Yalla Issue 3

in and also transmit energy out from their own bodies to
help nurture, heal or restore deficient qi in others.

WHAT IS QIGONG?

qigong, and I found the combination complementary Qigong (chi kung) is an energy and intention-based
and potent. I invited him to teach at a yoga studio I had practice with roots in Daoist (Taoist) beliefs. It’s the
co-founded in Beijing with a fellow American yogini, basis of Chinese martial art forms, Chinese medicine,
Robyn Wexler. and Chinese meditation. Jet Li, for example, practices
qigong, as would many acupuncturists and Daoist clergy.
Cohen’s introduction of wuji, yoga’s equivalent to It is considered a healing art, and classified in China as
tadāsana (mountain pose), was a game-changer. In it, I a type of preventative medicine, or a means to help cure
felt centred, stable, rooted yet open to a movement of disease. Qi means “life force”, and gong means to cultivate
energy that I had not experienced in doing yoga poses. or build. Thus, qigong is the cultivation of life force, or
With my joints relaxed, centre of gravity lower and spine energy. It works with the principle of xing ming shuang
curved delicately into the shape I probably started off xiu – meaning the body and spirit are equally refined and
feeling as a tiny little embryo, I felt heat and a light hum cultivated.
of energy pulse through my limbs. I also felt the centres
of my hands produce an uncanny amount of heat. Later, I Why do qigong?
learned this is a good thing: the qi, or life force cultivated
in a practice, can be directed through spirit points located There are over 7 000 forms of qigong today. Tai Qi is
in the centres of the palms. These spirit points, called perhaps the most well-known, stylised form of qigong.
Working Palace, or laogong, are how qigong healers bring There are also forms named after locations such as Wu
Dang, or in honour of animals and birds such as White
Crane or Swimming Dragon. Many of the older forms
of qigong are classified as the daoyin, or “stretching and
breathing exercises”. These are sometimes referred to as
Taoist Yoga, and include sequences such as the 5 Animal
Frolics and the 8 Brocades. Later practices developed to
include the Muscle and Tendon Changing Classics. To
me, the wide-ranging diversity of qigong forms suggests
there’s no right or wrong way to do a practice, and that the
development is in line with Daoist notions of naturalism,
spontaneity and self-trust.

YALLA MAGAZINE 101

THE TWO PRACTICES traditions has been a rich source for creative growth
COMPARED in China – the Shaolin Temple monks, for example,
are practising Buddhists who have also captivated
Speaking in quite general terms, yoga asanas tend to be the world’s attention with their awe-inspiring
more linear, focusing on stretching and extending the martial arts forms.
limbs and trunk in two directions. Think about triangle
pose – how the top arm extends away from the bottom, Though yoga maintains a steady foothold in my daily
and the spine lengthens from the tailbone back and the practice, qigong is usually right there beside it. I find
crown of the head forward. In qigong, there is a stronger it offers me a slow, movement-based practice that
emphasis on soft, round, circular movements that are like enables me to focus my intention in specific ways
wind and water. Joint spaces are always relaxed, and the to heal and rid my body of poisons – be it thoughts
movements are often simple, slow and rhythmic. There is or physical sensations like tension or fatigue – and
less focus on complex bodily positions, and more focus increase my levels of energy and healthy prana. I also
given to how the mind directs the vital energy, or qi, and find that, as a teacher, I never get cold hands anymore!
intention. The intention is often on eliminating stagnant That is a huge bonus to giving assists in a yoga class;
or diseased qi, and replacing it with healthy, vibrant qi. I doubt anyone likes to be touched by cold, clammy
For example, one might inhale pure, healthy qi to an area hands. For me, practising yoga and qigong work like
of the body that feels weak, and exhale out the waste – the fire and water. One gets me warm and spirited,
and let it go as compost to the earth. the other quiet, fluid and soft.

Also, with qigong, there is more of a focus on grounding
and connecting with the earth. Active poses are often
done with bent knees, allowing for the centre of gravity
to be closer to the ground. In yoga, unless the teacher is
very conscientious to teach about the foundations and
rooting through the earth, there can be a very strong
upward flow of energy, or a sense of over prana-fication.

