came from a very frum family and she and help out in the family business at the well-known Rocko’s fancy remembered her father, a watchmaker by trade, supervising the milk goods shop in Queens Road, Brighton. One of the last things Mum at Hove Dairy at Pesach. Both Mum’s and Dad’s families were two of told us was how much she loved our father - such a good, kind man the original Brighton Jewish families. who could always make her laugh. The family moved to London when Mum was about 10. Unfortunately, although she passed her 11+ exam to attend grammar school, she Hyman Fine House Ralli Hall by Natasha Carson and Mark Pady by Roger Abrahams The summer time arrived and residents have enjoyed relaxing Summer is almost over and the High Holy Days will be soon upon in our sheltered garden and eating ice creams. A group of Ralli us. Time definitely flies when one is having fun! Hall members joined us for our second barbeque of the year and everyone agreed that the food and weather were perfect. Our summer lettings have gone smoothly. We were able to support the community by providing suitable accommodation without Generally life here continues steadily with a variety of entertainment cost and at very short notice to the Sussex Jewish Representative and excursions. Recent trips have included the Sea Life Centre and Council, who arranged for public meetings under the auspices of Middle Farm. Our art sessions and individual music playlists are the Zionist Federation, to disseminate much-needed information keeping us occupied. regarding the conflict in Gaza. We consider it most important that On a personal note, I have just returned from a very interesting trip such accommodation is made available as part of our duty to serve to Romania arranged by the ECJC (European Council of Jewish the wider local Jewish community. In fact, we are very proud to be Communities) to establish some links and learning between our able to do so. home and the wider Jewish Community in Sussex and that of With the autumn season soon upon us, I would like to remind all the Jewish Community of Bucharest and Romania. The trip was readers that we would love to have Ralli Hall used more often by arranged as there are some similarities in the size and age of our the community. We invite any member who would like to start a communities. We are planning on using Skype and Facebook to new activity or society at the Jewish Centre to contact the office, keep the link going. I look forward to being able to share more of where they will find our staff most willing to provide help and advice what came from this visit in future months. as needed. As always, if you feel you could spare us some time to help We would, of course, also like you to book your simchas in our volunteer as a regular or for a one-off event, please contact Great Hall, or Magrill Lounge, both attractive and well decorated, Natasha Carson or Mark Pady on 01273 688226. with adjacent, kosher meat, milk or vegetarian kitchens available to hire. Remember that there will soon no longer be function rooms available to hire at Hove Town Hall, but their loss will hopefully be Brighton & Hove Jewish our gain. Welfare Board See you at Ralli Hall. is delighted to announce the launch of its new website www.bhjwb.org Please contact us to apply for financial assistance, or to make a donation. CARER AVAILABLE – PRIVATE Over 25 years experience Important message Qualified to administer medication HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY VISITS If you are in hospital or know anyone being admitted Hourly rates and references available into hospital, please get in touch with info@ Further information ring Jenny King sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org or telephone 07789 491279 so that a Jewish chaplain can be contacted to visit. 01273 880013 issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 6 7 issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 8 Community life 9 Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club by Jacquie Tichauer July was busy and I am glad to say our members enjoyed Remember we offer a wonderful three course kosher meal, the activities and outings. On 30 July we went to the Hyman something not to miss - even if you just want to pop in for Fine Home, the weather was amazing and it was nice sitting lunch, you will be made more than welcome. I would like outside, enjoying their garden and the very tasty BBQ. Forty-to thank our community on behalf of all our members and five of our members and volunteers also looked forward to volunteers once again for supporting our fundraising mail out. our weekend away to the Cumberland Hotel in Eastbourne on 22–24 August. In November we will be starting new Bridge Classes so if you would like to join, please let me know. On 30 November our We would all like to wish Alan and Shirley Burke a happy 60th annual Dinner Dance will have the Mayor and Mayoress of anniversary (well done). Alan is amazing. He is my boss (as Brighton in attendance and a special theme! Tickets will be I call him), works very hard for The Lunch and Social Club going on sale very soon. If you are interested in any of the and was one of the founders. Shirley, his lovely wife, is one of above, please contact Jacquie on 01273 739999. our amazing volunteers who is always there to give a helping hand and advice when we are organising our events. My volunteers and I wish the community a healthy, happy and especially a peaceful New Year. Helping Hands The last time we wrote about the Helping The Quiz will be held on Sunday 2 November. If you are Hands Pub Quiz, we waxed lyrical about interested and would like to “book in” please phone us on how wonderful and convenient it was to have 01273 747722 or send an email to helping-hands@helping-such an event in your own home. Alas, the hands.org by Sunday 19 October. However if you register date we gave was not viable for quite a few your team by 30 September, your team will be entered into a of our regular quizzers (or should it be quiz special prize draw. We look forward to hearing from you. lovers) due to summer holidays and family 01273 747722 commitments. So, we had a think and have now decided to hold the Quiz on Sunday 2 November. So… we are still waxing about it and, just as a reminder, let us tell you about the Helping Hands Pub Quiz in your own home. This is how it works: you invite up to ten friends and family to your home, give them refreshments, anything from a bagel and a cup of tea to a ten-course gourmet meal and then you all take part in a quiz supplied by us. We will deliver question sheets to you prior to the quiz; the finished quiz papers will be collected by our lovely volunteers, at which stage you will be given a page of answers. During the evening you will have an opportunity to buy raffle tickets. The fee for this exciting evening is £10 per person, BUT there is no fee for the host and hostess. You can invite more than eight people; at our last quiz two houses had two sets of ten participants. The more the merrier. Voluntary Support Agencies • Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club (Day Centre) 01273 739999 ralliday@tiscali.co.uk • Norwood/Tikvah, Rachel Mazzier House 01273 564021 • Hyman Fine House 01273 688226 • Helping Hands 01273 747722 helping-hands@helping-hands.org • Brighton & Hove Jewish Welfare Board 07952 479111 or info@ bhjwb.org • Brighton & Hove Jewish Housing Association bahjha@ googlemail.com • Welfare at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue/L’chaim project 01273 737223 • Welfare Officer at Brighton & Hove Reform (Sue Rosenfield) 01273 735343 • Jewish Community Centre at Ralli Hall. Various communal activities. 01273 202254 or rallihall@tiscali.co.uk issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 8 Culture 9 A Family Meal and the comfort of all the familiar flavours. I love this too, and I am happy. I love the tastes of this meal, there is nothing that I by Marion Adler dislike or have to be made to eat, such as occurs at home. Big white table, thick damask cloth, a I am the littlest, the baby, I have a special place here that is freer, sense of community and expectation, lighter. I don’t compete with my sister here, it’s OK to be the wonderful smells of soup and meat youngest, in fact it’s just grand. In the eyes of all these people, and frying. Huge, heavy cutlery, too big Erika and I are equals – even down to the half-crowns slipped for my hands. Emma in the kitchen, into our hands. always the last to sit down, German The meal lasts forever. At some point my grandfather is helped being spoken, raised voices, reverence from the table and seated in his armchair in the adjoining room. to my grandfather and piles of coats in Some of the adults move in there with him, others stay at the the hall. table, drinking coffee or lemon tea, talking, laughing, arguing, Opa at the head of the table saying the blessing, the Hebrew sighing. words familiar but not quite understood. Erika and I, the only Washing up takes place, women piling into the small kitchen, children, are made a fuss of, sitting close to Opa. Jokes and tying on Emma’s aprons. stories and gossip about people not there; a sense of all the Opa dies in 1965. Emma lives on at the flat by herself until her different connections between the adults; the tensions and the death a decade later. In this time, Erika and I become adult strong feelings and the love and competition and respect for the women, living in a different part of London, busy in our young eldest members. lives. We visit her from time to time, not often enough. After she The food always tasting the same – hot clear beef broth with tiny dies, we help my mother clear out the flat and the memories pieces of vegetables and fine threaded noodles, a big slab of come so thick and fast I can hardly breathe. boiled brisket, sharp cucumber salad and beetroot salad followed I take a few things from the kitchen to my own bedsit in Highgate. by a vast dish of potato latkes served with a bowl of stewed The largest item is the kitchen table with its worn enamelled top. apple or other stewed fruit. It is tiny. How did such feasts evolve from this table, the only The room itself is small, the table has been extended and takes available workspace? I wonder at the power of all that love and up almost all the available space in the room, and the heavy how it has been passed on, in the meals, the children, the births dining chairs with the pale green velour seats are awkward to and deaths and the clear, hot soup. move or get around. Opa sits with a large napkin tucked into his Marion Adler is a member of Jewish Women Friends in Sussex. shirt. He looks very serene and content; his blue eyes clear in This story is from the book that members have contributed to. I his ageing creased face. I think he is happy. There is a sense of can let you have a copy for £3 if you collect it or £4 if posted. Let order, the rightness of being together, the goodness of the food me know on jwfsussex@gmail.com - Maxine Toff Sussex Jewish Representative The year of commemoration began with the ‘Drumhead’ Interfaith Service held on the East Lawns of the Royal Pavilion on Sunday Council 4 August. A ‘Drumhead’ ceremony recreates the situation where by Debra Goodman soldiers in the field found themselves without a place to pray and Brighton & Hove so created a temporary altar from drums covered with flags. The City Council invited event was co-ordinated by Brighton & Hove City Council and the the Sussex Jewish Royal British Legion in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Representative East Sussex and the Mayor of Brighton & Hove. The service was Council to led by the Bishop of Chichester, the Right Reverend Dr Martin participate in one of Warner. the biggest faith- All the different faith groups in the City were invited to participate based events in the and Rabbi Andrea Zanardo, from the Brighton and Hove Reform city. Synagogue, represented the Jewish community. Rabbi Andrea The centenary of was given the honour of reciting Kaddish in Hebrew and in the outbreak of English just before the two-minute silence commemorating the World War I is being fallen. He also read a brief passage in Hebrew from Rabbinic marked in our city literature (“Iron is made to shorten the lives of man”) which by a full cycle of teaches of the horrors of war. The Mayor of Brighton and Hove ceremonies and translated the passage into English. After the ceremony, Rabbi commemorations. Andrea commented that he “had never had a study partner so The war has had prestigious!” an impact on the The event took place in the glorious sunshine with the backdrop lives of many local of the Royal Pavilion. As each speaker took the podium the sun’s communities, rays shone down creating a magical effect that emphasised the and the Jewish significance of the occasion. community is not an exception. The The Sussex Jewish Representative Council were also invited by Memorial plaque Brighton & Hove City Council to hold a World War 1 Centenary in Middle Street Memorial Service, which the Deputy Mayor and other local Synagogue lists the religious and civil dignitaries could attend. This took place on names of the 138 Tisha B’Av at the Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue with over Jewish soldiers who 80 people from the community attending with a delegation from served in WWI. AJEX. An extract from Rabbi Andrea’s address can be read on the BHRS page. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 10Features 11 issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 10 Culture 11 Films for the Autumn The Sussex Jewish Film Club at Ralli Hall had a break during August but attendance in the first half of the year averaged about 40-45 at each screening, while the number of people who have been coming ‘sometimes’ this year is more than twice that number. We have some committed people who come to nearly all the films and some who just come occasionally. We can hardly believe that the Club has been in existence for four years now – how time flies! Our film for Sunday 14 September is The Governess. This is a UK film starring Minnie Driver and Tom Wilkinson (109 mins). When the father of a Sephardic Jewish family 1998/9 several impressionable Hassidic men were used in 1840s London dies, his daughter takes a job as a as mules to smuggle over a million tablets of ecstasy into governess in a wealthy gentile family in Scotland in order New York City! This film is based on a true story... to earn money to feed the family. While struggling both to maintain and to hide her identity, how will she cope in this Why not give the Film Club a try if you’ve never yet been? very different environment? All are welcome. Just make a small donation on the door but free to Ralli Hall members and full-time students with Then on Sunday, 12 October we will be screening Holy proof of status. Drinks are available from 7pm and the film Rollers, an American film (89 mins). Hassidic Jews are starts at 7.30pm. not usually known as international drug smugglers but in Daytona – a new play by Oliver Cotton dancing and are practising their and subtle” and “intelligent”. Co-star routines for the next big competition. Harry Shearer is known to millions as the voice of many different characters Then one bitter cold night, Joe’s long for The Simpsons and also for his lost brother Billy, who had abruptly role in the hilarious This is Spinal Tap. disappeared from the couple’s lives They are joined by Oliver Cotton, who many decades before, changing wrote Daytona, as Billy. his name in order to completely break from his past, arrives at their Don’t miss this hauntingly beautiful apartment unannounced from his story about moral dilemma, personal vacation in Daytona, Florida. identity and the relationships that bind us all when it visits Theatre Royal What can he possibly want of them? Brighton as part of a limited UK tour. What can be gained from this uneasy reunion? When they discover the The play runs from 8-13 September story behind Billy’s sudden return, with performances at 7.45 in the Joe and Elli must confront a profound evening. There will also be matinees moral dilemma. on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30 pm. Tickets are available by ringing Daytona stars the much-loved 0844 871 7650 or on the website at Maureen Lipman, the Olivier winning “See the ripples? You’re underneath. www.atgtickets.com/brighton actress whose extensive credits Your body’s under those ripples.” include Oklahoma! Coming to the Theatre Royal, direct (National Theatre), from the West End, the critically A Little Night acclaimed Daytona is gripping, Music (Menier poignant, funny and full of mystery. Chocolate Factory) and When The play, set in the 1980s, has not We Are Married one, but two love stories at its heart. (West End). Her Elderly Jewish immigrants Joe and performance Elli who live in Brooklyn, have been has been hailed married for fifty years and, despite by critics as constantly bickering, clearly love each “mesmerising”, other. They share a love of ballroom “expert”, “fine issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 12 Features 13 Sonia Elliman and to Leeds, where I worked for went along, and then had a re-call, Yorkshire Television, doing a lot of and then after umpteen tries I was Interview by Stephanie Megitt drama. There I did Book Tower, a told I had the job. Sonia is a pleasure to meet: children’s programme, where the It’s great fun, isn’t it? friendly, modest and chatty – I work was very varied. I did lots of feel as though I know her already. children’s drama and voice-overs Ooh, well, I hesitate to agree! It’s I certainly do not see an ‘actress’ for cartoons. I acted often with fun for the audience, but I can tell with all that that label may imply. Tom Baker, the fourth Dr Who. you that it isn’t fun for the actors; There is no inflated ego here. She When I lived in Sheffield I used it’s very, very scary indeed. You stresses that it is her late husband to do lots of work for Words and have to approach a person you Arnold’s side of the family with Music with Richard Baker, the don’t know and ask them very the theatrical background going newsreader. We toured round the peculiar things. back generations. On the wall in area and went to schools with it. I You have to trick them and actually her sitting room she shows me also used to work in Manchester deceive them, don’t you? wonderful old theatre memorabilia for Gillian Hush at the BBC, where (dating back to the 19th century) I used to read out letters for Jennie Yes. Sometimes they get quite featuring her and her late Murray on Woman’s Hour. Because cross – I have had some very cross husband’s antecedents – a long you can’t get continuous work, people! line of actors and musicians. Is there anybody there to protect Can you tell me when you started you? in show business? No. We have no Health & Safety – I started when I was eight. I was it simply doesn’t exist in the world born in Bristol and right from an of entertainment. Look at the case early age I was keen on acting at of Harrison Ford who had the school. I went for drama lessons scenery fall on him on set. I think too. Bristol was very active in that the stage is a most dangerous amateur dramatics and it had place in which to work. There are a Dickens Society. One day my always things going wrong. teacher phoned and explained Since 1999 I have done a lot of to my mother that the Society’s work at Glyndebourne. I don’t forthcoming production of Oliver sing, but since Jonathan Miller Twist was lacking an Oliver as directed opera from a dramatic the boy who was to play him had point of view, every now and then chicken pox! So I, skinny and they need an actor. Before he very small, could take the part of came along all that mattered was a boy. I had to learn the part of the singing. So I do bit parts but Oliver Twist in a week. Later on I find the work fabulous. You are I attended Bristol Old Vic theatre in between acting jobs I would standing on stage close to the school and did my training there. teach. I have 2 qualifications, a finest singers in the world with an At the time Bristol was the main teaching diploma in Speech and 80-piece orchestra in front of you. region for BBC radio drama. Drama as well as a Fellowship from There is a wonderful atmosphere – When I left drama school I got in the London College of Music and it is a gift to work there. touch with the BBC and then did Drama. And in a sense you are quite play after play on the radio. Also, So you have had a long, varied and anonymous in a small part like attached to the Old Vic theatre was full career? that, aren’t you? And yet you aren’t the Little Theatre, where I did some devaluing yourself by doing this; parts. Also, attached to the Old Yes, I have been in show business you are still up for more major Vic theatre was the Little Theatre for over seventy years! parts elsewhere? in Bristol, where I did some parts So how did it come about that you and where I met my husband: joined that crazy programme Off Yes, you don’t have the he was the manager there. Then Their Rockers? responsibility. And I wouldn’t do we moved to Sheffield where he television extra work, for example. became General Manager of the My agent in London rang me one When you get to my age and Crucible theatre right from when it day to tell me that there were experience you just don’t do that. first started. I played a lot of parts auditions coming up (I was always My agent wouldn’t send me for it, there and we lived in Sheffield for going to auditions) for a new series because one has to stand all day. 14 years. I used to take the train to in which old people were going to Small acting roles at Glyndebourne Manchester to work for the BBC play tricks on young people. So I are different. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 12 Features 13 Mind you, there’s lots of standing to chase after people, explain what What a wonderful life you lead. I outdoors for Off Their Rockers. we are doing and then get their can’t think of any other industry They bought us all thermal permission. But she was so angry, in which you could carry on being underclothing! saying, No way, and runs off. So employed for as long as you liked. Do you ad-lib in your rôles? that was the end of that, all that waiting about for ages and then we That’s very true. And I have Well, yes, you know what you have couldn’t use it! great fun out of it, although there to say, you’re given an outline, but are some very early mornings, the result is often different from Is the programme on television at when we get up at 5 am to travel what you expect and then you the moment? somewhere. have to react. That’s when you It’s not on here at the moment, it’s How do you do find that? improvise. And all the time you on Catch-up and on in Australia, have to listen to instructions from New Zealand, Germany, all over Awful. Not easy. Last winter there the director, who is half-way down the place. Do we get repeat were a lot of those! the street, through an ear-piece, royalties? Not a penny! We signed How long have you lived in Hove? such as, “Move to the left,” or our rights away at the beginning, And do you feel part of the Jewish “Move away”, and so on. I have to without realizing it community? be able to hear what the person says, so that I react properly. You And the funny thing is that I am Over 20 years. When we came have to be on your toes! It’s really recognised all the time in the here we joined the BHHC shul, so funny sometimes. street. Last year we went to yes, I know everyone. Newquay, just three of us, me, Can you tell us about a particularly Seb, the tall thin one, and Royston. Tell me about your family. funny experience with an My daughters had left home when unexpected outcome? After shooting all the crew went out for a meal together and we we were in Sheffield. One, Gail, the Yes, there was a scary one. I had three took a cab. The cabbie said youngest, is a barrister, a judge on to go up to a young woman and he wasn’t really supposed to stop immigration, and a coroner in the say, I’m meant to meet my sister there outside the restaurant, but West Country. The oldest, Jackie, and I’m ever so late and I don’t he relented and at that moment is also a lawyer, actually a theatre have a mobile, the phone box a policeman came up to us and lawyer. She’s the legal advisor to down there is vandalised! Would I thought, oh dear, the poor the ITC, the Independent Theatre you send a message to her for me? man’s going to be in trouble. But Council. She advises people on (People are so kind!) She says, of no, two policemen came up to all the problems that crop up, course, what’s the number, and me and said, “Excuse me can I contracts, rights, copyright and I give her the director’s mobile have a photograph of you and so on. The middle one, Rosalind, number. She says, there you are, Seb together?” (No-one asks for is an opera singer in the Opéra de so I am just chatting away, (he tells your autograph these days, it’s Nantes in France. I follow her all me, just say anything you like). So, a selfie they want.) And Royston around France as her company apart from saying that I am ever complained that no-one ever goes all around the country, to so sorry I’m late, I was held up recognises him with his clothes on, places such as Orange, Dijon, here, there and everywhere, I say, because he’s the one who always Lyons, Angers etc. She trained Now what are you doing tomorrow has to strip off and run naked! at the Royal College of Music afternoon? I just thought we might after finishing a degree in pure do blah, blah blah. And I carry on There was a pop concert in linguistics at Lancaster. She is the talking total rubbish, walking slowly Newquay and I was asked if I was 4th or 5th generation of Ellimans to down the street. As I talk she is any good at big audiences. I said be in the theatre. getting more and more tense, yes, I have spent my life going on You must be very proud of your thinking that I’m walking away with stage in front of large numbers, the daughters. I really think that you her phone, of course. I keep my Sheffield Crucible, Glyndebourne, should go into our Kvell Korner! eye on her and then I say, oh, by the Albert Hall etc. So I had to Thank you very much indeed for the way, I took your advice and go on stage, and pretend I was your time – I am sure our readers got myself a new phone. And she lost and needed directions to will enjoy reading about you, and looks about to explode. Oh, I say somewhere: it was like a mini we look forward to seeing the next to her, excuse me, what kind of Glastonbury, with them screaming series of Off Their Rockers. phone is this? Oh, it’s a Blackberry, and shouting. Such fun. and she snaps and says, Don’t Where are you going next with the even think about it!! And she grabs programme? Photo by Leon Kreel. the phone away from me and in so doing brushes my face with it and I have been asked to do a third runs like the devil. We have runners series, and we are going to the Isle of Wight, possibly for a week. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 14Features 15 Pitigliano - A Medieval Jewish Community by Brian Megitt Nestling in the hills of Southern Tuscany, not far from any other place in Europe. There were Jews living and Lake Bolsena and the borders of Umbria and Lazio, working in the major trading cities of what we now lies a perched, medieval village called Pitigliano. Lake know as Italy before Emperor Vespasian’s son, Titus, Bolsena is formed in the crater of an ancient, extinct conquered Judea and in so doing destroyed the Temple volcano and the area around is known for its tufa rock, and brought Jews to Rome as slaves. generally found in volcanic areas. Pitigliano was ruled by the Counts of Orsini before it became part of the Medici Empire. In 1556, Niccolo Orsini IV gave his personal doctor, David de Pomis, ground to construct a Jewish cemetery. and in 1598 the synagogue was built with funds provided by a Jew, Leone di Sabato, after whom it is named. The original surface building was destroyed in the Second World War but the main features of the original synagogue were carved out of the underlying tufa rock and can still be visited. Which is just what we did, along with some friends from a B’nai B’rith Unity Lodge in South Manchester. We had visited Jewish Padua, Jewish Ferrara, Jewish Florence and Jewish Siena and now to end our very special trip to Italy, we arrived in Pitigliano. Pitigliano is built on such a rocky foundation and it is one of the features that make it a special place in Jewish history. Its sixteenth century politics also helped to create a place where Jews could live and work without hindrance. This may be a good place to note that Italy has been home to Jews for longer than In the 19th century, a quarter of Pitigliano’s population was Jewish and now there are approximately forty Jewish residents remaining in the town. The community was known as “La Piccolo Gerusalemme”, the Little Jerusalem - a nickname given to it by the Jews of Livorno. With the Unification of Italy in 1861, the Jews were emancipated and many from Pitigliano’s Ghetto – originally created by the Medici in 1622 - were free to move to Italy’s larger, more prosperous towns and cities. By 1938, the Jewish population had dwindled to about seventy. The Fascist racial laws of the time reduced the issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 14 Features 15 population further and during the war there were only about thirty people left in the community, including the family of Elena Servi. Pitigliano’s Catholic families hid and protected their Jewish citizens in the surrounding countryside. By the 1960s, what was left of the synagogue had collapsed - helped by Allied bombing in the war and a landslide - but beneath the debris lay the original, medieval structures that had served the community so well. These were excavated and found to be in reasonably good condition. Thanks to the efforts of Elena Servi, who fought tooth and nail to restore the synagogue, it is now possible to visit the mikvah, the wine cellar, where kosher wine was made and stored, the kosher butcher’s room where animals were slaughtered, the matzah bakery and the dye works. Interestingly, Pitigliano still produces excellent kosher wine, which is commercially available. One of the unusual aspects of the synagogue is the reproduction of the Ten Commandments on the ceiling: most synagogues feature them over the Ark where the Torah scrolls reside. The cover of June’s SJN reproduced that ceiling. A cultural organisation, The Little Jerusalem Association, founded by Elena Servi, runs the Jewish Museum of Culture, which provides the historical information and runs the site. POETRY CORNER Great Grandchildren When the body is tired with burden of the years, It one sustained by memories of yesteryears Which invade the mind, raising joys and tears In a consortium of feelings allaying fears? Or does one look now when the ‘now’ appears For compensation in children’s children’s children’s hope-filled careers? And see in them our own unfulfilled dreams as balm adheres The synagogue was rebuilt in 1995 but as there is And thus accept through them the burden of the years no minyan it is little used, although it is available for And heave the pack and journey on till darkness clears. weddings and bar mitzvahs. The woodwork has been reproduced to make it as close to the original as From the Collected Writings of Israel Hoffman z’l (1910-2007) possible. Reprinted by kind permission of Issy’s grandson Melvin Gold issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 16 17 issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 16 17 President’s Rosh Hashanah message 5775 – a tale of two elections by Vivian Wineman At the time of writing this piece, • We are promoting Judaism as individuals and local Jewish Israel is under continuous rocket through our revamped Jewish communities you take the Manifesto attack and there is no prospect of Living Experience exhibitions and to candidates and use it as the a ceasefire. I hope and pray that by Tours, in which thousands of non- centrepiece of lobbying efforts, be the time this is read the situation will Jewish children learn about our it at hustings, in letters or in public have settled. faith every year; debates. I am writing to you with what will be • We are reaching the edges of We recognise the diversity of the my final Rosh Hashanah address, the community through Jewish community and range of interests, as my term as President comes to Connection, which is supporting which is why we consulted a mandatory end in May next year. small communities all over the throughout the community, reaching Being President has given me many UK that need pastoral, social three hundred individuals and pleasing moments and enormous care, networking and advocacy organisations. The Manifesto pride. I am delighted that the Board support from the mainstream of is divided into 14 sections has made so much progress that the community; including Religious Freedom and we now have a first rate team led by Observance, Israel and the Middle a first rate CEO, Gillian Merron and • We consulted the community and East, Education, and Health soon will be housed in first rate, up then worked with the Equality and Social Care. There is also a to date premises. Our discussions and Human Rights Commission list of ‘Ten Commitments’ that with the JLC for a unified to produce new guidelines that encapsulate in a breath the key organisation of the community clearly define the right to religious aims of the document. continue but, whether on its own practice, both at work and in or as a part of a wider organisation, education institutions; The Board’s ‘Parliament’ dissolves the Board has a bright future. in May 2015, and there will be Finally, our APPG on British Jews elections not only for a new None of what we achieve would has already drawn wide support President, Vice Presidents and be possible without our dedicated from politicians and has helped us Treasurer but also for nearly 300 Deputies from across the UK. I hone the community’s lobbying on Deputies on the Board. We have thank them for their hard work; core rights issues, namely: social done much good work to improve they represent their constituencies care, restitution of property for our representation in the past few and are vital to the functioning Survivors, protecting Shechitah, years, including with our Women in of UK Jewry. Needless to say, the right and value to a religious Jewish Leadership project to ensure the Board exists on money from education by showcasing our female talent is allowed to flourish, individuals in the community - half excellent schools, lobbying on child the setting up of a Youth Forum, of which comes from the Communal benefit credits and many other to improve contact with younger Levy, although less than half of issues affecting the entire spectrum community members and through synagogue members pay the of the community. working with Change in the Board. relatively small sum of £25 a year The result has been a marked to support our work. I think that You will shortly become aware of a improvement in our representation the message here will support the General Election Jewish Manifesto but we must go much further. fact that we are deserving of that produced by the Board, which contribution. encapsulates all the interests, 5774 has been a significant year of concerns and aspirations of the achievement for the Board. Let’s • We are helping to counter BDS, UK’s 300,000 Jewish community. hope that 5775 will be a year of witnessed by our close work with peace for Israel and the Middle the Methodist Church leadership, The Board will send this manifesto, East and a successful one for the which led to a moratorium around which follows on from this year’s community. BDS activity; successful European Elections Jewish Manifesto, to Jewish Shana tova. • We are protecting Jewish communities, policy makers, and education through our lobbying election candidates in order that ministers, such as the right to the Jewish community has one teach Ivrit as a first language; clear policy document around the 2015 elections. The idea is that issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 18 19 NEW YEAR GREETINGS 5775 THE SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING US DURING THE PAST YEAR, AND SEND OUR WARMEST GREETINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR CATERING CONNECTIONS Rod, Angela CARLTON Sandra and Derek wish all their GABRIEL Judy and Bert wish all their and Dawn wish the entire community a happy family and friends a happy and peaceful New friends in the community a happy, healthy and and healthy New Year and well over the fast. Year. peaceful New Year. Shana Tova. HELPING HANDS thank their wonderful COLLINS Jean and Ivor wish their family and GOLDBERG Berny and Jenny wish family volunteers, clients and the whole community all their friends a happy, healthy and peaceful and friends a healthy, happy and peaceful New for their support, and wish you all Shana Tova New Year. Year. and well over the fast. CONN Anne sends greetings and love to her GOLKER Best wishes for a healthy, happy SJRC The chair, executive and members of family and friends. Shana Tova. and peaceful New Year and well over the fast the Sussex Jewish Representative Council from the Golker family. wish the entire Jewish community a very CONWAY Susan, Jonathan and Simon wish happy New Year. all family and friends a very happy and GOODMAN/KORBY Debra and Micheal healthy 5775 wish all their family and friends in the WESSEX JEWISH NEWS The team wish all community a happy and healthy New Year. the Jewish community a happy and peaceful COWAN Janet sends good wishes to all her New Year. friends for a happy, healthy and especially GORDON Ian and Barbara extend best wishes peaceful New Year. for a prosperous and healthy New Year to ABBOUDI Eliaho, Jouliet and family wish their dear family and friends in Sussex and all the community a happy and peaceful New CROWN/LYONS Shana Tova from Jeremy, Worthing. Year and well over the fast. Saonie, Elizabeth and Ghila. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful 5775. GORDON Joan wishes all her family and ABRAHAMS Roger and Irit wish Shana Tova friends a happy New Year and well over the to all their family and friends. CUDDIS Shan and David wish family and friends a very happy New Year and well over fast. ARGHEBANT Sylvia wishes her dear family the fast. GOULD Godfrey wishes family, friends, the and many friends a very happy and healthy whole community and especially Rabbi and New Year and well over the fast. DOCTORS Hilda, Anthony and Philip wish all family and friends a happy New Year and Rebbitzen Rader a healthy, happy, successful BARNARD/SEIDEL Rachel, David, Moses well over the fast. and peaceful New Year. and Gabriel wish a happy New Year to all the GRAHAM Lisa and David wish their fabulous community. DUKE Norina and all the Duke-Doukakis clan wish Shana Tova and well over the fast to parents, children, grandchildren, family and BARNETT Cynthia, Terry and Harry wish their many friends and family. friends a very happy and healthy New Year family and friends Shana Tova and good and well over the fast. health. ELKIN-ROSE Muriel sends her love to her family and friends wishing them a happy New GRANT Anna and Norman wish all their BARNETT Sandra wishes her family and Year and well over the fast. family and friends a happy, healthy and friends Shana Tova and well over the fast. peaceful New Year. FAULL The Faull family wish all family and BASS Alan and family wish all their friends friends a very happy and healthy New Year. HARRIS Michael, Karen and Oliver wish and the community a happy New Year and everyone in the community a safe and well over the fast. FAULL Maurice and Laura, together with peaceful Shana Tova. Best wishes to one and Matthew and Emily wish family and friends a all. BLASS Corinne, Robert and family wish their happy and healthy New Year. friends and family a happy and healthy New HILL Aileen and Barry, together with their Year and well over the fast. FELSENSTEIN Linda and Raymond, together children and grandchildren wish all members with Lisa, Dylan and Curtis and Joanna, of the community a happy and peaceful New BLOOM Wendy and Ronnie wish their dear Danny and Bebe wish all our family and Year. father, children, grandchildren and all their friends a happy and healthy New Year. friends a happy New Year and well over the HOLLIS MM/NIA Dennis and Victoria wish fast. FERRIS Benita sends good wishes to family all our friends and their family a happy and and friends for a happy and peaceful New healthy New Year and well over the fast. BOOKER Beryl, John and Maurice wish Year. family, relatives and friends a happy, healthy ISAACS Barbara and Irvyn wish their family and peaceful New Year. Shana Tova. FISHER Marilyn wishes all her family and and all their friends a happy, healthy and friends a happy and healthy New Year and prosperous New Year. BOYASK Linda and Martin with Ross and well over the fast. Katy (New York) wish friends a happy New JACOBS Sheila and Cyril wish their family Year and well over the fast. FLASHMAN Roz and Michael wish their and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New dear family and friends a happy, healthy and Year. BURKE Shirley and Alan would like to wish peaceful New Year and well over the fast. their family and friends a very happy and JAY Jean wishes her family and friends a healthy New Year. FREEDMAN Brian, Linda and family wish all happy and healthy New Year. their friends Shana Tova. CAPLIN Alma wishes her family and friends JOSMAN Ruth and Cecil wish all relatives a very happy New Year and well over the fast. FREEMAN Philip wishes all his family and and friends Shana Tova and well over the fast. friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 18 19 KRAVETZ Sylvia and Arthur wish all their NOAH June wishes her family and friends in SCRIVEN Valentine wishes a happy, healthy friends at Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation a Brighton and Hove a happy and peaceful New and tranquil New Year to all her family and happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Year. friends. LASKY Doreen and Malcolm together with PANTO Rosa and Stuart wish all their SELIGMAN Marilyn wishes her dear family their family wish everyone a happy and relatives and friends a healthy and happy New and friends a happy and healthy New Year. healthy New Year. Year. SHARPE Beryl and Mef wish their dear LEVER Carole, Alan and family wish all their PANTOOCK Rosalind wishes a happy New children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends Shana Tova, with health, Year to friends and relatives living locally. relatives and friends a happy, healthy and peace, success and happiness.. Shana Tova to you all. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. LEVENE Michael and Kathy wish Shana PHILLIPS/SPECTOR Renee and Helen wish SHELTON Fausta wishes her friends, ex- Tova to all our friends in the community. We all their family and friends a healthy Shana colleagues and everybody a very healthy and pray for peace in the coming year for us and Tova. peaceful New Year. all Israel. POSNER Liz wishes Shana Tova to family SILVER Bernice and Arthur, together with LEVENE Sam and Simply Lettings would and friends. Wishing them health and Jeffrey and Roman wish all their friends a like to wish their landlords and friends in the happiness in the New Year. most happy New Year and a nice ’n easy fast. community a happy and healthy New Year. RATNER Lily wishes all her friends and SIMMONS Jean sends love and Shana Tova LEVINE Sydney, Cecile and Emma wish all family Shana Tova. to all. their friends a very happy and peaceful New Year and well over the fast. RENTS Renee and Joe wish their dear family SIMONS Ruth wishes the whole community and friends a happy New Year and well over Shana Tova and well over the fast. LEVINSON Doris sends greetings to the the fast. Rabbonim, her dear friends and colleagues, SLESS Ruth wishes a very happy New Year to and particularly to the wonderful SJN team RICH Gillian and Michael wish all their all. Protea Village, Israel. and wishes them a happy, healthy, peaceful family and friends a happy and healthy New SOLOMON Zev, Simon and Jacob wish all and successful New Year. Year. the community a happy and healthy New Year. LYONS Fay wishes her son, daughter-in-law, RICHARDS Jill and Ivor send greetings SOROKIN Gweni and Ivor send our sincere grandchildren, family and friends, with the to family, friends and all who work for the good wishes for a joyous and healthy New Silverman and Efune families a healthy and community for a happy and healthy New Year. Year to the whole community. May we all happy New Year. ROLAND Bernard, Marianne wish family enjoy lifes’ most precious blessings. LYONS Jeff and Gillian wish all their dear and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful STANFORD Jeffrey, Lydia, Simon and Lisa family and friends from near and far a very New Year. wish their family, friends and the community a happy and peaceful 5775. ROSE Jack and Elaine, with their family, healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. MAGRILL Marilyn wishes Shana Tova to her Adam and Eva, Mariamne, Dan and baby SUGARMAN Lucy wishes her dear family dear mother, children, grandchildren, family Joseph send New Year greetings to all. and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful and friends. ROSE Susan and David wish all family and New Year. MANN Lewis wishes all his friends a happy, friends a very happy and healthy New Year SWITHERN Lydia and Bernard wish their healthy and good New Year. and well over the fast. dear family and friends a happy and healthy MARGO Paul, Raquel and Ori wish the whole ROSENFIELD Sue and Tony wish all their New Year and well over the fast. community a happy New Year. family and friends Shana Tova: May you have a year of health, happiness and peace. TAYLOR Nina, now of Nightingale House, MASON Hazel and Harry wish their children, sends greetings for the New Year to all her family and friends a happy New Year and well ROSENTHAL Jessica, with Miriam, Dave, friends and acquaintances. over the fast. Esther, Jacob, Sam, Ruth and Tessa, wishes the community Shana Tova. TAYLOR Ronnie and Linda wish their dear MEGITT Stephanie and Brian wish all their family, friends and the Eastbourne Hebrew family and friends a happy, healthy and RUBIN Brian and Sharon wish all their family Congregation a happy and healthy New Year. peaceful New Year. and friends Shana Tova. TAYLOR Gloria wishes her dear family and MELCHER Joan and David wish friends and RUBIN Hazel and Joe send their best wishes friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New family a happy and healthy year. to family and friends for a happy, healthy and Year. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. MITCHELL Rita and Ronnie would like to TORRANCE Tom and Cherry send heartfelt wish their family and friends a healthy and RUTHERFORD Sandra and Ronnie send best wishes for peace and health to all family and happy New Year and well over the fast. wishes to our friends for a happy and healthy friends here and in Israel for Rosh Hashana New Year and well over the fast. and 5775. MORDECAI Louise and Steve wish Shana Tova to all family and friends. May 5775 SAMUELS Angela and Steven wish their WALKER Doreen, Bernie, Lesley, Steve, bring peace, health and happiness to all. children, family and friends a happy and Oliver and Ryan wish their dear families and healthy New Year and well over the fast. friends a happy and healthy New Year and MORDECAI Estelle wishes her family and well over the fast. friends a happy and peaceful New Year and SCHAVERIEN David wishes his friends, well over the fast. family, Rabbonim and all the community a WOOLFE Laurel and Julian wish their happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. children, grandchildren, family and friends a NISSEN Nettie wishes her family and friends healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. a happy New Year. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 20BHHC Rabbi Hershel Rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation, 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: office@bhhc-shul.org www.bhhc-shul.org 21 Our Land? Leo Tolstoy, one of the world’s truly great authors, wrote by Rabbi Hershel Rader the following: It’s not an easy time to be Jewish. Bradford has been What is a Jew? This question is not at all so odd as it declared an ‘Israel Free Zone’ and the people of Leeds are seems. Let us see what kind of peculiar creature the Jew exhorted to follow suit. The Palestinian flag flies over the is, which all the rulers and all the nations have together Glasgow City Chambers, in solidarity with a territory ruled and separately abused and molested, oppressed and over by a group with a charter to destroy all Jews, a group persecuted, trampled and butchered, burned and which was elected to power but has since failed to hold hanged...and in spite of all this is yet alive. elections. Does this have a familiar ring?! What is a Jew, who has never allowed himself to be led Anti-Semitic acts are commonplace in France and the astray by all the earthly possessions which his oppressors statue of Alfred Dreyfuss has been daubed with the words and persecutors constantly offered him in order that ‘dirty Jew’ – it really is plus ça change, plus c’est la même he should change his faith and forsake his own Jewish chose. A friend of mine was recently berated by her religion? neighbours, who had always been so friendly and helpful, about Israel’s actions in Gaza – as though people in ...The Jew is the emblem of eternity. He whom neither Worthing would be allowed to fire 3000 explosive rockets slaughter nor torture of thousands of years could destroy, at Hove and Lewes without retaliation! It amazes me that he whom neither fire nor sword nor inquisition was able a nation that was able to survive the Blitz by sheltering in to wipe off the face of the earth, he who was the first to underground tunnels does not ask why Hamas does not produce the Oracles of G-d, he who has been for so long encourage its civilians to do the same. the guardian of the prophecy, and who transmitted it to the rest of the world--such a nation cannot be destroyed. The I’m not going to seek now to justify Israel’s actions. I’ve Jew is as everlasting as is eternity itself. done that many times before and so have many others. The question is what can we do about this and, more Even at times when it appears to be hard to be a Jew specifically, what can we do as Jews? we can be comforted by the miraculous survival of our people. This should never lead to complacency but it Well, we can protest, show solidarity, donate money and should provide us with confidence and inspiration. write letters to the great, good and influential. Not only can we but we should. We must! But that does not answer the Most importantly we should remember that to be an question, for these are all things which others – our gentile “emblem of eternity”, we must have a bond with the friends and supporters – can do too. Is there something Eternal One. As Jews we have the unique ability and uniquely Jewish which we should be addressing? opportunity to influence our fate by our Torah observance; both the ethics of the Torah and its rituals. We are not In Parsha Eikev, Moses addresses the Israelites encamped defined by those who seek to oppress and destroy us; by the border of the Promised Land, a Land he will never anti-Semitism is not our raison d’etre. We are defined enter or live in. He tells them of G-d’s expectations of by the covenant G-d forged with our ancestors and the them when they will inhabit the Land; that they ‘listen to mission He entrusted to their descendants – us. His commandments and statutes’ which will lead to Him ‘observing the covenant and kindness which He swore This article is based on the sermon Rabbi Rader delivered to their ancestors’. Later in the Parsha he makes the on Shabbat for Parsha Eikev. following, very telling statement; ‘it is not because of your righteousness that you will inherit the Land but because of Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation the wickedness of these nations (which inhabit it now) and For information about attending our High Holy Day services, please in order to establish that which He swore to your fathers, contact the office or see our website. to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob’. Implicit in this Biblical rhetoric is the essential concept that although the Land of Israel had been promised to the MARTIN GROSS Israelites in their forefathers’ merit, they would have to prove their worthiness. Ultimately, our right to dwell in the Funeral Director and Land in peace is inextricably linked with our relationship Funeral Consultant with G-d. The stronger our relationship with the Holy One; the more compatible we are with the Holy Land. The more to Jewish communities we live by His value system and code of practise as laid down in the Torah; the more He asserts our right to live 01273 439792 in His land. And not a watered down Torah assimilated to current culture but a timeless Torah that has withstood 07801 599771 centuries of change. 07540 066566 issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 20 BHRS Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE https://www.facebook.com/BrightonReform Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org 21 Extract from the Tisha B’av address My friend, let me share with you a chapter of the history. In Jewish history World War One had not only been by Rabbi Andrea Zanardo the pinnacle of Emancipation, when Jews of different This evening, 9 of Av 5774, Tisha B’Av, we commemorate, nationalities forgot their common heritage and enrolled like every year, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, under the banners of European Countries but World War along with the many tragedies and catastrophes that have One also saw the birth of the Jewish Legion, led by a fallen upon the Jewish people. Among which was the visionary man called Vladimir Jabotinsky. Five battalions of outbreak of World War One, a century ago. the Royal Fusiliers consisting of Jewish volunteers fought This evening we honour the memory of those Jewish with honour in Gallipoli. soldiers who took part in World War One. Out of the Jewish Legion, the Israeli Army was born. We pay The names of the Jewish soldiers from Brighton who fought honour to the memory of these Jewish soldiers, who not in such a war are inscribed in the Memorial Plaque at Middle only fought for England, but also for Zion. Street Synagogue, It is an impressive list: 138 soldiers, of We pay honour to all the Jewish soldiers. To those who which five made the ultimate sacrifice. fought in World War One; dreaming that anti-Semitism had We think of other Jewish soldiers. Those who fought under become a thing of the past. They were wrong. banners of other nations. One hundred years ago, those Jews who enrolled in the When war broke out, European Jews had been recently Jewish Legion, dreamt that one day a Jewish State would emancipated, thus, a whole generation of European Jews, be born. They were right. went to the battlefields out of loyalty to their Motherlands. May the memory of those fallen Jewish soldiers be a They believed that anti-Semitic legislation had become a blessing, may we be able to live according to their example thing of the past. They believed the Emancipation was a fait and dedication, until time will come, according to the words accompli and they would never lose their rights. of our prophet “Then nation shall not lift up sword against Sadly, history has proven them wrong: only a few decades nation; never again shall they train for war”. after World War One, they were stripped of every right, sent to die in the camps. Sons, daughters, children, grandchildren of that generation of Jewish soldiers are now members of our synagogue. As the Jewish people have done generation after generation, we pay honour to the memory of those before of us. We try to learn from their lives and from their examples. And we are honoured that the civilian and religious authorities of the City of Brighton and Hove join us on such a day. We are honoured to see them tonight. To them, who are here, I address my gratitude With your permission, I’d like to also address somebody else. The anonymous person who a few days ago defaced the walls of Holland Road Synagogue, spraying the words, “Free Gaza”. To the author of this graffiti, I want to say this. I see that Jewish buildings are for you somehow illegitimate. Indeed, over the last year, no other religious building has been defaced, in Brighton. No church, no temple, no mosque. What a privilege we have. Why us? What wrong have we done? It’s nice you want freedom for the people of Gaza, which at the moment are oppressed by a terrorist, anti-Semitic organisation. But what does a religious building in England have to do with it? Are we occupying your land, my friend? And while you care for Gaza, why don’t you spare any though to a whole generation of Israelis, Jewish children, that have been growing up, for a decade, under the threat of missiles, spending nights in bomb shelters, knowing that a few miles south there is an enemy, whose manifesto announces the slaughtering of the Jewish people, of us? You wrote “Free Gaza” on a synagogue’s wall. But which sort of freedom are you looking for? issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 22 HHCRabbi Vivian Silverman Hove Hebrew Congregation, 79 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 Email: hollandroadshul@btconnect.com and rabbivcsilverman@gmail.com Web: www.hollandroadshul.com 23 Rosh Hashanah 5775 - 2014 by Rabbi Vivian Silverman Next year we will reach the end of the Jewish calendar Tefillah (Prayer) and Mitzvot, which should be uppermost that began in 1996. I will have been Rabbi of our in our thoughts at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur time, congregation throughout this period. Each cycle has can help set us on that path which can bring us closer to seven individual years that contain an extra month of God and to those around us. Adar to keep the Jewish lunar and secular solar calendars in line to ensure that Pesach will always fall during the And let us hope and pray that the cycle of violence springtime. This is unlike the Islamic calendar, which and terrible loss of life in Gaza and Israel will end. Our slowly moves backwards through the years and explains thoughts are with the families of the bereaved and why Ramadan occurs during different seasons. injured. Our festival prayer book is called Mahzor (cycle), because Lynette and our children join me in wishing you and your we start with Rosh Hashanah, move on to Yom Kippur loved ones to be signed and sealed in The Book of Life and Succot and continue on to Pesach and Shavout, for a year of happiness, health, and peace. before starting once again with the Yomim Noraim - the cycle of the Festival Season. However, just like riding on a merry-go-round, we can Hove Hebrew Congregation get off whenever we wish, so each of us can get off the For information about our High Holy Day whirligig of life and begin afresh with a new approach to services, please contact the office or see our life. That is the importance of the High Holy Day Season (Yomim Noraim). Nothing is set in stone. We can change website. ourselves; we can become a new person. Janet’s Column by Janet Cowan We are all living through a rough time at the moment, I have discovered dairy-free sour cream at Tesco - Tofutti but in spite of all the depressing things we see and hear Sour Supreme. I saw it in the kosher section, but I expect around us, lovely things do happen. I know that our it would be available in all Free From shelves in other community will join me in sending a hearty mazel tov to supermarkets etc. If you enjoyed last month’s recipe, this members of Holland Road shul whose celebrations will be can be used instead of dairy. found in Your News. Finally, my very best wishes for a healthy, happy and Congratulations also to Richard and Natalie Sidlin, above all, peaceful New Year. together with Ralph and Irene May - our Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereshit this coming Simchat Torah and we look forward to sharing their special day with them. Yes, the Yom Tov period is here again and by public demand - here is my Honey Cake recipe: Latest local TV launched on Channel 8 On 28 August the brightest and best of Brighton & Hove • 1 lb self-raising flour and Adur & Worthing was launched to television screens • 1/2 packet of demerera sugar via Freeview Channel 8 and Virgin Media 159, with one • pinch salt of the presenters being Mike Mendoza, recently retired • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda Chairman of Adur District Council. • 3 eggs See more at www.http://brightonandhovenews.org • 1/2 pint Mazola corn oil Latest news from Israel • 1 lb tin golden syrup Watch live and updated news from Israel on your screens: • 1/2 pint boiling water http://www.i24news.tv/en/tv/live or, alternatively, • 1 each heaped tsp of ginger, cinnamon, mixed spice. Google I24 News. Put oil, syrup, water and sugar in pan. Heat to blend. Sieve flour, bicarb, salt and all spices and mix well. Add warmed ingredients, then add the 3 eggs and blend well. Cook for 1 - 1 1/2 hours, 150C. This makes 2 cakes in 6inch round tins - it also freezes well. issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 22 BHPS Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: bhps@freenetname.co.uk www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue Twitter@BHPS2011 23 ROSH HA-SHANAH 1939 by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah As we commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the We can imagine the anguish and torment of the Jewish First World War, and recall the start of the Second World War community at those High Holydays. So many rabbis had 75 years ago, our reflections this Rosh Ha-Shanah, turn not already taken flight. Germany’s leading Rabbi, Leo Baeck, only to the past year, but also to those momentous times. stayed with his community, and accompanied them to We are aware of the correspondence between World War I Terezin, which is where the first woman Rabbi, Regina Jonas, and Tishah B’Av, the annual commemoration of destruction was also dispatched in November of 1942. Rabbi Dr Baeck that has been part of the Jewish calendar since Jerusalem survived and came to London after the war, where he died in was laid waste by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The proximity 1956. Rabbi Jonas was murdered in Auschwitz in 1944. between the beginning of World War II and Rosh Ha-Shanah also gives us pause for thought: Britain declared war on One of the last articles published in the German Jewish Germany on September 3 1939; the Jewish New Year began magazine Der Morgen, before the Second World War began on the evening of September 13. And it wasn’t just a New captures the mood as Rosh Ha-Shanah approached. The last Year, but the turn of a century: 5700. paragraph reads: How did the Jewish community here and in Europe feel that We stand naked before our fate, but thereby we are not only Rosh Ha-Shanah? Hitler had already been in power since without the many things which formerly assisted us, but we 1933. In the six years that culminated in another ‘Great War’, are freed also of the ballast of prejudice, of the habits and the Jews of Germany had been marginalised and excluded, conventions which narrowed our field of vision. We want to and thousands fled as refugees. In the last weeks before face reality, but we also do not want to give ourselves over war broke out, the tempo of flight became urgent. Subjected to a fatalism which releases us from all obligations. We want to the Anschluss – Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938 – my to love our life because of, not despite, the fact that it has father’s family fled from Vienna to London on domestic revealed itself to us in all its elemental power. With such permits in the summer of 1939, before going on to the United sentiments we prepare ourselves for the High Holydays of our States. But they did not escape unscathed: my grandfather year. had been among those Jewish men rounded up and sent to May these ‘sentiments’ inspire us, as we prepare for the High Dachau on November 13 1938 – and when he was released Holydays of our year. Shanah Tovah! on January 19 1939, he was a broken man. Summer@BHPS During the summer his new role as we have enjoyed Communities several happy Youth Co- occasions together ordinator with as a community. On Liberal Judaism. 