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Author Archives: Mark Frazer

  1. The Chief Rabbi’s Ben Azzai Programme 2017-18

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    After the success of last year’s inaugural Ben Azzai Programme trip, to Mumbai, India, it was decided that the second cohort of Ben Azzai participants would visit Tamale, Ghana.

    Ahead of the trip, the Chief Rabbi and Valerie were delighted to host the first of three orientation sessions, where the Chief Rabbi discussed his vision for this year’s programme with the participants.

    On Sunday 17th December 2017, 16 high-achieving Jewish students from across the UK were flown to Ghana by the Office of the Chief Rabbi, together with Tzedek.

    The aim of the trip was to give the participants an immersive experience in Ghana, to offer an improved understanding of the situation in order to encourage the participants to consider the Jewish response to severe poverty.

    Whilst in Ghana, the participants witnessed first-hand the difficulties many Ghanaians face on a daily basis, with issues such as shelter, malnutrition and education; issues that affect them on a completely different scale to that of most developed countries.

    The participants were given the chance to visit a number of different organisations and meet with several individuals who are working on these problems. This further equipped them to accept upon themselves their duty as social responsibility ambassadors upon their return; their duty to talk to their peers and their communities about what they saw.

    Journalist Jennifer Frazer joined the 16 participants on the trip. You can read her thoughts here at the Jewish Chronicle, and here at the Jewish News. Whilst on the trip, some of the participants also reflected on their journey through Ghana. You can read participant Aaron Rudolph’s piece here, George Rosenfeld’s here, and Lauren Keiles, Jordana Price and Felicity Greenfield’s here.

    For more about the participants’ activities whilst they were in Ghana, you can like ‘The Ben Azzai Programme’ (@BenAzzai) page on Facebook or follow @Ben_Azzai on Twitter and Instagram.

    To apply for the Ben Azzai Programme 2018/19, please click here.

  2. The Chief Rabbi’s Ben Azzai Programme: Participant Review

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    Educate out of poverty

    As a group of university students, we have become accustomed to lectures of 50, maybe 100, people. Aside from the occasional dozing off you see around the room, it seems to work well. Imagine this in a Primary school with 1 teacher, 120 children and a small classroom with the task to teach them how to read and write. This is the reality that we saw today.

    What was most striking was seeing the tremendous effort the teachers went to when faced with limited resources. We asked a teacher what his favourite subject was, he replied ICT. You may be thinking as we all did that they must have invested in computers for the school.

    However, we soon learnt that ICT consisted of learning the theory of how to use a computer while having no actual computers.

    This idea seemed so bizarre and absent from our own experiences of ICT lessons. However, it highlighted to us how important this lesson was for the prospects of the students to enter further education and to hopefully get a job. Children acting with pictures and using their imagination to demonstrate how to complete tasks such as saving a document is a small part of positive social change that we have been seeing.

    The Tzedek run twinning programme between the Ghanian and London Jewish primary schools was another focus of the day and we got to hear first hand how much of a positive programme this was.

    For the Gumani Nuri Islam Primary School that we visited, the teachers told us about how much their pupils gained through learning about life outside of the small rural village in Ghana.

    Despite limited resources, we saw the impact of excellent teachers as one of them re-created his classroom environment to do one of the joint lessons from the twinning programme. We had to draw and describe our view from our window at home, just as the primary school children do in London and Ghana as part of the programme.

    As well as relieving our childhood with an array of crayons, we experienced some of the methods the teacher uses to control his large class in Ghana. We didn’t dare loose concentration as we didn’t want to disappoint our new teacher!

    With education being so important, this experience really highlighted how important it was for the schools teachers to be passionate and well trained. This factor was further discussed between the group following a Tzedek ran activity which sparked a debate on whether a comfortable learning environment or well trained teachers is most important for quality education.

    This was just one element of our jam packed and inspiring day. We were lucky enough to end the day with a traditional drumming and dancing performance by a local group.

    The high spirits and positive energy of the Ghanian people is continuously uplifting.

    By Lauren Keiles, Jordana Price and Felicity Greenfield, Ben Azzai Programme 2017 participants

  3. The Chief Rabbi’s Ben Azzai Programme: Participant Review

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    Thursday was our last day in Tamale and we spent it speaking to and learning from the youth leaders at Nyankpala, a rural community. The focus of the day was on mutual understanding and appreciation, and we discussed the various challenges which we face in our lives.