BLENDING TRADITIONS

Historically, China has shown openness in embracing
new traditions and practices as they migrate across
continents and merchant trade routes. The Silk Road,
for example, helped Buddhism flourish during the
Tang Dynasty, alongside existing Daoist and Confucian
beliefs. Fusing and incorporating practices from different

Mimi Kuo-Deemer, contributor to The Way, is
a London-based yoga, qigong and mindfulness
instructor. More information about her class
schedule and various retreats that cover topics from
yoga and qigong to mindfulness, can be found at
http://www.mkdeemer.com or on Facebook @
mkdeemer or Twitter, @mimikuodeemer.

102 YALLA MAGAZINE

89 Golders Green Road
London NW11 8EN

0208 2488 472
headroomcafe.org

YALLA MAGAZINE 103

GLITZ &

GLAM

WITH THE
SOCIAL KITCHEN

RECIPES AND
DÉCOR IDEAS

104 YALLA MAGAZINE

Expert Chef and décor wizard, Dani Tucker
shares tips for how to make our summer

tables come to life in a stylish myriad of fresh
colour and designs. Glam up ladies and
gents!

Summer-themed Shavuot tables with The Social Kitchen

Dani Tucker has become a serious contender in the world of
entertaining, as she so naturally creates sensational occasions for
top-end clients in the industry. “My Mom, Shally, loved nothing
more than to host our family and friends at home, creating magic
through her spectacular cooking and effortless hospitality. Having
grown up pulling at her apron strings, licking chocolate batter
from the bowl, I’ve inherited her skills and want to share them.
It’s not about spending huge amounts of money, or committing an
entire weekend to slaving away in the kitchen. For me, a rusted tin
watering can is as enchanting as a crystal vase, and the easier the

meal, the more your guests will enjoy it!”
Dani explains her cookbook is a collection of her family’s favourite

recipes, which her mom left to her when she passed away. It is
a celebration of beauty, family and friendship, dedicated to her.
“The book has raised money for Dermatrust, a charity close to my
family’s heart. Since the cookbook launched, The Social Kitchen
has flourished into something that I hadn’t even imagined in my

wildest dreams!
“The aim of The Social Kitchen is to create an experience of
a lifetime” says Dani. “We are renowned for creating unusual,
inspiring tablescapes, providing delicious food and bringing new

decorating ideas to the table.”
Now, I’m inviting you to join me on my journey. Let’s make the

future more delicious and delightful together!

Dani

YALLA MAGAZINE 105

Oranges, Lemons and Limes Tablescape

Using fresh ingredients in your table setting evokes this
instant feeling of summer. The fruity scent creates an
atmosphere that gives the room a fragrant aroma before your
guests have even sat down. This setting is perfect for dining
alfresco, but equally beautiful for an indoor occasion. My
mom would always use easy-to-find ingredients, not only for
her delicious food, but for her table settings too.
This table setting will take a maximum of half an hour to put
together and your guests will be mesmerised. I love using
fresh fruit in summer. One great idea that has proved to be
stunning is to have a bunch of lemons on a tray, with paint
and brushes ready for when your guests arrive. Let them
decorate the lemons and then add them to your table.

106 YALLA MAGAZINE

The key elements
required for
creating this look
are:

• Hand-painted lemons for your
name place cards, or words of
inspiration to add to the table using
water-based acrylic paints
• Cut out diagonal small pieces of
baguette with a sprig of rosemary,
and tie a hessian string in a double
knot
• Cut a few oranges, lemons and
limes in half, and dot them around
the centre of the table
• Olive branches or sprigs of
eucalyptus also work really well and
give off a delicious scent
• White bud flowers in small vases
(you can use small drinking glasses
as the vases)
• Cream/white church candles

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Pergola Tablescape

This is by far my favourite tablescape and, to my mind,
the best one I have ever created. The floating ribbons,
hanging flowers and lanterns capture the essence of
summer and everything that summer represents to me.
The colours are kept pretty but muted, and the flowers
reflect this too. This is the perfect setting for outside. If
you don’t have a pergola, you can hang the ribbons and
flowers in the trees in your garden. It looks much more
complicated than it is, but you can recreate this look
easily.

YALLA MAGAZINE The key
elements
to recreate
this look
are:

• Little jars with
a little posy of
flowers hanging
with ribbons
• Mismatched
napkins with
ribbons
• Clear glassware
• Coloured candles
in the mismatched
colour way
• Keep the lighting
on a low setting
as this adds to the
ambiance

109

Shipwrecked Tablescape

My mom has always been a collector of
everything, even pebbles or shells from
the beach, which she would always use so
creatively. This tablescape was the perfect
canvas to use for all those random pieces she
had collected over the years, from old, worn-
out, paint-stripped, wooden photo frames to
broken terracotta pieces. She had such an eye
and would see the beauty in everything. This
table really shows that even the broken pieces
make a table so warm, and they complete it in
such a unique way. look easily.

