the sydney jewish report - may edition by thejewishreport

community

FREE

VOL. 41 Friday, 4 May 2018 / 19 Iyyar 5778

shuls/schools

lifestyle

sports

Fostering a closer Jewish community

INVITES YOU TO AN EVENING OF

ADDRESSING

JEWISHCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY OUR JEWISH JEWISH COMMUNITY OUR OUR FACES A CRITICAL MOMENT FACES FACES AA CRITICAL CRITICAL MOMENT MOMENT INHISTORY... HISTORY... ININ HISTORY... SOCIAL MEDIA and ONLINE COMMUNITIES are replacing REAL CONNECTION SOCIAL SOCIAL MEDIA MEDIA and and ONLINE ONLINE COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES areare replacing replacing REAL REAL CONNECTION CONNECTION our UNIQUE IDENTITY being challenged from many directions our our UNIQUE UNIQUE IDENTITY IDENTITY is being isisbeing challenged challenged from from many many directions directions HOLOCAUST MEMORY under threat and being fully INCLUSIVE remains elusive HOLOCAUST HOLOCAUST MEMORY MEMORY is under isisunder threat threat and and being being fully fully INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE remains remains elusive elusive Our speakers will address Our Our speakers speakers will will address address these DANGEROUS IDEAS facilitated by these these DANGEROUS DANGEROUS IDEAS IDEAS facilitated facilitated byby

PHILL NOSWORTHY PHILL PHILL NOSWORTHY NOSWORTHY

MAX STOSSEL MAX MAX STOSSEL STOSSEL

ALLANAH ZITSERMAN PHILL PHILL NOSWORTHY ALLANAH ALLANAH ZITSERMAN ZITSERMAN PHILL NOSWORTHY NOSWORTHY

POET VIRAL SENSATION POET POET + VIRAL ++VIRAL SENSATION SENSATION FROM NEW YORK FROM FROM NEW NEW YORK YORK

ACCLAIMED FILM-MAKER ACCLAIMED ACCLAIMED FILM-MAKER FILM-MAKER PRODUCER + PRODUCER ++PRODUCER

After graduating from UTS with After graduating graduating from from UTSUTS with with a aa Max Stossel, 27,isn't isn't your averageAfter MaxMax Stossel, Stossel, 27, 27, isn't your your average average Bachelor of Business Business (Marketing Bachelor of of Business (Marketing (Marketing & && tech entrepreneur. Hewrites writes sociallyBachelor tech tech entrepreneur. entrepreneur. He He writes socially socially Communications) in 1998, Allanah Communications) in in 1998, 1998, Allanah Allanah minded poems and turns them intoCommunications) minded minded poems poems andand turns turns them them intointo took production jobon local film took took a production a aproduction jobjob on aon local a alocal filmfilm short videos. short short videos. videos. starring Naomi Watts and fell love starring starring Naomi Naomi Watts Watts andand fell fell in love ininlove with filmmaking. year later, she with filmmaking. filmmaking. A year AA year later, later, sheshe Hismission mission encourage people His His mission is to isis encourage totoencourage people people to totowith produced and penned her debut produced produced and and penned penned her her debut debut reflect on cultural issues and reflect reflect on on cultural cultural issues issues andand feature film Russian Doll starring feature filmfilm Russian Russian DollDoll starring starring experiences. Stossel isa apivotal pivotal partfeature experiences. experiences. Stossel Stossel is aispivotal partpart Hugo Weaving. Hugo Weaving. Weaving. ofthe theTime Time Well Spent movement,Hugo of of the Time Well Well Spent Spent movement, movement, which "aims align technology with which which "aims "aims to align totoalign technology technology with with The project garnered herthe the2000 2000 TheThe project project garnered garnered herher the 2000 our human values". ourour human human values". values". AACTA/AFI Best Original Screenplay AACTA/AFI AACTA/AFI Best Best Original Original Screenplay Screenplay Award, making herthe theyoungest youngest ever Award, Award, making making herher the youngest ever ever recipient. In 2009, Allanah set up recipient. recipient. In 2009, In 2009, Allanah Allanah set set up up a aa film distribution company that filmfilm distribution distribution company company thatthat championed Australian independent championed championed Australian Australian independent independent films. films. films.

