B.H. Report of activities 2008 · 2019. 11. 7. · Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart The EJCC installed an ice skating ring in the EUJB garden. Hot chocolate, chestnuts and popcorn were

B.H.

Report of activities 2008

European Jewish Community Centre

December 2007

Euro Chanukah, Eternal Light II

Eternal Lights II, Art exhibition of French Artist, Judith Benguigui at the Berlaymont European Commission Headquarters with an address by Mr. Franco Frattini, Vice President of the European Commission

Date: Wednesday 5 December 2008 at 18:00 Place: Berlaymont, headquarters of the European Commission

We celebrated Chanukah with an exhibition of antique menorahs and paintings of the French artist Judith Benguigui. The evening was attended by

the Israeli Ambassador to Belgium, Tamar Samash, Moroccan Ambassador to the EU, Mr. M. Alem, Mr. Barosso chief of Cabinet, David

Hammerstein, MEP, and the Vice President of the European Commission, Mr. Franco Frattini.

Mr. Frattini spoke of his personal fight against any form of anti-Semitism and discrimination, symbolically lighting the Menorah which represents the

triumph of good over evil.

Chanukah Family Party

A Chanukah On Ice Party for the whole family.

Date: Saturday 8 December at 18h45 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

The EJCC installed an ice skating ring in the EUJB garden. Hot chocolate, chestnuts and popcorn were served to the ice skaters. Parents also

had fun with a special Chanukah Pictionary presented by Michael Rosenblum. Indoor activities were organised for the children by the teachers

of the European Jewish School.

January

Tu B'Shevat, Lunch Conference

Tu B'shevat Lunch-Conference on. With MEP David Hammerstein and Rabbi Garelik, "Global Warming, GMO's,.. Is Nature in Danger"

Date: Tuesday January 2 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

In Honor of Tu B'shevat, the Jewish New Year of the trees, a round table was organised with MEP David Hammerstein and Rabbi Levi Garelik. David Hammerstein, Spanish Member of the

European Parliament in the Green Group gave a lecture on the different dangers facing the nature's future. Rabbi Levi Garelik talked about the Torah perspective on the subject of GMO'S.

Both speakers had trees planted in their honour by the EJCC in the Byria Forest in Israel.

February

Lecture, "Woman Talk" I

Women Talk, first lecture on "Providence, Fantasy or Reality?" by Yitta Halberstam

Date: Wednesday 20 February Place: European Jewish Library, 109 Rue Froissart New Yorker Yitta Halberstam spoke about her best seller "Small Miracles". After the Lecture Mrs. Halberstam dedicated a copy of her book to the European Library Founder, Leon Gordon. The lecture series was co-organised by the EJCC the European Jewish Library and EJSN.

March

Cinema Night, "Cabale à Kaboul"

Screening of the Documentary “Cabale à Kaboul” followed by an open discussion with Rabbi Y. Schochet

Date: Wednesday 5 March at 18h45 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

The audience was surprised to learn about this story of the last two Jews in Afghanistan. The Director of the movie Dan Alexe, learned Persian

before moving to Afghanistan for one year where he singlehandedly produced the whole film. Mr. Alexe lived alongside the film's two

protagonists sharing in their simplistic lifestyle giving the film a uniquely personal dimension. This special screening was made possible by the

Events Foundation, co-producers of the film.

After the movie, Rabbi Y. Schochet gave his point of view about ideas such as integration, unity and love between the Jewish people.

Lecture, "Woman Talk" II

Women Talk second lecture, on "Bad Marriage or Good divorce?" by Rachel Goldman.

Date: Wednesday 2 March 2008 Place: European Jewish Library, 109 Rue Froissart

Rachel Goldman, founder and chairperson of "Women Of the World" and renowned lecturer Yossy Goldman came from Johannesburg to give a lecture

on the very topical subject of marriage and divorce.