12 July we marked We welcome the 25th anniversary Miriam Steiner of Rabbi Elli Sarah who is taking and Rabbi Danny over as co- Rich’s ordination into ordinator from the rabbinate with Gabriel. a commemorative service, kiddush and Our annual presentation. strawberry tea, with the theme The following week of the Mad three of our youngest Hatter’s Tea Party was great fun. We made the most of the members graduated good weather with gastronomic and creative delights! from Shabbatots. They will join Beit Lamed next term. We also said High Holy Day Services @BHPS goodbye to Gabriel High Holyday Tickets for non-members are available from the Webber as synagogue office at a cost of £50. This will be refunded if joining the synagogue as a member in the three months following the Beit Lamed festivals. co-ordinator There will be no charge for students, but please contact the office and teacher. for tickets for security purposes. Happily he The services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be conducted will continue at the Ralli Hall. Please contact the office for other service venues. to visit us in issue 245 | september – OctOber 2014 24What’s on: September – October 2014 Grodzinki’s challos, rolls and Kosher bread available weekly by Website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org courtesy of Lubavitch Brighton Email: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com from Premier Convenience Stores in Hove Street (tel. 01273 735131) COMMUNITY EVENTS – IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please be sure to reserve your order so that we know how many to Contact the Communal Diary before planning your events! supply. Orders can be collected on Thursdays or Fridays. 24 SHABBAT SHALOM – BRIGHTON TIMES - SEPTEMBER HIGH HOLY DAYS – SEPTEMBER In Light Candles Out Havdalah Wed 24 Erev Rosh Hashanah - light candles, 6.38 pm Fri 5 7.21 pm Sat 6 8.28 pm Thu 25 1st day Rosh Hashanah - light candles after 7.43 pm Fri 12 7.06 pm Sat 13 8.11 pm Fri 26 2nd day Rosh Hashanah Fri 19 6.50 pm Sat 20 7.54 pm Fri 26 6.34 pm Sat 27 7.38 pm HIGH HOLY DAYS – OCTOBER Fri 3 Kol Nidre SHABBAT SHALOM – BRIGHTON TIMES - OCTOBER Sat 4 Yom Kippur In Light Candles Out Havdalah Wed 8 Erev Succot - light candles, 6.07 pm Thu 9 1st day Succot - light candles after 7.12 pm Fri 3 6.18 pm Sat 4 7.23 pm Fri 10 6.03 pm Sat 11 7.07 pm Fri 10 2nd day Succot Fri 17 5.48 pm Sat 18 6.53 pm Wed 15 Erev Shemini Atzeret - light candles, 5.52 pm Fri 24 5.21 pm Sat 25 6.28 pm Thu 16 Shemini Atzeret, light candles after 6.57 pm Fri 31 5.16 pm Sat 1 Nov 6.13 pm Fri 17 Simchat Torah REGULAR ACTIVITIES Please contact the activity organisers to determine whether activities will be pre-empted by the High Holy Days Sundays Tuesdays Bridge at Ralli Hall 11.00 am Carmel Tennis Club 10.00 am - 12.00 noon. Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club 10.30 am - Weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Efune 8.15 pm Weekly. All levels welcome. Tel: Adam on 07720 4.30 pm at Chabad House. 598087 Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 Weekly at Ralli Hall Tel: 01273 321919 Mondays Painting with Rochelle (JAS) Studio at Ralli Hall, Fridays 7.00 – 9.00 pm. Discover, Play and Dance! Torah Montessori Tel: 01273 503708 (recommences 14 January) Kuddle Up Shabbat parent & child playgroup with Playgroup for 0-2 year olds. 10.00 am to 12.00 Sara Zanardo and her guitar 10.00 am – 11.30 am noon. Tel Penina on 01273 328675 or email Israeli Dancing 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm Ralli Hall. Tel: AJEX Centre torahacademy@btconnect.com Jacky 01273 688538 Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Congregation Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Efune 12.30 - 1.30 pm Wednesdays service on the 4th Friday of each month, WVRS, 24 at the Brighton Hillel Centre, 66/67 Middle Street, JACS at the AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 Hyde Road, Eastbourne, 6.00 pm Brighton Tel: 01273 321919 pm. £2 members / £2.50 non-members – please For ELJC High Holy Day Services please Afternoon Club with tea 1.30 pm. Ralli Hall Tel: see events listing for meetings during the High Holy contact Suzanne (malka.seltzer@gmail.com) Reba 01444 484839 Day period. or Angela (01323 725650/ eljcommunity@ Rubber and Duplicate Bridge 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Congregation gmail.com) £2.00 Ralli Hall. Tel: Reba 01444 484839 afternoon tea at the Cavendish Hotel, Grand Parade, Saturdays Contemporary Basic Talmud with Rabbi Efune - Eastbourne at 3.00 pm – on the first Wednesday of Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Shabbat Men only 8.15 pm every month, commencing October. services at 22 Susans Road, Eastbourne, 10.00 am. at Chabad House 01273 321919 Thursdays Contact 01323 484135 or 07739 082538 Tanya (Kabbalah) Learning Group with Penina Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club 10.30 am - Efune - Ladies only 8.00 pm at Chabad House 4.30 pm Weekly 01273 321919 Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 (RH) SARID (Association of Jewish Refugees) meets Ladies Who Learn at Chabad House, 15 upper every 3rd Monday of the month at 10.45 am, Ralli Drive, Hove 2.30 – 4.00 pm, to include herbal teas Hall. £1.50 Tel: 0208 385 3070 or email esther@ and healthy treats. All ladies welcome ajr.co.uk EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER EVENTS IN OCTOBER Wednesday 3 Wednesday 1 JACS Games Afternoon Kalooki, Bridge, Scrabble, Rummikub at the AJEX JACS Games Afternoon Kalooki, Bridge, Scrabble, Rummikub at the AJEX Centre, Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2.00 members/£2.50 non-members Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2.00 members/£2.50 non-members Wednesday 10 Sunday 5 JACS with guest speaker Godfrey Gould on Bernhard Baron – Millionaire, Sussex Jewish News – Submission deadline for the November issue. Entrepreneur, Socialist and Philanthropist. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at Send your articles, thoughts, photos and announcements to sjneditor@ 2.00 pm. £2.00 members/£2.50 non-members sussexjewishnews.com Thursday 11 Sunday 12 JACS have made a block booking to see Maureen Lipman in a matinee Helping Hands Tea AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove 2.30 – 4.30 pm performance at the Theatre Royal on Thursday 11 September at a reduced Sussex Jewish Film Club presents Holy Rollers, 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Drinks available. price. There are still a few seats available. If interested please contact Shirley on Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove 01273 775461 Monday 20 Sunday 14 SARID with a special visit by Rabbi Efune. 10.45 am at Ralli Hall. £1.50 Tel: 0208 Sussex Jewish Film Club presents The Governess, 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Drinks 385 3070 or email esther@ajr.co.uk available. Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove Wednesday 22 Monday 15 JACS with guest Speaker Dr. Geoffrey Mead on The River Ouse – Source to the Sea. SARID guest speaker David Barnett on Daniel Mendoza – Champion of England, AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2.00 members/£2.50 non-members 10.45 am at Ralli Hall. £1.50 Tel: 0208 385 3070 or email esther@ajr.co.uk Tuesday 28 Wednesday 17 Jewish Historical Society of England Brighton & Hove Branch with guest speaker JACS with guest speaker Peter Buckland on his book The Witches Within Prof David Tal, Professor of Modern Israeli Studies, university of Sussex. Ralli Hall at Westminster. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2.00 members/£2.50 7.45 pm. Members free/Guests £4 to include refreshments. Contact Godfrey Gould, non-members on 01273 419412 or g.gould915@btinternet.com Wednesday 22 JACS Guest Speaker Ian Gledhill, issue 245 | september – Oct “Gold and Silver – The Music of F Ober 2014 ranz Lehar.” -
Issue 256
October September 2015
1 sUssex JewIsH News wHAt’s INsIde.... New YeAr GreetINGs | brIGHtoN 250 UpdAte | bAd Jews | Whats recIpes For tHe New YeAr | wHAt’s oN | ANd more september-october 2015 • eLLUL 5775 – cHesHVAN 5776 • IssUe 256 2 Pause for thought 3 Next year we will be celebrating 250 origin. It is believed that there is quite communities but whether we have the years of Jewish habitation in Brighton. a large community of Israeli Jews (as infrastructure to deal with such a large The Jewish Historical Society is busy distinct from Israelis of other religious number of people is another question. producing what will doubtless be a backgrounds) inhabiting the Sussex We would need housing stock, more most informative anthology and may hinterland and having nothing to do with doctors, more school places, and yes, even become a standard reference tool our established communities. Why they Jewish butchers and bakers. Maybe it for future generations. SJN plans to run are here and not wishing to integrate makes more sense for our two orthodox pertinent articles throughout the year - communities to combine their resources so please send us your contributions. rather than hope for a huge influx of There are far more Jews outsiders to create some magical Elsewhere in this issue, it is suggested living in Sussex than revival. that Brighton could well be a place of sanctuary for French Jews escaping belong to our shuls and Then, there is the issue of thousands anti-semitism in France. This would be of homeless refugees, almost on our many are anonymous mutually beneficial as it would be a way doorstep, escaping from the tyranny of enlarging our Jewish Community, because they are not of of ISIS, from the war in Syria and which has been in decline for some the extreme poverty of Africa. There UK origin. time. appears to be no official desire to take these people from their despair in As we head into the High Holy Days, Calais to a possible new life in the UK. a period of reflection and charitable with other Jews is a question to which However, the idea that we could openly giving, maybe we should think about I have no answer. If anyone does, we welcome 10,000 EC migrants who the impact of an influx of French Jews at SJN would be happy to receive your would be moving from one level of anti- within the various flavours of our theories. semitism to another, makes one wonder Jewish communities. We know that Should we welcome up to 10,000 at the way we see the world and the there are far more Jews living in the French Jews, most of whom could be way we view our fellow man. Sussex region than belong to our shuls from Sephardic backgrounds? This and that many of those anonymous may well be a way of expanding our All of us at SJN wish all our subscribers beings are not of English or indeed UK a healthy and prosperous New Year. EDITORIAL BOARD Doris Levinson / Stephanie Megitt SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, David Seidel/ Michael Rich announcements, people, congregations, TECHNICAL ADVISOR Brian Megitt communities, contacts and more. Delivered at the start of each month, SJN is run entirely by ADMINISTRATOR Bernard Swithern volunteers for reporting, editing and circulating ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Ivor Sorokin, Lydia Swithern each edition. It has become the cornerstone of COMMuNAL DIARy info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org the Jewish community across the region. COVER IMAGE Brian Megitt PRODuCTION/LAyOuT Anand Day SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 8 OCTOBER 2015 Email address for submissions and correspondence: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org.uk SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS SUBSCRIPTION Name:_______________________________________________ Date:_________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode:____________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Telephone:____________________ Subscription (tick one) I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £18 p/a I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £24 p/a. I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. issue 256 | september-october 2015 2 Contents 3 Sussex Jewish News PO Box 2178 • Hove BN3 3SZ Telephone: 07906 955 404 FEATURES 1 APPLES AND HONEY Photo taken at Monk’s House, Rodmell by Brian Megitt 8 A VISION FOR THE FUTURE Sam Barsam offers some suggestions of hope 9 NEW YEAR GREETINGS From Chief Rabbi Mirvis, the Board of Deputies and the community REGULARS 4 COMMUNITY LIFE Stories from across the county 4 YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS Your personal announcements and thoughts 13 CULTURE Film, theatre, JACS and Jeremy Rosen’s new book 19 WHAT’S ON Regular and special events in your community YOUR COMMUNITY 15 BRIGHTON & HOVE PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE 16 BRIGHTON & HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION 17 BRIGHTON & HOVE REFORM SYNAGOGUE 18 HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION Full page (A4 size) £170 Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers Half page (A5 size) £100 are not necessarily those of SJN; Quarter page (A6 size) £65 • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; 1/9 page (credit card size) £40 TISING and Personal Announcements in a box (up to 6 lines): £25 • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your Flyers: Price on application submissions by email, please send them ONLY to sjneditor@sussexjewishnews. Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their consideration for publication. To editorial decision. assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format using Times New Roman font, size 12. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 ADVER IN SJN GUIDELINES unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, any response may be subject to delay. issue 256 | september-october 2015 4 Community Life 5 Your News Ivor Sorokin would like to give heartfelt thanks Births to his many friends for their concern and support during his recent spell of ill-health and is delighted Mazel tov to Brian Gordon on the birth of a grandson, Jonah to report that he is making good progress. Bernie, first baby for Karen and Aaron Barnes. Special Birthdays Deaths We mourn the passings of Hans Albrecht z’l, Aubrey Cole z’l, Mazel tov to Renee Arlen, Daniel Bernstein, Suzanne Arthur Curtis z’l and Lee Panto z’l. Freedman, Bernard Frost, John Gold, Joan Gordon, Raymond Harrison, Judy Irwin, Jeff Levine, Brigitte Machin, Tina Tack and all who have special birthdays in September and The Chairman and Committee of Youth Aliyah Child October. Rescue (Brighton & Hove) mourn the loss of Lee Student Success Panto, their amazing Life President and wish Long Life to her family. Mazel tov to Matthew Faull on his A level success and being awarded a place at Christchurch College, Oxford to study Biomedical Sciences. The Chairman, Honorary Officers and members of Get Well the Brighton & Hove branch of AJEX mourn the We wish a refuah sheleimah to Linda Boyask, Martin Boyask, passing of their Honorary Life President Aubrey Ann Crook, Joe Davis, Alan Glynne, Ruth Josman, Carole Cole and wish Long Life to his family. Lever, Susan Sissling and all who are unwell or in hospital at the present time. Your Views committee headed by Martyn Cooperman, and I was one of the members who helped. We also had a brochure that raised a lot of money towards this cause. The concert was a great It was very interesting to read the write up of the Middle success and the place was packed. The music was uplifting Street concert at the end of June, which we sadly had to and inspiring and remembered by all who attended it: http:// miss because of ill health. I have to take issue, though, with jewish-heritage-uk.org/news/restoration-appeal-concert-at-Bernard’s statement, ‘not since the Kol Nidre nights of the middle-street-synagogue nineteen seventies has the synagogue had such a large congregation’. And of course, don’t forget all the many weddings that have taken place there, including our own daughter’s, when the In 2004 a committee was set up to provide funds to save synagogue was filled with 150 + people. So there have been the Middle Street Synagogue building. Exactly 11 years many occasions when this great building has been filled with before the above-mentioned concert, on June 27th 2004, the wonderful sounds and many delighted people in the last 40 Shabbaton choir gave a wonderful concert there in similar odd years. vein to the one this year. This was organised by the ROMSS Angela Davis, Hove Helping Hands give every time. I would like to tell them that I love them all and I hope that when I am able to, I will do all I can to help others in the by Helen Spector same way that I have been helped many times. I am a regular customer of Helping Hands and May God bless you all at Helping Hands - this is a blessing we have always received the help I desperately are all privileged to share. needed from the wonderful, special, people 01273 747722 who make up this group that we are so fortunate to have here in Brighton and Hove. Sometimes they have requests for help at short notice because appointments are changed, but I have never been refused or let down and have never been made to feel a nuisance in any way. Things are difficult enough to cope with when there are medical problems, or mobility is not good; but to have a good friend to turn to when it is necessary to get to a hospital appointment takes a lot of the stress away and makes it easier to cope. In the last few weeks I have had three appointments at Haywards Heath and three at East Grinstead. Without Helping Hands I would not have been able to manage, not only the journeys but the friendship and care which I received all round, made life so much easier for me. I would like to thank everyone concerned for the 200% they issue 256 | september-october 2015 4 Community Life 5 Worthing and District Jewish delighted to welcome Rev Malcolm Weisman and his wife Community Rosalie. Malcolm has always been a great friend to our Worthing community. We also had visitors from Staines (a family that lived in Worthing during WWII), guests from Hove by Barbara Gordon and two couples who found us through the auspices of SJN Owing to the irresistible fact that we are getting older, my (thank you). husband Ian and I now organize only a few events each Ian and I are fortunate to live in East Preston, an ‘urban’ year. These consist mainly of our fabulous Seder, Chanukah village by the sea. There is a wonderful togetherness and Ian party and our ‘Tea in the Garden with the Gordons’. This is is Chairman of our local Festival held in June. This Festival is sometimes known as our ‘garden party’, which harks back to now in its 34th year and lasts for 10 incredible days, raising the days when we had a committee and were able to host a valuable funds for local charities and good causes. We tea consisting of strawberries and cream and scones together recommend a visit from your readers who will discover that with a book stall, cake stall and bric a brac etc. The amount our area is more than Haskins Garden Centre and countless of schlepping involved was monumental and a few years ago supermarkets! we had to forsake the Quakers garden in favour of our own. Please feel welcome to contact us on 01903 779 720 or On 9 August we had a great turnout of nearly 40 people and the weather was very, very kind. We were particularly barbaraian@uwclub.net The Sussex Jewish Historical Society - Brighton Jewry 250 by Michael Crook The summer months have seen the Historical Society’s plans three weeks in England researching the history of the shul, for 2016 move forward rapidly, in some cases in a completely the famous families with links to Brighton and the history unexpected direction. SJN has reached New Zealand, from of the community generally. We are hoping to include a where a direct descendant of Israel Samuel Cohen, the first summary of his findings in the Anthology of Brighton Jewry, known and recorded Jewish resident of Brighton, contacted to be published early in 2016. We have received financial me a few weeks ago. The family are delighted to know of support from the Historical Society in London and so far have our interest in their ancestor, and may even be able to send almost 30 contributions towards our record of the activities representatives to the unveiling of the Blue Plaque next and accomplishments of Brighton Jewry over 250 years. summer. Other projects for 2016 are also planned, so watch this The World Monument Fund, a New York based charity, is space. We will be updating the community on progress again taking a keen interest in Middle Street Shul, and recently later in the year. arranged for a Yale Graduate, Richard Teverson, to spend JACS the River Rother changed course, making Rye the major port of the area. As a consequence, Rye and Winchelsea became by Elaine Tubby Cinque Ports. We continue to have a varied and interesting programme We are pleased to announce that Michael Bennett, who is the each month. son of famous East End photographer, Boris, will be coming to JACS on 21 October. Come along and bring your old family David Barnett came all the way from Essex to tell us about wedding pictures. Michael’s subject will be “Life in the Jewish Judith Montefiore, “An Indomitable Victorian Woman”. Judith East End”. was born into a wealthy Dutch family, was educated at home and studied languages, history, literature and the arts. We meet Every Wednesday afternoon in the AJEX Centre at She married Moses Montefiore, from a Sephardi family of the Reform Synagogue. JACS wishes past, present and future Italian origin. They lived in London and travelled extensively members a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year. throughout Europe and twice visited Palestine, as it was then, where she set up a girls’ school and a hospital. In 1822 they BRIGHTON & HOVE JEWISH bought a house in Ramsgate and built a Synagogue there. HOUSING ASSOCIATION She helped Jews in Russia and in Damascus. Judith wrote provides one-bedded unfurnished flats in sheltered the first Jewish Cookery Book, which also contained chapters accommodation. If you wish to be considered for a future on clothes, beauty and care of the hair and teeth. She died in vacancy please contact Georgie Phillips on 01903 524582 1862, aged seventy-eight, in the fiftieth year of her marriage. for an application form. Charles James, emeritus Mayor of Rye and Worthing, spoke about the Cinque Ports mentioned in a Royal Charter of 1155, consisting of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover and Important message Sandwich. The ports were required to supply ships and men for fifteen days a year to protect our Kingdom and maintain HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY VISITS transportation links between England and Normandy. In If you are in hospital or know anyone being admitted return for this they received privileges from the Crown, such into hospital, please get in touch with info@ as exemption from tax, self-government and permission to sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org or telephone 07789 levy tolls. In 1287 a storm destroyed much of Hastings and 491279 so that a Jewish chaplain can be contacted to visit. issue 256 | september-october 2015 6 Community Life 7 Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club was enjoyed by all, so I shall have to organise another one by Jacquie Tischauer very soon. We are planning our twice-yearly weekend away to July has been a busy month for The Lunch Club and also Eastbourne in October: this will be our sixth time - gosh, for me too, as I have started working in my new post three where does the time go? Happily each time it gets better and times a week as Assistant to Centre Manager Maxine Gordon, better. which I am enjoying very much. In the last edition of SJN we informed you about our 100 At the Lunch and Social Club we are always trying new Club. A big thank you goes to the 60 members who joined us things and we have changed our menus a little, much to the and, if possible, we would like to have another 40 members satisfaction of our members. So why don’t you come and visit to get us to the 100 and then we will start our quarterly prize us and enjoy our company and the good food? draw. On the 31 I would also like to give thanks to my amazing volunteers, July, 27 without whom I really could not run such a successful Lunch members and and Social Club. You are all very much appreciated by myself volunteers and all our members. A special mention to Adele who comes went to in every Tuesday morning to take the Tai Chi class: she is Rushfields amazing. Plant Centre where we had We are all delighted to have Alan back with us again after a a lovely lunch short illness. Alan’s hard work and dedication over the years and cream have made the Lunch and Social Club the great success that tea. We were it is. very lucky with the weather Wishing everyone a year that brings fulfilment, peace and and the day prosperity. Good Yom Tov. Ralli Hall by Maxine Gordon As Roger is away, I’ve been blessed with the honour of writing Do you have your own ideas that you would like to share? We this month’s update for you. Initially though, and for those of are always happy to listen to your suggestions as to groups you who don’t know me, please let me introduce myself. My or activities you would like us to consider running, so please name is Maxine Gordon and I am the new Centre Manager at do let us know by calling the office on 01273 202254 or email Ralli Hall. rallihall@tiscali.co.uk Having already worked here for 7 years, and being a local Soon the High Holy Days will be upon us, so we would like to girl from an established Jewish family with roots firmly in wish you all a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year and well Hove, I am delighted to have this position. I welcome Jacquie over the Fast. Tichauer to the Ralli Hall team as my assistant and we relish the challenge of taking Ralli Hall from strength to strength for the benefit of our local Jewish community. Voluntary Support Agencies I am sure there are many of you out there (including my • Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club (Day Centre) friends and peers) who have fond memories of Ralli Hall from 01273 739999 ralliday@tiscali.co.uk their youth. However, this beautiful building and in particular the main ground floor, is not being utilized by our community • Norwood/Tikvah, Rachel Mazzier House 01273 564021 to its full potential and we would love it to be ‘the place to be’ • Hyman Fine House 01273 688226 for your simchas and celebrations. • Helping Hands 01273 747722 Accordingly, we are in the process of planning a helping-hands@helping-hands.org refurbishment programme to upgrade the main ground floor • Brighton & Hove Jewish Welfare Board 07952 479111 or in a fresh, contemporary style, which we hope will attract all age groups. We will be having an ‘Open Day’ in the very info@bhjwb.org; website: www.bhjwb.org near future for you all to see the changes and refresh your • Brighton & Hove Jewish Housing Association memories of this iconic building. bahjha@googlemail.com Some good news for the younger generation - we are • Welfare at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue/ hoping to reinstate Maccabi for the benefit of our sporting L’chaim project 01273 737223 youngsters. So again, please look out for announcements of when this will be happening. All abilities and ages will be • Welfare Officer at Brighton & Hove Reform welcome. (Sue Rosenfield) 01273 735343 Finally, if you have any photos or videos of your party and/or • Jewish Community Centre at Ralli Hall. celebration that you had at Ralli Hall (no matter how old!), do Various communal activities. 01273 202254 please send them to me so we can consider them for our new or rallihall@tiscali.co.uk website which is currently being prepared. issue 256 | september-october 2015 6 Community Life 7 Stella Hartsilver z’l A great friend of Youth Aliyah Child Rescue by Clea Beechey Stella Violet Hartsilver z’l, who died on 22nd June 2015, was born in 1910, to Louis Kingsley, a commercial Stella had a lifelong love of playing the piano, at which traveller in the clothing business, and Sarah she was very accomplished and travelled extensively Kingsley, nee Sugarman. She was brought up throughout her life. She was a remarkable with her sister Maisie, older than Stella by two seamstress - always altering, designing and years, in Upper Clapton, in the borough of making her own clothes with great skill. She Hackney. had many close friends with whom she enjoyed When Maisie married a Hove doctor, an active social life, and was well known and Stella went to stay with her to help her admired locally. to organise her new household. Maisie’s Until the last few weeks of her life, Stella lived husband, Dr Shepherd, introduced Stella on her own and looked after herself. She died to his friend Dr Jack Hartsilver and in at home, as she wished to do. 1934 they were married in Willesden before returning to settle in Hove, She will be remembered for her ever-present where Jack practised as a GP for many broad smile, her elegance, her charm, her decades. sense of humour and her mental acuity, which never deserted her. As her builder told me just While Jack practised medicine, Stella set before she died: “They don’t make ‘em like that about converting various Hove properties any more …” into flats, managing and overseeing every detail herself. After her husband’s death in What a lady! What a life! She will be missed. 1984, she continued to manage her property Clea Beechey is a great-niece of Stella Hartsliver z’l portfolio and remained firmly in charge until her death. Her tenants held her in extremely high regard. Aubrey Cole z’l by Sidney Lipman This week saw the passing of Aubrey Cole, who served in As his aide-de-camp, I shared many situations with him. the Royal Navy during WWII, and followed this with a lifetime Sometimes his cantankerous approach to others was difficult of service to the Association of Jewish Ex Servicemen and for the person on the receiving end and he was very anxious Women. to have his own way. In spite of his attitude, he had an old fashioned courtesy, which charmed the ladies and put them A single man, with one purpose in mind, to support AJEX and at ease. His service to AJEX was recognised when he visited its ideals, which he did for many decades, promoting this or H.Q. and was presented with a Gold Badge by the late Sir organising that for the benefit of our community. Here was Edmund De Rothschild. a ‘giant’ of a man amongst the people at large. As chairman of the Brighton Hove & District Branch, his arrangements In later years, Judy and Bert Gabriel gave much of their time for the annual Remembrance Service in any one of the city to his care and needs, firstly visiting him at his home and Synagogues brought him respect from local dignitaries, latterly at the Jewish Care home, where he was looked after ecclesiastical authorities and many organisations. so well. Board of Deputies Welcomes Autopsies only to Jews Verdict but also to the wider The Board of Deputies welcomed the High Court ruling of population, 29 July 2015, which backs the rights of religious Jews and since the Muslims to ask for post-mortems to be carried out by scan quality of this form of autopsy is as good – if not better than – rather than cutting open the body in what is known as an conventional procedures. However, minimal invasive autopsy ‘invasive autopsy’. is not available in many parts of the country. The costs are high and must be borne by the Jewish community, and in The Board has campaigned for some years on this issue as some jurisdictions, scans have not yet been accepted. invasive autopsies can delay burial and prevent the burial of the body intact, while Jewish tradition is that the body of the Board Vice President, Marie Van Der Zyl, said, “This verdict deceased should be buried without any undue interference or will come as a great relief to Jews and Muslims across the impediment. country. Wherever possible, we want our loved ones to be buried quickly and without interference. The High Court Recently there has been considerable public interest in the ruling establishes this as a principle in law, and we look use of minimal invasive autopsy – where a computerised forward to working with the coroners’ service to ensure the tomography (CT) scan is used – which has been validated in implementation of the ruling. We send our congratulations to Government-funded studies. This technology is of value not all those engaged in this landmark case”. issue 256 | september-october 2015 8 Features 9 The future is not what it used to be: a positive suggestion by Sam Barsam Surveying Brighton and Hove’s Jewish community one can regard this saying as a mixed message. When I came here in 1986, every synagogue was full, there were even ‘overflows’ on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Friday Night Services are currently ‘holding together’ but with a declining Jewish population, the future, which was so bright and expectant in the 1980s and 1990s, could not prevent the loss of population due to assimilation, migration to London, and Israel. Additionally, the decline of fertility within the average Jewish family producing perhaps 1.7 children, will lead to a hardly sustainable population. One of the joys of Brighton and Hove is its eclectic mix of all aspects of Judaism - Lubavitch, traditional Orthodox, Reform and Progressive (Liberal), we do all talk to each other, and that is how it should remain. And so with Lubavitch at the right and the Progressives on the left we have this eclectic mix of the Jewish experience. Fresh air, four synagogues, not forgetting Lubavitch, ample room to set up a Kosher butcher and delicatessen and maybe with the hard work of our ageing population, could we not manage to re-establish a Jewish faith school? So how should we address the problem of increasing our local Jewish population? We are told that some 10,000 Jewish Youth Aliyah Child Rescue members of the French community want to leave France because of the Committee unacceptable level of antisemitism in the country of ‘Liberté, Egalité, Cordially invite you to their Pre- Fraternité’. Rosh Hashana Coffee Morning May I suggest that our Representative Council, with a powerful input from all the shuls, At 1, Park Avenue, Hove send a delegation to Paris describing On Wednesday 9th September 2015 at 11.00 am the delights of Brighton and Hove (timed for free and easy parking). Donation £3.00 to entice our French neighbours to come here and join our community? issue 256 | september-october 2015 8 9 issue 256 | september-october 2015 10 11 NEW YEAR GREETINGS 5776 THE SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING US DURING THE PAST YEAR, AND SEND OUR WARMEST GREETINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR ABBOUDI Eliaho, Jouliet and family wish CROWN/LYONS Jeremy, Saonie, Elizabeth, GORDON Ian and Barbara send love and all the Community a happy and peaceful New Ghila and Rich wish everyone a happy, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year Year and well over the fast. healthy and peaceful 5776. to family and friends in the Shoreham and ABRAHAMS Roger and Irit wish all their CUDDIS Shan and David wish family and Worthing district. family and friends Shana Tova and well over friends a very happy New Year and well over GORDON Joan wishes all her family and the fast. the fast. friends a happy and healthy New Year and ANDREWS Helen, Dari, Gabi and families DAVIS Angela and Joe wish all their family well over the fast. wish their families and friends Shana Tova. and friends a happy and healthy New Year. GOULD Godfrey sends best wishes to family ARGHEBANT Sylvia wishes her dear family DELACOUR Robert and Marion wish family and friends for a happy, healthy and contented and many friends a very happy and healthy and friends L’Shana Tova and a peaceful New Year. New Year and well over the fast. world. GRAHAM Lisa and David wish their dear BARNARD/SEIDEL Rachel, David, Moses DOCTORS Anthony and Phillip wish parents, children, grandchildren, family and and Gabriel wish a Happy New year to all the everybody a happy New Year and well over friends a very happy and healthy New Year. community. the fast. GRANT Anna and Norman wish all their BARNETT Cynthia, Terry and Harry wish all DUKE Norina and all the Dukes of Hove wish family and friends a happy, healthy and their friends in Brighton and Hove a happy Shana Tova and well over the fast to their peaceful New Year. and healthy Shana Tova and well over the fast. family and many wonderful friends. GREENWOOD Janice wishes her family and BARSAM Sam and Claire and family wish all ELKIN-ROSE Muriel wishes her dear family friends a happy, healthy and sweet New Year. their relatives and friends and readers of SJN a and friends a happy New Year and well over HARRIS Karen, Michael and Oliver send best healthy and prosperous 5776. the fast. wishes to all members of the community for a BASS Alan sends New Year greetings to EPSTEIN Helen wishes her darling children, happy and peaceful New Year. Shanah Tova. his family, friends and members of the grandchildren, family and friends a happy, HELPING HANDS Everyone at Helping community. healthy and peaceful New Year. Hands send thanks to clients, wonderful BLOOM Wendy and Ronnie wish their dear EVANS Evelyn wishes her family and friends volunteers and the whole community for their father, children and grandchildren and all their a very happy and healthy New Year. help and support. Shana Tova. friends a happy New Year and well over the HILL Aileen and Barry and family wish all fast. FAULL Dian wishes family and friends a happy and healthy New Year. friends and members of the community a BOOKER Beryl, John and Maurice wish happy and heathy New Year. family and friends a happy New Year and a FAULL Maurice, Laura together with HOLLIS/NIA Dennis Hollis MM and Victoria healthy and safe future. Matthew and Emily, wish family and friends a very happy and healthy New Year. Nia wish their friends the blessings of peace, BOYASK Linda, Martin, Ross and Katy wish health and happiness in the coming year. their friends a happy and healthy New Year FELSENSTEIN Linda and Raymond wish IRWIN Judy wishes all her dear friends Shana and well over the fast. their dear family and friends a healthy and happy New Year and well over the fast. Tova. BURKE Shirley and Alan wish their family ISAACS Irvyn and Barbara wish their family and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful FERRIS Benita wishes her family and friends and friends a happy and healthy New Year. New Year. a happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. JAY Jean wishes all her friends and family a CATERING CONNECTIONS Angela, Rod healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. and Dawn wish the whole community L’Shana FISHER Marilyn wishes all her family and Tova. friends a very happy and heathy New Year and JOSMAN Ruth and Cecil and family wish all well over the fast. their friends and family a happy and healthy CARLTON Sandra and Derek wish all their New Year. family and friends a peaceful and happy New FLASHMAN Roz and Michael wish their Year. dear family and friends a very happy, healthy KRAVETZ Sylvia and Arthur wish and peaceful New Year and well over the fast. their friends at the Eastbourne Hebrew COLLINS Jean and Ivor wish their family and Congregation a happy, healthy and peaceful friends a happy and peaceful New Year. FLETCHER Gwen wishes her family and friends a healthy and happy New Year. New Year. CONN Anne wishes all her family and friends LASKY Doreen and Malcolm, together with Shana Tova. FREEMAN Philip wishes all his family and friends a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful their family, wish everyone a happy and CONWAY Susan, Jonathan and Simon wish New Year and well over the Fast. healthy New Year. all their family and friends a happy and LEVER The Lever family wish all in the healthy New Year and well over the fast. GABRIEL Bert and Judy wish all their friends in the community a happy and peaceful New community health, happiness and peace for COWAN Janet wishes everyone a happy, Year and well over the fast. 5776. healthy and peaceful year ahead. GOLDBERG Berny and Jenny send their LEVINE Sydney and Cecile wish all their CROOK Ann and Michael wish their family family and friends greetings for a healthy and family and friends a happy, peaceful and and friends a very happy and healthy New peaceful New Year. healthy New Year. Year. issue 256 | september-october 2015 10 LEVINSON Doris wishes her family, friends RICH Milly and Shula wish everyone a happy SIMMONS 11 Jean and family wish their family and colleagues in the community a happy and New Year. and friends a happy Yom Tov. healthy New Year. RICHARDS Jill and Ivor wish all family and SIMONS Jack and family wish all relatives LIND Eleanor and Freddy wish the whole friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New community a healthy and happy year ahead. Year. Year. LYONS Fay wishes family, friends, rabbonim ROLAND Bernard and Marianne wish their SIMONS Ruth wishes all members of the and their families a happy and healthy New family and friends a very happy, healthy and Community a Shana Tov. Year. peaceful New Year. SOROKIN Ivor and Gweni send sincere good MANN Lewis wishes his family and friends a ROSE Jack and Elaine and daughters Eva and wishes for a joyous and healthy New Year to very happy and healthy New Year. Mariamne, sons-in-law Adam and Dan and the whole Community. May we all enjoy life’s MAGRILL Marilyn wishes Shana Tova to her grandson Joseph wish family and friends a most precious blessings. dear mother, children, grandchildren and all happy New Year. SPECTOR Helen wishes all her family and her friends. ROSE Susan and David wish all their friends friends Shana Tova. MASON Hazel and Harry wish their children, and family a very happy and healthy New STANFORD Jeffrey, Lydia, Simon and Lisa relatives and friends a happy, healthy and Year and well over the fast. wish their family, friends and the community a prosperous New Year and well over the fast. ROSENFIELD Sue and Tony wish all their happy and peaceful New Year. MEDIPHARM LTD The Solomon family friends and family a Shana Tova and happy STOWE Peter, Karen and Alistair wish all wishes the community Shana Tova and healthy New Year. their friends L’Shana Tova for 5776. U’Metukah. ROSENTHAL Jessica and family wish the SUSSEX JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE MEGITT Stephanie and Brian wish all their community a happy New Year, a sweet 5776 COUNCIL sends the community good wishes friends in Sussex an apple-and-honey-filled and well over the fast. for a happy and successful New Year. happy and healthy New Year. RUBIN Brian and Sharon wish their family SWITHERN Bernard and Lydia wish their MELCHER Joan and David wish family and and friends Shana Tova and health and dear family and friends a happy and healthy friends a healthy and happy New Year. happiness for the coming year. New Year. MORDECAI Louise and Steve wish their RUBIN Joe and Hazel wish their family and TAYLOR Gloria wishes her dear friends and family and friends Shana Tova; a sweet year friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New family a happy and peaceful New Year. bringing peace health and happiness to all. Year and well over the fast. TAYLOR Ronnie and Linda wish their MOSS Pat, Roland and family wish their dear RUTHERFORD Sandra and family wish their family, friends and all the Eastbourne Hebrew family and friends a happy and healthy New friends a happy and healthy New Year and Congregation a happy, healthy and peaceful Year. well over the fast. New Year. NOAH June wishes her dear friends a SAMUELS Angela and Steven wish the entire TORRANCE Tom and Cherry wish all family peaceful, healthy and happy New Year. community a happy and healthy New Year. and friends here and in Israel a healthy, OPPENHEIMER Maggie, Arthur and family SCRIVEN Valentine wishes her family and peaceful, sweet and secure 5776. wish everyone a happy and peaceful New friends a happy and tranquil New Year. WALKER Doreen, Bernie, Lesley, Steve, Year. SELIGMAN Melanie, Simon, Daniel and Oliver and Ryan wish all their dear family and ORCHID CATERING wishes the community Charlotte wish all their family and friends a friends a happy and healthy New Year and a happy and healthy New Year. happy, healthy, peaceful and sweet New Year well over the fast. and well over the fast. PANTOOK Rosalind wishes her family and WESSEX JEWISH NEWS the team wish all friends Shana Tova and well over the fast. SHARPE Beryl and Mef wish their children, the Jewish community a happy and peaceful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family New Year. POSNER Liz wishes Shana Tova, good health and friends a healthy, happy and peaceful New and happiness to friends and family. Year. WILKS Sarah and David wish their family, friends and the whole community Shana Tova RENTS Renee and Joe wish their dear family SHELTON Fausta wishes all her friends and and well over the fast. and friends a happy New Year and well over everyone in the community a happy, healthy the fast. and peaceful New Year. ZANARDO Rabbi Andrea, Sara, Dov, Yair and Hila wish you all Shanah Tova RICH Gillian and Michael wish family and SILVER Bernice and Arthur together with U’Metukah. friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful Jeffrey and Roman wish all their friends and New Year and well over the fast. the community a happy and healthy New Year and an easy fast. From the SJN Kitchen For the Yomim Noraim, our chefs offer these two seasonal recipes. Recipe 2: Une nouvelle année typiquement anglais Recipe 1: Poulet à l’Hydromel pour les Yomim Tovim • 1 bag of apples • 2 x 3 lb chickens, quartered • 1 litre of mead • 1/3 cup mead • several bottles of wine • 3 tbsp prepared mustard Slowly heat the mead in a small saucepan. Slice apples into • 3 tbsp soy sauce segments. When the mead is warm to taste, serve by the flagon. Rinse the chickens, remove the excess fat and pat dry. Place the Whilst drinking, dip apple slices in the mead and eat. After the mead chicken quarters in a large roasting pan. Combine all remaining has been consumed, open one or more additional bottles of wine to ingredients in a cup, mix well and brush onto the chicken quarters. continue the new year festivities until vous avez le nez tout rouge. Bake uncovered for 1.25 to 1.5 hours. Serves 8. issue 256 | september-october 2015 12 September 2015 / Tishrei 5776 13 Message from the President This is my first Rosh Hashanah as President of the Board following my election in May and I have much to do in order to continue the fine work we have been doing over the past 12 months. It is a year which we can look back to with some pride in our accomplishments. We have worked closely with the Government to ensure that our community is protected against the evil of antisemitism. The good relations we have fostered led to Home Secretary Theresa May and Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles attending our monthly Board meeting to reassure our community in the wake of the terrorist attacks against Jews in Paris in January. This trustful relationship proved its worth in July when a small antisemitic group on the far right threatened to rally in Golders Green. We felt that the whole community should demonstrate its united resolve against bigotry and the Board, in partnership with the London Jewish Forum and anti-fascist organisation HOPE not Hate, together with the support of the Community Security Trust, formed Golders Green Together to turn a hateful occasion into a positive outcome for our community. The result was that all races and faiths in Golders Green came together to celebrate both their unity and diversity while behind-the-scenes work with the Government and police led to the rally being moved to central London – well away from the Jewish community that the racists were hoping to intimidate. The long-term work of the Board in building alliances and deepening mutual respect and understanding often goes unsung, but this episode demonstrates the benefits that it brings to our community. We also acted against attempts to boycott Israel and antisemitism masquerading as anti-Zionism and have won some important battles – including against Rev Stephen Sizer, who has now been effectively disciplined by the Church of England after one rant too many. We also took prompt action against an anti-Israel conference at Southampton University and the conference was cancelled following representations led by the Board. We have been very active against those calling for boycotts, divestment & sanctions. Our document, ‘A Better Way than Boycotts’ highlighted a more constructive path to peace in the Middle East and has been very well received by major non-Jewish bodies in Britain and abroad. Of course, my election was not the only one in May. There was also the small matter of a General Election. Ahead of this the Board produced its Jewish Manifesto – the most comprehensive ever produced which covered 14 areas of interest including religious freedom, antisemitism, Israel, education, social care and social Action – all produced after consultation with more than 300 organisations and individuals. The Jewish Manifesto and its 10 Commitments which encapsulated the key aims of the document was sent out to every parliamentary candidate. We received videos of support from all three main party leaders supporting the Manifesto and its pledges. In education, we have been working hard to maintain GCSE Ivrit and Biblical Hebrew and we are promoting Judaism through our Jewish Living Experience exhibitions and tours, in which thousands of non-Jewish children learn about our faith every year. We have also been reaching out through Jewish Connection, which is supporting small communities all over the UK needing pastoral and social care, networking and advocacy support from the mainstream of the community. In 5776 we will be pushing ahead with our new, dynamic team of Honorary Officers, dedicated Deputies and professional staff. Jewish core beliefs and practices are not currently threatened in the UK and that is the way we want to keep things – we must retain our ability to continue to practise brit milah and shechitah and there should be an understanding of the importance of these traditions. Our relationship with the Muslim communities of the UK will be a priority. Jews have an important role to play in showing to them and other faiths that it is not only possible but admirable to combine British values with adherence to religious tradition, and that these two things are not mutually exclusive. We will be working with the Government to safeguard the security of our community and the continuation of that productive relationship is a priority, particularly in light of the shocking rise in antisemitism. The fact that the Government has pledged millions of pounds to enable effective security to be provided outside schools, synagogues and other institutions is welcome but cannot hide the grotesque fact that such vigilance is still required because hatred of our community remains in some, albeit very limited, corners in our society. I hope that 5776 is a peaceful one for members of our community. We will continue to represent your interests as only a democratically elected body can. May this New Year bring you and your families health and strength, and may it be peaceful for Am Yisrael. Jonathan Arkush issue 256 | september-october 2015 12 Culture 13 Jewish Historical Society of England – Sussex Branch Tuesday 27 October the Jewish Historical Society presents Pogroms in late Tsarist Russia with guest speaker Beryl Williams, Emeritus Reader in Russian Studies, University of Sussex at Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove, commencing at 7.45 pm. Beryl Williams is an expert on Russia and the author of many articles on Russia under both the Tsars and the Soviets, including books on Lenin and the Russian revolution. The lecture will look at new ‘revisionist’ work on pogroms in late Tsarist Russia. Lectures are followed by questions, discussion and light refreshments. There is no charge to members and students, but we do charge only £4 to any most welcome visitors. For more information, please contact Arthur Oppenheimer at Arthur@aoppenheimer.co.uk or Godfrey Gould g.gould915@btinternet.com SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS - QUIZ We are offering a chance for a lucky subscriber to win two tickets for the opening night of BAD JEWS at the Theatre Royal, Brighton on Monday, 19 October 2015. All you have to do is answer these simple questions:- 1. Where is the setting for the play? 2. Who wrote the play BAD JEWS? Call 07808 580047 or email sjneditor@ sussexjewishnews.com by 21 September with your answers. Please give your name and phone number. The winner will be drawn by lot, by the Editorial Board, from all the correct answers received and contacted to advise how to collect the prize. The competition is open only to subscribers of SJN. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. MARTIN GROSS Funeral Director and Funeral Consultant to Jewish communities 01273 439792 07801 599771 issue 256 | september-october 2015 14 Culture 15 Films For The Autumn After our summer break the Sussex Jewish Film Club will be starting its autumn season with the Israeli film ‘FILL THE VOID’ (Lemale et Ha’halal, 90 mins) on Sunday 20 September. In Hebrew with English subtitles, this film won numerous awards from the Israeli Film Academy and from various film festivals. Salomon ‘Sally’ Sorowitsch is king of counterfeiters, living a life of cards, booze and women, but his luck runs out when he’s arrested and thrown into Mauthausen concentration camp. There he exhibits exceptional skills and is transferred to the upgraded camp of Sachsenhausen. He and a group of professionals are forced to produce fake foreign currency under Operation Bernhard and are given luxury barracks for their assistance. But while Salomon attempts to weaken the economies of the allies, one of his colleagues refuses to use his skills for Nazi profit and wants to do something to counter A devout 18-year-old Israeli girl is pressured to marry the the programme’s aims. With this moral dilemma, Salomon husband of her late sister. Is declaring her independence an must decide whether his actions, which could prolong the war option in Tel Aviv’s ultra-Orthodox Hasidic community, where and risk the lives of fellow prisoners, are ultimately the right religious law, tradition and the rabbi’s word are absolute? ones... Come and find out! The films are shown at Ralli Hall, 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm, Then on Sunday 18 October the film will be ‘THE with small donation on the door requested from non-Ralli COUNTERFEITERS’ (Austria/Germany, 93 mins, in English/ Hall members. Full-time students free and don’t forget that German/Russian/Hebrew with English subtitles). parking in Hove Station car park costs only £2 on a Sunday It won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, as well as (or use the No 7 bus). We hope to see you there. several other awards. Based on the true story of history’s largest counterfeiting operation, set up by the Nazis in 1936. Commitment and Controversy – those who didn’t, for those who Living in Two Worlds have not yet joined my list for weekly Collected essays and blogs in a new book by blog mailings, Jeremy Rosen here’s a pretty Jeremy Rosen grew up in the United Kingdom before random sample moving to the United States. In addition to his role as of blogging on rabbi of a Persian Jewish community in Manhattan, he is a Jewish, secular, teacher, academic, writer, and successful blogger. SJN has and social themes. occasionally published some of his interesting blogs. I hope you enjoy at least some of Jeremy writes that he has “been blogging for ten years to them.” my “select” audience, on anything that tickled my fancy or felt appropriate in any week. Sometimes the blogs were Commitment theological, sometimes political, often historical, or even and Controversy serendipitous. It wasn’t always clear if I was flying a kite. – Living in Two Sometimes my readers thought I was angry, when I was just Worlds by Jeremy sad at the abuses of religion and the failures of leadership. Rosen is available My intention was to educate, to challenge, and to entertain. from Amazon in Sometimes I managed all three in one blog entry. paperback for £8.19 or Kindle for “I was asked by my friend Joe Dwek to publish a collection of £7.69. some of my blog posts. So, for those who enjoyed them, for issue 256 | september-october 2015 14 BHPS Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: info@bhps-online.org www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue Twitter@BHPS2011 15 40 days To Begin Again by Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah The number 40 is significant in many traditions. The sin of the Golden calf is associated with 17 Tammuz, Torah relates that our ancestors were condemned to the date when the Babylonians began to lay siege to wander for 40 years in the desert, because 10 of the 12 Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The prophets (e.g. Jeremiah) tribal leaders, brought back a negative report, following made it very clear that the First Temple was destroyed their 40-day reconnoitre of the land beyond the Jordan because the people sinned. And so Moses’ in between (Sh’lach L’cha, Numbers 13:1-14:35). 40-day sojourn on the mountain is associated with a time of repentance, following the people’s idolatry. It is But this is not the first 40-day period recounted in only after this second 40-day period that according to the Exodus and wilderness narratives of the Torah. Rashi’s interpretation, Moses ascended the mountain In the Book of Sh’mot/Exodus we read that following once more on 1 Elul, and descended 40 days later with Revelation, Moses spent two periods, each of 40 days the second set of Tablets on 10 Tishri – Yom Kippur. (and nights) in duration, communing with the Eternal on the top of Mount Sinai (Mishpatim, Exodus 24:15- By connecting the events in the wilderness, both, with 18; Ki Tissa, Exod. 34:1-4; 34:27-29). When Moses a defining moment in Jewish history, and with the descended on the first occasion and found the people 40-day journey towards forgiveness, from 1 Elul to 10 worshipping a ‘molten calf’ that his brother, Aaron, Tishri, Rashi’s commentary reinforces the connection had made to pacify their disquiet at his absence, in between past and present in both directions. Just as his rage, Moses smashed the Tablets he was carrying our wilderness ancestors appear to participate in the (Ki Tissa, Exod. 32:19). Hence, the need for a second annual cycle that regulates Jewish life, so we re-enact 40-day and night sojourn on the mountain in order their journey from wrongdoing through t’shuvah to to receive a second set of Tablets. According to the atonement. With this re-enactment comes reassurance. greatest of the mediaeval commentators, Rashi (1040- The 40-day period from 1 Elul to Yom Kippur is not 1105), Moses spent another forty day period on the an expedition into the unknown; it is a journey with a mountain between receiving the first and second destination. As long as we are prepared to go on the sets of Tablets: ‘On 7 Sivan, Moses went up to the journey, we will receive forgiveness. All we have to do mountain . . . On 17 Tammuz, the Tablets were broken. is have the courage to acknowledge our misdeeds, On the 18th, he burned the [Golden] Calf and judged seek to make amends, and resolve to renew our lives. the transgressors. On the 19th, he went up for forty L’shanah tovah! days and pleaded for mercy. On 1 Elul, he went up to receive the second Tablets, and was there for forty days. On 10 Tishri, Gd restored His goodwill with the Jewish people gladly and wholeheartedly, saying to Moses, “I have forgiven, as you ask,” and gave him the Second Tablets.’ These dates are very important. The High Holyday Services High Holyday Tickets for non-members are available from the synagogue office at a cost of £50. This will be refunded if joining the synagogue as a member in the three months following the festivals. There will be no charge for students, but please contact the office for tickets for security purposes. The services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be conducted at the Ralli Hall. Please contact the office for other service venues. issue 256 | september-october 2015 16 BHHC Rabbi Hershel Rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation, 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: office@bhhc-shul.org www.bhhc-shul.org 17 Where Does G-d Live? by Rabbi Hershel Rader What does Rosh Hashanah mean to you? merely existing. Living is being active in a way which The likelihood is that we will all celebrate the Jewish makes our presence felt. G–d lives where we let New Year in some fashion. Most of us that are able Him in, where we allow His values to flourish and will attend the Synagogue at least once, some of us when we heighten the spiritual quality of our lives. all four times. We are moved, at least momentarily, Simple things such as the way we relate to others by the sound of the Shofar. We see family, friends and the kindness we show them are an expression and acquaintances. We hear familiar melodies and of G-dliness in our lives. Spending time in Shul or at eat familiar foods. Rosh Hashanah ends and is soon prayer demonstrates our recognition of something followed by Yom Kippur with all its traditional sights which transcends the mundane and devoting part of and sounds. And then what? Some will gather for the our day to Torah study unites us with the Almighty – festival of Succot but for so many the High Holiday the Giver of the Torah. experience will have finished for another year. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can last more than The High Holidays are our annual ‘contact with three days. They last for as long as we let G-d in. G-d’. A woman once asked me why so many people Perla and I wish the entire community a very Good come to Shul on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I and Sweet Year. answered that it was their time to identify as Jews. They feel that if they don’t ‘pitch up’ on these days then in what way are they Jewish? She countered with her feeling that they come ‘just in case it really is true’. In other words, maybe there is a G-d in heaven looking down on us and we should take some time out to ‘hedge our bets’. Which prompts the question – is our Jewish identity or our faith in G-d something which should be limited to just a few days a year? It is obviously true that the Yomim Tovim are not the be all and end all of our Jewishness. So many of us practice Judaism, whether ritual or charitable, throughout the year. But they are a time when a sense of spirituality comes to the fore and, to a greater or lesser degree, supersedes our usual modus vivendi. The challenge of these days, times of repentance and therefore change, is to extend that sense to the rest of the year. Rabbi Mendel of Kotzk, the famous Kotzker Rebbe, once asked his students ‘where does G-d live?’ They were stunned at the question. Where does G-d not live? Surely we are taught that there is no place devoid of His presence. He fills the heavens and the earth! ‘No’ continued Rabbi Mendel ‘You have not understood. G-d lives where we let Him in.’ Rabbi Mendel’s students were right, G-d is everywhere. But living is more than issue 256 | september-october 2015 16 BHRS Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue, Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org https://www.facebook.com/BrightonReform BrightonReform 17 From Sion teshuvah shall go forth by Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo One year ago we entered the High Holydays carrying and the faithful with the spiritual tools to change the emotional baggage of the Gaza war. Those of us and to evolve. This is the difference between religion who have relatives and friends in Israel were obviously and fundamentalism, between responsibility and concerned. And the one-sided representation of the scapegoating, between spiritual growth and fanaticism. conflict in the media, so strongly biased against the Jewish State, made many of us to feel very lonely. This is the great concept of teshuva, which Judaism There was a sense of tragic incommunicability with our has taught for thousands of years, and we Jews should non-Jewish friends and acquaintances, and we carried be eager to embrace; especially in this season. these wounds after the end of the conflict. Are we living the same thing over again? The situation looks grim. The debate about Iran is unpleasant, and the Israeli government is portrayed by the media as BULLETIN BOARD – September & October cynical and a warmonger. In these last days we have September heard about a horrible stabbing during the Gay Pride, the horrendous arson and the murder of a baby in the Saturday 5 Selichot service, 6.30 pm village of Duna in the West Bank. Sunday 6 Stonesetting of Louis Silver, 2.00 pm All of this is going to be represented in the media Thursday 10 Rosh Chodesh, 7.30 pm according to the usual prejudices and blaming Israel Saturday 12 Shabbaton 10yrs+, 10.30 am and the Jews. We may feel, once again, isolated Sunday 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah, 6.30 pm and experience the same incommunicability we experienced a few months ago, again during the war in Monday 14 1st Day Rosh Hashanah, 10.00 am Gaza, and before that, during the war in Lebanon. Doroteinu Family Service (under 10yrs) Ten & Teens Service (led by RSy-Netzer) Nonetheless, there are serious things to learn if we look Tashlich, 5.00 pm closely to what is happening in Israel in the aftermath Tuesday 15 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah, 10.00 am of the stabbing during the Gay Pride, and following Study session & children’s activities the horrendous arson of Duma. For example, the Kol Nidre, 7.00 pm reaction of Israeli civil society has been inspiring. At a rally against the violence, attended in Jerusalem by Wednesday 23 yom Kippur, 10.30 am thousands of Jews, a former Chief Rabbi, Benny Lau, Doroteinu Family Service (under 10yrs), 11.00 am has given a powerful speech, which will make history. Ten & Teens Service (led by RSy-Netzer) He said, “Anyone who has been at a Sabbath table, Friday 25 Shabbat Kolot, 6.30 pm or in a classroom, or in a synagogue ... and heard the Saturday 26 Shoot the Rabbi Q&A, 10.30 am racist jokes, the homophobic jokes, the obscene words, Havdala, 5.00 pm and didn’t stand up and stop it, he is a partner to this bloodshed ... It is unacceptable that ... someone should Sunday 27 Erev Sukkot Service, 6.30 pm come and say that he condemns the act because a Monday 28 Sukkot Morning Service, 10.30 am Jew doesn’t stab another Jew. That is racism. A Jew does not stab another human being. Period”. October Similar words that can be seen all over Jerusalem have Erev Simchat Torah Service, 6.30 pm been printed on posters signed by the major Orthodox Sunday 4 authorities. Monday 5 Simchat Torah Service, 10.30 pm Stonesetting of Jack Nathan, 3.00 pm The highest Israeli religious authorities are engaging Sunday 11 openly in a process of teshuvah. This is likely to leave Tuesday 13 Rosh Chodesh, 7.30 pm an important mark on the schools’ curricula, in the Saturday 17 BHRS Talent Show, 7.00 pm Orthodox media, and hopefully in the general Israeli Sunday 18 Stonesetting of Isaac Behar, 2.00 pm society. At the night watch for the victim of the stabbing you could see LGBT activists debating with yeshiva students, trying to find a common ground and to halt High Holy Day Tickets for non-members are available from the violence and intolerance. An important conversation is synagogue office for £40. The cost of these tickets will be deducted happening right now. from membership fees, if you join the synagogue in the following This is what a serious religious tradition has to teach three months. to the whole of humanity. Being able to recognise when mistakes are committed and providing itself issue 256 | september-october 2015 18 HHCRabbi Vivian Silverman Hove Hebrew Congregation, 79 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 Email: hollandroadshul@btconnect.com and rabbivcsilverman@gmail.com Web: www.hollandroadshul.com 19 A Rosh Hashanah Message by Rabbi Vivian Silverman Victoria in June 1897 and I would think to myself: this will As we begin New Year 5776, proclaiming God King of never happen again. Well, it did, in 2012, and now the the Universe and Ruler of us all and asking for a year of Queen is becoming our longest lived and longest reigning peace, blessings and good deeds, and an end to hatred Monarch. and evil, Queen Elizabeth reaches a unique milestone in We wish her a year of good health and nachas, peace her long reign. On 8th September, the Tuesday before and contentment, to be able to continue performing her Rosh Hashanah, she becomes the longest reigning royal duties to the benefit of all her people in the United Sovereign in British history, overtaking her great great Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth of Nations. grandmother, Queen Victoria, who had reigned for 63 years and 7 months when she died on Tuesday 22nd Hashem Hoshi’a HaMalka / God Save the Queen January 1901. Lynette and our children join me in wishing each of you My grandma would tell me how well she remembered, as and your loved ones a Shana Tova a teenager in Liverpool, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Oomvorahet – a good and blessed year. Recipe for the New Year: Sticky Toffee Pudding by Janet Cowan For the pudding: • 2 oz Tomor • 6 oz granulated sugar • 8 oz plain flour • 1 heaped tsp baking powder • 1 egg • 1 packet stoned dates • 1/2 pint boiling water • 1tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1tsp vanilla essence In a bowl mix the sugar, flour, baking powder, soft Tomor and egg together. In another bowl, pour boiling water over dates and bicarb. When the dates are soft, puree them and mix together with other ingredients. Place in 12 inch flan dish, about 1 ½ inches deep and cook for about 40 mins at 150 degrees. For the sauce: 5 oz brown sugar 3 oz Tomor 4 tbsp non-dairy cream Microwave for about 2 mins then stir well. Prick the cooked pudding and pour over half of Wishing all our customers a Happy New Year sauce. Place the rest of sauce in a jug to pour over pudding at the table. Serve hot. This is a really delicious dessert. Happy New Year to all. issue 256 | september-october 2015 18 What’s on: September - October 2015 Website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org Email: sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com Phone: 07881 887589 SJN Email: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org.uk COMMUNITY EVENTS – IMPORTANT REMINDER: Contact the Communal Diary before planning your events: sussexjewishrepco@gmail.com SHABBAT SHALOM – BRIGHTON TIMES - SEPTEMBER SHABBAT SHALOM – BRIGHTON TIMES - OCTOBER 19 In Light Candles Out Havdalah In Light Candles Out Havdalah Fri 4 7.22 pm Sat 5 8.29 pm Fri 2 6.19 pm Sat 3 7.24 pm Fri 11 7.07 pm Sat 12 8.12 pm Fri 9 6.04 pm Sat 10 7.08 pm Fri 18 6.51 pm Sat 19 7.55 pm Fri 16 5.49 pm Sat 17 6.54 pm Fri 25 6.35 pm Sat 26 7.39 pm Fri 23 5.35 pm Sat 24 6.41 pm Fri 30 4.22 pm Sat 31 5.28 pm HIGH HOLY DAYS – SEPTEMBER HIGH HOLY DAYS – OCTOBER Sun 13 Erev Rosh Hashana light candles 7.02 pm Sun 4 Shemini Atzeret Mon 14 1st day Rosh Hashana light candles after 8.07 pm Mon 5 Eve of Simchat Torah Tues 15 2nd day Rosh Hashana Tues 6 Simchat Torah Tues 22 Kol Nidre light candles 6.42 pm Wed 23 yom Kippur Sun 27 Erev Succot Mon 28 1st day Succot Tues 29 2nd day Succot SEPTEMBER EVENTS REGULAR ACTIVITIES Wednesday 2 JACS with guest speaker Pam Goodall on Riding it Out at AJEX Please contact the activity organisers to determine whether any Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. activities will be pre-empted by the High Holy Days. Wednesday 9 Mondays Youth Aliyah Child Rescue Coffee Morning, 1 Park Avenue, Hove 11.00 am Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Efune 12.30 - 1.30 pm at the Brighton Hillel Centre, 66/67 Middle Street, Brighton Tel: 01273 321919 JACS with guest speaker Nigel Nevinson on Memories of his Mother Actress Nancy Nevinson at AJEX Centre, Eaton Rd, Hove at 2.00 pm. Afternoon Club with tea 1.30 pm. Ralli Hall Tel: Reba 01444 484839 Wednesday 16 and 23 Rubber and Duplicate Bridge 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm £4.00 + £1.00 transport Ralli Hall. Tel: Reba 01444 484839 JACS - NO MEETINGS Contemporary Basic Talmud with Rabbi Efune - Men only 8.15 pm Sunday 20 at Chabad House 01273 321919 Sussex Jewish Film Club presents Fill the Void, 7.00 for 7.30 pm. Drinks Torah & Tea with Penina Efune. Living with the times – an in depth look at the available. Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove weekly parsha and its relevance to our times. All ladies welcome. 8.15 pm at Wednesday 30 Chabad House 01273 321919 JACS New Year Special ‘Getting to Know You – What you want, what SARID (Association of Jewish Refugees) meets every 3rd Monday of the you expect from JACS’ at AJEX Centre, Eaton Rd, Hove at 2.00 pm. month at 10.45 am, Ralli Hall. £1.50 Tel: 0208 385 3070 or email esther@ajr. co.uk OCTOBER EVENTS Tuesdays Sunday 4 Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club 10.30 am - 4.30 pm Helping Hands Tea AJEX Centre, Eaton Rd, Hove 2.30 – 4.30 pm Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 Weekly at Ralli Hall Thursday 8 Painting with Rochelle (JAS) Studio at Ralli Hall, 2.00 – 4.00 pm. Sussex Jewish News – Submission deadline for the November issue. Tel: 01273 503708 (13 October and 16 September- 8 October on Thursdays Send your articles, thoughts, photos and announcements to sjneditor@ from 7.00 – 9.00 pm) sussexjewishnews.com or editor@sjn.org.uk Israeli Dancing 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm Ralli Hall. Tel: Jacky 01273 688538 Wednesday 14 Wednesdays JACS By popular demand – a Quiz presented by Moss Kimmelman at AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2.00 JACS at the AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / £2.50 members/£2.50 non-members non-members Saturday 17 Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Congregation afternoon tea at the Cavendish Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne at 3.00 pm – on the first Wednesday of every BHRS Variety Show AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove 6.30 pm. month Contact 01273 945467 or email hovenickbeck@gmail.com for tickets Thursdays Sunday 18 Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club 10.30 am - 4.30 pm Weekly Sussex Jewish Film Club presents The Counterfeiters, 7.00 for 7.30 Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 (RH) pm. Drinks available. Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove Bridge at Ralli Hall 11.00 am Monday 19 Weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Efune - men and ladies welcome - 8.15 - SARID with guest speaker David Barnett on The Life of Judith 9.15 pm at Chabad House. 01273 321919 Montefiore’, 10.45 am at Ralli Hall, £1.50. Tel: 0208 385 3070 or Fridays email esther@ajr.co.uk Kuddle Up Shabbat parent & child playgroup with Sara Zanardo and her guitar Monday 19 – Saturday 24 October 10.00 am – 11.30 am AJEX Centre Bad Jews at the Theatre Royal, Brighton Box Office 0844 871 7650 or atgtickets.com/brighton Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Congregation service on the 4th Friday of each month, WRVS, 24 Hyde Road, Eastbourne, 6.00 pm Wednesday 21 Saturdays JACS with guest speaker guest speaker Michael Bennett, ‘Life in the Jewish East End’ (see JACS article on page 5) Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Shabbat services at 22 Susans Road, Eastbourne, 10.00 am. Contact 01323 484135 or 07739 082538. For EHC High Tuesday 27 Holy Day services please contact the above telephone numbers Jewish Historical Society Ralli Hall 7.45 pm. See page 13 for details. Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Congregation afternoon services 2.30-5.00 Wednesday 28 pm, CTK Church Hall, Langney Roundabout, Eastbourne. For ELJC High Holy JACS with guest speaker Brenda Matthews who will be showing her Day Services please contact Suzanne (malka.seltzer@gamil.com) or Angela collection of souvenir and commemorative handkerchiefs for Not to (01323725656/eljcommunity@gmail.com) be Sneezed At. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. issue 256 | september-october 2015 20 20 issue 256 | september-october 2015 -
Issue 234
October September 2013
1 SUSSex JewISH NewS New WhatswHAt’S INSIde.... SHANA tOVA | HAppY New YeAr | rALLI HALL ceNteNArY | JewISH bUSeS | LISHmAH 3 | wHAt’S ON | ANd mOre September/ OctOber 2013 • eLUL 5773 / tISHreI 5774 / cHeSHVAN 5774 • ISSUe 234 2 Pause for thought 3 It’s that time of the year again… How should the “regulars” view their Surely the tolerant ‘live and let live’ option fellow Jews, with their seemingly casual should be adopted, and anyone with A time for getting in touch with relatives annual appearances, and some of them different ideas of Jewish observance and old friends you may not have heard not knowing even the most basic prayers should be embraced within the community from for twelve months, to enquire how and rituals? with open arms and an open heart, life has been treating them. A time especially at the time of year when this for reflecting on the past year and very concept is preached. hopefully giving thanks that you and Perhaps we could all make your family are well and have had no Perhaps we could all make a New major problems. A time for visiting Year resolution to support the various a New Year resolution to your Synagogue, albeit maybe for local organisations by attending events the only one or two times during the support the various local organised by them. year, to reflect on your life, and to remember with bittersweetness our organisations by attending This is a Ralli Hall edition for Rosh dear relatives and friends who are Hashanah, and you will find in it an no longer with us. A time to catch events organised by them. insert requesting that you take out a up with fellow congregants and membership of Ralli Hall. We are very friends and to taste the traditional apples fortunate to have a beautifully run, non- and honey, hoping for a sweet year ahead. Should they treat them as interlopers, secular building for the use of the whole interrupting the comfort of the habitual community and it is very well worth the The annual ritual of the Yomim Noraim rituals and undertaking their collective support of all of us. Please do your first Shul appearances is embedded into the confessional by rote? Should they look mitzvah of the year by responding to this personal culture of many of us, most of forward to the conclusion of the Days of appeal. whom feel profoundly Jewish, but maybe Awe, when their synagogue will “belong” not quite so profoundly religious. They to them again? In addition to the traditional wishes to take an ethical, social and historical view our readers for a healthy, peaceful and of their roots and see religion as a part of Or should they be grateful that, even prosperous New Year, we wish for a year the whole package. They are very happy, though it is just for a very short period, of tolerance and understanding within our for this short period, to identify with their they have a willingness to identify with local community. fellows and satisfy their basic need for their fellows by visiting the Shuls that community. make up our local religious community? SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, ADMINISTRATOR Bernard Swithern announcements, people, congregations, communities, contacts and more. Delivered at the start of each ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS month, SJN is run entirely by volunteers for reporting, Ivor Sorokin, Lydia Swithern editing and circulating each edition that has become the cornerstone of the Jewish community across the COMMuNAL DIARy info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org region. COVER IMAGES Brian Megitt / Ralli Hall Archives EDITORIAL BOARD Doris Levinson / Stephanie Megitt David Seidel/ Michael Rich PRODuCTION/LAyOuT Anand Day TECHNICAL ADVISOR Brian Megitt SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 8 OCTOBER 2013 New email address for submissions and correspondence: sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com susseX JeWisH NeWs suBsCRiPTiON Name:_______________________________________________ Date:_________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode:____________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Telephone:____________________ Subscription (tick one) I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £15 p/a I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £20 p/a. I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 2 Contents 3 sussex Jewish News PO Box 2178 • Hove BN3 3SZ FeATuRes Telephone: 07906 955 404 1 RALLi HALL AT 100 A look at the past and the present 10 MR RALLi HALL Bernard Swithern in conversation with Roger Abrahams 12 NeW YeAR GReeTiNGs Good wishes for a sweet year from around the community 16 MORe ‘JeWisH’ Buses Godfrey Gould on new honorees from our community’s past 17 FiL FiL Yael Breuer meets Amal & Tim Cashin, owners of Brighton’s new falafel restaurant 17 NeWs FROM eMeK Ophthalmologist Daniel Briscoe provides an update ReGuLARs 4 COMMuNiTY LiFe News from across the county 4 YOuR NeWs Your announcements 4 YOuR VieWs Your thoughts 18 CuLTuRe Lishmah 3, Jewish Women Friends, films and more 26 WHAT’s ON Regular and special events in your community YOuR COMMuNiTY 21 BRiGHTON & HOVe PROGRessiVe sYNAGOGue 22 BRiGHTON & HOVe HeBReW CONGReGATiON 23 BRiGHTON & HOVe ReFORM sYNAGOGue 24 HOVe HeBReW CONGReGATiON Full page (A4 size) £170 Half page (A5 size) £100 Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are Quarter page (A6 size) £65 not necessarily those of SJN; 1/9 page (credit card size) £40 • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or TISING services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and Personal: £4 per line • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or Flyers: Price on application submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to to sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their editorial decision. consideration for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format using Times New Roman as a font. Receipt of submissions may not BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 ADVER IN SJN GUIDELINES be acknowledged, unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, any response may be subject to delay. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 4 Community life 5 Your news Weddings Mazel tov to Nicky Marshall and Rachel Wolfe on the occasion of Births their wedding at Holland Road Shul on 11 August. Mazel tov to: • Corinne and Robert Blass who are delighted to announce the Anniversaries birth of another grandson; a second son for Adam and Beverley Mazel tov to: Blass. • Prue & Stan Baker on their Golden Wedding anniversary. • Frances Bloch on the birth of her 3rd great-grandson. • Gillian & Michael Rich on their Golden Wedding anniversary. • Barbara and Victor Comiskey on the birth of their granddaughter, • Susan & Anthony Wayne on the celebration of their Sapphire Alice Elizabeth, daughter to Nathan and Polly. Wedding anniversary. Bar Mitzvah . Mazel tov to: Get Well • Oliver Woolfe on the occasion of his bar mitzvah as well as to We wish a refuah sheleima to Paulina Bass, Sally Becker, Linda grandparents Laurel & Julian Woolfe and all the family. Boyask, Lesley Brooks, Susan Dineen, Anna Elliott, Marilyn Fisher, • Myrna Carlebach and to all the family on the bar mitzvah of her Sandra Gross, Ivor Goldman, Bob Kaltz, Willy Kuker, Alan Lindsey grandson, Sonnie, at Woodside Park Synagogue on 3 August. Lewis, Julia Milton, Julian Woolfe, and all who are unwell or in hospital. special Birthdays - september Mazel tov to Frances Bloch (80), Ivor Collins (80), Machee Goffi, Ron Hart, Sheila Hart (85), Irvyn Isaacs (80), Harold List (95), Beryl Deaths Miller, Adele Percival (90), Alisa Shulster (75) on their special We wish Long Life to the family of Jack Becker z’l birthdays. special Birthdays - October Important message Mazel tov to Leonard Curtis (90), Lilian Steiner (90), Yvette Wheeler, HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY VISITS Sylvia Simon (90), Guy Breuer (21), Bernard Harris (85) and Rabbi If you are in hospital or know anyone being admitted Andrea Zanardo on their special birthdays. into hospital, please get in touch with info@ sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org or telephone 07789 491279 so that a Jewish chaplain can be Your views contacted to visit. In my recent article I wrote that I would be ensuring some The following is a letter to Godfrey Gould from Ayana Segal-other permanent activity at Tel Aviv University. I can now Cohen, Special Projects Manager, Tel Aviv University inform you that I am arranging for the funding of a Godfrey and Maureen Gould Annual Lecture, in perpetuity, to present Wow! Kol Hakavod! I’m so excited to read it (article in the researches into the study of Multiple Sclerosis and other August issue of SJN). neuro-generative diseases. I will send it to everyone that is mentioned on this article. Also, further to that article, please note that Avril Fleishman’s Please thank him personally on my behalf, first for his email address has no ‘c’ in it, thus avril.fleishman@tau-trust. generous contribution and second for this amazing gesture, co.uk which is not less appreciated. Godfrey Gould, Hove southern Water supply side, a first for Southern Water. The meters, which by Simon Cobbs and Neil Duncanson are being rolled out to thousands of residents across Sussex Sussex Friends of Israel and the south east are designed to make people more aware of their water consumption and reduce their usage, bringing You may have seen recent media coverage reporting that a good news for the environment where water resources couple of BDS supporters from Brighton had successfully continue to be stretched. persuaded Southern Water not to install an Arad Technologies water meter in their home as they sought to object to the Sussex Friends of Israel has written to Southern Water to meter’s origin as part of their own personal boycott. Southern congratulate them on the supply chain agreement with Arad Water did agree to install a refurbished second hand meter technologies. In fact, the Israeli company are supplying instead for ‘customer service’ reasons, and while this is 500,000 water meters, with 300,000 already in the ground. disappointing it has highlighted the fact that Southern Water It makes you wonder how many other BDS supporters are are investing heavily in the Arad water meters, to the tune of already receiving their fresh clean water through a meter £36m over the lifetime of the contract. designed and manufactured in Israel. One or two requests to exchange the meters have fallen on deaf ears, so you could The new Israeli manufactured water meters offer the latest say the impact of one customer on 500,000 really is just a technology, designed to identify leaks on the customer’s drop in the ocean. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 4 Community life 5 Helping Hands is launching a new project called ‘Helping Hands Meals’ In December 2012, Sarah’s grand- Having been inspired by the generosity and kindness of the daughter, Shani Berman, was suddenly volunteers in London, Sarah felt that a project like this should be admitted to Great Ormond Street brought to Brighton & Hove. Hospital, where she and her parents spent the next two and a half weeks. This is where Helping Hands can step in. If you are, or if you Sarah went up to London to help look know of a friend or relative who is suddenly in a situation, such as after the other grandchildren. Realising a bereavement in the family, just out of hospital or having given that this was going to be an on-going birth, and might not be able to prepare meals, please contact us. situation, Shani’s parents alternated staying in hospital and being We will do our best to provide you or them with a home cooked at home with the other children. meat-free meal each day for a short period of time. The phone rang day and night because family, friends and Please note that we cannot provide a menu, but we will try neighbours wanted to help by bringing meals. One of their friends to accommodate any allergies or specific dislikes. Although decided to co-ordinate the situation by using the ‘Take Them there will be no charge for this service, a donation would a Meal’ website. This is an established site in North London be appreciated but is not compulsory. Each request will be devised especially for situations like this. Every day, a friend or considered at the discretion of Helping Hands. neighbour would be standing at the front door with a foil dish containing dinner. This was amazing, as they didn’t have to worry If this article has inspired you, you can become a ‘Helping Hands about planning an evening meal. It was one less thing to worry Chef’ either by cooking an extra portion when making your family about, and in addition they were eating well, which helped them meal, or cook up a batch of meat-free tasty meals to be frozen. cope with the situation in which they found themselves. Either way, please contact us by either email at helping-hands@ helping-hands.org or by phone on 01273 747722. Ralli Hall Lunch and social Club by Jacquie Tichauer First of all I would like to wish Ralli Hall Lunch and Social as this is a great hit with our members and gives them a chance Club Committee, volunteers, members and everyone who has to get away from their own four walls. supported us over the years a Happy, Healthy New Year and an Easy Fast. On Tuesday 3 September we will be having a pre-Rosh Hashana lunch. All welcome, just give me a call so I can make sure we I am glad to say I have a few new volunteers, which mean I can have enough food for everyone. In September we will be going offer a new programme on Thursday afternoons. We have started on an outing to a Garden Centre for lunch and afternoon high with games and new discussion groups, which seem to be a tea and, of course, our dinner dance will take place on the 24 great success with our members and volunteers. November, tickets for which are now for sale. Please see details next to our report. We had a busy year, going away for weekends and days out and celebrating special birthdays and all being well, we will be Now that the winter months are coming, why not come along celebrating one of our member’s 101st birthday in September. to Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club for a nice hot meal or some company, just give me a call 01273 739999. By the time you have read this report we will have spent a weekend in Eastbourne for the second time, taking 40 members. Looking forward to seeing you at Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Hopefully I will have some great photos for the next edition of Club. SJN. I am hoping to plan more weekends away in the next year About Ralli Hall Ralli Hall Lunch and I can only say good things about Norina and Social Club Maxine at Ralli Hall. Sunday 24th November 2013 They always greet me with a smile on a monthly Monday morning and nothing is ever Pre- Chanukah Dinner Dance too much trouble. Main meal- Salt Beef and Latkes Long may they reign! (alternative can be ordered) Esther Rinkoff Price £25 – Party Dress SARID / AJR Tickets for Sale (Association of Jewish Refugees) Please call 01273 722173 issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 6 Community life 7 eastbourne Hebrew Barbecue Congregation Melanie & Dan Liebenberg and Menashe Celebrates 90 Years family hosted a barbecue for 25 It was standing room only members and for late arrivals at a special friends of our Shabbat morning, when some congregation. For a 65 members, family and change, the weather friends gathered to celebrate was warm enough President Menashe Harounoff’s to enjoy the eclectic 90th birthday. Visitors came mix of meats, from far and wide, including salads, desserts and drinks in their beautiful garden. This his granddaughters and great was the third barbecue held by the Liebenberg family for the grandchildren from Israel and benefit of the shul, and the admirable sum of £200 was raised New York, former members for the Maintenance Fund. Shelley and Diana Katz and Dates for your diary their son Nathan, who is High Holyday Services 5774 – 2013. All morning services currently serving in the Israeli Defence Force, David and are held at Susans Road Shul, commencing at 10.00 am. Felicia Quick from Operation Exodus, Ex- Mayoress Clair Szanto, Anita and Tony Graham from Sussex Academic Press and former members Stuart and Rosa Panto from New Year 1st Day: Thursday 5th September - Morning Service Hove. MP Stephen Lloyd was unable to attend, but sent a 2nd Day: Friday 6th September - Morning Service letter of congratulation. Shabbat 7th September - Morning Service Yom Kippur Friday 13th September - Kol Nidre 7.15 pm. Fast The Service, conducted by Chairman, Ronnie Taylor, commences 7.00 pm. Saturday 14th September - assisted by David Huglin and Avi Sha, was followed by Morning, Afternoon and Evening Services. Fast ends Ronnie paying tribute to Menashe and presenting him 8.00 pm with an engraved plaque on behalf of the congregation to Succoth Thursday 19th September - Morning Service (One commemorate the occasion. The inscription read, ‘Presented day only) to Menashe Harounoff, President of the Eastbourne Hebrew Shemini Atzereth Thursday 26th September - Morning Service - Congregation, to commemorate his 90th Birthday and his yiskor service to the Community’. Simchat Torah Thursday 26th September - Evening Service 6.30 A sumptuous kiddush awaited the congregation in the shul pm hall which had been prepared by Linda Taylor ably assisted by Sylvia Kravetz, Liz Huglin, Melanie Liebenberg and Members, potential members and visitors will receive a warm Michael Shipton. welcome. For further information, please call Secretary, Linda Taylor on 01323 484135. About Ralli Hall Ralli Hall is all about people and activities. My first memory of it was when it became a Jewish community centre and youth groups moved in. My son Maurice was a youth leader and recalls that before the official opening, he was cleaning the toilet in anticipation of the first young people arriving. Ralli Hall appeals to every interest and age group – there are so many activities in which to participate.and I became involved when I retired. My husband Alfred, a Holocaust survivor, introduced me to Sarid, a group run by AJR (Association of Jewish Refugees), mainly attended by people who came on the Kindertransport or, like Alfred, came to England from the concentration camps. I got hooked and now assist by keeping in touch with the people who come along and at the monthly meetings I appreciate the interesting speakers who talk on a wide range of subjects. The Luncheon Club is another way that people can meet, enjoy good food and the company of others, be entertained and follow their interests, in a warm, welcoming atmosphere: now, it too has me under its spell. There are so many interesting things to participate in and neither youth nor age is a bar to joining in. There is art, history, film, cards, painting, dancing and much socialising. Were I asked to sum up its achievements, I’d say – Ralli Hall is good for you! Long may it flourish and grow. Shirley Huberman issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 6 Community life 7 Ralli Hall members of the community who have not had reason to use our facilities have not been inclined to become members of by Roger Abrahams, Hon Chairman B&HJCF on the basis that “there is nothing there for us”. I understand that this edition of SJN will be a Ralli Hall We are very keen to open our doors to all who wish to use us Special, and includes an interview that I recently had with and, although the Board is very few in number so we cannot Bernard Swithern, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I sincerely physically run many activities ourselves. We can help in many hope that its contents will help to clarify some of the ways those of you who wish to run activities (or hold simchas) misconceptions as to how the Board of Management and of any sort within our quite magnificent building, which we the staff run the B&HJCF, in the main for the benefit of, but have been improving almost continuously for many years. without any cost to, the community. My Board is extremely In fact, our builders are in the process of replacing the three grateful to receive the attention and good wishes of the original domed roof lights in the restaurant area and kitchens fiercely independent Editorial Board of SJN, but if there are with beautiful new pyramid shaped roof lights of bronzed any queries that you may still have about us, please do not glass, which I am sure will completely transform the currently hesitate to contact Norina or Maxine in the office on 01273 rather dark rooms – come and have a look, as the work 202254, who will be very happy to speak to you. should be completed by about the time you read this. We have not yet found a replacement for the Regent School, You will note the advertisement at the bottom of this page which has occupied the first floor of the building for the for our 100th Anniversary Tea Dance, to be held on Sunday last ten years and without a replacement we will have a afternoon, 29 September, just after the end of the High Holy rather large hole in our budget from the New Year onwards. Days. Please come and join us for this once in a lifetime However, we are still optimistic that a suitable occupier will be celebration and perhaps make up a table at what I am sure found in good time, otherwise we may very well need to draw you will find will be a super afternoon and an opportunity in our horns or look elsewhere for some of our income. to meet together as a Community in a convivial and fun atmosphere. Although I have mentioned above that we have been able to run the Centre without any cost to the Jewish community for I should like to take this opportunity of wishing you all Shana some considerable time, this has possibly been a double-Tovah and Well over the Fast. edged sword, as it could have isolated us somewhat from the community, which has definitely not been our intention. Many See you at Ralli Hall. About Ralli Hall Congratulations to Ralli Hall on its 100th birthday. We, the Lunch & Social Club, have been using the Centre for nearly 11 years and enjoy having our bridge classes, card afternoons, entertainment and amazing lunches in their rooms. We have benefited from the renovation of the kitchens, the upgraded Magrill Lounge and the superb Main Hall. We wish Ralli Hall good luck and success in the years to come. Jacquie Tichauer Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 8 Community life 9 Torah Academy Nursery - This is Our Future by Penina Efune What more As you will see from could you want the photos taken at the end of a around the year, Nursery year Torah Academy than a card from Nursery covers a parent that a wide range of says, activities and experiences in “Thank you for which our children all your sincere are cherished, dedication and challenged and commitment achieve. We cover you have given both the Early to our children. Years Foundation I’m especially Stage together with grateful for your the Montessori unwavering approach, which devotion to creates a very rich environment for children aged eighteen giving Jewish months to five years. children a positive and We have a weekly Shabbos party every Friday at 12.30 pm inspiring and all members of the community are invited to come along foundation in their rich and varied heritage.“ and celebrate with us. We are also happy to welcome anyone who may have some extra time on their hands and would like My daughter has given me a renewed appreciation of our to volunteer and spend some quality time with the children on traditions and this has all been as a direct result of her a regular basis. experiences with you at Torah. I cannot express in words the depth of gratitude I feel for your nurturing and respectful The children may be young and the parents as yet unaffiliated approach. We will cherish this time of her life for many years to any synagogue, but the seeds are being sown for our to come. July 2013.” future community and there is enormous potential to nurture those seeds and keep our community young and thriving. We are living in unusual times where children are teaching their parents not just the latest computer and technology, but For all further information please contact Penina on 01273 many other things as well. In fact there is a verse, which says, 328675 or 321919. We look forward to hearing from you and ‘the hearts of the fathers will be returned by the sons’. There welcoming you to our Nursery. will come a time when the children will bring their parents back to Judaism. eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community by Yvonne Greene High Holy Day Services 5774 (2013) will be held at the CTK (Christ the King) Centre Hall, 3 Princes Road, Eastbourne BN23 6HT (at Langney Roundabout A259). There is a free car park on site. Wed 04 Sept at 7.00 pm Erev Rosh Hashanah service followed by Kiddush Thur 05 Sept at 10.00 am Rosh Hashanah service followed by Kiddush and discussion session Fri 13 Sept at 7.00 pm Kol Nidre Sat 14 Sept at 10.00 am Yom Kippur followed by discussion session The High Holy Day services will be led by trainee Rabbi Adam Frankenberg. High Holy Day tickets (for all services and discussion sessions) £25.00 per person for non-affiliated members. Contact Angela Jay at: eljcommunity@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our High Holy Day services and wish you a sweet, joyful, healthy, inspiring and meaningful Happy New Year. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 8 Community life 9 Hyman Fine – On Track This day, was to the Bluebell Railway at Sheffield Park where 18 residents, relatives and volunteers had lunch and then went summer on the famous railway to East Grinstead and back. by Natasha Carson and Beverly Barnett There are always indoor activities at Hyman Fine, which include a cookery class, art therapy and ping pong. July proved to be a fabulous month for weather and so residents were able to participate in a number of outdoor A number of residents are keen readers and if anyone has activities. any spare large print books we would be delighted to receive them. In addition we also need extra sun hats so again, if you A few residents went to the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton for have any to spare, please let us know. a traditional afternoon tea. A barbecue was held on 17 July and we were joined by a number of visitors from the Ralli The above are just some of the many activities and events Hall luncheon club. Residents and guests enjoyed a lovely that take place in and out of Hyman Fine and if anyone would meal and Phil, the entertainer, was first class. The following like to help out as a volunteer then please contact Mark Pady Sunday, some residents went to Herstmonceux Castle and on 01273 688226. enjoyed a pony and trap ride. Another outing, on a glorious sussex Police Prevent engagement Officer The Prevent Strategy defines ‘Extremism’ as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental by PCSO Tom Morvan-Toone 25582 British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect My name is Tom and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”. Morvan-Toone and Extremism is not restricted to Al-Qaeda and I would like to take its associates, although they remain a threat this opportunity to It includes threats from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, introduce myself far right groups and animal rights groups, all of which may go and the role of PEO beyond the realms of lawful activity into extremism. With this (Prevent Engagement in mind Prevent in Sussex has a broad perspective, having Officer), in line with experience of all of them. CONTEST, the As you can see, my remit is quite broad. Your co-operation Government’s is vital if the strategy is to succeed. If you see or hear of Counter Terrorist something suspicious, not quite right or that just doesn’t sit Strategy. well with you, then report it. If you want to talk it through first Since I started my then email me at thomas.morvantoone@sussex.pnn.police. career with Sussex uk. I can also be contacted on my mobile on 07786 114158. Police, I have always To contact the police, ring 101 for non-emergencies and 999 been involved in in an emergency. Community Policing, spending the last six years in Coldean and Stanmer. Feeling the need for a change and a new challenge, I applied and was successful in gaining the position of Prevent Engagement Voluntary Support Agencies Officer for Brighton & Hove Division. • Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club (Day Centre) 01273 739999 My aim is to be a familiar face, and a support for any ralliday@tiscali.co.uk concerns within your community. • Norwood/Tikvah House 01273 564021 • Hyman Fine House 01273 688226 Below, is an explanation of CONTEST and a brief description • Helping Hands 01273 747722 of my role. helping-hands@helping-hands.org • Brighton & Hove Jewish Welfare Board 07952 479111 or CONTEST is a counter terrorism strategy that focuses on the sussexjwb@googlemail.com four P’s: • Brighton & Hove Jewish Housing Association PREVENT - to stop people becoming terrorists and bahjha@googlemail.com supporting terrorism. • Welfare at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue/L’chaim project 01273 737223 PURSUE - to stop terrorist attacks. • Welfare Officer at Brighton & Hove Reform PROTECT – to strengthen our protection against terrorist (Sue Rosenfield) 01273 735343 attack. • Jewish Community Centre at Ralli Hall. Various communal activities. 01273 202254 or rallihall@tiscali.co.uk PREPARE – to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 10 Features 11 Mr Ralli Hall to become a stewardess for El Al. In order to improve her English, Irit Bernard Swithern in conversation with came to Hove and stayed with the Roger Abrahams Gillman family, who happened to live in the same road as the Abrahams How fortunate we are to be living family. Roger remembers that she in such a wonderful environment in arrived on the 29th December, that our City-by-the-Sea. How fortunate he met her the following day and took we are to have the freedom to enjoy her that evening to B’nai B’rith, then our Jewish culture and to be able proposed to her three months later to select effortlessly from the whole on her 21st Birthday. Coincidentally, variety of communal organisations after marrying in Israel that July, they at our disposal. How fortunate that then held a party at Ralli Hall, which they are always there for us. in those days was the Community Centre for All Saints Church in The However, do we spare the time to Drive and Eaton Road. Fast-forward reflect on why they are always there? a decade or so and young Sharon Do we give consideration as to how Abrahams was playing the part of they work? Are we aware that the ‘Little Orphan Annie’ for the Drama fabric is extremely fragile because it Society at Ralli Hall, while her brother, is dependent on just a few dedicated Darren, also had a leading role in the communal servants who give so production. Thereafter, Irit became generously of their time? its wardrobe mistress and Roger, 52nd Brighton, which became the together with Philip Simons and One such person is Roger Abrahams. 15th Hove, Jewish Scout Group and Stephen Magrill, made the scenery We think of him as Mr Ralli Hall: a he mentions with pride that he was and the props for the many musical title well earned through a lifetime its only member ever to become a shows that followed. of communal service. I had been Queen’s Scout. He subsequently looking forward to meeting the man became a Warranted Cub Scout At about the same time Roger and behind Ralli Hall as much as we have Leader, which, I suggested, was Alan Bass were asked to run the Ralli all been looking forward to the start to be an excellent grounding in the Hall security rota. He subsequently of a much-delayed summer. I have leadership skills that he was soon joined the Jewish Youth Council, not been disappointed by either to display. His next venture was as which was the co-ordinating Board event. Behind the public face I found a founder member of the Brighton at Ralli Hall. The next year Roger was the congenial man that is Roger and Hove B’nai B’rith Young Adults asked to stand for election as vice- Abrahams. Lodge (BBYA). His devotion to chairman. When, the following year, that organisation culminated in his the organisation ran into financial Roger told me that he first became election to the office of National Vice difficulties, Roger was elected as associated with Ralli Hall whilst President of the BBYO, which entailed Hon. Chairman and immediately had holding a full-time position as a responsibility for the Social and the unenviable task of closing the Chartered Valuation Surveyor. It Cultural activities of the organisation. place down, whilst consolidating was no coincidence that from 1971 measures were put in place. To he ended up working in the same They say that behind every great man compound matters, serious problems Government department as his father, lies a worthy woman. In late 1968 a with the fabric of the building were as it was Mr Abrahams Senior who young woman who had served in the discovered, presenting further suggested the career. Roger recalls Israeli Intelligence Service during the difficulties for the Board and its his response as, “Dad, if it’s good Six Day War decided that she wanted newly elected Chairman. Matters enough for you, it’s good enough were later to be resolved by initiating for me!” After leaving school at 18 commercial lettings at the suggestion in 1962, he trained locally at a firm of the four Synagogue Boards. now known as Stiles Harold Williams before qualifying and later working at In 1916 none of these events were the Valuation Office Agency, as did dreamt of. That was the year when his father from just after the war until London was being bombed by his retirement in 1980. Now, some Zeppelins and Roger’s maternal fifty years later, Roger is still enjoying grandparents decided to move to his career, albeit in a part-time Brighton, where his mother Doris was capacity. born a few years later. His grandfather went on to purchase the Old Cork It transpires that Roger has always Shop (Beall & Co) in Gardner Street been involved in communal work. and Roger’s mother continued to run He was a founder member of the it until the business’s 100th birthday issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 10 Features 11 in the mid 1980s. Roger’s paternal d’être. However, a new and essential work fewer hours and have more grandparents, who were silversmiths purpose has taken its place. The leisure time. In fact, men and women and jewellers in Newcastle-upon- Lunch And Social Club, which who are fortunate to have the dignity Tyne, retired to Hove in 1927, when recently became a separate registered of being employed, now have to work his father Gerald was still a young charity, provides an indispensable harder still whilst bringing up their boy. Both Roger and his father had service and meeting place for our families, with many more women their barmitzvot at Holland Road community’s senior citizens. working full time. There is, again, Synagogue. less disposable income but now with We went on to consider the purpose a premium on leisure time. There is Roger’s parents met at Maccabi, of Ralli Hall in this day and age. Roger also a tendency for people to be less which at that time was in premises in is adamant that it needs to be here as concerned about the social aspects Western Road, Hove. Later, during the a venue for members of all sections of of their religion. Second World War, when all young the Jewish Community to access the people were required to belong to activities that they feel they will need Finally, our thoughts turned to the Youth Clubs, they helped to run it. in bad times as well as good. dilemma that seems to be plaguing Many years later, when Roger and his many facets of communal life. Even younger brother Paul were involved Roger explained how he thinks that if we have financial stability, are we with the Jewish Scouts, their mother changing social patterns are, most to become bankrupt through a lack and father were very involved with the unfortunately, affecting participation of succession planning? Roger has parents’ committee. “I suppose that’s in communal activities. In the post- no current plans to step down from where I got it from,” reflects Roger. war period when the country was fulfilling his duties. However, he is getting back on its feet, people most concerned that now is the time Our conversation turned to how Ralli worked hard, but mostly had little for the ranks of the next generation Hall has had to adapt to changing disposable income, so were attracted to show interest in its community and times. Roger suggested that, when to such activities. Later, with higher hopefully, to provide the future Mr or in the mid-nineties children no employment statistics and the advent Mrs Ralli Hall. longer attended youth clubs, Ralli of labour-saving technology, there Hall lost some of its original raison was the dream that people would Malcolm Green Catering The selection of your menu is an important part in the planning of your Simcha. For that reason our Chefs continue to create exciting and tasty menus to meet your every need. We can tailor a menu to fit your specific requirements and help create the function you wil be proud of. Let us introduce you to a cuisine that has made us one of Israel’s leading Caterers & the world’s foremost glat kosher destination wedding specialist. KOSHER CATERING AT ITS BEST Contact Malcolm on 0203 393 6823 koshercaterer@yahoo.co.uk www.kosherservicesworldwide.com www.kosherexperiences.co.il UNDER SUPERVISION KASHRUT DIVISION OF THE LONDON BETH DIN (For functions in the U.K.) “You’ve eaten the food now read the blog” www.koshersericesworldwide/blog/ issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 12 13 NEW YEAR GREETINGS 5774 THE SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING US DURING THE PAST YEAR, AND SEND OUR WARMEST GREETINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR BRIGHTON YOUTH ALIYAH BOOKER Beryl, John and Maurice wish FLASHMAN Roz and Michael wish their COMMITTEE The chairman and members family and friends a happy, healthy New Year. dear family and friends a very happy, healthy of the committee send New Year greetings and peaceful New Year and well over the fast. to all their supporters and members of the CAPLIN Alma wishes her family and friends community and especially to the children of a very happy New Year and well over the fast. FREEMAN Brian, Linda and family wish all the Youth Aliyah villages in Israel. their friends a happy and healthy New Year. COLLICK Rabbi Jeremy, Cindy, Joel and COUNCIL OF CHRISTIANS AND JEWS A Jacob wish all their Sussex friends and family FREEMAN Philip wishes all his family and happy New Year to the community from the a happy and healthy New Year. friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful Brighton and Hove CCJ. New Year. COLLINS Jean and Ivor would like to wish HELPING HANDS Thank their clients, their family and friends a healthy and happy GABRIEL Judy and Bert send good wishes to volunteers and the whole community for their New Year and well over the fast. all the community for a healthy and peaceful support and wish you all Shana Tova and well New Year and well over the fast. over the fast. CONN Anne. Love and good health for family and friends for Yomtov. GOLDBERG Berny and Jenny wish all SJRC The President, chair team, executive and family and friends a healthy, happy and members of the Sussex Jewish Representative CONWAY Phillip and Susan wish all family peaceful New Year. Council wish the entire community a happy and friends good wishes and a healthy 5774 and healthy New Year. and well over the fast. GOLKER Best wishes for 5774 to the community from Family Golker. WESSEX JEWISH NEWS The WJN team CROWN/LYONS As one year ends and the wish all the Sussex community a happy and next starts, may we wish all our family, friends GORDON Joan wishes her family and friends peaceful New Year. and the community a sweet, happy, healthy a happy and healthy New Year and well over and peaceful 5774. the fast. WORTHING Ian and Barbara Gordon extend best wishes for the New Year to their beloved CUDDIS Shan and David wish all our family GOULD Godfrey extends his best wishes family and friends in Worthing and Sussex. and friends a happy and healthy New Year. to family and friends for a happy, healthy, peaceful and contented New Year. ABBOUDI Eliaho, Jouliet and family wish DELACOUR Robert and Marion wish all our all the community a happy and peaceful New family and friends a happy and healthy New GREENWOOD Janice wishes her children Year and well over the fast. Year. Shana Tova. and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. ABRAHAMS Roger and Irit wish all of their DOCTORS Hilda, Anthony and Philip wish family and friends Shana Tova and well over all family and friends a happy New Year and HARRIS Karen, Michael and Oliver wish all the fast. well over the fast. members of the community a very happy and healthy New Year. Shana Tova. ARGHEBANT Sylvia wants to give New DUKE Norina and all the Dukes of Hove Year greetings to her dear family and friends wish Shana Tova and well over the fast to all HIRSHFIELD Morris wishes a happy New and wish them well over the fast. their friends and family. Year to all in Hyman Fine House and Ralli Hall. BARNARD/SEIDEL Rachel, David, Moses ELKIN-ROSE Muriel wishes her dear family and Gabriel wish a happy New Year to all. and friends a very healthy New Year and well HOLLIS M.M Dennis with Victoria wish over the fast. the blessings of health and happiness for the BARNETT Cynthia and Terry wish Shana coming year to all our friends. Tova and good health to our family and EVANS Evelyn wishes her family and friends friends. a very happy and healthy New Year. ISAACS Barbara and Irvyn wish all their family and friends a healthy and happy New BASS Alan and family wish all their friends FAULL Maurice and Laura, together with Year. and community members a healthy New Year Matthew and Emily wish family and friends a and well over the fast. happy and healthy New Year. JACOBS Sheila and Cyril wish their family and friends a happy, peaceful and healthy New BLOOM Wendy and Ronnie wish their father, FAULL Dian and Stanley wish their family Year. children, grandchildren and friends a very and friends a happy and healthy New Year. happy New Year and well over the fast. JAY Jean wishes her family and friends a FERRIS Benita wishes her family and friends happy and healthy New Year. BLUME Barbara and Joe wish their family a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year. and the community a happy and healthy New JOSMAN Ruth and Cecil wish all relatives Year and well over the fast. FISHER Marilyn wishes all her family and and friends a happy and healthy New Year and friends a happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. well over the fast. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 12 13 LASKY Doreen and Malcolm together with NOAH June wishes all her dear friends at SIMONS Joan and Jack wish all our family their family wish everyone a happy and Hove Hebrew Congregation and Helping and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New healthy New Year. Hands a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Year. LEVER Carole, Alan and family wish all our SIMONS Ruth wishes the whole community relatives and friends Shana Tova - a year of PANTO Rosa and Stuart wish their family Shana Tova. health, peace and happiness. and friends a healthy and happy New Year. SOROKIN Ivor and Gweni send our sincere LEVINE Sydney and Cecile wish our PANTOOCK Rosalind wishes a very happy good wishes for a joyous and healthy New relatives and friends a happy, healthy and New Year to her friends and family living Year to the whole community. May we all peaceful New Year. locally. enjoy life’s most precious blessings. LEVINSON Doris sends greetings to the PHILLIPS/SPECTOR Renee and Helen wish STANFORD Jeffrey, Lydia, Simon and Lisa rabbonim, her dear friends and colleagues and their dear family and friends Shana Tova and wish family, friends and all members of the particularly to the wonderful SJN team and thank you all for your good wishes at this community a healthy and peaceful New Year. wishes them a happy, healthy, peaceful and time. successful New Year. STYLE Alan and Irene would like to wish all POSNER Liz wishes her family, friends and their family and friends a healthy and happy LIND Eleanor and Freddy wish everyone a all the hard-working committee members New Year. happy and healthy New Year and well over Shana Tova. the fast. SUGARMAN Lucy wishes her dear family RENTS Renee and Joe wish their dear family and friends a very healthy and trouble-free LIPMAN Sidney and Evelyn wish all their and friends a happy New Year and well over New Year and well over the fast. family and friends a happy, healthy and the fast. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. SWITHERN Lydia and Bernard wish their RICH Gillian and Michael wish family and family and friends a happy and healthy New LUPER Renee wishes Shana Tova to all her friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. family and friends and all at Sussex Jewish Year. News. Good health and peace to all in 5774. TAYLOR Gloria wishes all her dear family RICHARDS Jill and Ivor wish all their family and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New LYONS Fay wishes her family and friends, and friends Shana Tova. Year. the Silverman and Efune families and Hove Hebrew Congregation a happy and healthy ROLAND Bernard and Marianne wish family TAYLOR Nina wishes Shana Tova and the New Year. and friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful very best to the wonderful helpers at Ralli New Year. Hall and all the people in the Brighton and LYONS Jeff and Gillian wish their dear family Hove community. and friends a happy and healthy New Year. ROSE Susan and David wish all friends and family a very happy and healthy New Year. TAYLOR Ronnie and Linda wish family, MANN Lewis and his family would like to friends and all at Eastbourne Hebrew wish all his friends a very happy, healthy and ROSE Jack and Elaine, Adam and Eva, and Congregation a happy and healthy New Year. peaceful New Year. Shana Tova. Marianne and Dan wish Shana Tova to all. TORRANCE Tom and Cherry send every MEGITT Stephanie and Brian wish all of ROSENFIELD Susan and Tony wish family good wish for health, peace and fulfilment in our friends in Sussex a happy, healthy and and friends Shana Tova. A happy healthy and 5774. Shana Tova and well over the fast to peaceful New Year. peaceful New Year. family and friends. MELCHER Joan and David wish everyone a RUBIN Brian and Sharon wish all their WALKER Doreen and Bernie wish their dear happy and healthy New Year. family and friends Shana Tova. children, grandchildren, family and friends a healthy and happy New Year. MITCHELL Rita, Ronnie and family wish RUBIN Hazel and Joe send their best wishes family and friends a happy and healthy New to family and friends for a happy, healthy and WALKER Lesley, Steve, Oliver and Ryan Year and well over the Fast. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. wish all their dear family and friends a happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. MORDECAI Estelle wishes her family and SCRIVEN Valentine wishes family and friends a happy New Year and well over the friends a healthy and happy New Year. WILKS Sarah and David wish all their lovely fast. family and friends Shana Tova and well over SELIGMAN Marilyn wishes her dear family the fast. MORDECAI Louise and Steve. Shana Tova and friends a very happy and healthy New v’metukah. May 5774 be a good and sweet Year. ZANARDO Rabbi Andrea, Sara, Dov and Yair year for us all. wish you all a sweet year. SHARPE Beryl and Mef wish their dear MORLAND Angie and Lea wish all of our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren family in Israel and friends everywhere a very family and friends a healthy, happy and happy and healthy New Year. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. NISSEN Nettie wishes relatives and friends a SHELTON Fausta wishes her friends and happy New Year. everybody in the community a peaceful and happy New Year. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 14 Features 15 A Letter from spain Commemorative Services and Socials. Marbella is a Sephardic community which goes out of its way to make us feel comfortable. Indeed, for the Yom Tovim Dear Friends, they bring a wonderful Chazan from Prague to lead Services for the Ashkenazim. As I sit writing this article I am aware that we are in close competition temperature-wise and that you are Services take place in Malaga, Torremolinos, Nueva possibly winning! Take real care in the strong sun. Andalucia, Marbella, Estepona, La Duquesa and Sotogrande. This year, for one month only, we have a 5 Here on the Costa life changes dramatically with star Grand Luxe hotel offering a glatt kosher restaurant the influx of thousands upon thousands of tourists. and a local kosher shop open during the height of Restaurants, hotels and apartments are busy and the season. The Estepona Jewish community offers evening entertainment is good and varied. Beaches monthly Friday night services complete with Kiddushim. are glorious with beach cafes and all you could want - If any of you are coming to the Costa Del Sol and need miles and miles of sands are kept immaculately clean. assistance in any way, do get in touch. With the High Holy days approaching, we are happy to welcome you For Sharon and me life continues to be more than good to our shul in Marbella, so do please contact me for in southern Spain. We keep very active by running the details. local community. We hold regular Friday night services attracting up to 50 participants and our social events May I take this opportunity of thanking Rabbi Efune and are always oversubscribed. We had our poolside Rabbi Collick, who find answers to questions that I am supper party on July 14th and our next event will be a unable to answer for our community. penthouse tea party. Although most of our socials are themed around food, we shall be making trips to places Sharon and I wish our dear family, friends, Rabbonim, of particular interest to the Jewish Community. former colleagues and all the community a L’Shona Tova. We receive calls about minyanim and social events and we can usually guide people in the right direction. Sharon & Gerry Crest We also work closely with the Marbella Synagogue gerrycee@yahoo.co.uk and together with my colleague, Mike Jacobs, arrange About Ralli Hall About Ralli Hall The Sussex Branch of the Jewish Historical Society Norina Duke has been the fortune of Ralli Hall. When of England was established in 2002 and from the very Norina came to Ralli Hall she raised its income to more first we have met at Ralli Hall. It is most comfortable than six figures, due to her skill, charm and dedication - and with excellent facilities to prepare the refreshments well beyond her duty as Centre Manager. with which we conclude every meeting. We are always particularly grateful to the staff who arrange the room as Shula Rich we require it, and who go out of their way to assist with the audio-visual facilities which we sometimes need. There is always a down side. Parking in the locality is a constant bugbear. And noise from passing traffic can Happy new year to all our customers be a nuisance when we might need to have the windows open. But when there was once too much noise from another group, the management of Ralli Hall dealt with it immediately and effectively. We are fortunate indeed to have such a facility for our community and the Jewish Historical Society is proud to be a part of this enterprise. Godfrey Gould Co-Chairman and Joint Programme Secretary 87 Old Shoreham Road, Hove BN3 7AQ Jewish Historical Society of England – Sussex Branch Tel: 01273 880022 Email: bdsanders1@tiscali.co.uk issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 14 Features 15 My Life in israel It is up to each individual how much or how little they wish to involve themselves in the daily life and activities by Ruth Sless of our little community. I enjoy making use of the wide variety of all that there is always available. I made Aliyah on the 12 December 2005 and came directly to the retirement village called Protea (after a I am delighted to have made so many Hebrew and South African flower). English-speaking friends and over tea and coffee, we discuss current events and play cards, Scrabble and I have been living happily here ever since. It is an ideal other board games. location – not far from Netanya, with large grounds surrounded by small blocks of flats and villas. In the I am very happy, as you can see, that I made the move main section of the complex there is a large lobby, an to Israel and to Protea in particular. The place is a administrative centre, a clinic with full-time nurses and delight, the weather wonderful, and the proximity of my doctors. In addition there is a most comprehensive family gives me great joy. library with books both in English and Hebrew, along with well-used craft rooms that host numerous Wishing everyone a healthy, prosperous and happy activities i.e. patchwork, ceramics, painting on glass New Year. etc. There is also a large and well-used shul and we always have kiddushim after the services. Sports are covered with a large pool, gym, mini golf and bowls. About Ralli Hall Our cultural needs are catered for by talks on current On behalf of the Jewish Arts Society, the oldest group affairs, music and art appreciation, in addition to at Ralli Hall, I should like to wish a hearty Mazel Tov to outings to theatres and concerts and places of Roger, Norina and all the team, both old and new, on the historical and geographical interest. Only last week we Hall’s 100th Anniversary. Roger, you look amazingly good had an enlightening talk by Topol, one of the patrons, on it! Here’s looking forward to your next 100 years! on the Jordan Valley Village which hosts camps for sick Rochelle Oberman children. Chairman of the Jewish Arts Society SJN ReadeRS: bRiNg thiS adveRt iN aNd get a 10% diScouNt We specialise in Building Maintenance contracts for private clients with small to medium sized investment property portfolios. We can provide the following services at competitive rates: • Pre-purchase surveys of auction property. • Advice on Local Authority registration requirements and planning permission for small, medium or large sized houses in multiple occupation. • Advice on optimum floor space use within existing letting property, extension or conversion of existing buildings to create additional units. • We carry out annual inspections for exterior and interior maintenance and obtain competitive tenders from reputable building contractors. • We can oversee any repair work to ensure that Freeholders and leaseholders achieve good value for money. Contact: Clive Voller MRICS for a no obligation consultation. 01273 843916 or 07860 927505 15 Station Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9DE issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 16 Features 17 More ‘Jewish’ Buses Community. Returning to England, he undertook research at Cambridge by Godfrey R Gould before being appointed in 1963 to an academic post at the University of Last May the Brighton & Hove Bus Bristol. In 1968 he came to Brighton and Coach Company took delivery to lecture in Jewish Studies and of 20 new buses. In accordance with Sociology at the recently established the now well-established practice, University of Sussex. He was also the these 20 buses all received the names Jewish Chaplain at that University, at of persons now deceased who were Brighton Polytechnic (now University), associated in some way with this and at Hillel House. His many activities locality. Some received names formerly locally also involved his standing in for adorning buses which have been the clergy at Holland Road (at which withdrawn but many are new, and two George is not buried there, but in Ely he was a distinguished member) and of these people were Jewish. This Cathedral, where he perished in 1845, New Church Road shuls, and the brings to 22 the number of local buses following a fall from some scaffolding short-lived Family Minyan in Wilbury which have been named after Jews or whilst inspecting restoration work. Road. He was also much involved with those of close Jewish decent. the Centre for German-Jewish Studies He was elected a Fellow of the Royal when that was later established at the These two new namings are - Society in 1843, and there is an LCC University of Sussex. Blue Plaque on his home at 17, Savile No 453 Row, London. When he retired in 1988, he accepted “George a post at the University of Heidelberg Basevi” No 457 “Julius Carlebach” where he was Rector and Professor of Jewish History, in recognition of George Basevi Julius will which he was honoured by the German was born in need no State. He died in 2001 in Brighton at 1794, the introduction the age of 78. He left a massive library, son of a City to many, as testament to his learning, but also to of London he was such a his love and respect for his fellow man. merchant, the seminal figure family later in the Brighton I am indebted to Myrna for providing converting to Christianity. However, he & Hove Jewish much of the detail of the above, and was related to an extensive group of Community also in correcting the many errors influential Jewish families of the period for so many initially on the Bus Company website. including the Disraelis, Montefiores, years. Born Lindos and Mocattas. Indeed his in Hamburg Anybody can nominate people to be mother, and the mother of Benjamin to Chief Rabbi Joseph and Mrs Lotte commemorated on Brighton & Hove Disraeli, were sisters, and thus he was Carlebach, he came to England buses. Having had many of my own a first cousin to Britain’s only Jewish with the Kindertransport just before suggestions accepted (including the Prime Minister. Also, the Lindo sisters the Second World War. His parents above two), I would advise that in were brought up in Hove. Like his and three younger sisters were not making a suggestion you are quite relative, David Mocatta, he trained so fortunate and perished in Latvia certain as to the contribution to, or as an architect with Sir John Soane, at the hands of the Nazis, although connection with, Brighton & Hove of becoming Soane’s favourite pupil. three other sisters and a younger your nominee. And that you spell this After a spell studying in Greece and brother survived the camps. After out fully, and give a clear and full, Italy he developed an extensive and being interned on the Isle of Man but brief, account of the life and local highly successful practice, designing (then a concentration camp for Jewish achievements of that person. Just a churches, offices, and entire streets refugees), he joined the Alien Pioneer name will simply not do. and squares, in London and throughout Corps until transferring to the Royal the country. His greatest achievement Navy where he was commissioned. is regarded as the magnificent At one time he was on the staff of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. C-in-C Home Fleet translating German intercepts. Locally he designed St Mary’s Hall, a school for the daughters of Church After the War he worked at the of England clergymen, now a part of Norwood Orphanage where he Roedean. He also restored and rebuilt met Myrna, whilst at the same time St Andrews Church in Hove, then studying for a London University virtually a ruin. In that church there degree in Sociology. For four years is a memorial to Ephraim Lindo (his he worked in Kenya, being also the uncle?), and also a Basevi family vault. lay spiritual leader of the Nairobi issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 16 Features 17 Fil Fil by Yael Breuer Brighton is an attractive city for Israelis. The seafront may not be a sandy Mediterranean beach, but it is pleasant and lively nevertheless. The weather down here is probably the best you can hope for in the UK and it is an informal, relaxed place in which to live. And now there is an additional factor that is appealing to the Israelis of Brighton: Fil Fil, a falafel restaurant in the North Laine that serves falafel prepared according to a recipe from Haifa. Fil Fil was opened in April by Amal and Tim Cashin, who live in Hove. Amal grew up in an Arab family in a Jewish neighbourhood of Haifa and even though she is a fertility nurse and works in Unsurprisingly, when popping over to Fil Fil with my son, Guy, I London three days met two fellow Israelis ordering falafel in pitta and a portion of a week, her dream tabouleh salad. Amnon Bezek and Guy Schneerson, both living was to open up the in Brighton, have regular falafel lunches in Fil Fil. “This is the best restaurant and, “serve falafel place in Brighton”, they say. According to Amnon, “the food that brings ingredients are fresh, the pitta bread is the real thing and the people together”. She says that the local Israeli and Jewish atmosphere is great. I like coming here not just because of the community have been very supportive and quite a few are regular food, but also for Amal’s lovely hospitality”. They have to think a customers. When growing up in Israel Amal witnessed, at the little when asked if the quality of the falafel can compete with its family-owned Falafel restaurant, how the love of food brought Israeli counterpart. “The falafel itself is as good”, they decide. “If Jews and Arabs together, and now it brings her great pleasure to there were fried aubergine slices and a variety of free sauces on have different people in her restaurant in Brighton. the side as well, it would bring the experience to perfection”. News from emek Hospital, Anti-fungal drugs have very severe side effects and can israel cause kidney and liver failure. Treating this young man was very difficult and we needed to monitor his renal and liver functions daily in addition to carrying out multiple operations by Daniel Briscoe - Head of Opthalmology and consultant in Occuplastic Surgery and tests. We had a very happy ending after three months of admission and treatment. This year we recently treated a young 21 year-old man who arrived in our Early suspicion and treatment saved his life. Advanced emergency room suffering from a severe laboratory tests and input from the laboratory staff was key to inflammatory reaction in his eye. He stated achieving this wonderful result. that it all began when he was riding his motorbike and an insect flew into his eye. It looked like an ordinary inflammatory disease of the eye, but was not. We suspected something fungal, but normally fungal infections of these kinds affect only very ill patients with immunosuppression. There was no sign of any perforation injury in his eye and he was a perfectly healthy individual. It turned out to be a very severe fungal infection and was a rare new strain, which affects healthy people. Inoculation is often from a spider bite. These fungal infections are life-threatening and up to 80% of affected patients can die. Owing to our early suspicion of something fungal and to excellent laboratory services we were able to save his life. Based on reports in the literature, he is the first patient not to die or to have partial facial amputation from this new strain. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 18 19 Introducing Lishmah Sussex Series 3 – a four-week programme of Jewish learning for its own sake Thursday, 10 October – Thursday, 31 October 2013, 8:00 – 8:15pm Refreshments 7:00pm – 9:15pm SESSION 2: 8:15 – 9:15pm Following the two successful Lishmah Sussex series, Choose from ONE of the following: we are proud to offer this third cross-communal study programme. Inspired by Sussex Day Limmud, Lishmah Writing our Worlds Sussex 3 presents a wonderful variety of local speakers Claudia Gould and a wide range of topics from Jewish history to practical Four creative writing sessions to explore our memories, Jewish response. indulge our imaginations and express our inspiration: 10th Weekly programme SESSION 1: 7:00 – 8:00pm - Zachor: memory and creation; 17th - Makom: roots and settings; 24th - Halom: our dreams, our knowledge; 31st - Choose from ONE of the following: Ruach: breathing on the glass. The Separation of Shul and State The Limmud Chavruta Project presents... One Gabriel Webber Gordon and Michelle Kay Judaism and democracy, Judaism and politics, Judaism The theme of One is an essentially Jewish concept: One and pluralism, Judaism and government. Not necessarily language, One God, One People, One World. Each week things that we associate with our religion, but this course we will explore one of these themes, delving into some will look at Jewish texts and perhaps find a link after all. selected texts in English and Hebrew from the Limmud The course will have a focus on discussion and deliberation Chavruta Project. In each session we explore and discuss – as do many of the texts! – exploring Jewish values and ideas about what it means to be Jewish and how we relate history, from debates in the Talmud to the modern-day to the world. Chavruta, which means ‘partnership’, is a State of Israel. deeply traditional form of Jewish learning, focused on Hebrew: The Gateway to the Torah transformation rather than knowledge. “Who is wise - one Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah who learns from all people” said the sages. We welcome all, whatever ability, to join us. This course is for everyone – from total beginners, to those who can read Hebrew, and would like to read and The Z word reloaded understand the Hebrew of the Torah. We will spend the Rabbi Andrea Zanardo first 45 minutes working individually and in pairs at your What does Zionism mean? How to be a Zionist in a level, with my guidance. We will then spend 15 minutes multicultural world? Let’s read together writings of well-analysing the Hebrew of a key verse in the Torah. known and lesser-known Zionist thinkers and together, The Conflict between the Church and the Synagogue search for answers. Or maybe, other questions. Rabbi Vivian Silverman This course will introduce students to the Church Fathers and explore how Christianity became openly hostile to the Synagogue between the 5th and 11th centuries. BHASVIC Dyke Road, Hove BN3 6FG (corner Dyke Road and Old Shoreham Road). Free parking available on site (car park accessed from Old Shoreham Road side). Wheelchair & accessible lift. Buses 14C. 27 stop outside College. No. 7 bus is 5 minutes walk from the Seven Dials. Weekly programme offered at £4 per week, or £12 in advance for the whole programme. Tea & coffee included. Contact lishmahsussex2@yahoo.co.uk for information and registration (or register on arrival). Facebook: @Lishmah Sussex Twitter: @Lishmah_Sussex For more information www.LishmahSussex.org.uk issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 18 Culture 19 Contrasting films this autumn Jew survives the Holocaust by falling in with the Nazis and working for them as a translator. He becomes a member of the elite Hitler Youth and lives in constant fear that his secret will be The Sussex Jewish Film Club at Ralli Hall discovered…. welcomes anyone who is interested to come along, either as a member or as a guest with a After that, our final date for 2013 will be Sunday 8th December. small donation on the door. It would be good to Watch this space for more details nearer the time. see some new faces, so please don’t be shy! In the Film Club we try over the course of a year to bring you After our short summer break, below are the films of all types, but always with some Jewish interest of course. next two films we have lined up for you. We We hope to welcome you at one of our forthcoming screenings. start the film at 7.30pm but arrive by 7.15pm so that we can sign you in and then there’s time for a drink and a chat before the film begins. (For anyone who hasn’t been there before, Ralli Hall is at 81 Denmark Villas, Hove, very near Hove Station, where you can park for just £1 on Sundays, or use the No 7 bus.) Sunday 15th September: WOULD I LIE TO YOU? (100 mins, mostly in French, with English subtitles where needed). This comedy drama is about Eddie, mistakenly assumed to be Jewish by his Jewish employer. He plays along and there’s much comic mileage when he attends a Sabbath meal. The boss has a beautiful princess of a daughter, whom the besotted Eddie decides to pry from the clutches of the unscrupulous Maurice…. Sunday 3rd November: EUROPA EUROPA (112 mins, in German/ Polish/Russian/Hebrew, with English subtitles). This award-winning drama was based on a true story. A young German About Ralli Hall We’re so lucky in Brighton & Hove to have a cross-communal MARTIN GROSS Jewish community centre hosting Jewish societies and events that aren’t identified with particular shuls. Most places outside London don’t have that luxury. Funeral Director and In this, the building’s 100th year, maybe we should think about making more use of it. Bringing Jewish people from any Funeral Consultant background together, through shared social and cultural activities, can generate a sense of identity, regardless of whether those to Jewish communities activities have a Jewish content or not or whether the participants even belong to a shul. 01273 439792 For the future it would be good to see more cross-communal Jewish activity groups being organised through Ralli Hall, where the facilities are gradually being upgraded to a high standard. The 07801 599771 staff are always encouraging and helpful and I’m sure would be pleased to help launch new regular groups. Over the years I’ve 07540 066566 participated in several Ralli Hall groups that meet there. I call Ralli Hall my second home and long may it continue! Jacky Kay issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 20 Culture 21 Jewish Women Friends in Shared meals, interesting speakers, outings to exhibitions, gardens, concerts, plays and films are all part of our eclectic sussex agenda. Our discussions may focus on new ways of celebrating holidays and life events, or may offer a fresh look by Maxine Toff at historical Jewish women or current events. The only Jewish festival we celebrate is Passover with our JWFS is based in Hove, East Sussex with members Women’s Seder. Begun in 2004, JWF’s Women’s Seder uses throughout the UK. We welcome women regardless of an innovative Haggadah compiled by our members… without their Jewish affiliation. For some women, JWF is the only doubt, our most popular event for members, friends and link to their Jewish identity. Some women have no Jewish relations. connections, just an interest in the group. Whatever your interests - walking or talking, dancing or JWF members represent a wide variety of progressive skydiving, swapping recipes or plants, play-reading or music Jewish women who wish to explore the role of women in - a notice in our quarterly newsletter will put you in touch with contemporary Judaism. We reflect the ideas, interests and others who share your passion. concerns of our members – regardless of their status or observance. Most meetings attract no more than 8-10 women, sometimes Our activities reflect the interests of our members with new fewer. Numbers are not groups emerging in response to requests such as: important – making friends and Family History Group - exploring our Jewish roots; sharing is! Book Group - usually discussing books with a Jewish theme; For more information please Belief Group exploring aspects of contemporary beliefs and contact us on 01273 822 742 or philosophy. email jwfsussex@gmail.com singing for Health & Pleasure by Robert Blass Singing for Health & Pleasure is the brainchild of Robert Blass and Simon Gray, joined by Corinne Blass. Both Robert and Simon have been producing musical spectaculars to raise money for the Martlets Hospice over the past 10 years, having raised over £150,000 during that period. The shows have been put on at The Dome, The Corn Exchange, The Theatre Royal, and The Hove Centre and play to packed audiences every time. We both realised there was a huge gap in the market for singing for pleasure groups. We are not a choir, we are a group of people who sing for pleasure every week in Brighton, Hove, Southwick and Patcham and now at the Mark Luck Hall, every Tuesday at 2pm. We sing from an extensive catalogue of over 150 songs, chosen by the singers from well-known Broadway and West End shows. There are no auditions, no need to read music and no age limit. We provide song sheets and everyone is made welcome. Singing is now well recommended and accepted by the medical profession as producing a whole host of health benefits. Singing in a group environment can help stress, anxiety and also depression. Singing is a gentle form of cardiac exercise and songs with long phrases help expand the lungs with controlled breathing. Singing produces a whole host of other benefits, including social interaction with others and improved state of mind. The only thing that is better than singing is more Singing for Health & Pleasure. We have started to prepare for this year’s Martlets show, as Singing for Health & Pleasure will be opening the show and opening the 2nd half of the show. Why not come along and be part of this exciting event? Come along for a taster session and for more information ring Robert or Corinne on 01273 555089 issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 20 BHPs Rabbi elizabeth Tikvah sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: bhps@freenetname.co.uk www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue Twitter@BHPS2011 21 The Gift Of Ten Days sacred time that exists in another parashiyyot, portions of the Torah, by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah dimension. In this space between which together with parashat Va- Another year has passed. Another the past year and the new one yeilech falls this year on the last year in the life of our community, that lies ahead, we have the space Shabbat before Rosh Ha-Shanah our world, our personal circle to consider: Where have I been (Deuteronomy chapter 30: 19): ‘I call of family and friends, our lives and where am I now? How have heaven and earth to witness against as individuals. Jewish teaching I been and how am I now? Who you this day: that I have set before concerning the passing of years have I been and who am I now? you, life and death, the blessing is very wise. The year doesn’t just Even more important, the aseret and the curse; therefore choose turn and change overnight. It’s not y’mey t’shuvah – ‘the ten days of in life! – u’vacharta ba-chayyim – simply New Year’s Eve one moment returning’ – challenge us to ask: that you may live, you and your and the New Year the next. Rosh What have I been doing during the descendants.’ Ha-Shanah is the first day of a ten past year – and Why? U’vacharta ba-chayyim! The day period that culminates in Yom So many questions. Life is conjunction, Vav – here pronounced Kippur and is known as aseret demanding and challenging – for as the vowel, shurek, ‘u’, can be y’mey t’shuvah – ‘the ten days of every human being on the face of translated in different ways as: returning’. These ten days are a the earth, and in particular for us, ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘then’. In this context: special gift; an opportunity to pause the Jewish people. Our experience ‘therefore’ – because the demands and reflect. of living as Jews in the world of life challenge us to make a So, Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom across millennia has made it so, choice: ‘choose in life!’ Choose Kippur are not separate sacred but that’s not the only reason. The and cherish our own lives; turn and days; they mark milestones on Jewish teaching that flows from change and renew our lives for the a journey. We arrive at Rosh our sacred sources – from the year that lies ahead. Ultimately, that Ha-Shanah, perhaps wearily, Torah, through rabbinic literature, is our sacred responsibility, as we perhaps feeling empty, perhaps through the legal codes, through traverse the sacred days from Rosh lost and dispirited, perhaps with commentaries and interpretations, Ha-Shanah to Yom Kippur. May trepidation about what the New right up to the present day – exhorts each one of us find the courage to Year will bring. The past year has us to rise to demands and embrace make the journey. witnessed another odyssey in our the challenges of life. And so we Shanah tovah! lives and now we enter a period of read in Nitzavim, one of the last @BHPS High Holyday Tickets High Holyday Tickets for non-members are available from the synagogue office at a cost of £50. This will be refunded if joining the synagogue as a member in the three months following the festivals. There will be no charge for students, but please contact the office for tickets for security purposes. The services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be conducted at the Ralli Hall. So that we can build a Sukkah, Sukkot Services will be held in private homes. Please contact the synagogue office for venues. Annual AJEX Remembrance Day Service This year the service will be hosted by BHPS, led by Rabbi Sarah and held at the Ralli Hall on Sunday 10th November at 4.30. Tea will be served afterwards. Two-Sided Story There will be a screening of the powerful and thought provoking 80 minute documentary Two-Sided Story, which was directed by Emmy 7pm on Saturday 28th September award winner Tor Ben Mayor, on Sunday 20 October 2013 at 3pm in the Ralli Hall Gym. at the Hove home of Sarah, Martin It’s not always easy to acknowledge the story of ‘the other’, to show and Josh Winstone. empathy and to express a desire for reconciliation. But, as this moving film shows, it is possible. Tickets £10 to include Light Supper. Two Sided Story is a remarkable new film from the Parents Circle - Have you a favourite piece of music on CD, vinyl or Families Forum. tape? If so bring it along to talk about and share. It documents the reactions when Israelis and Palestinians from Please call Sarah to book tickets as numbers are different generations, backgrounds and political persuasions meet, talk and get to know each other as human beings. It shows what happens limited when hardline Israeli settlers meet Palestinian activists resisting the Tel: 01273 501 604 or 07841488620 Israeli occupation, when Israeli soldiers meet Palestinians who have served time in Israeli jails. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 22 BHHC Rabbi Hershel Rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation, 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: office@bhhc-shul.org www.webjam.com/bhhc10 23 The Divine umpire trajectory of the ball and Hotspot to Does this then mean that we can never by Rabbi Hershel Rader detect the faintest ‘edge’ combine to appeal His decision? That the only DRS give a third umpire far away from the is that Divine Retribution is Sure? In my lifetime Rosh Hashanah has never bowler and batsman a ‘virtual’ view As we know from our liturgy, the decree fallen as early in the secular calendar as much better than the actual one of the is written on Rosh Hashanah but not it does this year. Which also means that umpires near the wickets. So now the sealed until Yom Kippur. Repentance, it is a very long time since it followed a players have the ability to challenge the Charity and Prayer - the Jewish DRS of Test series so closely. Now I know that decision of the umpire on the field. This Davening, Repentance and Sensitivity not everyone is interested in sports and is known as DRS – Decision Review - can avert the decree. We cannot that the intricacies of cricket probably System – and each team is entitled to fool the Divine Umpire or pull the wool escape a fair number of the community. a number of challenges to the umpire’s over His all-seeing eye. He knows the But I feel that occasionally I am entitled decision, referring it to the third umpire trajectory of our lives and whether or to indulge my own interests, particularly for judgement. not we have overstepped the line. But, when such an obvious analogy comes In the Ethics of the Fathers (2:1) the unlike a judge of flesh and blood who to mind. great sage Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi tells is unable to make a decision based on There was a time when the umpire on us, “Consider three things, and you will anything other than the facts before a cricket field was practically beyond not come to sin: Know what is above him - those that have already occurred, reproach. His decision was final. There you, a seeing eye, a hearing ear, and G-d is able to see that which will was no way it could be disputed and all of your deeds are written in a book.” occur in the future and is able to judge certainly it could not be overturned, This is the basis of the Judgement of the sincerity of our repentance and unless the team or player benefiting Rosh Hashanah; everything is known resolve. He is able to grant us a reprieve from the umpire’s decision exhibited and everything is recorded. Not by a based on that which is in our hearts as true honesty and sportsmanship. fallible umpire of flesh and blood but by opposed to past deeds. But times have changed and we an all seeing and all knowing Umpire May our sincere prayers, coupled with live in a technological world where in Heaven whose decisions are based a resolve for good deeds, be received cameras and computers can challenge on knowledge more accurate than that favourably by Hashem and may He human senses. Slow motion replays produced by even the most advanced grant us all a very Good and Sweet from a multitude of angles, sound human technology. Year. amplification, Hawkeye to track the Yomim Noraim Upcoming Events – Dates for Shofar Magazine Your Diary As always, BHHC welcomes those The Rosh Hashanah 5774 issue of who wish to observe the High Holy • Thursday 19 September 2013 – Shofar Magazine has been posted to Days at our synagogue. Succot Lunch all our members and features articles such as: As it is a time of year when our • Sunday 13 October 2013 – Supper services are best attended, non- Quiz • a meeting to ensure the continuation members wishing to be guaranteed a • Sunday 1 December 2013 – of Orthodox Jewish burial in seat during our High Holy Day services Chanukah Dinner Brighton & Hove may obtain tickets from the shul office for a minimum donation of £35. • Saturday 11 January 2014 – Maleva • Brighton Jewish Worthies 2: Isaac Malka Lyon Goldsmid Non-members can book tickets by emailing office@bhhc-shul.org or For more information or to book your • Superman’s 75th: 10 Reasons Why ringing 01273 888855. place for any of the above events, Superman Is Really Jewish please email the office at office@bhhc- • Our Rosh Hashanah Competition org or ring 01273 888855. • and more! Simchat Torah honours Sussex Cheder The prizes to be given in our We wish a hearty mazel tov to our Do you have a child of primary competition are copies of Does Your Chatanim David Schaveien & Michael school age? Sussex Cheder Rabbi Know You’re Here? , the story of Crook, our Women of the year Roz offers experienced teachers, the Jewish involvement in English football Flashman & Lucinda Lewis and our internationally acclaimed Aleph through the years. Junior Chatanim Jacob Davidson & Champ Reading System, modern Jacob Liebenberg. teaching aids and an enjoyable environment. To register contact Please join us on Simchat Torah and Rabbi Rader on 0777 565 3897 or Shabbat Bereshit to celebrate with our rabbibhhc@gmail.com most deserving honorees. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 22 BHRs Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE https://www.facebook.com/BrightonReform Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org 23 Greetings from the sea are given the chance to consider our actions and inclinations, by Rabbi Andrea Zanardo to amend, to forgive and to be One of the plus sides of living forgiven ... to do teshuvah. in Brighton (or Hove, actually) is Rabbi Arthur Waskow, whom the sea! The sea indeed, makes I am quoting, explains that particularly meaningful for us the water is, among other things, ceremony of Tashlich, which we a symbol of renewal. And for do during the High Holy Days, these reasons, it is so present after Rosh Hashanah and before during the High Holydays. It Yom Kippur. is mentioned in the reading of The term Tashlich comes Jonah during Yom Kippur and from a passage in the Book of it is physically present at Rosh Micah [7:19]: “and you will cast Hashanah during Tashlich. [tashlich] into the depths of the May the view of the sea, which sea all their sins”. This is recited blesses us so generously, inspire during the ceremony, while in us a true renewal, and an crumbs of bread and/or small uplifting teshuvah, for these pieces of other materials are High Holy Days, and for many to actually cast into deep water ... come. a river or, ideally, the sea. These small pieces symbolize the sins May all be written and sealed for and the transgressions of the a good year. Shanah Tovah. previous year. Interestingly, there is no mention BuLLETIN BOARD @BHRS of Tashlich in the Talmud, nor September in most of the prayer-books. Sunday 1 Scholars assume that it is a Cheder introduction party, 10.00 am late practice and that many BHRS Tea, 2.30 pm Rabbis actually have tried to Stone setting of David Green, 2.30 pm discourage it. This is probably Monday 2 out of fear that people could Rosh Chodesh Group, 7.30 pm focus on emptying their pockets Saturday 7 of breadcrumbs instead of doing Shabbat Doroteinu, 10.00 am a real teshuvah, which changes Sunday 15 and ameliorates their behaviour Building the Sukkah , 10.30 am with which we are required to Stone setting of May Eppel, 2.00 pm start during the High Holy Days. Tuesday 17 Jewish Business Breakfast Club at But despite these oppositions, BHRS, 8.00 am the practice is popular, and Sunday 22 widely reputed as meaningful Kuddle Up Sukkot party, 10.00 am and inspiring. One of the Thursday 26 reasons, I believe, is that in Kuddle Up Simchat Torah, 10.45 am the practice itself there is a October reference to Yom Kippur, and Fridays precisely to the story of Jonah, Kuddle Up Shabbat Toddler Group, which we read during the 10.00 am afternoon service. From the belly Saturday 5 of the big fish, Jonah cries out Rabbi’s Shiur – Siddur Surgery, 9.00 to the Almighty, “You cast me am. Shabbat Doroteinu, 10.30 am [tashlicheni] deep into the heart Monday 7 of the sea” [2:4]. Jonah cries, Rosh Chodesh Group, 7.30 pm as we know, in desperation and Saturday 12 Rabbi’s Shiur – Pirke Avot, 9.00 am anger. The Almighty, of course, Shabbaton 10yrs+, 10.30 am does not want to abandon Tuesday 15 Jonah. He rather wants to Jewish Business Breakfast Club at transform the prophet, to trigger BHRS, 8.00 am his teshuvah, to facilitate his Sunday 20 repentance. BHRS Supper Quiz, 7.00 pm Water, sea, with all its meanings, Friday 25 works as a sort of a bracket, Shabbat Kolot, 6.30 pm that opens and closes the whole Saturday 26 Rabbi’s Shiur – Pirke Avot, 9.00 am period of the Ten Days, when we issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 24HHCRabbi Vivian silverman Hove Hebrew Congregation, 79 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 Email: hollandroadshul@btinternet.com www.hollandroadshul.com 25 unetaneh Tokef Man is from the dust and returns to dust. He is like a broken piece of pottery; a dry blade of grass; a by Rabbi Vivian Silverman flower that fades; a passing shadow; a fleeting cloud; swirling This section of the prayers during the Musaf service on both dust; a dream that flies away.” days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur is one of the Yet, we learn it is within our power to revoke any evil decree most poignant and moving of the entire High Holy Day Tefillot. against us. The quantity of man’s life is in Divine hands; the The Ark is opened. The congregation stands and the Chazan quality of life is in our own hands. As the Mishnah remarks: begins his renditions. “Everything is foreseen, yet freedom of choice is given.” “Let us declare the sanctity of this day for it is awesome. We can change our lives through three means: (1) Teshuva On it, your Kingship is exalted. – genuine repentance, and turning back to God; (2) Tefillah Your throne is set with kindness and you sit upon it in truth. – sincere and heartfelt prayer; and (3) Tsedaka – deeds of The great Shofar is sounded and the still small voice is charity and concern for our fellow human beings. heard.” This twin track Judaism has always maintained: “Mitzvot Here, we are reminded of the uncertainty and transitory between ourselves and the Almighty; Those between nature of life: ourselves and fellow man.” “On Rosh Hashana the decree is written. Lynette and our children join me in wishing you and your On Yom Kippur fast day it is sealed. dearest a year of good health, happiness and contentment. How many will pass away and how many born. Ketiva Vahatima Tova. Who in their time, and who before their time. A sweet New Year High Holy Days at by Janet Cowan Another year over - where has the time gone? Our shul has seen many different Holland Road occasions - some sad ones, and many happy celebrations like special birthdays and anniversaries, weddings and bar mitzvahs. We have enjoyed sharing the We are pleased to announce that Rabbi good times with you and have tried to support you during the sad times too. Shmuel Neuman will be our Chazan for the Here are my old faithful recipes for Honey Cake and a delicious Dorset Apple High Holy Days. Cake. Enjoy! Honey Cake 1 lb self-raising flour 250 gm demerara sugar pinch of salt 1 tsp bicarb 3 eggs ½ pint corn oil 1lb tin Golden Syrup ½ pint boiling water 1 heaped tsp of each of ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon Rabbi Shmuel Neuman Rabbi Vivian Silverman Warm oil, syrup, water and sugar in pan until blended. Sieve flour, add Non-Members tickets for the High ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon, salt and bicarb. Mix well and add to warmed Holy Day services. ingredients. Add beaten eggs. Put into two loaf tins (preferably lined with We look forward to welcoming non-members waxed paper or similar) to our Shul and are offering tickets for non- Bake for 1 – 1 ½ hours in the middle of the oven at 350-375F / 150C / Gas no. 4 members wishing to attend all or any of the until firm to the touch. This freezes well. High Holyday services at Holland Road this year. The cost is £35 per person, which will Dorset Apple Cake include an allocated seat number. For reasons 225g butter of security entrance will be by ticket only for 225g caster sugar all non-members. 4 large eggs Tickets are obtainable by making a request by 250g self-raising flour email to: hollandroadshul@btconnect.com 25g cornflour 225g chopped Bramley apples For times of Services for the High Holy 1 unpeeled apple, cut in segments and soaked in lemon juice Days, please check our website www. hollandroadshul.com. Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs and flour alternately, adding the cornflour while you are mixing. Fold in the chopped apples. Pour into a Message from the Chairman and the cake tin 18cm in diameter. Arrange the soaked apple segments in a circle round the top of the cake and dust with soft brown sugar to make a crusty glaze. Board of Management. We look forward to seeing you and wish you Bake at 170 C for about an hour and a quarter. Delicious for teatime or as a and your family a Happy and Peaceful New dessert, especially with (ice) cream. Year. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 24 25 issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 26What’s on: september - October 2013 Website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org email: info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org 27 sHABBAT sHALOM – BRiGHTON TiMes - sePTeMBeR HiGH HOLY DAYs – september In Light Candles Out Havdalah Wed 4 Erev Rosh Hashana Fri 6 7.18 pm Sat 7 8.25 pm Fri 13 7.03 pm Sat 14 8.08 pm Thu 5 1st day Rosh Hashana Fri 20 6.46 pm Sat 21 7.51 pm Fri 6 2nd day Rosh Hashana Fri 27 6.30 pm Sat 28 7.35 pm Fri 13 Kol Nidre Sat 14 Yom Kippur sHABBAT sHALOM – BRiGHTON TiMes - OCTOBeR Wed 18 Erev Sukkot In Light Candles Out Havdalah Fri 19 1st day Sukkot Fri 4 Oct 6.16 pm Sat 5 7.20 pm Sat 20 2nd day Sukkot Fri 11 6.01 pm Sat 12 7.05 pm Thu 26 Shemini Atzeret Fri 18 5.46 pm Sat 19 6.31 pm Fri 27 Simchat Torah Fri 25 5.32 pm Sat 26 6.38 pm ReGuLAR ACTiViTies sOMe iN sePTeMBeR Wednesdays WiLL NOT APPLY JACs at the AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. Due TO THe HiGH HOLY DAYs £2 members / £2.50 non-members Art in the studio with Martin 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm Ralli Hall Sundays eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation monthly Carmel Tennis Club 10.00 am - 12.00 noon. Weekly. All afternoon tea at the Cavendish Hotel, Grand Parade, levels welcome. Tel: Leon on 07717 222744 Eastbourne at 3.00 pm – on the first Wednesday of every month Mondays Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Efune 11.30 am-12.30 pm at Thursdays the Brighton Hillel Centre, 66/67 Middle Street, Brighton Lishmah sussex 3 at Bhasvic, Dyke Road, Hove BN3 Tel: 01273 321919 6PG. 7.00 – 9.15 pm. See page 18 for full details Afternoon Club with tea 1.30 pm. Ralli Hall Mummy, Me and Music (0-2 years) at the Torah Nursery, 29 Tel: Reba 01444 484839 New Church Road, Hove. All mums welcome, 9.30 am Rubber and Duplicate Bridge 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm £2.00 to 11.30 am. Each session will include a half an hour Ralli Hall. music time. Tel: Reba 01444 484839 Ralli Hall Lunch and social Club 10.30 am-4.30 pm Weekly Contemporary Basic Talmud with Rabbi Efune - Men only Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 (RH) 8.15 pm at Chabad House 01273 321919 Ladies Who Learn 10.30 at Chabad House, 15 Upper Tanya (Kabbalah) Learning Group with Penina Efune - Drive, Hove 2.15 – 4.00 pm, to include herbal teas and Ladies only 8.15 pm at Chabad House 01273 321919 healthy treats. All ladies welcome st Ann’s Well Gardens Bowling Club 2.00 pm Nizells Bridge at Ralli Hall 11.00 am Avenue, Hove (April-September) afternoon meetings Weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Efune 8.15 pm at 01273 729569 Chabad House. Tel: 01273 321919 sARiD (Association of Jewish Refugees) meets every 3rd Monday of the month at 10.45 am, Ralli Hall. £1.50 Tel: Fridays 0208 385 3070 or email esther@ajr.co.uk st Ann’s Well Gardens Bowling Club 2.00 pm Nizells Avenue, Hove (April-September) afternoon meetings Tuesdays 01273 729569 Ralli Hall Lunch and social Club 10.30 am - 4.30 pm eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation service on Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 Weekly at Ralli Hall the 4th Friday of each month, WVRS, 24 Hyde Road, singing4Pleasure at Mark Luck Hall, New Church Road, Eastbourne, 6.00 pm Hove 2.00pm. Tel: Robert 01273 555089 or email: singingforpleasure@hotmail.co.uk Saturdays Art in the studio with Martin 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm Ralli Hall eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Shabbat services at 22 Painting with Rochelle in the Studio at Ralli Hall Susans Road, Eastbourne, 10.00 am. Contact 01323 7.00 – 9.00 pm recommences 3 September 484135 or 07739 082538 israeli Dancing 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm Ralli Hall. stand up for israel at Ecostream, Western Road, Tel: Jacky 01273 688538 Brighton, 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 26 COMMuNiTY eVeNTs – iMPORTANT ReMiNDeR: Contact the Communal Diary before planning your events! info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org 27 eVeNTs iN sePTeMBeR Sunday 1 Monday 16 BHRs Afternoon Tea AJEX Centre, Palmeira Avenue, Hove. sARiD with speaker Janice Greenwood on The Life & 2.30-4.30 pm. Non-members welcome Music of Irving Berlin, 10.45 am at Ralli Hall Wednesday 11 Saturday 21 Hyman Fine House Volunteers’ Coffee Morning 20 Burlington ePJC Lunch Club 12 noon at Raipur Restaurant, Pevensey Street, Brighton, 10.30 am-12.30 pm Bay. Email Suzanne at malka.seltzer@gmail.com by 18 September JACs video presentation of ‘Grandpa, Speak to me in Russian’. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove, 2.00 pm. £2 Sunday 29 members / £2.50 non-members Ralli Hall 100th Birthday Celebration Tea Dance 2.30 pm – 6.00 pm £15.00 Tel: 01273 202254 Sunday 15 sussex Jewish Film Club: Would I Lie to You? (comedy) 7.15 for 7.30 pm Ralli Hall eVeNTs iN OCTOBeR Wednesday 2 Wednesday 16 JACs Quiz presented by Janice Greenwood. Prizes! JACs readings by poet David Pollard. AJEX Centre, Eaton Prizes! Prizes! AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove, 2.00 pm. Road, Hove, 2.00 pm. £2 members / £2.50 non-members £2 members / £2.50 non-members Wednesday 23 Sunday 6 JACs Spkr Joy Wilson ‘On Being a Teacher’ Ajex Centre, Helping Hands Tea AJEX Centre, Palmeira Avenue, Hove, Eaton Road, Hove 2.00 pm. £2 members/ £2.50 non-2.00-4.00 pm members Tuesday 8 Tuesday 29 sussex Jewish News – submission deadline for the Jewish Historical society with guest speaker Rabbi November issue. Send your articles, thoughts, photos and Hershel Rader on ‘The Nachmanides Disputation and its announcements to sjneditor@sussexjewishnews.com Aftermath’, 7.45 pm at Ralli Hall. Members free/ non-members £4. Tel: 01273 419412 or email Wednesday 9 g.gould915@btinternet.com JACs with guest speaker Martin Jones on ‘Faces of Venice’. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove, 2.00 pm. £2 Wednesday 30 members / £2.50 non-members JACs Sidney Lipman presents ‘A Musical Soiree’ Ajex Centre, Eaton Road, Hove 2.00 pm. £2 members/ £2.50 non-members Grodzinki’s challos, rolls and Kosher bread available weekly by courtesy of Lubavitch Brighton from Premier Convenience Stores in Hove Street (tel. 01273 735131) Please be sure to reserve your order so that we know how many to supply. Orders can be collected on Thursdays or Fridays. issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 28 28 issue 234 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2013 -
Issue 201
October 2010
SuSSex x JewiSh NewS Whats what’S iNSide.... wvrS heritage prOJeCt | hiStOriCal SOCiety | tONy blair | aNd MOre www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM | £2 | OCtOber 2010 | tiShrei/CheShvaN 5771 | iSSue 201 2 pause for thought 3 We are blessed with rich and duriNg the yOMiM NOraiM we tOOk StOCk Of diverse histories, heritages and Our liveS. it SeeMS apprOpriate that we have a communities. Whilst on the one hand, it is marvellous to celebrate MONth tO dO better withOut diStraCtiON. the history of Eastbourne We have left the Yomim Noraim – The Days of Awe or the Hebrew Congregation, it is also High Holy Days. We have prayed that this year will be one of appropriate for each of us to ask ourselves what are we doing health, happiness, prosperity and peace and begin again with to enrich our lives, our community, our future. a clean slate. It is also a time for hope for our futures as well as the futures of our world, our country and our community. SJN is one of more than forty different Jewish organisations in Sussex. Each of us works to make our communal lives Oddly, when we are most filled with hope, we enter the more fulfilled. Any one of them (including ourselves) would month of Cheshvan or, as it is known, Mar Cheshvan - bitter welcome additional help, new help, regardless of whether because it is the only month in the Jewish calendar where you want to do something to help others, make new friends, there are no celebrations and no commemorations. In some occupy your time, expand your personal horizons or skills or ways, after all the work of Tishrei – the preparation for each just simply enjoy yourself. Holy Day is work, preparing each celebration is work and repentance is work – it seems appropriate to have a month If we all tried to do one community activity a year, we where we can relax. would make a difference to someone and to our community generally. Our slates would be cleaner. And the exhilaration But there is also another way to look at it. During the Yomim that comes from serving the community makes each of us Noraim we took stock of our lives and of our souls, thinking and our community about how we can each do better – for ourselves, for our all the richer. country, for our world and for our community. Now we can follow up doing better without distraction. SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 8 OCTOBER 2010 SNJ brigns local news, EDITORIAL BOARD COmmunITy IssuEs E-PuBLIshIng events, articles, reviews, Doris Levinson / Stephanie Laura Sharpe Gary Weston announcements, people, Megitt / Ivor Miskin / David congregations, communitites, Seidel / Karen Pettitt* COmmunAL DIARy DEsIgn/PRODuCTIOn contacts and more. Delivered *Editorial Assistant Angela Goldman Katie Lyons at the start of each month, SJN diary@sussexjewishnews.com is run entirely by volunteers for ADmInIsTRATOR reporting, editing and circulating Ivor Sorokin PhOTOgRAPhER each edition that has become Sophie Sheinwald the cornerstone of the Jewish ADmIn AssIsTAnT community across the region. Gweni Sorokin SuSSex JewiSh NewS SubSCriptiON Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________ Email: _______________________________________________Telephone: _________________________ Subscription (tick one) I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £15 p/a I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £18 p/a. Payment (tick one) I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. Or you can subscribe online at www.sussexjewishnews.com and pay with PayPal! iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 2 Contents 3 featureS 1 eaStbOurNe welCOMeS yOu Malcolm Green Catering Brian Megitt shows us the way to the Sunshine Coast The selection of your menu is an important part in the planning of your Simcha. For that reason our Chefs continue 8 wvrS heritage prOJeCt to create exciting and tasty menus to meet your every need. We The history of Eastbourne Hebrew can tailor a menu to fit your specific requirements and help Congregation create the function you are proud of. Let us introduce you to a cuisine that has made us one of Israel’s leading Caterers. 10 COMMuNity prOfile Plus summer holidays in Italy, Ireland and weddings Frank Tochen meets Eastbourne’s Menashe throughout the world. Harounoff KOSHER CATERING AT ITS BEST 16 we’re gOiNg Slightly ad Contact Rachel on 01273 726495 Community events this month or Malcolm on koshercaterer@yahoo.co.uk www.kosherservicesworldwide.com regularS UNDER SUPERVISION KASHRUT DIVISION OF THE LONDON BETH DIN 4 perSONalS Your news 5 Culture Raise your voice with the Chutzpah Choir and more 6 COMMuNity life News from across the county 7 SJN hall Of faMe Tony Blair pays close attention to...? 15 what’S ON Regular and special events in your community yOur COMMuNity 12 brightON & hOve prOgreSSive SyNagOgue 13 brightON & hOve refOrM SyNagOgue 14 MOre wOrdS frOM the prOphetS Norman Grant of Gary Green Memorials The Approved Mason for the B & H Reform Community and all Jewish Cemeteries Countrywide Renovations and Additional Inscriptions Home Visits by Appointment Brochure on request 01273 885874 / mobile: 0776 951 5045 ngrant37@gmail.com iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 4 personals 5 SpeCial birthdayS Mazel tov to Guy Beuer, Evelyn Davis, Ben Gerrey, John Gold, David Green, Judith Irwin, Marion Marks, Sara Newton, Rochelle Oberman, Richard Reed, Max Rubin, Vicky Saxon, Marjorie Seldon and Lydia Stanford, all of whom are celebrating special birthdays this month eNgageMeNt • Mazel tov to Raquel Buckland and Paul Margo on their engagement • Congratulations to Ronnie & Michael Rosenberg on the engagement of their daughter Emma to Jean-Francois aNNiverSary Mazel tov to Doreen & Stanley Benjamin on their 55th wedding anniversary get well We wish a refuah shelaimah to Merle Kessler, Doris Levinson, Chana Moshenska and Carol Zuker deathS We wish long life to: • the family of Phyllis Cress z”l • the family of Rose Levin z”l • the family of Fraser Lewis z”l thank you Thank you to everyone who has so kindly ‘phoned, visited, emailed, sent cards, flowers, cake, soup and good wishes after my recent spell in hospital. I am glad to say that I am recovering well. Doris Levinson Mazel tOv In May Claire & Sam Barsam celebrated the marriage of their son Jean-Marc to Heather. Here is the happy couple on their big day. Mazel tov. Full page (A4 size) B/W: £160 Col: £260 Half page (A5 size) B/W: £90 Col: £160 Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are Quarter page (A6 size) B/W: £50 Col: £90 not necessarily those of SJN; 1/9 page (credit card size) B/W: £35 Col: £50 • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and Personal: £4 per line TISING • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or Flyers: Price on application submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY to Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to editor@sussexjewishnews.com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their consideration editorial decision. for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 using Times New Roman as a font. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, editor@sussexjewishnews.com ADVER IN SJN GUIDELINES any response may be subject to delay. iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 4 Culture 5 Come sing with us! JaCS The Chutzpah Choir has started meeting again at by Nina Taylor and Barbara Blume Ralli Hall after its summer break. In July we were We provide our members with a large variety of delighted to be invited back to Hastings to represent speakers and entertainers: Martha Roe is a teacher the Jewish tradition at Musica Sacra, a concert at and founder member of the Dharma School in the White Rock Theatre, sharing the programme with Patcham that is based on Buddhism. Martha told singing and dance groups from the Hindu, Buddhist, us how she had suffered from Chronic Fatigue Christian, Muslim and Sikh traditions. Once again Syndrome to such an extent that she had to retire the whole audience joined in with us enthusiastically from work, until she was referred by a monk to when invited to do so. Christopher Drake. He undertook to treat her by the “Buteyko Method”, a system probably originating Two other recent events were a slot at the Sanctuary from monks in the Far East. Her condition improved Cella Bar in Hove for a fund-raising evening, sharing and, she feels, was “cured” by this treatment the line-up with other performers including a klezmer method. It is reported to cure many illnesses! Very group from London, and an open air performance at interesting, but I would feel more confident with the Stoneham Park ‘Communities got Talent’ day. traditions that I understand. All very different events, but we do enjoy taking our musical culture out to different types of audience. Jonathan Adams, a talented young musician, You can hear some clips from a few of our songs entertained us to an accordion concert, which on our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/ was delightful. His artistry and talent was greatly chutzpahchoir appreciated. We’d love to welcome some new members (all ages, Mark Grimshaw told us how he and a group of both sexes). No auditions and no previous singing friends with business knowledge and experience experience necessary! It’s very relaxed and informal help and advise anybody who is considering forming and we have a lot of fun, with time to socialise a co-operative. during the mid-session break. We were let down at the last minute by one of our We learn wonderful songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, speakers, so Janice went through her collection of Ladino and Aramaic and we also enjoy singing videos and came up with The Three Tenors Part wordless tunes in Jewish modes (niggunim), under Two, which thrilled us by the wonderful singing and the leadership of our talented musical director Polina orchestration. Shepherd. We missed a few meetings last month due to the If you might be interested in having us sing at your occurrence of the High Holy Days, but we have a event, you can contact us at chutzpahchoir@hotmail. full programme for October and look forward to co.uk or why not abandon the tel y one Wednesday seeing our members, old and new, on Wednesday evening and come along to Ral i Hal to give us a try afternoons at the AJEX Centre. Programmes start at (only £4 for a taster session)? It’s 7.00-8.50 pm in 2.00 p.m., doors open at 1.30 pm. Room 12 and it would be great to see you.... the arts beat Our hero, Andrei Filipov, who was of the instrument despite any formal apparently based on the real-life training. Aleksei Guskov gave a magnetic by Cecily Woolf conductor Yevgeny Svetlanov, was performance as Filipov, who was faced in charge of the Bolshoi Orchestra 30 with a seemingly-impossible task, and The Concert is a film described by Rich years ago, but who then was demoted Melanie Laurent was touching as the Cline of BBC Five Live as “uplifting, to being a cleaner after allowing a famous French violinist with a secret hilarious and packs a powerful Jewish refusenik soloist to perform past who was to be Filipov’s soloist. emotional punch.” To those who, like Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto. me, campaigned for Soviet Jewry, the There were also comical portraits of film was also a reminder of the brave However, he intercepted an invitation Russian oligarchs with more money non-Jewish Russians who backed for the Bolshoi orchestra to play at than culture, but the overal message human rights during the Communist the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris and of Romanian-born director Radu era. It certainly brought back memories decided to take over the gig by reuniting Mihaileanu’s film was to plead for of our local committee’s demonstration his old orchestra, now a mixture of tolerance and to show the life-enhancing on behalf of Rostropovich’s sister, drunks, ‘has-beens’ and outcasts. They power of Tchaikovsky’s music. The when the Moscow Philharmonic gave a included a gipsy violinist, Miou-Miou, Concert is available on DVD and can concert at the Dome. who demonstrated a dazzling mastery also be downloaded from the Internet. iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 6 Community 7 hyMaN fiNe hOuSe aJex by Vivienne Stockman by Judy Gabriel, PRO AJEX Brighton & Hove We are now approaching one of the most serious Priscilla presents times of the AJEX calendar, when along with many Wendy with others we will gather to remember those no longer a bouquet in with us and those who lost their lives in past and appreciation for continuing conflicts. the afternoon On Thursday November 11th , our Chairman On a showery Aubrey Cole, assisted by Bert Gabriel, will attend a afternoon in Remembrance Day ceremony at The Old Steine at August, Wendy which named markers are placed., This ceremony and Ronnie is always attended by the Mayor, and a service is Bloom kindly conducted by the Vicar of Brighton. invited some of the residents of Hyman Fine House to a tea party. The Remembrance Parade at the Memorial at The Old Steine will take place on November 14th at Tables were set up in their delightful garden but due to 11.00 am. Following the Parade, the AJEX Service our typical English climate the party was held inside, will be held this year at the Reform Synagogue in their beautiful home. The residents al enjoyed a starting at 4.30 pm and will be led for us by Rabbi sumptuous tea of sandwiches, cakes and scones Charles Wallach. The Annual London Parade & Rally will be on gardeN party with a differeNCe November 21st, with the reviewing officer being Air by Diane Joseph Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton,KCB ADC BSc Due to the inclement weather Stella Harris, Welfare FRAeS CCMI RAF, who was a previous Director of Officer for Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation and Air Operations in the Ministry of Defence and is now Hastings and District Jewish Society, held a garden Chief of the Air Staff. party with a difference - in her lounge! We will have transport for anyone wishing to attend However this made no difference to the seventeen the London Rally, and should you need any further members from Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation, information on any of these services please call Bexhill branch of the Council of Christians & Jews Aubrey Cole on Brighton 737417. and Hastings & District Jewish Society who had a lovely tea. Thanks to their support £150 was raised, aNNe fraNk’S belOved CheStNut tree dieS including proceeds from the inevitable raffle for In the early afternoon of 23 August strong winds the maintenance fund for EHC. Many thanks to a caused the iconic chestnut tree behind Anne Frank’s charming hostess. hiding place in Amsterdam to topple and die. Although the 150 year old tree was diseased it was thought to have decades left as it was being held eaStbOurNe hebrew CONgregatiON up by a strong steel support. Luckily no one at the by Manny Godfrey museum was hurt when it happened. Some twenty-five people attended a Shabbat morning service at the Susans Road Shul to celebrate On 23 February 1944 Anne Frank had written in the 80th Birthday of John Joseph. John is a relatively her diary about this tree as follows: “From my new member of the community who swiftly became favourite spot on the floor I look up at the blue sky involved in its activities and is now a member of the and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches Management Committee. He was joined by his wife little raindrops shine, appearing like silver.” Anne Diane, daughter and two grandsons. The Service was died the following year, aged just 15, of typhus and conducted by Chairman Ronnie Taylor, ably assisted starvation in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. by Frank Mil er. The Anne Frank Trust UK, the British partner After the Service, the congregation repaired to the organisation of Anne Frank House, is now calling shul hall, where a lavish kiddush prepared by Diane upon people in this country to symbolically replant Joseph and Linda Taylor awaited them. the tree in public parks and private gardens in order to keep alive the hope Anne held for a better world. For a free Anne Frank Tree information pack contact the Anne Frank Trust on info@annefrank.org.uk or call 020 7284 5858. iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 6 7 ralli hall JewiSh hiStOriCal SOCiety by Roger Abrahams, Hon Chairman The following is the 2010-2011 programme of the More than 20 years ago I stood for the position of Sussex Branch of the Jewish Historical Society. Hon. Chairman of B&HJYC, now B&HJCF. Shortly after this the Management Committee made the 26 October 2010 unenviable decision to “sack the staff and shut the Speaker: Herman Rothman, doors” A few months later, with the help of some Subject: Hitler’s Will generous and forward thinking members of the community, the doors were re-opened and a part- 30 November 2010 time administrator and a part-time caretaker were Speaker: Rabbi Hershel Rader of BHHC taken on. Subject: Rationalising the Miracle of Chanukah Although, many caretakers have come and 25 January 2011 gone, it is twenty years since Norina Duke, our Speaker: Dr Sam Barsam, BOD Defence Committee Centre Manager, was employed as that part time Subject: The Enlightenment administrator. Throughout this time Norina has shown her loyalty to Ralli Hall, and particularly 22 February 2011 to me. Even now, she still displays the same Speaker: Dr Helen Spurling enthusiasm that she had all those years ago. My Outreach Officer Parkes Institute, Southampton. sincere thanks to Norina for her continuing loyalty Subject: Jewish and Chritisan interpretations of the and enthusiasm. Bible in late antiquity” Plans should soon be finalised for the toilet for the 29 March 2011 disabled, with minimal loss of seating area. On Speaker: Marcus Roberts completion, the ladies toilets will also be upgraded Director, Anglo Jewry Heritage Trails. and re-tiled. It is also planned to improve the gents Subject: Jews of the Lake District toilets, but this will more expensive as the windows are in poor condition and need to be replaced with 3 May 2011 double glazed units. Speaker: Professor Miri Rubin Professor of Mediaeval and Early Modern History The first film was shown at Ralli Hall by the new University of London. Sussex Jewish Film Club on 26th September. The Subject: Church and Synagogue from sisters to next showing will be on 16th November. Details enemies in mediaeval Europe” (preceded by a very were available in the last issue of SJN and will be in brief AGM) the next issue. See you at Ralli Hall. All sessions are held at Ralli Hall from 7.45 pm. Admission is free to members and £4.00 for visitors aSSOCiatiON Of JewiSh wOMeN’S and guests. For more information, please contact OrgaNiSatiONS Godfrey Gould on 01273 419412 by Louise Freedman The Association of Jewish Women’s Organisations will be holding its Annual Seminar this year on 17 SJN hall Of faMe November 2010, at WIZO House, 107 Gloucester When Irvyn Isaacs speaks... even Tony Blair listens. Place London W1U 6BY. As usual, this promises to Mazel tov to Irvyn who is now a member of the SJN be an exciting occasion and tickets are going fast. Hall of Fame. Details of how to book are on our flyer at http:// www.ajwo.org/files/flyer.pdf As in previous years, AJWO looks forward to welcoming you. iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 9 iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 10Menashe harounoff by frank tochen 11 One of the personalities from Jordan. He tel s harrowing tales of the Jewish defenders in the Sussex Jewish trying to survive for months on meagre rations, having little community who has led a ammunition and the barbarity of the Arab attackers. Many of fascinating life is Menashe his friends were kil ed. He also emphasises how, from 1945, Cohen Aharounoff, known the British made every effort to assist the Arabs militarily whilst local y as Menashe at the same time ensuring that Jews had no way of defending Harounoff. A sprightly and themselves. He is adept at refuting the propaganda and myths amiable 87 year-old with of that period originating from the Arab side. Fluent in Arabic and a twinkle in his eye, he Farsi, Menashe later worked as adjutant to Moshe Dayan and now spends much of the was particularly useful in military and intel igence operations. He year in Eastbourne. He is was associated with and personal y knew many other leading President of Eastbourne personalities in Israel’s modern history. Hebrew Congregation. After 1948 Menashe’s career continued with the new Israeli His ful name - a mixture of Hebrew, Arabic and Russian - government as well as his family’s carpet and antiques originates from Meshed in the north of Iran near the Russian business which had been fully established in London since border. For many hundreds of years religious minorities found 1890. It was because of the family business that Menashe themselves frequently subject to persecution. They were forced came to live in the UK around 1966. He set up a similar to pretend to be Muslims – at least by day for at night they had business in Eastbourne just a few years later where he has their own secret places of meeting and worship - many Jewish men would add to this pretence by undertaking the Haj to Mecca to prove their devotion to Islam whilst MeNaShe’S life CaN ONly be deSCribed at the same time wearing Jewish symbols hidden aS part Of the liviNg hiStOry Of beneath their clothes. Interestingly, the tiny tefil in that MOderN iSrael aNd the JewiSh peOple. Menashe’s grandfather wore on the Haj are in the Israel Museum. based himself since. Menashe married in Israel and had In the 19th century, after several major pogroms in Meshed, two children, a son and a daughter. Sadly, his son died at most Jews left. Menashe’s family fled first to Constantinople. the age of nine. His daughter lives in Israel and one of his Later they divided their time between London and Jerusalem granddaughters lives in London with her family. He also has where they re-established the family’s oriental carpet and a large extended family in many parts of the world. antiques business. In Jerusalem the family helped develop the area that later became the Bukharian Quarter. It is here Menashe’s life can only be described as part of the living that at least one street and a synagogue commemorate their history of modern Israel and the Jewish people. He has names. It was here that Menashe was born, at the start of travelled much of the world and readily admits to having the British Mandate period. He describes life then as “frugal”, enjoyed something of a playboy lifestyle when younger. lacking many amenities that we regard as normal today. His Even as an octagenarian, the dealer-salesman is still within neighbours included many of the prominent residents of him and he frequently makes offers that cannot be refused Jerusalem at that time, even the Mufti Haj Amin Husseini who (but probably best are) to his many friends and associates. later infamously associated with the Nazis. But nobody can doubt the excellent work that he does in promoting dialogue between Jews and Christians and a better In his early teens Menashe joined several Zionist youth groups, understanding of both the Jewish people and Israel. including the Jewish Underground for which he would deliver We wish Menashe many more years of health and happiness. and col ect equipment on his bicycle. This was highly dangerous Should you have the opportunity to meet him, you will find work because, if caught by the British police, he could have him a most interesting, jovial and informative character. been imprisoned or even hanged. Worried about his son’s activities, his father sent him to live with an uncle in Alexandria, Egypt. A British subject, Menashe attended the English hyMaN fiNe hOuSe fuNdraiSiNg COMMittee Academy of Commerce for two years until the Second World (Registered Charity No. 1111793) War began. When the Italian air force bombed the city, al British subjects were evacuated to Mandate Palestine and 17-year old presents Menashe found himself back with family in Jerusalem. a bridge & kalOOki afterNOON AT RALLI HALL DENMARK VILLAS HOVE Menashe began his career and eventual y found a post with the (Free Parking at Hove Railway Station) British Administration’s Tax Office. At the same time Menashe was also involved with the fledgling Haganah and found his frieNdly COMpetitiON – with prizeS position very useful in providing information to the Jewish ON SUNDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2010 AT 2.00PM Underground. When the British abandoned the Mandate in 1948, DONATION £8.50 INCLUDING TEA Menashe fought in the defence of Jerusalem against seemingly TICKETS FROM ALAN BURKE - 01273 416335 AND overwhelming Arab forces, particularly the Arab Legion attacking RAYMOND FELSENSTEIN - 01273 505056 iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 10 South Coast 11 Complaint Brighton and Hove are very high on Manchester. Hasting, Bexhill, Chichester: a cultural delight. the radar of most Jews living north Worthing, Bournemouth, Further West there’s Portsmouth of the latitude marking the edge of Plymouth and possibly some and Southampton, not really on the southern loop of the M25. others all have communities anyone’s radar and Plymouth, of various sizes and degrees with the second oldest synagogue Tel anyone, usual y but not of activity, observance and in the UK, where this author had exclusively from London, that you connection with their origins. his barmitzvah (another story). live in Eastbourne and they wil say From a dim and misty decades “…oh, yes, that’s near Brighton…” The Minister for Small old memory that building is in the or, very occasional y, and even Communities makes a shadow of the cathedral, which more regrettably, “Bournemouth”. tremendous effort to keep in was gutted, like most of the city, Eastbourne is perhaps not too far contact with all of us but his by Hitler’s bombs. The shul was away from Brighton (about 20 miles remit is nationwide and there untouched (no clichés, please) in a straight line) but a mil ion plus just aren’t enough days in the and is an architectural gem. compared with that city in style, year for him to give the amount ambience, attitude and easy living. service we all need. The JC, on The two Bs – Bournemouth its community pages, tends to and Brighton, had a number of To equate our geriatric jewel treat the South Coast as one kosher hotels pre- and post-war on the East Sussex coast with entity, ignoring completely its which did a thriving business, what Private Eye calls ‘skidrow diversity, both geographical and providing enormous quantities of on sea’ is the ultimate insult, communal. This self-styled ‘oldest food for guests from all over the however unwittingly applied and weekly newspaper in the country’ UK, particularly at festival times. shows an appalling ignorance of is really a mouthpiece for the A combination of a diminishing the most elementary geography inward looking, self-regarding, Jewish population here, the of the country in which we live. navel gazing London community, increased secularisation of a It also highlights a degree of paying scant homage to those large section of the remaining metropolitan parochialism which of us on the South Coast, and community allied with the growth is disappointing in its existence in Sussex in particular, enjoying of cheap foreign travel has our community. the benefits of more sunshine resulted in the inevitable loss of (Eastbourne was top of the league most of these institutions. It is disappointing in the sense for this during several recent that it demonstrates a lack of years), fresh sea air and proximity It would be easy to predict the cohesion in the ever decreasing to the tunnel at Folkestone for total disappearance of active, numbers of affiliated Jews in shopping in Calais. vibrant South Coast communities the UK. That we have a small in fifty years or so, especially (albeit literally dying) synagogue Of course, various seaside as most of us won’t be here membership, a rather nice and towns on the coast have always to witness it and so be proved recently refurbished building been associated with an over- wrong. The alternative might just which has been on the same site representation of the retired – be the melting of the icecaps, just off the town centre for nearly senior citizens – exhibiting varying raised sea levels and then the 90 years, seems to make no mark degrees of senility. Bognor: whole coast will be submerged. on the masses making up most of immortalised by the apocryphal our numbers in the UK. dying remark of George V – Michael Rich “bugger Bognor”, Worthing: still writing from sunny Eastbourne We’re not the only ones not in bypass free and allegedly with on the Costa Geriatrica the consciousness of the main the highest proportion of OAPs, communities in London and Arundel: a motoring nightmare, Carer/Companion helpiNg South African Jewish Lady, 3 years experience, requires live-in, long term haNdS position. we invite you to check out our new website: Own transport, enjoys outings, great cook. www.helping-hands.org Apply robin.44@hotmail.co.uk telephone: (01273) 747722 email: helping-hands@ntlworld.com or phone 0783 819 4945 iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM 12bhpS rabbi elizabeth tikvah Sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road Hove BN3 1FF 13 Tel: 01273 737223 Email: bhps@freenetname.co.uk www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Haftarah for Parasha B’rieshit COMe tO leONOra eNSeMble CONCert 3 October 2010 – Isaiah 42:5-43:10 by Peter Bennett A light to the nations On Sunday 10th October 2010 at 2.45 pm BHPS is holding a by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah concert to celebrate the synagogue’s 75th Anniversary. The connection with Parashat B’reishit is evident in the very first verse: “Thus says the Eternal God, who created the The Leonora Ensemble will play Haydn String Quartet No heavens and stretched them out, who made the earth and 72 Opus 3 no 3 (The Bird), Philip Sawyer’s Four Shropshire all that grows in it, who gives breath to its people and spirit Songs, Max Bruch Kol Nidre and Mozart Clarinet Quintet to all who walk on it.” On the face of it, the remainder of the K581. The musicians of the Leonora Ensemble have all Haftarah is less relevant to the theme of Creation as the next played with major London orchestras. Joyce Nixon, one verse focuses on the particular relationship between the of the violinists, is a member of the Brighton Philharmonic Eternal and the people Israel: “I, the Eternal, have called you Orchestra. Other members of the group are Philip Sawyers in righteousness, and taken you by the hand. I am the One (violin), Richard Peake (viola), John Stillwell (cello) and Victor who created you and make you a covenant people, a light to Slaymark (clarinet). They are joined by Emma Wallace who the nations.” will play solo cello and the soprano singer Susannah Startup. But look again at this verse. The will of the Eternal, the One, Tickets cost £8 in advance and £10 on the door and include reigns supreme, and the particular covenant people – am refreshments. Please contact the synagogue office 01273 - b’rit – cannot escape that will. We have a responsibility to 737223 or email bhps@freenetname.co.uk for tickets. discharge, both, to the Eternal, as ‘witnesses’ (:10), and to the Please see our advert for the concert on the back cover. other peoples, whom the Eternal has created. Our task as ‘a light to the nations’ is to open our lives that are blind, to bring bhpS Cyberquiz the captive art of confinement, those who sit in darkness, out by Peter Bennett of the dungeon. Here’s another date for your diary! Following last year’s It’s a heavy burden to be ‘a light to the nations’. Back in success, BHPS is holding a Cyberquiz night on Saturday 27th the sixth century BCE, during the Babylon exile, when the November. Teams compete against each other as well as unknown author of this passage, referred to as the ‘second other synagogues and groups around the country as we are Isaiah’, was prophesying that failure to obey had exacted in contact by email. a terrible punishment (:24): “Who allowed Jacob to be plundered? Who gave Israel to the despoilers? It was none Participants can come alone and join others to make up a other than the Eternal, against whom they sinned, in whose team, or can make up their own teams and book a table (6 ways they would not walk, to whose teaching they would not people). Tickets cost £10 and include a fish and chip supper listen!” Please contact the synagogue office 01273 737223 or email bhps@freenetname.co.uk for tickets. Do we still carry that burden today? And if we do, what are the consequences, when we fail? These are difficult questions, and there are many possible answers. Whatever our responses, as long as we continue to read the Torah and Haftarah, as part of our weekly Jewish practice, we are challenged to make sense of these sacred texts, both, for our own lives and for the continuing life of the Jewish people. reMeMberiNg Our hiStOry As part of our 75th anniversary celebrations, on 12 September we re-dedicated the memorial stone of Reverend taSChliCh at bhpS Archie and Mrs Elizabeth Fay. The memorial stone was On the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, members of BHPS met re-dedicated sixty 60 years after Reverend Fay began his on the beach for Taschlich. ministry at BHPS iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM bhrS rabbi Charles wallach Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue 13 Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org Haftarah for Parasha Noach Still heCtiC after the yOM tOv SeaSON 10 October 2010 – Isaiah 54:1-55:5 by Rabbi Charles Wallach Catastrophe and promise Thanks are due not only to all who helped make the Yom Tov by Rabbi Charles Wallach season a highly responsive period, but also to those for their most generous comments. All of my High Holy Day sermons The popular and evocative stories at the beginning of Genesis can be found in full on our website at www.bh-rs.org. As I – the Creation, the Tower of Babel and so on – have come said in my closing remarks as Neilah began to descend and down to us not only for themselves but have become similes looking at our calendar of forthcoming events, life is far from or paradigms for other events in time. The rabbis of old chose still at Palmeira Avenue. this passage from Isaiah as the haftarah for the second sedra of the year on seemingly a tenuous link (54:9): “For this is as Our regular events of weekly and more or less monthly activities the waters of Noah unto Me...”. - from shiurim, cheder, book club and members’ teas to those we host like JACS - are now wel and truly back in swing. And A little more understanding of the context is necessary. This “swing” may be the optimum word at the moment as Saturday part of the Book of Isaiah was almost certainly written by a 9th October is our Party Night for everyone to dance the night man who lived through the Babylonian exile. He experienced away event. Our Parents and Functions Committees are putting the awful suffering of the people, wrenched from their land this on. Last time the evening was a roaring social success and and tossed aside, almost without hope. He saw it as his task great money spinner. With our cheder going great guns its ever-to give hope to the people by word as much as by deed. increasing needs must be met. Come and support this event – He took on board the image of the Flood – a catastrophe of and have fun doing so. cataclysmic proportions that ends with the promise that never again would an event such as that “go over the (whole) earth” The second special occasion I wish to note is Saturday 13th at one time. November: This will see the launch of an idea which will hopefully occur once a term. Instead of the children coming Thus the writer sought to comfort the people, allowing them to cheder that Sunday we will be holding a child and family to believe in a better future and ends with the optimism of focused Shabbat morning service followed by a special an “everlasting covenant” akin to the glory days of David’s Kiddush. Though this is a BHRS cheder event, others in the prior to the dividing of that kingdom. If the text will sound community may wish to attend and join us. familiar to those attending services a few weeks prior to Rosh Hashanah that is because the first ten verses are also Finally, Sunday 14th November is Remembrance Sunday the haftarah for Ki Teitzei, one of the Haftarot of Consolation and this year the annual AJEX Service will be held at BHRS. I leading to the High Holy Days. have attended all three since returning here in 2007 and have noticed a fall off in attendance by those who were not ex-service personnel. I believe we owe it to those who served to support this event. So please let us take note and make this bulletiN bOard fOr OCtOber 2010 too a truly memorable event. Mondays Seated Exercise with Adele Wednesday JACS, 2.00 pm in the AJEX Centre Fri 1st Later Night Service, 8.00 pm Sat 2nd Rabbi’s monthly shiur, 9.00 am Sun 3rd Kids Club, 1.00 pm Wed 6th Rabbi’s weekly shiur, 1.00 pm Sat 9th Party Night – music & dinner fundraiser, 8.00 pm. (for more information, see our advert on the back cover) Sat 23rd Book Club, 9.00 am The Lesson by Naomi Alderman Sun 24th Cheder half-term iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewi ShNewS.COM the words of 14 15 the prophets Haftarah for Parasha Lech Lecha The contrast between the stories is that the widow was 17 October 2010 – Isaiah 40:27-41:16 extremely poor and had two children while the Shunemite woman was extremely rich yet had no child. Yet Elisha Strength and perseverance shows compassion to both of them irrespective of their position in society. by Rabbi Hershel Rader Our haftarah begins with these words: “Why do you say The Prophet was aware of “mouth-to-mouth resuscitation” O Jacob and declare O Israel, ‘my way is hidden from nearly three thousand years before this medical procedure Hashem and my cause has been passed over by my G-d’.” became known. In the story the boy actually died and Elisha was able to revive him, literally. Until the time of Addressing a despondent Jewish people, Isaiah offers words Yaakov sneezing was a sign of death, yet here the lad of faith and encouragement. He urges them not to think that sneezes and opens his eyes - a sign of life. G-d has forsaken them. He says that despite their weakness and the stubborn resistance of other nations, they are to Haftarah for Parasha Chayei Sarah continue the mission started by Abraham in this week’s sedra 31 October 2010 – I Kings 1:1-31 - to spread the knowledge of Hashem and His message. Trust, patience and fixing one’s part A familiar phrase can be found in the third verse: – noten laya’ef koach / He gives strength to the weary. We begin by Rabbi Avi Neuman every morning by reciting fifteen blessings, the penultimate The sedra of Chayei Sarah begins with Sarah’s death and of which is ‘Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the ends with Abraham’s. In between we see Abraham “old universe Who gives strength to the weary’. Like so many of and advanced in years” putting his affairs in order. There is our prayers this blessing uses a biblical phrase to convey a a sense of a life well-lived; of cycle, continuity and renewal. particular idea. The haftarah shows us David also “old and advanced in At the start of each new day we recognise that Hashem years” but the tone is different. Withdrawn, the king creates has replenished our strength, give thanks to Him for this a void into which Adoniyah steps, asserting his bid for and acknowledge our responsibility to utilise this strength the throne in contradiction to David’s choice of Solomon to carry out His will during the coming day. This blessing, - a choice rooted in prophecy. The king rises to meet the in fact, expresses the sentiment of our Haftarah: do not conspiracy and Solomon succeeds David within his lifetime. despair but persevere with our holy mission secure in the But the feeling we are left with is…Ah, what a broken world. knowledge that, although we may be weary, G-d grants us the strength to succeed. In that tension between two moments in the lifeline of a family that became a kingdom, we learn something very Haftarah for Parasha Vayeira deep. The world is beautiful, but it is also broken beyond 24 October 2010 – II Kings 4:1-37 any individual ability to fix it. Our work is learning how to be Treating life equally in the brokenness; to learn the particular part we each fix while trusting larger processes, solutions we cannot see, by Rabbi Vivian Silverman generations to come. Our haftarah has two stories about Elisha, Elijah’s disciple and successor. The first records how he came to the aid of a That was central to Abraham’s life and is a cornerstone of widow. A creditor was about to indenture her sons in lieu of the covenantal nature of Jewish life. With no tradition to her late husband’s unpaid debt. Elisha told her to borrow as guide him Abraham blazed an entirely new path - unique, many containers as possible, take the pot of oil she had in her beautiful and right. And still, G-d told him, you should house and pour oil into al the containers. Then, she was to “know…that your progeny will be strangers in a land not sel the oil and pay off the debt. Her sons would then be free their own…four hundred years” (Genesis 15:13). Abraham and they would al be able to live off the money left over. learned to live a life of giving fully within that certain knowledge. The world was his alone to fix and yet he alone The second episode concerns “The woman of Shuneim”. could never fix it. Whenever Elisha, on his itinerant travels, came to Shuneim, she would invite the Prophet for a meal. Knowing he was David in a different and complex time commits to that “a holy man of God” she kept a room especially for Elisha’s vision – to create a momentum that won’t fix it all now, but use. Learning that she had no children, the Prophet told which will ultimately make it whole. his hostess that in exactly one year’s time she and her husband would be blessed with a son. The woman thought that Elisha was jesting since they were elderly. MARTIN GROSS One year later a son was born and grew up. Joining his father in the field during reaping season, he suddenly cried Memorials out “My head, my head”, the sign of a brain haemorrhage. After the boy died in his mother’s arms, she had him carried up to the Prophet’s room and laid him on his bed. All aspects of stone-masonry Then, without delay, she went to see Elisha. undertaken from new to At Mount Carmel, the woman fel and grasped Elisha’s feet. renovation and cleaning Upon hearing the tragic news Elisha returned with the woman, went to his room alone and closed the door. Elisha began praying to the Almighty. Then he lay over the boy’s body “mouth to mouth, eye to eyes, palms to palms” until he felt 01273 439792 the boy grow warm. Pacing up and down the room, Elisha then stretched himself over the boy again. This time the lad 07801 599771 sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. His mother was summoned and, in great joy, she reclaimed her beloved boy. what’s on: OCtOber diary@sussexjewishnews.com 15 Shabbat ShalOM – brightON tiMeS In Light Candles Out Havdalah Grodzinski’s challot and rye Fri 1 6.23 pm Sat 2 7.27 pm bread are available from Premier Fri 8 6.07 pm Sat 9 7.12 pm Convenience Stores in Hove Street Fri 15 5.52 pm Sat 16 6.57 pm every Thursday morning until Fri 22 5.38 pm Sat 23 6.44 pm supplies run out. Fri 29 5.24 pm Sat 30 6.31 pm regular aCtivitieS eveNtS fOr OCtOber Sundays Every Wednesday Thursday 21 Shalom Programme Breakfast JACS meets AJEX Hal at 2.00 pm. Centre for Jewish German Studies Show on www.radioreverb.com as Donation £2.00 for members, £2.50 Lecture (in cooperation with well as 97.2 FM 9.00-9.55 am. for non-members and includes the History Department Work in tea and biscuits. For programme Progress Seminar and the Centre Carmel Tennis Club 10.00 am-12.00 noon Weekly. All details, ring 01273 770391 for Modern European Cultural levels welcome. Tel: Leon on History). Professor Jane Caplan 07717222744 Saturday 9 (St. Anthony’s College, Oxford. Behind the Ausweis: Proving and BHRS Party Night - 70s & 80s Policing Identity in Nazi Germany. Mondays music with live band Funky 4.00 pm, University of Sussex, Gorgeous and DJ Stewart Afternoon Club with tea 1.30 pm. Arts A155. All welcome, booking Contact Greta 01273 721987 RH Macintosh. Dinner, bar and raffle. not required. 8.00 pm AJEX Centre, Palmeira Rubber and Duplicate Bridge Avenue, Hove. Tickets £20 Tel: 1.30-4.30 pm £2.00. Tel Reba 01273 735343 (see advert on Sunday 24 01444 410435 back cover) Helping Hands Tea 2.30-4.30 pm at AJEX Centre, Palmeira Avenue, Tuesdays Sunday 10 Hove. Donation £2.50 Advanced Oil Painting Group. BHPS 75th Anniversary Concert Tel: Martin 01273 327403 RH with The Leonora Ensemble 2.45 Tuesday 26 Painting with Rochelle (JAS), pm AT Brighton & Hove Progressive Jewish Historical Society with 7.00-9.00 pm Tel: 01273 503708 Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, guest speaker Herman Rothman Weekly RH Hove. Tickets £8 advance £10 on on Hitler’s Will. 7.45 pm at Ralli Hall. Members free. Visitors and Israeli Dancing, 7.45-9.45 pm Tel: door Tel: 01273 737223 or email: Jacky 01273 688538 Weekly RH bhps@freenetname.co.uk (see guests welcome £4. advert on back cover) Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club, 10.30 am-4.30 pm. Tel: Suzanne Wednesday 27th 01273 739999 RH Thursday 14 J:TOTS (Mother and Toddler Ivrit Classes at Ralli Hall, 6.45 pm- World Sacred Music Festival Group) – special Sukkot session. 7.45 pm. Tel: Sara Allen 01273 Cantor Steven Leas with the 10.00 am-12.30 pm Tel: Rachel 566416 or Norina 01273 202254 London Jewish Male Choir 7.30 01273 204334 RH pm AT Middle Street Synagogue, Wednesdays Brighton. Tickets: £12 (concs £9) Saturday 30 Dome Box Office 01273 709709. Chutzpah Choir (singing in www.worldsacredmusic.org The Helping Hands Pub Quiz... Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew, Russian in your own home – Fund Raising and Ukranian) with Polina Function. To join the fun Tel: Shepherd. 7.00-8.45 pm Tell Monday 18 01273 747722 or email: helping- Rosalind 01273 541031 Weekly SARID with guest speaker hands@helping-hands.org. (see RH Professor Scarlett Epstein, 10.45 advert on back cover) am at Ral i Hal . Rescue in Albania: Thursdays – How Albanian Muslims risked their own lives to shelter Jewish Ralli Hall Lunch and Social Club, Refugees during WW2. Tea and 10.30 am-4.30 pm. Tel: Suzanne light refreshments are served at all 01273 739999 Weekly RH meetings. Donation £1.00 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The SJN Hall of Fame m Your Sussex Jewish News is going from strength to .CO strength! Our success means we need more help. If Our new look has been the talk of the town. But we want more you have time to help us, we’re looking for: than just talk. We want to see who is looking at us. Send us a ADVERTISING SALES / REPORTERS picture of yourself with a celebrity. Each month we’ll pick one .LyONSBENNETT WEBSITE EDITORS / LAYOUT AND DESIGN celebrity pic and print it. If it’s yours, you’ll get a free 1 year Training will be provided. WWW subscription (or subscription renewal) to Sussex Jewish News! By For more information, e-mail editor@ Have fun and get snapping! d CE sussexjewishnews.com or call 07906 955 404. du PRO d & gNE iSSue 201 | OCtOber 2010 | www.SuSSexJewiShNewS.COM dESI TO JOIN IN THE FUN CALL WORLD SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL HELPING HANDS: 01273 747722 Divine Voices OR EMAIL US: HELPING-HANDS@HELPING-HANDS.ORG Charity No: 1117001 THE HELPING HANDS Cantor Steven Leas with the London Jewish Male Choir PUB QUIZ… Authentic Jewish liturgical music in the sublime setting of IN YOUR OWN HOME! Brighton’s historic Middle Street Synagogue. Fun—Challenging—Competitive—Charitable—Entertaining All over Sussex, teams will be socializing and competing for an array of fabulous prizes and more prestigiously for the title: Helping Hands Quiz Masters Location: In your own home or at a friends house. Volunteer to host. Quiz delivered direct to your team. Invite your team. Raffle with fab prizes… Wait for the quiz to arrive. Cost: £10 each Answer the questions and enjoy the evening WHEN:SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2010 START TIME: 7.30PM Thursday 14 October 7.30pm. Middle Street Synagogue, Brighton Tickets: £12 (concs £9) Dome Box Office 01273 709709 www.helping-hands.org www.worldsacredmusic.org !"#$# $ &"#"' "$$ "$ &" "##&' % %'$ $ "$! &/!.&%% !#!'-/() ! ( " & %*!##-## !*&( #/$(" -!* +)%% *(*+' $$## /% !#!'-/() . (+ &0(* $#( &( " %#""#$ &%** (! *&%%&,(&())!,/%&+ %)&-%&&,+)). ') (%*%$&+" # -
Issue 212
October September 2011
sUssex Jewish news n Whats what’s inside.... YOUR new YeaR GReetinGs | new hiLLeL CentRe | hOwaRd JaCOBsOn at the OLd MaRKet | what’s On | and MORe SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2011 | Ellul 5771 / TiShREi 5772 | • iSSuE 212 2 pause for thought 3 what kind of Jew am i? Our Rosh Hashanah cover theme of “Back to Shul” may possibly be Should they see them as interlopers, interrupting the comfort of the offensive to a few of our readers. Some others may view it as cynical. habitual rituals, and undertaking their collective confessional by rote? However, being realistic, we do all know that a large proportion of our Should they look forward to the end of the Days of Awe when the fellow Jews are just once or twice a year shul goers, on the High Holy synagogue will belong to them again? Days. Or should they be grateful that, even though it is for such a very short The ritual of Yomim Norayim appearances is embedded into time, there is a willingness to identify with our fellows, in the shuls the personal culture of many Jews, most of whom are probably which make up our local religious community? profoundly Jewish, but maybe not quite so profoundly religious. They take an ethical, Surely the tolerant ‘live and let live’ social and historical option should apply and anyone view of their roots maybe we cOuld all make a New year with different ideas of Jewish and see religion as observance should be embraced resOlutiON tO be a bit mOre cOmmitted, part of the whole into the community with open package. They are arms, especially at a time of the tO atteNd services a little mOre OfteN very happy, for this year which preaches this very short period, to identify with their fellows concept. and to satisfy their need for community. Maybe we could all make a New Year resolution to be a bit more While there is now no need for overflow seating, as there was three committed, to attend services a little more often, (you would be or four decades ago, the number of worshippers is certainly hugely welcomed I am sure) and to support some of the events organised by greater than at normal services. our synagogues, Ralli Hall, or other local charities. How should the regulars view their fellow Jews, with their seemingly In addition to the traditional wishes to our readers for a healthy, casual annual appearances, some of them not knowing even the peaceful and prosperous New Year, we wish for a year of tolerance basic prayers? and understanding within our local community. SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, ADMIN ASSISTANT Gweni Sorokin announcements, people, congregations, communitites, contacts and more. Delivered at the start of each month, SJN is run entirely by volunteers for reporting, editing and COMMuNITy ISSuES Laura Sharpe circulating each edition that has become the cornerstone of the Jewish community across the region. COMMuNAL DIARy info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org EDITORIAL BOARD Doris Levinson / Stephanie Megitt / Sue Rea David Seidel COVER IMAGE courtesy of Brian Megitt TECHNICAL ADVISOR Brian Megitt ADMINISTRATOR Ivor Sorokin PRODuCTION/LAyOuT Anand Day SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 10 OCTOBER 2011 susseX JewisH News subscriptiON Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Telephone: _________________________ Subscription (tick one) I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £15 p/a I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £18 p/a. I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. Or you can subscribe online at www.sussexjewishnews.com and pay with PayPal! issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 2 contents 3 sussex Jewish News features pO box 2178 Hove bN3 3sZ 1 back tO sHul telephone: 07906 955 404 As children go back to school, the High Holy e-mail: editor@sussexjewishnews.com Day season takes us back to shul. 11 cHief rabbi’s rOsH HasHaNaH messaGe Some thoughts and professional advice 12 yOur New year GreetiNGs Wishes from the community 15 a cHurcH iN keNt 16 tHe dubrOvNik syNaGOGue by Andrew Devon 16 tHe tOrremOliNOs cOmmuNity by Stanley Lerner 17 mOmeNts tO remember An extract from the autobiography of Moss Murray reGulars 4 yOur News & views Letters and announcements 6 cOmmuNity life News from across the county 18 culture Howard Jacobson at the Old Market, Blonde Poison, a competition and more 24 wHat’s ON Regular and special events in your community yOur cOmmuNity 20 HOve Hebrew cONGreGatiON 21 briGHtON & HOve prOGressive syNaGOGue 22 briGHtON & HOve refOrm syNaGOGue 23 briGHtON & HOve Hebrew cONGreGatiON Full page (A4 size) £160 Half page (A5 size) £90 Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are Quarter page (A6 size) £50 not necessarily those of SJN; 1/9 page (credit card size) £35 • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or TISING services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and Personal: £4 per line • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or Flyers: Price on application submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY to Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to editor@sussexjewishnews.com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their consideration editorial decision. for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 using Times New Roman as a font. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, editor@sussexjewishnews.com ADVER IN SJN GUIDELINES any response may be subject to delay. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 4 your news & views 5 more on the mikvah Could your correspondents submit evidence of any individual being denied the mikvah when it was operational? Did the The August letters replying to Mrs Efune’s article about the Efunes take it upon themselves to control the communal Brighton mikvah, while addressing the problems of installing facility and if so what was the Kashrus Committee’s response a mikvah on New Church Road synagogue premises, do not over 18 years? really relate to the article to which they are replying. What financial support has been requested of the Mrs Efune makes no reference to New Church Road. She synagogues across the community by the Efunes? What comments on the origins of the Prince Regent mikvah, and knowledge do your correspondents possess relating to the that for 6 years it has been out of use. (She does not tell Halachic requirements of a mikvah? us why). She remarks that in her time it served numerous different categories of Jewish woman (“all stripes and shades I see that in your last edition of the SJN the cover photo was of the community”, as she puts it). She stresses that it served of the new stadium, home of Brighton & Hove Albion football out-of-town Chasidic visitors, i.e. many who have little to do club, whose estimated costs run into tens of millions of with local shul membership, and a mikvah’s considerable pounds. No doubt it is well supported across the community building and operating costs. This would presumably recur if one way or another, but then we must get our priorities right! either a renovated or new mikvah became operational here. Finally, while Mrs. Efune states that Brighton “desperately Ronnie Arden, Hove needs” to once again have an operational mikvah, she does not specify if she means renovation of the Prince Regent one, or the construction of a new one. Nor the proposed location of any new mikvah, or how construction and maintenance stolperstein would be funded. We so enjoyed the edition you sent to us. Your article on If to be located at New Church Road, nobody seems to Jenny Dreifuss was excellent. What a wonderful woman she know who, if anybody, amongst the BHHC membership, must have been to stay on with her remaining students. (We would use it. And if this were to be “for the Community”, both knew the linguistic meaning of “Stolperstein” but not in is the “Community” [apart from the long-suffering BHHC this context.) The trip must have been so moving for you and membership] rushing forward with wallets outstretched to Laura. contribute? The entire edition of the SJN was a “total read” over here for The arguments against restoring the Prince Regent mikvah both of us. We much enjoyed Rabbi Silverman’s article on the seem to be based on new health & safety requirements, history of the Jews In England. What a fine scholar he is. So and that a re-design to prevent, for example, Legionnaires’ erudite. You are so fortunate to have him as your rabbi. Disease, would no longer be compatible with Halachic requirements. So how would it be possible to correctly follow Evelyn and Lee Blum-Harvey, USA Building Regulations and Health & Safety requirements satisfactorily in any new construction at New Church Road? These rules would be mandatory to avoid prosecution and public liability dangers, and if Halachic versions of the necessary systems are available, then they could presumably tesco and planning for pesach be installed just as well at the Prince Regent. After protracted correspondence with Tesco relating to the lack of products suitable for Passover I have finally received So, in view of the above, it is intriguing that the counter-the following and I quote from Frances Hickling of the Chief arguments which appeared in the August SJN (all of which Executive’s office: seem very valid) appear to be directed against an unstated plan to establish a new mikvah at New Church Road, whereas “I can understand your frustration and your further comments the original article appears to propose re-opening the Prince have been noted and forwarded for the attention of our Regent one. Time for some clarity please? Buying Manager and the new Store Manager at Hove, Michael Germain. Michael has recently taken over at the Martin Boyask, Hove store and he is going to make a note in his diary to ensure that in future any appropriate action may be taken to increase I was astonished at the excitement generated by the Efunes’ product availability to meet customer demand in the run up to proposal to construct a new mikvah. I can imagine the Passover. If there are any favoured products you would like to disappointment of all those women who have been denied be ranged to the branch, please ask at the store in advance the opportunity to use the mikvah at the Prince Regent these and where possible they will order them in.” past six years. Before the shutdown, apparently the Efunes were responsible for its maintenance and running for 18 years So, fellow Jews of Sussex, you now know what to do prior to without a whiff of discrimination. Pesach 2012. Your correspondents, in your last edition, besides giving Barbara Gordon, Worthing a history lesson of the Brighton mikvah and the role of the Kashrus Committee, presumably have been in purdah over the past six years in dealing with this issue? issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 4 your news & views 5 births welcome • Mazel tov to Myrna Carlebach on the birth of Theodor Julius Milton Carlebach, a son for Joe and Melanie and a brother Welcome to Dr Gideon Reuveni, the new Director of the for Hannah and Charlotte Centre for German-Jewish Studies at the University of • Mazel tov to Martin and Zippy Gilmour on the birth of Sussex. another grandchild, a daughter for Jonathan and Sharon and sister for Asher Good luck • Mazel tov Trevor and Leah Silverman on the birth of their Mazel tov to Fausta Shelton as she begins a new life with a baby son Eli Simcha, another grandchild for Rabbi Vivian new soulmate. and Lynette Silverman • Mazel tov to Rabbi Avi and Debby Neuman on the birth of Get well daughter Kliel Nehora We wish refuah sheleimah to Sam Barsam, Lena Boam, Geela special birthdays Caiden, Ivor Collins, Cyril Jacobs, Scarlett Epstein, Hannah Levy, Michael Linde, Lee Panto and Dona Strauss. • Mazel tov to Sally Brown, Suzanne Collins, Arthur Curtis, Ruth Donnelly, deaths Reginald Essex, Bill Goodfellow, Angela We wish Long Life to the families of Willie Albert z’l, Phyllis Jones, Gary Kenton, Barry Levene, Lea Bush z’l, Sheila Curtis z’l, Jack Eleini z’l, Doreen Freedman Levy, Judah Lixenberg, Joan Melcher, z’l, Stanley Zeb Jackson z’l and Arthur Ross z’l, and, to Nettie Nissen, Ann Packham, Beatrice Marilyn Fisher and Philip Simons on the death of their mother Reder, Jill Richards, Simon Rickman, Babs Simons z’l. Moss Rich (101), Marjorie Seldon, Joyce Sherwood, Patricia Starr, Marilyn Wallach, Gary Weston, Laurence Wise, Doreen Freedman (nee Barton) passed away peacefully on Joyce Sherwood Pamela Wolfisz and Margaret Wood, Monday 1st August 2011, aged 82, after a long illness bravely celebrates her 90th all of who are celebrating special borne. Now reunited with her beloved Gerald. A kind, sweet birthday with her family birthdays lady who will always be remembered with love by Philip, in Edgware nieces Bettina, Sarah and Jacqueline, their families and a wide bar / bat mitzvahs circle of friends. • Mazel tov to the following B’nei Mitzvah: Lauren Gardner, Ariel LeRoy, Sophie Lincoln, James Seltzer, Talia Wenstone and Noah Williams stonesettings achievements • The memorial stone in loving memory of Ivor Miskin z’l will take place at 12 noon on Sunday 23 October 2011 at the • Mazel tov to Charlotte Goodman on qualifying as a Jewish cemetery, Old Shoreham Road, Hove Registered Midwife and gaining a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Degree in • The memorial stone in loving memory of Beatrice Park z”l Midwifery will be consecrated at 2.30pm on Sunday, October 30th at • Mazel tov to Daniel Seligman on being awarded Deputy Meadowvale Cemetery, Bear Road Head Boy (& Senior Student) of Blatchington Mill School • Mazel tov to Adam Pickett on achieving 4 As in his A-levels • The consecration of the memorial stone in loving memory of Alvin Noah z’l will take place on Sunday 13 November at and gaining a place at Bristol University to study Physics 11.30 am at the Jewish cemetery in Waltham Abbey engagements • Mazel tov to Rabbi Hershel and Perla Rader on their Thank you daughter Mushka’s engagement to Sholom Gorelik of Thank you to all our friends for joining us to celebrate our Melbourne, Australia Golden Wedding on the 10th August and your generosity in • Mazel tov to Rabbi Pesach and Penina Efune on their son supporting The Sussex Heart Charity Mendy’s engagement to Bruria Freeman from Toronto Sandra and Ronnie Rutherford. weddings • Mazel tov to Rose Ani and to Jill and Alan Bass on the marriage of their grandson Aaron Bass to Naomi Shaw Michael Crook and Angela Davis would like to thank all • Mazel tov to Raquel Buckland and Paul Margo on their relatives and friends for their kind thoughts and condolences wedding on the loss of our dear mother Sally. The family were greatly • Mazel tov to Linda and Brian Freedman on the wedding of comforted by knowing how much she will be missed by all the their daughter Liz to David Dymov community. Thanks also to Hyman Fine House for the love and wedding anniversaries care she received there. Mazel tov to Anne & Michael Crook, Ruth & Roy Davis, Angela & Steven Samuels and Sylvia & Adrian Shaw, each celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 6 community life 7 aJeX occasion would be appropriate, and luckily for AJEX, we had just the thing. Stewart and Jenny Macintosh attended the Remembrance by Judy Gabriel, PRO Brighton & Hove Parade last November in London. They happened to have Jenny’s new cine camera with them and filmed most of events on that Firstly a brief word on past events. The Quiz on July 17th was day. Stewart very kindly agreed to edit this film and the finished enjoyed as always, and our thanks go to everyone involved. result was shown by agreement with JACS for the joint afternoon’s entertainment. It proved to be a resounding success, and made for The yearly Service on behalf of the Canadian Veterans’ Association a very moving afternoon - enlightening for those who have never of the UK and the Royal British Legion, took place on Sunday August managed to go to the London AJEX Parade - and brought back many 14th, and AJEX was represented by Aubrey Cole, our Chairman memories for those who have been involved, recently or in the past. together with Michael Phillips, our Standard Bearer. This is more usually known as the Dieppe Memorial Service although most of the It will be possible to obtain a copy of the film, again thanks to servicemen involved were from Canadian regiments. Stewart, who will organise this for anyone interested. Once we know how many copies will be needed we can ascertain the cost. If you Wednesday August 31st, AJEX shared the afternoon meeting with would like a copy please ring me, Judy Gabriel, on 01273-736774 JACS. As it is AJEX’s 90th year, we thought something to mark the ASAP. eastbourne Hebrew congregation by Manny Godfrey It was standing room only for latecomers to the Eastbourne Hebrew Our High Holy Day Services will commence at 10.00 am, except Congregation’s Shabbat morning service at their Susans Road where indicated, and will be held at Susans Road Shul, as follows: Shul. The special occasion was to celebrate the joint birthdays of President, Menashe Harounoff and Security Officer, Sally Brown. Rosh Hashanah: Thursday 29th September Friday 30th September It was a record attendance, with some 60 people, from as far as Israel, Cambridge, Sheffield, Watford and Hove, including Geoffrey Shabbat: Saturday October 1st Smith, the former UK Director of the Christian Friends of Israel and his wife Margaret; Mayor Gregory and Mrs Claire Szanto; and former Yom Kippur: Friday 7th October - Kol Nidre.6.45 pm. President, David Mindell and his wife Margaret. The service was Fast commences 6.30 pm conducted by David Braunstein, assisted by Chairman, Ronnie Taylor Saturday 8th October - Morning, Afternoon and and guest Shelley Katz, whose Sephardic leyning was a first for the Evening Services. Community. Fast ends 7.30 pm. After the service, the Succoth: Thursday 13th October - Morning Service, one congregation enjoyed day only a lavish kiddush which had been Shemini Atzereth: Thursday 20th October - Morning Service - prepared by Diane Yizkor and John Joseph. During the kiddush, Simchat Torah: Thursday 20th October -Evening Service 6.30 pm the congregation was entertained by guitar- Members, potential members and visitors will receive a warm playing Israeli, Roni welcome. If anyone wishes to become a Friend of the Congregation Yonish, who sang for just £10 per year, please call Secretary, Linda Taylor on 01323 some beautiful Israeli 484135 songs. Roni Yonish, Menashe Harounoff, Sally Brown (Photo: David Cohen) issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 6 community life 7 Hillel student centre Although the Centre was created primarily for by Aileen Hill students, it is hoped that We are proud and the whole community thrilled to announce will benefit from the that at long last, after facility. many months of work (both constructional and Brighton and Hove decorative), the much Hillel has now merged anticipated Brighton with the national Hillel and Hove Hillel Centre is Foundation, who will finally complete and up now be ultimately responsible for the running of the Centre. and running. Their expertise in this field, together with their input will be invaluable. Along with an amount of local support, we Situated at the rear of Middle Street Synagogue in the former expect to have one of the most successful Hillel Centres in offices, cheder classrooms and caretaker’s accommodation, the country, thus achieving our goal, which is to encourage the Centre is non-residential and will be used as a meeting young people not only to identify with fellow Jews across the place for students studying at both Sussex and Brighton denominations, but also to choose to spend their University Universities. Following the national trend, students now years in our City. prefer to find their own accommodation, and use a large independent space to meet for social and educational We are also very pleased to report that the refurbishment purposes, especially for Friday night dinners. The Jewish earned the building a prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Students Society will run its own events in association with “Highly Commended” public and community award. the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) and the south coast University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) (Rabbi Avi Neuman being In the autumn, it is planned to hold an Open Day which will the present Chaplain). A couple of events have already been enable anyone in the community to come and have a look. held during the summer term. There will also be an official opening at this time. The date for this will be announced soon. The facilities in the Centre are “state of the art”, bearing in mind that the building itself is Grade II Star listed which, in turn, created many complications and delays for the Norwood appoints New architects and builders! ceO Norwood, one of the UK’s leading social care organisations, announces the eastbourne progressive appointment of its new Chief Executive, Elaine Kerr. Elaine Kerr, who succeeds Norma Brier, Jewish congregation joins Norwood from Chai Cancer Care. by Angela Jay Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Congregation (Beit Chaverim) is now 10 years old. We are a small friendly congregation that holds regular services at The Friends Meeting House, Wish Road, Eastbourne. Erev Shabbat Services are held on the 2nd Friday of each month, commencing at 7.00 pm prompt and on the 4th Friday of each month, commencing at the earlier time of 6.00 pm. This service is followed by a Chavurah Supper. We are delighted to announce that Liberal Judaism has now allocated us a part-time Rabbi. Rabbi Anna Gerrard will lead the services on the 4th Friday of each month. All can be assured of a very warm welcome. Enquiries to 01323 725650 or EPJCong@aol.com issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 8 community life 9 worthing & district Jewish community by Barbara Gordon I am writing this article at the beginning very firmly crossed. But we needn’t in particular, when we only recommend of August but I know it won’t be seen have worried; the weather was glorious the A24 through Dorking and then past until September when the days are and we were delighted to welcome 44 Horsham where there is virtually no getting shorter and the warmth of people. It was very rewarding that so traffic. One friend ended up with a tour summer beginning to be just a happy many of our members came – old and of West Sussex before calling us from memory. new. Arundel. The ETA has in most cases The last weekend of July was a very Just a thought from me on a problem been exceeded by anything up to 2 busy one for the Jewish population of we have that keeps popping up which hrs. On the return journey our travellers Worthing. We held one of our popular probably doesn’t happen to residents are amazed when they get to Watford Friday night services in the Gordon of Brighton and Hove. We live in East in under an hour and a half. Why is it Room (no, it wasn’t named after my Preston which is between Worthing that we residents of West Sussex are husband Ian!). Friends from Golders and Littlehampton – next to Rustington regarded as half-witted by our brethren Green brought fresh, warm and utterly – and we are always happy to give in London? delicious chollas; we also thank Rabbi new visitors (mainly from NW London) I take this opportunity to wish all our Charles Wallach for leading the Service. directions on how best to get to our Members in Worthing & District and The following Sunday, 31st July, we had home. BUT … more often than not, friends in Brighton & Hove a Healthy our ‘tea in the garden with the Gordons’ we find that our careful instructions are and Peaceful New Year. – our version of a garden party. As totally ignored in favour of Google, any For further information regarding we were so totally dependent on good Sat-Nav, or just because they think they Worthing please contact Ian & Barbara weather Ian and I put out chairs and know better! Gordon on 01903 779 720 or email: tables on the lawn and kept our fingers This has resulted in journeys to Gatwick, barbaraian@talktalk.net issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 8 community life 9 ralli Hall lunch and social club by Jacquie Tichauer to entertain us, and we did a lot of genealogy classes in October. Wow, where does the time go? July and singing and ate a special birthday cake GREAT NEWS!! ! We are starting August have been exciting months with with a photo of the birthday ladies on it. computer classes in October. This is lots going on. I was invited to the Hyman Fine House very exciting and so please call me if The Bridge classes have taken off very for their barbecue. Oy, was it good and you are interested. We can learn to do well and Alan and Vivien are amazing it was the only day in the week when the so much, such as speaking to your teachers. We all enjoyed the film “The sun came out! I was also invited on the family who are all over the world or Jazz Singer”. I don’t think it matters same day to the Jewish Welfare Board even in London via Skype, going online how many times you have seen this film, Housing Meeting and I’m hoping that shopping for food and other items, and it still brings a tear to one’s eyes. We meeting results in some new members. much more. also loved watching “Funny Girl” with I also attended the Helping Hands Tea Please have a look at our web site – Barbara Streisand. at the AJEX hall and it was lovely to see www.webjam.com/lunch_social - which Our entertainers are getting better and many of my Ralli Hall Lunch and Social includes details of our Tuesday and better. One of them was Stuart Reed Club members there plus a few others. Thursday programme and of course who plays the guitar, but we were in On Wednesday 31st August some of the fantastic 3 course kosher lunch and for a surprise as his daughter who the members and volunteers went on an entertainment. plays the violin also came along; she was excellent. On one Tuesday we welcomed the residents from Hyman Fine House who stayed with us for lunch. Mark, their entertainments organiser, brought many musical instruments with him and we had fun playing with them. On Tuesday 30th August some members’ friends came from London and spent the day with us. As they were leaving they could not thank us enough for such an enjoyable outing to Rushfields Garden Centre. We If you have any questions please give day. had a wonderful morning with scones me a call; we look forward to seeing Two of our members have recently and tea, and hopefully in the near future you at Ralli Hall Lunch and Social celebrated their birthdays, Sarah turning we will be going on more outings. Club. I wish everyone at Ralli Hall, my 95 on the 23rd August and Peggy Attention! Attention! Please do not volunteers and members, a good Yom turning 94 on the 22nd August. John forget, if you are interested in your Tov and easy fast. Bruzon one of our regular pianists came family history we will be starting our Bridge Ladies for Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club MARTIN GROSS by Alan Burke Funeral Director and The Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club would like to show its appreciation and thanks to the very generous “Bridge Ladies” Funeral Consultant of Brighton and Hove who have kindly made donations to our Club after paying “table money” into a fund. to Jewish communities This started in August 2005 and a magnificent total of £5000 has now been reached. The Club relies on grants and donations to keep running and needless to say this £5000 has been a real help in balancing our 01273 439792 budget. 