The key elements to recreate
this look are:

• Terracotta pots, even the broken pieces
• Sea shells
• Twigs and sticks
• Sand
• Wooden photo frames
• Treasure (this could be chocolate coins if you
have kids joining, or it could be actual £1 coins,
which you could ask your guests to donate to a
charity of their choice… it’s a great conversation
starter)

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YALLA MAGAZINE 111

An
Aleppian
Shavuot

Feast

Rebbetzins Chana Farhi
and Chana Levy share
the milky recipes that
have been passed down

to them through the
inextricable chain of time.

- S H I R A DR U I O N

112 YALLA MAGAZINE

Syrian women are a filled with a signature energy and passion 113
synonymous with preparing sumptuous dishes that tickle the
tastebuds with their delightful flavours. Historically, it was
challenging for women to be found in the workplace in Aleppo.
Instead, women assumed the role of homemaker with great pride
and devotion, which gave rise to many culinary experts.

Aleppian women have always loved to feed their families,
neighbours and community, and the dining room table is central
to daily life. Mothers and grandmothers of the Syrian community
have held onto their sacred traditions and traditional dishes as they
continue to prepare the remarkable recipes that have travelled with
them over continents and through generations.

Aleppian dishes carry with them that indelible mark of history, the
mark of the women who made great efforts to shop, cook and serve
extraordinary meals to their husbands, children, extended families
and community. In her magnificent book: Aromas from Aleppo,
Poopa Dweck writes that ‘an Aleppian Jewish woman must be
ready at all times to greet the zwah bala azimeh (unexpected guests)
with a warm fadal’u (welcome) – whether they are new faces,
acquaintances or relatives. She then retrieves a selection of specially
prepared delicacies from the kitchen, while the aroma of freshly
brewed ahweh (Arabic coffee) is in the air.

Cooking and dining together has created the incredible warmth
and homely feel that has been the glue to keep the fire of the
Syrian community burning, as families continue to enjoy delectable
feasts around tables laden with plentiful mouth-watering dishes,
spiced with generous doses of laughter and love. Writes Dweck:
“When you enter a Syrian kitchen, you will more than likely
encounter two, if not three or even four, generations at work!’

YALLA MAGAZINE

INGEDIENTS

114 YALLA MAGAZINE

SAmCHbEoEuSsEek
COOK TIME SERVES
20 MINS 70-80

INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS

1 cup semolina Mix semolina and butter really well, so
1 cup butter (two sticks) butter is fully incorporated. Add flour
2 cups flour and salt. Mix
1 teaspoon salt Slowly add milk as you are mixing. You
2 eggs don't want the dough to be sticky!
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese In a separate bowl, beat an egg and
1/2 teaspoon salt mix with cheese, add 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds Roll out dough and make circles. Put
1/2 cup milk one spoon of cheese mixture in each
circle and close dough firmly. Pinch
and fold around the dough
Line tray with baking paper
Brush egg on top of Sambousek and
sprinkle some sesame seeds on top
Bake at 175° for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

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PHTYRLILAONGCLHEEsESE SERVES
COOK TIME

25 MINS 72 PIECES

INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds grated mozzarella cheese
3 eggs, beaten
24 sheets phyllo (about 1 pound)
¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
To make the filling, combine the cheese and eggs in a medium
mixing bowl. Stir gently. Set aside
Cut all the phyllo sheets with a sharp knife, crosswise, into 3
rectangular sections, about 3 inches wide. Work with only one strip
of phyllo at a time. Cover the rest with wax paper and a damp towel.
Brush the strip of phyllo with melted butter, then fold in half, length
wise
Spoon a heaped teaspoon of filling near one end of a phyllo strip,
about 1 inch from the short edge. Fold one corner over the filling,
making a triangle. Continue folding over the phyllo, making a
triangle each time, until the whole strip is used. Tuck the loose end
neatly into the triangular shape. Repeat with the remaining phyllo
strips. Then brush the top of each triangle with butter and dip into
the sesame seeds. Place on a baking sheet
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the triangles are crisp and lightly
browned
When working with phyllo, it is important to keep it covered to
prevent it from drying out and breaking. If the sheets start to look
dry, they are no longer usable and will crumble when you attempt
to make the triangles. If you buy frozen phyllo, defrost it in the
refrigerator before using

