Jewish Life Digital Edition September 2013 | Page 3
FROM THE TEAM
FROM THE PUBLISHER
WWW.JEWISHLIFE.CO.ZA
SERVING HASHEM WITH JOY
J
oy runs through our service of Hashem. This special edition covers the calendar
from Rosh Hashanah to Sukkos, and it is at Sukkos that this is meant to be most
visible. Uniquely, this festival is called the time of our joy, our happiness – zman
simchaseinu. Simcha is a special happiness. It comes from the recognition of a
future rich with potential. That’s why a birth, a barmitzvah, a wedding – are all
called simchas.
“Because you did not serve Hashem amid joy and goodness of heart when
everything was abundant.” Here, in Devarim 28: 47, the Torah tells us that the curses it is describing happen as
a result of a lack of joy. It is essential to serve Hashem joyfully in good times as well as bad. Now read it this
way: “Because you did not serve Hashem, amid joy and goodness of heart, when everything was abundant”,
tells us that when things are going well, we tend to forget about Hashem, and do so with no remorse –
feeling joy about it! That is what angers Hashem, and the tochachas (rebukes) are the result! A businessman
once said to Rav Sternbach, “Things are going very well for me at the moment, so this Rosh Hashanah, I want
Hashem to stay away from me and simply let things continue as they are.” The Rav told him he was missing
the point entirely. Nothing can happen without Hashem’s providence and constant protection.
At Sukkos, the clouds of glory are our joy because they were the protection Hashem gave us in the
desert – the protection that made us fulfil our potential and survive. And Hashem’s protection has never
left the Jewish people. We are still protected by the One who controls everything. It is our recognition of
this that should imbue us with deep happiness.
Although Sukkos is the zman simchaseinu, as we enter Rosh Hashanah, the thought of the Divine
Chesed and Hashem’s daily hashgacha pratis (Divine Providence) for all Creation, should make us feel
that joy as intensely. At Rosh Hashanah it is the Malchius, the Kingship of Hashem, that we
acknowledge. With our hearts full of the appreciation of how fully He protects and guides us,
recognising His total Kingship should become the easiest thing in the world.
May we all merit a joyful 5774.
As in previous years, this special issue would not be possible without the massive effort and inspired
work of the JL team – thank you. Thanks also to all our loyal readers and to the many advertisers,
without whose amazing support none of this would be possible.
This is our sixth Rosh Hashanah edition, and we hope you all enjoy it as much as in previous years.
Like all good Jews, the JL team, Baruch Hashem, hasn’t run out of things to say.
MARTYN SAMUELS, PUBLISHER
EDS PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER
O
ur annual bumper Rosh Hashanah magazine is truly a work of heart. From
the design and photography, to the powerful voices of our regular
contributors, to the thoughtful and soulful approach of our professional
writers, each person (too numerous to mention by name) involved in this
incredible magazine brings passion and a fresh perspective to their task. And
behind the scenes, Heidi, Linda, Liz and David work hard all year round to
bring you this polished finished product both in print and online in our digital
edition, headed, of course, by our publisher and MD, Martyn Samuels. I feel so
blessed to have played a role in enriching Jewish life in this country and
abroad, and will miss my brilliant team as I take maternity leave.
I leave our sixth birthday edition in the very capable hands of Chandrea Serebro as she takes Jewish
Life into its seventh year of publication. I can’t wait to finally enjoy the magazine cover to cover from
the stress-free comfort of my couch! Wishing you all a good and sweet New Year, and well over the
fast, as well as hours of inspiration, direction and reflection within these 112 pages.
ON THE COVER: THE SUN RISES OVER PLANET EARTH AS G-D RENEWS AND SUSTAINS
HIS CREATIONS WITH THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: Raelene Tradonsky who wins a copy
of Around the Maggid’s Table – More classic stories and parables from the great teachers
of Israel, by Rabbi Paysach J Krohn. Congratulations to Karolynn Vuren, Adrienne and
Ian Bogatie, Chava Joffe, Stephanie Liebowitz and Annette Germon who each win a
delicious gourmet kosher hamper to the value of R300 courtesy flowers.co.za.
WELCOME
CREDITS
PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Martyn Samuels
[email protected]
EDITOR
Paula Levin
[email protected]
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Linda Superfain
[email protected]
FEATURES WRITER
Chandrea Serebro
COPY EDITOR/PROOFREADER
Heidi Hurwitz
ART DIRECTOR
Rizelle Hartmeier
[email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ilan Ossendryver
[email protected]
DIGITAL MANAGER
David Blumenau
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Nicky Barnes, Efi Bibi, Rabbi Benyamin Buxbaum,
Leonard Carr, Dan Chaitowitz, Rachel Falkson,
Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried, Dr Linda Friedland, Bev
Goldman, Rabbi Yossy Goldman, Chief Rabbi Dr
Warren Goldstein, Anna Harwood, Wendy Kahn,
Serenne Kaplan, Rabbi David Masinter, Tracy Milner,
Ilan Preskovsky, Rabbi Ilan Raanan, Andi Saitowitz,
David Samuels, Liz Samuels, Sarah Sass