NEWS FROM MIZRACHI

Top honour given to Zionist volunteer

Stephen Rosenthal, 23, of Whitefield, Manchester, is the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Herzl Award, given by the World Zionist Organisation’s Department for Zionist Activities. Stephen was chosen in recognition and in appreciation of his exceptional voluntary efforts made on behalf of Israel and the Zionist cause.

The award is named after Theodore Herzl, who dedicated the last nine years of his 44-year life to the Zionist cause.  The award is presented annually to outstanding young men and women following in Herzl’s footsteps, who have made a significant contribution to Zionism.

Mizrachi nominated Stephen because of his strong commitment to religious Zionism. He has led the Whitefield and Leeds branches of Bnei Akiva. The genuine impact he has made on both of these communities is thanks to his approachable personality.

It was Stephen’s service to the Leeds community that impressed the judges. He graduates from Leeds University this summer, and became head of Leeds Bnei Akiva during the first year of his degree. He served as director of teenage youth programmes at the Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue, taught Jewish studies at Allerton Grange School and runs a weekly discussion group at Leeds Hillel House.

The Ambassador of Israel, His Excellency Mr Zvi Heifetz, hosted a reception at the Embassy of Israel where he presented Stephen with the award, and thanked him for his work on behalf of the Israeli Government.

35th World Zionist Congress

Mizrachi congratulates its representatives from 30 countries who participated in the 35th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem.

Delegates came from Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.

The 35th World Zionist Congress closed with promises for renewal and resolutions calling for change.  Dozens of resolutions were approved during the closing proceedings, ranging on topics from Hebrew education to equality for Israeli Arabs and internal restructuring to the struggle against anti-Semitism.  Most of the closing day was spent inside the large hall within the capital's International Convention Centre, lifting cards and voting according to party lines and interests.

Some 2,000 delegates and observers, together with Israeli politicians and members of Zionist institutions, attended the event, which is held once every four years.  President Moshe Katsav, who greeted the participants, called upon the congress, as well as the delegates themselves, to increase immigration to Israel from North America and Western Europe. "It would be a historic turnaround," he said.  Katsav also called for a more dynamic Zionism that would continue to change and remain relevant to "new generations."

Zeev Bielski, chair of both the WZO and the Jewish Agency, said that the Congress would be a venue for "turnabout and change. We shall all unite around the call for renewal and growth in the next four years until the 36th Congress. We shall open up our ranks to broaden the partnership among all movements within the Jewish people."

The 35th World Zionist Congress marks 109 years since the first Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, which aimed to create a Jewish state.

As a result of being the largest single delegation to the 35th World Zionist Congress, Mizrachi received the following leadership positions:
  Co-World Chairman of KKL-JNF: Mr Avraham Duvdevani
  Head, Spiritual Resources for the Diaspora Communities: Rav Yechiel Wasserman
  Head, Hagshama Department: Mr. Gael Grunewald
 

Bnei Akiva National Weekend draws record crowd

Bnei Akiva's National Weekend in March was the largest residential youth movement event in Anglo-Jewish history.  It was a celebration of the movement for members of all ages, past and present.

Guests of honour were Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, and Major-General Elazar Stern, head of IDF’s personnel directorate.  Throughout the weekend, there was a full programme of activities for youngsters.  Meanwhile, an adult programme, run in association with BA's umbrella organisation, Mizrachi, included presentations from leading Israeli halachist Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, and Israel-based Rabbi Aharon Adler, former personal assistant to Rabbi Yossef Dov Soloveitchick.

The weekend was “absolutely mindblowing,” according to the Chief Rabbi, while the “brilliant atmosphere” was the highlight for Mancunian Michael Praise, who spent his gap year with BA in 1987 and attended the event with his three BA-nik children.

It made Leora Last, 20, from Golders Green, “proud to be in BA and proud to be Jewish.” And Gabrielle Nejad, 17, from Finchley, said: “The scale of the weekend meant it brought a tear to my eye.”