“Connection “Connection “Connection is isis something we’re something something we’re we’re all searching for”. allall searching searching for”. for”.

Her most recent production Bruce HerHer most most recent recent production production Bruce Bruce Beresford’s Australian feel-good Beresford’s Beresford’s Australian Australian feel-good feel-good comedy, Ladies Black, setfor for comedy, comedy, Ladies Ladies in Black, ininBlack, is set isisset for cinema release late2018. 2018. cinema cinema release release in late ininlate 2018. Allanah embraces herJewish Jewish roots Allanah Allanah embraces embraces herher Jewish roots roots in inin her own unique way, continuing herher own own unique unique way, way, continuing continuing to toto explorethatthat thatconnection connectionandand and explore explore connection strengthen thebond. bond. strengthen strengthen thethe bond.

WORLD RENOWNED FUTURIST WORLD WORLD RENOWNED RENOWNED FUTURIST FUTURIST SOCIAL IMPACT STRATEGIST + SOCIAL ++SOCIAL IMPACT IMPACT STRATEGIST STRATEGIST Phill known forbringing bringing unique and Phill Phill is known isisknown for for bringing unique unique andand refreshing insights to established established refreshing refreshing insights insights to to established concepts, He explores explores the modern concepts, concepts, He He explores thethe modern modern pursuit of meaning, and how leaders pursuit pursuit of meaning, of meaning, andand how how leaders leaders and organisations must evolve andand organisations organisations must must evolve evolve to toto support and enable people’s quests support support andand enable enable people’s people’s quests quests forfulfilling fulfilling andsatisfying satisfying lives. for for fulfilling andand satisfying lives. lives.

“What wevalue value shapes allthat that “What “What wewe value shapes shapes all all that we do and all that we wewe dodo and and all all that that wewe experience life. Many people experience experience in life. ininlife. Many Many people people are lost fornot not knowing what areare lost lost forfor not knowing knowing what what it itit is that that anchors them and is isthat anchors anchors them them and and drives them. iscritical critical that drives drives them. them. It is ItItis critical that that we know who we are in the the wewe know know who who wewe areare in in the deepest parts ofourselves. ourselves. deepest deepest parts parts of of ourselves. If IfIf wevalue value something needs wewe value something something it needs ititneeds to toto bereflected reflected the way that we bebe reflected in the ininthe way way that that wewe live and how we invest our livelive and and how how wewe invest invest ourour time. Time after all is the the time. time. Time Time after after all all is isthe greatest currency wehave.” have.” greatest greatest currency currency wewe have.”

WWW.JCA.ORG.AU/IDEAS 9360 9360 2344 WWW.JCA.ORG.AU/IDEAS WWW.JCA.ORG.AU/IDEAS 9360 2344 2344

community

international

shuls/schools

shavuot

lifestyle

sports

W W W. J C A . O R G . AU

FREE

Fostering a closer Jewish community

VOL. 41 Friday, 4 May 2018 / 19 Iyyar 5778

Free subscription to electronic copy go to www.thejewishreport.com.au

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER LAUNCES BOOK ON ISRAEL’S OCCUPATION PAGE 9

LEST WE FORGET GREG SHER PAGE 14

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY… JCA PRESENTS AN EVENING OF DANGEROUS IDEAS Photo: Vicki Lauren

