SAHRC: Masuku has 14 days to issue hate speech apology

32 Pages·2009·4.57 MB·English

The Jewish Report is BOOKS
THAT
closing for the holidays.
CHANGED
Our next issue will be on
THE WORLD
January 15,2010 / 21
The Jewish Report wishes its readers a happy Chanukah!
www.sajewishreport.co.za Friday,11 December 2009 / 24 Kislev 5770 Volume 13 Number 47
SAHRC: Masuku has 14 days Iran sanctions
closer - thanks to
Iran / 18
to issue hate speech apology
SAUJS’policy on
Israel and the
PAGE 5
Palestinians / 19
Cyril Harris
Centre - home for
Joburg Jews / 9
Waskow: Seven
principles to save
the planet / 14
Swiss minaret
vote meets
Jewish, Catholic
opposition / 17
Settlers protest
Netanyahu’s
‘freeze’/ 16
Celie Raphaely
passes on / 4
KASHRUT ALERT
Checkers Balfour Park has advertised a
kosher bakery, butchery, deli and fish
deli. The Jhb Beth Din issued the follow-
ing warning: "Please be advised that
following the renovation, NONE of the
above are under Beth Din supervision.
CHANUKAH: EIGHT Eight nights of giving, but to whom, how and how much? Chanukah "Checkers have placed Magen
Davids on their signage - these signs
this year falls on December 12 (25th Kislev 5770). Jews sing and light
are meaningless. The Beth Din takes
NIGHTS OF GIVING... the menorah to remember the oil which lasted for eight days. absolutely no responsibility for the
kashrut in the abovementioned
(PHOTOGRAPH: EDMON RODMAN)
departments."
YOUTH TALK / 26-27 SPORTS / 32 LETTERS / 22-24 BRIDGE / 28 COMMUNITY BUZZ / 7 WHAT’S ON / 28
2 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 December2009 - 15 January2010
PARSHA OF THE WEEK SSHHAABBBBAATT TTIIMMEESS
December 11/24 Kislev
Published by
S A Jewish Report (Pty) Ltd, The green-eyed monster leader? This was of no concern to December 12/25 Kislev
Suite 175, Postnet X10039, Jacob and posed no threat
Vayeishev
Randburg, 2125 because; in the words of the
Tel: [phone] THE STORY of Joseph is a tale of PARSHAT Talmud “a person can be jealous Starts Ends
favouritism, envy, hatred and, of everyone except his child and 18:15 19:29 Johannesburg
Fax: [phone]
ultimately, redemption. The VAYEISHEV his disciple”. 18:21 20:30 Cape Town
Printed by Caxton Ltd
Torah attests to the fact that This rule is derived from King 18:15 19:27 Durban
Jacob favoured Rachel’s first- Rabbi Matthew David and Moses, both of whom
EDITOR -Geoff Sifrin 18:15 19:44 Bloemfontein
born over his other sons. Liebenberg desired that their son and disci-
[email protected] 18:15 20:11 Plettenberg Bay
This itself was not problematic Claremont Wynberg Hebrew ple, respectively, become greater
17:52 20:01 Port Elizabeth
Sub-Editor -Paul Maree - many parents harbour a special Congregation, Cape Town than they were. It is human
love for one child - the problem nature for a parent to desire that 18:15 19:49 East London
Senior Reporter - Rita Lewis was Jacob’s display of that love. his child become more successful
[email protected] Jacob selected Joseph to be the sun represented his father; the than he is and for a teacher of did. Using himselfas an example,
son who would assist him on a moon, his mother and the 11 stars, Torah to desire that his students he said: “I have two sons, both of
Sports Editor - Jack Milner
daily basis and he imparted to his brothers. become greater scholars than he whom are currently studying
[email protected]
him all of the Torah wisdom he Joseph also related this dream is. Torah. I would be more than
Books Editor -Gwen Podbrey had imbibed years earlier. to his father. He received a cool Many parents have told me that proud if they become greater
Jacob saw himself in Joseph: response from Jacob: “His father they wanted their children to have scholars than their father!”
Arts Editor -Robyn Sassen father and son had a striking scolded him, and said to him: the opportunities in life that they Sadly, many parents want
[email protected] resemblance and their lives fol- ‘What is this dream that you have never did. They saved every their children to be better than
lowed a similar course. Jacob dreamt! Are we to come - I and penny of their hard-earned they are in every area, except in
Youth Editor -Alison Goldberg
made his son a special garment, your mother and your brothers - salaries in dead-end jobs to Judaism. They are threatened
[email protected] a royal robe to indicate his lead- to bow down to you to the ensure their children could go to when their child adopts a reli-
ership abilities. ground?’” university. gious lifestyle and often go out of
Cape Town correspondent
As far as Jacob was concerned, Jacob made light of the dream I recall sitting in on an inter- their way to thwart it. I advise
Moira Schneider: 021-794-4206
Joseph was his true firstborn, to deflect his sons’ anger away view with a potential convert and such parents to be patient,
Pretoria correspondent not Reuben, the son of Leah. His from Joseph, but in his heart, he the Beth Din. The judges were understanding and tolerant.
Diane Wolfson: 082-707-9471 evaluation of Joseph’s capabili- believed it. keen to establish the level of More often than not their reli-
ties may have been correct, but The Torah concludes this part observance of the candidate and gious child will be the most
MANAGER: SALES AND DISTRIBUTION his actions were inappropriate. of the saga: “So his brothers were his Jewish fiancée. What they responsible, respectful and clean
Britt Landsman: [email protected] His demonstration of favouri- jealous of him, but his father kept received was a disappointing living of their children.
tism caused his other sons to the matter in mind.” response; one of the judges asked That’s what happened to
Sales Executives - [phone]
grow jealous and to harbour Jacob waited in hope and expec- the reason and the Jewish partner Joseph. All of Jacob’s efforts
Britt Landsman: 082-292-9520 hatred towards Joseph. No won- tation for the dream to come true. replied: “Rabbi, we spend a great paid off when, years later,
Manuela Bernstein: 082-951-3838 der the Talmud warns parents Rabbi Obadiah Seforno comments deal of time with my parents and Joseph did become a great ruler,
not to show favouritism to one on these two different reactions. we don’t want to show them up by provider and moral giant. When
Freelance Sales Executives
child. Joseph’s brothers were jealous becoming more observant than father and son were reunited,
Marlene Bilewitz & Assoc: 083-475-0288
Unfortunately Joseph’s behav- because they believed he would they are. If that level of obser- Jacob acknowledged his son’s
Classified Sales iour fuelled the fire. He reported never have dared to relate this vance is good for them, then it is greatness by bowing to him.
suspicious behaviour concerning dream to their father unless he definitely good for us because He was not lowering himself
[email protected]
his brothers to his father and he occupied a special place in they are our role models.” or degrading his position as
Design and layout told them dreams that, in their Jacob’s heart. The rabbi cited the aforemen- patriarch of the family; on the
Frankie Matthysen minds, were delusions of Jacob, on the other hand, was tioned passage of the Talmud and contrary, his dream had been
Nicole Matthysen grandeur. In one dream, Joseph not jealous at all. But would this assured them that most parents realised - he had produced a son
saw the sun and the moon and 11 not imply that Joseph would rule would be delighted to see their greater than himself!