EuroPurim Celebrations

Date: 20/03/2008 & 21/03/2008 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

Purim Party, 20/03/08 Following the reading of the Megillah, over 100 people joined us for the lively Purim celebrations that got under way in our

centre. Children were entertained by a clown and the balloon sculptures that he made, while parents enjoyed a break the fast buffet. There was plenty of

festive music, the usual hat decorations with Mrs. Nourit Vandam, great food and of course, lots of fun!

Reading of the Megila Brunch, 21/03/08 at 11h00: After the reading of the Megila, the EJCC threw a Purim brunch. Cakes, sandwiches, fruits and lots

more were on the menu for this special festive Purim meal. Everyone participated in the special obligation of the day "mishloach manot" (giving each other gifts of food), and in total, over 100

such gifts of food were given out and distributed between the guests.

April Lecture, "Woman Talk" III

Women Talk, third lecture on "Turning Your Other Half into Your Other Whole” by Esther Crispe, a Kaballah Understanding of Relationships.

Date: Wednesday 2 April at 12h30 Place: European Jewish Library, 109 Rue Froissart

All the way from Philadelphia, Sara Esther Crispe, founder and editor of "TheJewishWoman.org", came to speak on April 2nd about her five step

approach to healthy communication in marriage. Both mystical and practical, this insightful lecture was very well received

Lunch Conference on "The Treaty of Lisbon"

Lunch Conference with MEP Elmar Broke , "Will the new Treaty make an EU common foreign policy a reality?". The conference will be chaired by Mr. Stanley Crossick.

Date: Tuesday 4 April 2008 12h30 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

German MEP, Mr. Elmar Broke, gave a most insightful lecture about the Treaty of Lisbon and discussed his fears and hopes for the future of Europe. Mr.

Stanley Crossick Founding Chairman of the European Policy Centre added his comments and chaired the conference. A lively discussion ensued, as Mr

Elmar Broke fielded questions from an inquisitive audience.

All those attending the lecture received a box of Shmurah Matzah for the upcoming Passover festival.

EuroPesach Sedarim Amazing Seder experience for both Sedarim of this year 5768!

Date: 19/04/2008 & 20/04/2008 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

Two nights of Pesach Sedarim were enjoyed by all in the EJCC. More than 100 people joined us for a taste of matzah and the journey of a

lifetime, as Jews from all walks of life gathered together to make the great escape, from Egyptian slavery to true freedom.

May

Lunch Conference with Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Lunch Conference on, with Rabbi Simon Jacobson , "Is G-d Religious?".

Date: Tuesday 6 May at 12h30 Place: European Jewish Library, 109 Rue Froissart.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson is a renowned speaker and writer. His lecture was intriguingly titled: "Is G-d Religious?"

Rabbi Simon Jacobson is the best-selling author of Toward a Meaningful Life, a book that has sold over 300,000 copies to date and

has been translated into 8 languages. Rabbi Jacobson heads The Meaningful Life Centre in New York, making the teachings of Torah accessible to people of all backgrounds. The Centre has

captured the hearts and minds of thousands of participants over the last 20 years with its spiritual message and profound insights into the human condition.

"I Have Never Forgotten You" at the European Parliament

The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal. Guests of Honor: Benjamin Silberberg, Holocaust Survivor

Date: Wednesday 14 May at 15h00 Place: European Parliament - Room ASP 3G3

The screening of the film "I Have Never Forgotten You", the life and legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, the famous Nazi hunter was brought to you by

the EJCC in collaboration with the offices of Bronislaw Geremek and Frederique Ries, MEP's and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The film was

produced by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and narrated by Oscar winner Nicole Kidman.

After the screening the guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and had the opportunity to hear MEPs Bronislaw Geremek and Frederique Ries speak,

respectively, about the difficult history of anti-Semitism in Poland leading up to the Shoah, and about the importance of fighting all manifestations

of anti-Semitism in Europe. Dr Samuel of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre spoke about the work the SWC does to promote tolerance in the fight against discrimination, genocide and anti-

Semitism.

