Rosh Hashana 5782

MAINTAIN - DEVELOP - GROW

CONNECT
TISHREI 5782 - SEPTEMBER 2021
Charity No. 1123001 LEAP YEAR - SABBATICAL YEAR

New Year Message 5782

by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson zy”o

particular year, whereby it is
distinguished from the others. It is on
the special significance of the coming
new year—5740—that we shall dwell
here.

The special significance of the coming
year is that it is the “seventh year, the
year of Shemittah,” which the Torah,
Toras Emes (so called, because it
illuminates everything with the Divine
Truth), designates as a “Shabbos unto
G-d,” a “Sabbatical year dedicated to the
Almighty.”

An extract of a letter dated 18th Ellul 5739 “Rosh Hashanah” is not only the
(10th September 1979) – a leap year. “beginning” of the year, but also the
“head” (Rosh) of the year, meaning, that
Reflecting on the coming new year, and just as the head directs all activities of
on the preparation which it calls for, one the body, so must the good resolutions
becomes aware that each new year has a of Rosh Hashanah dominate each and all
dual dimension: one is the general the days of the entire year.
significance that each new year shares
with all new years—as a new year; the Hence it is doubly significant that the
other is the special significance, which is coming Sabbatical Year also has a
related to the specific features of the Sabbatical “head.”

At the same time it should be noted that
although the distinction of the coming

year in respect of Shemittah – sabbatical follows that also the special conduct
year, is primarily connected with Eretz that the Shemittah Year calls for should
Yisroel, and with the holiness of our likewise begin in the month of Elul, with
Holy Land, where all the laws of emphasis on action, which is the
Shemittah are in force, above all the essential thing; namely, to put into
Shemittah (“release”) of our land, fields, effect the higher level of Torah studies,
vineyards, etc., from any agricultural more meticulous observance of the
activity— Mitzvoth and greater devoutness in
prayer.And this will bring even more
It has been explained on many occasions blessing and prosperity in their wake,
that a Jew, wherever he is, is expected in now and throughout the entire coming
his everyday life, especially in his year.
spiritual life, to transform his
environment—his home as well as his May G-d grant that every one of us, in
surroundings—into a (spiritual) “Eretz the midst of all our Jewish people,
Yisroel.” In other words, since Eretz should indeed resolve to carry out the
Yisroel is a “land on which G-d’s eyes rest above, in keeping also with the current
continuously, from the beginning of the Weekly Sidrah Nitzovim-Vayelech:, “You
year to the end of the year”—a similar are standing, all of you, today before
atmosphere of G-dliness must permeate G-d, your G-d . . . to enter into the
every Jewish home and all around it, to Covenant of G-d, your G-d.”
the extent of breathing the very “air of
Eretz Yisroel,” wherever a Jew is. At the true and complete Geulo through
MashiachTzidkeinu,
It should also be emphasized here that
in view of the fact that the Shemittah With esteem and blessings for a
Year—in respect of the prohibition of KesivovaChasimoTovo, for a Good and
agricultural work—begins already a Sweet Year, both materially and
month earlier, in the month of Elul, it spiritually.

Jewish Leap Year

This Year, 5782 is a Jewish Leap Year.
The Jewish calendar consists of twelve lunar months. A lunar month—from the
moment when the crescent new moon appears until it disappears once again—is
roughly 29.5 days. Twelve lunar months equal 354 days, eleven days less than the
solar year. Therefore, if we were to maintain a strictly twelve-month lunar calendar,
we would lose eleven days each year. This would result in holidays which would
constantly be fluctuating in relation to the seasons, which are dictated by the solar
cycle. We would have summer Chanukahs and a snowy Shavuot.

Therefore the Torah commands us,“Guard the month of spring, and make [then] the
Passover offering.” This is a directive to the Sanhedrin (Rabbinical Supreme Court) to
constantly adjust the calendar to ensure that Nissan, the month of the holiday of
Passover, always falls during the spring season. This is achieved by adding a
thirteen-month “leap years”,( Adar Sheini) added to the calendar approximately once
in three years.