Website stars bowing down to him. The over him and become a far greater children achieve more than they Shabbat Shalom.
www.sajewishreport.co.za
Ilan Ossendryver A Chevrah fundraiser to be
the enormous costs of getting mar-
IC-Creations
ried and setting up home for the
[email protected] first time and fulfilling the impor-
tant mitzvah of ensuring that no
Subscription enquiries remembered for a long time
Jewish bride is overlooked.”
Avusa Publishing (Pty) Ltd
This is one of the many initia-
Tel: [phone]
tives of the Chevrah, which assists
in all aspects of Jewish welfare,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROMY SALANT entertaining evening with 1st was the little furry animals that ranging from burial services, care
Honourable Abe Abrahamson (Hon. Life Project and Clegg showcasing their were the next big attraction. These of the aged and the handicapped
President), Stan Kaplan (Chairman) MUSICIAN JESSE Clegg, son of talents as the crowd moved along furry friends were given out as and providing financial and health-
iconic Johnny Clegg - but an excel- to their soulful rock tunes. incentives to buy a raffle ticket and care assistance to those in need.
Issie Kirsh (Deputy Chairman), Marlene
lent musician in his own right - Clegg expressed his connection contribute to the Chevrah Kadisha Helping Hands is a division of the
Bethlehem, Russell Gaddin, Norman
and 1st Project recently joined to his Jewish roots, saying he felt Bridal Services. society which aims at creating
Lowenthal, Bertie Lubner, Benjy Porter,
about 750 young adults in the char- privileged to feel at home again The Chevrah’s Bridal Services vibrant and dynamic platforms to
Herby Rosenberg, Howard itable cause of raising funds for and be part of the Jewish commu- aim to assist young couples in their educate young adults about the
Sackstein, Jason Valkin. Helping Hands, a division of the nity. His sentiments reflected the wedding plans to relieve the finan- Chevrah Kadisha’s initiatives and
Chevrah Kadisha, at a social evening’s ethos - to be part of the cial difficulties and stress so as not to provide opportunities for them
Mr Justice Meyer Joffe
evening held at the Venue in Jewish community and to con- to detract from the joy oftheir sim- to contribute.
(Chair, editorial comm)
Melrose Arch. tribute to sustaining the wellbeing cha. The night was a great success
KASHRUT The young adults gathered on of our Jewish family. Tzivia Grauman, group commu- with ample socialising and net-
Sunday November 29 to show their There were delicious slo-jo nications manager of the Chevrah working opportunities, great per-
support for the Chevrah Kadisha flavours to sample and a variety of Kadisha, explains: “The Chevrah formances by leading local artists
The following symbols will appear on and to raise funds to support their finger food but, aside from the Kadisha Bridal Services focus on and tzedakah raised for a worthy
advertisements and/or advertising fea- charitable initiatives. It was an bands which took centre stage, it helping young couples in need with cause. The raffle offered the oppor-
tures to indicate whether or not they are tunity to walk away with great
kosher. Where no Kashrut mark appears prizes - even a Volkswagen Golf.
on an advert, the Jewish Report The VW in typical Volkswagen
assumes no responsibility for the style became a story in itself. The
Kashrut status of that establishment or draw announced Noa Swartz as the
advertiser: winner, but her father who felt Noa
did not need these luxurious
NK Non-Kosher K Kosher
wheels at the young age of two,
Where no symbols appear, consult the graciously put it back into the
Beth Din Kosher Guide or contact the draw.
advertiser. Laurence Lotzoff whose name
was then drawn, also generously
Advertisements and editorial copy from returned the car to be auctioned.
outside sources do not neccessarily reflect This raised R210 000 for the
the views of the editors and staff. Byron Cumin , Ryan Hohenstein and Nikki Saul Tomson and Cindi Bobrof, with musician Jesse Chevrah Kadisha when Hugh
Friedman enjoying some refreshments. Clegg, son of the famous Johnny Clegg. Bauer bought it.
11 December2009 - 15 January2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 3
Know what you are dedicated to
RABBI SHIMON APISDORF
THE HEBREW word “Chanukah”
has three meanings:
• education
• dedication
• beginning
When the Maccabees liberated the
Temple from the Greeks, they found
that the holiest place in Judaism had
been abused and desecrated. (When
the Germans turned synagogues into
horse stables and Torah scrolls into
lampshades, and when Arabs used
Jewish tombstones to pave their
roads, they weren’t the first to strike
at objects of Jewish sanctity.)
The Temple needed far more than
The essence ofJewish parenting is made the trip from Baltimore to
cleaning and repairs; it needed to be
to teach your children what to be Cleveland, I’d still have to miss most
rededicated. This dedication marked
dedicated to. The Talmud says: As of the reunion.
a new beginning for the Temple and
soon as a child can speak, his parents But that didn’t fly. “Perhaps,” he
the Jewish people and is the source
must teach him Torah and the wondered aloud, “you could make an
of the name of the holiday.
