family hamaor

48 Pages·2013·4.03 MB·English

GIVING ME
THE INDEPENDENCE
I CRAVE.
Garry is in his mid-forties and has multiple sclerosis.
“My Jewish Blind & Disabled flat Our team of support staff As an independent charity with no
has given me a whole new lease work around the clock to enable government funding we are reliant
of life. I don’t have to worry now people like Garry to maintain on donations and legacies to build
about being forced to depend on their independence and it is and run our unique developments
others to do the everyday things your support that enables us of mobility apartments.
that are so easy to take for granted.” to do this.
For more information or to make a donation
visit www.jbd.org or call 020 8371 6611
Registered Charity No. 259480
Shanah Tovah!
Contents
The Yomim Noraim are
a time for reflection,
Diary 2
repentance and
Where there’s a will, there’s a Derech – Alan Finlay 6
reading Hamaor!
Shechita's stock rising in modern world
This edition brings
– London Board for Shechita 8
some enlightening articles for your
W’anna Hen-I (Whereto is the Island?) = Uanaheni
enjoyment. For a New Year, we have
- Dr Eli Kienwald, Chief Executive 9
some new contributors - Rabbi Zvi
Chai Cancer Care 11
Bloom, from Jewish Chaplaincy, shares
Maurice Tiefenbrunner - Obituary 12
an insight into Sukkot and Emmanuel Awe and Joy on Rosh Hashana
Kushner provides a fascinating piece on - Rabbi Chaim Zundel Pearlman 14
archeology. This is also the last edition Will it be a sweet new year for all Jewish families? 16
to be published with Mr Alan Finlay as Understanding the gift of tears - Rabbi Garson 17
the Federation President and I would Jewish Marriage Council launches
new family mediation service 19
like to thank him for his regular
Mah nishtanah ha’leilah hazeh?-
contributions and for taking the time
Chazan Michael Simon 20
to share his thoughts with the
“To give or not to give?” - Harvey Bratt 22
Federation community.
Sukkot: The Best Source of Vitamin E
- Rabbi Zvi Bloom 23
With thanks to all our writers and
Chaplaincy – There for Jewish Students 24
those who help behind the scenes. Cut
How can archaeology speak to us?
yourself a piece of honey cake, sit
- Emmanuel Kushner 25
down, read and enjoy! Meir Panim gives the needy a sweet new year 26
Ohr Yisrael & JRoots 6th Journey
I wish you all a Kesiva Vechasima Tovah To Poland Reflections - David Woolf 27
Recipes for Rosh Hashanah - Denise Phillips 29
Eva Jewish Blind & Disabled - More Than Just
Bricks & Mortar 31
“Help, I’ve been made redundant … ” 32
Personal 34
Kashrus Directory 39
Federation of Synagogues Contact Details 40
Burial Society 41
List of Synagogues 44
Published by The Federation of Synagogues
65 Watford Way, London NW4 3AQ
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.federationofsynagogues.com
Editor/Advertising: Eva Chapper
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NEWS & EVENTS
Beis Hamedrash Nishmas Rabbonim and representatives from many other
communities, together with local dignitaries including the
Yisroel
Bishop of Croydon and our local MP. The service was lead
by Chazzan Rev David Rome of Catford Synagogue together
Nearly 400 men and boys
with members of The London Cantorial Singers. Rabbi
from both North West
Asmoucha’s mother was unable to travel to the Induction,
London and Stamford Hill
so the service was transmitted to Vancouver via a Skype link.
descended upon Hasmonean
At the conclusion of the service the Ladies Guild provided a
Boys’ School on Motzoei
wonderful reception which was enjoyed by all. With Rabbi
Shabbos for a unique Lag
Asmoucha’s permission, we note below his feelings in the
B’Omer event. It was a
unfortunately very sad week which followed the induction,
kumzits arranged by Rabbi
which is part of a letter he sent to the community.