With no fixed calendar, the Sanhedrin (Rabbinical court) had to consider several
factors. The primary factor, which overrode all others, was the spring equinox. If the
spring equinox would fall later than the first half of Nissan (i.e., on the 16th or later),
then the year was automatically declared to be a leap year. Other factors included;
spring-like conditions needed to be evidenced. Spring should be felt; it should be
bright and green.

Today we follow the directives of Hillel and his Rabbinical court who established the
perpetual calendar which is followed today. This calendar is comprised of
nineteen-year cycles, each cycle containing seven leap years. This calendar will
remain in effect until Moshiach will come and re-establish the Sanhedrin.

Rosh Hashanah-5782

A New Year message from Rabbi Aryeh MBE & Devorah Sufrin

Co-Directors & Head Shluchim- Chabad Lubavitch Centres North East London & Essex

“MAINTAIN – DEVELOP – GROW”

Rosh Hashanah – the New Year, the birthday of the
world is upon us.

As with every birthday, one should reflect on the
past year, make New Year resolutions and resolve to
make sure that every effort that follows, will
supersede that which preceded it.

Rabbi & Mrs Sufrin MBE This is our second Tishrei in pandemic conditions,
although TG the restrictions are now much lighter.
We say Thank G-d for having seen through these
last 18 months, with two jabs in tow and raring to
face the New Year.

We are proud to be able to report that, we at Chabad across Essex have been
successful in everyway. With challenges pushing us to rethink and devise innovative
ways of reaching out to the wider communities of Essex, by methods that in the past,
we could not have dreamt possible. The “reach” has been far beyond our
imaginations by connecting with people close and far, who up until the pandemic,
geography alone determined their participation.

Today with so many opportunities offered through social media, distance is almost a
word of the past, and that which was not feasible beforehand has now become an
every day occurrence.

As we TG move towards the “new normal,” we at Chabad will ensure that nobody will
be left behind as our Chabad Centres become more active once again, by ensuring a
“hybrid service” for all. Some will be in-house and some will continue through social
media.

In this “Connect” magazine we have highlighted some of the key achievements,
including hearing from our three Rebbetzens’ – Shluchos, and their response to the
Covid conditions.

As always, your response to our Rosh Hashanah appeal is necessary for the never
ending Chabad services provided to continue OUR motto for this year, to
MAINTAIN – DEVELOP – GROW, as our true and loyal partners.

Wishing you and yours a Very Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.

Rabbi Aryeh MBE & Mrs Devorah Sufrin

Q&A’s FOR THE REBBETZ

MCHRASBDAEDVOGRAANHTSSUHFILRLIN (DS) MRS HENNY BRANDMAN (HB) CMHRASBRAIDVKEAPPPIONSGEN (RP)
CHABAD BUCKHURST HILL

WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE YOUR ROLE AS A SHLUCHA TO BE?
DS: I believe that the role of a Shlucha is to be there as a support for the Shliach and

also as a leader for the women of the community. To be there in whatever role the
community needs us for. Open, approachable, reliable, supportive - just to be there.
Being the Co-Director of Chabad of NE London and Essex means that as well as being
based in Gants Hill and serving this community,we are here to support the Shluchim
families in our sister branches as well as continuously seeking ways of developing
Chabad and reaching out further into Essex.

HB: We’re here to serve the Jewish community in Buckhurst Hill and surrounding areas.

RP: I would say, my role as a Shlucha is an extension of my role as a mother. I try to

provide a loving and warm home for my family, and as a Shlucha I strive to provide the
same for my community – my ‘extended family’. Just like with my family, it is the child’s
needs that determine my role, so too with my extended family, whatever the
community may need, I try my best to be there for them.

HOW WAS YOUR ROLE CHANGED SINCE THE ONSET OF COVID?
DS: I feel that in some ways it has enhanced what I was doing already and in some ways

it changed mainly because we had to move over to technology. So the connection with
the people of the community took a very different stance. I think COVID taught me how
to make the most of every situation and looking at thingsfrom all perspectives. Keeping
in touch with people and keeping those lines of communication open particularly with
those who were not ‘on line’.

