october 2012 • volume 7 • issue 6 • tishrei / cheshvan 5773

To celebrate 52 years of coop-eration between the countries of Nepal and Israel, the first Nepal-Israel Joint Postage Stamp has been issued. The historical event was held si-multaneously in both countries with ceremonies on 4 Septem-ber.

The stamp marks the first time Nepal has issued a joint stamp with another country. Israel has launched other joint stamp initiatives with 15 other countries including; France, Canada, Austria and The Vati-can.

The design shows the high-est and the lowest points on earth - Nepal’s Mount Everest at 8,848 metres above sea level and Israel’s Dead Sea which is 422 metres below sea level. The stamp symbolises the warm and friendly bond between the two countries.

The stamp also depicts both the Nepalese and Israeli flags and includes writing in English, Hebrew, Nepalese and Arabic.

The stamp signing ceremo-ny was held in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, with officials from the Nepalese government, the Postal Services department and Israel’s Ambassador to Nepal in attendance.

A press release by Israel's Embassy in Nepal quotes: “These two impressive stamps are wonderful examples of the long term partnership and friendship between our two countries and people.”

In Israel, a festive ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nepalese Am-bassador to Israel, Prahlad Ku-

StampS commemorating warm relationS between iSrael and nepal

In thIs Issue

regional newsHitler clothing shop waiting for name change 3-6

business newsShowroom Club set to solve tailored suits with sizes to match 8-10

art and cultureCultural exchanges

between Mayors 11-13

FeatureJerusalem Woodstock Revival 2012 14

FestivalsSukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah 18-19

Jta classifieds 20-21

Jewish communities in asiaCandle-lighting and the month’s Parshas 23

By Philip Jay, Editor

October 2012 • Volume 7 • Issue 6 • Tishrei / Cheshvan 5773 www.jewishtimesasia.org

for International Development Cooperation (Mashav) and the Agricultural Development Bank Ltd conducted a 10 day session in Kathmandu on agri-cultural training programmes, dairy production, and livestock management for Nepalese farmers.

Every year, approximately 20,000 Israeli backpackers hike in Nepal and the Annapurna mountain range, many of them having finished their army ser-vice. There are three Chabad Houses in Nepal, which hosts thousands of Israeli guests throughout the year and during festivals.

Established 2006

mar Prasai and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon were present.

“Israel has a deep apprecia-tion for Nepal and its people. We are happy that our coopera-tion with Nepal will grow only stronger in the future,” said Foreign Minister Danny Aya-lon.

The two countries have shared diplomatic relations since the 1960s. Nepal was the first of the Asian countries to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. Israel opened an em-bassy in Kathmandu in March 1961. Nepal opened a consulate in Israel in 1993. The Nepalese Ambassador to Egypt was con-currently accredited to Israel until Nepal established an em-bassy in Tel Aviv on 13 August 2007.

The bilateral relations, marked by mutual coopera-tion, goodwill, understanding and friendship have expanded

in various developmental and cooperation areas. Throughout 2010-11, various programmes are being organised both in Nepal and Israel to mark the 50th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel.

Until recently Nepal was the only country in the region to recognise the existence of Israel by maintaining continued diplomatic relations.

Israel’s embassy in Nepal has close relations with many programmes and initiatives with the country in the fields of health, culture, education, tech-nology and agriculture.

Most recent ly, I s rae l i medical students donated their medical books from Soroka University School at Ben Gu-rion University in the Negev to students at Nepal’s Patan Academy for Health Science through the embassy in Nepal.

In addition, Israel’s Agency

Nepal-Israel Joint Postage Stamp

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Jewish Times Asia October 2012 3

www.jewishtimesasia.org

Jewish Times Asia

Publisher & FounderPhilip Jay

Sub EditorTony Henderson

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Hitler clothing shop waiting for name change

Attempts are being made to rename a clothing shop in India after several com-plaints have been lodged from both local Indian and Jewish groups.

Shop owner Rajesh Shah, has stated that he will remove the sign, which was named in memory of his father. Mr Shah says he originally chose the name ‘Hitler’ as his father was a strict disciplinarian.

The shop is located in Ah-madabad, the main city in Gu-jarat state in Western India. It opened last month with a huge sign reading ‘Hitler’ and a Nazi swastika inside the dot in the letter ‘i.’

Shah said he received doz-ens of phone calls asking that he rename the shop. Israel’s Consul General in Mumbai had also asked state officials to in-tervene.

Shah says he didn’t know about Hitler’s history, but peo-ple in the city say the name was

a marketing gimmick.

“Frankly, until the time we applied for the trademark per-mission, I had only heard that Hitler was a strict man. It was only recently that we read about Hitler on the Internet,” Shah said, according to The Times of India.

“We had put up a cloth ban-ner for over a month saying ‘Hitler opening shortly,’ no one objected to the name then,” he added. “We are willing to change the name if we are com-pensated for the board.”

A member of the Jewish community, who visited the shop said, “The proprietors knew what the name meant and what Hitler stood for. They had researched well, right from the dress the dictator wore to his cufflinks. We had suggested a separate design, but the pro-prietors claimed that the name brings good business since its launch a week back,” the In-dian Times reported.

A senior Israeli diplomat said the embassy would raise the matter “in the strongest

possible way.” “People use such names mostly out of igno-rance,” Israel’s Mumbai Consul General Orna Sagiv told news-wire services.

Esther David, a prominent Jewish Indian writer in Ahmed-abad, said she was “disturbed and distressed” by the shop, but added that some Indians used the word ‘Hitler’ casually to describe autocratic people.

The row evoked memories of a controversy six years ago, when a Mumbai restaurant owner called his cafe “Hitler’s Cross” and put a swastika on the hoarding, claiming Hitler was a ‘catchy’ name.

The restaurant owner even-tually agreed to change the name after protests by the Is-raeli embassy, Germany and the U.S. Anti-Defamation League.

New Israeli Ambassador to China arrivesIsrael’s new ambassador to China has been officially an-nounced. Former Minister for Home Front Defense, Matan Vilnai, arrived in Beijing on 24 August to take up his new position. Ambassador Vilnai replaces Ambassador Amos Nadai who completed a 5 year term.

Vilnai has already met with senior Chinese govern-ment officials. “On the 20th anniversary of the establish-ment of the sino-Israeli dip-lomatic relationship, we are proud of the close bilateral

rael Defence Forces, between 1994-1997.

ties,” Ambassador Vilnai said.

“There is still a huge po-tential for the development of bilateral relations. I think I have a long way to go,” he added.

Prior to his appointment, Vilnai served as Israeli Sci-ence and Technology Minister, Culture and Sport Minister and Deputy Minister of Defense. He was born in Jerusalem and is married with three children.

Vilnai was a Major General in the Israeli army and Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Is- Matan Vilnai

Japan extends peacekeeping in Golan HeightsJapan will extend its peace-keeping mission in the Go-lan Heights for another six months until the end of March 2013.

Japanese media reported that the Cabinet took the deci-sion in the context of the U.N. Security Council, extending its mission to monitor a cease-fire between Israel and Syria.

Japan has been sending its Self Defence Force (SDF) units to the Golan Heights since 1996 as part of the U.N. mis-sion. More than 40 members are now engaged in transport-ing daily supplies and offering other logistical support to the U.N. team there.

Fighting between Syrian government troops and Opposi-

tion forces has escalated in ar-eas around the Golan Heights. U.N. officials are concerned about Syrian government forces intruding into the U.N. operating areas and shooting at peacekeepers. However, Japanese government officials rule out immediate danger to the SDF personnel as they operate far away from the conflict areas.

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Israeli woman dies in ‘Desert Queen’

competitionA 63-year-old Israeli wom-an, Shoshana Meizel from Gadera, was killed in Au-gust when her jeep flipped over while she was com-peting in the Desert Queen event in Rajasthan, India.

Two other women were also injured in the accident and have since recovered. Meizel’s body was flown back to Israel to be buried.

Dese r t Queen i s an off-road driving competi-tion, exclusively for Israeli women, which takes place in some of the most exotic and challenging landscapes in the world. It combines a competitive outdoor adven-ture and four-wheel driving.

In another incident, an Is-raeli backpacker was killed in a rockslide near the northern Indian city of Dharamsala. The woman was hit by a rock and critically injured, suc-cumbing to her wounds be-fore rescue services arrived.