Shema. exception. I mean, if one time you
The secret ofparenting is to under-
Just like we don’t let them wait to kind of bend the rules a little, would
stand the nuances of your children’s
decide when they get older if they that be so terrible? Look, nobody’s
nature and to educate them in accor-
want to read or write, we also must perfect.”
dance with that nature. King
not suspend the teaching of values I told him that I was very touched
Solomon says in Proverbs:
and character until they are old by his call, but I just wouldn’t be able
“Educate [chanoch] a child accord-
enough to decide for themselves. to make it. “Besides,” I told him, “the
ing to his nature; when he grows old
What principles demand sacrifice; Indians are in Baltimore that week-
he will not abandon it.”
what’s morally negotiable... and end and I have tickets to the game on
While no two children are alike, all
what’s not. Sunday.”
children need to be taught that it’s
I recently received a call from “Oh, you never told me that,” he
wrong to steal. Personalities and
Cleveland. It was an old friend from said. “Now I understand. Look, we’ll
temperaments may vary, but the
high school who was serving as the miss you. I gotta go make another
need to be kind, compassionate and
co-chairman for our 20-year reunion. call. It’s been great talking to you.”
moral is universal. One child may be
“Everyone is going to be there,” he At the time of Chanukah, how did
shy, another creative, and still anoth-
insisted. “Isn’t there any way you the Jewish people find the fortitude
er always in a hurry. Yet they all need
can make it? It’s going to be a great to fight for the rededication of the
to learn what it means to be a men-
weekend.” Temple?
sch.
I really did want to attend, but Because they knew what they were
Jewish parents are called upon not
unfortunately the main reunion dedicated to in the first place.
only to teach their children life-
events were scheduled for Friday Adapted from “Chanukah - Eight
enhancing skills - like eating with a
night and Saturday. I explained to Nights of Light, Eight Gifts for the
fork and spoon or using a computer -
my old friend that since graduating Soul”
but also to teach them values and
from high school, I had begun to Reprinted by kind permission of
ideals that will bring meaning to
observe Shabbat and that even if I Aish HaTorah
their children’s lives.
ADVERTORIAL
Mendel Kaplan
A tribute by Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan
Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew
Congregations of the Commonwealth
I have known many Jewish leaders, but there was Jewish Museum complete with a replica of the village
none I admired and loved as I admired and loved his family came from, Riteve - he threw himself totally
Z
T
Mendel Kaplan. He was quite simply unique. Short in into the project with awesome energy and focus. WI
O
stature, he was a giant in every other way. He was The range of his projects, whether in South Africa or EL
D
acute. He saw further and understood deeper than especially in Israel, was vast. Al tikra banayich ela YU
E
others. bonayich: he was a builder, one of the great Jewish O
J
Long before most other leaders, he saw that Jewish builders of our time. TO:
O
education was the key to Jewish survival. He mobilised He exercised leadership in every arena with which PH
the Jewish world in the cause of the aliyah of Russian he was involved, whether in the South African Jewish ful and loving marriage, and she complemented him
Jews after the fall of the Soviet Union. Eizehu Board of Deputies and the United Communal Fund, or perfectly: hers was the grace, his was the energy, and
chacham? Haroeh et hanolad. Who is wise? One who Keren Hayesod or the Jerusalem Foundation, and together they were inimitable.
sees far into the future. Mendel was wise, very wise never have I seen leadership of such wisdom, charm He loved his children, Oren, David, Sharon and
indeed. and skill. Romi, and his many grandchildren, and always tried to
He was also passionate and principled. I saw Mendel steer organisations and resolve ten- ensure that the family was together as much as possi-
Extraordinarily for a businessman at the very height of sions with wit and humour, subtle diplomacy, and an ble, especially on the Yomim Tovim.
success, he read widely, studied deeply, and wrote overarching sense of direction, that made me realise His life was cut short all too suddenly and too
nine books. He learned Mishna regularly and financed his true greatness. I valued his advice more than that of soon. Elaine and I mourn one of our most cherished
translation of it into English. His insights into Jewish his- any other lay leader I have known. friends. We loved him and miss him with all our
tory were often original and profound, and they He was a living textbook in how to manage an oth- hearts. May Hashem grant consolation to Jill and the
inspired me personally. erwise unmanageable people. In that too he was family, knowing how much good he achieved in his
Whatever he undertook - whether it was the construc- unique. life. And may Mendel’s memory live on in us as a
tion of a footpath in Cape Town, to the building of a In all he did, Jill was his partner. They had a wonder- source of eternal blessing.
This tribute is inserted by Alex and Anita Maraney and family and Joy Coplan and family
4 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 December2009 - 15 January2010
One of Cape Town’s sweetest flowers has gone
MOIRA SCHNEIDER Under her leadership, Celie’s passion for “She would have the AGMs of the Flower
CAPE TOWN flowers was channelled into a large under- Group at her house - it wasn’t just a tea
PHOTO SUPPLIED taking, providing floral arrangements for party, it was a royal garden party where the
countless weddings and other “simchas” in ladies would dress up with their hats and
CELIE RAPHAELY, an icon ofelegance and the community, as well as corporate events. gloves. It was really very beautiful.
grace, passed away on November 20 at the The substantial funds raised from these “She was the epitome of grace and gen-
age of 96. Born to Woolf and Rose Harris in efforts were distributed to Jewish as well as erosity and everybody loved her.”
Cape Town, she lived her life in this city, non-Jewish charities in the city. Jane Raphaely gives Celie the ultimate
where her parents were founder members of Celie was the leading light in the Group accolade from a daughter-in-law, remarking
the Gardens Synagogue and were commit- for close on 60 years, latterly appointed its that if there was a Nobel Prize for the best
ted advocates of Jewish education - the hall honorary life president. She was recognised mother-in-law, she would have won it! Jane
at Herzlia School is named after them. for her efforts with the award of the UJW’s recalls the cantor of the Gardens shul,
Celie’s special legacy is the Flower Group Circle of Excellence at last year’s annual Cantor Ian Camissar, noting that, even at
- affiliated to the Union of Jewish Women - meeting. times of great tragedy in Celie’s life, “she
which she established. It had its humble Long-time UJW colleague Sara Pascall would always give you that wonderful smile
beginnings towards the end of the Second describes Celie as “very special - it’s like a and you never would have known that there
World War; she and her friends would sell light has gone out. She was always elegant in was anything wrong.
flowers from their gardens in aid of the every way - not just the clothes, but the way Celie suffered the loss of two husbands, The late Celie Raphaely as she appeared
needy. she spoke and did things. Fritz Raphaely - a former president of the
on her 90th birthday invitation.
Gardens Shul - and childhood friend Sandy
Grodd (after three months of marriage), as
well as that of an adult son, Jonathan.
“She had an unquenchable spirit,” says
Jane, “and she never complained. She was
very, very determined - nobody who endured
what she did and who could carry on with
her life and still make it a good one, could be
anything but an extremely strong person.”