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

2018 GHF AUSTRALIAN AGE PAGE 31 SWIMMING

community

May 2018

“Love & Legacy’ - Melbourne Jewish Museum’s new exhibition about grandmothers JEWISH MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA “Yes there is a traditional Jewish grandmother. I do believe that. I’m one of them!” Rahel Vivat, one of the grandmothers featured in Love & Legacy. From May to October 2018, the Jewish Museum of Australia will present Love & Legacy, an exuberant celebration of Jewish grandmothers. This exhibition, which launches with a free open day on Sunday 6 May, begs the question – what does the Jewish Grandmother in the 21st century look like? Featuring the stories of grandmothers from diverse backgrounds – orthodox to secular, from India to Egypt to Poland and beyond – this exhibition honours the complexity of the role of the grandmother in contemporary society. Love & Legacy also details the many ways cultural knowledge, shared histories and family traditions are kept alive from one generation to the next, providing a space to celebrate and fully acknowledge the achievements, contributions, experience and knowledge of our grandmothers. The curatorial team behind Love & Legacy engaged photographic artist Elli Bardas for specially commissioned portraits of the following women from all walks of life – Lady Anna Cowen, Barbara Ajzenberg, Hazel Kelly, Genia Janover, Renata Singer, Rahel Vivat, Claire Aghion and Claudine Berman, Nechama Werdiger, Carol Schwartz and Lee Ann Basser (bios below). The exhibition will highlight the achievements of all these strong female role models, and the many ways in which they shape and support our community. Love & Legacy includes filmed interviews, family heirlooms and accompanying objects from the Museum’s vast collection. With Melbourne’s Jewish community consisting of many families of Holocaust survivors, this

exhibition also highlights themes of absence, for the grandmothers we never knew, for the grandmothers murdered in the Holocaust. Curator Juliette Hanson says “It has been a real privilege to meet the women whose experiences are at the heart of this exhibition. They all have amazing life-stories and such varied perspectives on their role as grandmothers and on the role of women more broadly. This exhibition provides a warm reminder of how strong grandmothers can be, what they have overcome, and what they continue to give to our community.” This exhibition is one of five exhibitions about grandmothers launching in May, as part of the Multicultural Museums Victoria (MMV) ‘Grandmothers’ project, the inaugural exhibition for this unique alliance between the Chinese, Italian, Greek, Islamic and Jewish museums in Melbourne. Biographies of featured grandmothers Renata Singer, born Poland 1946, has 4 grandchildren, and is a kultur tuer (community activist) and writer who divides her time between Melbourne and New York. Rahel Vivat, born in Israel 1936, has 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, was a teacher and ran a catering business that saw her cater for up to 300 people single-handedly! Since retiring, Rahel has kept herself busy crocheting countless blankets for charity. Barbara Ajzenberg, born in Melbourne 1947, has 2 grandchildren, and is a passionate member of the arts and disability network with extensive experience in community services, continuously providing support and leadership. Genia Janover, born in Germany 1948, has 4 grandchildren, and has held various roles as an educator for almost five decades, including being

Photography of Barbara Ajzenberg by Elli Bardas, commissioned for Love & Legacy 2018 the principal of Bialik College for 20 years. Genia currently works as a consultant to Independent Schools Victoria. Carol Schwartz AM, born in Melbourne 1955, has 4 grandchildren, and was the first female President of the Property Council of Victoria, and then the National Property Council in 2000. She was also the Founding Chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, and was the President of the Melbourne International Arts Festival from 2005 to 2009. Carol is currently on the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and

Stockland. Nechama Werdiger, born in Ukraine 1935, has 28 grandchildren and 76 great-grandchildren, and is passionate about education and continues the philanthropic work that she and her husband began together. Nechama regularly attends shiurim, Jewish text lessons based on commentators both ancient and modern. Lee Ann Basser, born Melbourne 1955, has 1 grandchild, was appointed as the Associate Professor and Reader at the La Trobe Law School, specialising in human rights, disability law and children’s law. She is currently the CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria). Lady Anna Cowen, born in Melbourne 1925, has 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and is the widow of Sir Zelman Cowen, who served as the 19th Governor-General of Australia. Lady Cowen has dedicated her life to her husband and family, as well as undertaking the considerable and broad-ranging duties as the wife of the Governor-General. Claire Aghion, born in Egypt 1916, (died 5 February 2018), had 2 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren, spent much of her retirement volunteering at the Sephardi Synagogue, the Caulfield Synagogue, the National Council for Jewish Women and the Caulfield Hospital. Claudine Berman, born in Egypt 1944, has 5 grandchildren, was a teacher and school principal, and has made it her life’s work to help children through education. Hazel Kelly, born in India, has 3 Grandchildren, was a secretary for the National Council of Jewish Women. She currently enjoys doing yoga, Israeli dancing and health training classes, reading and cooking special meals for her grandchildren.