07801 599771 In particular, we must pay a special tribute to the late Diane Mann who, together with Lucy Sugarman, initiated the idea 07540 066566 of “playing for charity”. A vote of thanks must also go to Jill Richards as the “banker” of the scheme. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 10 community life 11 ralli Hall I must yet again praise the Jewish Film Society for yet another excellent evening - the gentle Israeli comedy left a spring in by Roger Abrahams, Hon Chairman one’s step and a smile on one’s lips. Please continue with your excellent choices of material and thanks for all your hard work in Firstly, I would like to wish Shana Tovah and well over the Fast to organising the regular events. all my readers. Yet another year has gone by, and not a bad one for Ralli Hall. We host a number of activities at Ralli Hall for the community, but regretfully, we no longer hold Ivrit lessons. We believe that there I mentioned last month our intention to provide a third kitchen is still a call for this activity, but we need a new teacher and we at the site of the current servery which will be strictly vegetarian also need to have an idea as to who might be interested if the plus “Jewish” fish. The project will definitely be going ahead but activity were to re-commence. Any prospective teachers - please not until next spring, when we can arrange to have no catering in call the office. Please also call the office to express your interest the core building for a period long enough to remove the existing in this activity, and indicate your likely level (beginner, interim or servery facilities and install the new equipment. Therefore the advanced). office will commence taking bookings early in the New Year for a start next May – please call 01273 202254. See you at Ralli Hall. Here we Go again: back by year it was won by Ivan Lyons and I’m sure that he and his team will do their darndest to keep it. We raised over £1,300 last popular demand – the Helping year. This year, we hope to beat that figure and to provide an entertaining evening for the community. Hands pub Quiz The week after the Quiz, November 20th, is National Mitzvah Day. Plans for this are still in the pipeline but as soon as they are by Janice Greenwood & Karen Pettit finalised we will let everyone know. I can’t believe that it’s almost a year since we held our first Helping Hands The Helping Hands bus recently took a group to a Garden Centre Pub Quiz. For those of you who may in Ditchling and a good time was had by all. If you want to use have been out of the country or down the bus, let me remind you of the procedure: phone the Helping a rabbit hole last October, the Helping Hands Bus line on 01273 701467 to arrange a date: you will have Hands Pub Quiz takes place in your own to pay a £25 RETURNABLE deposit: if we can use a Helping home. You invite some friends round for Hands driver there will be no charge except for petrol used: if we supper, snack or dinner and after the have to use a community driver there will be a fee. said meal you answer questions to our Quiz. The winning team will be awarded The next Helping Hands Tea will be held on Sunday 30 October the Helping Hands Pub Quiz Cup. Last at the AJEX Centre. Donation £3, including raffle. We look forward to seeing you. Wishing you all a happy New Year 87 Old Shoreham Road, Hove BN3 7AQ Tel: 01273 880022 Email: bdsanders1@tiscali.co.uk issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 11 issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 12 13 ABRAHAMS Roger and Irit would like to COLLINS Jean and Ivor wish their family FLASHMAN Harry wishes his Mama, wish all our family and friends Shana Tova. and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful Dada, Grandpa, Uncle Rich, friends and New Year. business colleagues a happy, healthy and ARGHEBANT Sylvia would like to wish peaceful New Year and well over the fast. all her dear family and friends a very happy CONN Anne wishes her families and friends New Year and well over the fast. good Yomtov and good health FERRIS Benita wishes her family and very dear friends a happy and healthy New Year. BARNARD/SEIDEL Rachel, David, Moses CONWAY Phillip, Susan and Jonathan wish Shana Tova. and Gabriel wish all the community a Shana all their friends and family Shana Tova. A Tova happy and healthy New Year and well over FREEMAN Philip wishes all his family and the fast. friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful BASS Alan and Jill wish their family and New Year. friends a very happy and healthy New Year CROWN/LYONS Saonie, Jeremy, and well over the fast. Elizabeth and Ghila wish their family and GLYNNE Barbara and Alan wish their friends a happy, healthy and peaceful 5772. friends and all the community a very healthy BERCOWITZ WERNER Shana Tova u and happy New Year. metuka to all our friends and family. CUDDIS Shan and David wish all their relatives and friends a happy, healthy and GOLDBERG Berny and Jenny wish all their BLOOM Wendy and Ronnie wish their prosperous New Year. family and friends a healthy and peaceful dear father, children, grandchildren and all New Year friends a happy New Year and well over the DOCTORS Hilda, Anthony and Philip fast. would like to wish their friends and family a GOODMAN/KORBY Debra, Micheal, happy New Year and well over the fast. Charlotte and Sam wish all our family and BLUME Barbara and Joe send good wishes friends a happy and healthy New Year. to family and friends for a happy and DUKE Norina and all “the Dukes of Hove” healthy New Year. wish their family and friends Shana Tova GORDON Joan wishes all her family and and well over the fast. friends a happy New Year and well over the BOOKER Beryl, Joe and Maurice wish fast. family and friends a happy and healthy New ELKIN-ROSE Muriel wishes her dear Year and well over the fast. family and friends a happy and healthy New GOULD Godfrey sends best wishes to Year and well over the fast. family and friends for a happy, healthy and BORKUM Hilda, Steven, Mark, Laurian peaceful New Year. and Aran wish the community Shana Tova EPPEL May wishes all her relatives and well over the fast. and friends Shana Tova and a happy and GREEN Sheila and Ben wish our family peaceful 5772 and friends good health and every happiness BOYASK Linda, Martin, Ross and Katy in the New Year (Florida) wish friends a happy and healthy EVANS Evelyn and Morris wish their New Year and well over the fast. family and friends a very happy and healthy GREENWOOD Janice, Joanne, Susan, New Year. Jeremy and Judith wish all their friends a BURKE Shirley and Alan would like to happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. wish their family and friends a very happy FAULL Laura, Maurice, Matthew and and healthy New Year and well over the fast. Emily wish family and friends a happy and GROSS Sandra, Martin, Ben and Ryan healthy New Year. Kingsley wish all their family and friends CAPLIN Alma wishes the Rabbonim, Shana Tova for a happy and healthy New family and friends a very happy New Year FAULL Dian and Stanley wish their family Year. and well over the fast. and friends a happy and healthy New Year. HARRIS Karen, Michael and Oliver send CARLTON Sandra and Derek wish all their FELSENSTEIN Linda and Raymond wish everyone their best wishes for the New Year family and friends a happy and peaceful their family and friends a happy and healthy and well over the fast. New Year ahead. New Year and well over the fast. HIRSCHFIELD Morris wishes all and CARR Anne wishes family and friends FLASHMAN Roz and Michael wish everybody in Ralli Hall and Hyman Fine Shana Tova and may it be a good year for their dear family and friends a very happy, House a very happy New Year us all. healthy and peaceful New Year and well over the fast. HOLLIS/NIA Dennis and Victoria wish COLLICK Rabbi Jeremy, Cindy, Joel and all our friends that the coming year brings Jacob send good wishes and Shana Tova to to you and yours all the blessings of peace, all our Sussex family and friends health and happiness. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 13 INGRAM Gil and John wish family and LYONS Jeff and Gillian wish their dear PANTO Lee sends best wishes for a happy friends a happy New Year and well over the family and friends Shana Tova and well over New Year to her family and friends. fast. the fast. PANTO Rosa and Stewart wish all their IRWIN Judy wishes Shana Tova to all her LYONS Fay wishes Shana Tova to family and friends a healthy and happy New dear friends in and around Brighton. Rabbi and Mrs Silverman and family, the Year. congregation of Holland Road Synagogue, ISAACS Barbara and Irvyn wish all their and her wonderful family and friends. PANTOOCK Rosalind wishes family and family and friends Shana Tova friends living locally a very happy and MAGRILL Marilyn wishes Shana Tova to peaceful New Year and well over the fast. JACOBS Sheila and Cyril wish their family her dear mother, children, grandchildren, and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful family and friends. PASKIN Daphne sends love to all her New Year. family and friends and wishes them a happy MANN Lewis and family would like to and healthy New Year JAY Derek and Jean wish their family and wish all their friends a happy, healthy and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New peaceful New Year and well over the fast. POSNER Shana Tova to my family, friends Year. and fellow committee members (who are MASON Hazel and Harry wish their also friends!) from Liz. JOSEPH Diane and John wish a happy and children, family and friends a happy, healthy very healthy New Year to all their friends at and peaceful New Year and well over the RENTS Renee and Joe wish their dear EHC, Brighton and Hove. fast. family and friends a happy New Year and well over the fast. JOSMAN Ruth and Cecil wish all our MEGITT Stephanie and Brian wish all their family and friends a happy New Year and friends in Sussex a happy and healthy New RICH Gillian and Michael wish friends and well over the fast. Year. family a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. JOSYFON Sandra and Brian wish all their MELCHER Joan and David wish their family and friends a happy, healthy and family and friends a happy and healthy New RICHARDS Jill and Ivor send greetings peaceful New Year. Year. and best wishes for a healthy New Year to all family and friends. LASKY Malcolm and Doreen and family MISKIN Francine would like to wish would like to wish everyone a very happy everyone a happy and healthy New Year. ROLAND Marianne and Bernard wish and healthy New Year. family and friends a happy, healthy and MITCHELL Rita and Ronnie wish their peaceful New Year. LEVER Carole, Alan and family. May dear children, grandchildren, relatives and this New Year be full of peace, health and friends a healthy and prosperous New Year ROSE Jack and Elaine, together with Eva, success for us all. and well over the fast. Mariamne and Dan, send greetings and wish everyone a happy, peaceful and prosperous LEVINE Sydney and Cecile wish all their MORDECAI Louise and Steve wish their New Year. family and friends a happy, healthy and family and friends Shana Tova, good health peaceful New Year. and happiness in the coming year. ROSENFIELD Sue and Tony wish all their family and friends a happy and peaceful LEVINSON Doris sends warmest wishes MORDECAI Estelle wishes her family and New Year. for health, happiness and Shana Tova to her friends a happy New Year and well over the family, friends and colleagues. fast. RUBIN Brian and Sharon wish their family and friends Shana Tova with much love. LEWIS Leslie wishes all his relatives and MOSS Roland and Pat wish all their family friends a very happy and healthy New Year. and friends a very happy and healthy New RUBIN Hazel and Joe send their best Year and well over the fast. wishes to family and friends for a happy, LUPER Renee wishes her family and healthy and prosperous New Year and well friends Shana Tova. NISSEN Nettie sends greetings and all good over the fast. wishes to relatives and friends for a happy New Year. Recipes for a Sweet Year Kuchen From Angela Samuels Kuchen Mix Topping 1lb Self Raising Flour 3 oz Margarine or Butter Topping Half Pound of Tomar margarine cup flour, cup sugar, 3 teaspoons cinnamon Melt margarine or butter add flour, sugar and 3 Eggs cinnamon Sultanas and Raisins as liked Method (makes 2) A little more or less of above may be required to 6 oz Granulated Sugar Prepare Loaf Tins get a crumbly sticky consistency Dessert Spoon of Marmalade Rub in Flour and Margarine and Sugar until When the mix becomes sticky and crumbly put cup warm milk Crumbly. Add Eggs and Warm Milk on top of Kuchen and bake on 150 C/ 300 F/gas Then Marmalade and Sultanas mark 2, for about 45 mins. Mix together issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 14 15 RUTHERFORD Sandra and Ronnie wish SOROKIN Ivor and Gweni send our sincere TORRANCE Tom and Cherry wish family all their friends good health, peace and good wishes for a joyous and healthy New and friends a healthy peaceful and sweet happiness in 5772, and well over the fast. Year to the whole community. May we all New Year and well over the fast. enjoy life’s most precious blessings. SAMUELSON Doris and Sydney wish all WALKER Doreen and Bernie wish their their South Coast friends the happiest of STANFORD Jeffrey, Lydia and Simon wish dear children and grandchildren (at home New Years. their family and friends a happy, healthy and and abroad), family and friends a healthy peaceful New Year. and peaceful New Year. SCHAVERIEN David wishes friends, family and all who read my blog in Shabbat STEIDAM Rene and Elizabeth wish all WALKER Lesley, Steve, Oliver and Ryan News a healthy, happy and peaceful New their friends a happy, healthy and peaceful wish all their dear family and friends a Year. New Year. Shana Tova and well over the happy and healthy New Year. fast. SCRIVEN Valentine wishes all family and WALKER Sandra and Cliff wish Shana friends good health, peace and happiness for SUGARMAN Lucy wishes her dear family Tova to all of the community. the New Year. and wonderful friends a very happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. WILKS Sarah and David wish all their SELIGMAN Marilyn wishes her dear family and friends Shana Tova. A very family and friends a very happy and healthy SWITHERN Lydia and Bernard wish their happy and healthy New Year and well over New Year. dear family and friends a happy, healthy the fast. New Year and well over the fast. SHARPE Beryl and Mef wish their WOOLFE Laurel and Julian wish their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren TACK Phyllis wishes her wonderful children, grandchildren, relatives and friends family and friends a happy, healthy and daughter-in-law Tina, Jemma, Sasha, Jamie, a healthy and happy New Year. peaceful New Year. great-granddaughters Jessica and Sophie, Shana Tova. WORTHING DJC Worthing and District SHELTON Fausta wishes the whole Jewish Jewish Community wishes a peaceful and community a very happy New Year, and TAYLOR Nina sends best wishes for a healthy New Year to all our members and peace to Israel. healthy and happy New Year and well over friends in Sussex. the fast to all her dear friends in Hove, SIMONS Jack and Joan wish all their Brighton and East Sussex. relatives and friends a peaceful, happy and healthy New Year. TAYLOR Gloria wishes her family SUSSEX JRC The president, chair and friends a Malcolm Green team and executive of the Sussex Jewish happy, healthy and Representative Council wish all the peaceful New Year. Catering community a happy. healthy and prosperous New Year. Chag Sameuch to you all. TAYLOR Ronnie The selection of your menu is an important part in the and Linda wish planning of your Simcha. For that reason our Chefs continue SLESS Ruth sends affectionate Shana Tova their dear family, to create exciting and tasty menus to meet your every need. greetings to her dear friends in Brighton and friends and Hove. May you all be blessed with good Eastbourne Hebrew We can tailor a menu to fit your specific requirements health, happiness and peace. Congregation a and help create the function you will be proud of. Let us happy and healthy introduce you to a cuisine that has made us one of Israel’s SOLOMON Zev and his sons wish Shana New Year and well leading Caterers & the world’s foremost glatt kosher Tova to all. over the fast. destination wedding specialist. Join us for our glatt kosher June/July tour of “Mystical Ireland” Recipes for a Sweet Year KOSHER CATERING AT ITS BEST Janet’s Honey Cake by Janet Cowan Contact Malcolm on 0203 393 6823 koshercaterer@yahoo.co.uk 1 lb self raising flour ½ pkt Demarara sugar www.kosherservicesworldwide.com pinch salt www.kosherexperiences.co.il 3 eggs ½ pint Mazola oil 1 lb tin golden syrup UNDER SUPERVISION KASHRUT DIVISION ½ pint boiling water OF THE LONDON BETH DIN 1 heaped tsp ground ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon (For functions in the U.K.) Heat oil, syrup, water and sugar in pan until blended. Sieve flour and add ginger, spice, salt and bicarb. Mix well and add to warmed “You’ve eaten the food now read the blog” ingredients then add eggs. Use two tins and bake for 1 – 1 ½ hours in www.koshersericesworldwide/blog/ middle of oven 350-375F / Gas No 4. Cake freezes well. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 14 features 15 a church in kent by Godfrey R Gould Two years later tragedy struck. On 18 September 1963, Sarah and two male As I am writing for the ‘Sussex’ Jewish friends (both scions of the ‘Jewish’ News to include in my title Jewish establishment) were out boating both a ‘Church’ and ‘Kent’ might off the Sussex coast at Fairlight, near seem a bit of an anachronism. But Hastings, when there was an accident. the church of which I write has very The two young men were rescued. strong Jewish connections, as it Sarah’s body has never been found. has with Sussex and with Hove in Dead at 21, in a reminiscence by her particular. The Church is All Saints friends “A Footprint in the Sand”, in her Parish Church of Tudeley cum Capel father’s Preface, he reminded us that with Five Oak Green. It is a very small she had been “neither a bride, a wife church of Norman origin in the village nor a mother”. But a more permanent of Tudeley, near Tonbridge. And the memorial was being considered. The local Manor House is called Somerhill, little church at Tudeley already had, which should arouse anybody with out of a total of twelve, four Victorian even a slight knowledge of the streets stained glass windows. Recalling of Hove. Sarah’s enthusiasm for the works of So use your satnav to find Tudeley Chagall, he was commissioned to and the church. You might notice execute a window for the east wall of that, although the church is small, the the little church where she had prayed. car-park is very large. Enter the church I will not go into the complicated and turn to face the High Altar. The negotiations with the ecclesiastical white altar-cloth has embroidered on authorities, to say nothing of those with it in gold the words “Shema Yisroel the artist himself. But suffice it to say Adonoi Elohenu Adonoi Echod”, but that on 18 November 1967, Chagall’s in Hebrew. And now look up at the great East Window was unveiled. When magnificent glazed east window. The he saw it Chagall exclaimed “ C’est figure of Jesus on his cross has on magnifique. Je ferais les tous”. There his forehead tephillin shel rosh and was trouble ahead. Although raising round his shoulders there is draped a the formidable sum to complete such a tallis. And now walk over to the table huge project was difficult enough, many opposite the entrance where you will in the church were very unhappy with find books, cards and much other the idea. Perhaps an overtly ‘Jewish’ merchandise to do with the church Jesus did not go down too well. Many and its windows. A publication of the did not want their little ‘farm-yard’ windows has a Preface written by church to become a tourist attraction - Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi. as indeed it has. If you were not aware of the very By the time all the other eleven windows special place that this church holds, had been installed on 30 July1985, then you should be, just by being both Chagall and Sir Henry were dead. there. The local Manor House, now But this little church is unique. It is the a school, was that of the D’Avigdor- only church in the world where all the Goldsmid family, major property windows are by Chagall. There are, owners in Hove. At one time the of course, one synagogue and one owner was Major-General Sir Henry chapel - the Chapelle des Cordeliers D’Avigdor-Goldsmid Bt. DSO. MC. DL. TD. MP for Walsall at Sarrebourg. And in England, there is the sole window in South from 1955-1974, and High Sheriff of the County of Chichester Cathedral. So that is what is so special about this Kent. Lady D”Avigdor-Goldsmid was not Jewish but she church in Kent. I’m sure many of you will have been there - if and Sir Henry agreed that any sons of the marriage would you haven’t, can you now resist the temptation? be brought up as Jews (though ignoring hallachah) and One other thing. The four Victorian stained glass windows are daughters as Christians. In the event they had only daughters. still there. At the suggestion of Sir Hugh Casson, they were The eldest, Sarah Venetia, was born in 1942 and at the age reinstalled with specially devised back lighting in the chancel. of 18 she purchased for her mother the first painting ever to I know which I prefer! be sold by David Hockney. A year later Sarah and her mother visited Paris to see the windows created by Marc Chagall for the Hadassah Hospital Synagogue which were on display before being shipped to Jerusalem for installation. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 16features 17 dubrovnik synagogue Jews in Dubrovnik enjoyed relative freedom, but there were some restrictions on their activities at certain points by Andrew Devon in history. The Synagogue is tiny and delightful, with heavy The Synagogue (1352, the velvet drapes and a richly painted, midnight blue ceiling. second oldest in Europe The museum contains valuable Menorahs and Torah scrolls, after Prague) and Jewish alongside information on the history of the Jewish community museum are set in a building in Dubrovnik. which could be reached from within the surrounding houses in what was once the Jewish ghetto. A permanent Jewish community here was founded at the end of the 15th century following the exodus from Portugal and Spain. The community flourished and included respected doctors, merchants and state representatives. the torremolinos Jewish community by Stanley Lerner As some of your readers may know, we have been associated Sephardi community does not tear itself into communal with this small but vibrant community for a good number of sections. All members, irrespective of their degree of years and we are pleased to report that it goes from strength religious observance, belong and support the communal to strength. religious activities of the synagogue. The beautiful Beth Minzi synagogue, named after Louis Mintz, one of the original founders, is situated on the ground floor of a lovely apartment block called Castillo San Luis. Services are held, not only on Shabbat and Festivals, but every day of the week, three times a day. In addition a Seuda is held after Mincha on Shabbat. It is also noteworthy that I persuaded the local English newspapers to include the synagogue in its ‘Churches’ page. The community has a full-time Rabbi, the current incumbant being Aaron Levy, who supervises the Mikvah, the Cheder, the Chevra Kaddisha and the kosher deli ‘DeliKash’. For those who may be interested, the deli can be contacted by e-mail on prosperedery@telefonica.net, or telephone (00 34) 952 05 81 60. We continue to be amazed that this community of some 300 families can enjoy the facilities that we, here in Brighton and Hove, should only admire. Finally, in view of the question of a joint prayer facility being aired on a communal website, it should be noted that this issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 16 features 17 moments to remember – and Now we enter the world of ‘Believe it or Not’. Mildred told me that her father revealed that he had survived the war dressed forget in the uniform of a Nazi SS officer whose dead body he had found in a back street of what is once again the German capital. No one dared to refuse any demands from an SS by Moss Murray officer. As a result he always slept in a warm bed and was When you’ve been well fed by many German families who lived in fear of his a journalist in Fleet uniform. Only when fellow officers began to ask probing Street for almost questions, did he move on. She assumed that when the twenty years on the Red Army was at the gates of Berlin in 1945 he would simply News Chronicle, have entered a gentleman’s outfitters, bought a new suit and Daily Express and burned the dreaded SS uniform. Daily Mirror, as well as an international When I pleaded with Mildred to allow me to write her dad’s public relations story as a hero and how he survived in Nazi Germany, she consultant for remained adamant in her refusal to let me write anything just as long, you about her father, not even as a novel. However, so many accumulate a years have now passed, that I believe I am entitled to put into volume of memories print in just a few paragraphs about this unique, if hard to of events that made believe, story. headlines and people you have met, interviewed This tit-bit is taken from Moss Murray’s unpublished or worked with. autobiography, provisionally entitled, ‘Things you don’t need Inevitably many were to know‘, or ‘Almost a woman’s world’. Jewish. One of my PR clients for which I provided a complimentary public relations service for several years after the last war, was the Association of Jewish ex-Servicemen (AJEX) which involved promoting and publicizing the annual parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for Jewish soldiers, sailors and airmen. On one such occasion, the balcony at the Home Office, which a week earlier had been graced by members of the Royal Family, was occupied by the wives of Ajex officials and Jewish ladies who had achieved celebrity status. A former photographer colleague on the Daily Express sidled up to me and said, ”I know you are a member of Mossad…” I stopped him in mid-sentence and replied, “If I were, I would deny it, but as I am not, I cannot help you”. That was the truth. However, it is also true that there were, and are, many journalists worldwide, who provide useful information to their governments much of which has been obtained at ‘off the record’ briefings and not for publication. What follows is a sad story which involves breaking a promise to a lady we will call Mildred, although it is not even similar to her real name. Even now, what you read is little more than the briefest summary of what she told me. She and her mother had been given permission to leave Nazi Germany on a train filled with Jewish refugees a couple of years before the outbreak of war. Her father had to stay behind, and, in any case, by then, her parents had already separated. We now leap forward several decades and Mildred was now a happily married woman. She told me: “I often thought of my father and wondered whether he had survived the six years of war in Germany or whether he was one of the millions who died in the camps or gas chambers. I contacted the International Red Cross and after months of searching, they informed me that my father was alive and they gave me his address in Berlin. I flew there and met him. He had aged, but was still with the woman for whom he had left my mother all those years ago”. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 18culture 19 in Holland stands a House The use of the young people to show the two sides of living under a by Sharon Rubin fascist regime was very effective, particularly seeing the huge young man with a yellow star being pushed around by children half his size, The menacing figure of an SS soldier, dressed in a black uniform and but with swastikas on their sleeves. They wore masks until the final a stern face, meets you as you walk in to watch the play “In Holland scene, when they removed them and hung them on a pole, which Stands a House” at the Barn Theatre, Southwick. This vision creates left the audience feeling very uncomfortable. The scene where the a mood of discomfort and fear, even in people living in a democracy children cross the stage pointing out the usually normal things that today. Jews were not allowed to do was very moving and really brought home the control the Germans had over the day-to-day lives of Jews. The play tells the story with which most of us are familiar, the story of Anne Frank and her family, showing the fear, hardships and sheer The costumes were of the period, and the performance by Anna frustrations that they lived under while in hiding. Gould as Anne was brilliant – she showed the cockiness, the insecurity and bravado of a typical teenager, accentuated while living The acting by an amateur group of youngsters, with the support of under intolerable conditions. some older members, was touching, if a little naïve, but what saved I believe that these children and many of the audience will always the play was the marvellous production by Ron Common and Jennie remember Anne Frank and her story, and hopefully the message of Du Val. They created the atmosphere, told the story and yet did man’s inhumanity to man will be passed on and never be allowed to not allow the play to become maudlin or overly dramatic. I think the be repeated. understated production was all the more frightening, getting the message across very well. Jump for tourettes The urges include blinking because her eyes water, making little by Hilary Myers noises in her throat, tensing up below her chin in such a way, “that it really hurts my neck but I have to do it”, trapping her fingers in the door and the need to smell everything she touches. “Metal is best because it’s cold; that’s a special treat”. She has had problems at school and staff and children have been told. “I like to show I’m not scared” Grace said. If anyone would like to support this Cinderella of charities please send your donation to: www.doitforcharity/ emma’sjumpfortourettes or contact Beryl Sharpe, Grace’s other grandma on 07711 607743. This article was first printed in Wessex Jewish News. My daughter-in-law, Emma jumped out of a plane this morning; no, it wasn’t in a fit of pique because she was unhappy at their holiday destination but a mature decision after it was confirmed that my nine year old granddaughter has the neurological condition Tourettes, or as their slogan says, “ Tourettes makes you TIC”. From an early age Emma was sure there was a problem and that the violent mood swings, repetitive hand washings, unusual facial movements, the fact that Grace had to have all her possessions placed in a special order and the sniffing at whatever she touched, were more than childish habits which she would outgrow. The one positive aspect has been finding a support group of parents whose children, mainly boys, have this condition to a lesser or greater degree. It was then that Emma discovered there was to be a skydiving event in various parts of the country for this charity. She thought her husband Gary (my son) would love to participate but as the maximum weight for entrants was fourteen and a half stone he was unable to qualify (he is now on a diet!). It was Emma, therefore who took up the challenge in order to make people more aware. She has so far raised almost £1,600 from jumping out of a plane on a sunny July morning over the beautiful Kent countryside. When I asked Grace to describe how she is affected she was remarkably articulate: “I am exactly like everyone else but with the addition of these extra things, tics, I call them urges. I am only moderate”, she said, pointing to a position about 18 inches from the ground, “the worst are up there”, aiming above my head. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 18 culture 19 Howard Jacobson: city books The lovely venue of the Old Market, with its smart bar and theatre, was a fitting backdrop to an uproariously entertaining evening, in at the Old market which the author read out loud, for the first time, two of the articles and then sat down in the chair provided on stage. Witty, droll and by Stephanie Megitt relaxed, his replies to some extremely good questions from the packed theatre audience prompted roars of laughter. Always self-Howard Jacobson came to Hove deprecating, he was nevertheless fully aware of his prodigious talent, this month to talk about his new and one was left with a very clear idea of how much he enjoys his book, “Whatever it is I don’t like it,” very hard work. a marvellous selection of his weekly articles published every Saturday in the Not a political commentator, he has an informed view on all manner Independent newspaper over the last 13 of subjects, including the future of newspapers since the Murdoch years. The fact that Simon Kellner, the debacle, education, Israel and the Middle East, to name but a few. editor who originally persuaded him to He explained that he sets aside every Thursday to write the column, write for the paper, was a fellow Jew and then part of Friday to revise it. Some weeks there is almost also from Salford, Greater Manchester, too much to write about, and others he doesn’t see a single topic was key to his acceptance. on which he can write. But it is those very weeks when nothing much has happened which often give rise to the most interesting The title is a Marx Brothers’ quotation and entertaining pieces, as he illustrated with “Juicing.” I heartily and although amusing, does not recommend this book: you won’t be disappointed. adequately represent the range of serious and light topics covered by And look out for future Howard Jacobson in his guise, not events put on by City Books this time as a Booker prize-winning novelist, but as in Hove, one of those an accomplished journalist. Far from being the ramblings of an old increasingly rare beasts, man, as the title might suggest, the book could be a practical lesson a precious independent on how to write the perfect essay, how to make the reader roar with bookshop. The owners laughter, or even just how to write the perfect sentence – I could were gracious hosts both go on. Here is a deep thinker who entertains and informs about to the author and to me all manner of topical subjects. “We don’t do justice to life if we are for arranging an interview only solemn about it,” he declared, bemoaning the unwillingness of with Howard before his serious readers to read comic novels. performance. That interview will be featured in next month’s SJN. PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE REDUCE YOUR COSTS Medical History Covered Special Rates Available Personal Claims Service – All P.M.I Insurers ALL YOU NEED FOR A KOSHER* EXPERIENCE For Free Advice; Call: Joanne King We wish all our customers and the entire Private Health Insurance broker community a happy and healthy New Year with 20 years’ experience, on ALL YOU NEED FOR A and well over the fast. 01424 730 987 / 07814 758 753 KOSHER* EXPERIENCE Joanneking.khl@btinternet.com Tel: Website: Joannekinghealth.com 01273 562464 Tel: 01273 562464 Mobile: Mob: 0771 267 2768 0771 267 2768 Registered Office: 17 Whitehorse Yard, Premier Choice Lifecare Ltd & Premier Richmond Road, Towcester, Choice Benefits Ltd are; Appointed *Under the personal supervision of Northants, Representatives of Premier Choice *Under the personal supervision of NN12 6BU Healthcare Ltd, A company Authorised ANGELA SAMUELS Registered in England No. 3910149 and Regulated by Financial Services ANGELA SAMUELS Authority issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 20HHcrabbi vivian silverman Hove Hebrew Congregation 79 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 Email: hollandroadshul@btinternet.com 21 rosh Hashanah message? by Rabbi Vivian Silverman Elizabeth, to South Africa in early 1947 and there One of the important themes over the High Holyday marked her twenty first birthday on 21 April that year, Season is that of God as “Avinu Malkeinu” (Our father, she broadcast a message declaring: “Whether my life Our king). The Almighty is close at hand, within reach of be short or long, it shall be dedicated to the service of our prayers, and, at the same time, Supreme Monarch all my people.” She has kept that promise to this very and Lord of the Universe. He is both immanent and day. transcendent: our Heavenly Father who has given mortals the gift of free choice, to be used for good or ill, At Rosh Hashanah time, we the Jewish people renew and He is called the Supreme King of Kings to indicate our pledge to be His people, and The Almighty pledges that monarchs, too, are under His jurisdiction. to be our Eternal God. This coming February, Queen Elizabeth will be “You have singled out The Eternal today to be your God celebrating the diamond jubilee of her reign; sixty years and to walk in His ways. And The Eternal has singled on the throne. Only one other British monarch has you out today to be His treasured people. (Devarim ch. celebrated such an event and that was Queen Victoria 26 vv. 17 & 18) in June 1897. The statue of Victoria, which stands in Grand Avenue, was erected to mark her diamond Lynette and our children join me in wishing you and jubilee. When Princess Elizabeth, as she then was, your family a joyous, healthy and peaceful year. K’Tiva travelled with her parents King George and Queen Vahatima Tova. Holland road Noos by Alan Hershman The ups are a very successful salt beef and karaoke evening in June and two aufrufs - one for Paul Margo It’s been up and down since my last missive from and one for Mendy Efune. We wish them both a hearty Holland Road. Among the downs has been the sad mazel tov. loss of Wendy Rose and we wish a long life to Jeffrey. In addition, Sam Barsam is in hospital but improving We wish all readers a very happy new year and well and we wish him a swift recovery. over the fast. issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 20 bHps rabbi elizabeth tikvah sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: bhps@freenetname.co.uk www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk 21 listening to the voices Of the shofar (Mishneh Torah, ‘Laws of Repentance’, Hilchot T’shuvah, 3:4). by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah But what do we make of the different sounds? Commentators have provided various explanations. This year, I suggest we In Temple times, the first day of the seventh month of the might reflect on the following way of ‘listening’ to the blasts: Jewish year was known simply as zikaron, a ‘memorial’ (Leviticus 23: 24); ‘yom t’ru’ah, ‘a day of blasting’ (Numbers T’ki’ah – a straightforward blast: The clear voice of global 29:1) – from the Hebrew root, Reish Vav Ayin, meaning crises – economic, political and ecological – demanding a to ‘raise a shout (of alarm)’, or ‘give a blast’. It was only response from all of us, not just from those in positions of centuries later that the rabbis referred to this day as the New power. Year for years – Rosh Ha-Shanah (Mishnah Rosh Ha-Shanah 1:1). So, from its very inception, yom t’ru’ah was a summons, T’ru’ah – nine short blasts: The anguished groans of the ushering in a period of repentance, culminating on the tenth persecuted and the marginalised, the hungry, the homeless, day of the seventh month, in what the Torah calls Yom ha-and the destitute – pleading with us to open our hearts and Kippurim (Lev. 23:27) our hands. To this day, the blasts of the shofar, the ram’s horn, constitute Sh’varim – three ‘broken’ blasts: The complex message that the centre-piece of the observance of Rosh Ha-Shanah. although it is not for us to complete the work, neither are we And the shofar is not simply blown. At the end of the Torah free to desist from it (Mishnah Avot 2:16), and that even a service, and in three sets during the Musaf (Additional) service ‘third party’ – those who are neither the perpetrators nor the – Malchuyyot, ‘Sovereignty’, Zichronot, ‘Remembrances’, victimised – are called to do what we can to contribute to and Shofarot, ‘Shofar blasts’ – the congregation is summoned tikkun olam, the repair of the world. to attention with a pattern of blasts: T’ki’ah, sh’varim-t’ru’ah, t’ki’ah, t’ki’ah, sh’varim, t’ki’ah, t’ki’ah, t’ru’ah, t’ki’ah – Sh’varim-T’ru’ah – the combination only serves to reinforce culminating in a t’ki’ah g’dolah, a ‘great t’ki’ah’. the sense of urgency. As the blessing preceding the shofar blowing puts it, we T’ki’ah G’dolah – the ‘great t’ki’ah’: And, if not now, when? are commanded lishmo’a kol shofar, ‘to listen to the voice (Mishnah Avot 1:14) of the shofar’. According to Maimonides, ‘the voice of the May the many voices of the shofar reach us all and summon shofar’ is proclaiming: ‘Awake, you sleepers, from your us to act – Shanah Tovah! sleep!... Examine your deeds, and turn to God in repentance’ pimms on the prom How can the enmity between the Once again Norma Waring opened her beach hut so that a peoples of the Middle-East be stopped? cheerful crowd of BHPS could enjoy her Pimms and delicious nibbles. Learn how the modern Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel interacts with its Bedouin and Arab neighbours, changes communities, and has assisted the local communities in learning to live side-by-side in harmony. A free talk and video session presented by Friends of Ben Gurion University Brighton & Hove and chaired by Professor Project Going Places Harold Baum, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Board From 10 October BHPS will be member of Ben Gurion University, Israel relocating. Saturday morning and Sunday 16th October at Ajex Hall festival services will be in Ralli Hall, Palmeira Avenue, Hove Friday evenings in members’ homes. 2.30- 5.00 Everyone welcome as always. Our Tea included (Donations welcome) phone number will be unchanged and Contact Sharon Rubin for tickets more details will be on our website. 01273-727676 issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 22bHrs rabbi charles wallach Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org 23 the High Holyday season is upon us put ourselves into their shoes, their situations and recognise their view. Then, not only to say the words or give our minds over to by Rabbi Charles Wallach all that, but to do something about it. The High Holyday Season is upon us. That time of the year when, both individually and collectively, we look into ourselves I said the High Holyday Season is upon us. For many it is an and hopefully resolve to be better in the coming year. For endurance contest; but it need not be looked at in this way. synagogues it means a flurry of activity, special services and Indeed, the joyous festival of Sukkot, which follows immediately, attention to some detail, which ordinarily we ignore. can be seen as a way of practically applying those thoughts. Within our congregation, in addition to sukkah building and Our tradition bids us to seek forgiveness; forgiveness from the enjoying the festival, we try to create many baskets of fruit and Almighty to be sure but always included therein, is the seeking provisions to be distributed to the housebound in particular. We of forgiveness from our fellows. That is often hard to achieve. try therefore, not only to bring the sense of harvest to those who During the course of a year, we say and do things sometimes are unlikely to experience the joy of the festival, but also make with, shall we say, “malice aforethought”, or often unintentionally. ourselves aware of a wider group of people being out there – a This can be hurtful, thoughtless or counter-productive. What is community beyond those who will manage to attend. Then even more difficult is that even though we might say the words the festival of Simchat Torah, with its symbolism of the never seeking forgiveness, human nature finds us prone to committing ending Torah, is the final clincher in all this: reminding us of the something akin to the error again. stories and messages, the ideals and ideas out of our Torah and tradition, which should motivate us. To me, one of the aspects of Yom Kippur in particular, is the thought that one full day is given over, not only to the recital of On behalf of Marilyn and myself, may I wish one and all LeShana the prayers but perhaps more especially, to allowing our minds Tova – a good and healthy year. May it be a year of peace in to be cleansed as it were. To allow us to contemplate what we Israel and throughout the world; may our hearts as individuals have or have not done; to think about other people and resolve to and as a community go out to one another, and may those many be kinder, fairer or more considerate towards them; to attempt to positive thoughts we shall think, truly be turned into goodness. bHrs Quiz supper We were all held firmly in check by Stewart Macintosh our quiz by Roger Berlin master, who brooked no argument…”when we’re right we’re right, when we’re wrong we’re also right!”….and the highlight of We’ve all the evening was the world famous Israeli Supper laid on by our been to quiz fabulous Ladies’ Guild. suppers… every shul Of course thanks must go to the Functions Committee, just six has run one of us, who burnt the midnight oil forming the questions, who at some time googled incessantly to ensure the answers were right (usually!), or other and who sold tickets and nagged people to make up tables. But we Brighton & got our reward - a very successful and enjoyable “do” which Hove Reform proves that BHRS is still flourishing. was no exception on August 7th. Bulletin Board for September This turned out to be an enormous success; not only did we get Wednesday 28th Erev Rosh Hashana service, 6.30 pm well over 100 people, there were the usual animated arguments Thursday 29th Rosh Hashana service, 10.00 am over some of the answers (nu, so what’s new?) and the evening went on well after the predicted time…although some I must Friday 30th Erev Shabbat Shuvah, 6.30 pm admit thought it a trifle unfair that the table which played its Joker on the “Israel” round and got maximum points had Rabbi Wallach Bulletin Board for October and two Israelis on the team! Saturday 1st Rabbi’s Shiur, 9.00 am Shabbat Shuvah, 10.30 am Sunday 2nd Cheder , 10.00 am Kids’ Club, 12.30 pm Friday 7th Kol Nidre Service, 6.30 pm Saturday 8th Yom Kippur Service, 10.30 am Sunday 9th Succah building, 11.00 am Stonesetting for Rita Seltzer, 3.30 pm Wednesday 12th Erev Sukkot, 6.30 pm Thursday 13th Sukkot service, 10.30 am Saturday 15th Rabbi’s Shiur, 9.00 am Wednesday 19th Erev Simchat Torah, 6.30 pm Thursday 20th Simchat Torah service, 10.30 am Saturday 29th Rabbi’s Shiur, 9.00 am Sunday 30th Helping Hands Tea, 2.30 pm Friday 30th Erev Shabbat Shuvah, 6.30 pm issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 22 bHHc rabbi Hershel rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: office@bhhc-shul.org www.webjam.com/bhhc10 23 rosh Hashanah message This power of election, the ability to make such decisions, by Rabbi Hershel Rader is the unique quality of the human being, unshared by any other creature. ‘Choose life’ Moshe pleaded with his people, In Rabbinic literature Rosh Hashanah is considered a because the choice is open to man. This is the teaching of ‘coronation day’, the day on which the Jewish people once Torah, instructing and inspiring man to make the decisions again accept G-d as their king. The word Melech, king, is G-d wishes. a constant refrain throughout the prayers of the Ten Days of Penitence, and Malchut, kingship, is the first of the three How is this connected with Rosh Hashanah? The term Rosh sections unique to the Musaf prayer on Rosh Hashanah. is used deliberately. Rosh means both ‘head’ and ‘first’. The What do we mean by Melech? Furthermore, is G-d not king head is the first, the highest, of the body’s parts, possessing regardless of what we do? If so, what is the significance of higher faculties such as thought, hearing, speech and sight. this ‘coronation’? The head commands other parts of the body to act according to its will. If the head is in good condition, then the rest of the Hebrew, known as Lashon Hakodesh – the Holy Language, body may function well, but the least defect in the brain may which is the language of the Torah, is precise, with often have an immeasurable effect on the body. untranslatable, yet vital shades of meaning that convey profound ideas. Melech is translated as ‘king’. But there are Rosh Hashanah is a day for us to feel, more deeply, our similar words in Lashon Hakodesh; for example, Moshel – relationship with our creator. Rosh Hashanah sets the pace; ruler. How is Melech different from Moshel? The definition as goes Rosh Hashanah, so goes the rest of the year. A will enhance our understanding of the Torah’s attitude to wasted Rosh Hashanah, one lacking in spiritual introspection the relationship between man and G-d and will add to our and resolve, can easily result in a Jewishly indifferent year. appreciation of Rosh Hashanah. A Rosh Hashanah spent in the proper manner gives life and spirit to the whole year. Rosh Hashanah is a time when we A Moshel rules. The consent of the governed is not required. can elect to bring G-d into our lives. His rule might extend over people – as in the case of a dictator. He might be a shepherd or the keeper of inanimate In our prayers over the High Holidays we declare ‘Today, all objects. The Moshel does as he pleases and his subjects are the creatures of the universe stand before you in judgement’. his pawns. G-d is sometimes called a Moshel, for example, Part of G-d’s judgement is whether He elects to be our king He has established laws of nature that are His dictates. Trees over the coming year. Like every judgement, the outcome grow, not because they wish to or because they recognise the is dependent on the decisions and actions of those being wisdom of doing so. There is no consent here. The absolute judged. Let us resolve this Rosh Hashanah to accept G-d as Ruler decrees and there is no violating His law. our king, bringing Him, in some greater measure into our lives. Just as G-d is also a Melech. The Melech, unlike the Perla and I wish the community a Ketiva V’Chatima Tova Moshel, does not impose his rule on unwilling subjects. L’Shana Tova U’Metuka – May you all be inscribed and sealed They must desire his rule, even in the face of a potential for a good and sweet New Year. Melech’s reluctance, a reluctance overcome by the people’s importuning and submission. The key to Malchut is consent. The subjects face alternatives of requesting or rejecting HYMAN FINE HOUSE the ruler. Not by compulsion, but of their own volition, they FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE choose to accept his dominion. We express this concept every evening in Maariv when we say ‘Umulchuto B’Ratzon (Registered Charity No. 1111793) Kiblu Alaihem’ – they accepted G-d’s sovereignty willingly. PRESENTS A BRIDGE & KALOOKI AFTERNOON PERSONAL COMPUTER TRAINING AT RALLI HALL DENMARK VILLAS HOVE (£1.00 Parking Fee at Hove Railway Station) Friendly 1 to 1 training FRIENDLY COMPETITION – WITH PRIZES Specialist in Apple Macs Reasonable Fee ON SUNDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2011 AT 2.00PM Best Wishes for the New Year and DONATION £8.50 INCLUDING TEA Well Over the Fast TICKETS FROM Call Brian Megitt on 01323 507380 ALAN BURKE - 01273 416335 AND or 0777 171 1237 RAYMOND FELSENSTEIN - 01273 505056 issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 24 what’s on: september/October 2011 website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org email: info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org sHabbat sHalOm – briGHtON times In Light Candles Out Havdalah Fri 23 September 6.41 pm Sat 24 7.45 pm Wed 28 –Eve 1st day Rosh Hashanah 6.29 pm Grodzinki’s challot Thu 29 - Eve 2nd day Rosh Hashanah after 7.43 pm and rye bread are Fri 30 6.25 pm Sat Oct 1st 7.29 pm available from Premier Fri 7 October – Eve Yom Kippur 6.09 pm Sat 8 7.14 pm Wed 12 – Eve 1st day Sukkot 5.59 pm Convenience Stores Thu 13 – Eve 2nd day Sukkot after 7.03 pm in Hove Street every Fri 14 5.54 pm Sat 15 6.59pm Wed 19 – Eve Shemini Atzeret 5.44 pm Thursday morning Thu 20 – Eve Simchat Torah after 6.49 pm until supplies run out. Fri 21 5.40 pm Sat 22 6.45 pm Fri 28 5.25 pm Sat 29 6.33 pm eveNts fOr OctOber reGular activities J:tots – for parents, toddlers, grandparents and carers - is held Please note that activities may be subject to Yom Tov monthly at Ralli Hall.For information regarding the next session, cancellations. Please contact the organiser(s) in advance for please e-mail Rachel at jtots@rocketmail.com or ring 01273 204333. more information. Tues 11th – Sat 15th Sundays ‘earthquakes in london’ – starring Tracy-Ann Oberman at Theatre carmel tennis club 10.00 am-12.00 noon. Weekly. All levels Royal, Brighton. Eves 7.45pm, Thu & Sat mats 2.30pm, Box Office welcome. Tel: Leon on 07717 222744 0844 871 7650 (booking fee) or www.atgtickets.com/brighton Ticket prices £13 - £25. Mondays the ethics of our fathers with Rabbi Efune 11.30-12.30 pm Sunday 16th Chabad House, 15 Upper Drive, Hove. Tel: 01273 321919 friends of ben Gurion university – ‘Bedouins & Jews’ free talk and video session with guest chair Prof. Harold Baum. 2.30 – 5.00 pm RH. afternoon club with tea 1.30 pm. Tel: Reba 01444 410435 Tickets from 01273 727676 or email permissions@btopenworld.com. rubber and duplicate bridge 1.30-4.30 pm £2.00. Tel: Reba 01444 410435 Monday 17th contemporary basic talmud with Rabbi Efune - Men only sarid – (Association of Jewish Refugees) with speaker Evelyn 8.15 pm at Chabad House 01273 321919 Friedlander on ‘The History of the Synagogues in Germany’, 10.45 am RH. Donation: £1.50 to include tea/coffee/light refreshments. tanya (kabbalah) learning Group with Penina Efune - Ladies only 8.15 pm at Chabad House 01273 321919 Tuesday 25th Jewish Historical society – with speaker Rabbi David Katanka, ‘The Tuesdays Jews of Portsmouth’. 6.45 – 9.00 pm RH ralli Hall lunch and social club, 10.30 am-4.30 pm Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 Weekly RH Sunday 30th art in the studio with martin 2.00-4.30 pm RH Helping Hands tea – 2.30 – 4.30 pm Don £3.00 to include raffle AJEX Hall. painting with rochelle (Jas) 7.00 pm-9.00 pm Tel: 01273 503708 RH Advance Notice: Monday 3 November israeli dancing 7.45 pm-9.45 pm Tel: Jacky 01273 688538 centre for German-Jewish studies talk series – University of Sussex, RH Arts A 155, 4.00 pm. ‘From the Third Reich to Postmodernity: The Global History of the Volkswagen Beetle’ with guest speaker Dr Wednesdays Bernhard Rieger, University College London (in cooperation with chutzpah singers (Singing in Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew, the History Department ‘Work in Progress Seminar’). All welcome, Aramaic and other languages) with Polina Shepherd 7.00-booking not required. 8.45 pm Tel: Rosalind 01273 541031 RH art in the studio with martin 2.00-4.30 pm RH Jacs at the AJEX Centre 2.00 pm, Eaton Road, Hove - £2.00 members/£2.50 non-members. COMMUNITY EVENTS – Thursdays IMPORTANT REMINDER ralli Hall lunch and social club, 10.30 am-4.30 pm. Weekly Contact the Communal Diary before Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 RH planning your events. Email: info@ weekly torah portion with Rabbi Efune 8.15 pm at Chabad House. 01273 321919. sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org issue 212 | september/OctOber 2011 -
Issue 223
October September 2012
