For whom the Shofar blows

I know we say this every year, but I cannot believe that it is nearly Yontiff again. So begins our annual cycle, the celebration of the birth of Man (and Woman). As it says in the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (whose series you should all read): “The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass”. And so the year 5775 is coming to an end, an Age unto itself, and now we look forward to 5776, bringing with it endless possibilities and opportunities for us to become more successful, spiritually uplifted and happier than before.

Yom Kippur, the most holy day of the Jewish calendar, is fast approaching. Many dread its coming, seeing the day as one which is uncomfortable, where one is constantly in Shul, standing up and sitting down, fasting and generally not having the best time. However, I treasure Yom Kippur. In fact, out of all the chaggim, it is my favourite.

Most people think I am crazy for this. However, the answer is rather simple. I sing. The Chazzan, choir and I sing songs that only occur once a year (or three times if you count Rosh Hashanah). The liturgy is meaningful, the pieces stunning, and the way in which the congregation appreciates the music makes the day more than worthwhile. And at the end of Yom Kippur, when End Kaddish is sung and the final blast of the Shofar is sounded, I get shivers down my spine. I’m not normally one who is open to my spiritual side, but Ne’ilah does it for me.

However, for whom does the Shofar blow? We are all told that the shofar awakens our Jewish neshoma and reminds it, from the beginning of Elul until Yom Kippur, that we must be committed to Teshuva, Tefilah and Tzedakah. But Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of Mankind, and Yom Kippur is when Mankind’s fate is sealed. This is not just for Jews. That holiday belongs to Pesach when we became a people. So when we pray on Rosh Hashanah, who are we really praying for? Is it just for us or is it for all people living on Earth?

In the Unetaneh Tokef prayer, composed by the martyr Rabbi Amnon of Mainz (a rather gory story is involved in the composition which I shan’t be sharing in this column), the following is stated regarding who is judged by G-d during these High Holy Days:

All who walk the earth must pass before You as sheep of a flock. As the sepherd musters his flock, bringing each under his staff, so do You summon and pass each living soul before You assigning the length of its days and inscribing its judgment decree.

If I can be so bold as to interpret prayers in my own way, I see this as a prayer for humanity in general. Often our prayers are for the Jewish community, such as the Vshamru prayer, which deals with keeping Shabbat, or Yigdal, where the Rambam’s 13 Attributes of Faith are listed. However, these days of holiness are for all the people across the globe.

However, how often do we look at the greater global community when we pray on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur? It sometimes seems that many people in the community are isolated, seeing themselves as Jews living in South Africa, rather than being part of the South African fabric which makes this country so special. Are we often so closed off to the world that we don’t take part in meaningful actions which can positively affect the country?

I know there are many people who do incredible things in this country, being both Jews and South Africans, representing us as a caring and mindful nation/religion/people. The Mensch Network, started by Gina Flash at the Board of Deputies, brings together individuals who are making a significant difference to South African society. From creating entrepreneurship through selling the Big Issue on the streets of Cape Town, to integrating spatial planning with communities in townships with the building of fire-proof shacks (iKhayalamni), these members of the community indeed see the necessity of building a relationship with those who don’t have access to the things which may seem so small in our lives.

The question of why Jews are so involved in social change is another discussion, and one which I and many others think about often. In fact it is why we have so many of these projects at the Board (and I’m not punting the Board, I promise). But when we think about what we are praying for during these High Holy Days, it is important to acknowledge the difference between the prayers which are for us as individuals, as Jews and as people.

We do ask for forgiveness for our own sins, beating our chests during Vidui. We also recount the Temple service and what would happen and how (and praying that we will see the building of the Temple in our time). But then we acknowledge that we are mortal beings and cannot understand the infinite power of G-d in our finite minds. “Who shall live and who shall die, Who shall perish by water and who by fire, Who by sword and who by wild beast.” It does go on for an extended amount of time.

And then it is Ne’ilah, the gates of heaven close, our fates are sealed and the Shofar blows. But perhaps this year, instead of just thinking about ourselves and our own fate, perhaps think about those for whom we may be praying. Assume that we are praying on behalf of humanity. And perhaps 5776 will be a year where we can assist whomever we are able and pray for those who need it most.

I know where I’ll be these Yammin Nora’im. I’ll be singing and conducting the Shul choir, hoping that it is as inspiring for you as it is for me. And hopefully you’ll see Yom Kippur in a different light.

Shana Tova U’Metukah!

This originally appeared in the Cape Jewish Chronicle September 2015

How a jumping light changed my life

Ever since I was a child I’ve loved animated movies. From my days watching Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, to Toy Story and Frozen, animated movies considerable value to my life Instead of seeing films with real people in a real world, cartoons and animated films give me the space to escape into a place where anything is possible. The different styles, the crazy characters, the beautiful worlds which have been created – all of these still make me a fan of animation.

