LETTERS
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WIN
This month’s winner receives
LILMOD ULELAMED – From the
teachings of our Sages by Rabbi Mordechai Katz.
Yoav and Estelle holding the little Torah
and the Chanukia that have survived for
over 60 years, in perfect condition
I was catching up on my reading after returning from
a visit to Australia, and, as is my habit, I often read the
back page of Jewish Life first, and then go on to the wise sayings of the kiddies. Those are my best. I was reading Chandrea’s
inspirational article on Yoav Ra’anan [Free-falling to success,
October 2014], and even though I was pretty jet-lagged, the
story seemed so familiar to me. With Chanukah in mind, my
jet-lagged eyes focused on an old menorah standing on my
fireplace. For some reason, this menorah which is not in use
because the cups are too small, has retained pride of place and
has survived numerous ornamental and decorative changes to
the contents of the fireplace. Then I remembered who had given
us this menorah – Chicco Ra’anan – an Israeli pilot who was a
champion diver and practised at Ellis Park because that venue
had the best diving facilities. My late uncle, Abe Katz obm, was a
strong swimmer and had represented South Africa at Currie Cup
and other national tournaments, and Maccabi South Africa on
numerous occasions at water polo. He befriended Chicco, as we
knew him, and he was a frequent visitor at our home in Upper
Railway Road, Doornfontein. One time, C