1 SUSSEx JEwISH NEwS NEw Whats wHAT’S INSIdE.... NEw YEAR GREETINGS | EdwARd TIMMS | RESEARCHING JEwISH ANCESTRY | wHAT’S ON | ANd MORE SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2012 • TISHREI / CHESHVAN 5773 • ISSUE 223 2 Pause for thought 3 Remember the end of Stanley Kubrick’s film Dr anything involving Israeli settlements in Judea and Strangelove or How I Learned to Love the Bomb: Slim Samaria. And despite being the only country in the Pickens falls from an airplane, a-whoopin’ and a-ridin’ Middle East that has seen a growth in its Christian an atomic bomb destined to explode in the Soviet population over the past fifty years, Israel’s detractors Union. It was then followed by a series of mushroom still maintain that it is an apartheid state. clouds. And it was all good comedy then. But is it today? Are we laughing yet? At least The Co-op will be meeting in future with Jewish leaders to discuss its The world continues to actions following protests from dither whilst Iran flouts AlThOugh we seeM TO Be On MAny Anglo-Jewry. talks and sanctions PReCiPiCes, On The yOMiM nORAiM TheRe to further their goal of Although we seem to be having a nuclear arsenal. is One Thing ThAT we CAn dO, AlOng wiTh on many precipices, on the At the same time, they MilliOns Of Jews AROund The wORld And Yomim Noraim there is one train Hezbollah soldiers ThAT is PRAy fOR A yeAR Of PeACe. thing that we can do, along to invade the Galilee. with millions of Jews around This is the same Hezbollah that it is being rumoured to the world and that is pray for a year of peace. be receiving chemical weapons from a Syrian regime that is in the grips of a bloody civil war. Meanwhile, To all of our readers, supporters and friends, we wish outside the Middle East, the United Church of Canada you a shana tova umetukah and ask you all to join us in has joined The Co-operative in resolving to boycott a prayer for shalom for all nations around this world. SJN brings local news, events, articles, reviews, announcements, people, congregations, communitites, ADMINISTRATOR Ivor Sorokin contacts and more. Delivered at the start of each month, SJN is run entirely by volunteers for reporting, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS editing and circulating each edition that has become Gweni Sorokin / Bernard Swithern the cornerstone of the Jewish community across the region. COMMuNAL DIARy info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org EDITORIAL BOARD Doris Levinson / Stephanie Megitt COVER pHOTO Brian Megitt David Seidel/ Michael Rich TECHNICAL ADVISOR Brian Megitt pRODuCTION/LAyOuT Anand Day SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 8 OCTOBER 2012 susseX Jewish news suBsCRiPTiOn Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Postcode: _________________________ Email: _______________________________________________ Telephone: _________________________ Subscription (tick one) I would like to receive electronic copies of SJN. £15 p/a I would like to receive printed copies of SJN. £20 p/a. I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 2 Contents 3 sussex Jewish news PO Box 2178 • Hove BN3 3SZ feATuRes Telephone: 07906 955 404 1 OuR TReAsuRed yAd Ivor Sorokin reveals more on page 4 10 edwARd TiMMs The founder of the Centre for German-Jewish Studies celebrates his 75th birthday 11 ROsh hAshAnAh 5773 The annual message from Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and your New Year Greetings to the community Somewhere in the attic is a boxful of photographs from the past, cherished memories of family & friends. Bring 16 A TAle Of TwO CiTies them all to life again by having them scanned, colour Fausta Shelton visits Stockholm and corrected and presented on a CD or DVD to view on Copenhagen your computer or TV. Prints, negatives or colour slides, all formats. I can restore old & scratched photos. Perfect for anniversaries or birthdays, your entire family 17 TRACing The TRiBe Naomi Leon on how to find one’s history history as one slideshow. Please call Anand on 07765 480746 or 01273 683340 for further details. RegulARs 4 COMMuniTy life Your News and announcements from across the county 18 CulTuRe Sally Becker, books, film and more 24 whAT’s On Regular and special events in your community yOuR COMMuniTy 21 BRighTOn & hOve RefORM synAgOgue 21 hOve heBRew COngRegATiOn 22 BRighTOn & hOve PROgRessive synAgOgue 23 BRighTOn & hOve heBRew COngRegATiOn Full page (A4 size) £170 Half page (A5 size) £100 Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views expressed by writers are Quarter page (A6 size) £65 not necessarily those of SJN; 1/9 page (credit card size) £40 • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse any products or TISING services and do not accept liability for any aspect of any advertisements; and Personal: £4 per line • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, cut, decline or Flyers: price on application submit the content to others for comment. To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please send them ONLY to Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to editor@sussexjewishnews.com, otherwise we cannot guarantee their consideration editorial decision. for publication. To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word format using Times New Roman as a font. Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 ADVER IN SJN GUIDELINES unless specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely of volunteers, any response may be subject to delay. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 4 Community life 5 your news Wedding of Births Leanne (neé Samuels) Mazel tov to Michelle and Gordon Kay on the birth of Solomon Judah and Martyn Vaselios (Shlomo Yehuda Saavia) , a brother for Ariella. Redstone. Mazel tov to Linda and Tony Bloom on the safe arrival of Ella - a darling sister for Josh, granddaughter for Wendy and Ronnie Bloom and Evi and Tibor Elias, and great granddaughter for Arnold Bloom. weddings Mazel tov to: • Sarah Jane (Lennard) and Bar Mitzvah Ben Rosen who were Mazel tov to Henri Davidson on his barmitzvah married in Eastbourne. Mazel tov also to the get well Lennard, Panto and Rosen We wish a refuah sheleimah to Roz Flashman (Manchester) families. •Lt-Cmdr & Mrs Jack Rose deaths on the wedding of their daughter Mariamne to Dr We wish Long Life to the families of Daniel Bratton (pictured). •Michael Ginsberg z’l •Jeffrey Lyons and Lynne •Cyril Kaye z’l Rule Peters on the •Gloria Lennard z’l wedding of their daughter •Sarah May z’l Sarah (granddaughter of Ben Lyons z’1) to Kevin. stonesettings • Gillian Lyons on the The memorial stone in loving memory of Jack Mazzier z’l will be wedding of her daughter consecrated at the Jewish Cemetery, Meadow View, Bear Road, Rachel to Alessandro. Brighton on 21 October 2012 at 1.00 pm. Daniel & Mariamne Bratton On the front cover youth Aliyah Child Rescue Our Treasured yad by Ivor Sorokin A bumper sum of £1,000 was raised at a most successful Coffee Morning Gweni and I recently enjoyed a cruise of the Mediterranean and Italy. held for the charity on 8 August 2012. Liz Posner, Chairman, Our ship docked at Taormina in Sicily. It was a lovely day, and we thanked Wendy and Ronnie Bloom warmly for their generous were enjoying strolling the streets of the very traditional town, taking hospitality and also expressed her gratitude to the committee in the old houses and churches, all of which were beautifully kept. and to all those members of the Brighton & Hove community who are always so supportive of our local fundraising events. Walking past an antique shop in the High Street, we stopped dead in our tracks, for there was a lovely Yad in the window. On enquiring, we were told that it was silver, had come from Russia, and was dated 1873. The price was within the limit I had set and so we proudly returned to the ship with our new possession. My paternal family was from Russia, and romantically, I thought that maybe, just maybe, the Yad had been used by one of my ancestors. I took it to Shul on the first available Shabbat, and Mef Sharpe, who was lehning, kindly used it. When I was called up for an Aliyah I really got very emotional, as it had probably not been used for its original purpose for many decades. Despite some research, I have never been able to find any trace of my forebears in Russia, but this episode has heartened me to try again. I would be so happy to find some information, and maybe visit their homeland. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 4 Community life 5 Ralli hall lunch and social Club by Jacquie Tichauer We have enjoyed another successful month with new entertainers, games afternoons and discussion groups. Beverly led the discussion groups at which our members had a good laugh and discussed serious matters too. Sue and I visited Edgware and Harrow Day Centre which was very interesting. I am glad to say we run The Lunch and Social Club very successfully due to the hard work by our committed and caring volunteers. We are always ready to welcome new volunteers - so if you have any spare time, please do get in touch. Alan Burke adds, “The Lunch Club is going from strength to strength and is attracting new members who enjoy our facilities and the activities that we offer.” On 1 August we took over 25 members to enjoy a delicious Exciting news: The Lunch and Social Club will be celebrating barbeque and entertainment at Hyman Fine House. This was its 10th anniversary on 18 November with a lovely dinner a lovely community afternoon, enhanced by strawberries and dance and a live band at Ralli Hall. Please see our advert and cream in their lovely gardens. We are hoping to repeat this in book your seats now as it will surely be a sell-out! the near future. I look forward to seeing you all soon at Ralli Hall Lunch and I would like to remind you that we are offering new Bridge and Social Club and remember, if you just fancy a 3-course Computer classes. If you are interested, please give me a call. Kosher meal, please join us. worthing & district Jewish Community On a sad note we have lost three valuable members this year: Michael Linde, Hannah Levy and Len Salmon. They are all by Barbara Gordon remembered with great affection. Over 40 people enjoyed our usual Seder night and we will We wish all our members and friends in Worthing and Sussex continue to organize this important evening because it is a peaceful and healthy New Year. For more information on enjoyed by so many who may not have the opportunity to our activities, please contact Chairman Ian Gordon on 01903 attend a Seder. But that was some months ago, so what 779 720 or email barbaraian@talktalk.net have we been doing since then? We organized a very enjoyable outing to the Jewish Museum in Camden and plan more next year. On Friday 6 July, we were delighted to welcome Malcolm Weisman, who conducted a Service for us. The following day about a dozen of our members enjoyed tea and chat with him and some even walked through the rain to join us. On Sunday 15 July, once again we held our annual tea in the garden with the Gordons. Guess what? It actually did not rain. But we had to stop people trying to walk (sink) on the grass. Ian and I were delighted to welcome 36 people to our home. Although I rarely highlight any of our members, I would like to pay tribute to our matriarch Beattie Reder. She was one of the founders of our Community when over ninety people attended the first meeting nearly 20 years ago now. Like Ian and me, she has also hosted garden parties at her home and never misses a function – often having to arrive in her mobility vehicle. And all this at the tender age of 95! She is a wonder and we wish ourselves many more years of her delightful company. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 6 Community life 7 Torah Academy Summer Fair issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 6 Community life 7 living up To Our Boxes. These are boxes that name everyone can have in their by Janice Greenwood homes for all those horrible We certainly do that. Be it taking coppers that clients (such a nicer word than people, make holes in don’t you think?) to dentist, hospital, your trousers chiropodist or doctor’s appointments and bulk up your or helping to arrange for their garden refuse to be collected, purse. We’re Helping Hands can be depended upon. pleased to say that the boxes are It takes quite a bit of organising. Sometimes it can take as now ready and if many as five phone calls to arrange a lift to a hospital and anyone would like everybody is so appreciative. There is also the Helping one please phone Helping Hands on 01273 747722 and we Hands telephone, which is manned six days a week. David will arrange to have a box delivered to you. Schaverien has penned an ode, which is featured at the end of this item. The next Helping Hands Tea will be on Sunday October 28. If you would like to come to the tea and need a lift, please ring Talking of David, you may remember that a few months ago us on 01273 747722, we’ll be pleased to hear from you. we told you about his idea for Helping Hands Collecting Everyone’s a star to HELPING HANDS We have no tiers, levels or bands DONOR, HELPER, VOLUNTEER You are valued throughout the year Clients who ask for our aid Within reason your slightest wish will be obeyed It’s working together for which we exist Lets all make sure for decades we persist David Schaverien Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation High Holyday Services Celebrations at 5773 – 2012. eastbourne hebrew All morning services are held at Susans Road Shul, commencing at Congregation 10 am. New Year 1st Day: Monday 17th September - Morning Service by Manny Godfrey 2nd Day Tuesday 18th September - Morning Service Last year’s record attendance of 45 was Shabbat 22nd September - Morning Service broken when 47 members and friends attended our Shabbat morning service and special kiddush to celebrate the birthdays of Yom Kippur Tuesday 25th September - Kol Nidre 7.00 pm. President Menashe Harounoff and Security Fast commences 6.30 pm Officer Sally Taylor. Wednesday 26th September - Morning, Afternoon and Evening Services, fast ends 7.35 pm The service was conducted by David Braunstein, Ronnie Taylor (Chairman) and Succoth Monday 1st October - Morning Service (One day only) David Huglin. The congregation included former President, David Mindell and his wife Shemini Atzereth Monday 8th October - Morning Service – Yizkor Margaret. Eastbourne MP, Stephen Lloyd attended the Kiddush after the service. Simchat Torah Monday 8th October - Evening Service 6.30 pm A sumptuous kiddush, prepared by Linda Members, potential members and visitors will receive a warm welcome. Taylor, Diane Joseph, Stella Harris and Sylvia For further information, please call Secretary, Linda Taylor on 01323 Kravetz, was enjoyed in the shul hall. 484135 issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 8 Community life 9 swim for the starrs by Rob Starr Two and a half years ago I was a non-swimmer. A fortnight ago I swam the English Channel as part of a relay team in a time of 12 hours 57 minutes. There were two reasons for doing this. To raise much-needed funds for Starr Trust and to try to hit that elusive goal that seems to be constantly challenging me. Four years ago I co-founded the Starr Trust in memory of my late father. It is a children’s charity with the simple aim of Helping Children Smile by creating a positive impact in their lives. In our four years we have funded over 60 projects in 19 countries; including an incredible project called Slim Peace based in Jerusalem. It is a project to bring Smiles through Peace and understanding. For me every stroke of my swim across the channel was another step towards helping a child smile. Isn’t that what life should be all about? it is vital to have a goal in life. How the goal is reached is unimportant, it is the journey along the way and the lessons I have learnt so much since being part of the Starr Trust and that we learn that are all that matter. I wouldn’t suggest that even more since tackling the channel. One lesson is that, swimming the Channel is a sensible way to go about it. There despite what we are often told to the contrary, the spirit and must surely be warmer and drier ways in the future. generosity of people towards other people is very much alive. I remain in awe of people who step up and help others For more information on the Starr Trust, go to our website at achieve their aim. The other lesson I continue to learn is that www.starrtrust.com Ralli hall by Roger Abrahams, Hon. Chairman coming autumn after the great success of the initial one earlier in the year. Our many usual clubs and activities are Our scheme to upgrade the core accommodation is still re-starting for the autumn term but we can always find space on track, and before we left for our super cruise to Iceland for more. If you have an idea for a suitable activity that would and the Fjords, all of the windows in the Magrill Lounge had benefit from accommodation at Ralli Hall, please do not been fitted with attractive and versatile mock timber venetian hesitate to contact the office. blinds, thus allowing far more privacy in the room without the necessity of closing the curtains. This has been particularly We are still looking for a new caretaker and also a part-time welcomed by the Progressive Synagogue, who is currently cleaner, while Gavin will be reverting to the assistant caretaker holding Shabbat morning services at Ralli Hall while its through his choice. Hopefully we will find suitable candidates building undergoes major works. There are plans during the soon. coming months to further upgrade the room to make it even more suitable for holding small functions. Finally, I would like to wish Shana Tovah and Well over the Fast to all of my readers. You may well have noticed the art deco mirrors that have recently been fitted all around the Great Hall. By now every See you at Ralli Hall. mirror should have been complemented by twin up-lighters, which will be capable of being dimmed as required, and which should greatly improve the ambiance of the hall, so allowing its use without the rather harsh fluorescent lights which so emphasised the lofty ceiling. We believe this will also greatly improve the suitability of the hall for functions of all kinds. The new kosher vegetarian kitchen has now been fully stocked with china and cutlery, etc., for up to one hundred and twenty guests. Since finishing the vegetarian kitchen, we have received a number of enquiries for functions in the Great Hall. I understand that there are now some firm bookings for the coming months. If you wish to make enquiries concerning bookings for your own simchas, please contact the office on 01273 202254. The next Lishmah programme is to be held at Ralli Hall this issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 8 Community life 9 hyman fine house: Boats and On 25 July residents and carers enjoyed a boat trip from Brighton Marina that took them out to the West Pier and Barbecues provided great views of the coastline. The weather was superb and everyone who went had a really enjoyable trip. by Beverly Barnett, Volunteer Co-ordinator The Hyman Fine House Fundraising Committee also arranged a Kiddush on Saturday 28 July which was very well attended. It was lovely to see so many people in the synagogue and a very special thank you to Berny and Jenny Goldberg and David Pincus for the lovely service they always give. Another event took place on Wednesday 1 August, when members of the Ralli Hall Lunch Club joined residents and volunteers for a barbecue. The weather was not very pleasant but that did not spoil the day. Entertainment was also provided and we all enjoyed a lively afternoon. On Thursday 16 August, the Hyman Fine Ladies Fundraising Committee Barbecue took place. The weather, for once, was lovely and it was great to see so many residents and visitors enjoying the garden. It was wonderful to see many residents joining in the dancing and having such a good time enjoying the excellent entertainment. Thanks to the catering team at Hyman Fine who cooked the barbecue and also to all the staff and volunteers who helped make this such a lovely event. Prevention & engagement by PC Neil Kentish, Sussex Police from different backgrounds get on well together. Most people feel they belong to Last time I told you a little about the 4 P’s - Prevent, Pursue, their neighbourhood and to this country, and Protect and Prepare - on which the whole ‘Contest Anti have a sense of pride in the place where they Terrorism Strategy’ rests. What I have not done to date is talk live. explicitly about the other side of my role, one which is just as, if not more important, that of Engagement. By engagement Where that experience is absent, however, a response to I mean talking with people to help build strong and trusting tackling intolerance and extremism is required. Sussex relationships with the communities they represent or of which Police will deliver a robust response to threats, whether they are part. discrimination, extremism or disorder, that deepen division and increase tensions. As a Prevent & Engagement Police Officer I remain committed to tackling extremism where it creates an environment PC Neil Kentish is the Divisional Prevent & Engagement conducive to terrorism and popularises ideas espoused by Officer with Sussex Police. He can be contacted by email terrorist groups. at neil.kentish@sussex.pnn.police.uk Please note that the local number for Sussex Police has changed to 101. In an But by engaging with individuals, whether it is a local rabbi, emergency please ring 999. the community hall caretaker or a youth leader, we can assist with identifying some of the indicators to extremism which we, as operational Police Officers working within the community, may come across and so prevent the extremism Happy new year to all our customers in the first place. According to figures for hate crime, in 2010 there were 48,127 hate crimes recorded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from which the police recorded 488 antisemitic crimes. In 2009, the CST recorded the highest peak of antisemitic incidents (929) since it began recording these figures in 1984. Although CST figures fell in 2011, they still recorded more incidents than a decade ago. That being said, I would argue that there is a high commitment to tolerance in Britain; “tolerance and politeness 87 Old Shoreham Road, Hove BN3 7AQ to each other” has been shown to be the second most Tel: 01273 880022 important value for living in Britain exceeded only by respect Email: bdsanders1@tiscali.co.uk for the law. The result is that today, across the country, people issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 10Community life 11 edward Timms Levinson. ‘You must speak to Arthur Oppenheimer!’ Edward was told. As an executive at American Express, Arthur was by Diana Franklin taking early retirement on health grounds. And as the son of a Sussex has a German-Jewish economist who had fled to Britain, he would special place surely be keen to reclaim his heritage. Arthur proved to be in the life of a key figure on the planning committee, for his professional Professor Edward judgement and personal ebullience were inspirational. He Timms, who put Edward in touch with friends in London, notably Diana celebrates his 75th Franklin, and it was she who introduced him to a group of birthday this year. enthusiastic people who formed a London Support Group. He was educated at Christ’s The founding of the Centre in 1994 coincided with a surge of Hospital, the international interest in Holocaust studies. The opening of the Anglican school United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington near Horsham, in April 1993 was followed in December by the release of and he began Stephen Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List. And through the his career as a mediation of Lord (Richard) Attenborough, Sussex University’s university lecturer Chancellor, the Centre was awarded a generous grant from at the University Spielberg’s Righteous Persons Foundation. of Sussex in the years 1963-65. Since then, under the leadership of subsequent Directors – Thus he shared Raphael Gross, Christian Wiese and currently Gideon Reuveni those pioneering – the German-Jewish Centre has gone from strength to educational ideals, strength. In his autobiography, Taking up the Torch, published teaching both by Sussex Academic Press, Edward has set out the story in German studies greater detail. Although he suffers from progressive multiple and the Modern sclerosis, he continues in retirement to make significant European Mind. The romance of those early days in Brighton contributions to research and is still very much involved with led to his marriage in 1966 to a postgraduate student from the work of the Centre for German-Jewish Studies. Turkey, Saime Göksu. A limited edition paperback of Taking up the Torch is available The next twenty-five years were spent in the German to SJN readers at the reduced price of £25 (including postage Department at Cambridge, where a focus on culture and and packing). To order a copy, contact Diana Franklin by politics led to the publication of Karl Kraus – Apocalyptic email: d.franklin@sussex.ac.uk or phone on 01273 678771 Satirist, a study of the Austrian-Jewish satirist whose journal Die Fackel (The Torch) illuminated the decline of the Habsburg Empire. With Saime he co-authored Romantic Communist – Malcolm Green The Life and Work of Nazim Hikmet, dealing with the culture and politics of modern Turkey; and together they brought up three children. Catering Returning to Sussex in 1992 as Professor of German, The selection of your menu is an important part in the Edward launched the Centre for German-Jewish Studies planning of your Simcha. For that reason our Chefs continue with enthusiastic support from academic colleagues and to create exciting and tasty menus to meet your every need. Jewish community members. One of the aims was to modify We can tailor a menu to fit your specific requirements the crude perpetrator-victim model of German-Jewish and help create the function you will be proud of. Let us relations by highlighting the active role played by Jews in the introduce you to a cuisine that has made us one of Israel’s German-speaking world and their outstanding contribution leading Caterers & the world’s foremost glatt kosher to European civilization. Their achievements in certain fields destination wedding specialist. were so remarkable that they attracted envy and resentment, a theme explored from an Austrian angle in a Jewish Quarterly article of autumn 1990. ‘Tragically,’ the article concluded, ‘it KOSHER CATERING AT ITS BEST was the outstanding quality of Jewish achievements which Contact Malcolm on 0203 393 6823 provoked the resentment of Austrian Gentiles. The Jews of Vienna became the victims of their own success. koshercaterer@yahoo.co.uk www.kosherservicesworldwide.com To place research in this field on a firmer institutional footing, www.kosherexperiences.co.il Edward argued that it was time to ‘set up a centre for German-Jewish studies at a British university’. Cooperative action was needed to back those bold words, for Jewish UNDER SUPERVISION KASHRUT DIVISION specialists were understandably sceptical: how could a OF THE LONDON BETH DIN parson’s son with no grounding in Judaism have such (For functions in the U.K.) chutzpah? And why base the centre in Brighton, where there was only a relatively small Jewish community? “You’ve eaten the food now read the blog” Fortunately, the project coincided with a revival of Jewish www.koshersericesworldwide/blog/ community activity in Brighton and Hove, led by Doris issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 10 11 issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 12 13 NEW YEAR GREETINGS 5773 THE SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS EDITORIAL TEAM THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING US DURING THE PAST YEAR, AND SEND OUR WARMEST GREETINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR BRIGHTON YOUTH ALIYAH BOOKER Beryl, John and Maurice wish EPPEL May sends Shana Tova greetings COMMITTEE The chairman and members relatives and friends a happy, healthy New to family, friends and members of the of the committee send New Year greetings Year and well over the fast. community. to all their supporters and members of the community and especially to the children of BOYASK Linda and Martin with Ross ERDMAN/CROWN Iris and Frank wish all the Youth Aliyah villages in Israel. and Katy (USA) wish friends a happy and their relatives and friends a very happy New healthy New Year and well over the fast. Year and well over the fast. COUNCIL OF CHRISTIANS AND JEWS A happy New Year to the community from BURKE Shirley and Alan wish all their EVANS Evelyn wishes all her family and the Brighton and Hove CCJ. family and friends a happy, healthy and friends a very happy and healthy New Year. peaceful New Year. HELPING HANDS wish their volunteers, FAULL Maurice, Laura, Matthew and clients and everyone in the community a CAPLIN Alma wishes her family and Emily wish family and friends a very happy healthy and happy New Year. We appreciate friends a very happy New Year and well New Year. all your support. over the fast. FAULL Dian and Stanley wish their family WESSEX JEWISH NEWS The WJN team CARLTON Sandra and Derek wish all and friends a happy and healthy New Year. wish all the Sussex community a happy and their family and friends the healthiest and peaceful New Year. happiest of New Years. FELSENSTEIN Linda and Ray, together with Lisa and Lee Fox (Mallorca) and WORTHING AND DISTRICT JEWISH COLLINS Jean and Ivor wish all our family Joanna and Danny Longhurst (Australia) COMMUNITY members wish all SJN and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful wish friends and family a happy New Year. subscribers Shana Tova. New Year. FERRIS Benita wishes her family and ABBOUDI A happy New Year and CONN Anne sends her love and wishes friends a healthy and peaceful New Year. well over the fast from Juju and Eliyahu good health to families and friends. Shana Tova. Abboudi, their children and grandchildren. CONWAY Phillip and Susan wish all their FLASHMAN Roz and Michael wish their ABRAHAMS Roger and Irit wish Chag family and friends Shana Tova and good dear family and friends a happy, healthy and Sameach to all of our relatives and friends. health for the New Year and Yom Kippur. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. ARGHEBANT Sylvia would like to wish COWAN Janet sends very best wishes to FREEMAN Philip wishes all his family and her family and many friends a happy and everyone for a happy, healthy and peaceful friends a very happy, healthy and peaceful healthy New Year and well over the fast. New Year. New Year. BARNARD/SEIDEL A happy New Year CROWN/LYONS Saonie, Jeremy, GABRIEL Bert and Judy wish all their to all from Rachel Barnard, David Seidel, Elizabeth and Ghila wish all their family and friends in the community a happy and Moses and Gabriel. friends Shana Tova for 5773. peaceful New Year and well over the fast. BARNETT Cynthia, Terry and Harry wish CUDDIS Shan and David wish all their GOLDBERG Berny and Jenny wish family Shana Tova and good health to their family relatives and friends a happy and healthy and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful and friends. New Year. New Year. BARSAM Sam and Claire wish their DELACOUR Robert and Marion wish their GOODMAN/KORBY Debra, Micheal, family, the Rabbonim, and all their friends family and friends a happy and healthy New Charlotte and Sam wish their family, friends and colleagues in the community a happy Year and well over the fast. and all the community a happy and healthy and healthy New Year and well over the fast. New Year. DOCTORS Hilda, Anthony and Philip wish BASS Alan and Jill wish all their family everybody a happy New Year and well over GORDON Joan wishes all her family and and friends a happy New Year and well over the fast. friends a happy and healthy New Year and the fast. well over the fast. DUKE Norina and all the Dukes of Hove BLOOM Wendy and Ronnie wish all their wish their many family and friends Shana GORDON Barbara and Ian wish their dear children, grandchildren, father and friends a Tova and well over the fast. family and friends in Sussex a healthy and happy New Year and well over the fast. peaceful New Year. ELKIN-ROSE Muriel wishes her dear BLUME Barbara and Joe wish family and family and friends a very happy and healthy GOULD Godfrey sends his best wishes friends a happy New Year and well over the New Year and well over the fast. to family and friends for a happy, healthy, fast. peaceful and contented New Year. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 12 13 GREEN Sheila and Ben wish our family and LEVINE Sydney and Cecile send greetings NISSEN Nettie sends all good wishes for a friends good health and happiness on this to all their family and friends with very best happy New Year to relatives and friends. festive occasion. wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year. NOAH June wishes a happy and healthy GROSS Sandra, Martin, Ryan and Ben LEVINSON Doris wishes Shana Tova to New Year to all her family and friends. wish all their family and friends a happy and all her dear friends and colleagues in the healthy New Year ahead. community. PANTO Rosa and Stuart wish all their family and friends “a healthy and happy HARRIS Michael, Karen and Oliver wish LUPER Renee sends best wishes to all New Year”. all members of the community Shana Tova family, friends and all at SJN for a happy, and well over the fast. healthy and peaceful New Year. Shana Tova. PANTOOCK Rosalind wishes all friends and family living locally a very happy New HILL Aileen, Barry, Elliot, Laura, Warren LYONS Fay wishes her family and friends, Year and well over the fast. and Miri, Darren and Allegra-Grace wish including HHC with Rabbi and Mrs their families and friends a happy and Silverman and family a healthy and happy PHILLIPS/SPECTOR Renee and Helen healthy New Year. New Year. wish all their dear family and friends Shana Tova and well over the fast. HIRSHFIELD Morris wishes a happy New LYONS Jeff and Gillian wish their dear Year to Shirley Huberman and her family, family and friends a happy and healthy New RATNER Lily wishes all her friends and everybody at Ralli Hall and Hyman Fine Year. family Shana Tova. House. MACINTOSH Stewart and Jenny wish all RENTS Renee and Joe wish their dear HOLLIS/NIA Dennis and Victoria wish their friends in the community Shana Tova family and friends a happy New Year and their family and friends a happy and healthy and well over the fast. well over the fast. Shana Tova and well over the fast. MAGRILL Marilyn wishes Shana Tova to RICH Gillian and Michael wish their IRWIN Judy wishes all her dear friends her dear mother, children, grandchildren, family and friends a very happy, healthy and Shana Tova followed by a year of health and family and friends. peaceful New Year. peace. MANN Lewis with his family wish all their RICHARDS Jill and Ivor send best wishes ISAACS Barbara and Irvyn wish all their relatives and friends a happy, healthy and for a healthy and happy New Year to all family and friends Shana Tova. peaceful New Year. family and friends. JACOBS Sheila and Cyril wish their family MASON Hazel and Harry wish their ROLAND Marianne and Bernard wish and friends a happy, healthy and peaceful children, family and friends a happy, healthy family and friends a very happy, healthy New Year. and peaceful New Year and well over the New Year. fast. JAY Jean would like to wish her family and ROSE Susan and David wish all their friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New MAY Ralph, Irene, Miriam and Zoe wish family and friends a very happy, healthy and Year. the whole community a happy New Year. peaceful New Year. JOSMAN Ruth and Cecil wish our family MEGITT Stephanie and Brian wish their ROSE Jack, Elaine, Eva and Marianne, and friends Shana Tova, peace, and well dear friends in Sussex a happy and healthy together with Dan, send season’s greetings over the fast. New Year and well over the fast. to everyone and wish Shana Tova to all. JOSYFON Sandra and Brian wish all their MELCHER Joan and David wish their ROSENFIELD Sue and Tony wish family family and friends a happy, healthy and family and friends a happy and healthy New and friends Shana Tova and a year of health, peaceful New Year. Year. happiness and peace. KAPLAN Lesley and Shefton wish MITCHELL Rita and Ronnie wish their RUBIN Brian and Sharon wish their family everyone a very healthy and happy New dear family and friends a very happy and and friends Shana Tova and a healthy and Year and well over the fast. healthy New Year and well over the fast. joyful year. LASKY Doreen, Malcolm and their family MORDECAI Estelle wishes her family and RUBIN Hazel and Joe send their best would like to wish everyone a happy and friends a happy New Year and well over the wishes to family and friends for a happy, healthy New Year. fast. healthy and peaceful New Year and well over the fast. LEVENE Michael and Kathy wish all MORDECAI Louise and Steve wish their their friends in the community a happy and family and friends a happy and healthy New RUTHERFORD Sandra and Ronnie send healthy New Year. Year. their best wishes for a peaceful, happy and healthy New Year in 5773. LEVER Carole, Alan and all the Lever MORRIS Phillipa, Stephen, Gemma and family wish the Rabbonim, relatives and Oliver wish all their family and friends a SAMUELSON Doris and Sydney and friends a wonderful, healthy and peaceful happy New Year and well over the fast. family send greetings for the New Year to all 5773.. Chag Sameach. their friends down south. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 14 15 SCHAVERIEN David wishes Rabbonim SIMONS Ruth wishes Shana Tova to the TAYLOR Nina sends sincerest greetings for and their families, shul officers, fellow whole community. a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to congregants, friends and family a Shana the whole community. Tova and well over the fast. SOROKIN Ivor and Gweni send our sincere good wishes for a joyous and healthy New TORRANCE Tom and Cherry wish a SCRIVEN Valentine wishes family and Year to the whole community. May we enjoy healthy, peaceful and sweet New Year to friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New life’s most precious blessings. family and friends. Well over the fast to all. Year. STANFORD Jeffrey, Lydia, Simon and Lisa WALKER Doreen and Bernie wish their SELIGMAN Marilyn wishes her dear wish their family and friends a happy and dear children and grandchildren (at home family and friends a very happy and healthy peaceful New Year. and abroad), family and friends a healthy New Year. and happy New Year. SUGARMAN Lucy wishes her dear family SHARPE Beryl and Mef wish their dear and wonderful friends a happy and healthy WALKER Lesley, Steve, Oliver and Ryan children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, New Year and well over the fast. wish all their family and friends a healthy family and friends a healthy and peaceful and happy New Year and well over the fast. New Year. SWITHERN Lydia and Bernard wish their dear family and friends a happy and healthy WILKS Sarah and David wish all their SILVER-ANDREWS Helen wishes Shana New Year. family and friends Shana Tova and well over Tova to dear Alma, Muriel, family and the fast. friends. Love always. TAYLOR Gloria wishes her dear family and friends a happy and healthy New Year and WOOLFE Laurel and Julian wish their SIMMONS Jean wishes her dear family and well over the fast. children, grandchildren, relatives and friends friends a happy, healthy and peaceful New a healthy, happy New Year. Year. TAYLOR Ronnie and Linda wish their dear family and friends at Eastbourne Hebrew SIMONS Jack and Joan send their fondest Congregation a happy and healthy New Year wishes for a healthy and happy New Year to and well over the fast. all family and friends. Recipes for a Sweet Year Dorset Apple Cake by Janet Cowan Tzimmes: a new look at a traditional Rosh Hashanah recipe by Wendy Scorah This is a sweet treat for New Year, delicious for teatime or as a dessert, especially with (ice) cream. 1 cup of butternut squash cut into cubes 225g butter 1 cup of carrots cut into dice 225g caster sugar 1 cup of sweet potatoes cut into cubes 4 large eggs 1 white potato peeled 1 kilo of self-raising flour 1 large onion chopped 25g cornflour 1 chicken stock cube 225g chopped Bramley apples Syrup 1 unpeeled apple, cut in segments and soaked in lemon juice soft brown sugar Fry the onion until golden brown. Add the butternut squash, carrots and sweet potato to the onion for a further 5 minutes. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and flour Grate the potato into the vegetables. Add water mixed with the alternately, adding the cornflour while you are mixing. stock cube just covering the vegetables and leave to simmer until most of the water has gone. Fold in the chopped apples and pour the mixture into a cake tin 18cm in diameter. Arrange the soaked apple segments in a Add a few tablespoons of syrup for taste. Remove from heat, circle round the top of the cake and dust with soft brown sugar transfer to a dish and cook in the oven for about 10/15 minutes to make a crusty glaze. until it has a nice glazed appearance. Bake at 170 C for about an hour and a quarter. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 14 15 issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 16features 17 A Tale Of Two Cities Not too far away from the Great Synagogue stands a modest by Fausta Shelton monument, recently erected to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who in A great deal has already been written on these pages about 1944 saved thousands of Hungarian Jews by issuing Swedish European Jewry, but I believe that we all have different ways passports to them. At the end of the war he was arrested of perceiving what we see and hear. This notion encourages by the Russians, incarcerated in the infamous Lubianka and me to share with you my experiences when recently visiting never heard of again. Stockholm and Copenhagen. In Denmark, Sephardi Jews from The history of Swedish and Portugal were welcomed by King Danish Jewry is quite diverse. Christian IV from the time of the The first Jew to settle almost Inquisition just after 1492 and they unconditionally in Stockholm, enjoyed a privileged place at the in 1774 during the reign royal court for a long time. It was of Gustav III, was the gem only at the turn of the twentieth carver Aaron Isaacs, though century that the Henriques and Jews had been tolerated Mendes of the past lost status there, even if often forced because of the immigration of to convert, since the Middle the poorer, more troubled and Ages. It may be interesting troublesome Askhenazi Jews from to note that it was only in the pogroms of Eastern Europe. 1951 that the last remaining restrictions were lifted and In Copenhagen the Synagogue was indeed that circumcision is closed, but we were able to visit still frowned upon and only both the Jewish and the Resistance permitted when carried out Museums. Resistance members under medical supervision. played a crucial part in saving more than 7,000 Jews risking and often losing their own lives in a Conversely, it should also be mentioned that in the early country where the German Occupation lasted five years. We 1990s Sweden started a Holocaust education campaign, both also visited the Trinitatis Church, where the Scrolls from the in Sweden and across the world, lest the horrors perpetrated main Synagogue were safely hidden for the duration of the against the Jews should be forgotten. There are now about conflict. 20,000 Jews in Sweden, of which 10,000 are in Stockholm alone, although only 5,700 are affiliated. Intermarriage It is imperative at this point, to mention Georg Duckwitz, a and the repercussions of the Holocaust have changed the German Attaché who in October 1943 alerted the Danish and composition of the community, at present made up in great Jewish authorities in Copenhagen to the imminent German numbers of German, Polish and Eastern European subjects, plan to apprehend all Danish Jews. In the following two who swept in after the end of the conflict. days, hundreds of fishing vessels of all sizes transported the entire Jewish population Sweden was ‘neutral’ of the country to Sweden, during WWII and was not where Duckwitz had already invaded by the Germans negotiated their safety. As a in exchange for metal result, the only Jews to lose ore and free passage their lives in Denmark were to Norway, Finland and about 100 of the 483 who had Russia. It was only after been taken to Theresienstadt the German débacle at just before the exodus to Stalingrad that Sweden Sweden began. As for Duckwitz, partially turned her back after the war he became the on Germany and started to first German ambassador to co-operate with the Allies, Denmark and in 1971 the Israeli allowing Jews in from government inscribed his name many parts of Europe, as one of the Righteous among where the persecution the Nations, in Yad Vashem. against them was rampant. On leaving Copenhagen and Stockholm, two old and In Stockholm we visited beautiful cities, I was aware of the Great Synagogue and the adjacent Holocaust Memorial, a subtle feeling of warmth and recognition for two nations where the names of 8,500 murdered relatives of Swedish where Jewish people had been spared the horrific destiny of Jews are listed. The Synagogue was built in 1870 in the their European brethren. At the same time, I thought that we oriental style and seats 900. It is a magnificent work of art as individuals all have a duty to remind the next generations and, after having been Orthodox, is now Masorti-like, allowing of the Nazi crimes against humanity, not in order to men and women to sit together since 2007. The other two perpetuate hatred but to make sure that it will never happen synagogues in Stockholm are Orthodox. again. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 16 features 17 Tracing the Tribe: six Tips for Researching your Jewish Ancestry by Naomi Leon Several years ago when I began is no information to be had. It may researching my own Jewish ancestry, be possible to find birth, marriage an elderly relative sent me a scuffed and death records; books of Jewish www.jewishgen.org - The most piece of paper with a list of unfamiliar residents; business directories; comprehensive repository of Jewish names. These, I was told, were my cemetery records and much more. genealogical information. great-grandfather’s siblings – the Lewkowicz family – from Lodz, Poland. Ask the questions. Then, I knew little more than my great- grandfather’s name and that he had You won’t get answers if you don’t died in Kensington Infirmary aged 52, of ask the questions! Use the internet www.ancestry.co.uk - Register a free tuberculosis aggravated by his tailoring to research which archives might be subscription to build a tree, and explore work. helpful to you. Write or email, explain its vast records, including the Jewish what you want to find out, ideally in Online World Burial Registry, Jewish Fast forward to the present day, and bite-size chunks, and ask what records family history collections, passenger I not only know what became of each are available. Though archivists are and immigration records. one of those siblings, their children, employed to retrieve records, not to do and grandchildren, but also I am in the work for you, they often provide an touch with more than thirty 2nd and 3rd amount of informal research. It pays to cousins in the US. I know exactly where do your homework first. Be prepared to my great-grandfather grew up, what his chase. If you do not know where your http://db.yadvashem.org/names/ - street and his synagogue looked like, ancestors came from, use old census Trace relatives in wartime Europe using the names of his parents, grandparents returns and vital records to locate them. the Shoah Names Database, which and great-grandparents as far back draws on personal testimonies and as 1740, how and when he came to Muster your resources. WW2-era records. London, the family he left behind… Use every tool at your disposal – a The point of this story? With a little larger toolbox is required to research persistence, everything is possible. Do a Jewish family tree, though it need not assume that your Jewish ancestry not be specialist. Start by contacting www.avotaynu.com - Investigate the cannot be uncovered. I have since relatives and ask them what they know. extensive resources of this leading researched a number of Ashkenazi and As well as genealogical resources online Jewish genealogical publisher, including Sephardi families, from Eastern Europe, (many of which are free, see below), use the Consolidated Jewish Surname the Mediterranean and the Middle East Google translate to help communicate Index, a gateway to 700,000 Jewish and have learned a few clear lessons with overseas archives, XE.com to surnames. along the way. calculate currency conversion fees. Utilise Facebook, the Israeli telephone Happy hunting! Chuck out the rule book. directory, US White Pages… Naomi Leon is the founder of Research The usual principles of genealogical Expect nothing… and everything. Roots, a genealogical research research do not apply. Clearly, you company based in Brighton, which cannot rely on your Jewish ancestors Obviously there is no guarantee you specialises in Jewish family history. staying in the same place, as most will find what you are looking for. Visit the website at www.researchroots. English families traditionally did, or However, the particular challenges of co.uk or email info@researchroots.co.uk using the same names. Even in “the researching Jewish ancestry make old country” our ancestors typically the fruits all the sweeter. And, often, went by a variety of names and the stories uncovered about our epithets in several languages, and ancestors’ rich past spelled surnames in multiple ways. are of a peculiarly These challenges are compounded by fascinating nature. translation and adoption of new names in new countries. It is wise to keep an Where to start? open mind when searching records and not to discount sources too quickly if Start with the certain details appear inaccurate. present and work your way back Assume nothing. logically, making notes of significant It is surprising how many Jewish names, places and records survive in Eastern Europe dates. You may wish and beyond, despite best efforts to to make use of the obliterate them. Do not assume there following resources: issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 18Culture 19 sally Becker’s Olympic honour “We were asked to keep the details to ourselves because they did not plan to release the information until the moment we entered the stadium on the night. Although I knew there would be eight other What a lovely surprise it was for the people involved, it was a complete surprise when I found myself Brighton & Hove Jewish community to see standing alongside Ban Ki Moon”. Sally Becker walking proudly round the Olympic Stadium, having been chosen to “There was an explosion of light as we entered the stadium and be one of the flag bearers at the opening the atmosphere was incredible as 70,000 people began to cheer. ceremony of the 2012 London Games We slowly made our way past the Presidential box and joined - apparently the first Jewish woman to Mohammed Ali who was waiting near the mound. My heart went carry the Olympic flag. out to him. He looked so frail and he could barely stand up but his presence was very important. He has used his fame to inspire young Sally Becker first became involved in people all over the world. As he grasped the flag I could hear the humanitarian work when she brought crowd chanting “Ali, Ali” and there was a sense of something magical aid to the Bosnian Jewish community in the air”. in Mostar. She later earned the name ’Angel of Mostar’ for her work “We were only in the stadium for a very short while but I will rescuing wounded children from besieged remember every moment for the rest of my life.” areas of Bosnia and Kosovo. She also helped civilians during the Sally has now 2006 Lebanon War who were trapped in conflict zones along the written a book border. Three years ago she was further honoured by being named about her a Goodwill Ambassador for the interfaith organisation, Children of experiences in Peace. the Balkan war. ‘Sunflowers and The opening ceremony was a magical night for her. She told SJN Snipers’ has just that while the flag was being raised, she said a silent prayer for the been published by athletes who died in Munich. The History Press and is available in “When I was first told that I had been chosen to carry the flag in the most bookstores opening ceremony of the London 2012 games I thought there must and on Kindle. have been some mistake and it wasn’t until I met with Danny Boyle Photo by Darren that I began to believe it was real”. Fletcher issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 18 Culture 19 guests in the sukkah to avoid anger and a 1000- shekel citron all On Sunday 14th October the Sussex Jewish Film figure in Moshe’s Club invites you to come and see the Israeli film dark night of the Ha’Ushpizin (The Guests, 90 mins). soul… In Jerusalem’s orthodox Breslov neighbourhood All are welcome it’s Sukkot. A devout couple, Moshe and Mali, to come along. married nearly five years and childless, are broke and praying for It’s 7.00 for a miracle. Suddenly, miracles abound - a friend finds Moshe a 7.30 pm at Ralli Sukkah which he says is abandoned; Moshe is the beneficiary of Hall as usual, local charitable fundraising, and two escaped convicts arrive on with a small Moshe and Mali’s doorstep in time to be their ‘ushpizin’ - guests. The entry donation requested from non-members. Come in good time to miracles then become trials. Rabbinical advice, absolution, an effort socialise with a drink. for your bookshelf The Thread by Gillian Rich by Victoria Hislop It seems that every novel I pick up these days has a Jewish theme I read and enjoyed this author’s running through it. Is it just me or do literary agents think a Jewish two previous novels and was theme means good sales figures? Here are two books I’ve read in really looking forward to this recent months. book, without realising that one of the threads was definitely The Novel in the Viola Jewish. I did not feel this was by Natasha Solomons as good as The Island and The Return, but I felt I learnt about This novel tells the story of Elise Jews in Greece in the twentieth Landau, a young Viennese girl who century. manages to escape to England in the Spring of 1938. Her family The story is about life from background is drawn for the 1917-2007 in the Muslim, reader in the first few chapters. Jewish and Christian She comes from a cultured middle communities in Thessaloniki. class background, as did so many The characters are finely drawn Austrian Jews at that time. and so is the town. By the end, I felt I knew my way round, both She suffers a tremendous cultural with sights and smells. There shock when she is employed as a is love, danger, politics and parlour maid, in an English country corruption. We read so much house in Dorset. She has to about Jewish life in Northern learn the language, manners and Europe, but, apart from Spain, there seems to be little written about ways of the landed gentry, while the communities in the South. feeling extreme homesickness. In addition, she worries about her We should thank Victoria Hislop for sympathetically drawing our family and whether they have managed to flee to America as planned. attention to the mostly lost Jewish life in Greece. Of course, there has to be love and danger in this genre. There are a few twists and Elise is a well drawn character. This is Natasha Solomons’ second book and personally, I feel that her style is maturing. I would recommend it as a satisfactory holiday read. MARTIN GROSS Funeral Director and Funeral Consultant to Jewish communities 01273 439792 07801 599771 07540 066566 issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 20Culture 21 JACs by Nina Taylor, Hon. Chairperson It is amazing how our Committee manages to arrange When Sarah Tobias gave a talk on ’Women, Work and organise speakers who have researched a variety and Wartime’, which was illustrated with posters of interests to come to talk to our members. These from the Imperial War Museum, we introduced her to talks are interspersed with musical afternoons, quizzes nonagenarian member Pam Rosen, who was in the and Hat Debates. A variation of the Hat Debate was Women’s Land Army and to another member (very hush “What Do You Think?” The question master posed a hush) who, when serving in the WRAF, was a plotter question and asked members their views. This ensured in the map room. A local amateur meteorologist, Jane that everyone had a chance to speak. Terry, discussed weather patterns and the structure and meanings of types of clouds. Periodically we have a Ivor Richards gave a very interesting talk about a visit mini ice age. to India. Ivor said that it wasn’t exactly a holiday – but an “experience”. He and Jill, his wife, had spent three Our speakers are not only entertaining but informative weeks with another couple travelling around India, a too. Apparently, before the 1800s, the sea was country of many contrasts. Peter Batten told us about considered ugly and people did not build houses facing song-writer and orchestra leader Ray Noble who was the sea until after that time! born in Brighton, (have you spotted his name on one of the buses?) became well known in London and then We have programmes for September and October and went to America with singer Al Bowlly. Al didn’t do well look forward to seeing old friends and new at the AJEX in the States and returned to England. Ray stayed on Centre on Wednesday afternoons at 2.00 pm. and had a very successful career. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 20 BhRs Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue Palmeira Avenue, Hove BN3 3GE 21 Tel: 01273 735343 Email: office@bh-rs.org www.bh-rs.org Rabbi dr Andrea Zanardo joins BhRs by Michael Harris, Chairman I am delighted to announce that Rabbi Dr. Andrea Zanardo has been appointed as the new Rabbi at BHRS, from the beginning of September. This followed a weekend in mid-July when Rabbi Andrea visited the Shul, and our members were given the opportunity to meet him and his family. The feedback received from our membership was extremely positive. On Tuesday 28th August, at an Extra Ordinary General Meeting, our members voted unanimously to endorse the appointment of Rabbi Andrea, who describes his career as follows: “I was born in Italy in 1968. While studying at Milan University I became Jewishly active. In the Nineties I was among the founders of the first Italian Reform Congregation, Rabbi Andrea will be officiating at our High Holy Day services, where I took care of ritual life, including co-authoring the and will be conducting his first Shabbat services at our Shul Siddur. Meanwhile I was admitted to a PhD program and on Friday 7 September at 6.30 pm and then on Saturday 8 later became a lecturer in Jewish History. It was then I September at 10.30 am. decided to become a Rabbi, and in 2007 left my academic career to enter Leo Baeck College, where I was ordained Rabbi Andrea married Sara in July 2004. They have two Rabbi on 1 July 2012. sons, Dov Daniel, born in Jerusalem on February 2008, and Yair Yisrael, born in London in April 2012. They plan to As part of the LBC Rabbinical Program I studied at the relocate to Brighton as soon as possible. Rabbi Andrea is Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem, and achieved my MA in looking forward to not only becoming our Rabbi, but also to Jewish Studies at King’s College in London. I also studied in meeting and contributing to the wider Jewish community in Jerusalem at the Conservative Yeshiva.” Brighton & Hove. hhC Hove Hebrew Congregation Rabbi vivian silverman 79 Holland Road, Hove BN3 1JN Tel: 01273 732035 Email: hollandroadshul@btinternet.com Rosh hashanah Message by Rabbi Vivian Silverman More than twenty years ago, an organization was set up Each year, towards Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, JABE calling itself The Jewish Association for Business Ethics sends out leaflets (to be placed on synagogue seats) (JABE). Its purpose: To set out the timeless Jewish view on discussing particular scenarios and how each can be carried the way to treat colleagues, employees, and customers in the out morally and ethically. workplace. The Torah itself speaks about moral and immoral conduct, Ethics ought to play a major role in how one treats other which is then discussed at length in the pages of the Talmud. people, and this includes the way a person runs a business or Judaism has much to teach the world – to be “A light to the corporation. The JABE runs seminars and gives talks on how Nations,” by the way we conduct ourselves. one can deal ethically, and still get ahead. Lynette and myself, together with our family, wish you all a There have always been dissenting voices heard to the year of contentment and success, happiness and peace. effect that “to get to the top” in the cut-and-thrust of the marketplace, a person has to make decisions, e.g. dismissing people, and “treading on others”. Which means that if such an individual has religious or moral scruples, he or she will K’TIVA VAHATIMA TOVA never be able to reach a top executive position. Unfortunately, this is a very sad but true state of affairs. V’SHALOM AL YISRAEL Nevertheless, it does not mean that one should not treat others with consideration and courtesy, and retain a moral compass. The interest rate-fixing scandal and apparent manipulation agreements between the CEOs of major banks has brought their reputations to an all time low. It only emphasizes all the more the importance of the Jewish Association for Business Ethics in promoting a just and ethical stance among the business community. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 22BhPs Rabbi elizabeth Tikvah sarah Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue, 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove BN3 1FF Tel: 01273 737223 Email: bhps@freenetname.co.uk www.brightonandhoveprosynagogue.org.uk Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue Twitter@BHPS2011 23 T’shuvah – Beginning with ourselves by Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah The year has turned. Rosh Ha-Shanah approaches and But there is a danger in drawing up an ‘account’ of we have arrived at the season for t’shuvah, for ‘turning’ our misdeeds, if we simply focus on what we have towards others and repenting our misdeeds. But how done to others. The danger is that we are left feeling do we do this? If we don’t know how, the simplest thing totally wretched – which is the last place we want to to do is to focus on attending all the services and keep be if we are going to have the courage to change. Our ourselves busy reciting all those prayers and singing all cheshbon ha-nefesh can only work if we also focus the evocative and special melodies. on what we have done to ourselves over the past Yes, I am suggesting that coming to synagogue on year. In fact, this is the place to make a start, before Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur can be a diversionary we consider how we have treated others. If we can activity. Indeed, when we are there, the plural form of understand how we have hurt ourselves, mistreated most of the prayers – so important for conveying the ourselves, ignored ourselves, belittled ourselves, then message that we are all in it together – may function we may have a chance of recognising what we have as a real obstacle to the key challenge of the yamim done to other people. nora’im, ‘the days of awe’, which is to examine So here are some questions for ourselves: Have I slept ourselves and our failings over the past year and and rested enough? Have I taken the time each day to resolve to change. eat a proper sit-down meal? Have I exercised? Have Perhaps we could start with a cheshbon ha-nefesh. I paused to notice the trees sway, the shapes in the The expression means, literally, ‘an account of the clouds and the changes in the quality of the light at soul’. Perhaps, just as we might draw up an account different times of the day? Have I forgiven myself, when of our expenditure over the past year, we might draw I’ve made a mistake? Have I stopped to reflect and up an account of our actions – towards family, friends, appreciate myself when I’ve done something well, or colleagues, fellow congregants, neighbours, people when someone has thanked me? in the wider community, strangers near and far, and As Hillel taught: ‘If I am not for myself, who will be for the world around us. In other words, we make a list me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not of the errors and wrongs we have committed that now, when?’ (Avot 1:14). May we all feel supported by encompasses everything from ignoring the needs of our one another as we make our t’shuvah journeys and partner or spouse and bullying a workmate, to jumping may the coming year bring blessings for all our lives. the queue, being rude to a waiter and discarding our L’shanah tovah! rubbish on the beach. high holyday services This year, due to the synagogue redevelopment, High Tickets for non-members are available from the Holyday services Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur synagogue office at a cost of £50. This will be refunded will be conducted at Ralli Hall. So that we can build if joining the synagogue as a member in the three a Sukkah, Sukkot Services will be held in members’ months following the festivals. There will be no charge homes. Please contact the synagogue office for for students, but please contact the office for tickets for venues. security purposes. Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue Cyberquiz Evening You don’t have to know anything about computers to participate in the Cyberquiz which this year is being held at the Ralli Hall on SUNDAY, 4TH NOVEMBER at 6.30 pm Now in its fourth year, the Cyberquiz is an interactive and fun quiz evening. Teams are 6 people, so make up a table or come and make up a team with others. The teams in Hove will be answering questions in competition with each other, as well as teams from other Jewish communities. This year we are planning to go international with a promise of participation from Jewish Communities in USA and Brazil. The questions are set by members of South Bucks Progressive Synagogue, who are the central co-ordinators. Our results will be emailed to the organisers at South Bucks, who will collate the results and give us feedback about our position versus the other congregations. Tickets cost £6 and include a light supper. Please ring Chandra at the office on 01273 - 737223 to reserve and pay for your place. issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 22 BhhC Rabbi hershel Rader Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation, 31 New Church Road, Hove BN3 3AD Tel: 01273 888855 Email: office@bhhc-shul.org www.webjam.com/bhhc10 23 Be Careful what you wish for G-d gives us – what is truly important. The tragedy by Rabbi Hershel Rader is that we often spend a disproportionate amount of our precious time chasing that which is transient and If you could have any wish, anything in the world, what unimportant. would you wish for? The answer varies from person to person. Some would wish for wealth, some for prestige Over the past few months we have witnessed two very and honour. Others may wish for things that are more special events: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the basic and pressing; good health, financial stability and London Olympics. I have already written extensively the ability to support their family, Nachas from their about the Jubilee, briefly put I regard it as a celebration children or, indeed, children to have Nachas from. All of 60 years of dedicated service, something which can of these are mentioned in our prayers over the High be evaluated only in retrospect. As far as the Olympics Holidays. are concerned possibly the most telling statistic is not the medal tally, Olympic Records or World Records but The answer also varies at different times in a person’s the PB – the Personal Best which some participants life. We understand that a teenager embarking on achieve. their GCSE or A Level year views their exam results as paramount in importance, after all haven’t they been What should we desire most in life? To make space told over and over that their entire future depends on for all those things that truly matter on an objective them? The same applies at every stage of our lives; scale: Relationships, marriage, family, being part of a there is likely to be an event or challenge or goal which community and a tradition, being able to appreciate is looming and preoccupies us to the extent that we and treasure G-d’s gifts and share them with others. To would wish for success in that particular aspect of be people who make a difference as the great heroes our lives. Then again we may of our people, as well as the unsung have the foresight to realise Whether or not we ‘medal’ and attain ones, have done throughout the that by wishing for something millennia. Whether or not we ‘medal’ ‘hero status’ is irrelevant, we can still else, something overarching, and attain ‘hero status’ is irrelevant, achieve our Personal Best and no one the immediate concern would we can still achieve our Personal can ask for more. Someone who has become obsolete but there are Best and no one can ask for more. some things that nothing else reached that goal has lived a truly Someone who has reached that goal can supersede or replace, for fulfilled life. has lived a truly fulfilled life. example, doesn’t every mother There is the story of the wealthy man have the unrivalled wish for a healthy baby? who passes away and finds himself at heaven’s gate Does the fact that we want one thing more than with the gatekeeper barring his way. Whipping out his anything else mean it is the most important thing in cheque book he exclaims ‘how much will it cost me to our lives? We can answer this question on various enter’ to which the gatekeeper replies ‘here we don’t levels. Firstly, an overriding desire for something does take cheques, only receipts’. Ultimately life is about not indicate its overriding importance rather the fact what we put into it, not what we take out. Judaism that if the status quo remains intact this is the most teaches us that true fulfillment and, indeed, happiness important thing you don’t yet have. You don’t know comes from giving and the enduring legacy we leave to what you’ve got till it’s gone; sometimes it takes a loss the world. to reveal what is truly important in our lives. Secondly, Perla and I wish you all a Year of Health. Happiness, as mentioned before, our perspective changes causing Peace and True Fulfillment. our desires to change along with what we regard as important. Desire is often an indicator of what is merely temporarily important. Thirdly, what we wish for is purely a subjective valuation of importance; unfortunately people can spend a lifetime pursuing that which is in reality unimportant. Maybe a better way of evaluating that which is important in life is through a retrospective view. In an essay entitled The Pursuit of Happiness the Chief Rabbi writes: No one ever delivered a funeral oration saying ‘Mr X. What a man he was. He drove a Lamborghini, dressed in Armani … had a villa in Cap Ferrat … This was a giant. We shall not see his like again.’ We know that a speech like that would be mad. The point he is making is that after a person’s passing we catch a glimpse of what lives on after us and what difference we make in this brief span of years that issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 24 Grodzinki’s challot and what’s on: september / October 2012 rye bread are available from Premier website: www.sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org Convenience Stores in Hove Street every Thursday morning email: info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org until supplies run out. 24 shABBAT shAlOM – BRighTOn TiMes MeMORABle dATes - sePTeMBeR In Light Candles Out Havdalah Sun 16 Erev Rosh Hashana Mon 17 1st day Rosh Hashana September Tue 18 2nd day Rosh Hashana Fri 7 7.14 pm Sat 8 8.20 pm Tue 25 Erev Yom Kippur – Light candles Fri 14 6.59 pm Sat 15 8.04 pm 6.34 pm, Fast begins 6.35 pm Fri 21 6.43 pm Sat 22 7.42 pm Wed 26 Yom Kippur – Fast ends 7.38 pm Fri 28 6.27 pm Sat 29 7.31 pm Sun 30 Erev Succot October MeMORABle dATes - OCTOBeR Fri 5 6.12 pm Sat 6 7.16 pm Mon 1 1st day Succot Fri 12 5.56 pm Sat 13 7.01 pm Tue 2 2nd day Succot Fri 19 5.42 pm Sat 20 6.42 pm Mon 8 Shemini Atzeret Fri 26 5.28 pm Sat 27 6.34 pm Tue 9 Simchat Torah RegulAR ACTiviTies evenTs fOR OCTOBeR Please confirm the holding of regular events during the High Holy Wednesday 3 Days with the activity organiser. JACs Quiz presented by Janice Greenwood. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / Sundays £2.50 non-members Carmel Tennis Club 10.00 am - 12.00 noon. Weekly. All levels welcome. Tel: Leon on 07717 222744 Sunday 7 AJeX Your Desert Island Discs: music & tea. £6.00 Brighton JlgB (Jewish lads and girls Brigade) The youth club for 8-18 year Call Moss Kimmelman to book on 01273 777351 olds meets every Sunday during school terms from 4.15 pm - 6.00 pm at Ralli Hall. Contact Diane on 07963 552920 or Alison on 07951 499215 Wednesday 10 JACs with guest speaker Andy Thomas on Mondays Unexplained Mysteries. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / £2.50 non-members The ethics of our fathers with Rabbi Efune 11.30 am - 12.30 pm at the Brighton Hillel Centre, 66/67 Middle Street, Brighton Tel: 01273 321919 Sunday 14 Afternoon Club with tea 1.30 pm. Ralli Hall Tel: Reba 01444 410435 sussex Jewish film Club presents ‘Ushpizin – Guests in the Sukkah’, 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm at Ralli Hall Rubber and duplicate Bridge 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm £2.00 Ralli Hall. Tel: Reba 01444 410435 Wednesday 17 Contemporary Basic Talmud with Rabbi Efune - Men only 8.15 pm at JACs with guest speaker David Barnett on Jewish Chabad House 01273 321919 Traders of Regency London. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / £2.50 non- Tanya (Kabbalah) learning group with Penina Efune - Ladies only 8.15 pm members at Chabad House 01273 321919 Khorovod singing group at Ralli Hall 7.00 am – 9.00 pm Tuesdays Sunday 21 Ralli hall lunch and social Club 10.30 am - 4.30 pm helping hands Tea at the AJEX Hall, Palmeira Avenue, Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 Weekly at Ralli Hall Hove 2.30 pm Art in the studio with Martin 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm Ralli Hall Wednesday 24 Painting with Rochelle (JAs) 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm Ralli Hall JACs with guest speaker Ian Gledhill on “Oh we do Tel: 01273 503708 like to be beside the seaside”. AJEX Centre, Eaton israeli dancing 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm Ralli Hall. Tel: Jacky 01273 688538 Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / £2.50 non- members Wednesdays Tuesday 30 JACs at the AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / Jewish historical society (sussex Branch) presents £2.50 non-members (see programme in Events listings) From Generation to Generation – Judaica at the British Museum. Ralli Hall, 7.45 pm – 9.15 pm. Art in the studio with Martin 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm Ralli Hall Members free / visitors welcome for a donation of £4 Khorovod of songs Eastern European Singing Group with Polina Shepherd to include light refreshments. 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm at Ralli Hall (room 12). RH members £5.00/non-members £6.00 (second Wednesday of the month) Wednesday 31 JACs with guest speaker Godfrey Gould on Death on Thursdays the Rails. AJEX Centre, Eaton Road, Hove at 2.00 pm. £2 members / £2.50 non-members Mother & Baby group (0-2 years) at the Torah nursery, 29 New Church Road, Hove. All mums welcome 9.30 am to 11.30 am. Ralli hall lunch and social Club 10.30 am-4.30 pm Weekly Tel: Jacqueline 01273 739999 (RH) COMMUNITY EVENTS – IMPORTANT REMINDER Bridge at Ralli Hall 11.00 am Contact the Communal Diary before weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Efune 8.15 pm at Chabad House planning your events! Tel: 01273 321919 Email: info@sussexjewishrepresentativecouncil.org issue 223 | sePTeMBeR / OCTOBeR 2012 -