    But beyond the evident differences in our lifestyles and backgrounds, most of the day was centred on the remarkable similarities we share. From teaching and learning camp games to discussing various strategies of sustainable development and experiencing a Ghanaian-style lesson, we explored each other’s perspectives, traditions and motivations. Perhaps the highlight was teaching each other songs and chants from our respective cultures. It was truly beautiful to see the two groups unite through music on a purely human level.

    As we return to Accra for Shabbat and the final day of a transformative trip for every single one of us, we can’t wait to start sharing our experiences properly with you when we are back in the UK – watch this space!

    By George Rosenfeld, Ben Azzai Programme 2017 participant

     

  4. The Chief Rabbi’s Ben Azzai Programme: Participant Review

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    I have been truly honoured and privileged to be one of the 16 fortunate students to have been on the Ben Azzai 2017 trip to Ghana, through the Office of the Chief Rabbi and Tzedek.

    We were given a wonderful opportunity to fully experience the Ghanaian culture, to truly understand the incredible work that Tzedek do both in the UK and on the ground in Ghana, and to really grapple with what we can do back here in the UK, individually, as a group and in the wider Jewish community.

    There was so much we saw that really shocked me, for example the extremely limited classrooms in the primary schools and how many pupils had to fit into one class, and the basic working conditions in the Shea Butter Plant. These type of conditions are what I feel are vital to raise awareness of back here in the UK.

    Yet underneath all of this the people we met demonstrated an immense sense of hope and prosperity, a real desire to learn and to put into practice new techniques and just an all round happiness with the life they have. This is truly something we can learn from.

    So at the moment my head is doing circles as I don’t know whether to be extremely worried or extremely hopeful about the future in Ghana and other similar countries. But what I do know is that having had the opportunity to understand it a little bit more, I have the obligation to do my bit now-and I hope a lot more people will join me. As Pirkei Avot 2:21 says “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it”

    A final thank you to the incredible 15 other students who I got to share the experience with and the 6 phenomenal staff members who led us so amazingly.

    By Aaron Rudolph, Ben Azzai Programme 2017 participant

  5. Rebbetzens initiative ‘carves out a dedicated space for inspirational women’

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    Learning how to manage competing priorities and understanding the complex process of resolving cases of Get refusal were top of the agenda at the latest Investing in Rebbetzens seminar last Sunday, led by Valerie Mirvis. A fresh and interactive programme attracted Rebbetzens from across England to a day of professional and personal development at Edgware United Synagogue, where the theme was ‘You, Your Community, Your Family.’

    Opening proceedings was Joanne Greenaway, who works with parties to resolve cases of Get refusal brought before the Beth Din. She provided an insight into the Beth Din’s approach to divorcing couples and the way it deals with difficult cases, enabling Rebbetzens to support people in their communities and to partner with the Beth Din in resolving cases. 

    Rina Shindler, Rebbetzen of Richmond United Synagogue, then explored how ‘A Psychological Framework for Community and Family Dynamics’ could be applied to the life of a Rebbetzen, with an emphasis on the importance of setting boundaries in order to guarantee both self-respect and self-preservation.

    She drew on case studies that enabled attendees to see parallels in their own experiences, an approach that segued nicely into Valerie’s session after lunch, which provided a forum for ladies to recount and discuss personal experiences. The session explored how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques could be applied to the identification and resolution of everyday issues.

    Reflecting on the success of the day, Valerie said: ‘Investing in Rebbetzens has carved out a dedicated and nurturing space for the inspirational women leading our communities. The combination of high quality content with the opportunity to learn from each other is very valuable’.

    Rebbetzen Miriam Lipsey, who travelled from her community in Newcastle to attend the day said: ‘All the speakers were passionate about their subjects, sending us home with food for thought and practical advice to use and share. Thank you to CCE (the Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Community Excellence) for organizing a fantastic day and to Valerie for the invaluable support you offer to us Rebbetzens!’

  6. “Jerusalem has always stood as the eternal capital of the Jewish State”

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    Following the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Chief Rabbi said:

    “Jerusalem has always stood as the eternal capital of the Jewish world and, together with millions across the globe, I have long dreamed of seeing the city universally recognised as the capital of the only Jewish State. I pray that all declarations in this regard will advance the cause of peace in the region.”