Pixar, (whose logo is a jumping light) is one of the most profound animation studios in recent years. Since its first big hit, Toy Story, in 1995, it has become the pre-eminent animation studios of our time, producing 15 feature films, earning 26 Academy Awards, 5 Golden Globes, 3 Grammys and countless other accolades and acknowledgements. From fish in Finding Nemo to monsters in Monsters Inc., superheroes in The Incredibles and robots in WALL-E, all their brilliant ideas have been amazing hits, not only for the movie critics, but for me.

I become more emotional in animated films than live action ones. I think it has to do with the fact that for some reason the characters seem more real to me than the actors from Hollywood. Some of the scenes which I recognize as some of the most emo of all time: when Woody and Buzz collaborate to go back into Andy’s box of toys (Toy Story); Marlin find out, through the grapevine that is the Pacific Ocean wildlife, that Nemo is in Sydney (Finding Nemo); Sulley finds out he can’t go into the human world with Boo (Monster’s Inc.); Carl’s wife passes away in the opening credits of Up (Up); and when Andy gives away his Toys to a new owner (Toy Story 3).

However, their latest film, Inside Out, looks at how our emotions are controlled by… individuals… inside our head. Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust have the power to control how we react to certain situations. I went to watch this film with my wife the other day and it was a fantastic experience. Not only was it aesthetically beautiful, but I fell in love with the story, the idea that all our emotions have a place in society. Whether we are happy, sad, enviousness, annoyed, or fearful, the film shows that we are allowed to feel those emotions. I must admit I choked up in quite a few places, like where Riley’s (the main character) imaginary friend, Bing-Bong, died (if imaginary friends can die) in the abyss of Riley’s memory, and how Sadness is just as importance in developing and reinvigorating our relationships with our loved ones. Maybe a tear came to my eyes. I’m not sure though, you’d have to ask my wife about that.

This film isn’t just for children. It teaches a valuable lesson about emotions and how we are perceived by people in public. After watching the film, I wondered which emotions people with mental health disorders would have, and how the ones in Inside Out would fit.  Today (and I’m guilty of this too sometimes) people think that we all have to be happy. If there is the slightest sign that someone is upset or down in the dumps, they must go to therapy, be put on some drugs and ensure that they once again become a happy individual. There seems to be a stigma about mental health disorders and discussing them in public. We assume that people look fine on the outside, but in reality our emotions are hidden by the façade we put on.

There’s a cartoon on Mental Health Awareness, which I’ll try to put into words.

When you break a bone: Sign my cast!
When you get a bad cut: Check out my stitches!
When you have the flu: Post all the revolting details on Facebook.
When you struggle with mental health issues: Smile and wave as though nothing has happened.

So, what is Mental Health? The South African Federation of Mental Health (SAFMH) says that it refers to your overall psychological wellbeing. This includes the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties. It says that if someone suffers from a Mental Health illness, according to the SAFMH, you shouldn’t say:

• Get busy and distract yourself
• Change your attitude
• Do you want to get better?
• Stop focussing on the bad stuff and start living!
• You have everything you need to get better
• You can snap out of it! Everyone feels this way.
• Just pray about it.

July is Psychological Disability Month, and one of the issues that the SAFMH raises is the promotion of good psychological health in the workplace. According to the organisation, South Africans are living with dangerously high levels of stress. 1 in 4 South Africans will experience a Mental Health condition at some point in their lives, which is counter-productive to a smoothly run business. According to Statistics South Africa, employee absenteeism costs the South African economy between R12 billion and R16 billion annually, a large portion of which can be attributed to workplace stress, burn-out and employee ill health. Recently, a study by Bloomberg ranked South Africa as the second most stressed nation on the planet. A similar study conducted by Ipsos Global and Reuters found that as many as 53 percent of SA’s working population are not taking their annual leave, resulting in increased stress and eventual burnout (SAFMH).

So, for those reading this column who run businesses, how can you make your workers more productive and less stressed? Perhaps have presentations, workshops, customised Mental Health programmes and psycho-social support at the office. This can lead to increased productivity, a decrease in absenteeism, lower incidences of burnout and a rise in overall physical wellbeing.

I know when I’m feeling down and out, it’s difficult to keep that smile that you see above my column up, and I do try my best to turn that frown upside down. Whether work related, volunteer-organisation related, or when I’m just having a bad time, I’ve realised it’s OK to feel sad. But when I do, I know that sometimes I can turn to a good Pixar film to lighten my mood and make me feel better. Animation can truly work wonders!