YALLA MAGAZINE 117

KUSA JIBBEN
COOK TIME SERVES
50 MINS 10-12

INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS

1 onion, chopped Sauté onion in oil until clear
6 courgettes Slice courgettes in circles and add to onions
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese Lower flame and let it cook for about 20
1 teaspoon salt minutes
4 eggs Strain
Pour courgettes into 9 x 13 tray or any dish
118 Mix in cheese, eggs and salt
Bake at 175° for 30 minutes

YALLA MAGAZINE

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120 YALLA MAGAZINE

CHEESECAKE
COOK TIME SERVES
30 MINS 12

INGREDIENTS

2 x 250g tubs of cream cheese
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
100 grams white chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla

CRUST
You can either buy a cookie crust or crush 120 grams of
Graham Crackers into a 9-inch pan. Then drizzle 50 grams of
melted butter or margarine onto them and press again. Bake
the crust for five minutes on a 180° heat.

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt the chocolate in the microwave till soft. Be careful not to
let it go too long or it will burn and go hard
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well
blended
Add the beaten eggs
Stir in the melted chocolate
Pour on top of the crust base and bake at 180° for 20 to 30
minutes

Note: After being baked, the cake should still be able to move
slightly; this means it is not overdone.

You can also top this with caramel or swirls of white
and brown chocolate, or if you are feeling fruity, some
strawberries.

YALLA MAGAZINE 121

acham Amram Ben-Diwan was Meknes, a city bustling with many
born in Yerushalayim at the great scholars. He wanted to embark
beginning of the 18th century. Later on another fundraising tour on
in his life he moved to Hebron and behalf of the city of Hebron, but the
was among the leading tzaddikim of roads had become too dangerous
the city. In 5523/1743, when famine to travel as a result of organised
threatened the community, he was rebellions in Hebron. After seven
sent to Morocco on an emergency years, when things quieted down,
fundraising mission. He Rabbi Amram decided it was time
returned after three years with a to embark on his mission. He was
respectable sum of money, which joined by his host, Rabbi Zichri
saved the community from their Messas zt”l of Meknes. Upon their
crisis. arrival in the city of Fez, his escort
took ill, forcing Rabbi Amram to
He settled in the city of Ouazzane, stay there for a year to tend to the
Morocco, where he introduced the patient, who eventually died and was
idea of a yeshiva to the community. buried in Fez.
He taught students who yearned to
learn Torah from such a great Torah Rabbi Amram decided to continue
scholar. Rabbi Amram provided on his mission to collect money
everything the students needed to on behalf of the settlement in
enable continuous Torah learning. Hebron, and then return to Eretz
By doing so, he nurtured the love Yisrael. Rabbi Amram left with
for Torah and Torah learning in his son, Rabbi Haim, to travel
through different Moroccan
hall of Morocco. From all corners cities, spreading Torah learning
of Morocco, Jews gathered to be everywhere he went. In every city he
blessed by Rabbi Amram and be visited, Rabbi Amram taught Torah
saved in his merit. He cared for each enthusiastically and passionately,
and every Jew in his community, and blessed many Jews, who were
and cared equally for anyone who saved in his merit.
showed up at his doorstep.
THE Nearly 10 years later, Rabbi Amram When they arrived in the city of
HACHCAM returned to Hebron to explore the Ouazzane, Rabbi Amram became
teachings of Kabbalah, but his stay ill. When his sickness intensified,
UNDER THE OLIVE in Hebron did not last long, as his he sent for the Chevra Kadisha.
TREE son Rabbi Haim fell ill. In order They asked him where he wished
to pray on his son’s behalf, Rabbi to be buried, and he replied, “In
Amram violated the decree issued the entrance to your cemetery (in
by the Moslems forbidding the Ouazzane) there is a large olive
Jews access to Me’arat HaMachpelah tree. Bury me underneath the olive
(tomb of the patriarchs). When they tree, and place a simple stone on my
found that he had violated the edict, grave.” Rabbi Amram Ben-Diwan
they wanted to kill him, compelling departed from this world and from
him to flee Hebron with his son. Moroccan Jewry on the ninth of Av
2 (Tisha Be’Av) 1782/5542. His day
Once again Rabbi Amram made of remembrance is observed on the
his way back to Morocco, where fifteenth of Av, seven days after his
he founded what would become death.
a renowned yeshiva in the city of