     

  7. Torah restoration weekend celebrates Garnethill’s rich heritage

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    Image: Stinglehammer via Wikimedia Commons

    Event

    Synagogue members and the wider community were given an insight into what makes a Torah kosher and what Torah restoration entails during a special weekend of events at Garnethill Synagogue. With two Sefers being restored, the Executive wanted their members to receive a wider education about the cultural, religious and historical significance of the scrolls. As well as a special community Friday night dinner, there was also a presentation given by certified Sofer Stam (scribe) Bernard Bennaroch on Sunday morning, with a brunch laid on for attendees.

    Evaluation from Susan Siegel, Event Organiser & Shul Secretary:

    ‘The shul Executive wanted to ensure that the community appreciated and supported the important efforts being made to preserve the rich heritage of the shul. The members also wanted to understand how to preserve our valuable Torah and the steps necessary. We reached our initial fundraising goal for the Torah Restoration Fund and Garnethill’s position in the community was reaffirmed.’

    Participant Feedback:

    • ‘It was an excellent event – well organised and supported by the congregation and wider community. Very important in allowing a small but active community to thrive.’
    • ‘The special weekend was not only well organised, but there was also a wonderful, warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.’
    • ‘Our weekend event was a great success. We had super attendances on Friday night, Shabbat morning and Sunday morning. I think the Benarrochs had a lovely, welcoming time with us and have promised to return.’

  8. The Neshama Festival

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    On Saturday night, more than six hundred Jewish women from across the community gathered at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel for the first ever Neshama festival of Torah learning for women.

    Internationally-acclaimed speakers travelled from around the world to participate in the first event of its kind in the UK. After an opening address from Valerie Mirvis and Havdalah led by Rebbetzen Freda Kaplan and Nafshah, hundreds of women attended their choice of two sessions from the thirteen different educational experiences on offer.

    Among the educators were academic and social worker Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein, dancer and singer Avigayil Fabian, Katie Green of Israel’s Ma’aleh Film School, critically acclaimed artist Chava Erlanger, world renowned Yael Leibowitz, and Lauren Levin, the first Yoetzet Halacha in the UK. Esther Wachsman, international speaker and mother of murdered soldier, Nachshon, travelled from Israel to tell her moving story, sociologist and anthropologist Lea Taragin-Zeller spoke about her research into gender, body and text, and Rebbetzen Ilana Epstein of the United Synagogue joined with Nicky Goldman, Executive Director of Lead, to present a session on leadership.

    The Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayan Programme participants, Jacqueline Feldman, Leanne Binstock, Nechama Atlas, Lisa Levene, Raisel Freedman, Joanne Greenaway, Emma Taylor, Shoshana Landau and Abi Kurzer were heavily involved in the event throughout, leading sessions on female leadership, shiurim on the Shabbat services and participating in panel discussions. The Ma’ayanot will be key in furthering the quantity and quality of women’s Torah education in the UK.

    For more information on our follow-up initiative, learning circles, please click here.

     

    Images by Blake Ezra Photography

  9. The Chief Rabbi’s message for Inter Faith Week 2017

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    This week is Inter Faith Week; a week where hundreds of different organisations and individuals come together to promote better relationships between different faith communities. The Chief Rabbi backed the campaign with the following message.

    Inter Faith Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to build greater cooperation and understanding between people of different faiths. “Who acts from love is greater than who acts from fear.” – (Talmud)

  10. Great Britain marks the centenary of the Balfour Declaration

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    Tomorrow will mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration. Ahead of the various events around the country to celebrate this historic centenary, the Chief Rabbi issued the following statement.  

    This week we are proud to celebrate the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, which would be heralded as the ‘birth certificate’ of the State of Israel.

    We are proud of Great Britain’s role in the creation of the Jewish State and the close ties that Britain and Israel continue to enjoy.

    We are proud of the momentous achievements of the State of Israel in the fields of agriculture, technology and culture against all the odds. Despite constantly living with the threat of hostile intent, the country has given a unique contribution of immeasurable value to the world.

    We are proud of “the Torah that goes forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem”, inspiring us always, right around the world, to reach greater heights of spiritual accomplishment.

    There is still more to be done. The century since the Balfour Declaration was issued has been filled with both extraordinary blessing and painful tragedy for our people. Even as conflict continues to engulf the Middle East, we are filled with hope that peace will come to all living in the land, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah, “no more shall violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders.” (60:18)