Dovid Tugendhaft of the
Hendon Beis Hamedrash
Photography by Adrian Salt
“This is a community, together for the good times and the
Nishmas Yisroel. Popular
bad. At the Induction I talked about creating a space where
singer Shloime Gertner (pictured right) opened the evening
we can come together and feel supported, safe, secure and
with lively niggunim in honour of Lag B’Omer and was then
joined by the renowned singer and composer Yitzchok Fuchs nurtured. This is something I have witnessed many times in
(pictured left) who was flown in from Eretz Yisroel especially our community, but particularly recently with the so
for the event. Mr Fuchs has gained worldwide acclaim for contrasting situations in which we found ourselves; the
his niggunim which have been snapped up by famous artists Induction ceremony and then during the whole week of the
including Mordechai Ben David. Shloime Gertner announced Shiva of our dear Stuart Arbisman z”l. I was so moved to see
at the evening that he had secured the performing rights on all the effort time and energy people put into the Induction
one of Mr Fuchs’s niggunim (Shehamashiach Yagiah) for his to make it a memorable experience for the entire
upcoming CD and the gathering were treated to a unique congregation and how they work to ensure our synagogue
debut of the song. Guests enjoyed fresh pizza and sushi community continues to be there for everyone. I have also
courtesy of Avi Schwarz of Slice. Danny Saltman of Edgware witnessed this support and warmth of the Croydon Jewish
store The Wineman held a complimentary wine tasting, while community regarding my own self. A true leader grows and
the £1500 split the pot raffle was won by a visitor from develops. This community has provided this. For this I am
Manchester who very generously donated his winnings back extremely grateful. I reflect on all these things with gratitude,
to Nishmas Yisroel to aid the event. being privileged to be a part of this congregation”.
Croydon The communal Seder was very well supported and Rabbi
Asmoucha continues to hold his Wednesday evening shiur.
Croydon has been very busy since Pesach. The highlight, of
course, has to be the Induction of Rabbi Natan Asmoucha
On a smaller but no less important note, “OUR CLUB”
by the Rosh Beth Din, Dayan Lichtenstein, on Sunday 16th
continues to provide lunch and entertainment to everybody
June 2013 / 8th Tammuz 5773. Dayan Lichtenstein spoke
who attends our Sunday lunchtime gatherings and the sun
of how the Rabbi of a community should be both a father
even shone on our annual barbecue weekend.
and a teacher of his congregation. Rabbi Asmoucha replied
by pledging his service, care and attention, to the Croydon
The community recently lost Stella Hanover who, with her
Congregation as well as to the wider Croydon Community.
husband Leon, worked so tirelessly for Croydon Shul. Stella
Both the president of the Federation, Mr. Alan Finlay and the
had moved to Bournemouth in her later years but never lost
president of Croydon Synagogue, Mr. Anthony Bond,
touch with us. She will be sadly missed.
addressed a full Synagogue audience, amongst whom were
Ilford
FROM VISION TO REALITY –
A Moving Experience
It has taken around 12 years to find a suitable building to
re-house the Ilford community. Finally during the summer
of 2012 the shul at Coventry Road was sold and the Dennis
Centre building in Beehive Lane was purchased which started
The Bishop of Croydon, Anthony Bond (president of Croydon the moving process. The programme of building works is
Shul), Rabbi Natan Asmoucha, Dayan Lichtenstein, Danny Harris being undertaken in 3 phases. Phase 1, the enabling project;
(Warden of Croydon Shul) and Alan Finlay will see building work to the first and second floors, with
Page 2 Hamaor / September 2013
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NEWS & EVENTS
Phases 2 and 3 bringing in There are many stages to work through but the community
work to the ground and is confident that, once completed, the shul and the facilities
completion of the first that will be on offer will rival anything elsewhere in the Capital.
floor works.