On the disbursement of funds raised
through the Flower Group to the wider com-
munity, Jane says “they saw themselves as
part of a larger whole”, long before this
became the “in” thing.
“They didn’t just sit as they could have in
their lovely homes with their lovely families
- they thought they had a responsibility to
try and do something.”
One of UCT’s first drama graduates, Celie
went back to the institution in her mid-fifties
to study fine art. Describing her mother as a
“stylish and creative person” who acted,
painted and played the piano, Carolyn
remembers that when Celie could no longer
climb ladders and actively participate in
flower-arranging (“after she turned 91, I
think”) she diverted her energies to tele-
phonic fundraising, using her persuasive
powers “very effectively.
My personal recollection of Celie dates
back 20 years to the time of my daughter’s
batmitzvah. We had engaged the Flower
Group to take care of the decorations; Celie,
then in her seventies, virtually single-hand-
edly and serenely toiled all day in the blazing
November heat, refusing our concerned
offers of liquid refreshment and a chair.
We had never had any dealings with her
before or since, but her aristocratic bearing
and quiet dedication to the task at hand left
an indelible impression on my family.
Celie leaves her son Michael, daughters
Rosemarie Benjamin and Carolyn, daugh-
ters-in-law Jane and Dot, son-in-law Leonard
Stoch, 10 grandchildren and eight great-
grandchildren.
11 December2009 - 15 January2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 5
SAHRC finds Cosatu’s Bongani
Masuku guilty of hate speech
DAVID SAKS tions, had repeatedly threatened out substance”, further comment-
that Jewish South Africans would ing that “the constant cry of ‘hate
THE SA Human Rights Commis- be targeted because of their sup- speech’ from the SAJBD” against
sion (SAHRC) has upheld a com- port for Israel. criticism of Israel had become
plaint of hate speech against This included statements that “extremely tiresome, wasteful of
Bongani Masuku, International Jewish lives would be made “hell”, resources, and... trivialising [of]
Relations spokesman for the that vigilante action would be the serious ‘hate speech’ charge”.
Congress of SA Trade Unions taken against Jewish families sus- In its ruling, the SAHRC conclud-
(Cosatu). pected of having members serving ed that the content of the speech
The complaint, lodged by the SA in the Israeli military, and that made and e-mails sent by Masuku
Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) Jews who continued to stand up for made it clear that the expressions
on March 26 of this year, following Israel should “not just be encour- amounted to the advocacy of
a series of threatening, inflamma- aged but forced to leave South hatred and as such would not fall
tory and derogatory statements Africa”. under the protection of Section
made by Masuku against the main- Speaking at the Wits event, 16(1) of the Constitution protecting
stream South African Jewish com- Masuku explicitly threatened that freedom of expression.
munity and its leaders because of Cosatu would target Jews who sup- In its concluding paragraph, the
their support for Israel during ported Israel, in particular those HRC ruling declared:
Operation Cast Lead. suspected of having family mem- [Masuku’s] comments and state-
In a media release, the SAJBD bers serving in the Israeli Defence ments made are of an extreme
described the ruling as “a victory Forces. nature that advocate and imply
for all South Africans”, saying that Referring specifically to Jewish that the Jewish and Israeli commu-
it had “reaffirmed the zero-toler- students, he stated that Cosatu nity are to be despised, scorned,
ance attitude towards any form of members on campus could “make ridiculed and thus subjecting them
hate speech that underpinned the sure that for that side it will be to ill-treatment on the basis oftheir
country’s democratic culture”. hell...” He went on to threaten the religious affiliation. A prima facie
SAJBD National Chairman Zev Jewish community in general, say- case of hate speech is clearly estab-
Krengel commended the SAHRC ing: “We will do everything to make lished as the statements and com-
for its ruling, which he said had sure that whether it’s at Wits ments by M. Masuku are offensive
made South Africa a better place University, whether it’s at Orange and unpalatable to society.
for all its citizens. Grove, anyone who does not sup- The SAHRC requested Masuku
“While instances of racist and port equality and dignity, who does to tender an apology to the SAJBD
inflammatory rhetoric directed not support the rights of other peo- within 14 days, failing which the
against sectors of society will ple, must face the consequences matter would be referred to the rel-
inevitably occur from time to time, even if it means that we will do evant Equality Court for final adju-
it is encouraging to see that this something that may necessarily dication without further notice to
country has in place effective cause what is regarded as harm...” him.
mechanisms to deal with them. Masuku’s response to the Krengel said that although the
The SAJBD’s complaint detailed Board’s complaint was to claim SAJBD was prepared to go to court,
how Masuku, in a public address at that he had referred not to Jews, he hoped that an appropriate apolo-
Wits University on March 5, as well but to Zionists. He described the gy from Masuku would make this
as in various written communica- complaint as “frivolous” and “with- unnecessary.
Lyndhurst furore
rassed and regretful of the situa-
tion and assured me that he is tak-
ing steps to address it”.
over ‘rabbi slumlord’ But Rabbi Levy told the SA
Jewish Report that the properties
were owned by a Jewish interna-
tional consortium, which he would
STAFF REPORTER soccer in the streets and fixing cars. not name, and that he was manag-
There was even a shebeen being run ing them on their behalf.
LYNDHURST RESIDENTS are from there. We live in an upmarket “The properties were purchased
claiming that a rabbi who attends complex, but this is pushing down a few years ago and I have been
Ohr Somayach is a slumlord. the value of our properties. One looking after them. The interna-
The rabbi, they say, owns three estate agent said the buyer told him tional investors lost a lot of money
properties in the area which are to turn back the minute they on them because the property mar-
filled with people whom he is entered the street,” she said. ket went down,” he said.
charging between R500 and R800 Solomon said it was disgusting He put people in the houses to
each. that a rabbi could allow people to look after them, but they turned
The houses have one toilet and live under such conditions and col- out to be “not such nice people”, he
no electricity. lecting rent from them. said.