Some 40,000–50,000 Israelis travel to India each year, according to Indian tourism figures in 2011.

Jewish Times Asia October 20124

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JTA_240x168_Jul2012_OP_new.pdf 1 11/07/2012 10:49 AM

Regional News

A bee outing for a sweet new year!The Hong Kong Jewish com-munity organised a pre-Rosh Hashanah outing to a honey bee farm on 9 September. A fascinating tour to a roof top building, visitors were shown how the honey was collected from inside the beehive.

The trip was organised by Ayelet and Rabbi Ariel Zamir, the Youth & Programme Direc-tors at Ohel Leah Synagogue. Well over 60 people, children and adults attended.

“Before Rosh Hashanah, we wanted to do something dif-ferent. We were looking for an educational fun activity about honey (for the apples dipped in honey, of course) and found “HK Honey” on the Internet,”

The bee hive farm

Children participating in candle making

workshop organised, for the community to learn all about bees and the process of honey making. Some of the kids painted and decorated a new beehive. In addition, the trip also included a candle making workshop from beeswax which the adults enjoyed just as much as the children.

Before leaving, everyone got a surprise souvenir – a small jar of honey manufactured by HK Honey with an Ohel Leah logo and the message on the la-bel reading, “Happy New Year from Ohel Leah Synagogue.”

This was a perfect trip to get into the spirit of Rosh Hasha-nah and to enjoy a sweet new year.

commented Rabbi Zamir.

The building is located in an industrial area in Kowloon on the roof of one of the industrial buildings where the beehives are kept.

There was a bee keeping

JDC launches app for Rosh Hashanahgramming to needy Jews and Jewish communities to ensure they can celebrate the New Year with joy. This can range from holiday food packages and cash awards in Russia and India, to holiday home visits by young people to elderly homebound Jewish residents in the Balkans or to a festive street fair in Argentina.

The organisation works everyday to put into action the notion that all Jews are responsible for one another.

JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assis-tance organisation to alleviate hunger and hardship to rescue Jews in danger and provide immediate relief and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters.

Just in time for the High Hol-idays, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Commit-tee (JDC) launched its first ever Facebook app allowing people to send e-recipe cards to family and friends.

The app shares holiday recipes, such as leek fritatas from Turkey or cornflour coconut halava from India. Families can also send their own holiday favourites utilis-ing the social media toolbox.

In addition, members can become a fan of JDC’s Face-book page and connect to be-come part of a global respon-sibility to say Shanah Tovah to millions of Jewish people around the world in more than 70 countries.

JDC also provides holiday aid and free or subsidised pro-

Painting a new beehive Bees from the hive


Traditional paper cranes known as Orizuru, were pre-sented to children of the Japa-nese city of Sendai from Israe-li children. It is customary to write a message on the paper, and they wished the commu-nity full recovery from the devastating earthquake that hit the city in March 2011.

The paper cranes were utilised for decorations for the traditional Tanabata Festival. Local residents exhibited the decorations in the city centre during August. A presentation ceremony was held in front of the Tanabata decorations.

Israel’s Ambassador to Japan, Nissim Ben Shitrit, presented a list of donations to the representative from Miyagi Prefecture Private Schools As-sociation, Mr. Hoshi.

In return, Mr. Hoshi ex-pressed his appreciation to the

Israeli children for sending the Orizuru, and to the state of Is-rael for dispatching a medical support team immediately after the earthquake occurred.

In a reciprocal event, 13 Japanese high school students from Miyagi prefecture who were visiting Israel, participated in the Tanabata celebration held in Jerusalem. These Tanabata decorations were donated last year by Sendai local citizens.

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Kedmi attends opening of new trade office in Shanghai

Regional News

New JWA Chairwoman elected

Mrs Scherer thanked the members and pledged to make the JWA a bridge that connects the different parts of the com-munity with the local Chinese community.

This year the JWA has been planning numerous events in-cluding a fun event at Bliss Spa, a hike to the peak, and a mother and daughter event. The JWA’s next event will be the Bazaar, which will take place on Sun-day, 25 November at the Hong Kong Island School.

the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, by sponsoring a clinic for diagnostics.

During her farewell speech, Ms Peyser said, “Chairing the JWA for three years was an em-powering experience for me. I have done things I never knew I could and met people I never would have met, and the big-gest reward is always visiting the associations and seeing the powerful effect the money we raise has on people in need.”

Israel’s Director General of Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, Sharon Kedmi, visited Shanghai in Septem-ber.

A busy schedule included an official reception in his hon-our at the Meridian Hotel, host-ed by the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai. Consul-General Jackie Eldan delivered a welcome speech to him and to the Jewish community many of whom attended the event.

Kedmi gave a speech shar-ing his perspectives, especially in the area of future bilateral trading between Israel and China. They gave a toast and wished everybody a ‘Happy Jewish New Year.’

A delegation of nine Israeli IT companies also joined the reception. The delegation came to Shanghai for a series of suc-cessful business meetings and seminars with leading Chinese IT companies.

Kedmi was also in Shanghai to open up a new Israel trade office. This is the ministry’s third in China, which will assist Israeli companies trying to cre-

ate a presence in Shanghai and the surrounding provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui.

“We expect that its posi-tioning will buy added value for Israeli exports to China,” Kedmi said.

Later in the week, Kedmi also met with the Chinese min-ister responsible for hi-tech in Beijing, where they discussed bilateral cooperation, includ-ing the possibility of integrat-ing Israeli technology into the activities of electronics giant Lenovo, automotive group Baic and telecommunications com-pany ZTE.

China, Israel’s third-largest export destination and second- largest trade partner, is defined as a priority by the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry.

Trade with China increased 19% to US$7.7 bil l ion in 2011, although the trade deficit reached about US$3.11 billion.

Bilateral trade reached US$4.82 billion in the first seven months of 2012, an 11% increase compared with the corresponding period last year.

The Jewish Women’s Associa-tion of Hong Kong (JWA) has elected Mrs Ana Scherer as its new Chairwoman. Daphna Peyser, immediate past Chair-woman, announced the elec-tion at the organisation’s An-nual General Meeting (AGM).

Mrs Scherer originally comes from Brazil and arrived in Hong Kong four years ago. She has been an active member of the JWA board for the past two years.

At the AGM, Daphna Pey-ser gave a full financial report, including a list of donations the JWA allocated this year. Close to US$250,000 was given to projects supporting sick chil-dren and women in need. The JWA board has pledged to increase its support to women, focusing on the issue of breast cancer by funding both an Is-raeli association called “One in Nine” and locally through

Tanabata Festival gifts presented

Sharon Kedmi with Jackie Eldan toasting a Happy Jewish New Year

Tanabata Festival in Sendai

Daphna Peyser and Ana Scherer


Regional News

Keren Hayesod-UIA establish aTaiwan branch

Guests at the gala dinner

A grand gala opening was held in July in Taipei to set up the first Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal (KH-UIA) Tai-wan branch representative office.

On 18 July, the branch was officially launched, KH-UIA World Chairman, Eliezer, (Moodi) Sandberg, was present at the opening session, along with Reuven Rosen, KH-UIA Director, Friends of Israel, Divi-sion and Maayan Navon, KH-UIA South-East Asia represen-tative.

Also in attendance was Si-mona Halperin, Israel’s Repre-sentative to Taiwan and former Taiwan Representative to Israel, Ambassador Charles Teng.

Sandberg said in his ad-dress: “KH-UIA, a central pillar among Israel’s National Institu-tions is dedicated to fulfilling the biblical prophecy: to return all the Jews to the Holy Land to their home to the State of Israel.

“Keren Hayesod-UIA, as an official institution, is making the link between Jewish people around the world and the state of Israel, utilising donation -generated funds to carrying out major national tasks, such as flying Jews to Israel on eagles’

wings, from all corners of the earth; recently from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia.

“Donations are being chan-neled these days to a major un-dertaking. It is a major challenge to the state of Israel, to the world Jewry and to friends of Israel: The task of absorbing the last groups of those who still need to be flown home from Gondar, Ethiopia. Yes, It is expected to be a very heavy task.”

Reuven Rosen pointed out that the establishing of the new KH-UIA entity in Taiwan should make it possible for friends of Israel to donate to Keren Hayesod-UIA and be eli-gible for tax-returns.