ZINS OF CHABAD

HB: The role hasn’t changed at all – we are still here to serve the community - but just

the way we did it changed. So instead of doing “in person” events, instead of having Shul
in person, instead of having Cheder in person, instead of having kids’ events in person –
everything just changed to “on-line”. Sending out a lot of care packages and things like
that, which we weren’t doing before, so it changed in that way.

RP: We arrived 6 months before COVID, so I don’t have that much to compare it to.

However, since the start of Covid we realised that a community is in essence many
individual relationships. Before Covid it was easy to get caught up with events, planning,
preparing,hosting etc and sometimes what is most important can be forgotten;
developing meaningful relationships with individual people, providing care, support
and company. COVID definitely gave us that opportunity.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE OVER THE COVID PERIOD?
DS: The biggest challenge over the COVID period was just being stopped in our tracks

and having to find a way to continue despite COVID. The loss of my father and so many
others during this time hit hard. Despite being in lockdown, life became busier than ever
and we worked long hours to try and keep up with demand.

HB: I would say probably having the kids at home full-time was a challenge and getting

them on their Zoom classes. I also had a baby during the third lockdown in December
and the day I had the baby was the first day that the kids were off from school so that
was a very big challenge - having all the kids home with the newborn.

RP: As a Shlucha, the main challenge was the lockdowns and the physical distance we

had to keep. Not being able to invite people over for Shabbat, and relationships being
limited to the virtual realm just isn’t the same.

CMHRASBDAEDVGOARANHTSSHUIFLRLIN (DS) MCHRASBHAEDNNBUY CBKRHAUNRDSMT AHNIL(LHB) CMHRASBRAIDVKEAPPPIONSGEN (RP)

Q&A’s CONTINUED........

WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED AND HOW HAVE YOU
INCORPORATED THEM, OR GOING TO INCORPORATE THEM?
DS: Relationships matter. How connections are so important. That too many people

are isolated. To try and ensure that as the world opens up again we will manage to find
a new rhythm where we can incorporate the benefits of varied ways of living and
connecting.

HB: What our priorities are, spending time with the family. Realising how family

comes first and how it is so important to spend that extra quality time with them.

RP: Firstly, it is the small things that matter. Focusing on individuals and not only on

the community as a whole. Secondly, we learned that people want and need a
community, and the friendship and support that comes with being part of one. The
truth is that this invigorates and gives us Chayus (vitality) to continue and do what we
are doing because we see how receptive people are to it and what a difference it
makes in their lives.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE READERS
OF CONNECT?
DS: The Rebbe sent us here so Chabad is here and we are here for you. This has always

been our mantra, our objective, our goal, our mission statement, that Chabad is here
to support, help, unite, connect

HB: I would say that just like the world can change for the worse in a split second in a

way that nobody could have imagined, Hashem can change the world for the good in a
split second by sending Moshiach, which will change the world for the good forever
and ever.

RP: Two things. Firstly, as we’ve seen throughout COVID, together we can overcome

any challenge. We have to unite together and be there for each other and that’s what
gets us through.The second message I’d like to share with the readers is that
throughout the pandemic we have been blessed to find so many Jews here in Epping
and it’s surrounding areas,there are a lot more Jews here than we could have ever
imagined. There is a beautiful community emerging in Epping and if you need anything
- we are here for you! Reach out, get in touch, get involved!



Gants Hill in Pictures

CVhoalurtideeyrsD, aLyisGa iv&inFglorence Charidy Giving, Designer Tamir - New House
Visiting from Israel New Mezuzah

CVhoalurnidtyeeDrsa,yHadley & Uncle Brian Mazel Tov - Engagemant Weekly Tefellin @ KKKS
Chana & Dan

LMeaaznenleTo&v D-aWn edding Another Great Day Ahead Weekly Shabbat Food Delivery