Rabbi Chapper’s Tenth Anniversary
The property at 84 Beehive
Ilford Federation Synagogue celebrated the tenth anniversary
Lane was formerly known
of Rabbi Alex Chapper taking up the position of rabbi with a
as the Dennis Centre and is
special Kiddush.
a modern 3 storey building at the junction with Clarence
Avenue. It was owned and used by both Jewish Care and
In his sermon, Rabbi Chapper praised the community for
Norwood. The proposed works will see the building
their commitment, energy and enthusiasm that has enabled
ultimately converted and extended into a shul seating some
them to achieve many things during his tenure and he
140 congregants and will provide a first floor social area for
thanked them for taking him and his family into their hearts.
upwards of 110 people – which can be used for the parallel
The chairman of the shul, Mr Leon Newmark thanked Rabbi
service for Yom Tov if needed for an extra 200 congregants.
and Mrs Chapper for giving so much of themselves over the
The adjacent facilities will include a milk/meat kitchen. The
last ten years and being an integral part of everything that
second, top, floor will provide a caretaker’s flat, Rabbi’s office,
happens in the shul. Mr Newmark presented Rabbi Chapper
and further meeting areas. All floors are to be served by a
with a specially created hand written certificate to mark this
Shabbat lift and the building will have a bespoke air change
milestone, as well as an inscribed Kiddush cup and plate. At
system to provide temperature comfort for the occupants.
a celebratory Kiddush that followed the service, the chairman
The building will be fitted internally in a contemporary style
of the Ladies Guild, Mrs Frances Bookatz spoke warmly about
but with elements taken from the much-loved Coventry
Mrs Eva Chapper’s involvement with the women of the
Road - the architects have been instructed to create the new
community as a friend and teacher.
but incorporate our heritage where possible.
Having sold the freehold interest in Coventry Road, the new Mr Newmark said, “Over the last ten years, Rabbi Chapper has
owners granted the community an occupational lease which done so much for this community, he has worked tirelessly,
will expire at the end of October 2013. Phase 1 will complete creating highly successful and innovative programmes and
the building work to the second floor, and provide the reaching out to so many people. It is an excellent shidduch,
congregation with a ''temporary home'' by way of a first floor which we hope will continue for many more years.”
shul and kitchen for use until the permanent shul on the
Rabbi Chapper added, “It has been an honour and a privilege
ground floor is ready for use by the spring of 2014.
to lead such a warm and friendly community who’ve been
Currently the ground floor at 84 Beehive Lane is used for so receptive to our ideas. Now with a move to new premises
Friday night and Shabbat evening services, and this will imminent, this community not only has an illustrious past
continue until the builders need access for the proposed but also a bright future.”
major work. All services will then transfer to the temporary
first floor home when the congregants move from Coventry
Ohr Yisrael
Road in October.
Phase 1 commenced in May 2013, with a programmed Breakfast with Rabbi Paysach Krohn
completion for the end of August. This element will allow Our community was privileged to host
for the total completion of work to the second floor - at least a special breakfast together with Rabbi
that part of the building will be fully finished. Phases 2 and Paysach Krohn. Rabbi Krohn is a world-
3 will see work to extend and re-model the ground floor so renowned lecturer, sharing stories in the
as to provide a regular shape with a single ceiling height. The manner of a maggid and also collecting
fitting out with the Ark and Bimah has been designed in such stories for his speeches and books. He
a way as to maximise the use of the space for both services also leads Jewish historical tours
and weddings. The Board decided to use the new Ark to throughout Europe, speaking about the
incorporate some of the most beautiful stained glass rich and vibrant Jewish communities Photography by
windows from Coventry Road, as a way, as previously that existed prior to World War II. Alan Fish Living World
mentioned, of linking the present with the past. Phase 2,
which essentially limits itself to the bulk of the building The Rabbi began by mentioning his special love of the Jewish
project, is due to commence in Autumn 2013, programmed Community city of Gibraltar, which is where Rabbi Garson
to conclude in the Spring of 2014, with Phase 3 - the was brought up. He inspired the community with thoughts
refurbishment of the first floor [conversion from the of how each and everyone of us can become a unique cup
temporary shul and kitchen to the function room] which will of blessing. If we all used our talents and life experiences to
then also include the new caterer-designed kitchen. help and encourage others, blessings can be born.