He noted that the new KH-UIA entity in Taipei is a blessed

addition and a heart-warming support for the growing number of friends of Israel worldwide.

The existing branches in Hong Kong and in Singapore are yet another proof that the ties between the Jewish People and the friends of Israel are sa-cred and thus - unshakable.

Avner Shalev appointed Deputy Chairman of International Auschwitz CouncilThe Prime Minister of Po-land, Donald Tusk, an-nounced in September, that he has appointed Avner Sha-lev, Chairman of Yad Vash-em, to be the Deputy Chair-man of the International Auschwitz Council.

The International Aus-chwitz Council was estab-lished by Poland in 2000. It is a consultative and advisory body of the Prime Minister regarding the preservation and functioning of the Auschwitz site and other Holocaust me-morials.

The Cha i rman of the Council is Professor Wladys-law Bartoszewski, a Righteous Among the Nations, historian and writer, and former Foreign Minister of Poland. The Coun-cil is made up of 21 members from Poland, Israel, the US, France, Germany, and the UK, who serve six year terms. There are two deputy chair-

On 3 September at Chidori-gafuchi Park in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, a commemorative tree planting ceremony was held to mark the cordial relations be-tween the Israeli Embassy in Japan and Chiyoda City.

This year, Israel and Japan are celebrating the 60 year an-niversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Israel’s Em-bassy in Japan has been located in Chiyoda City for 44 years.

In attendance at the cer-emony was Israel’s Ambassador to Japan, Nissim Ben Shi-trit, president of Japan-Israel Friendship Parliamentarians’

Eliezer, (Moodi) Sandberg, giving an address

men, and alongside Shalev, Polish Holocaust historian Dr. Barbara Engelking has been appointed the other Deputy Chairman of the Council.

“As the events of the Ho-locaust recede into history, there are growing challenges in preserving the authentic sites of the Holocaust, where the murders took place,” said Shalev. “This is especially so if these sites are to serve as tools in meaningful Holocaust remembrance and education and in shaping Holocaust re-membrance in future genera-tions.”

Avner Shalev

Olive tree planting ceremony

Israel’s ambassador to India hosts Iftar Dinner

Union Yoshinori Ohno, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, Direc-tor general of the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Ronen Plot, and Mayor

Chiyoda Masami Ishikawa.

The planting of an olive tree is a symbol of peace and pros-perity, given by Israel.

Alon Ushpiz, Israel’s Ambas-sador to India, hosted an Iftar dinner on 13 August for over 50 prominent members of the Muslim community in India.

Civil society figures, senior politicians, religious leaders, artists, academics and journal-ists attended the first Iftar din-ner hosted by an Israeli Ambas-sador in New Delhi.

After the crowd broke the

fast with dates from Israel, Ambassador Ushpiz spoke of the ancient kinship and brother-hood between the Jewish and Muslim communities in India. “It is always heartwarming and inspires hope to see that wher-ever Jews lived – in Kerala, Bombay, Calcutta, Ahmedabad – their immediate neighbours were almost always Muslims,” said Ambassador Ushpiz. “Nearly everywhere in India,

whenever a Jew finished his morning prayers and walked out of the synagogue, he would see his Muslim neighbour walk out of a mosque just next door. We should all take a lesson from this,” he added.

The ambassador concluded his words, wishing that in next year’s Ramzan, peace and pros-perity in West Asia and in South Asia will be celebrated.

Cambodian King meets with a Chabad representative

Rabbi Bentzion meeting the King

ing. I wasn’t comfortable taking much of his time and initially tried to explain it briefly, but he insisted I say more. The King’s crew was surprised at the length of our conversation,”Rabbi But-man added.

Rabbi Butman then accom-panied the King’s entourage on a tour of the greenhouses during which he explained the Judaic interpretation of a farmer’s spe-cial partnership with God.

“He was very receptive to the idea, and thankful,” com-mented Butman.

Concluding the tour, the King gave Rabbi Butman a silver jewelry box as royal pres-ent and a sign of mutual respect between the Jewish community and the Cambodian royal house.

The Chabad House o f Phnom Penh caters to 160 local Jewish residents and a steady stream of Jewish visitors, back-packers, tourists and business people.

In July, Cambodian King, Norodom Sihamoni met the Chabad representative to Phnom Penh, Rabbi Bentzion Butman, during an official celebration of the country’s Arbor Day.

The celebration took place on the farm of a prominent Jew-ish community member, Kobi Simon, in the Siem Reap prov-ince.

Rabbi Butman, was hon-oured with a seat on the stage next to the King and had the opportunity to personally inter-act with the Monarch and thank him for the warm hospitality the Kingdom offers Jewish resi-dents and visitors.

“I blessed the King on be-half of the Jewish community with a special Jewish bless-ing said upon seeing royalty,” Rabbi Butman said.

“His Majesty responded emotionally to the blessing. He is a spiritual person and ex-pressed real interest in its mean-

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(From the left) Ambassador Nissim Ben Shitrit, Yoshinori Ohno, Ron Huldai, Ronen Plot and Masami Ishikawa


Message of the President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, to the Jewish Communities in the Diaspora on the occasion of the Jewish New Year 5773

As we stand poised on the threshold of the New Year, it is my distinct pleasure to convey my heartfelt good wishes to all the Jewish Communities around the world, in my name and on behalf of your brethren in Israel, eager to embark upon another year with hope and optimism.

As a small country with so very few natural resources, we are doubly proud of the human resources that Israel has generated and that represent the most valuable capital to which a country can aspire. From our soil have emerged Nobel Prize laureates and the spirit of in-novation, creativity and daring. These achievements have put us at the forefront of scientific and technological advances and inspired our designation as a ‘start-up nation.’ We cope with issues such as water and food scarcity by developing groundbreaking solutions in research and development, and continue to explore new frontiers that will revolutionize our lives such as the field of brain research, which promises to unlock the yet-to-be-deciphered mysteries of the human brain and do much to enhance the well-being of humanity.

We look upon the Jewish communities around the world not only as our extended family, but also as our full partners, and feel it is imperative that our deep-rooted Jew-ish bonds continue to be safeguarded, cultivated and brought to fruition. The young generation is our future’s promise and its engagement in the cause of building a brighter tomorrow for Jews in Israel and around the world is key to our success. Educational programmes, regular visits to Israel, first-hand experiences and people-to-people meetings have made their mark and serve to build the bridges that unite us.

These bridges are firmly rooted in the heritage of values which we share. Beyond the commitment which we uphold to each other, we must never fail to recall our duty to better the world around us, in keeping with the fundamentally Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam. Throughout history, the Jewish people have contributed to society their greatest aptitude – dissatisfaction. Always striving for a better tomorrow, our people have attained results to be proud of. Today, we perpetuate this legacy through our dedication to moral values, our drive towards knowledge and our unyielding pursuit for peace. It is this call for participating in the ceaseless march of humanity in our unique way which unites us.

Once again at the dawn of a new year, we stand upon the ancient pillars of morality, knowledge and peace, facing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and gaz-ing upon the future of our people and of the world. Our unity is our anchor, our moral call is our wind. Both will help us chart the way towards a horizon of growth, security and well-being for the Jewish people and a brighter tomorrow for humanity at large.

From Jerusalem, my friends, I want to wish the Jewish people the world over a happy, peaceful, healthy and prosperous year.

Shana Tova u’metuka!

Shimon Peres

Sunday 25.11.2012, 10.00-17.00

HONG KONG

Jewish Women’s Association

Holiday items, Toys, HousewaresBranded clothing, Bags, Shoes and more

Contact [email protected] for more information

The JWA Bazaar


Business News

Showroom Club set to solve tailored suits with sizes to matchFor expats in Hong Kong and other Asian cities, for decades, the opportunity to purchase a well made tailored suit to fit Western sizes has been ex-tremely problematic.

The Showroom Club is a new method to purchase tai-lored suits from Europe. It is the brainchild of Richard Perez and will provide a selection of top international brands to choose from. It has the feel of a ‘Real Gentlemen’s’ menswear outlet – smart, traditional and profes-sional.