Childcare Co-Working Opens in Sydney! BUBDESK WA Start Up BubDesk partners with Ganeinu to launch Sydney’s first in-childcare parent workspace, creating the perfect “blend” of work and life. You may be familiar with the term “co-working” – a new way of working where individual freelancers, microbusinesses and even large corporations rent a desk within a shared workspace to foster collaboration and innovation. The concept isn’t new, but what has begun to crop up more and more are co-working spaces with crèches. Spaces that allow new parents to continue on with their businesses or careers, without the need to be separated from their baby. In Perth, one such start-up, BubDesk, took the concept and turned it on its head. Initially

providing an office and crèche service in 2016 they found the model too restrictive for users, so went about partnering with childcare operators to create small parent workspaces inside of fully licensed childcare centres. This month, BubDesk had bridged the divide, launching its first Sydney based parent workspace inside of participating childcare centre, Ganeinu Long Child Care & Preschool, located in the upmarket suburb of St Ives. Offering a modern private workspace, parents enrol their children as usual and pay a modest daily fee to make use of the office. The service provides them with WIFI, printing, coffee, parking and the opportunity to continue on with feeding, baby visits and regular interaction throughout the day, as needed while they settle their baby into the daycare routine.

“The idea for BubDesk came about out of sheer desperation. Not wanting to give up my career and not wanting to be separated from my baby – there simply had to be an easier way!” BubDesk Founder, Meg Burrage. Open to men and women, freelancers, corporate professionals & students, users find that the BubDesk service is more than a desk. Parents using the service become part of a wider parent community – professional parents supporting each other, networking, providing business referrals and collaborating on new business ventures. The corporate sector are expressing considerable interest in the concept with employees from numerous national companues having utilised the service in Perth as a returnto-work option following parental leave. BubDesk

expects to see 10 Sydney childcare centres offering the parent workspace within their facilities by the end of the year and will next month open in Brisbane, followed by Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart. “Our mission it to create a world where parents truly can “Have it all!”. We would like to see it offered in all suburbs and regional towns to ensure it’s accessible to all.” BubDesk Founder, Meg Burrage. Founded in 2016, BubDesk is committed to developing services & solutions that enable parents to truly blend work and life. If you would like to learn more about BubDesk or attend one of their upcoming facility tours visit their website at www.bubdesk.com.au

A Jewish and Indigenous Partnership Turns 13 STAND UP JACQUI DUBS A recent trip by Stand Up Board members and their families marked 13 years since the Australian Jewish community first reached out to the Elders of two remote Indigenous communities. “After visiting these two communities last week, I am extremely proud of the work Stand Up is doing to empower Indigenous youth, and to educate Jewish changemakers about the complex issues faced by Indigenous Australians today”, reflected Stand Up Board Chair, Catherine Fritz-Kalish. Toomelah and Boggabilla in NSW were isolated communities with a reputation for low employment levels and school attendance rates. When Elders from these communities first expressed their concerns to visiting Jewish community representatives, Ian Jankelowitz and Mel Schwartz in 2005; a relationship was sparked that today bridges the divide between Jewish and Indigenous cultures. Together, they began planning how young adult leaders from the Jewish community could connect with and empower local Indigenous

to continue to do the best we can for Indigenous youth, as well as young Jewish adults who want to create meaningful change in this area”. To date, Stand Up has run 37 camps that have engaged hundreds of Indigenous youth and young adults living in this remote region, 11 hours drive from Sydney. Over 180 Jewish volunteer leaders from Victoria and NSW have now undertaken the eye-opening journey into these communities, and discovered a greater connection to Australia’s first people, their culture, beliefs and aspirations. “It has been rewarding, humbling and inspiring to lead this program and discover more about Indigenous Australians”, explains, Stand Up volunteer, Daniel Novikov. “The connections we’ve made with both children and adults alike, have the potential to create long-lasting change in the lives of individuals and their communities”. youth, by running stimulating social activities and camps during the long school holidays. Fast forward 13 years later, and a strong partnership built on trust and friendship has been cemented between Stand Up staff and volunteers,

and the Toomelah and Boggabilla communities. Catherine further describes the partnership as being, “Based on care, respect and commitment over time. As a board, this recent visit brought us closer together. It has cemented our resolve