122 YALLA MAGAZINE

At the time, Moroccan Jews would has never been burnt. This custom
travel by doney to pray at the kever has been kept since the death of
of Rabbi Amram Ben-Diwan. The Rabbi Amram, and is maintained to
kever of Rabbi Amram became a this very day.
place of pilgrimage, and thousands
of Jews came to Ouazzane each It is said that many miracles have
year to the kever of the tzaddik. been performed on Rabbi Amram’s
Even Arabs would come to sell kever. Once there was a French
merchandise and show their respect sergeant who had a son who was
for the Jews. The great poet Rabbi paralysed after a serious illness.The
David Ben-Hassin composed a sergeant had a Jewish friend, who
special poem in honour of Rabbi advised him to take his son to the
Amram, which is sung by Moroccan tomb of Rabbi Amram Ben-Diwan
Jews on the day of his hillula. in Ouazzane. Initially, the sergeant
was sceptical, but he promised that
Moroccan Jewry presently if a miracle occurred and his son
celebrates a great event at the actual would be healed, he would build
gravesite, praying and singing until a road that would facilitate proper
sunrise in honour of the tzaddik. To access to the tomb of the tzaddik.
this very day, nearly 1500 people As soon as his son went to the tomb
travel each year from across the of Rabbi Amram, the miracle was
world to participate in the great accomplished. The happy father kept
spiritual event of the hillula in his promise, and built a road to the
Ouazzane. There is a large bonfire kever of the noble Rabbi Amram
under the olive tree, which is Ben-Diwan.y was a righteous man,
maintained by coal and thousands who was known for his chessed in
of candles thrown into the fire by helping out many needy families of
the attendants. The fire is several his town in Ouazzane, Morocco.
feet high and, miraculously, the tree In time of Hillulot (celebration

YALLA MAGAZINE 123

Hillula of Rabbi of our great tzaddik – Hacham Amram Ben-
Amram Ben-Diwan Diwan. Hashem will assist you in all of life’s
challenges.”
of a Hacham’s death) he would go out of his way in
preparation weeks before in order to help out the Hashem Listens &
festivity arrangements for the town. Azoulay was Fulfils
involved in community events to ensure that even
the poor Jews would have an enjoyable time. Rabbi Amram and his son were visiting the
town of Taza, where they stayed with a friend
One year, Azoulay was so involved in his daily called Mr. Benchimol. Rabbi Amram’s son
activities that he forgot to contribute his share and became gravely ill, but Rabbi Amram prayed
time to the hillula of Rabbi Amram Ben-Diwan. for his son and he improved immediately.
At the time, he was working in the country side, Upon gaining consciousness, he asked his
far from the main town of Ouezzane. One week father for some figs. Rabbi Amram asked
before the hillula, while far from his home, he got Benchimol to buy figs for his son, but
extremely sick, and had to stay in house of an Arab. Benchimol replied: “Hacham, where would I
The night of the hillula he was gravely ill, lying on get figs? It is not fig season, not a single fig is
the floor in great pain. According to local Arabs, to be found!” Rabbi Amram answered: “Just go
a white-bearded man was walking around him out and buy the figs."
that night, and the Arabs weren’t sure who he was.
It seemed as if the elderly rabbi was protecting The man left, convinced that he would return
Azoulay. empty-handed. When he entered the market,
an Arab approached him and in a whisper,
By morning Azoulay was feeling better and was offered him figs. The man accused him of
able to travel. The Arabs told Azoulay “Last night, making fun of him, until the Arab took five
there was an elderly white-bearded man who looked beautiful figs from under his clothing. He
very sacred, and was constantly watching over you, bought them and took them to the Hacham.
circling around you while you were lying in bed. They realised he was a holy and righteous
Can you tell us who he was?” Mr. Azoulay was man, for whom Hashem fulfilled even the
in shock, realising immediately that it was Rabbi smallest of desires.
Amram Ben-Diwan. Rabbi Amram had come to
him in a dream the night he was sick, and told him:
“I am watching over you. In zechut of you taking
care of the poor of Ouazzane and taking care of
the day of my hillula, you shall live a long life. The
angels wanted to take you up to shamayim that same
night, but I told the angels he’s not ready to leave
this world. He has great merit in this world and the
people need him here.”

Azoulay believed he was saved by the tzaddik. He
told one of the Arabs servants: “Get the horses
ready! We must go right away to Ouazzane, I have
a festival to attend to, and from now I will celebrate
the hillulot with all my heart, and help the needy at
any expense."