This has been going on for three In desperation, she wrote to Ohr “The one woman started a she-
years, said Gail Solomon, chairman Somayach. Rabbi Larry Shain told been there but she was given notice
of the Riverside Body Corporate. Solomon that Rabbi Levy was not to leave and has done so. Others are
“We are now desperate. From employed by the organisation and not paying rent and others are tak-
what we see, Rabbi Joe Levy buys he therefore had no jurisdiction ing rent,” he said.
up these properties, rents out over his actions. Levy said he had tried to evict
three-bedroom homes to between Rabbi Levy, however, claims he is people, with no success, but new
20 and 30 people. He boards up the not the owner ofthe properties - but systems were being put in place on
balconies, garages, and erects zozo is managing them. the properties.
huts to get more rooms. These However, Rabbi Shain said Rabbi “Most people will be out by the
places are truly slums. Levy was a congregant and a friend, end of December and we will clean
“On weekends and holidays, we and he had spoken to him about the them out and put proper security in
have people drinking and playing issues. Shain said Levy was “embar- place,” he said.
6 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 December2009 - 15 January2010
SOCIAL SCENE
Rita Lewis [email protected]
Instigator of the event Miriam Garb with Stuart Toubin discussing a
The ever-popular statuette by Mark Forman in the Beyachad foyer.
Len Kay struts
his stuff beside
the flags of the
SA Zionist
Federation.
A fitting way to say goodbye to the year 2009
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY community an afternoon of Dublin-born Len Kay, had the Toit on violin, Kevin Davidson the various Jewish populations,
RITA LEWIS "Klezmer, Kvetch, Koffee and Kay" audience eating out of his hands. on soprano saxophone, Lex the troubadours disappeared, but
came from Miriam Garb who Kay, who started performing at Futshane on double bass and the music remained.
IN A MIX of well-known Jewish, organised the recent musical the age of four, has never lost "his Yochanan Ress on piano. In the Diaspora, the klezmorim
klezmer and kitschy songs, the event at Beyachad. touch" and is still able to put over Klezmer music originated in the came into contact with "different"
four performers and singer had Garb said she thought it was a a good performance, be it jazz, shtetls, villages and ghettos of music and with the resultant
the audience at the same time fitting way to commemorate the pop, opera, cantorial music or in Eastern Europe, from where so change in tempo, rhythm, disso-
smiling, laughing, tearful and waning of the year 2009 that this instance, klezmer. many forebears of the present nance and a bit of improvisation,
joining in with many of the songs. marks the 100th birthday of the Kay was accompanied by four Jewish community came from. the modern-day klezmer sound
Klezmer music has this effect on vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Tel musicians who were obviously It was there that itinerant evolved.
people as it evokes and expresses a Aviv. highly experienced at playing this Jewish troubadours known as Much of what was played dur-
whole gamut of emotions: from Although Kay had never previ- type of klezmer music as they "Klezmorim" performed at the ing the afternoon was the sound
joy to despair; devotion to revolt; ously sung with the band, from the responded well to the audience many simchas, including barmitz- which has developed since those
from anger to love. start of the concert, the evergreen participation and receptiveness. vahs, weddings etc. days - distinctive, easily recognis-
The original idea of offering the singer with the versatile voice, The musicians were Libbie du With the onset of the demise of able and much loved.
Showing off his Reeva Forman. Froma Sacks laughs Nicole Buthelezi and
ability to play at one of the Beverley Ramathe.
his soprano light-hearted
saxophone is parts of the
Kevin programme.
Davidson.
Above: Elaine Above: Celia
Krug with Chavkin and
Hymie Ricky Joseph.
Chaitowitz.
Right: Pianist
Yochanan Ress Left: Roni Zidel
with his daugh- with Helen
ter on his lap. Joselowitz.
11 December2009 - 15 January2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 7
COMMUNITY BUZZ
expense of the Jewish community, had
expressly stated that only true orphans
LIONEL SLIER were allowed to come.
082-444-9832, fax: [phone], Solly’s story: “On Sunday soon after we
arrived in Johannesburg it was open day.
[email protected]
The Johannesburg Jews were invited to
meet the orphans. There was a couple who
LYNDFORD, DEVON, ENGLAND visited, a Mr and Mrs Josselowitz. I was
instantly attracted to Mrs J. I held onto her
The Epitaph from the Watchmaker’s dress and called her ‘Mama’ and wouldn’t
Tomb: let go. She reminded me of my own moth-
(A poem viewed by the family of Rabbi er- there was a resemblance.
Michael Hilton, August 2009) “Although we couldn’t speak the same
language, someone translated for us. She
Here lies in horizontal position/ The out- was Lithuanian and I was a Pole. ‘Go and
side case of George Routleigh/ eat your supper,’ I was told. ‘This lady will
Watchmaker/ Whose abilities in that time/ wait for you outside.’
Were an honour/ To his profession./ “I refused to let her go, believing that she
Integrity was his mainspring./And pru- would go away. I could not bear the
dence the regulator/Of all the actions of thought of losing her and I insisted that
his life./ Humane, generous and liberal/ she come with me into the dining room and
His hands never stopped/ Till he had I watched her all the time. She had a won-
relieved distress. / So nicely regulated derful heart. ‘All right,’ she said, ‘I will
were all his motions/ That he never went take you home.’
wrong/ Except when set agoing/ By peo- “My name when I arrived was Shleime
ple/ Who did not know his key/Even then Neustein but after I was adopted I became
he was easily/ Set right again. / He had the Schleime Josselowitz. Due to business
art of disposing his/ Time so well/ That when I was an adult, with my adopted par-
his hours glided away/ In one continual ents’ agreement, I took on the name of
round/ Of pleasure and delight/ Till an Solly Jossel, officially.”
unlucky minute put a/ period to/ his exis- • At the age of 95, Solly Jossel was the
tence. oldest ‘Old Arc’ at the reunion held at
He departed this life/14 Nov. 1802 Aged Arcadia a month ago.
57/ Wound up/ In hope of being taken in / • From ‘Arc Correspondence’ the weekly
Hand by his Maker? /And being thorough- newsletter sent out by David Sandler in
ly/ Cleaned and repaired/ And set going/ Perth, Western Australia to Old Arcadians
In the world to come. throughout the world.
CLOCOLAN/KROONSTAD JOHANNESBURG/ARCADIA
Sheila Klaff Meyerowitz: From Lorraine Kruger:
“One of the first pages I turn to in the “On the Social Scene page of this week’s
Jewish Report each week is Community Jewish Report - the wonderful article about
Buzz. This week my eye was drawn to two the Arc - I saw some faces from way back,
towns, Kroonstad and Clocolan, one under namely Sam and Zelva Bartlet. We were
the other. friends in about 1972 and saw quite a lot of
“My dad, Rev Moses David (Max) Klaff, each other.
z”l, ministered to both these congregations “Over the years I have tried to make con-
- his first congregation was that of tact and cannot seem to find their details
Clocolan (about 1928 - 1931) and he knew in the phone book. They used to live in
the Suttner family, among others, very Bramley Gardens in those days.
well. Rev Klaff participated in all social “What are the chances of the Jewish
events which included playing tennis and Report helping me with contact details? I
being part of a drama group! got all emotional when I saw their photos.