This was published in the Cape Jewish Chronicle August 2015

Oh, gimme hope, South Africa

The Beautiful Game?

FIFA. If a picture says a thousand words, these four letters say a whole lot more. This organisation, which was established in 1904, has brought billions of people together for the love of the beautiful game: Football. Now the most powerful sporting federation has become an organisation synonymous with greed, corruption, bribery, and vote-rigging. With a full investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively, FIFA has become headline news. And although FIFA President-elect Sepp Blatter has now resigned four days after he was elected, he is still the face of a sick institution which encourages, to put it lightly, bad behaviour.

I am very upset by this. Football is my first love (when it comes to sports, of course). Even our own 2010 World Cup is under investigation. I still remember that moment of ‘Madiba Magic’ when Sepp Blatter pulled ‘South Africa’ from that envelope. Tears came to my eyes (I am a bit of an emotional guy). That moment still gives me goosebumps. And that one month in 2010 was the best month of my life, people coming together to support each other, promote the country, to show we are a land of possibilities. And now with Chuck Blazer, former FIFA Executive Committee member, pleading guilty to charges that include racketeering, wire fraud, income tax evasion and money laundering, and accepting bribes for our own World Cup; the Hawks investigating the payment of R120 million to ‘diaspora football communities.  All I can say is: Oy Vey…

But has this illness which affects football confederations around the globe made me love the game any less? Of course not. The off-season (June to August) makes me feel lost, not knowing where to turn when there is nothing good on the television. I am salivating to see Manchester United’s rise to glory again after two tumultuous years. But corruption on this scale does indeed leave a dirty taste in my mouth. This is no different to South Africa, and the political climate we find ourselves in.

The Beautiful Homestead

I now come to Nkandla, a seven letter word which also has become so much more than the word itself. The story about President Jacob Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla first broke in 2009 in the Mail and Guardian, and stated that R65 million of tax-payer’s money would be spent on an extension to the President’s homestead. Initial complaints were launched in 2011 and 2012 to the Public Protector, and in 2014 Thuli Madonsela’s ‘Secure in Comfort’ report was published. Madonsela found that R246 million was used to upgrade the facility.

The President has dismissed the complaints laid against him and on 25 May this year Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko released a report stating that Mr Zuma does not owe one cent to the South African tax-payer. Zuma has laughed it off in Parliament and it seems as though we can do nothing about it. Nkandla represents these same values of bribery, corruption and greed, jobs for pals and so much more. In Madonsela’s report, she states, “While the majority of people in this country still struggle and fight for survival it is deeply disturbing to discover that the President and some of his close senior supporters feel that it is all right to abuse their positions to benefit themselves and each other at the expense of the nation and all her citizens. These individuals, in their capacities as servants of the people, should be held to task if they are in any way guilty of wrongdoing, abuse of power or corruption.”

Does this sound familiar? FIFA and South Africa seem to be cut from the same cloth. They say the fish rots from the head, and one can certainly see how there is a ripple effect throughout the administrators of FIFA and the public service of South Africa. How can the President of the Republic of South Africa, voted in to uphold the values of the Constitution, use his power to his own benefit, and to the detriment of millions of South Africans? This make me upset. I love South Africa. I believe in the values of the Constitution. I also see the beauty of the people and the land in which we live and how our different identities, although a bit strained at the moment, come together to form one South Africa. I may be saying this from my privileged, Jewish enclave, where I don’t suffer and still benefit from the ills of apartheid. But I also see the good we can achieve together, as one.

The Beautiful People

I’ve been listening to SmileFM recently, which is supposed to be the ‘good-news’ station. The other day I heard Eddy Grant’s “Gimme Hope, Jo’anna”. Although I used to hop to the word “Hope” when I was young, I now feel sad when I hear this song. Written in 1988, one can hear the tension that existed throughout the country, and how people were so sick of the system in which they lived. Miraculously, two years later FW de Klerk unbanned the ANC et al and freed political prisoners, effectively ending apartheid. Jo’anna gave us hope and the idea of the idealistic Rainbow Nation was formed. However, even though the freedom fighters overcame the powerful, I think the phrase “She makes a few of her people happy, oh; She don’t care about the rest at all” still resonates in South Africa today.

But I still have hope. If Sepp Blatter can resign and maybe change the face of global football in the future, perhaps South Africa can change. I have hope that South Africa and her people, with all our problems, will rise again and demand that that Jo’anna delivers the promises for which our freedom fighters fought. Thuli Madonsela, on her ‘crusade’ against Zuma’s maladministration, has asked, “Where are the people of South Africa?” Let’s show her that we are here.

This originally appeared in the Cape Jewish Chronicle July 2015