“Currently in Hong Kong, most expats resort to a local tailor who creates suits for you. These suits are generally put together in a very short space of time with little care and attention. The cloth is not particularly well made.” Perez commented.

outlets. Infact, some of the brands are also sold in other retail outlets but, “Our suits are cheaper and better quality, and none of the brand owners have expressed any issues with us selling cheaper than another outlet,” Perez concludes.

Perez is a 20 year veteran in the clothing business, distribut-ing men’s apparel and clothing to branded customers in Europe from Asia. Perez established Celton Ltd in 1993. The com-pany has eight factory outlets in China.

Perez now believes it is time to export European made men’s suits into Asia – a premium product at a competitive cost to the consumer sold exclusively through the Showroom Club. The outlet will stock well over 10 fashion brands mostly from Italy, Spain and the UK. Some of the notable brands include; Ermenegildo Zegna, Emanuelle Khanh and Cerruti.

Customers need to take out an annual membership to get discounts on merchandise.

“The outlet has many add -on services such as an in-house tailor, free measurements and alterations,” said Perez.

Perez has signed agreements with many household brands to distribute into the Showroom

Hong Kong Showroom

A selection of Italian shoes

Men’s shirts

Information sharing agreements

A delegation of Chinese busi-ness leaders accompanied by Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qin vis-ited Israel last month.

Relations between Israel and the Shenzhen business community took a step forward following the signing of an Information Sharing Agree-ment between the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) and Invest Shenzhen.

The agreement was signed during the China (Shenzhen)- Israel (Tel Aviv) Economy, Trade and Technologies Round-table Conference, held in Tel Aviv, attended by Mayor Ron Huldai.

The agreement provides a framework for Israeli com-panies to send delegations to Shenzhen and organise semi-nars, conferences and round-tables with their counterparts in the southern Chinese city.

In addition, three business agreements involving Israeli and Shenzhen-based hi-tech companies were also signed at the event.

Last year, Shenzhen and Israel signed an agreement on industrial research and develop-ment cooperation. Both coun-tries expressed that they hoped to see the deal implemented soon.

Shenzhen has come a long way since 1980, when the Chinese central government declared the tiny fishing village as one of its Special Economic Zones. Today it is home to 190 of the Forbes list of the top 500 largest companies.

In 2011 its gross domestic product (GDP) was US$180 billion, or about 75% of Israel’s GDP, making it the fourth-richest city in China.

Richard Perez

“Even if you visit a top end retailer to buy a suit they do not have a full range of sizes,” added Perez.

The first outlet has just opened in Hong Kong’s Central district. The Showroom concept store has big ambitions to open more outlets in Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta and Seoul to name a few. Apart from suits, there is a range of Italian-made shoes, trousers, jackets, shirts, ties, belts and other accessories for men.


Teva Pharmaceutical Indus-tries Ltd announced the ap-pointment of Professor Itzhak Krinsky as Chairman of Teva Japan and Teva South Korea and Head of Business Devel-opment Asia-Pacific. Krin-sky’s new appointment will be effective from mid-October.

Krinsky will be responsible for overseeing Teva’s generic and branded pharmaceutical businesses in Japan and South Korea. Additionally, he will man-age business development for the Asia-Pacific region and continue to serve as a member of the Teva Executive Committee and will be located in Tokyo.

Krinsky will replace Moshe Manor, President and CEO of Teva Asia-Pacific who decided to retire from Teva. Krinsky will re-port directly to Dr. Jeremy Levin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.

Teva Pharmaceutical appoints new Asia-Pacific chief

Business News

Sea wave power technology to China

SDE Ltd, a company that specialises in sea wave tech-nology, has signed an export agreement to implement sea wave power plants. The com-pany is in the final stages of building the second power plant in a series of three to be built in China. The deal that SDE has signed with their lo-cal partners is worth a total of US$1.2 million dollars.

The 150 Kw sea wave power plants will be installed in South-ern China, in the province of Guangzhou, in the city of Dong Ping.

The company was started 16 years ago by inventor and act-ing CEO, Shmuel Ovadia. He developed a patented method for production of electricity from sea wave energy. A large module of its unique system is displayed in its factory in Israel which stimu-lates wave movement and elec-tricity production using a hydro-pneumatic system.

SDE Ltd has built 11 power plants from its unique technol-ogy, and has established 11 JV’s with local partners around the world, including in countries such as: Chile, Mexico, Tanza-nia, Kenya and now China.

SDE’s method consists of using the motion of sea waves

More milking platforms in China

to generate hydraulic pressure, which is then transformed into electricity. The system takes advantage of the wave’s speed, height, depth, rise and fall, and the flow beneath the approaching wave, thus producing energy.

SDE’s power plants operate automatically, using a hydro-pneumatic circular system with an engine and buoys that enable the use of waves at their rise and fall, as well as the return from breakwaters. This way, the sys-tem can be more efficient, and generate as much energy as pos-sible from a single wave, accord-ing to the company.

The motion of the waves cre-ates hydraulic pressure, causing a generator to spin and creating energy in the process. While this process does incorporate hydrau-lic oil, the company stressed that

this type of oil is environmentally friendly and does not cause any damage to underwater plants and animals.

An independent scientific guide to identify new technolo-gies, PESWiki, recently ranked the company amongst the top 100 leading green energy tech-nologies in the world. The guide also awarded the company first place for sea wave power tech-nologies.

“As part of our global stra-tegic plan and in response to our growing presence in Asia-Pacif-ic, we are positioning this part of our business to focus on the strong growth prospects in this region,” stated Levin.

Teva Pharmaceutical Indus-tries is a leading global pharma-ceutical company, developing, producing and marketing generic drugs as well as innovative and specialty pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredi-ents.

Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world’s leading generic drug maker, and a direct pres-ence in about 60 countries. Teva currently employs approximately 46,000 people around the world and reached US$18.3 billion in net revenues in 2011.

Milking Sheds

Afimilk, instrumental in tech-nologies for milk production, has won a tender to establish 13 labor-efficient milking sheds known as rotary plat-forms in China. The company, Afimilk, is controlled by Isra-el’s Kibbutz Afikim.

The China tender was issued by Mengniu Dairy, one of the country’s largest dairy compa-nies, who distribute local con-sumer milk, cheeses and yogurts.

Investment in the project will be divided equally between the Chinese government and the dairy company itself.

According to the company, the rotary platforms will be com-pleted on a new farm in the next two years. Afimilk will send ex-perts to China to help construct the rotary platforms with techni-cians and engineers.

The dairy farm will have ca-pacity of 50,000 cows, half of the number currently being used in Israel. Each rotary platform is de-signed to milk 4,000 cows each day. The cows for the dairy farm will be imported to China from New Zealand and Australia, at a total cost of US$150 million.

The project’s entrepreneurs expect to reach a yield of 10,000 litres per year per cow, a yield similar to that of Israeli cows, which produce just over 11,000 litres a year.

Kibbutz Afikim is a partner-ship with the investment com-pany Fortissimo Capital, and specialises in the design, supply and construction of computerised dairy management systems. Afi-kim operates worldwide and in recent years has won tenders for the establishment of large dairy farms in the US, Vietnam and Russia.


Art and Culture

Cultural exchanges between Mayors Musicians unite for Daniel Pearl World Music DaysThe month of October marks the 11th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days, an inter-national network of concerts that use the power of music to reaffirm tolerance and humanity in the world and to remember Daniel Pearl. The journalist/musician was kidnapped and killed in Feb-ruary 2002 by Al-Qaeda in Pakistan whilst working for the Wall Street Journal.

Since 2002, Daniel Pearl World Music Days has grown to include the participation of more than 8,900 performances in 119 countries.

The Daniel Pearl Founda-tion mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music, and innovative communications.

Pearl was a talented musi-cian who joined musical groups in every community in which he lived, leaving behind a long trail of musician-friends span-ning the entire world.

Some of the performance highlights in October in the

Held in Yokohama, Japan and attended by the Mayor of Tel Aviv, representatives from the two cities announced on 5 Sep-tember the signing of a joint statement to deepen the mutu-al exchanges and relationships between the two cities.

Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi commented during the dialogue with Tel Aviv Mayor, Ron Huldai, “I want to build a great relationship between two cities.”

This exchange comes on the back of celebrating the 60th an-niversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Japan. The Mayors expressed their strong will to strengthen ties between the two

cities, primarily focusing on economic and cultural exchange activities in the future.