“My dad spent approximately three “I can be contacted on my cell phone or
years in Kroonstad from 1941 - 1944 before [email protected]. My cell number is
moving on to Port Elizabeth. There is a 082-808-2840.”
photo of the committee, including my dad,
in 1943, which I donated to the Jewish FROM BERNARD GREEN:
archives.
“My dad used to do the shechita (kosher “Firstly I am a proud South African - then
slaughtering); he rode a bicycle to the a proud, loyal, Jewish South African.
slaughter house. I can picture him in the “There are probably millions of folk sit-
dead of a freezing winter morning riding uated around the world we live in, who are
his bike at 05:00 to do the shechita! still totally unaware what South Africa is
“I will always admire the hardiness and all about. Perhaps even if one does not go
feistiness of his generation. My mom said to the extreme and harbour the thought
the water was ‘ice’ until about 10:00 in the that wild animals roam our streets, then,
morning. for sure, those people are obviously clue-
“Rev Klaff was very special and the epit- less about our wonderful country.
ome of a man deeply immersed in “Well, surely the upcoming 2010 Soccer
Judaism, especially towards his fellow World Cup will inexorably open everyone’s
man and all its spirituality.” eyes to the wonders of modern, sunny
South Africa. They will be made conver-
JOHANNESBURG/ARCADIA sant about all our cities. Also from the
indigent, reaching up to the ‘big wigs’.
These are the memoirs of Solly Jossel, “The year 2010 is so big that one can only
born Schleime Neustein in 1914 in marvel, trying to comprehend its magni-
Drohobitch. Solly was one of the Pogrom tude. It behoves me to mention that I and
War Orphans who, in 1921, were brought my companion, Gertie Jacobs, await 2010
out of Eastern Europe to South Africa by with keen anticipation. Likewise, friends
Isaac Ochberg. of mine of some 50 to 65 years’ standing,
He was one of the 87 children who were namely Horace Jatwes of Toronto (former
sent to Arcadia Jewish Children’s Home in chairman for 10 years of Selwyn Segal
Parktown, Johannesburg; 98 other chil- Children’s Home), Dennis Port (Durban) of
dren were housed in Orangia, Cape Town’s water polo fame, Arnie Port
Jewish Children’s Home. (Johannesburg) of tennis and bowls fame
Solly was not really an orphan but his and also their spouses, Lorna Jatwes,
mother, who was very poor, arranged for Eleanor and Shirley Port.
her young son, aged seven, to be taken by “To those who have no interest in soccer,
Ochberg, despite the fact that General try to somehow take 2010 in. You won’t be
Jannie Smuts, who had given permission disappointed. Guaranteed that you will be
for 200 children to be brought out at the amazed. Bring it on in all its glory!”
8 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 December2009 - 15 January2010
Jacob Gitlin Library receives its
AROUND
THE WORLD
1st taped book
NEWS IN BRIEF
ISRAEL'S JUSTICE EDITED BY MOIRA SCHNEIDER Thanks to organisations such as
MINISTER CALLS FOR CAPE TOWN Tape Aids for the Blind, those
JEWISH LAW PHOTOGRAPH: IRMA CHAIT afflicted by blindness today need
not suffer the terrible mental iso-
JERUSALEM - Israel's jus- THE FIRST fruit of a collabora- lation and stagnation that had
tice minister reportedly has tion between the Jacob Gitlin overwhelmed Braille, he said.
called for basing the coun- Library and Tape Aids for the Addressing himself to Verblun,
try's judicial system on Blind, was celebrated when for- Scher said: “Without you, Yvonne,
Torah laws. mer head librarian Yvonne this collaborative project would
"Step by step, we will Verblun presented a taped read- not have achieved the success
bestow upon the citizens of ing of “The Nazi Officer’s Wife” that it has. We salute your won-
Israel the laws of the Torah, to the library. derful networking and organisa-
and we will turn halachah Library chairman, Dr David tional ability and thank you for
into the binding law of the Scher, remarked to those present what you have done for the com-
nation," Ya'akov Ne'eman that this year was the 200th munity.”
Pauline Hoffman, national director of Tape Aids for the Blind, former
said on Tuesday morning at anniversary of the birth of Louis Obie Oberholzer, organiser of
head librarian of the Jacob Gitlin Library Yvonne Verblun, Obie
a Jewish law conference in Braille, the Frenchman who had the recording, played a page of
Jerusalem, according to fashioned an alphabet that opened Avril Kurgan’s reading of the Oberholzer and Avril Kurgan at the handover of the first taped book
Ha'aretz. the world of learning to the blind. book. to the library.
"We must bring back the
heritage of our fathers to the OCD - a disease that people
without OCD the obsession can
nation of Israel. The Torah
promote OCD.
has the complete solution to
According to studies with men-
all of the questions we are
strual purity as an example, the
dealing with." are loath to talk about
concerns are similar in religious
Ne'eman received ap-
and secular groups.
plause for his comments.
If you have OCD you will carry
Many rabbis and rabbinical
out obsessive rituals, but religion
judges were at the conven-
ALISON GOLDBERG of OCD maintains that all actions doesn’t promote OCD. Culture
tion.
or behaviour is determined by influences a range of activities.
In a statement released
PSYCHIATRIST and author Dr thought processes. This therapy Religion is just another area of life
later in the day, the Justice
Dora Wynchank (pictured) does aims to break the ritual. Treatment in which OCD can flourish. In fact,
Ministry's spokesman clari-
not believe observant Jews are any also includes medication. Bio- religion, and in this case Judaism,
fied Ne'eman's comments.
more prone to obsessive compul- logically the frontal lobes suppress can protect against it.