Hamaor / September 2013 Page 3
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NEWS & EVENTS
Sunday Night Speakers Yom Yerushalayim 5773
Our special Sunday Night Speakers continued these past The weather held out and the sun stayed shining as we as a
months, with some big names from the Torah World inspiring community celebrated Yom Yerushalayim. Deborah Garson
our community. Rabbi Zev Leff made his second appearance organised huge bouncy castles and giant slides, together
in the community in a very special pre-Shavuot shiur. Rabbi with a scrumptious buffet of Israeli food. The community
Zev Leff is one of Israel’s most popular English-speaking Torah spent the afternoon celebrating in the Garson’s garden. A
educators. For more than 20 years, he has served as the Rav
wonderful time was had by all.
of Moshav Matityahu, a small religious community located
in central Israel adjacent to Kiryat Sefer, and just outside Purim
Modiin. In addition to the shiurim (lectures) he gives seven
Some 150 people attended a
days a week at Matityahu, Rabbi Leff is constantly traveling
wonderful annual Purim
to speak at schools, yeshivot, seminaries, community centres,
Seuda. Once again Deborah
and events throughout Israel and abroad.
organised an exciting event,
complete with live music,
In addition we welcomed back the renowned Rabbi Dovid
fantastic food and a terrific
Kaplan from Israel. Originally from Chicago, now living in
animal show. Young and old
Jerusalem, Rabbi Dovid Kaplan started his professional life
squealed with delight at
as a business entrepreneur; part-owning a local kosher
seeing G-d’s creations up
restaurant. Following a career change, Rabbi Kaplan became Photography by
close. From pythons & bats, to
a much sought-after international lecturer, author, Alan Fish Living World
meerkats and crocodiles,
newspaper columnist, guidance counsellor and teacher.
everyone had the chance to come and hold and feed the
Ask Your Elders – Adult Programme majestic creatures of the Animal World.
In April this year following the successful trips to Poland,
Pre-Pesach Seminar
Rabbi & Deborah Garson felt it was time for the next
For the fourth year running, the communities of
generation to hear the stories of the special survivors.
Borehamwood and Elstree came together to learn and be
Working together with Rabbi Andrew Davis, Deputy Head
and Head of Kodesh of Yavneh College, they launched a inspired. A Pre-Pesach seminar was organised by HLX
program called Ask Your Elders. On average, some 75 kids (Hertfordshire Learning Experience) & SEED.
aged 11-15 were kindly hosted locally in people’s homes and HLX is an organization set up 5 years ago by Rabbi Raphy
had the opportunity to hear the stories first-hand. Garson at the Ohr Israel Federation Synagogue in memory
of the late Rabbi Shmuli Kass, the former Rabbi of Shenley
Many parents were also craving the opportunity and so a United Synagogue and a man who was a leader and
special book launch was held. This new book shows how an inspiration to so many.
international team of UNRRA (UN Relief and Rehabilitation
Administration) social workers supported the rehabilitation The evening was introduced by Rabbi Jeff Berger of the
of young Holocaust survivors in post-war Germany. It offers Rambam Sephardi Community, thanking the close-to-100
a close and significant insight into the creation of a people who had braved the cold weather. We were elated
therapeutic milieu for displaced children and allows a vivid to hear guest speaker Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz, who
impression of many of these child survivors "then and now." mesmerized the crowd with deep ideas about the
significance of Pesach in our daily lives. As always, with
German author Anna Andlauer his wonderful humour and dynamic delivery, Rabbi Tatz
met with the community to talk left the community with much food for thought.
about the research and writing of
her vital and fascinating work. The The second half of the seminar brought together the 3 local
launch was a conversation senior rabbis, Rabbi Shimshon Silkin interim Rabbi of the
between Anna and Leslie Borehamwood/Elstree United Synagogue, Rabbi Berger and
Photography by
Kleinman. Rabbi Garson and journalist Miriam Sharviv.. Each gave a
Alan Fish Living World
unique and inspiring class on a Pesach-related theme.