Many years later, in Azoulay’s dying moments, he
called his four sons over to his death bed. He said
“Do not abandon the holy festive day of the hillula

124 YALLA MAGAZINE

Tombs of the Holy True Chessed
Patriarchs
In the city of Fez a poor man from a well-
Rabbi Amram’s son was very ill, and Rabbi Amram respected family was marrying off his son. The
fasted for three consecutive days hoping that he bride was a penniless orphan and the man had
would get better. After the fast, the son came to no money for wedding expenses, nor to help
him in a dream and said: “If you pray at the Me’arat his son set up his home. The poor man was
Hamachpela (tombs of the holy patriarchs) your ashamed to knock on people’s doors to ask
prayers will be accepted.” Rabbi Amram got up and for charity. He decided to confide in Rabbi
realised he had to devise a way of getting into Me’arat Amram, who was passing through the city. The
Hamachpela, which, at the time, was off-limits to Jews tzaddik Rabbi Amram was also in dire financial
by Muslim law. trouble at the time, and could not assist him
monetarily. His heart went out to the man and
Rabbi Amram thought up a daring plan. Dressed the Jewish home he was trying to build. He
up as an Arab, he entered Me’arat Hamachpela along gave the man his special Shabbat garment to
with all the Moslems. With overflowing emotion, he sell at an auction, which would surely fetch a
made his way to the gravesite of our holy forefathers handsome price from some wealthy member of
and poured out his heart in prayer. Tears streaming the community.
from his eyes, he begged Hashem to hasten the Geula
and to heal his ailing son. No one suspected that the Sure enough, the news spread rapidly and the
“Moslem” who stood deep in prayer was actually a Torah loving wealthy Jews offered large sums of
Jew. money for the privilege of buying the Hacham’s
holy coat. Eventually the coat was sold for an
As Rabbi Amram made his way out, one of the amount that sufficed for the man to make a
Arabs suddenly noticed him and recognised him respectable wedding for the happy couple. Rabbi
as the leader of the Jewish people in Hebron. The Amram was an honoured guest at the wedding,
Arab quickly went and informed the Pasha. Rabbi and his joy for having been able to fulfil such
Amram was guaranteed a severe punishment. One tremendous Chessed was boundless.
of the Pasha’s servants knew Rabbi Amram and had
tremendous respect for him. He quickly informed
Rabbi Amram of his forthcoming imprisonment.
Rabbi Amram decided to escape with his young son
Rabbi Haim in the middle of the night, but was not
sure where he would go.

He did not want to run to Yerushalayim, his
birthplace, for fear that the Pasha’s men would
capture him there - at that time the Turk rule was
widespread. Should the Sultan command the capture
of Rabbi Amram, his command would be received
from the Balkan Mountains to Yemen and from
Persia to Algeria. Rabbi Amram would have to
wander even further away. He immediately thought
of Morocco, which, at that time, was not under
Turkish rule. Rabbi Amram and his son wandered
discreetly from country to country, and, after many
tribulations, finally arrived safely in Morocco.'

YALLA MAGAZINE 125

TEEN TALK

&WITH

QARACHELVECHT
Rachel Vecht trained as a primary school teacher at
the Institute of Education and taught in both the state
and private sector. She has also worked as a university
mentor and lecturer to student teachers. Over the past
17 years, she has written and delivered 'Educating
Matters' seminars/webinars to tens of thousands of
working parents in the corporate and public sector and
in schools. She also runs a 10-week ‘Positive Parenting
Course’, covering more general parenting issues, and
she offers one-to-one consultations to parents across the
UK. Rachel is married and is a mother to four..

126 YALLA MAGAZINE

Dear Rachel,
I am really dreading my
upcoming GCSE exams and all
the stress that comes with it.
I find it so hard to deal with
all the pressure of having to
buckle down and work and
wish I could ignore all the
expectations of my friends and
parents who are constantly.
asking me my marks. The stress
is really hectic and causes me
to feel anxious and not sleep

properly. Please help!

aNSWER:

I totally remember that feeling when I had exams. Some stress can actually help you to feel more motivated to work,
and certainly, an adrenalin rush improves concentration in the actual exam. It’s a fine and difficult balance, as too
much anxiety can lead to panic and underperformance.
Doing well in your exams should make you feel good. It’s not to satisfy your parents or teachers, or impress your
friends. True gratification comes from within, and only you are responsible for your own success. On results day, you
want to feel you gave it your best.
I think exam success boils down to four main things:
• Memory retention/knowing your subject matter
• Organisational skills/balancing different subjects
• Exam technique
• Attitude/coping with pressure