"The minister clarifies
sive disorders (OCD) than the aver- the obsession which comes from In 2008 a study concluded that
that his address did not con-
age person, but studies do point out the brain stem. Japanese OCD looked exactly the
tain an appeal to replace the
that there is a tendency towards Dr Wynchank added that it did same as OCD in the West. In the
state's laws with the laws of
obsessiveness in those who are reli- tend to run in families and people Muslim world, the word for obses-
halacha, neither directly nor
gious. did not do well on placebos. sion is the same as devil. People
indirectly," the statement
She told a gathering at the Union In 12th century Europe, religious with OCD in Muslim countries are
said. "The minister spoke in
of Jewish Women recently that piety was described as scrupulosity similar to Jews, around issues of
general and broad terms
obsessive compulsive disorder is by the Catholic Church. It was con- contamination.
about returning the glory of
the fourth most common mental sidered a pathological concern A study in Israel in 2004 showed
Hebrew law and the impor-
disorder and affects about 2,5 per with the carrying out of religious that if your parents were religious
tance of Hebrew law in the
cent of the population or one in 50. obligations. In the 14th to 16th cen- then it is likely that you would be
state."
It’s a secret illness. Sufferers are turies it was held that the demon in religious, regardless ofyour under-
Ne'eman's remarks drew
reluctant to tell anyone about it. In OCD sufferers had to be exorcised. lying tendency to be obsessive.
fire from the government's
all studies the condition tran- over someone coming here?” Rabbi In very Orthodox Jewish circles It’s difficult to distinguish
left wing, including calls for
scends race and religion, but suf- Abraham Twersky described it as the terms are familiar. Judaism between obsessive compulsive suf-
his resignation.
ferers are more likely to have above being tortured by persistent doubt. involves exactness of prayers, the ferers and religious Jews, but some
"His remarks reflect a dis-
average intelligence. It is possible to miss it because it separation of milk and meat and misguided rabbis view obsessive-
turbing process of 'Talibani-
There are two components to it: is usually so well hidden. The suf- prayers are to be done with ness as idolatry.
sation' occurring in Israeli
the first is the obsession which suf- ferer may not necessarily have kavanah (devotion). Others argue that it is more
society," said Haim Oron,
ferers realise is irrational. It makes compulsions either. But it is dis- This is difficult for someone with important to have spiritual goals
chairman of the Meretz
them terribly anxious. It could be tressing to have the condition. The OCD where the state of mind is and the question must be always
Party.
the concern about possible contam- sufferer can spend up to three supposed to determine the out- raised whether the behaviour
Tzipi Livni, opposition
ination. In some people, there is hours a day carrying out some come of prayer. Doubting the per- goes beyond the halachic require-
leader and chairman of the
also a component of compulsions, obsession: it interferes with func- fection of one’s kavanah can ment.
Kadima Party, said Ne'e-
such as washing hands 50 times. tioning, relationships are affected, become torture for someone with OCD starts in the late teens but
man's remarks should be
The compulsive behaviour is an and it can cause economic distress. OCD. can also start in childhood. Prozac
concerning to "every citizen
attempt to suppress the obsession Sigmund Freud described it in In Biblical terms, vows were is one of six drugs that can be used
who cares about what hap-
by carrying out some kind of ritu- 1910 as related to the anal stage and problematic. Luckily we have a nul- to treat it.
pens in Israel in terms of its
al. Perfectionists on the other had that it could result from too much lification of vows before Yom Wynchank concluded by saying
values and democracy."
are not OCD; it’s just their person- rigidity in toilet training. But par- Kippur. But you can also have a that OCD is about being dysfunc-
On Wednesday, the Jeru-
ality style. enting styles are not related. Freud declaration before three men. It’s tional and is associated with
salem Post in an editorial
Obsessions are very distressing. thought all religious ritual was almost as if the religion has an aid depression, because the sufferer
wrote: If our Justice Mini-
They bombard the sufferer and he obsessive. In 1909 he wrote about among Jews to stave offobsessions. feels he or she cannot escape the
ster wants to think out loud,
or she feels shame and guilt. In the the Ratman who was obsessed that The example of broccoli being condition. A holistic approach to
he should do so in the priva-
French the term is folie de doute - rats were eating his anus. kosher or not is one example of treatment, including exercise, may
cy of his own home." (JTA)
madness of doubt. “What if I rode The cognitive behavioural model obsessiveness. Even for people help.
11 December2009 - 15 January2010 SA JEWISH REPORT 9
The RCHCC has become a true
home for Johannesburg Jewry
ALISON GOLDBERG documentaries about a variety of Jewish instruments, playing an all Jewish pro-
subjects from artistic to Holocaust films; the gramme.” organisations, including the Johannesburg
THE RABBI Cyril Harris Community Centre showcases films that don’t come on A major part of the Centre’s activities Holocaust Centre, Shtetl Connections and
Centre has been a stunning success in pro- circuit, but are nevertheless of very high comprises the regular art exhibitions show- others.”
viding a centre for the greater quality. casing both well-known artists including But for Cohen, the most satisfying and
Johannesburg Jewish community. This is “We have also had dramatic performances Sidney Goldblatt, Sidney Abramowitch, heart-warming aspect of the Centre and its
thanks to its operations director Hazel which have been very popular: “Tsafendas” Thea Soggott, Regi Bar David, Anton Uys success as a community centre, has been
Cohen (pictured), formerly a Wits English performed by Renos Spanoudes played to and also some lesser known ones. two shidduchim which were forged at the
literature lecturer for 26 years, ably assisted capacity houses. We have had children’s the- In addition there have been two presti- RCHCC.
by René Sidley who motivated introducing atre with Litzy Katz and concerts such as gious exhibitions at the RCHCC, courtesy of The RCHCC charges an annual member-
bridge at the Centre and who is also an Andrew Levy and Friends, a klezmer con- the Jewish Museum in Cape Town - an exhi- ship fee of R200, with a 30 per cent discount
expert on art exhibitions. cert, a jazz group with Ray Perkel and bition of the life and work of Helen Suzman for all events. On average the centre charges
Situated at the Great Park Synagogue, the Friends, and the Buskaid group from and on Professor Phillip Tobias. R50 to R60 a head and is a non-profit organi-
Centre has as many as three functions a Soweto, consisting of 20 kids with string “We have partnered with a number of sation.
week. The establishment of the RCHCC was
motivated by a group led by Ernest
Leibowitz who is now its chairman, and
included the late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris
who was the patron-in-chief, with Rabbi
Dovid Hazdan as the Centre’s patron.
The Centre opened its doors in 2001 with
its aim to provide recreational, cultural,
educational, and social events ofa high stan-
dard, to highlight Jewish culture.
“We started in 2001 with nothing”, says
Cohen. “Our data base has since grown
exponentially.”