Leslie was born in 1929 to a Satmar Hasidic Family in the
small village of Ombod in Romania. Leslie survived several The local Rabbonim were delighted that once again all the
death camps including Auschwitz and was liberated while local communities had joined together. Rabbi Garson
on a death march to the infamous Dachau extermination mentioned "It is a credit to Borehamwood and Elstree that
camp on April 23, 1945. Following his miraculous survival he Jews of all walks of life and varied religious backgrounds are
spent several months in a convent and was able to relay first- inspired to learn. This was Rabbi Kass’s z”l, dream! Whilst our
hand the care, concern and love he received during his local SEED/HLX Bet Hamedrash functions weekly, it is always
rehabilitation. wonderful to have extra learning in the community.”
Page 4 Hamaor / September 2013
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NEWS & EVENTS
5th Annual Cross Communal Tisha B’av Head Office
Event
Burial Society
This year saw the 5th annual Tisha B’Av event at Ohr
Our visitors may have already noticed the vastly improved
Yisrael. Rabbi Garson & Deborah arranged a whole day of
landscaping that has taken place as one exits the Ohel at our
various films and speakers, which brought over 350 people
Rainham cemetery. To build on that, this coming year the
from across the local communities together. The guest
Burial Society will be looking to undertake a major
speaker was Mr. Henry Wermuth. Henry is 90 years old and
landscaping project in our Rainham cemetery with the
has recently had a stroke, and despite his condition he
ultimate aim of providing a more peaceful environment for
made huge efforts to join us.
the cemetery. Drawings and plans are ahead to landscape
the cemetery at the same time as in keeping with Halachik
Henry was born in Frankfurt and deported with his family
guidelines. In addition we are looking to replace the buggy
to Poland in 1938. He survived the camps of Klaj, Plaszow,
which is currently being used to transport our elderly around
Auschwitz and was eventually liberated from Mauthausen
Rainham cemetery with a new 10 seater covered minibus.
by the Americans in 1945. His miraculous survival is
This would be a great improvement on our current buggy
remarkable, as he had many near death experiences
which is open to all inclement weathers, especially in the
including being shot at by the infamous Amon Goeth
winter months. The cost alone for the minibus will be in the
(made infamous in the film Schindler’s List) commandant
region of £10,000.00
of Plaszow.
Unfortunately as much as we try to provide additional
His claim to fame is that he had the opportunity to
comforts for our members when visiting their loved ones, it
assassinate Hitler, which he did his best to take. For almost
does put a great strain on the Federation budget. We would
two hours this true Jewish Hero, inspired the huge crowd
therefore be extremely grateful for any donation, large or
with his story of resilience and faith, illustrating the
small, in order to make our forthcoming endeavours a reality.
fortitude of the Jewish People who have rebuilt from the
Sponsorship of specific permanent features to be
ashes. We are immensely grateful to have had the
incorporated in the project is possible. This would be a very
opportunity to hear him.
apt way of remembering a departed relative. Please discuss
your wishes with the Burial Office.
Kalever Rebbe’s First Visit to Elstree
Last April, Elstree was We have been extremely fortunate this year to have received
visited by a very special a number of generous donations for our cemeteries. In
unique guest; the Kalever particular we are indebted to Mr Ronnie Brown for his very
Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Taub. kind gift of a new electric bier for our cemetery in Rainham,
The Rebbe is world to our neighbour Mr Bob Miller for providing us with an
renowned for his electric mobility scooter and to our anonymous benefactor
inspiration, wisdom, for his generous donation which went towards the rebuilding
advice and blessings for of a new roof of the ohel of the late Rabbi Eliezer Gordon
Chinuch Habanim (child z’tzl in our Edmonton cemetery.