Edgware youth records CD for Mizrachi Tefillin Project

Pop Idol is old hat. The latest bunch of unknowns to enter the recording studio in search of stardom consists of 12 teenagers from Edgware Synagogue. They kicked off their February half term in unusual style, spending a day at a Mill Hill recording studio to produce a CD of classic and contemporary Jewish music. Proceeds from the album will go towards a Mizrachi project that purchases tefillin for low-income Israeli immigrants who can’t afford to buy a pair themselves.

The boys who took part in the recording are all regulars at the Edgware Youth Service. Each Shabbat afternoon they meet up to enjoy a se’udah shlishit meal and sing together; the tunes on the CD are mostly old favourites from their zemirot repertoire and include a couple of acapella tracks and some Chassidic melodies.  But one melody, Hiney, was written especially for the occasion by budding musician David Meghnagi, 18.

He said: “Making the album was great fun and knowing that it will benefit people in Israel who need our help has made it much more worthwhile.”  Despite the large group of singers, there were no diva-style tantrums over who got to sing the leads on the CD. Joshua Schwartz, 18, explained: “What makes this project so special is that we all took part equally. There were no solos, just unified singing – and this represents the unified approach we take to our youth service, where everyone gets involved.”

The boys’ attention to synagogue sensibilities even extended as far as the date chosen for the recording – during the week that the Torah portion describes the Song of the Sea. And clearly, their efforts were appreciated; according to shul chairman Philip Norman, “We’re very proud of the fact that these young guys are so committed – they’re a credit to the whole community.”

The album is called “Kol Tuv”, which means “a good voice”, and is available now for £10.  Call 020 8201 7140 to order a copy, and click here for more details.

New SIXFC is “friendly and inspirational”

The Sixth Form Centre (SIXFC), which has been launched by Mizrachi, provides students in school years 11, 12 and 13 with an informal yet professional setting to learn about the Jewish issues facing them in today’s world.

The programme, which is based at the London School of Jewish Studies, includes topics such as: “Grappling with Gemara”, “From Torah to Talmud and Beyond” and “Spiritual Genetics”.

Guest speakers from the UK and Israel also feature in the scheme. The launch week welcomed Abbie Ben-Ari, an Israeli political analyst, who is widely recognised as one of Israel’s most forceful and eloquent spokesmen. Lady Amelie Jakobovits and Rabbi Dr Chaim Brovender have also given lectures as part of the course.

As part of Mizrachi’s focus on Jewish education, we are delighted to be providing a programme for students at a vital stage in their lives. Many of them will be preparing to spend a year at Yeshiva or Sem, and SIXFC provides a unique preparation.

SIXFC's Director of Education, Avi Friedmann, said: “We are fortunate in our diverse, multi-talented team of leaders. All have been involved in Jewish education, both in a formal and informal setting, for many years. They have the understanding and sensitivity to provide for the challenging educational needs of the students as well as the ability to relate to their different interests.”

Nadia Taylor from Hampstead Garden Suburb is one of the 20 students who have signed up. She said: “The informal setting provides and enjoyable way to study. I’m not only learning, but learning how to teach myself. The course leaders are friendly and inspirational – and never too busy to offer advice.”

Chanukat Habayit at Mizrachi’s new offices

In November Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis affixed the Mezuzah to the front door of our new expanded premises in Hendon.

Arieh Handler and members of Bnei Akiva also affixed Mezuzot at the ceremony which was attended by local communal representatives. Rabbi Mirvis praised the work of Mizrachi, and gave a bracha for a successful future.

Embassy man shows how Israel is leading the way

In September, Mr Meron Hacohen, Minister for Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of Israel, addressed a group of 50 people at the Edgware Adath Yisroel synagogue, as part of a Mizrachi educational programme.