There has been an exciting range of pro-
grammes, from light entertainment to
thought-provoking lectures. The events are
well planned, topical and cover a rich vari-
ety of subjects to satisfy a wide range of
interests and tastes and often play to capaci-
ty houses.
It is a feather in its cap that bookings for
events have become essential.
The topics are mainly Jewish oriented and
the content has been both local and interna-
tional, with Jewish history and lectures on
Israel and the community’s Lithuanian her-
itage as regular features.
“We have also had cross-cultural events
with other communities such as the
Portuguese, Italians and Greeks.”
Cohen says most of the lecturers have
been sourced from local talent which she
maintains is world class. Contributors to the
programmes have been the late Dr Jocelyn
Hellig, Hugh Raichlin, Tali Nates, William
Kentridge, Paula Slier, Philip Miller, Digby
Ricci, Judith Mason, Gerald Zwirn, Phyllis
Rapp and Rochelle Winer, among others.
“As we have become better known on the
cultural scene, we have enjoyed the contri-
butions of increasingly more international
visitors such as Yehuda Bauer of Yad
Vashem, Dan Bahat, archaeologist of
Jerusalem, Sharon Rivo of the Jewish Film
Centre (Brandeis), Professor Steven Katz
(Boston University), and others.
“In addition the Yiddish Academy runs
Yiddish classes at the Centre every Monday
night and there is supervised bridge every
Tuesday and Wednesday morning under the
direction of Jeff Sapire.
“The Centre attracts a mainly sixties
group but occasionally also pulls in younger
and older members, depending on the topic.
Recently the spate of outstanding Israeli
films has pulled in a younger crowd,” says
Cohen. She explains that there are many
10 SA JEWISH REPORT 11 December2009 - 15 January2010
Be careful of playing the ‘numbers
game’ in transformation
Dr Adila Hassim.
ALISON GOLDBERG look at networks to overcome the sidered for appointment because of The problem is a lack of commer-
gatekeepers. We must agree on the the inherent weaknesses in those cial work given to blacks and
EXCEPT FOR government appoint- purpose of transformation.” black universities. females. Women silks tended to do
ments of black judges to the Bench, Tembecka Ncgukaitobi presented Language is a factor, he added matrimonial work. Of 21 female
the vast majority of legal firms are slides showing in 2002 - 2006 that and the majority of black graduates silks in South Africa there were
still white-owned, causing some white LLB graduates led in num- go to the public service and not to only two in Johannesburg who do
consternation among black legal bers, followed by blacks, Indians the mainstream. “We need to look at commercial work. The Bar has tried
professionals. and coloureds. However, the num- the skills gap between black and to rectify the situation with its sys-
This much emerged from a panel ber of practising attorneys in 2007 white universities.” tem of pupilage - of 150 applicants
discussion hosted by the Wits Law showed a huge gap between white He pointed out that Bowman 70 were accepted - but the problem
School recently, entitled “Talking and black attorneys where only a Gilfillan Inc where he once worked, remained one not only of entry, but Mr Justice Dennis Davis.
Past Each Other? Race in Legal narrow gap had existed between had succeeded in fulfilling their of sustainability.
Academia, Practice and on the black and white graduates. transformation goal and that from Government, she feels, should
Bench”. Law firm ownership in 2008 simi- the time of its indaba about this in take responsibility for education.
The panel discussion was facilitat- larly showed a huge discrepancy 2004 - 2005 when 19 per cent of its The Bar has done what it can but at
ed by Mr Justice Dennis Davis. The between black and white owner- partners were black that figure was the end of the day it is the paying
panelists were Tshepo Madlingozi of ship. White firms comprised 80,2 now 30 per cent. clients who call the shots and in
the University of Pretoria, Dr Adila per cent of all law firms, followed Madlingozi, a senior lecturer at turn this affects which juniors were
Hassim from the Aids Law Project, by fully African owned at 6,5 per the University of Pretoria, found chosen.
Tembeka Ncgukaitobi from the cent, mixed owned accounted for 5,7 that those “who benefited from Madlingozi felt that white advan-
Legal Resources Centre and per cent, fully coloured owned 1,4 apartheid, seek to dominate the dis- tage should be dislodged. Dr Adila
Tembeka Nogukaitobi.
Advocate Sharise Weiner from the per cent and fully Indian owned 6,2 course” and that race counting now Hassim said she hoped “we could
Johannesburg Bar. per cent. carried a stigma. have a discussion on merit. I only
Dr Adila Hassim kicked off saying Ncgukaitobi said since 1994 Black law academics are also on see things improving and there are
that speaking as a black woman she efforts were being made to create a the wane, he said, because students people who are coming up the
was aware that lawyers talk in hud- legal system of demographics, but it get poached from universities. ranks.”
dles with the two sides criticising was impossible to meet. A proper Madlingozi believes black academ- Ncgukaitobi said the important
both sides of transformation. What one is broadly representative, he ics leave because the salaries are conversation we should be having is
consensus was it possible to arrive said. pathetic and because of the to draw up a clear list of things to be
at? “The obvious question as thrown Eurocentric nature of institutions. done. “The pity is that law schools
“Race and gender representivity up by the graphs was why are black “Whiteness,” he added, “determines do not offer the scholarships that
does not mean inferiority,” said law graduates not retained in the the makeup of the profession.” engineering and accountancy firms Tshepo Madlingozi.
Hassim. “I feel undermined when profession?” he asked. The real fac- Weiner, a senior counsel at the do,” he said.
appointed because of that. We must tor he believes is social networking Johannesburg Bar said there was Madlingozi felt that there was a
acknowledge that being a black in the office. no denying that there is discrimina- need to transform university cul-
woman doesn’t equate to a numbers The graphs also show a skills tion on the grounds of race and gen- ture and a need to discuss the issues
game but must know that the bene- deficit. The Law Society and the der at the Bar. What blacks are of white supremacy and merit.
fit of skill is still a factor. Department of Justice keep on talk- undergoing now, females under- Weiner concluded that is was
“What is it blocking people with ing about the quality of legal gradu- went for years. important to have this kind of con-
potential? What is it about the legal ates, Ncgukaitobi found, but he In 2002, she pointed out, 86 per versation and that transformation
profession? Each one of us must believes that many black graduates cent ofthe bar had been male and 76 had definitely occurred compared to
look at our own conduct. We need to from black universities are not con- per cent white. 32 years ago. Adv. Sharise Weiner.