rearing), Shalom Bayis
(marital harmony),
Parnassah (livelihood) and Photography by Alan Fish URGENT APPEAL
all other pressing issues of Living World
today. The Rebbe is a direct descendant from many of the Unfortunately our old buggy which has been
Talmidei Baal Shem Tov, and is the sixth generation of in use for the last 7 years has now broken
chasidus Kalev. He is a Holocaust survivor, originally from down and sadly needs replacing with a new
Hungary. For 35 years, the Rebbe has met with people of one. This buggy is invaluable in transporting our elderly
all ages and denominations; in over 60 countries, hundreds and infirm members and visitors around our cemetery in
of thousands have been uplifted and motivated by his Rainham, as without that, it would be too difficult for
them to access their loved ones’ graves. The basic cost for
advice and words of wisdom.
the buggy is £9,000.00 and with a weatherproof cover in
inclement weather, the cost will exceed £10,000.
Queues extending into the street were a sight to behold
as the Rebbe greeted people in the Garson’s home. The Federation of Synagogues is urgently appealing to the
Towards evening he met with even more people at Ohr community for a benefactor or benefactors who would
Yisrael. He then gave a special lecture of inspiration to a be prepared to sponsor the purchase of a new buggy. If
large crowd and continued to meet people well into the there is anyone who is able to help in this great הוצמ,
night. Some 600 people visited the Rebbe for guidance please contact the Burial Society on 020-8202 3903.
and blessings that day in Elstree.
Hamaor / September 2013 Page 5
Where there’s a will, there’s a Derech
By Alan Finlay, President - Federation Of Synagogues
And so dear reader, with elections family. Our children can learn the way we perform our
for Federation Council and yiddishkeit and may accept it, refine it or reject it.
Honorary Officers due to take However, how many of us, other than by example,
place later this year, this is my actually write down the values that we hold dear with
last Hamaor article as President. the purpose of conveying these values to our children?
Having served six years as We all (or should) make wills which convey our physical
Treasurer and twelve years assets on death and may include some element of
as President, it is time to estate planning. Similarly, many of us take out life
pass on the baton. I wish insurance to provide for our loved ones. What we do not
the next President every do is write an ethical will, which in Hebrew is called a
success. Whether I have tzavo’oh.
been successful during my terms of office is for others
to judge and so please excuse me if this article is not a Rav Issachar Frand writes in his inspirational book “An
blow by blow account of the last 18 years or a Offer You Can’t Refuse”:
politician’s attempt to publicise triumphs and spin
“We all have something of value to convey to our
everything else.
children. Regardless of who we are and what we have
In recent times, the outside world has been obsessed done with our lives, we have lived and experienced and
with legacy, whether it be the legacy of the Olympic made mistakes and learned our lessons from the hard
Games, the legacy of New Labour or the legacy of knocks we have absorbed. We know which things we
Thatcherism. Such discussions revolve around would do over again exactly as we did and which we
identifying principles which endure for the future. would give everything in the world to change. We have
strong opinions about which goals to pursue and which
As Jews, we operate around a different set of values to avoid like the plague.”
which are not based upon individuals, single events or
political movements but on the enduring message of Such thoughts contain important messages for our
the Torah and the observance of the commandments. children but also provide benefits to those writing a
And yet, each one of us is unique and the way that we tzavo’oh because it helps us to crystallise our motives
practise our Judaism is different. On Friday night, I will and values for our future as well as for our family.
say kiddush using the same words as everyone else. But
the dynamics around the Shabbos table, the In Koheles (Ecclesiastes) (chapter 7 verse 2) King
atmosphere, the interactions, the whole Friday night Solomon writes “It is better to go to the house of
experience is different in each household. Are we a mourning than to go to a house of feasting…” This is
home of laughter, telling jokes, teasing each other, understood to refer to the thoughts provoked by
serious, studious, argumentative, modest and so on? My hearing the eulogies. A eulogy does not emphasise the
kiddush ends up being different from your kiddush. last great business deal or professional success achieved
by the deceased, the car that they drove or the designer
Similarly, when it comes to giving tzedoko, Mr Cohen clothes that they wore. The eulogy concentrates on the
may give exactly the same money as Mr Levy but the deceased’s relationship with his or her family, the work
way in which the money is given will be different. Will that they did for the community and the principles that
it be given wholeheartedly, grudgingly, with a smile or they held dear. By listening to the eulogies, it makes us
perfunctorily? think of our own values and lifestyle.