Both Mayors also attended the opening ceremony of a pho-to exhibition entitled: Tel Aviv Moment, by Israeli photojour-

nalist Ziv Koren which is cur-rently being held in the Nihon-Odori Station on the Minato Mirai Line.

Mayor Ron Huldai also in-vited Mayor Hayashi to visit Tel Aviv at the earliest opportunity.

Fumiko Hayashi and Ron Huldai

Shobat invited to perform at the Jiangsu Culture Arts FestivalIn China’s Jiangsu province, the first Jiangsu Culture & Art Festival was organised in September.

Israeli pianist, Gil Shobat, was invited to perform in three locations, at the Xuzhou Con-cert Hall, Wuxi Grand Theater

and Nanjing Zijin Theater.

As a composer, conductor and pianist, Shobat is regarded by audiences and critics as one of the leading Israeli musicians of his generation.

Many leading Israeli news-

papers declared Shobat “to be the most important and influ-ential personality in classical music in Israel.”

In June 2009, the French government named him a Knight in the prestigious Or-der of Arts and Letters.

Daniel Pearl

Asia region, will include a tribute at the Hong Kong Jazz Festival by performers Jimmy Cobb, Larry Coryell and the Joey DeFrancesco All Star Trio. In India, rock artist John Germano will be performing at the Kala Academy Cultural Center Panjim, Goa.

Dance musicians Rebecca & Fiona will be at Sparks in Beijing, Boby Limijaya 8 Horns Jazz Band will be play-ing in Jakarta and DJ Producer Steve Aoki will be at Avalon in Singapore.

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Art and Culture

Concert pianist Victor Goldberg tours Asia

Goldberg has won the Pro Mu-sicis International Award, the Horowitz International Piano Competition, and is also an Art-ist Recognition Award recipient of the International Keyboard Festival in New York.

His performances were broadcast on major radio sta-tions in the US as well as Hong Kong’s own RTHK Radio 4.

He has been hailed as “the new Horowitz” by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which also named him the Israel International Cultural Ambas-sador.

Goldberg is also the artistic director of the Key Vive Arts Foundation, a non-profit institu-tion dedicated to humanitarian outreach and promoting chari-table causes by using the power of music to enrich the human spirit and to bring people closer to one another.

New York based award win-ning renowned Israeli concert pianist Victor Goldberg, re-turned to Asia this year and performed a series of recitals during August and Septem-ber.

The tour commenced with a recital on 23 August for Chinese Valentine’s Day, at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, a cultural landmark located in Shanghai’s Pudong District. The perfor-mance featured an exciting rep-ertoire including selections from Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Haydn, and Brahms amongst other riv-eting masterpieces.

Hailed by music critics worldwide for his “magician’s power” and ability to “hypnotize the audience from the very first chords,” Goldberg was back in Hong Kong with The Magic of the Piano Program. It provided a passionate, artistic excursion into various works by a wide range of important composers of Western classical music.

linguist. Though the family was somewhat musical, Goldberg says, “I always felt that I didn’t choose music; music chose me.”

Goldberg earned his re-nowned reputation through extensive international per-formances in such venues as Carnegie Hall in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Wash-ington D.C., Wiener Konzer-

thaus in Vienna, Austria and the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center.

He holds degrees from Tel Aviv University’s Rubin Acad-emy, The Juilliard School, the Peabody Institute at Johns Hop-kins University and the Manhat-tan School of Music.

As a full-scholarship grad-uate of the Julliard School,

Goldberg gave the concert at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Center for the Arts on 13 September.

Goldberg continued into South Korea with a bevy of performances including a much anticipated appearance on 20 September with the Wonju Philharmonic Orchestra. Based just outside of Seoul, the Won-ju Philharmonic is one of the leading orchestras in South Korea. Goldberg accompanied the orchestra and presented Beethoven’s 4th Piano Con-certo.

A number of other engage-ments throughout the country included recitals and master-classes at the South Korean uni-versities of Yonsei University in Seoul and Catholic University of Daegu.

The Ukrainian born artist made Aliyah to Israel in 1991 at the age of 13. Goldberg’s father was a published Professor of mathematics and his mother a

Rescue in the Philippines scheduled to be releasedThe Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv hosted a special screen-ing of an 18-minute trailer of the documentary film about how Filipinos helped more than a thousand Jewish refu-gees from Europe in the 1940s.

The screening of the film Rescue in the Philippines is scheduled to be released on Is-raeli television next year.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, “The film tells how the Jews found their way to the Philip-pines with the help of Com-monwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, the five Frieder broth-ers, Cincinnati businessmen, Paul McNutt (US High Com-missioner and former Governor of Indiana), and then Army Colonel Dwight Eisenhower.”

Attendees at the special screening included academics, some “Manilaners,” and repre-sentatives of the Yad Vashem museum.

“The film brings to light a story of magnanimity and the uncontrived humanitarian effort towards the Jews, founded on a personal commitment of doing what is right and humane,” the DFA said in a statement.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Generoso Calonge said that the film tells the story of the people who offered hope when many chose to remain si-lent and turn a blind eye on the

Generoso Calonge

plight of the Jews.

“I am confident that this work will see its completion soon, with all the professional help and effort behind it and with all the support from its benefactors and from the num-ber of people who decided to join us to see it and hope for its conclusion,” Colonge said.

Max Weissler, one of the surviving Jewish refugees in the Philippines, recounted how his family transferred from Europe to the Philippines.

The DFA said, “Weissler vividly recalled childhood memories and the places he frequented during those years. He testified on the generosity and kindness that the Filipino people extended to the Jews.”

Barbara Sasser, producer of the film, expressed her apprecia-tion to the embassy for organis-ing the special screening of the trailer.

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Art and Culture

L’chaim! The Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival celebrates its Bar Mitzvah

The Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival (HJFF) will run from 10 – 18 November and festival director and founder Howard Elias says its Bar Mitzvah year event will be like nothing it has done before.

“After last year’s opening of An Article of Hope with Rona Ramon, the pressure was on to raise the bar to new heights,”

Breaking Home Ties

said Elias. But raise it they will. The festival has invited Israeli film and stage legend Gila Al-magor to present some of her many films to festival-goers in both Hong Kong and Macau. “For those who are not famil-iar with Gila, she is the Meryl Streep of Israel,” Elias said.

In addition to the Almagor retrospective, the HKJFF has something planned for its open-ing night that no festival any-where in the world has done before. “We will be screening a recently restored 1922 silent film, Breaking Home Ties, with original music that is being composed just for us,” Elias said. Amit Weiner, the music’s composer, will be coming from Jerusalem to perform along with community members Hayley Ecker and Samantha Gershon.

To add to the excitement, both the screening and the post-film Kosher Dessert Party will take place outdoors on the Po-dium at Cyberport.

After opening night, the fes-tival will move back to its usual location at AMC Pacific Place

cinemas. Elias says this year’s theme of L’chaim is meant to celebrate life, soul and spirit. “We thought that was a great way to honour our bar mitz-vah,” Elias said.

Indeed, the HKJFF has a few L’chaim events planned for the week, including a beer night featuring imported Israeli beer, vodka and blini night. Elias said he is not expecting the festival to be a complete drink up but it will be a lot of fun.

Twenty-three films will be screened from 12 countries. Six

El Gusto, one of the films being screened, directed by Safinez Bousbia, tells the story of a journey that started in a shop during the director’s visit to Algiers in 2003. Intrigued by some old photographs, she sets out to track down these lost friends.

Puppetry festival held in Hanoi The Third International Puppetry Festival was held between 4-9 September at the Hanoi Opera House. This attracted the participa-tion of Vietnamese and for-eign art troupes from all over the world.

The festival was co-spon-sored by the Hanoi Depart-ment of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Performing Arts with the goal of boosting cooperative

relations in culture and art be-tween Vietnam and other na-tions.

Fourteen troupes from China, Cambodia, Egypt, In-donesia, Israel, Thailand, Tur-key, the Philippines and the host country Vietnam each performed.

Prizes, medals and cash were awarded to the best art conductor, director, puppet designer, musician and chore-ographer.

screenings are also planned for Macau at the same time. In ad-dition to Gila Almagor and Amit Weiner, the Festival has also in-vited French-Algerian filmmak-er Safinez Bousbia and Israeli filmmaker Ami Drozd. Sharon Rivo from The National Cen-ter for Jewish Film at Brandeis University may also be in atten-dance. L’chaim!