While tempting, it can be really unhelpful to speak to friends about how they are progressing. Try not to measure
yourself against them. They may be the type to say: “I’ve been making notes for the last two years and I’ve done loads
of practice papers.” This could make you even more stressed. Or they say: “Don’t worry, I have barely done anything.”
This may not be true and will give you a false sense of security. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your marks with
your friends, then don’t.
Having a positive attitude and the right mind-set will determine how much you learn and ultimately how well you do.
For example, if you repeatedly say to yourself: “I’ll never be able to remember all this”, then you won’t! Athletes work a
lot on their mental state and use psychologists to ensure peak performance.
Procrastination can also be an issue when studying; just the thought of getting started may be holding you back, or
not knowing where to begin. Set yourself realistic expectations and targets. Make a revision audit for each subject and
break down the subjects into manageable chunks, so you feel that you are making slow but steady progress daily.
Your brain will processes information while you sleep, so regard sleeping as essential study time. Exercise will also
help to get more oxygen to your brain and work off excess adrenalin to help with keeping calm. Try and establish a
regular sleep pattern and try different techniques to help with sleeping, such as a warm bath, hot drink, meditation
and breathing exercises, and limiting caffeine.
While GCSEs feel hugely important now, in the big picture, they don’t define you. Wishing you all the very best.

YALLA MAGAZINE 127

yalladim

The Jewish Time Machine
With Jasmine and Joey

By Shira Druion

With a screech, the time machine landed in the black of night and
came bumping over some bits of wood, with the red light on the
on/off button f lashing desperately. It spun around a few times,
landing on a pile of black pebbles. It began to mutter in a robotic
voice: “Danger, danger, wake up kids, danger, danger!”
“Jasmine, this doesn’t look like fun! The time machine looks like
it’s stuck!”
“Oh gooseberry gumdrops! That would be terrible Joey! Imagine
getting stuck in the past! Ima and Abba will
think we have been abducted by aliens!"
Just as the children were wondering if the
machine would leave them abandoned on their
latest adventure, they heard a loud thundering,
and saw the brightest f lashes of lightning they
had ever seen! The sky went a bright white and
their eardrums began to tremble with pain!
“What’s going on Joey?” screamed Jasmine!
The noise grew so loud that the twins fell to
the f loor of the time machine with fright, their
little hearts skipping more than a few beats! As
hard as they tried to speak to one another, they
just landed up mumbling some garbled words of
gibberish. They crept close to one another, and

128 YALLA MAGAZINE

were petrified of what was to come next!
Joey whispered in a shaky voice: “Jasmine, I’m terrified! I’ve
never been so scared in all my life! This must be Har Sinai! Can
you see the mountain lifting up over their heads?”
Jasmine gasped as the time machine’s roof opened up and a long
metal-looking hand lifted them out and placed them gently on the
ground below, next to a group of children who were speaking a
language they did not understand! The sky lit up again and the
twins held their ears tightly as the terrorising noise blew them
across the ground!
“Anochi Hashem Elokecho!”
Joey leaned over to Jasmine: “Can you believe this Jasmine,
we are hearing Hashem speaking to us? We know all Jewish
Neshamot were at Har Sinai, but now we are seeing for ourselves

everything that our neshomas experienced,
all those thousands of years ago!”
“Joey, Jasmine, get up, it’s time for school!
C’mon kids, it’s break-up day today! Ima
and I are coming to the special prize-giving
assembly for all the kids who have achieved in
their Torah studies! Hurry, it’s getting late!”
“Jasmine, where are we?” whispered Joey.
“In our beds, right where we belong,” said
Jasmine, as she jumped out of bed and said
Modeh Ani! “Joey, I love being Jewish and
keeping the Mitzvot!”
“Me too!” yelled Joey.
And with that, the time machine disappeared
with a squeak and a clank and a rut tut tut!