Buckhurst Hill Roundup

Bat Mitzvah Graduation Cheder Graduation Bat Mitzvah Graduation

Distanced Bar Mitzvah Lesson Always Time For Teffelin Shabbos Packages Delivery

Cheder Graduation Ladies Lunch & Learn Welcoming A New family



Epping in Pictures

C’TEEN Club B.B.Q Tefillin Prior to Friday Night Service Youth Tefillin

Mums & Tots JLI Course for Chabad Essex JWC Succulent Spectacular

Epping’s First Wedding Bar Mitzvah Preparation Challah & Cheder

Charidy Fundraiser Eve

A Huge Thank You To

ent 2021

o All Our Supporters

The Month of Elul

The Jewish month of Elul is a time to review one's behaviour and spiritual progress
over the past year. This helps us prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is a
suitable time for Teshuvah, which means “returning to G-d”. We do this by increasing in
prayer, charity and compassion for those around us. Personal change takes effort and
consistency, but it is possible. Our self-improvement helps us become closer to G-d.
Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi taught that G-d is very approachable during this
month. He explains, by way of analogy, that “The King is in the field”, rather than in
His palace; as such, “anyone who wants can meet Him. He receives everyone with a
happy expression and shows a smiling face to all of them”.

Rosh Hashanah

H First Day Rosh Hashanah begins Sunday 6th September – 7:17pm
H Second Day Rosh Hashanah begins 7th September – after 8:24pm

Rosh Hashanah ends 8th September – 8:22pm

7th & 8th September – 1st & 2nd Tishrei 5782
Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year”. It marks the beginning of the Jewish year
and the day that G-d created Adam and Eve. This highlights the unique relationship
between G-d and humanity. On Rosh Hashanah, we crown G-d as the supreme King of
the Universe. We proclaim G-d’s dominion over Creation, His power of remembrance,
and Shofar’s sound.
The Shofar

On Rosh Hashanah, we blow the Shofar, which is a ram's horn,
the oldest and most primitive of wind instruments.
In total, we blow one hundred sounds from the Shofar.
Its sound is simple and plaintive, yet majestic and powerful. Simultaneously
a cry from the heart, like a child calling for its parent, while also crowning G-d as
King of the Universe, like trumpets at a coronation.
The sound of the Shofar instills awe, striking at the heart and the innermost chords
of the soul. It also evokes key events in Jewish history, such as the Binding of Isaac,
when Abraham sacrificed a ram in place of his son.

Festive Meals
On each night and day of Rosh Hashanah we eat a festive
meal. On each night, we start the meal by symbolically
asking G-d for a year of sweetness and renewal. On
the first night, we eat a slice of apple dipped in honey.
After Kiddush on the second night of Rosh Hashanah,
we eat a “new fruit”. This is a seasonal fruit that
we have not yet tasted since its
season began. Many people choose

pomegranate, because it is full of seeds,
just as each of us is full of good deeds.

Tashlich
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah before sunset, we go to a
river, lake or any body of water holding live fish. We recite
the Tashlich Prayer, symbolically cast away our sins, and ask
G-d to judge us with mercy and love on this holy day. Water symbolizes

kindness, while fish, which have no eyelids, remind us of
G-d's ever-watchful providence.
Someone who cannot recite Tashlich on Rosh Hashanah
may do so until the last day of Sukkot.

Tzom Gedaliah

Thursday 9th September –
3rd Tishrei
The day after Rosh Hashanah is Tzom
Gedaliah, the first of the six annual Fast
Days. On this day, we recall the assassination of Gedaliah the son of Achikom.
Gedaliah was the governor of Judea, over 2’400 years’ ago. His death led to the Jews
fleeing to Egypt, triggering further bloodshed. It also delayed Jewish settlement in
the Holy Land for more than fifty years.
In memory of Gedaliah’s death and its tragic aftermath, we fast every year on the day
after Rosh Hashanah. It is a “minor” Fast, beginning at dawn and ending at nightfall.
If Tzom Gedaliah were to fall on a Shabbat, we would postpone the Fast until Sunday.

Shabbat Shuvah

H Shabbat Shuvah begins Friday 10th September – 7:08pm
X Shabbat Shuvah ends Saturday 11th September – 8:14pm
We call the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur “Shabbat Shuvah”, the
Shabbat of Return. Customarily, the rabbi of congregation discusses the importance
of Teshuvah, repentance. Our Sages taught that G-d forgives the sins of Israel when
rabbis encourage their communities to improve.