Information about the HKJFF, can be found on their website at www.hkjff.org and on their Facebook page.

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Th e J e r u s a l e m W o o d s t o c k Revival has become an integral part

of Israel’s summer events calendar, with locals and tourists flocking from far and wide to take a journey back to the summer of 69’.

Although the o r ig ina l Woodstock Festival took place 43 years ago, the music of the flower children is still extreme-ly popular in Israel.

The Jerusalem Woodstock Revival, now in its fourth con-secutive year took place this year in August.

Jerusalem Woodstock Revival 2012

The event boasted a 5-hour music marathon of tribute bands bringing the best of Woodstock to Israel. It took place at the Kraft Stadium headlined by Libi and the Flashback, and featured a star-studded line up including some of Israel’s top musical talent such as Geva Alon, Yael Dekelbaum and Mi-chael Greilsammer.

The covers included legend-ary singers Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez. Also music from bands such as The Grate-ful Dead, Pink Floyd, The Doors and Led Zeppelin.

Libi & The Flashback, cov-

Lollapalooza Music Festival arrives

The long-established alter-native American rock music festival Lollapalooza arrived at Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park from 20-22 August.

The sprawling festival, which was inaugurated in 1991 and since 2004 has taken place at Grant Park in Chicago with some of the biggest names in modern rock and hip-hop had chosen Tel Aviv because of its unique character as an interna-tional party destination.

Israel’s addition to the Lol-lapalooza circuit marks only the third country to which the festival has been exported, fol-

lowing Chile in 2011 and Bra-zil earlier this year.

In the promotional video interview with the Jane’s Ad-diction front-man and organ-iser of the event, Jerry Farell explained why Lollapalooza chose Israel: “In Tel Aviv, you have all the hotels right on the beach, and man, let me tell you, it’s sexy. There’s no curfew, so talk about an after party! When the party at Hayarkon Park lets out, you can be right on to the next one. And they [Israelis] love to dance. And they have their parties right on the beach. You can be in the water, rock-ing out.”

ered songs by legendary artists Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and Geva Alon covered Neil Young. The group Crystal Ship performed a tribute to The Doors.

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L’chaim!That’s the theme of our

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So, join us in celebration!

10 ~ 18 November 2012

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In Israel, during the Festival of Sukkot, there are many attractions organised for visitors

and locals to attend during the week.

The Israel Museum Jerusa-lem, one of the country’s fore-most cultural institutions, has open its doors free of charge for children over the intermediate days of Sukkot. In addition to the permanent and temporary exhibitions on display, visitors will be able to enjoy a display of model Sukkahs.

There will also be an art-ist workshop, where children can build their own miniature model Sukkah, from recycled materials and participate in the Sukkot Speak Contest. The model Sukkahs will be on view in the Youth Wing courtyard until Sunday 14 October.

Other activities inspired by the exhibition about Hasidic life entitled: A World Apart Next Door, include Hasidic tales for children, a special family tour on the themes of Sukkot and

Spending Sukkot in Israel

Hasidim and a Klezmer band will be performing during the period. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Hora Jerusalem Troupe performing Hasidic dance.

A variety of attractions, per-formances, arts and crafts work-shops and festivals will also be taking place free of charge in the seaside resort of Netanya.

The 7th International Classi-cal Guitar Festival will include a range of concerts featuring musicians from around the world. Highlights include The

Aquarelles from the UK, Anda-lusia Duo from Ecuador, Pro-Tango Duo from Croatia, Trio Flautera from Germany, Jose Tanaka from the US.

A special piece entitled: Tango Fantasy for Guitar and Orchestra with the Ashdod Chamber Orchestra will be per-formed.

A global Sukkot festival, on the outskirts of Netanya will feature the world’s largest Suk-kah and dozens of Sukkahs from around the world.

In addition, there will be

Children at the Israel Museum

The Aquarelles

Netanya seaside

live performances from popular Israeli artists, including Moshe Peretz, Lior Narkis, Yuval Hamebulbal, Mickey, Hadod Chaim and Tal Mosseri.

There will be a musical tour through the mosaic of the Ne-tanya Promenade and a visit to the National Monument.

A children’s story theatre, entitled: No secrets and an arts and crafts workshop, with artist Keren Spielsher at the Galleria al Hatzuk.


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The Festival of Sukkot for all the family

The festival of Sukkot i s e n j o y e d a n d shared by all family m e m b e r s y o u n g

and old with the obligation to construct a temporary shelter. The festival falls on 15 Tishrei, five days after Yom Kippur.

The festival also has many other names such as the ‘Festival of Booths’, and is referenced in Book of Leviticus (23:34), Exo-dus (23:16) as the ‘Feast of In-gathering’. The holiday was also referred to as the ‘Season of our Rejoicing.’

Historically, families would

tors and serves as a reminder of our continuity as a people.

The Sukkah is decorated with hanging fruits and veg-etables with children being en-couraged to participate and be-actively involved.

An important command-ment during the festival is to gather the Four Species:• Citron / Etrog• Myrtle branch / Haddas• Willow / Arava• Date palm / Lulav

They should be purchased before the holiday. The Four Species are symbolically con-nected to this holiday. The re-quirement of the Four Species is taken from Leviticus (23:40). All people are required to take this requirement not only to ex-perience the mitzvah, but take ownership of it, and acquire their own set of Lulav and Etrog.

Participants search for and aim to obtain the finest speci-mens available and take great pride in this Hiddur Mitzvah (enhancing of the mitzvah).

go to the Temple to offer thanks for their fall harvests.

During the festival, we build a Sukkah, a temporary hut where we traditionally eat and sleep. It symbolises the temporary huts that our ancestors lived in during the forty years they wandered in the desert.

The design is very specific, the structure must have at least three walls - only two full walls and part of a third are actually required. The fourth side may be open or be an adjoining part of the house. The roof must be a temporary structure and is meant to allow for shade from the sun but not restrict access to a starry view at night. Palm leaves are usually used.

The openness of the Sukkah, likewise serves as a reminder to us to have an open heart to spiri-tuality and humanity.

The first two days are Yom Tovim and we refrain from work. The following five days are known as Chol Hamoed, and restrictions mostly to work are lifted.

friends and family, celebrating on a communal level is common.

Additionally, a number of spiritual Ushpizin (visitors or guests) are included on the honoured guest list including: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. This practice further strengthens the bond we have with our ances-

While some people make an effort to eat every meal in the Sukkah, rabbinical authorities remind us that in rain one is not necessarily required to eat in the Sukkah, as there should not be any discomfort.

There is a great tradition of hospitality during the week of the festival. In addition to inviting

A family Sukkah

Lulav and Etrog


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Celebrating 6 years of Jewish news in Asia

Additional days - Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

During the last days of Sukkot, we also celebrate additional f e s t iva l s . These

days are also considered Yo m To v i m , n o w o r k i s permitted and we attend the synagogue for prayer.

Shemini Atzeret

Shemini Atzeret is also known as the ‘Eighth Day of Assembly’, and falls on 22 Tishrei. The holiday, which im-mediately follows the seventh day of Sukkot, is considered a separate holiday. Simchat To-rah falls on the second day of Shemini Atzeret for Diaspora Jews. In Israel the two days are combined.

Shemini Atzeret is refer-enced in the Book of Numbers (29:35). Rabbinic literature ex-plains that our Creator is like a host, who invites us as visitors for a limited time, but when the time comes for us to leave, He has enjoyed Himself so much that He asks us to stay another day.

The Yitzkor memorial ser-vice is also recited on this day

during synagogue service and a Prayer for Rain is recited and added to the Amidah.

Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah, literally means ‘Rejoicing in the Torah’, and marks the completion of the reading of the Torah. There is no Biblical reference for this festival and the roots have been traced back only as far as the eleventh century.

Children crowd the syna-gogue and wave beautifully adorned flags. Often the flags are home made and colourful

ribbons adorn these expressions of joy. In many communities children also carry candy apples and participants throw sweets.

The holiday is characterised by a frenzy of joyous and spon-taneous dancing and singing. Children are swept up with the crowds. The congregants pa-rade around the synagogue.

Seven rotations are made around the synagogue. The number seven represents the seven days of the week and therefore completes the cycle of creation.