To donate to Stand Up\’s programs visit: Standup.org.au To find out more about Stand Up\’s Indigenous Partnership Programs contact: Kez Holloway kez@standup.org.au

community

May 2018

An evening of dangerous ideas to challenge thinking – JCA 2018 Campaign JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

JCA “An idea that is not dangerous is not worthy of being called an idea at all” ~ Oscar Wilde In May 2018, JCA’s Community Campaign will kick off with An Evening of Dangerous Ideas. Over three nights – 24th May at Chatswood Concourse and 29th and 30th May at the Hordern Pavilion, a renowned selection of speakers will enlighten and entertain audiences through their presentation of dangerous ideas facing our community. With the prime impetus coming from findings of the Gen17 Report, we will introduce some important issues facing our community and all of us at this time. Facilitated by internationally acclaimed futurist and thought leader Phill Nosworthy, speakers will investigate themes related to their areas of expertise and experiences in their personal lives. They will explore topics like social media and online communities replacing real connection, the threat to Holocaust memory and the role of inclusivity in Judaism and community. New Yorker Max Stossell, formerly a media strategist with an extensive background in social media (he trained with Gary Vaynerchuk) merges his poetry and film with digital activism. The blending of these

Max Stossel fields allows Max to provide a fascinating perspective on modern content and culture. As part of the Time Well Spent movement, Max asks the question: “In the Attention Economy, technology and media are designed to maximize our screen-time. But what if they were designed to help us live by our values?” As the next generation (and even the current one) become more and more engaged with online communities do we risk losing our sense of connection to each other? Phill and Max will be joined by local speakers – Alex Ryvchin (co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry),

Phill Nosworthy

Mark Baker (author and Adjunct Professor at Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation at Monash University), Tamar Krebs (Entrepreneur, Rabbi’s wife – and so much more) and Allanah Zitserman (film-maker and producer – who continues to explore her Jewish connection). “These exciting events will create a dynamic and inspiring forum for conversations about the future of community life. They will explore the strong emotional attachment and personal investment we all have in our community. Our goal is to bring leading thinkers and culture creators together to present thought-provoking

topics in a stimulating environment. We aim to extend those discussions that sometimes take place around the table on a Friday night. It will be a unique experience to hear and see the evening evolve while maybe challenging previously long-held ideas,” said Bruce Goldsmith, CEO. Booking is open for all JCA events and can be accessed by going to www.jca.org. au/ideas The office can be contacted on 9360 2344 for more information or to assist with any enquiries.

AN EDUCATION AT MOUNT SINAI NURTURES A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING AND JEWISH FAITH

Exciting Opportunity Recruiting for a General Manager

Enrolling Now for 2019

Join an exceptional, intimate environment built on a strong Jewish foundation Experience the benefits of our modern new campus After school + vacation care available (from prep onwards) A competitive flat fee offering that remains consistent from Year K-6

Sibling discounts, with 2nd child receiving a 10% reduction in fees from prep onwards School bus service available from College to Vaucluse with year 6 student present along the bus route Direct feeder school into Moriah College secondary school ELC: Nurturing Jewish day care, long-hours 8am-5:30pm, (4pm Fridays), ages 2.5+ PREPARATORY: Unique school readiness year, not offered by any other Jewish day school in Sydney, with year 5 buddy program. 5 days per week, ages 4-5 YEAR K: Continuing an enriched Jewish educational journey into primary school

MAKE YOUR MENSCHES A PART OF THE MOUNT SINAI MISHPOCHA Email rschwartz@mountsinai.nsw.edu.au to find out more!