The way we practise our religion and the morals and So, writing a tzavo’oh, an ethical will, brings clarity to
ethics that we hold is the legacy that we pass on to our our lives. It need not just be written to one’s spouse or
Page 6 Hamaor / September 2013
children. It can be for a brother or sister or for a friend. someone joins a Federation shul. Is that person
It could even be a communal project so everyone’s contractually a member of the shul that belongs to the
tzavo’oh is published anonymously in book form in Federation or are they a member of the Federation
order to inspire others. which then enables them to have various benefits in a
Federation shul? Such a question did not need any
Around 20 years ago, there was concern that with
religious consideration. It was entirely chol.
advances in technology, there would be fewer working
hours and more leisure time and that this would be a We have recently had an approach from a local
lifestyle challenge. We look back now and see that such authority willing, in principle, to purchase, for a seven
concerns were laughable when our concerns now centre figure sum, part of the cemetery land within the walls
on achieving a work/life style balance. Not only do we at Rainham cemetery. That money would have
work longer hours but emails demand an immediate transformed the finances of the Federation as well as
response, mobile phones mean that we can never Anglo-Jewry but it was a kodesh matter. Dayan
literally switch off and family time has become more Lichtenstein was fully aware of the implications and
pressurised. And then suddenly, it is Shabbos and Rosh after spending many days researching the halacho and
Hashanah again and another week and year have gone. looking at the minutes of the relevant meetings at the
When do we have an opportunity to tell our families time the land at Rainham was purchased, his conclusion
what we consider to be important to us? Writing a was that the land had been designated for Jewish burial
tzavo’oh makes us take a step back from our every day and could not be used for non-Jewish burials. That
lives and makes us consider the legacy we wish to halachic ruling is binding on the Federation, however
pass on. much we might wish otherwise. Such process would
not happen in a secular organisation but is central to
It seems to me that if individuals can write a tzavo’oh,
the Federation.
so can organisations. If I were writing a tzavo’oh for the
Federation, what would I write to my successor? My Federation tsavo’oh would also set out the required
relationship between the rabbonim, their shul and the
The primary principle that I would emphasis would be
shul members and the guidelines to adopt when
that, as an orthodox Jewish institution, there is no
deciding on expenditure of Federation monies.
separation between the religious (kodesh) and the
secular (chol). This means that before any decision is I could not have been President without the support of
taken, the Honorary Officers or shul boards of a wonderful team of Honorary Officers over the last 12
management must consider whether the matter before years. Each one has been committed and conscientious
them is kodesh, chol or both and if there is a kodesh and we have been on the whole a very effective
aspect, that matter must be referred to the rabbinical decision-making body.
authority.
I wish to pay tribute to my predecessor, Arnold Cohen,
The clearest example is the process we have undertaken who has remained a wise and trusted mentor and to the
to change our constitution and in particular, the loyal and conscientious Head Office staff led by our
constitutional role of women. Our esteemed Rosh Beis Chief Executive, Dr Eli Kienwald.
Din, Dayan Lichtenstein, produced a halachic ruling
(psak) in December 2008 which set out the principles Last but not least or as we Jews say, acharon,
by which the Federation and our synagogues could acharon, choviv, I could not have been Federation
incorporate women into the decision making process. President without the support of my wife and
Since that psak, individual shuls have been able to family. Has the time spent away from my family on
arrange their governance to allow women a say in Federation business been worth it? That is for my
synagogual management, subject to the halachic personal tsavo’oh.
restrictions set out in the 2008 psak.