All the Torahs are taken

out from the ark and paraded around. The eve of Simchat To-rah is the only evening in which the Torah is read at night. The service concludes with the final verses of Deuteronomy. In the morning, the festivities contin-ue. In traditional communities, every man in the synagogue is called to the Torah and given an aliyah.

The greatest honours how-ever are reserved for the Chatan Torah (Groom of the Torah) and Chatan Bereshit (Groom of Bereshit), those selected to recite the final verses and begin-ning verses of the Torah respec-tively.

The last Parasha is read and immediately after the first Para-sha is read, thus Genesis imme-diately follows Deuteronomy without pause or hesitation. This act symbolises the continu-ity of the Jewish people.

The cycles, rituals and val-ues of our ancestors are con-tinuously renewed with each generation. Rejoicing over the completion of the Torah but also over the new start and the

unbroken chain of dedication and faith.

A special custom called Kol Hane’arim calls upon all chil-dren below bar and bat mitzvah age to be called to the Torah. A tallit is held above the children’s heads, as they congregate on the bimah, as part of one of the final aliyot.

Simchat Torah is also marked by wedding symbolism and is viewed as the wedding of the Jewish people to Torah. The seven encirclements are also powerful symbols reminiscent of wedding rituals, hence the reference to the ‘Bridegroom of Torah’ and the ‘Bridegroom of Bereshit’.

The power of the symbols of Simchat Torah to connect us to our people and our heri-tage is relived each year. Old and young join one another to make a continuous procession around the synagogue. Children are given the honour of carrying some of the smaller Torahs and all, even the smallest, are given an aliyot and made into active participants.

Rejoicing with the torah


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Maccabi World Union (HK Chapter) Ltd. Hong Kong – Macau - China

Hon. Chairman Hon. Judge Michael Hartmann

Chairman Rafael Aharoni

Vice-chairman & TreasurerJeremy Levy

Vice-chairman Yariv Yaakobi

Secretary Dr. Naomi Rodrig

Board of Directors Rafael Aharoni Yair Berrebi Gil Inbar Kobi Itzchaki Yaron Gil Lamy Jeremy Levy Dr. Naomi Rodrig Erez Weiss Yariv Yaakobi

Supporters Dr. Judith Diestel Edwin Epstein Rabbi Shimon Freundlich - Beijing Yaron Geiger Dan Hoffmann Michel Jospe Moty Kafry Isaac Kamhin Eitan Livne Mark C. Michelson Daniel Moldovan Robert L. Meyer Avraham Nagar Elan Oved – Shanghai Bernie Pomeranc - Shengzhen Caterina Rajchenberg Shay Razon Andre Rofe Joe Teichmann

Two years ago, we celebrated the 18th World Maccabiah Games

*World’s 3rd Largest International Sports Event*

The Maccabi spirit is working wonders all over the Jewish world. MWU has enjoyed a year of excellent mass events infused with Jewish and Zionist motivation, all working towards the Maccabi answer to the difficult times that we live in. Six years ago, the 17th Maccabiah Games took place on 11th July 2005 in Israel was absolute success, especially when China, Hong Kong and Macedonia participated in the games for the first time since 1932. We, Hong Kong brought some medals back.

With 8,500 athletes competing, including 5,000 from abroad, the Maccabiah Games was a celebration of sports and Zionism. Competitors from 55 countries gathered to celebrate solidarity between our people.

Today, we are looking forward to the 19th Maccabiah Games in 2013. With the larger team from Hong Kong, Macau, China which will participate in the games. Hope you can all join in July 2013. Please start saving your money for the trip to Israel. I promise you will have the best time of your life.

On behalf of the Macabi World Union, Macabi Hong Kong – the Board of Directors and myself, I wish you all a splendid evening. Enjoy yourself and God Bless!

Yours truly

Rafael Aharoni Chairman Macabi Hong Kong

Thank you. We couldn’t have come this far without you.

Room 712 East Ocean Centre, 98 Granville Road, TST East, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel. (852) 23121111 E-mail : [email protected] Fax. (852) 23116999

Israel to host World Hostel Conference

The World Hoste l Conference (WHC), organised by GoMio.com, is designed to

bring together hostel owners and managers from around the world to discuss relevant and important topics related to the budget accommodation industry.

This year’s WHC will be held in Jerusalem from 5-7 No-vember, 2012. This is the first time the conference will take place outside Europe or North America. Last years event was held in Vancouver.

“This year’s conference is particularly important,”

said Michael Tumminia, CEO of GoMio.com. “There is a growing influx of backpack-ers discovering Israel and the Middle East, and this is a great opportunity for major players in the industry to learn from one another. We are very excited to bring the conference to this part of the world for the first time,” Tumminia added.

Hostel owners, managers, trade associations, software providers, and social media organisations from around the world will have the opportunity to network and discuss interest-ing and relevant matters related to the hostel industry.

Israel has over two dozen youth hostels that operate at a very high level, posi-tioning themselves closer to two- or three-star hotels, offering a more affordable alternative for travellers.

Suitable for groups and families of all ages, Israeli hostels offer a more informal atmosphere than hotels, with many of the same facilities such as open public spaces, classrooms and lecture halls, movie rooms and meeting rooms.

Guest rooms are well equipped and include cable TV, mini refrigerators and air conditioning. Contrary to what may be common elsewhere, every hostel has en suite bath facilities, with sinks, toilets and showers.

For a complete list of hostels and for reservations, visit the Israel Youth Hostel Association visit: www.iyha.org.il/eng/

Hostels in Israel: Family vacations at an affordable price

Hostel in Tel Aviv

Attendees at last year’s conference Hostel in Jerusalem

Presentations will include discussions on innovative technologies and how to best leverage them, hostel events and

activities as means of increasing income for hostels.

There will also be updates on the hostel scene from around the world from various hostel owners and managers, and the status of regulatory oversight of hostels.

Well over 30 confirmed speakers will be attending across many spectrums of the industry. The conference will be held at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center.


Countries 5 October 12 October 19 October 26 October

Bangkok 5:47 5:42 5:38 5:35Beijing 5:33 5:22 5:11 5:02Guangzhou 5:53 5:46 5:40 5:35HongKong 5:49 5:43 5:37 5:32Katmandu 5:28 5:20 5:13 5:07Kobe 5:20 5:11 5:02 4:54Manila 5:25 5:20 5:16 5:12Mumbai 6:06 6:00 5:55 5:51Perth 6:03 6:08 6:13 6:19Shanghai 5:16 5:09 5:00 4:53Singapore 6:38 6:36 6:34 6:33Seoul 5:52 5:42 5:32 5:23Taipei 5:19 5:12 5:05 5:00

CaMBodiaChabadJewishCenterHouse#32,Street228,PhnomPenh,CambodiaTel:(855)85807205www.jewishcambodia.com

CHinaBeijingChabadHouseandCommunitycentre:FangYuanXiLu,nexttothesouthgateofSidePark,Beijing,PRChinaTel:(8610)84708238ext.210,(86)13910740109www.chabadbeijing.com

ChabadofYaBaoLu:JianGuoMendiplomaticBldg,Building3,2/F,223ChaoyangmenneiStreet,Beijing,PRChinaTeL:(86)13522016427Email:[email protected]

KehillatBeijing(Reform):CapitalClubathleticCenter,3/F.,Ballroom,CapitalMan-sion,6XinyuannanluChaoyangdistrict,Beijing,PRChinaTel:(86)1064672225www.sinogogue.org

GuangzhouGuangzhouChabad:31HePingLu,overseasVillage,Guangzhou,ChinaTel:(86)13710505049www.chabadgz.org

ShanghaiShanghaiChabad(ShanghaiJewishCenter):Shang-MiraGardenVilla#1,1720HongQiaoRoad,Shanghai,200336,PRChinaTel:(86)2162780225www.chinajewish.org

ChabadofPudong:Vila#69,2255LuoshanRoad,Shanghai,200135,PRChinaTel:(86)2158782008www.chinajewish.org

SephardiShanghaiCenter:BuildingB.apt.3(Room103),1000GubeiRoad,Shanghai,PRChina201103Tel:(86)2162088327Mobile:(86)15900808733Email:[email protected],[email protected]