Yom Kippur

H Yom Kippur begins Wednesday 15th September – 6:57pm
X Yom Kippur ends Thursday 16th September – 8:02pm

Yom Kippur is the Holiest Day of the Year. We are closest to G-d, and to our soul’s
essence, on this day. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement”. The Torah says, “For on
this day He will forgive you, to cleanse you from all your sins, before G-d”.
Yom Kippur is a “major” Fast, beginning at sundown on Wednesday 15th September
and ending after nightfall on Thursday 16th. For nearly 26 hours, we “afflict our souls”.
We abstain from food and drink, and do not wear leather footwear. We neither wash,
nor apply lotions and creams, and we abstain from marital relations. Instead, we
spend the day at the synagogue, praying for forgiveness.
This year, it is important to plan how you can keep Yom Kippur properly while adhering
to social-distancing guidelines. It is also important to ask for guidance if you have a
medical condition that prevents you from fasting.
Yom Kippur Eve – Wednesday 15th September
Kaparot
We do the Kaparot Service early in the morning before Yom Kippur (with a live chicken,
fish or money), which we then give to charity.
Festive Meals
On the day before Yom Kippur, it is a Mitzvah to eat and drink. We eat two meals, one
in the morning, and another light meal (like chicken) just before Yom Kippur starts.

Tzedakah - Charity
We give charity generously throughout the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom

Kippur (excluding the days of Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat Shuvah
and Yom Kippur). On the day before Yom Kippur, we increase in
charity, because Tzedakah is a great source of merit and serves as
protection against harsh decrees.

Yom Kippur Day – Thursday 16th September
On Yom Kippur, we are likened to angels, and many have the custom
to wear white clothing while praying. Wearing white reminds us
of our mortality and urges us to repent. There are many prayer
services throughout Yom Kippur. If you can't make them all, because
of personal circumstances, join in the first Yom Kippur service for the Kol Nidrei prayer

that opens the evening service.
Yizkor Memorial Prayer
On Yom Kippur, we remember our relatives and friends who
have passed on. We recite the special Yizkor Memorial Prayer
after the morning services. We connect deeply with the

souls of our loved ones during Yizkor, since they descend
from heaven, momentarily, to be with us during that prayer.
Neilah
Yom Kippur ends with the Neilah prayer, followed by a Shofar
blast and the Maariv evening services. After this, we recite the
Havdalah service marking Yom Kippur's end. We then break our fast.

The Festival of Sukkot

21st – 27th September
H First Day Sukkot begins Monday 20th September – 6:45pm
H Second Day Sukkot begins 21st September – after 7:50pm

Second Day Sukkot ends 22nd September – 7:48pm

The Sukkah
Sukkot is a seven-day Festival (Chag), soon after Yom Kippur, commemorating G-d's
protection of our ancestors after our exodus from Egypt.
Sukkot means "huts". The Torah tells us to live in temporary outdoor shelters during
this Festival. The Sukkah (hut) surrounds us on all sides, representing our faith in
G-d's protection and care throughout our lives.

The Four Species

Each day of Sukkot, except on Shabbat, we perform the Mitzvah of
Arbah Minim. This Mitzvah is to take Four Species — a Lulav, an Etrog, two
Hadassim and three Aravot — recite a Brachah (blessing) and gently
shake them three times in each direction. This represents G-d’s presence
everywhere.

◆ The Lulav is a palm branch from a date-palm tree. The date
has a sweet taste but no smell. This symbolises the academic:
a scholar with vast knowledge but with less practical
dedication to performing Mitzvot.

◆ The Hadassim are myrtle branches, which have a pleasant smell but
no taste. Hadassim symbolise the active person: someone who does many
Mitzvot but doesn’t invest energy into learning Torah.

◆ The Aravot are willow branches, having neither taste nor smell.
The Aravot symbolise the simple person who does not dedicate
himself to performing Mitzvot, nor does he invest energy into
learning Torah.

◆ The Etrog, a citron, has both taste and smell. The Etrog
symbolises the person who studies Torah and invests great
effort into performing each Mitzvah.

We bind these four into a “bouquet”, recite the blessing and shake
it. This symbolises unity and diversity, because we need all four
species to complete the set. Similarly, we only celebrate the unity
of our nation when we value, and include, everyone.