My fellow Honorary Officers join with me in wishing all
By contrast, during the process of constitutional review, Federation members and their families a kesiva
we needed to consider the contractual position when v’chasima tovah.
Hamaor / September 2013 Page 7
Shechita's stock rising in modern world
By London Board for Shechita
If you were living in a yurt in Siberia, it’s possible that the London Beth Din, Dayan Lichtenstein from the
news of the horsemeat scandal that swept Europe just Federation and Dayan Amor from the S&P).
a few months ago might just have passed you by.
The LBS plays no role in buying livestock or in
It caused widespread dismay among many people in wholesaling meat and poultry. Its role is to employ
many communities, predominantly among those who teams of shochtim – Jewish religious slaughtermen (and
bought cheap pre-made meals or burgers. The Jewish their aides who do the checking and the sealing) at
community showed concern but mainly was unaffected. abattoirs, whose job is a religious calling for which they
However, it did bring an increase in people – non-Jews train for years before they ever pick up a knife. It also
as well as Jews - buying kosher meat and poultry. employs shomrim, essentially food inspectors, who
oversee kashrut operations in the premises of licensees
The connection might not seem obvious at first, as it is
and particularly the porging and the koshering. It finds
pretty nigh impossible for horsemeat - or any other
abattoirs who are willing to work with shechita – there
non-kosher meat - to enter the kosher food chain.
are very few in England. It will award those coveted
Rather, it is in the traceability of kosher meat and
licences to butchers and factories it deems fit and
poultry wherein lies the link.
worthy to handle kosher meat and poultry, whether
This is where the London Board for Shechita (LBS) comes they sell it over the counter or ready packaged. Butchers
in. In its own words, the LBS is a offer different products and vary greatly in style but the
charitable organisation operating LBS inspects all of them before giving
on a non-profit basis to ensure the a licence.
provision of kosher meat to The LBS is a charity so is not in
the Jewish public. business to make profits. It gets
no donations but charges fees
What does that mean? In
for its services and for the
simple terms, it’s the job of
people it employs.
the LBS to make sure that
Dayan Lichtenstein, Dayan Gelley and Dayan Amor
Occasionally, one will see
every one of its licensed
stories in the Jewish press about shechita fees. However,
kosher butchers and meat product manufacturers is able
tough management and tighter economic controls have
to get kosher meat and poultry throughout the year, for
led to its fees per kilo being lower now than in 2005 and
every Shabbat and every chag. In doing so, it will know
this in a period in which worldwide meat and poultry
the source of every leg, wing, steak, chicken liver and
prices have increased. The LBS is seriously concerned
chop that crosses a counter or decorates a dinner plate.
about the price of keeping kosher, but it must be
That capability and certainty of knowing where it all stressed that it plays no part in setting the prices paid
came from and where it’s all going is what gives the LBS by consumers. Uniquely among UK shechita authorities,
its caché in today’s world. it seeks to have a number of abattoirs where it offers its
services so its butchers have a choice and there is
When consumers see an LBS licence certificate displayed
competition for their custom.
in a shop window, they can be safe in the knowledge
that what it says on the label of what they’re buying is While it might be more than two centuries old, the
what they will get in their basket. It is fast becoming a reach and influence of social media in today’s world is
market-leading organisation in food information and being acknowledged as the LBS is about to revamp its
education. website and is launching its own Facebook page. This
will bring greater accessibility, transparency and
The organisation has been in existence since 1804. It is
knowledge to both its licensees and consumers in a
unique in Anglo-Jewry at bringing together the United
world where the substance of what we eat has never
Synagogue, the Federation of Synagogues and the Spanish
been of greater importance.
and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation under one roof as its
constituent parts. It has its own Rabbinical Authority with To find out more look at www.shechita.co.uk or email
a senior Dayan from each parent body (Dayan Gelley from [email protected]
Page 8 Hamaor / September 2013