Isaac Feldman was the star of his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday the 13th of Tishri for Shabbat Ha-azinu. His leyning of the Torah portion and handling of the Haftarah was done with consummate skill and in the most melodic voice. Both he, Harvey Kurzfield our chair and who tutored Isaac for the occasion, along with his father, Adam Feldman all conducted the special inclusive Shabbat service before the 80 people, friends, relatives and members of the KK congregation with great aplomb. The kiddush, luncheon hosted by the Feldmans, dancing by the resurrected Azoi, and speeches by all the key players of the Feldman family in this important rite of passage, made for a fantastic and moving simcha. Mazel tov, Isaac!
Ki Teitzei
We are now deep in the stream of Moses’ discourse as he goes through all of God’s laws, accompanying these with promises and warnings. It is as if he were a very wise old man speaking calmly and encouragingly with his children before he leaves them to go into the future depending on their own will and actions. Appoint yourselves judges, he says, at the beginning of Shof’tim. Do not erect sacred pillars or engage in any of the revolting practices and idolatry practised widely in the region. Resolve difficult judicial questions by consulting the Levitical priests (and Levites). Do not allow your monarchs to aggrandise themselves. Root out sorcery. Some of the rules are an expression of compassion, such as allowing those betrothed, those who have recently planted a vineyard, or even those who are simply faint-hearted, to return home before a battle.
Ki Teitzei continues in similar vein. Women captured during a war may not be sold as slaves or kept as servants if the captor does not wish to marry them. It is not clear, however, what choice the women themselves had in the matter. And what about the rebellious son who does not amend his ways even after flogging and may be stoned to death? The rules continue. You must help a neighbour’s donkey if you see it fall under its load. Do not take a mother bird along with her chicks. If a man bears false witness against his wife he may be flogged. A rapist will be put to death. And so it goes on, ruling after ruling, all designed to enable Israel to construct a just and fair society. If you don’t believe me, and even if you do, come along on Saturday at 10.30. Adam Feldman will put us right.
Letter from a Moshav by Jo Gore
Helloooo
No miracle birth but I have been in Israel now for 9 months!
I finally succumbed and took a job at my friend’s company in Ra’anana – not my ideal location, or job, though definitely a medium-term plan to get me out of Tel Aviv… Soooo not a city-girl anymore, though the beaches and sunsets are absolutely stunning. The longer I stay in Israel, the more I like the idea of living on a kibbutz, so I’ve got the next best thing and am on a moshav that’s a mere 15 minute (electric) bike ride to the office. Let’s hope it doesn’t rain before I figure out alternative transportation! I’ve taken a lease on an apartment that is the top floor of a family house – there’s a big balcony, with a sofa that overlooks the equestrian centre, OK and the construction cranes in Kfar Saba. There are fruit trees growing all around so I’m looking forward to the ripening of pomegranates, mangos, lemons… and that’s just what I can see from my balcony.
I spent the weekend shopping and unpacking as I seem to have expanded from the 3 suitcases of stuff I first came out with. Have joined so many Facebook groups I picked up a table with 4 chairs, a leather sofa and chair from various places, and a new bed, so the place isn’t as barren as it could be. It’s really weird as I keep thinking I’ve got all of my stuff already and don’t need more, but it’s mostly in Fowey, so may as well be in Timbuktu!
Ruth and Stevie made their annual pilgrimage to see me for a week in the summer and we enjoyed trips to Haifa, Jerusalem, Jaffa and a yoga class at the nemal, making more Facebook memories to be reminded of in the future (though glad they didn’t take pics of me asleep at the Pink Floyd tribute concert, I was star-gazing…) – I seem to have had numerous reminders daily for months about trips by said duo, Hannah, Grace & Mils and the Pasters, along with general Fowey sailing and regatta fun! Simmons has been out a couple of times too. All may attest to my driving skills – I passed my test to get an Israeli licence so am now expected to drive like a crazy person!!!
My language skills are regressing, now I’m more settled I think I’ll have to take lessons again – it’s just so easy not to bother… but I mamash (really) want to be fluent!!! I also took a calligraphy lesson in Jerusalem and am looking forward to practicing on graph paper with my special pens, watch this space…
I don’t really have any news, though I got a call asking me what my favourite whisky is as I joined up to a group that meet every month and they wanted to get my favourite in – now have a craving for some Lagavulin…
Trust you’re well and looking forward to hearing your news and seeing you when you come visit…
Lotsoflove xxx
Jo Gore
Service with the A-Team
Murray Brown made his debut as a Sh’liach Tsibbur on Shabbat R’eih, 3 September, co-leading the service with his mentor, Harvey Kurzfield. A crowd of visitors and members of the Kehillat Kernow congregation were on hand to take part in this special Shabbat service which was also Murray’s farewell gift to his community before he leaves to attend Exeter University. Murray and his family have been active members of our community since their arrival here from Manchester ten years ago.
The service itself was wonderful with poignant speeches from Murray about the importance of the KK community to his life as well as a good sermon from Harvey Kurzfield on the parsha. Mazel tov, Murray on a job well done! All good wishes in your new life as a university student.
Pat Lipert
Maureen Lipman Visits the Penzance Jewish Cemetery
A video of actress Maureen Lipman being shown around Penzance Jewish Cemetery by Keith Pearce is now available. She found the inscriptions on some of the gravestones heart warming.
Taken in July 2015, extracts filmed by Reef Television & Channel 4, courtesy of Maureen Lipman. View the video now at the bottom of the Penzance Jewish Cemetery page.