Young Professional Events, Lag Baomer: Cocktail Party @ the Balthazar

Young Professional Events on followed by a dinner at the Balthazar at the new kosher restaurant in town

Date: Thursday 22 May at 20h00 Place: "Le Balthazar" 63, Rue Archimede. Age: 25-35

We celebrated Lag Ba'omer in style with a Cocktail party, champagne, delicious dinner and a great atmosphere at the new kosher restaurant in town "The

Balthazar". A packed event for young professionals was held on Thursday May 22nd by the EJCC in conjunction with the ECJS. "The Balthazar Grand

Soiree" was enjoyed by all in the restaurant's beautiful surroundings. We hope to see you at our next event!

June

Yom Yerushalaym 2008 at the European Parliament - "Jerusalem in colours"

With guest of honour Rubi Rivlin Member of the Knesset and former Israeli Minister. Exhibition of the Israeli Artist Ruth Elbahar and Israeli specialties and wine tasting. Date: Thursday 5 June at 18h00 Place: European Parliament, "Deputy Salons"

The European Jewish Community Centre and the European Friends of Israel invited Mr. Rivlin in Brussels in honor of the celebration of Yom

Yerushalaym- the Jerusalem Day, which commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967.

The celebration took place at the European Parliament in Brussels and was hosted by Finish MEP Hannu Takkula. The event offered an art exhibition of

Israeli artist Ruth Elbahar and a wine tasting from the finest selection of Israeli wines. The ceremony was introduced by Nehama Tawil, EJCC Program

Director, then Mr. Takkula MEP, Mr. Rivlin, Guest of Honor, and later Mr. Mladenov MEP addressed the crowd. Marec Siwiec, Vice President of the

European Parliament and Vice-Chairman of EFI, said in the last speech "last year we were criticized for hosting in the Parliament such a celebration but... here we are again! The ceremony

was completed by Yaakov Levy, an eleven year old EJCC member, who sang the beautiful melody of Yerushalaim shel Zahav - Jerusalem of Gold.

EuroShavouot lunch EuroShavouot . Reading of the Ten Commandments, followed by a special Shavouot "Cheese and Wine Buffet"

Date: Monday 9 June at 12h30 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart

Shavuot was celebrated in the EJCC with a traditional dairy meal and of course a reading of the ten commandments. We served a sumptuous

buffet of cheeses and fine wines followed by delicious cheese blintzes. Our friend Mrs. Eva Mitchell provided beautiful interior decorations,

although many people made the most of the sunny weather and ate in the garden.

In conjunction with the Jewish Museum of Belgium we also presented a special exhibit of Torah scrolls and other Judaic artefacts.

(Being that in Yom Tov (festive day) we may not take pictures, therefore you will only see images of the exhibition taken before Shavuot but

not of the event itself).

EJL Book presentation: "L'impossible retour", by author Olivier Guez

Book presentation at the European Jewish Library with Olivier Guez "L'impossible retour"

Date: 24 June lunch at 12h30 Place: European Jewish Library, 109 Rue Froissart

The French writer and Journalist Olivier Guez presented his book "L'impossible retour". This is the story of the Jews who came back to Germany after

1945. The book is edited by Flammarion. After explaining his motivations in writing this book, Mr Guez answered a long list of questions from a very

reactive audience.

July & August

During these months of July the EJCC worked on the printing of the Annual EJCC Art Calendar, legal papers, yearly planning, consultancy meetings and meeting with supporters.

The EJCC also had vacations to restore the enthusiasm and dynamism during the year.

September

EJL Book presentation with author Elie Barnavi

Book presentation with Elie Barnavi, "L'Europe frigide" and "La révolution européenne"

Date: Wednesday 17 September at 12h30 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart Historian, diplomat, and former ambassador of Israel in France, Elie Barnavi is the scientific director of the "Musée de l'Europe". Mr. Barnavi presented his book and together with moderator Joel Kotek, Historian and Professor at the Free Brussels University, they commented and debated about Europe’s future. After answering the questions of the audience, Mr. Barnavi kindly signed copies of his books for the participants.