ShenzhenShenzhenChabad:no.4,Blocka,GuishanXiaozhuYanshanRoad,industrialarea,Shekounanshandistrict,Shenzhen,PRChinaTel:(86)75582070712www.chabadshenzhen.org

HonGKonGJewishCommunityCentre:oneRobinsonPlace,70RobinsonRoad,Mid-Levels,HongKongTel:(852)28015440www.jcc.org.hk

ChabadofHongKong:1/FHooverCourt,7-9MacdonellRoad,Mid-Levels,HongKongTel:(852)25239770www.chabadhk.org

ohelLeahSynagogue:70RobinsonRoad,Mid-Levels,HongKongTel:(852)25892621www.ohelleah.org

UnitedJewishCongregation(Reform):JewishCommunityCentre,oneRobinsonPlace,70RobinsonRoad,Mid-Levels,HongKongTel:(852)25232985www.ujc.org.hk

Shuvaisrael(orthodox):2/FFortuneHouse,61ConnaughtRoad,Central,HongKongTel:(852)28516300www.shuva-israel.com

KowloonKehilatZion(orthodox):Unit105,1/F,WingonPlaza,62ModyRoad,TsimShaTsuiEast,KowloonTel:(852)23680061www.kehilat-zion.org

ChabadofKowloon:11Hartavenue,2/F,TsimShaTsui,KowloonTel:(852)23665770Email:[email protected]

india(MUMBai)MagendavidSynagogue:340SirJ.J.Rd,Byculla,MumbaiTel:(91)2223006675

KenessethEliyahooSynagogue,43drV.B.GandhiMarg,Fort,MumbaiTel:(91)2222831502/22839617

KurlaBeneisrael:275C.S.T.Rd,JewishColony,Kurla(W)Mumbai,indiaTel:(91)22511-2132

JaPanKobeohelShelomohSynagogueandCommunityCenter:4-12-12,Kitano-cho,Chuo-ku,Kobe650,JapanTel:(81)782217236www.jcckobe.org

TokyoTokyoChabad:1-5-23Takanawa,Minato-ku,TokyoJapan108-0073Tel:(813)57892846www.chabad.jp

JCCJapan:TokyoJewishCommunityCentre,8-8Hiroo3-Chome,Shibuya-Ku,Tokyo1500012,JapanTel:(813)34002559www.jccjapan.or.jp

nEPaLChabadHouse:GHa-2-516-4Thamel,Kathmandu,nepalTel:(977)[email protected]

PHiLiPPinESBethYaacovSynagogue:110H.V.delaCostacnr,TordesillasWest,SalcedoVillage,MakatiCity,MetroManila1227,ThePhilippinesTel:(632)8150265www.jewishphilippines.org

SinGaPoREChesed-ElSynagogue:2oxleyRise,Singapore238693

JacobBallasCommunityCentre&MaghainabothSynagogue:24-26WaterlooStreet,Singapore187950Tel:(65)63372189www.singaporejews.org

UnitedHebrewCongregation(Reform):email:[email protected]

SoUTHKoREaChabad:744-18Hannam-dong,Yongsan-Gu,Seoul140-893,SouthKoreaTel:(82)1077303770www.jewishkorea.com

TaiWanTaipeiJewishCenter:2/Fno.8,Lane180,SongdeRd,Xinyidistrict,TaipeiCity110,TaiwanTel:(886)923923770

TaipeiJewishCommunity:16MinTsuEastRoad,SecondFloor,Taipei,Taiwan,RoCTel:(886)225913565email:[email protected]

TaipeiJewishServices:SheratonTaipeiHotel,12,ZhangXiaoEastRoad,Section1,Taipei,TaiwanTel:(886)223215511,(886)223944240

THaiLandJewishassociationofThailand:121SoiSainamThip2,SukhumvitSoi22,Bangkok,ThailandTel:(662)6630244www.jewishthailand.com

ChabadofThailand:96RambutttriSt.Banglamphu,102000Bangkok,ThailandTel:(662)6292770www.chabadthailand.com

BetSeferChabad:221SukhumvitSoi20,Bangkok,10110ThailandTel:(662)2583434

Chabad of Phuket52/32RatchU-thitSongRoyPeeRd.(oppositePatongPostoffice),Secondrowoftownhouses,Patong,Katudistrict,Phuket83150

Chiang Mai189/15Chang-ClanRoad,ChiangMai,Thailand,onstreetofnightBazaar,100MetersbeforeTheEmpresshotelTel:(66)818702249

ViETnaMChabad:5a(villa)nguyendinhChieuSt.,dakaoward,district1,HoChiMinh,VietnamTel:(84)909166770www.JewishVietnam.com

JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN ASIA

Candlelighting times are taken from Chabad.org.

October Parashas

6 October 2012 / 20 Tishrei 5773: SUKKOT CHOL HAMOEDThe Torah reading is taken from the Book of Shemot (33:12 – 34:26). This passage describes the commemoration of the Shalosh Regalim / Pilgrim Festivals of Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, the Torah reading directly relates to Sukkot festival. We recall Moses on the top of Mount Sinai for a second time after the incident with the Golden Calf. Moses subsequently destroying the first set of tablets contain-ing the Ten Commandments in anger upon seeing the Golden Calf. He asks G-d if he could see Him. The reply he receives is that he could not see G-d live, but is instructed to seek shelter in the cleft of a rock so that he can be “protected” by the “hand” of G-d whereupon G-d passes before Moses.

13 October 2012 / 27 Tishrei 5773: BERESHITThe Torah opens with the story of creation and the institution of the Shabbat on the seventh day. G-d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. Adam is created on the sixth day of creation as are all the animals. The Torah goes into great detail about the birth of Adam, and his naming of all the other animals. Eve, his life partner is created from a rib taken from Adam. At first Adam and Eve live unclothed in the Garden of Eden, until they eat of the fruit from the forbidden tree, and feel ashamed in their nakedness, and resort to wearing clothes, and expelled from the Garden of Eden.

They give birth to Cain and Abel. Cain kills Abel because of his gealousy of his brother’s whose offering to G-d is accepted but not his. The generations of Man are listed. When the generations become corrupt G-d resolves to destroy them except for Noach and his family.

20 October 2012 / 4 Cheshvan 5773: NOACHNoah is told to build an Ark. Only his family seven pairs of kosher species/animals, came into the Ark to be saved from the Flood. G-d promises with the rainbow never to destroy the world. G-d gives the seven Noahide Laws: Prohibition of Idolatry, Prohibition of Murder, Prohibition of Theft, Prohibition of Sexual Promiscuity, Pro-hibition of Blasphemy, Permission to eat flesh but not from a live animal, Having an effective judiciary. Ham, Noach’s son is condemned for not covering his father’s nakedness. The seventy nations descended from Noah’s three sons – Shem, Ham and Japhet. The building of the Tower of Babel; the confusion of languages and the dispersing of the peoples. The birth of Abraham.

27 October 2012 / 11 Cheshvan 5773: LECH LECHAAbram is told to leave his land, his birth-place and his family home to a land called Canaan the Promised Land, which G-d will show him. Abraham descends to Egypt and hides Sarai, his wife in a box – fearing that the Egyptians would kill him and take her. He returns to the Promised Land and he and Lot go their separate ways. The wars of the kings is described.Abraham saves Lot. G-d makes the Covenant of different parts with Abram. Abram sires a son – Ishmael from Sarai’s handmaid – Hagar. G-d makes another Covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham and promises that he will sire a son with Sarai, whose name is also changed – to Sarah. The institution of the Brit Milah.

Candle Lighting Times for October

Sukkot:1october2012(15Tishrei5773)7october2012(21Tishrei5773)

Shemini Atzeret:8october2012(22Tishrei5773)

HOLIDAYS/ FASTS/ ROSH CHODESH/ SPECIAL DAYS

Simchat Torah:9october2012(23Tishrei5773)

Rosh Chodesh:16october2012(30Tishrei5773)17october2012(1Cheshvan5773)


香港藝術節的資助來自The Hong Kong Arts Festival is made possible with the funding support of

JT01_V12.indd 1 12年9月25日下午9:42

october 2012 • volume 7 • issue 6 • tishrei / cheshvan 5773

Documents

countries of nepal

nepal quotes

time nepal

nepalese ambassador

asian countries

joint stamp initiatives

nepalese government

nepalese farmers