FROM THE TEAM
FROM THE EDITOR
WWW.JEWISHLIFE.CO.ZA
W
elcome back from the holidays and to the start of a new school year,
brimming with potential and the chance to make 2014 amazing.
One thing I know for sure is this: the class of 2013 is celebrating
graduation from a successful school career (read about it in our matric
special feature), about to start the next chapter of their lives. And at the
same time, the grade ones are tentatively wrapping their chair bags (if
such a thing still exists, otherwise I am giving away my age) around their
chairs as we speak, and have much to look forward to (get them prepared
on page 62).
It cannot be said better than in the words of our beloved Madiba,
whose passing last month we mourn deeply with the rest of the nation,
but whose life and legacy we will forever celebrate. “Education is the most powerful weapon which
you can use to change the world.” So, class of 2013, mazeltov on your achievements, you’ve made us
proud, and to you and the budding class of 2026 – go out there and change the world. As Tata once
said, and I am sure you matrics can testify to: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
From me, they say time flies when you are having fun. This is my last word from the director’s
chair – thanks to the Jewish Life team, and of course to you, our readers, for the ride! All the best
for a great 2014.
Chandrea
INTRODUCING…
DAVID BLUMENAU, digital manager
AT JEWISH LIFE, I… manage all things to do with the website, N Factor, and ensuring
the online edition (including all the digital extras and animations) is running
smoothly. I am also the unofficial techie for everyone on the Jewish Life team! MY
REAL FORTE IS… anything to do with computers, tablets, smartphones, the Internet
and the technology beyond. WHEN I’M NOT AT MY DESK, YOU CAN FIND ME… at my other
desk in the Beis Midrash. MY FAVOURITE DOWNTIME IS SPENT… learning and
researching something that has caught my interest (do fish sleep with their eyes closed?) or catching
up on my favourite TV series. I AM CURRENTLY READING… Universe: The Definitive Visual Guide by Dorling
Kindersley. MY IDEA OF A FUN NIGHT OUT... chartering a plane to Sutherland (seriously) for a night of
stargazing with my 12-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (seriously!) Then return to the plane at
dawn to take me straight back to my bed to catch up on the lost sleep. MY MOTTO IS… always be
normal. MY CRAZIEST DREAM IS TO BE… an astronaut. BUT NEXT YEAR, I’LL MOST PROBABLY BE… gazing up at
the stars from down here.
EDS PHOTOGRAPH: ILAN OSSENDRYVER; SUPPLIED
RUTH REHBOCK, freelance writer
AT JEWISH LIFE, I… write feature articles about children, the environment, what
makes us human, keeping it together in today’s world and stories on Jewish
themes. MY REAL FORTE IS… singing, making people laugh and cooking delicious
spaghetti Bolognese.WHEN I’M NOT AT MY DESK, YOU CAN FIND ME… hugging my son, in
the garden gazing at plants, watching Pepper, our two-year-old Dachshund, chase
moths, bees and butterflies, or taking care of my mom. MY FAVOURITE DOWNTIME IS
SPENT… reading, nibbling chocolate, chatting to my family, watching a good movie or walking among
trees. I AM CURRENTLY READING… Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. MY IDEA OF A FUN NIGHT OUT... watching
the flames of a roaring campfire. MY MOTTO IS… “Sing, dance and play in the rain as much as possible.’
MY CRAZIEST DREAM IS TO BE… a famous singer. BUT NEXT YEAR, I’LL MOST PROBABLY BE… a year older – but
only in body!
ON THE COVER: WITH YOUR HEAD FULL OF IDEAS, YOU’VE GOT THE WORLD
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. PHOTOGRAPH BY ILAN OSSENDRYVER
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: mazeltov to our star letter
writer, Carol Schwab, who wins a copy of L’Chaim - There’s a Shabbos Chef
in my Kitchen, compiled by the Jewish Women’s Benevolent Society.
WELCOME
CREDITS
PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Martyn Samuels
[email protected]
EDITOR
Paula Levin
[email protected]
GUEST EDITOR
Chandrea Serebro
[email protected]
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Linda Superfain
[email protected]
FEATURES WRITER
Chandrea Serebro
COPY EDITOR/PROOFREADER
Heidi Hurwitz
ART DIRECTOR
Rizelle Hartmeier
[email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ilan Ossendryver
[email protected]
DIGITAL MANAGER
David Blumenau
david