European Jewish Women's Club: Bake and Chat, 24/09/08

Kick Off of the European Jewish Women's Club, Bake and Chat on Wednesday September 19th at 19h00.

Date: 24/09/2008 Place: At the Pytowski's, 55 rue Stuart Merrill Fee: 5 Euros On the occasion of the new European Jewish Women's club and in honour of the coming High Holidays 5769 we trew out a huge Bake and Chat Party at the Pytowski's. We enjoyed a great learning and baking challah evening with Mrs.Batsheva Hadad. After mingling around a beautiful sweet table and a short discussion about the High Holidays, everyone went home with his own challah and challah dough.

Euro Rosh Hashanah: Lehaim Cocktail at the "Bibliotheque Solvay"

Rosh Hashanah Lehaim Cocktail the Bibliotheque Solvay on September 30th at 12h30.

Date: 30/09/2008

Place: Bibliotheque Solvay in the Leopold Parc

Organised in conjuncture with the European Synagogue, this year the EJCC had his traditional Lehaim Cocktail in the premises of The

Bibliotheque Solvay especially chosen for the High Holidays. More than 150 people enjoyed a cocktail in this sumptuous venue.

Being that in Yom Tov (Jewish Holidays) we may not take pictures but we will keep those images in our memories of the great wisdom and inspiration that the community lived through the High Holidays.

Euro Rosh Hashanah Dinner the EJCC Rosh Hashanah Dinner at the EJCC on September 30th at 20h00.

Date: 30/09/2008

Place: EJCC, 109, Rue Froissart

Fee: 35 euros per person & 20 euros for children

More than 100 EJCC old and new members attended the annual Rosh Hashannah dinner. Everyone could enjoy the typical High Holidays

delicatessens and the usual warm atmosphere!

October

EuroSukkot Lunch, " Dizengoff's style", 14-10-08

EuroSukkot Lunch, ” Dizengoff’s style”, on Tuesday October 14th at 13h00,

Date: 14/10/2008

Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart.

In Honour of Sukkot the EJCC offered their members a warm gathering under the Sukkah with a lunch time gastronomic getaway to Israel

with a typical Israeli buffet... Rabbi Tawil gave an inspiring speech on ”The special connection between Sukkoth and Israel”.

Being that in Yom Tov (Jewish Holidays) we may not take pictures we only have images in our memories of the great happiness, joy and inspiration that the community lived through Simchat Torah and Sukkot.

Simchat Torah, "Dance with the Torah", 21-10-08 & 22-10-08

Simcha Torah, ”Dance with the Torah”, on Tuesday October 21 at 19h00 and Wednesday 22nd at 13h00,

Date: 21/10/2008 & 22/10/2008

Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart.

November

Lunch Conference, Chana Weisberg, 05/11/08

Lunch Conference on Wedneday November 5th, lunch at 12h30 and conference at 13h00, with Chana Weisberg, "Finding Faith in Turbulent Time".

Date: 05/11/2008

Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart.

Mrs Chana Weisberg lectured in Brussels at the EJCC in her European Conferences Tour. Mrs. Weisberg is a famous author

and columnist for several Jewish mediums including the Jewish Press Newspaper and chabad.org, she lectures worldwide on issues

relating to women, faith, relationships and the Jewish soul. This event was part of the EuroShiur -http://www.euroshiur.eu

Lunch Conference, Post US Elections 2008

Post US Elections 2008 – Impact of the New President on EU-politic”

Date: Thursday 6 November at 12h30 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart. To comment the fresh results of the forthcoming US elections the EJCC proposed a round table with Mr. Claude Moniquet, President of European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center and Mr. Kyle Wingfield, Editorial page writer for the Wall Street Journal Europe.