The talk was entitled: “Jerusalem: Job creation and innovation in a Holy City”, and Mr Hacohen spoke of the trends of Aliyah figures and technological advancement since the establishment of the State. Meron’s experience as former chief legal adviser at Israeli’s ministry for industry and trade enabled him to give his personal insights into the changes in Israel, from all sectors of the religious divide. He also demonstrated how Israel is a leading technological country, with inventions like a “Virtual Keyboard Mobile Phone”, a device that beams a sensor-based keyboard using inferred technology.

The talk was chaired by Michael Steel, Edgware Adath Chairman, who said afterwards: “The talk by Meron Hacohen, helped our members understand Jerusalem's economic and demographic problems, and the positive ways that these are being tackled. We are grateful to Mizrachi for continuing to offer communities such as ours, high-class speakers and educational programmes.”

Leading rabbis praise Mizrachi at young leadership conference

Mizrachi’s annual European young leadership conference took place this year in September, in London for the first time. The conference, which included delegates from eight European countries, was hosted by the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation, and gave Mizrachi an opportunity to look at the challenges facing the religious Zionist community.

Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy OBE, spiritual head of the congregation, praised Mizrachi, and spoke about the Sephardi input to Zionism, particularly the contribution that Sir Moses Montefiore made to the modern State.

Speaking on Shabbat afternoon, the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, warned that “Mizrachi must change direction if it is to survive.” He spoke of the task that Mizrachi now has in focusing on the religious side of our society. Bnei Akiva’s Rabbi Aviad Tavory and Finchley Synagogue’s Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also addressed the conference.

One delegate said: “Bringing people together from Europe showed us there are other like-minded people all over the world. We had the opportunity to share ideas, work together, and have a wonderful Shabbat atmosphere together.”

Arieh Handler’s Tisha b’Av talk

Mizrachi Life President, Arieh Handler, spoke to some 100 young people on Tisha b’Av about his experiences in Germany between 1933 and 1938, when he saved thousands of Jewish children from the Nazis.

Mr Handler, who celebrated his 90th birthday in May, spoke of his imperative to save a Jewish life.

Raoul Wootliff, 18, said: “Mr Handler is a truly remarkable man. It was a privilege to hear his story.”

Mizrachi assisted evacuated Israeli children

Israel’s disengagement from Gaza threw lives into turmoil, but Mizrachi aimed to ease the transition for younger evacuees. With most families living in temporary accommodation and separated from their possessions, we launched an emergency appeal to ensure youngsters were ready for the new school year.

We raised money to ensure that every evicted child was provided with a new school rucksack filled with exercise books, pens and crayons. The appeal created a a direct link between those of us in the UK and the children who need our help in Israel. This made a real and constructive difference to the people whose lives have been thrown into chaos.

Herzl Award presented by the Chief Rabbi and the Israeli Ambassador

Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan and Lady Elaine Sacks were amongst those praising David Collins, 20, on his receiving the 2005 Herzl Award.

The Israeli Ambassador, Mr Zvi Heifetz, hosted a reception at the Israeli Embassy to honour David for his outstanding work for religious Zionism through his voluntary work at Bnei Akiva.

Three of David's friends, Avi Friedmann, Avi Gillis and Mascha Kosky, addressed the gathering, and gave examples of the work he has carried out, both in Israel, and in the UK for the Zionist cause. David Goldberg, the Director of Israel Experience, was also present.

The award is named after Theodore Herzl, who dedicated the last nine years of his life to the Zionist cause. In this brief span he was able to craft the infrastructure that would revolutionise the Jewish world and bring about the realisation of the Jewish people’s dream of returning to Zion.

The award is presented annually by the World Zionist Organisation’s Department for Zionist Activities to outstanding young men and women following in Herzl’s footsteps, who have made a significant contribution to Zionism.

Yehuda Avner addresses Mizrachi over breakfast

“An Audience with Yehuda Avner” gave 50 of our members the opportunity to meet our former Israeli Ambassador over breakfast.

The event – run in partnership with the UJIA – was held at the home of Debbie and Simon Kanter in November. Proceeds from this event went to our gap-year scholarship fund.