The Sukkah
We observe Sukkot by
doing our everyday tasks in the Sukkah. We
eat, learn Torah and relax in the Sukkah, just
as we would in our homes. A Kosher Sukkah
must have solid walls and a roof of leaves or
vegetation. This roof should feature more
shade than sun.
For the entire Festival, we eat all our meals
in the Sukkah unless prevented by inclement
weather. Each time we begin a meal in the
Sukkah, we say a special blessing.

Hoshana Rabbah

Monday, 27th September
On Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur, G-d judges all
the inhabitants of world
individually. In contrast,
at the end of Sukkot, G-d
judges the world collectively,
concerning water, fruit and
crops. We call the seventh day
of the SukkotFestival “Hoshana
Rabbah”. This is the day that
G-d seals all judgments.
Since all forms of life depend on water, we say extra prayers of repentance, similar to
Yom Kippur. It is the last day that we shake the Arbah Minim.

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th September
H Shemini Atzeret begins Monday 27th September – 6:29pm
H Simchat Torah begins 28th September – after 7:34pm

Simchat Torah ends 29th September – 7:32pm

At the conclusion of Sukkot and Hoshana Rabbah, we celebrate the Festival of Shemini
Atzeret and Simchat Torah. We rejoice in our renewed connection to G-d. It is a day
celebrating the unique role we have as G-d’s chosen nation: the nation that studies
His wisdom, the holy Torah. We mark the day with unbridled joy, and we dance with
the Torah scroll.

Shemini Atzeret

Tuesday 28th September
On Shemini Atzeret, we hold Festival Services and a festive meal at home. Customarily,
we eat in the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeret, but don’t say a blessing on the Sukkah.
Many communities also dance with the Torah on the night of Shemini Atzeret

(Monday 27th September) just as on Simchat Torah. As with all arrangements for the
High Holyday period this year, follow all safety and social-distancing guidelines.
Yizkor Memorial Service
On Shemini Atzeret, during the morning Services, we recite the Yizkor Memorial Service
again. We also say Tefillat Geshem, an extra prayer to ask for the life-giving rains of the
winter season.

Simchat Torah

Wednesday 29th September
Simchat Torah is the festival of rejoicing with the Torah. We
hold it, hug it, dance and sing with it. The Torah is a gift from
G-d to each Jew.
During the Synagogue Services, we read the last portion of
the Torah, ending our annual cycle of reading the Torah each
Shabbat throughout the year. However, we don’t wait for the
following Shabbat to restart the cycle: instead, we commence
reading from the beginning again today. This shows that we love
the Torah and are eager to begin the new cycle. On Simchat Torah night
and the following day, we celebrate with heartfelt joy. We sing and
dance in the synagogue, holding the Torah scrolls. We circle the synagogue's
Bimah (the central Torah-reading platform) seven times.

Shabbat Breishit

Shabbat, 2nd October
H Shabbat Breishit begins Friday 1st October – 6:20pm
X Shabbat Breishit ends Saturday 2nd October – 7:25pm
We call the first Shabbat after Simchat Torah
“Shabbat Breishit” because we begin our annual
cycle of Torah reading, with the portion of Breishit. At the end of Shabbat Breishit, as we
face the approaching winter months, we are like Jacob, our Forefather, who embarked
on long travels. We have renewed our bond with G-d and filled our spiritual suitcases
with prayer, Mitzvot and joy. We can gradually ‘unpack’ these blessings throughout
the months ahead and keep the flame of this relationship burning brightly.