Issue 190
October September 2009
SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS www.sussexjewishnews.com | £2 | SEP/OCT 2009 | ELUL 5769/TISHREI 5770 | ISSUE 190 ROSH HASHANAH GREETINGS • BACK FROM THE BRINK • BALTIC CRUISE 2 Pause for thought A welcome note from the Editor “Shana tovah. Fittingly, this issue marks our paper anniversary. Over the past year, the Editorial Board has received contributions of many articles, photographs, art or help with proofreading and layout of our community magazine. These volunteer contributors come from across our community and from outside our community, providing us with tremendous diversity in content, opinion and interests. Without our volunteers, there would not be a Sussex Jewish News. On behalf of our community and ourselves, we thank them all for their efforts. Putting Sussex Jewish News together monthly is a labour of love for the Editorial Board. We also recognise that our community is comprised of different practices and views, and, we are not naive enough to think that we will be able to satisfy all of our readers all of the time. As the calendar heads toward the Ten Days of Repentance, it is our obligation to try to make peace, to try not to enter the New Year with any broyges. It is in this spirit of teshuva that the Editorial Board extends its apologies to anyone we may have offended in the past year, whether by commission or omission, as a board or individually. May the New Year bring health, joy, success and prosperity to all and to our community. Shana tovah / happy New Year and well over the Fast. ” ADVERTISING IN SJN Full page (A4 size) B/W: £160. Col: £260 Half page (A5 size) B/W: £90. Col: £160 Quarter page (A6 size) B/W: £50. Col: £90 1/9 page (credit card size) B/W: £35. Col: £50 Personal £4 per line Flyers Price on application Local Jewish charities will not be charged, subject to editorial decision. BOOK NOW! 07906 955 404 editor@sussexjewishnews.com CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE HERE OR ONLINE 07906 955 404 | EDITOR@SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.COM ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 3 Contents Cover stories 12 SPOTLIGHT ON... BACK FROM THE BRINK A new documentary on moral courage and compassion during the Holocaust 16 TRAVEL Sailing, sailing, over the Baltic Sea 18 CHIEF RABBI’S ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE The questions posed by Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 28 ROSH HASHANAH GREETINGS Shana Tova wishes from the community SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS Regulars sussexjewishnews.com SJN features local news, 2 PAUSE FOR THOUGHT: Shana tova events, articles, reviews, announcements, people, 5 PERSONALS, LETTERS AND POSTCARDS: News and views congregations, communities, contacts and more. 5 SPECIAL OFFER: Sussex Jewish News subscription Delivered at the start of each 14 CULTURE: Interesting summer reading month, SJN is run entirely by volunteers for reporting, editing, printing, and 19 CULTURE: The arts beat circulating each edition that has become the cornerstone 31 WHAT’S ON: Regular and special events in your community of the Jewish community across the region. Editorial Board Your community Doris Levinson Stephanie Megitt 6 COMMUNITY LIFE: Pictures and news from across the county Ivor Miskin David Seidel 22 HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION Administrator 23 BRIGHTON & HOVE HEBREW CONGREGATION Ivor Sorokin Admin Assistant 23 RALLI HALL Gweni Sorokin Community Issues 24 BRIGHTON & HOVE PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE Laura Sharpe 25 BRIGHTON & HOVE REFORM SYNAGOGUE Communal Diary Angela Goldman diary@sussexjewishnews.com Photographer Sophie Sheinwald E-Publishing Gary Weston Andy Devon Design/Production Katie Lyons ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 4 About our contributors Getting involved Thank you to our contributors in 5769: THIS MONTH’S COVER is the inside of the Grand Choral Godfrey Gould, Gabi Markham, Jean Etherton, David Stamp, Synagogue in St Petersburg, taken by Diane Joseph on her Cecily Woolf, Sophie Sheinwald, Moss Rich, David Schaverien, recent Baltic cruise. Diane writes about her trip on pages 15 Debra Goodman, Rabbi Charles Wallach, Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah, and 16 of this issue. Hans Levy, Rabbi Vivian Silverman, Sam Barsam, Laura Sharpe, Manny Godfrey, Barbara Gordon, Claudette Woolfson, Jacqui Caidan, Nina Taylor, Judy Gabriel, Roger Abrahams, Angela Goldman, Sussex Jewish News (‘SJN’), its Editor and Editorial Board: Shula Rich, Gary Weston, Cynthia Barnett, Terry Barnett, Jodie Graham, Lisa Graham, Jane Dennett, Rabbi Dr Jeremy Rosen, Janice Greenwood, • are not allied to any synagogue or group and the views Liron Greenberg, Raquel Buckland, Marjorie Phillips, Michelle Kay, expressed by writers are not necessarily those of SJN; Lily Korn-Bernstock, Ashley Sheinwald, Gloria Lennard, Joan Melcher, • accept advertisements in good faith but do not endorse Ivor Sorokin, Ian Gordon, Michael Davids, Gordon Kay, any products or services and do not accept liability for any Sharon Granville, Richard Wood, Ben Wood, Bryan Wood, Suchitra Chatterjee, Gweni Sorokin, Rabbi Hershel Rader, Ivan Lyons, aspect of any advertisements; and Rochelle Oberman, Robert Blass, Andrew Jay, Gerald Levy, Imam Sajid, • welcome readers’ contributions but reserve the right to edit, Yael Breuer, Ivor Richards, Janet Cowan, Ann Conn, Andy Devon, cut, decline or submit the content to others for comment. Martin S Wertheim-Gould (Salmond), Betty Skolnick, Penina Efune, Rochel Hoose, Chutzpah Choir, UK Jewish Film Festival, Alan Burke, Shirley Burke, PC Jake Rolf, Phillip Kiberd, Martyn Cooperman, Submission deadline for next issue: 7th October 2009. Moses Barnard Seidel, Jackie Fuller, Philip Freeman, Fiona Sharpe, To ensure that we receive your submissions by email, please Miriam Book, Winston Pickett, Marc Carlton, Daniel Seligman, send them ONLY to editor@sussexjewishnews.com, otherwise Prue Baker, Vivienne Stockman, Lydia Swithern, Sandra & Chaz, Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, David Forman, Liz Posner, Ruth Smee, we cannot guarantee their consideration for publication. Henry Grunwald QC, Jamie Levinson, Susan Conway, Suzanne Collins, To assist the Editorial Board, submissions should be in Word Mike Weatherley, Angela Jay, Sidney Lipman, Liz Shaw, Sarah Wilks, format using Times New Roman as a font. Ruth Karp, Daniel Briscoe, Richard Harris, Vivien Harris, David Melcher, Simon Weinberg, Rabbi Pesach Efune, Aubrey Cole, Judy Irwin, Receipt of submissions may not be acknowledged, unless Rt Hon Gordon Brown, Margaret Phillips, Sharon Rubin, Gillian specifically requested. As the Editorial Board is made up entirely Rich, Katie Lyons, Tessa Bass, Community Security Trust, Joachim of volunteers, any response may be subject to delay. Hemmerle, Merle Kessler, Diane Joseph, Susan Dineen, Victor Sharpe, Paul Jackson, Dr T Scarlett Epstein OBE, Emanuel Marx. CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE HERE OR ONLINE 07906 955 404 | EDITOR@SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.COM ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 5 Personals, letters and postcards Personals Something extra special Mazel tov and welcome to Rabbi Hershel Rader as the A triple Mazel tov for October celebrations to Millie Rich on new rabbi of Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation. We her 92nd birthday, Moss Rich on his 99th birthday and to both send him and his family our sincerest good wishes on Millie and Moss on their platinum (70th) wedding anniversary. his appointment and hope that he will have a happy and successful time in our community. Achievements Births Mazel tov to Daniel Levene, who received 4 ‘A’ grades in his ‘A’ levels and will be going to St Peter’s College, Mazel tov to Penny and Michael Phillips on the birth of Oxford to study geography. their first grandchild, Buckley Baxter Phillips. Mazel tov to Sheila & Gerald Grossman on the birth of Get well their first great-granddaughter, Leah. Refuah shelaimah to Estelle Kay, Michael Linde, Raynor Samuel, Betty Sniders and Cliff Walker. Special Birthdays Mazel tov to Montague Boam, Cyril Davidson, Renne Deaths Davis, Pamela Levy, Cissy Luper, Estelle Mordecai and Condolences to the family of John Cobbs z”l Jack Zukor, all of whom are celebrating special birthdays. Condolences to the family of George Conway z”l Condolences to the family of Dr Arnold Elliot OBE z”l Engagements Condolences to the family of Myrel Ginsburg z”l Mazel tov to Elaine and John Abrahams on the Condolences to the family of Johnny Katz z”l engagement of their daughter Juliet to James Harrison, Condolences to the family of Ella Preisler z”l son of Linda Phillips and Philip Harrison. Condolences to Michael Rosenberg and family on the death of his brother Mazel tov to Claire and Sam Barsam on the engagement of their son Jean-Marc to Heather Freedland of Thank you Manchester. Arnold and Wendy Bloom are most grateful for all the comfort they derived from their many friends on the death Anniversaries of their beloved wife and mother, Ida. Thank you all. Mazel tov to Irit and Roger Abrahams on their ruby Thank you from Susan Conway wedding anniversary. I would like to express my appreciation of all the wonderful Mazel tov to Michele and Stanley Cohen on their pearl kindness and thoughts shown by friends. Words are not wedding anniversary. sufficient to say thank you. I was overwhelmed by this support. My sincerest thanks also to Rabbi Rader and Rabbi Efune. Mazel tov to Susan and Phillip Conway on their 45th wedding anniversary. SUSSEX JEWISH NEWS SUBSCRIPTION OFFER UNTIL 31 OCTOBER 2009 Name: Date: Address: Postcode: Email: Telephone: Subscription (tick one) ( ) I would like to receive electronic copies of Sussex Jewish News for one year at a cost of £12 ( ) I would like to receive printed copies of Sussex Jewish News for one year for a cost of £15 Payment (tick one) ( ) I enclose my cheque payable to Sussex Jewish News at PO Box 2178, Hove BN3 3SZ ( ) I have made a bank transfer to the Sussex Jewish News at Lloyds Bank, Sort Code 30-98-74, Account No. 00289447 and I have included my name as a reference to ensure my subscription is noted. Or you can subscribe online at www.sussexjewishnews.com and pay with PayPal! ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 6 Community life High Holy Day Services Around on Shemini Atzeret will commence at 10.00 am on the County Shabbat, 10 October and will be followed by Yizkor. Later that day we will celebrate Simchat Torah with Bexhill & District Jewish Friends will be meeting in the evening service beginning at 6.30 pm. the evening on Friday 18 September (Erev Rosh Hashanah), and this will be followed by a fully catered Eastbourne Progressive Congregation is delighted salmon buffet. to announce that Rabbi Monique Mayer will be leading this year’s High Holy Day Services which will Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation will be holding be held at The Friends Meeting House, Wish Road, services for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succot, Eastbourne. All are welcome. Unfortunately, for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. security reasons admission is by ticket only @ £20 per For both days of Rosh Hashanah, morning services person (non-members). commence at 10.00 am on Shabbat, 19 September Rosh Hashanah Services will commence at 7.00 and Sunday 20 September. Morning services will also pm on Friday 18th September and at 10.00 am on commence at 10.00 am on Shabbat, 26 September. Saturday 19th September. On Yom Kippur, the fast begins at 6.15 pm on Sunday Yom Kippur Services will commence at 7.00 pm on 27 September with Kol Nidre services commencing at Sunday 27th September and at 10.00 am on Monday 6.45 pm. On Monday 28 September services for the 28th September. entire day commence at 10.00 am. Hastings & District Jewish Society - For information We will also hold morning services for Succot on regarding High Holy Day Services, please contact Shabbat, 3 October from 10.00 am. Morning services Frank at the Society on 07743 99 22 95. Eastbourne Progressive Jewish Klezmer Concert and Tea in Eastbourne Congregation by Angela Jay Sunday 13th September We hold regular Erev Shabbat Services on the 2nd and On Sunday 13 September Eastbourne Jewish Social Scene 4th Friday of each month at 7pm at The Friends Meeting (EJSS) are delighted to present the internationally acclaimed House, Wish Road, Eastbourne. duo, Merlin and Polina Shepherd who will be performing for us at the WRVS centre in Eastbourne. They are amongst Our Beit Chaverim Friendship Club holds a regular Coffee the world’s leading players of traditional East European Morning at The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne on the 1st Klezmer-style music and are a treat not to be missed. Wednesday of each month at 11am in the Garden Room (The Conservatory). Merlin Shepherd is a renowned clarinet and saxophone player. He has been Musical Director for the Royal National Both venues are accessible to disabled persons and all and Shakespeare Globe Theatres as well as music can be assured of a very warm welcome. co-ordinator for Klezcamp and Klezfest London. Merlin Enquiries to the Administrator on 01323 725650 or email has also taught at Klezfest in St Petersburg, Ukraine and at EPJCONG@AOL.COM Klezkanada. Eastbourne Hebrew Congregation Polina Shepherd is a composer, singer and pianist She was also the foremost Yiddish choir leader in the former Soviet by Manny Godfrey Union and currently directs the Chutzpah Choir at Ralli Hall. Forty-five people enjoyed a wonderful Kiddush after the She works as the live accompanist to rare black and white service on Saturday, 1st August when we celebrated the films. Her songs and music for choirs, vocal groups and birthdays of President, Menashe Harounoff-Cohen and Jewish Theatre are performed in various places around the Security Officer Sally Brown. Guests included members world. of the Hastings & District Jewish Society, Geoffrey Smith, Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see this amazing and Director of the Christian Friends of Israel and visitors talented couple in action. Our event is from 3pm to 5pm on from Cambridge and London. Sunday 13th September and includes another scrumptious tea. Tickets are only £6.00 and can be obtained in advance from Claudy 01323 521283 or Sharon 01323 733868. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 7 Community life In the mid-1980s, Stanley and June separated. A few years later, he married Joy (formerly Franks), a long-time friend, with whom he enjoyed many years. Joy’s death last year, after a long illness, left Dad bereft. With our families spread around the world, Dad was our personal “Facebook” phoning us all every Friday, keeping us up to date on what was going on in our respective hemispheres. Stanley is greatly missed by his eight grand/step-grandchildren, step-daughter Judy, sister Sally and family, and by the three of us. The stone-setting is planned for January 3, 2010. Stanley Jackson (1931-2009) Hastings and District Jewish Society by Graeme, Paul and Beverley by Claudette Woolfson Stanley Jackson died suddenly of a heart attack on June At our last Friday night meeting Frank gave us a 18 in Brighton; he was 77. most interesting talk on the history of Zionism, and in particular its origins as a movement dating back to the Stanley was born in London on November 27, 1931 19th century. On Friday September 4th our speaker will within the sound of Bow Bells. So, despite being such be Jo Oliver from the Association of Carers in Hastings. a true Brightonian, he was also proud to call himself an official Cockney. His parents came to England as Mazel tov to Stella Harris on the Bar Mitzvah of her teenagers: his mother from Rumania, his father (born grandson Daniel. The Society presented Daniel with a Buscovitch) from Lithuania. As a baby, Stanley had lovely illustrated book about Israel. A hearty mazel tov breathing difficulties and a doctor advised the family, also to Menashe Harounof, President of the Eastbourne which included his two elder sisters, Sally and Jean, to Hebrew Congregation, who recently celebrated his move to the seaside. 86th birthday. Members of the Society joined him (and Sally Brown, who had a less significant birthday!) for a He worked in the family estate agency, B. Jackson & Co. wonderful service and kiddush in Eastbourne. This was the beginning of his acquiring a remarkable knowledge about the architecture and history of The annual Coalition of Christians & Jews Garden Party Brighton and Hove, some of which found its way into was held on August 2nd in Hastings. The weather was articles in this magazine. sunny and warm so everybody was able to sit outside and enjoy a lovely afternoon. Many thanks to all the Stanley was a member of the Maccabi Youth Club where he volunteers from both the CCJ and the Society who worked took part in musicals and played table tennis. It was there hard to make this event a success. For all enquiries please he met June and in 1954, they married. We, their children, contact the Society on 07743 992295 or write to HDJS, Graeme, Paul and Beverley, came along a few years later. PO Box 74, Bexhill, East Sussex, TN39 4ZZ Dad was very much a community man and sat on many Bexhill & District Jewish Friends committees. He was a member of the Jewish Welfare by Bernice Lee Board, a founder of Ralli Hall – later appearing in the musicals there – and an active member of the Brighton Our last meeting was held on Friday 17th, July, and all and Hove Youth Trust, to name a few. members present had a very pleasant evening. The lady members spent a delightful afternoon in the beautiful He, like his father, was a member of Middle Street surroundings of the garden at the home of Iris and Synagogue, where he loved to sing and his love of music Stanley Goldklang, where all ladies enjoyed a delicious infused our childhoods – everything from classical music afternoon tea. to big band jazz (not much beyond the 1970s though!). Our next ladies afternoon tea will be held at the Over the years, he had developed an interest in stamps. Eastbourne home of Eve and Rick Edwards, starting In mid-life, he left the family business and went to at 2 pm on Wednesday, 9th September. For further work for Stanley Gibbons in London as an expert in the information about Bexhill Jewish Friends and their stamps of the Middle East. activities, phone 0772 472 880. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 8 Community life FIRST BIRTHDAY FOR I really enjoy riding around the town. People wave at HELPING HANDS BUS me. I don’t always know who they are but I guess they had something to do with raising the money to buy me. as told to Janice Greenwood All my drivers are well trained and experienced; they I can’t believe that I’m a year old have to take a special road test every four years which already. I’ve already clocked up is very stringent. Please don’t stop making donations, nearly eight thousand miles and I hope to have a brother or sister soon, but it’s all up everybody comments on how to you. If you want to use me all you have to do is well I’m keeping my looks and always looking so spick phone the Helping Hands Bus Line on 701467 or e-mail and span. Most of my trips are taking and fetching hhbusline@googlemail.com people to Ralli Hall for the luncheon club, to the Reform Shul for their monthly teas and to the Mark Luck Hall for the Helping Hands teas. I tell you, you’d be If you would like to go the grounds before the Hagim surprised at some of the conversations that the elders and need a lift, Helping Hands are arranging visits of our community have, but I must keep to the law of to Old Shoreham Road Cemetery on Sunday 6th confidentiality so – no names no pack drill. Ferrying September and to Meadow View Cemetery on Sunday people to and from Roedean for the Brighton Limmud 13th September Please call Helping hands was great fun. How I boasted to the other buses in the on 747722 to book transport. garage – I had been to ROEDEAN!! I also take people on private trips. My first outing was to an 80th Birthday Party out in the country. Everything Remembering George Conway went fine until we drove up to a house with balloons by Aubrey Cole, Branch Chairman outside, which we’d been looking out for, and just as AJEX Brighton & Hove everybody was about to pile out we were told it was the July 27th was a sad day for many - it was the day that wrong house. So all the passengers had to get back in George Conway died. George had been an essential their seats and strap themselves in again. All my drivers part of AJEX for many years; as committee member, his are very fussy (bossy?) and won’t so much as turn welfare and defence work and Vice Chairman. He was on the engine until everybody is strapped in. Another deservedly elected Vice- President of the Branch. George fun trip was when a lady, to celebrate her birthday, was always the life and soul of the party - always with a took a group of her friends on a trip round Brighton & hilarious Yiddisher joke - not necessarily new! This was Hove and then to a cream tea. I took a group of ex-ideal when we made welfare visits. Servicemen and women from AJEX up to London for the Jewish Remembrance Service in Whitehall. A local When his illnesses took hold of George he had to give couple’s daughter is an actress and when she was up active service with AJEX, but he always maintained appearing in Eastbourne they asked if I would take a his interest in it. From then on his life was one of group of their friends to see her performance. continual treatments at home and frequent visits - sometimes emergencies - to hospital. He took all this I was very proud when Liz, Sarah and Liz booked me to in his stride. Whenever I phoned him he might be up or take a group up to Nightingale House for the day. They down medically, but his spirit never changed - it always had a lovely day and what made it especially nice was remained high. that they got to see one of our Patrons, Esther Rosen, who was thrilled at seeing me as she hadn’t been able We were all delighted when George managed to come to make the inaugural celebrations. A group of eleven to our tea quiz on 14th June. ladies meet in each other’s homes for lunch on a George Conway was truly a fine man. He will be monthly basis. They all make a donation to The Martlets remembered by many with great affection. Hospice and once a year they go out for lunch, so that was another country trip. One trip cost me some beauty sleep, I took a team of golfers to Gatwick as they were flying off somewhere to play in a tournament, then I went and collected them at goodness knows what time of night. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 9 Community life AJEX Worthing & District Jewish Community by Judy Gabriel, PRO Ajex Brighton & Hove by Barbara Gordon Aubrey Cole, Bert Gabriel and myself were honoured to Well, summer has finally come to Worthing, and our represent AJEX at the funeral of Henry Allingham at St annual garden party was held on a warm afternoon with Nicholas of Myra Parish Church on July 30th. We were our usual sumptuous strawberry cream tea. We were fortunate to have a bright sunny day, and to see the particularly delighted to welcome two gentlemen who coffin carried through the Standards representing all Her had made a special journey to be with us. They were Majesty’s forces, plus the British Legion and local and two of the eleven children of the Kindertransport who Surrey Police. Of course the AJEX Standard, carried by had been brought to Worthing. Vernon showed us the our National Standard Bearer Leslie Sutton, was a truly book given to him for his bar mitzvah in 1942 inscribed moving sight and a wonderful and deserving tribute to as being from Worthing Synagogue. He also brought this dear man. along a 1949 magazine from the Worthing Jewish Youth Group containing fourteen pages of fascinating articles. Also present were HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, We very much hope that these two gentlemen will be Patron of the World War One Veterans’ Association, The able to visit us again. Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Brighton & Hove and our Vice Chairman After talking about it for ages, we finally arranged a from London Dr.Arnold Phelops group outing for our members thanks to Roger Berlin. We filled the coach and went to visit Portsmouth It was heartwarming to see so many people there to Synagogue. This is one of the oldest Jewish communities pay their respects, all ages gathered together, and once in the British Isles and a shul has been there for over the service began, at which family and those invited 200 years. The present one was built in 1936 when the attended, everyone waited to see the procession make community purchased a large house and built the shul it’s final journey. A brief stop, at which the Last Post in the garden incorporating many of the features of the was sounded, was followed by one minute’s silence then original shul. Portsmouth, like so many of our outreach Reveille and the Church bell tolled (113 times). Just as communities, is suffering from lack of members and everyone started to leave, a fly-past of World War One they haven’t had a cheder or bat/bar mitzvah for many Aircraft circled the Church, including the one that Henry years. But they do have a magnificent synagogue and himself flew when in the Fleet Air Arm. He would have we were grateful for their warm welcome. loved it! Unfortunately this summer hasn’t been all good in Police and the Community Worthing. We have recently had the sad deaths of by Yael Breuer two of our most valued members – David Josephs and Representatives of Sussex Police joined the Sussex Barbara Pinto and we extend sincere condolences to Jewish Rep Council at a recent meeting, to discuss the Estelle and Ed. relationship between the Jewish community and the Future functions: Monday 14th September at 2.00 pm police. Detective Chief Inspector Nev Kemp, who is – AGM when we are delighted to welcome Rabbi Pesach himself Jewish and who used to take Hebrew lessons in Efune back for a return visit. For further information Brighton before his parents moved to Israel some years contact 01903 779 720. ago, explained that Sussex Police representatives are holding regular meetings with various ethnic minority groups, and emphasized the importance of a viable Connection, Continuity and Community dialogue between the Jewish community and the British Jewish Women Speak Out police. He praised the work of the CST and encouraged The 2009 Women’s Review has been published by community members to involve the police more with The Board of Deputies of British Jews. reports on incidents of antisemitic nature and any other concerns of safety. He added that in relatively It is available for download on the Board of Deputies minor incidents, even when it is not possible to find the website at www.bod.org.uk (click on Publications). culprits, any information passed on to the police would Hard copies may be requested by calling Lillian contribute to the build-up of intelligence that will, in Bennett at the Board of Deputies on 020 7543 5400. turn, help support the community. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 10 Community life Brighton & Hove JTrail Roadshow: an open invitation by Phillip Kiberd The aim of the Brighton & Hove JTrail project is to create a trail linking sites of Jewish interest that can promote the area’s Jewish heritage to Jewish and non-Jewish audiences and can sit alongside existing city tours as a viable tourism and educational experience. JTrails is working with Brighton History Centre, part of Brighton Museums and Libraries, situated on the first floor of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery in the Pavilion Betty Sharpe: celebrating 100 years Gardens and will launch the trail at the History Centre by Victor Sharpe in 2010. JTrails aims to present stories and memories, with the consent of contributors, provided by the local As a very young girl, Betty Sharpe remembers standing community in an exhibition at the launch, which will also with her mother near Black Friars Lane in London’s East be on show at Ralli Hall during the Brighton Festival in End watching as a Zeppelin flew overhead during the May 2010. First World War. Now, many years later, Betty has just celebrated her 100th birthday in Hove surrounded by To learn more about the project and to view progress close family and friends. Other family members sent on the tour and get a chance to see some of the greetings and flowers from around the world, including memories collected JTrails is holding a ‘roadshow’ event Spain, Israel and the United States. Among the many at Ralli Hall on November 29, 12 noon-4.00 pm. birthday cards was one from HM the Queen, which took JTrails extends an open invitation to the Brighton & pride of place. Hove Jewish community to come along and see what’s happened so far; what’s planned and what else we’d like Betty came to Hove as a newly-married bride in the to know. The 29 November roadshow will also feature mid-1930s when her husband, Sydney Sharpe, was a selection of boards from other JTrail projects and appointed musical director of the orchestra at the will provide an opportunity for individuals to add their Brighton Hippodrome. After seeing service during World own story or memory; bring in an old photograph or War Two, Sydney returned to Hove and took up the document to share with the project or suggest additional baton again at the Hippodrome where he remained for Jewish locations in Brighton & Hove to include in the well over thirty years before retiring and sadly passing final trail. Further events are planned for January and away nearly thirty years ago. Betty loves to show visitors March 2010 before the trail launch in May 2010. the pictures she has of her beloved Syd with the family, as well as those photos taken at the many concerts For more information on JTrails or to contribute a story which she attended at the Hove bandstand, at the or memory visit our website at www.jtrails.org.uk ; email Plummer Roddis department store, and at the Jewish – jtrailsoutreach@hotmail.co.uk or write to JTrails c/o charity functions at which his orchestra played . Oxford Centre for Hebrew & Jewish Studies, Yarnton Manor, Yarnton, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PY. We Sydney and Betty were among the founding members also have a project page at Sussex Jewish Online which of the Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue and Betty is we will be using to update progress on the project over the synagogue’s longest surviving congregant. But if you the coming months. ask Betty for one of her earliest childhood memories, she will proudly tell you that she was a member of the Second South Stepney Forget-Me-Not girl guide troop Wednesday 16 November - a far happier experience than watching with horror European Day of Jewish Culture and Heritage all those years ago as the menacing German dirigible JTrails Heritage Tour of Jewish Brighton, 2.00pm hovered overhead. This is a trial run (approx 1 hour) for the tour that is to be launched Victor Sharpe is a freelance writer and author of next year. Everyone welcome, but please advise www.jtrails.org.uk Politicide: The attempted murder of the Jewish state. (then go to contact us) beforehand. Meet outside Brighton Railway Station, Queens Road. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 11 Community life Sussex Jewish Working and playing together across the Community Care divide by Yaron Jackson, aged 12 The idea of Sussex Rosh Hay’im, Israel Jewish Community This summer I came to Brighton on my own to have a Care (SJCC) started holiday with my grandma, June. We were invited out to approximately eighteen months ago following agreement some of her friends for Friday night dinner. It was very about the need for a forum across all of the Sussex nice and we chatted a lot. The friends around the table Jewish care organisations consisting of Helping Hands, asked me about my life in Israel and especially about my the Jewish Welfare Board, Brighton & Hove Jewish school. Housing Association, Ralli Hall Lunch & Social Club, Hyman Fine House (Jewish Care), the Brighton & Hove They were so interested when I told them about the Jewish Centre, Sarid, the Monday Club, Jewish Care, project that we had at our school where Arab children Jewish Women’s Aid, AJEX, the Mother & Toddler Group from the nearby village, Kfar Qedem, came to our (now JTots), Sussex Tikvah and all of the synagogues. school. At the beginning, we were very wary of each other and kept ourselves to ourselves, but as the days SJCC acts as an umbrella body for care across the entire went by, we became friendly and we all realised that we community. Our mission is to provide care across the are not as different as we thought. By the end of the Jewish community. The independence of the constituent week, after lessons about each others’ culture and team organisations will be maintained whilst they will gain games, the week was a big success. the advantage of being part of a co-ordinated approach which enhances support and shares the valuable Sussex Jewish Representative Council experience of all of the individuals. On 22 July 2009, the Sussex Jewish Representative Our ultimate aim is to facilitate the provision of first Council wrote to Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks class care within our community as we are becoming following his appointment as a life peer. more aware that we all need to work with each other On behalf of the Sussex Jewish Representative Council, I to identify common needs and concerns, to enhance would like to pass on to you our hearty congratulations on the lives of Jewish individuals living in Sussex, and your recent appointment to the House of Lords. to support anyone within the Jewish community with a specific need. We also want to be able to identify We wish you well in your continuing work on behalf of the UK common issues for member organisations in providing Jewish community. services and to work jointly to address those issues, On 27 July 2009, the Sussex Jewish Representative as well as identifying hidden situations within the Council received the following reply: community and work together to support people affected by them. For member organisations, we will Thank you so much for your kind letter about the peerage. offer further training and support for volunteers which Elaine and I really appreciated your writing and we were will benefit the whole Jewish community. touched by the warmth of your words. SJCC is facilitated by Sonia Douek, Head of Community We know that the honour belongs in large measure to the Development and Family Carers at Jewish Care and respect in which the Jewish community, and Judaism itself, are co-chaired by Sarah Wilks of Helping Hands and Fiona held, and that too has given us great delight. Sharpe of the Jewish Welfare Board. As with all new These are challenging times for the Jewish community, for organisations we have evolved and changed and are now Britain, and for the world, and it’s a privilege to have a voice far nearer in our aim for co-ordinated community care. in the conversation about our shared future. In this month’s issue of Sussex Jewish News is Thanks again, and may all you do be blessed. our directory with contact information of the main Treasurer Sought organisations involved with Sussex Jewish Community Irvyn Isaacs has carried out the role of Treasurer of Care. The aim is for this leaflet to reach the wider the Sussex Jewish Representative Council for a number community by distribution to doctors’ surgeries, of years and wishes to step down at the next Annual hospitals, libraries, coffee shops etc. We want to reach General Meeting. Responses from volunteers wishing every Jewish person in Sussex who needs any of the to succeed Irvyn are invited from the community. services provided by our organisations. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 12 Spotlight on... Back from the brink Back from the Brink thus promoting a more humane world society. Through by Dr. T. Scarlett Epstein OBE the initial grant from Austria, we, the producers are pretty well assured of European-wide distribution. But we have We live in times of unscrupulous profiteers and chasms a wider vision - to instil courage and conviction into the of moral decay. We have our champions of justice and people who see this film. The Shoah Foundation has also people of compassion. Looking back to the plight of the promised to help with its world-wide distribution. Jews caught in the grip of Hitler’s wrath, we find not only many villains, but also many unsung heroes. Although there are many video archives of survivor interviews providing valuable tools for research, we want Back from the Brink is a film documentary in the to go that one step further. With these stories we want to course of production which highlights the plight of four highlight the moral obligation on ourselves as Jews and European Jews hanging on to their lives by a thread and on all other faiths throughout the world to reach out and their harrowing experiences of being just steps away support the persecuted minorities, whatever their faiths or from death at the hands of the Nazis. beliefs, in order to affirm our own faith in humanity. All four are saved, brought back from the brink, not by Sadly we are all aware of the horrors of the Holocaust chance or by luck, but through the selfless compassion and those who perpetrated those dreadful events. and moral courage of non-Jews. The four tell their However, we must also give praise to those brave stories as if the events had happened just yesterday and people who risked their own lives to save Jews and this all four are still amazed that others were willing risk their bravery, highlighted in our film, should inspire and set own lives to save them. To our knowledge, such a film an example for future generations to do the same if they has never before been made. are called upon to do so. The producers of the film are Ric Wasserman and We are confident that the Jewish communities will Scarlett Epstein and we have been given a modest grant appreciate the special features of our venture and will from the Austrian authorities to make this documentary, support our work in making this film, thus allowing us to tell but another £23,000.00 is needed so that it can be these important stories so that we can make our tribute to completed. Ric Wasserman is a well-known documentary those unsung heroes for their unflinching bravery, a reality. film director who has also worked with the Steven Spielberg Shoah Foundation as a cinematographer. To provide support for this venture or for more information, please write to me at 5 Viceroy Lodge, One of our goals is to show Back from the Brink to an Kingsway, Hove BN3 4RA or contact me on 01273 international television audience, with special emphasis 735151 or by e-mail at scarlett@epstein.net. on the annual National Holocaust Memorial Day events, B. D. Sanders Ltd lyonsrankin For all your floral requirements DESIGN . MARKETING . DIGITAL For all your printing requirements please Bouquets Lyons Rankin is an ethical M Flower arrangements contact design agency based in Fresh flowers Brighton. ANDUS PRINT M Weddings Birthdays M Bar mitzvahs z design ON Celebration balloons z marketing z digital 01273 558880 Tel: 01273 880 022 01273 930931 email: andus@mistral.co.uk 0800 068 4488 info@lyonsrankin.com www.andusprint.co.uk Email: bdsanders@businessserve.co.uk www.lyonsrankin.com Web: www.bdsanders.co.uk ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 13 Spotlight on... Kristallnacht The Kristallnacht as Symbolic Turning Point Secondly, it demonstrated the Nazi state’s complete in Nazi Rule by Professor Emanuel Marx subjugation and degradation of its Aryan citizens. It regulated their lives to the point where it could permit The Kristallnacht of November 9-10, 1938 was both a them to commit excesses without fear of losing control. carnival and a complex ritual pregnant with meaning. From now on, it would drop all remaining moral restraints, A noisy and rowdy public display that broke the stern and exploit and maltreat them almost like the non-Aryans. and demanding routine of the regular “Aryan” German Aryans would no longer be treated as individuals, but as citizens, participants were permitted to derive pleasure expendable units of production or fighting. Men would from the suffering and death of others to still their own be sent to their deaths in the various war zones. Women fear of disorder and death. The pogrom sent out three would be exploited as workers and mothers of successive intertwined symbolic messages. generations of soldiers. If any German could or would First, it was a turning point in the relations between not work, fight or otherwise serve the purposes of their Germany and the world. Until that day, after each masters they would be imprisoned or eliminated. conquest the Nazis reassured the world that they would Thirdly, Jews would no longer be encouraged to refrain from further demands. From now on, the Nazis emigrate from Germany, and would be dealt with more would freely develop and pursue grandiose political harshly. The Nazis expropriated Jewish property, then projects and the founding of a colonial empire, without deported them to the East, and finally exterminated concern for what the world thought of them. them by forced labour and outright murder. Peter Marson Wishing you a Happy New Year BSc MC Optom Optometrist & and well over the Fast Contact Lens Provider 188 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ 01273 719012 Barnard Associates OPTOMETRISTS Providing eye care to the community for 30 years Telephone: 01273 772318 e-mail: reception@barnard-associates.co.uk Connaught House, 27 Sackville Road, Hove BN3 3WA ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 14 Culture Interesting summer reading This summer offered some interesting reading material. The Israel Test Outliers: The Story of Success and The Israel Test are different in subject, but they have some common George Gilder threads. In addition, both books inadvertently adopt a Richard Vigilante Books, similar structure in that the final chapter in each book 320 pages adapts the author’s lessons to his own personal past. George Gilder is a free Outliers: The market economist whose Story of Success books over the past thirty years have been Malcolm Gladwell exceedingly influential Penguin Books, 320 pages in the West. Again, this Truth told, I was a little is a book that is easy to sceptical about Malcolm read, despite its complex Gladwell. Friends have subject matter and biases recommended The Tipping for which Gilder is unashamed and unapologetic. It Point and Blink, his previous is also filled with a lot of information that is of great works, with what seemed assistance in understanding a difficult issue. almost a cultish fervour from The Israel Test begins with Gilder using the State of Israel which I have always felt as a marker, a test for all nations on Earth to determine who compelled to keep away. I was given a copy of Outliers: The and what they stand for. A supply side capitalist, he looks at Story of Success by a friend who said that the book is a series the historical issues of antisemitism from a socio-economic of true stories that are engagingly told. Again, I hesitated. and secular perspective and arrives at an interesting theory. After reading the introduction, I was hooked. Importantly, he looks at other examples of racial persecution Gladwell’s writing style makes complex subjects readily for exactly the same reason. It is a compelling argument comprehensible and enjoyable. The chapters are about that also acknowledges the mutability of antisemitism as it diverse subjects, including sportsmen, classical musicians, morphs into current-day anti-Zionism. Jewish immigration, Chinese numbering, education The book then examines the impact of government systems, school holidays and more. Some were more redistribution of wealth. It is not pretty reading, particularly interesting than others, but all worked together to prove for those favour economic redistribution, within the context the central thesis that success is not about talent alone, of Israel and the Palestinian territories from 1948 to present. but about talent, circumstance and luck. Divided into three periods, it leads to some interesting One outstanding chapter outlined the 10,000 hour rule, conclusions about the prospects for peace in the Middle East. the practising time necessary to become an expert The last third of the book deals with an historical in any field. However, the genius in Gladwell’s book Israel Test. Looking at Israeli economic policies from was looking at The Beatles and Bill Gates, two clear 1948 and its origins in the labour movement, Gilder examples of individuals achieving their 10,000 hours points out that for its first fifty years, the modern state at an early age and then using their skills to set their failed its own Israel Test. How things turned around profession and even the world on fire. The information for Israel – include examinations on the importance of on Bill Gates alone helps to understand why the professional immigration from Russia and how Israel Microsoft founder has deserved his success. became a leader in technology development. Both are On education, Gladwell looks at the Ivy League and Oxbridge striking tales, but not as interesting as the final chapter, universities and asks what they should do when all of the where Gilder outlines how as young man he failed his applicants are geniuses. The answer makes perfect sense. own Israel Test. It is an uncomfortable tale. The chapter on the links between ethnicity, obedience to The Israel Test is, in some ways, a paean to a country authority and plane crashes was particularly interesting. that has survived and prepares to continue to survive. Outliers is a wonderful book filled with engrossing That is something that Gilder admires and hopes will narratives and information that prove a slogan in an continue for the future with the support of nations who old television advert in Canada: it takes twenty years to will join in a fight for what is right. become an overnight success. by David Seidel ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 15 ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 16 Travel Sailing, sailing, over the Baltic Sea by Diane Joseph When we arrived at our airport hotel on 4th Helsinki, Finland June, the night before our early-morning flight to At midnight it was still light, although the sun was Copenhagen, so too did guests for an Orthodox starting to set. I got up at 2.30am and I took a wedding. In fact a chuppah had been erected beautiful photo of the sun high in the sky, a liner sailing outside. We considered mingling with the guests underneath and the reflection of the sun continuing on and partaking of the reception but didn’t think I the other side of the ship. Unlike Stockholm, where from the ship you can see numerous hills, Helsinki is flat, would be welcomed in trousers. although there are also many little rocks. The Swedes Copenhagen, Denmark annexed Finland in the 13th century and in the 17th We flew to Copenhagen and had a half-hour coach ride century it passed from Sweden to Russia by treaty. The to the docks to board the ship for a Baltic cruise. The Finns are considered some of the world’s best soldiers Emerald Princess is the largest ship we have been on and during the winter of 1939 – 1940 little Finland, with with about 3,400 passengers and 1227 crew, There was only four million people, held back the might of the a new show every other day and entertainers in many of Soviet Union and was even able to counter-attack. the bars. We had a tour back stage and were amazed to In Sibelius Park there is a huge monument in stainless see a moving clothes rack in the dressing room and the steel honouring John Sibelius, a great nationalistic wardrobe as high as three decks. A show is mounted in composer who helped keep the ethnic consciousness Los Angeles every three years at a cost of two million alive. This monument is made up of six hundred tubes dollars and after a season on one ship it goes on to with openings at the top and bottom of each tube. another. During the Russian period it was illegal to play Finlandia Stockholm, Sweden and some of his other compositions because of the Sweden is a country made up of 14,000 islands, so it patriotic stirring that it prompted in the Finns. can be very treacherous sailing to it. There are small Helsinki is built on granite of all different colours and and even smaller islands necessitating three pilots to we went into a very modern Lutheran church, Lutheran show ships the way, many of these islands having a being the main religion of Scandinavians. Schooling small lighthouse on them. There are fourteen islands in is free up to the age of 18 but then they only pay for Stockholm, which are reached via fourteen bridges, a bit the books, not the tuition. With regard to health, there like Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham! We went on a 2 are private schemes but with non-private they pay 20 hour coach trip and saw all points of interest, the Palace, Euros a visit to the doctor. (We were not told about House of Parliament etc. It is unbelievably hilly but very visits to the hospital and operations.) There is a very big clean, not one piece of paper or plastic to be seen, just department store called Stockman which brags about like the UK! being the biggest store in the world, however the guide The country is preparing for the wedding of the King disagreed with this. Stockman has a motto: ‘If we don’t and Queen’s daughter, who has been engaged to a have it then you don’t need it’!! commoner for the seven years it has taken the Royal St. Petersburg, Russia couple and parliament to agree that the 33 year-old In 1703 Peter the Great had no ill feelings against princess can marry him. We saw the house of Nobel, he the Jews – the first Jews in Russia were converted of the Peace Prize, who, you will remember, developed Portuguese. Peter’s motto was ‘if a person has been dynamite but while experimenting he unfortunately blew baptised or circumcised it’s all the same to me as long up the house, killing his twenty year old brother. as they do their job’. In 1742, some years after Peter’s We heard the same complaint in all the Scandinavian death, all Jews were deported unless they agreed to countries: warmer winters. They used to have thick become Russian Orthodox - only 142 Jews remained snow and ice; even the sea froze but in the last year in St. Petersburg. In the 1760’s Catherine the Great or two this has scarcely happened. Our first day’s annexed part of Poland, Lithuania and Belarus and they tour ended with the excitement of passengers on the became part of Russia. Hundreds more Jews thus came balconies cheering and applauding as 3 latecomers just to St. Petersburg but as they were not allowed to live in made it before the ship sailed. the centre they were put into fifteen districts outside St. Petersburg. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 17 Alexander the First assimilated Jews through education of all these buildings is supported by different Jewish and in 1804 allowed them to go beyond settlements to organisations and very wealthy businessmen. There is work and live. There were about 400 by 1825. Yet again no membership fee or burial society fee but if they want the tide turned as there was a list of Jews who were to give, they give. They have a Shochet and a Mohel deported who did not have an occupation. Hundreds and the Cantor made a joke about not mixing up the were deported to convict labour camps, which left only two! There is also a souvenir shop called Kosher, selling 29. These were soldiers, doctors, nurses, and dentists Judaica, memorabilia, packets of kosher food available who worked at the Imperial Court. Others who remained in the UK and would you believe, a wurst at £10!! There were converted. We took photos of St. Isaacs Church were also the Russian bubba dolls that fit into each and the statues of Rimsky Korsakov and Blinka, the other, and items of silver, all expensive. composer. Only a quota of about 5% of Jewish students may go to The purpose of our visit to St. Petersburg was to visit university. Jews are tolerated: there is no discrimination the Grand Choral Synagogue. Alexander the Second from the state but there are odd cases of intolerance. allowed Jews to construct the Grand Choral Synagogue, Intermarriage is at 90% but the Rabbi will accept whose foundation date is considered to be 1 April children of mixed marriages into the Jewish schools. 1802, but it took years to get permission because they There is no such thing as a get. They have five scrolls, couldn’t erect one near Orthodox Churches - the ‘nimby’ one original one from Lithuania which is about 100 years effect. The history of the St. Petersburg Jewish Religious old, rather tattered, which the Cantor felt was no longer Community dates back over 200 years. There are kosher, so they use the other modern scrolls. 90,000 Jews in the USSR, 1300 belonging to the Grand In the summer the sun doesn’t really set, although it Choral Synagogue, known as the second Jerusalem. The does start to get darker at about 11pm but as that is amazing thing is that the shul was never damaged in too late, they bring Shabbat forward to about 9.20pm. WW11 – a bomb hit one Shabbos morning but there was It doesn’t go out until about 3.00am Sunday morning. no damage and no one was hurt – Divine Intervention! In the winter Shabbat comes in about 3.00pm as in There are 7 Sephardi and Georgian families and 150 England. Ashkenazi families worshipping in the main Synagogue. About 100 Lubavitch, whose Rabbi comes from At the end of the talk the Cantor answered questions Brooklyn, worship in one side room and the rest in the and then was joined by a pianist and clarinettist. He other side room. then thrilled us all, singing songs in Yiddish, Hebrew and Russian, giving me goose pimples. He sang Tumbala and When we arrived we were taken to the Le Chaim kosher asked everyone to join in. Those that knew the words restaurant where we had a very nice four course meal, sang them and we illiterates who didn’t la-la’d but it but the waiters thought they were in the day centre was beautiful. I whispered to John that he could be an where I had worked for years, because almost before opera singer. When we eventually left, the guide pointed you had put your cutlery down they snatched the plate out the Opera House and said that is where the Cantor away. We had a fit of the giggles as the waiter shushed worked!!! me! We were then ushered into the main synagogue which was beautiful, and greeted by Cantor Gregory He showed us the Wedding Chapel – the whole room Yakerson, a charming and eloquent young man who had is the chuppah. There is a white covered chair under studied in America. He firstly gave us a talk on the shul a small canopy for the bride to sit on and he pointed and gave us many facts and figures. out the ornate domed roof: all the wedding guests are under the chuppah and take part in the ceremony. We In early 2000 an American philanthropist Edmond also went upstairs into a very small synagogue where Safra spent zillions of dollars refurbishing the shul. On daily prayers are said – the notice read ‘Only Men and this site, as I mentioned, there is a restaurant which Tourists’!! I noticed two charity boxes on a shelf which doubles as a soup kitchen feeding 60 poor people were screwed down. daily, a day centre for elderly people where Yiddish lessons are given, five Hebrew classes, a mikvah, and This 10-day tour lived up to all expectations and was the another building erected by ORT in 1880. The upkeep highlight of the cruise for us. ISSUE 190 / SEP/OCT 2009 / WWW.SUSSEXJEWISHNEWS.CO.UK 18 &+,()5$%%,·6526++$6+$1$+0(66$*( $WWLPHVOLNHWKHFXUUHQWUHFHVVLRQZHQHHGPRUHWKDQHYHUWRUHIOHFWRQWKHTXHVWLRQV5RVK+DVKDQDKDQG