Judge Israel Finestein introduced Ambassador Avner at the breakfsat.

Mizrachi holds it first Shabbat Aliyah

Mizrachi held its first ‘Shabbat Aliyah’ on Parashat Lech Lecha with one of Israel’s leading educators. A series of programmes for all ages took place at Edgware Synagogue and at the Alei Tzion community based at the London School of Jewish Studies in Hendon. Sessions were also run at Immanuel College as part of the Religious Studies Philosophy and Ethics A-Level course.

Rabbi Yona Goodman, who emigrated from the USA to Israel as a teenager, is an advisor to the Israel Ministry for Education, and a lecturer at the Orot Seminary in Israel.

Students at Immanuel College, who are writing an essay on the value of Aliyah and the modern State of Israel, had the opportunity of discussing the topic with him on Friday morning, when he ran two sessions.

Immanuel College student, Jonathan Zeloof, 18, said: “Rabbi Goodman gave the most compelling argument for making Aliyah I’ve heard. It was an inspiring talk that has left me with a lot to ponder on.”

Meet the Shaliach

In February, Mizrachi and Friends of Bnei Akiva hosted a reception that gave the community the chance to meet BA’s new Shaliach, Rav Aviad Tavory. This event was held at the London School of Jewish Studies, and was followed by a shiur by Rav Tavory.

Rav Tavory, from Alon Shevut, is the ‘spiritual leader’ of Bnei Akiva, and advises the movement on Halachic matters. He also helps to formulate BA’s educational agenda and travels the country giving shiurim. Rav Tavory heads the new Alei Tzion community in Hendon.

Independence 57

Mizrachi, together with Bnei Akiva and Emunah, hosted the community’s annual Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut service in May. The service was led by members of Bnei Akiva, and included addresses by the Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks and the Israeli Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Zvi Heifetz.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Brian Coleman, and Deputy Mayoress, Cllr Colinne Martyn, were also in attendance.

Following the service, Mizrachi celebrated Israel’s independence with dinner and dancing. We cannot be prouder of the members of Bnei Akiva for leading a moving and inspirational service. The past 57 years have given us much to celebrate, and the Mizrachi dinner afterwards provided an opportunity for the community to celebrate together.

‘Up For Israel’ raised over £5,000

A new Mizrachi initiative aimed at getting young people to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut raised over £5,000 for two charities. In total, around 400 people attended one of the 25 barbecues around London and Manchester.

‘Up For Israel’ encouraged groups to host a barbecue for Israel’s Independence Day, and supplied a DIY pack of Israeli flags, a CD of Israeli music and discount vouchers to buy the food. Blue and white balloons and a recipe sheet were also included.

Funds raised were divided between the Yoni Jesner Foundation and the British Friends of Israel War Disabled.

Arieh Handler turns 90

Communal figurehead and Mizrachi Life President, Arieh Handler, celebrated his 90th birthday in May. During the 1930s, Arieh’s time was dedicated to the rescue of Jewish children from Germany, and has since been actively involved in all elements of communal life in Israel and the UK. Arieh is the last surviving witness to the Declaration of Independence that established the State of Israel. The Chief Rabbi paid tribute to Arieh, describing him as “one of Anglo-Jewry’s greatest friends of Israel.”

Together with Bnei Akiva, Mizrachi presented him with a certificate, recording that a donation has been made to Emunah in honour of his birthday.

Sefer Torah for Dayan Fisher z"l

A Sefer Torah for the late Dayan Michael Fisher – former principal rabbi of the Federation of Synagogues – has been written by the Edgware Community. Dayan Fisher was Mizrachi’s Honorary Vice President.

Dayan Fisher was described by Dayan Lichtenstein, Rosh Beit Din of the Federation of Synagogues, as a great Talmudic scholar. “He studied the Torah every time as if he were learning it for the first time. The Torah not only brought him his great status but also gave him his youthfulness.”