Lunch Conference, Aviva Azan

Lunch Conference on "Introduction to Psycho-genalogy", Part II.

Date: Thursday 13 November at 12h30

Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart.

French therapist Aviva Azan founded the Academy of Therapeutics Decoding in Jerusalem in order to train therapists and give lessons, workshops on

"personal development" and seminars on "Decoding biological" and "psycho-genealogy" in connection with Judaism. Mrs. Azan came back to Brussels

for more partical exercices.

Cinema Night, "La dernière carte" Screening of the Documentary “La dernière carte” with the film's director Sylvain Biegeleisen. Date: Wednesday November 26th at 18h45 Place: 168, Rue Joseph II, 1040 Brussels Sylvain Biegeleisen is the child of a Holocaust survivor, and the gulf of silence between him and his mother has lasted for decades. The camera brings them closer together as the past resurfaces. Following the screening an open conversation took place with the director.

December

Book presentation: "Notre Europe" by Michel Rocard With MEP and former Prime Minister of France, Mr. Michel Rocard Date: Tuesday 2 December 2008 at 12h30 Place: EJCC, 109 Rue Froissart MEP and former Prime Minister of France, Mr. Michel Rocard presented his new book "Notre Europe". The book's objective is to explore the "hidden side" of European influences, and prove that Europe has changed our lives and could change our century. After the presentation Mr. Rocard has dedicated many copies for the participants.

Memorial & Solidarity Gathering for Mumbai Victims, 03/12/08

Memorial & Solidarity Gathering for Mumbai Victims - Honoring Rabbi Gavriel & Rivka Holtzberg, on 18h45 on 109, Rue Froissart.

Date: Wednesday December at 18:45 Place: 109, Rue Froissart

Indian Ambassador to the EU, lighting the Ner Neshamah (Memorial Candle)

Rabbi L. Matusof, MC of the Memorial Figure 1Chazan Israel Muller, Great Sinagouge of Europe - Brussels Kel Mole Rachamim (Prayer for the passing)

Rabbi A. Tawil, reciting the memorial payer

Rabbi Kaplan, Greeting Mr. Tayani, Vice President of the European Commission

H.E. Ran Curiel, Israeli ambassador to the EU Rabbi Kaplan, board member of Chabad Lubavitch headquarters

Mr. Mesen, member of President Barrosos' cavinet Michael Gutman, The Nigun

EuroChanukah 2008, "Share the Light" With the presence and under the Patronage of Commissioner for Culture and Education Mr. Jan Figel

Date: Wednesday 10 December Place: Berlaymont (European Commission) Time: 18h00

To pre-celebrate Chanukah ( falling this year from 21st to 29th December), the EJCC organized a "Vernissage" of its new

exhibition created and produced by the centre called "Share the Light "that aims to express the universal message of

Chanukah, which is that one light, no matter how small, can dispel much darkness and ultimately lead to the Unity of Mankind. Towards the end of the year of "Intercultural dialogue", the EJCC

together with Commissioner Mr. Figel gave tribute to 27 European Jewish personalities who contributed to Europe's History and Development and serve as an inspiration to many others. This

exhibition presents 27 such portraits, one from each member country of the European Union. Just Like a candles, they gave their "light" to this beautiful common project called Europe. The

exhibition was installed exceptionally in the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission, for the grand opening, and was display at 79, Rue Joseph II 1000 Brussels (EC)

from December 15th to December 19th.

This work will be available for other communities around Europe who wish to exhibit it in their place. The exhibition was created in a very dinamyc and easy-to-transport manner.

European Jewish Women's Club: “Cook and Chat”

Cook and Chat for Chanukah

Date: Wednesday 17 December at 19h00

Place: Cours St Michel 98, 1040 Brussels

Get ready for Chanukah by learning how to make the traditional Latkes and Sufganiots (doughnuts).