YALLA MAGAZINE 129

yalladim

KIDS COMPETITION

Why do we count up to Shavuot and not down?
Why do we read the Book of Ruth on Shavuot?
Why do we eat dairy (milk stuff) on Shavuot?
Why do we put loads of flowers in the shuls on Shavuot?
Why is the holiday called Shavuot?
BToornauhssqhuoeusltdionno:tWbehagtivdeind Mtoomshaen,abnustwsehrouthldesatnagyeilns twhheehnetahveeynss?a*id the

Send your answers to [email protected] and if you answer them all correctly, you will be
entered into a raffle, where the winner will receive an ice-cream sundae or a smoothie for them
and 3 friends! * The correct answer to the bonus

question gets you an extra raffle ticket.

130 YALLA MAGAZINE

WORD
SEARCH

sinai t s s d eden i tzs
cheese d d s t n i mm y u t i
sevenweeks dde e h i e s s net
commandments s s e v enwe ek s r
sivan bbz y r i a dmn em
flowers esd r l i d i vczd
study i yu g env revts
greenery v i t i a na c vmn s
yizkor szsmohev te i k
blintzes u km c c n s e i n l s
harvest s oe f l owe r s bo
crr s skes rg i o

YALLA MAGAZINE 131

132 YALLA MAGAZINE

A BRIT MILAH
I N M O N T E C A RL O
Dr Leslie Solomon shares a meaningful and humorous anecdote
from his storybook of brit milah ceremonies.

- DR L E S L I E S O L O M O N

In my experience, if you want to a good brit I met up with the rest of the party, which included Rabbi
story to tell,bring a Sephardi rabbi with you. Farhi, who had known the family for many years.
This tale begins in the freezing wastelands
of London, before the introduction of snow The grandfather was the last to arrive, and was relieved
ploughs and de-icing machines. It had been to see that we were all there. We put our bags through
a harsh, snow-swept few days, followed by a small x-ray machine, and were led by the pilot to the
a sudden plunge in temperature, and by now even the small nine-seater plane. The stewardess sat in the cabin
wintry icicles had icicles. The roads were treacherous, with us, and was fascinated by the whole brit thing and
and the school children were ecstatic. started talking to me.

Less happy was a grandfather, who had been given The other passengers couldn’t help but listen to our
the honour of organising a brit for his grandson in conversation, as the stewardess’s voice was shrill against
Monte Carlo. I was asked to perform the brit, and the rumbling of the engine.
was due to be travelling on Thursday morning for the
brit later on that day. But, with another red December “So, you’re the doctor. I can’t imagine what it would be
sky on Wednesday morning, I was beginning to doubt like to be the mother of the baby at this moment. She
whether the airports would be running any scheduled must be so anxious.”
flights. I wasn’t the only one with those concerns.
On Wednesday afternoon, I got a phone call: “I need “You mean anxious about her baby,not about the airplane.”
your passport details. Be ready tomorrow morning at
seven. A car will come and pick you up.” The stewardess laughed “Oh no, the airplane is quite safe.
I do trips like this every day, and we would only take off
Surprisingly, I have never (yet) been in a James Bond if it was safe to do so.” Safety first. “I was more worried
film, but I imagine that it would feel a bit like the that she would be anxious about her baby going through
way I felt that Thursday morning. At 007, the black the brit operation.”
Audi arrived, and the chauffeur offered to take my
bag. “This way, sir.” I sat in the backseat, and felt a bit
awkward being called sir. “It’s okay,” I said, “you can
call me James.”

As we approached the airport, we took a turning away
from the main terminal, and headed towards the
private jets. At the terminal, which was just a lounge,

YALLA MAGAZINE 133

I had often thought about the clear of jaundice, than I would be
connection between the aviation happy to proceed.”
industry and the medical field. There
was so much to learn from the way The jet soared into the sky, climbed
they dealt with risk, and their open through the angry clouds, and was
approach to disasters or near misses. greeted by a perfectly blue sky and a
But the stewardess had inadvertently smiling sun.
expressed my thoughts about the
brit.

“There is no real need for the mother Rabbi Dr Leslie Solomon is an A&E
to feel anxiety about the brit. A mohel doctor, mohel and a rabbi. In his spare
does this procedure every day, and time, he gives a (very!) early morning
would only proceed if it is perfectly gemara shiur in Ner Yisrael Synagogue
safe to do so.” and the Time 4 Mishna chabura in Toras
Chaim Synagogue in the evenings. He
She wasn’t satisfied “But there are lives in Hendon with his wonderful wife
always risks.” Shanni and their six children.

“Oh yes”, I said, “everything has
risks, even flying. But if the baby is
healthy, has a good weight and is

134 YALLA MAGAZINE

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