Shmitta – The Sabbati

Like the seventh day of the week, every The second year of our arrival, 5712 on
seventh year is holy. The Shemitah the Jewish calendar (1951–52), was the
(Sabbatical) year is a year devoted to Shemittah year, during which the Torah
strengthening our bond with G-d— commands us to desist from all
specifically, where no work may be done agricultural work. Instead, we
on the field throughout, honing instead concentrated on building permanent
on our faith in Him and our trust in His housing to replace our tents. During that
kindness. year we grew in number to some eighty
people.
This New year 5782 since creation
(September 7, 2021 - September 25, With the Sabbatical year drawing to its
2022) is a Shemitah year. completion, we prepared to renew our
farming activities. For the new crops, we
In Honour of the Sabbatical year, we could only use seeds from wheat grown
present you with a miraculous story. in the sixth year, the year prior to
Shmittah. We searched for seeds, but
Re printed with the kind permission of Chabad.org. without success.We came across a
nearby Kibbutz that had old wormy seed
My name is Dov Weiss, and I was one of a which was lying around in a storage shed,
group of about thirty young men who ready for disposal. No farmer would
started the Moshav (agricultural consider using such poor quality seed to
settlement) of Komemiyut, in the south plant with and expect to reap a crop of
of Israel. It was in 1950, after we had value. In fact we were laughed at for
completed our army service. even considering this grain, and offered
to clear it at no charge.
We lived in tents, in the middle of a
barren wilderness. The nearest We consulted with our Moshav Rav,
settlements were several kibbutzim Rabbi Mendelson. His resonded: “Take it.
associated with the left-wing Hashomer- The One who tells wheat to sprout
Hatzair movement: Gat, Gilon and from good seed can also order it to
Negba. We worked on our fields, planting grow from inferior wormy leftover
wheat, barley, rye, and other grains and seed as well.”
legumes, I drove the tractor. Our
produce from 4000 acres, we sold on to With no alternative, we loaded all the
bakeries and factories. old infested seed that the kibbutz had
offered us at no charge and returned to
At that time, there were no water pipes Komemiyut.
near us, every few days we would make a
trip to Kibbutz Negba, some 20 We now had to wait until after Rosh
kilometres away, to fill large containers Hashanah, the beginning of the eighth
with drinking water. year to begin work. In effect the sowing

ical Year – 5782

started sometime in November, two or six years you shall prune your vineyard,
three months after all the other farmers and gather in its fruit. But in the
had already completed their planting. seventh year shall be a Sabbath of
solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath for
The rains were late in coming. The other G-d . . .”
farmers felt the desperation but the If you shall say: “What shall we eat in the
heavens were unresponsive. seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow,
nor gather in our produce!” I will com-
The day after we completed planting our mand My blessing upon you . . .
wheat fields with those wormy seeds, the
sky opened up and the rains exploded In the beginning
down to saturate the parched earth.
Editor’s note:
We had done our part, now in anticipa- Today, Komemiyut is world-famous for its
tion,we turned our attention to strength- high-quality shmurah matzah (lit.
ening our faith and trust in G-d to answer “matzah that has been
our prayers and yield us a crop.Our wheat watched”)—round, handmade matzah
fields, sowed with the old infested seed prepared under exacting supervision
and long after the appropriate season, from the time the wheat is harvested
were covered with an unusually large and through the end of the baking to guard
healthy yield of wheat, in comparison to against the minutest moisture.
others who panted during the Shmittah
year with healthy seed.

We were living a miracle – The miracle
of our Moshav - Komemiyut!

Farmers from all the agricultural settle-
ments in the region came to see with
their own eyes what they could not
believe when they heard the rumours
about it.

The whole story became an extraordinary
kiddush Hashem (glorification of G-d) in
the eyes of Jews across the country.
Everyone agreed it was a clear fulfilment
of G-d’s promise in the Torah (Leviticus
25)

“Six years you shall sow your field, and













CHANUKAH‫ב״ה‬

LIGHTINGS 2021
Sunday 28th November - Epping 6.30pm
Monday 29th November - Chigwell 6.30pm
Tuesday 30th November - Loughton 6.30pm
Wednesday 1st December - Woodford 6.30pm
Thursday 2nd December - Barkingside 5.00pm
Thursday 2nd December - CHANUKAH CONCERT (TBC)
Saturday night 4th December Gants Hill 7.30pm
Sunday 5th December - Buckhurst Hill 5.30pm
Sunday 5th December - NEW FOR THIS YEAR - HARLOW 6.30pm

DOUGHNUTS, HOT DRINKS,
REFRESHMENTS,

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Public Menorahs
also stand at:

Tesco Charlie Browns,
Tesco Barkingside,

Sainsburys Newbury Park,
Ilford Town Hall