Kehillat Kadimah is an Orthodox community situated in Rose Bay. Our community has nearly 1,000 members, representing in excess of 300 families. We are a predominantly Ashkenazi community with the majority of family histories stemming from Australia, Europe, South Africa, Israel, New Zealand and England. Kehillat Kadimah was established in mid-2017, with the objective to energise, invigorate and attract younger families to the community, as well as serve a community which dates back to 1950. In addition to our Orthodox practices, we are proudly Zionist in our values and observances. We are seeking a General Manager responsible for implementing key strategic initiatives as well as effectively managing the day to day operational affairs and activities of the Synagogue. The role is essentially a 2IC to the Board and the Religious Leaders to assist in the execution and oversight of the strategy and initiatives of the Board. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone with significant working experience across a broad number of fields. The opportunity allows for flexibility, but provides responsibility, liaison with high end stake holders and community engagement. Full role description can be found at https://kadimahsydney.org/recruitment Interested candidates, kindly forward your resume to jobs@kadimahsydney.org For a confidential discussion contact Lisa on 0410 102 295

Facebook: mountsinaicommunity

Instagram: mountsinaicollege

Linkedin: mount-sinai-college-sydney

www.mountsinai.nsw.edu.au

www.kadimahsydney.org

community

May 2018

Masada Torah Stream Inaugural Shabbaton Draws in Students from all Different Schools A shabbos built on passion, meaning and fun. The mission of the first Torah Stream shabbaton was to cultivate a love of learning and a passion for yiddishkeit through informal education. The Shabbaton attracted students from other schools, namely, Kesser Torah and Bellevue Hill Public School. The program engaged Year 3 - 6 students in fun physical challenges on Thursday and Friday and in a spiritual high on shabbos. The thrilling flying fox, demanding crate climb among other exciting activities kept the children enthusiastic and excited to see what came next. The build up to shabbos was palpable as students sanded, designed and burned their own challah boards. The girls made intricate mosaic challah bowls and enjoyed the opportunity to plan and execute their personal family pieces. The most exciting and inspiring moments inevitably always happen on shabbos and simply can’t be captured in photographs. We thought the roof would lift during Kabbalat Shabbat. The students sang and danced through dinner. They shared divrei Torah and engaged in the limmudim that were so well facilitated by their madrichim. They contemplated the reasons for formal and regular tefilla, they debated the varying opinions in a mishna about refining their middos and the discussions went on and on. At the motzei shabbos bonfire the bond of the students was obvious as both Torah Stream students and our new friends who joined us from other schools embraced the last opportunity to sit together and sing. As one Year 4 student, Gavi said, ‘the only thing

that could make this shabbaton better is if it was longer’. Students were encouraged to develop their own individual leadership potential, to become self-reliant, and to become contributing and functional members of the group and of Klal Yisroel. We look forward to our next shabbaton and to welcoming anyone who would like to join us. To Learn more about Masada’s Torah Stream Education – Contact: Go North – www.gonorth.org.au OR www.masada.nsw.edu.au/torah-stream/ Rabbi Cohen - rabbibarakcohen@staff. masada.nsw.edu.au

Have you heard what’s on offer with the Masada Torah Stream? Masada College Torah Stream - you’ve probably heard about it, but don’t actually know what it is. Masada has a reputation in the education sector for excellence in education and are leaders in NSW for integrating a Culture of Thinking into their pedagogy. Masada now offers professional learning to other educators across NSW in which they can gain accreditation for their professional learning. With a growing young and vibrant Jewish community on the North Shore, Masada in conjunction with Rabbi Barak Cohen have cultivated a Kodesh Program designed to meet the standards of excellence of Masada’s secular offering. If you were to walk through the playground, classrooms, and hallways of Masada, you might be surprised by what you see and hear and feel. The davening emanating from the various classrooms is so heartfelt and sincere it would surely lift you for the day. You would continue to be carried and awe inspired when you saw the tiniest Kindy students practicing their Hebrew reading in week 2 of term 1. The looks of self-pride and sheer amazement on their little faces tells the story of their progress. Follow the music of learning to the

Quotes from students and parents Masada Torah Stream Shabbaton I loved the flying fox and the crate climbing. It was so fun to spend shabbos with some friends from the East and my own school. Leora Bass - Yr 5 I loved the arts n crafts shabbos activities and the havdallah bonfire. Gavi Sher - Yr 4

boys’ year 6 Gemarah class and get lost in the enthusiasm, rigor and curiosity of young talmidim and their Rabbi in a to-and-fro of enquiry, investigation and critical thinking. Any educator will tell you, you don’t know until you try, do, see with your own eyes. So stop wondering, accept our invitation to come and see the wonder. Feel the spirit. Hear their voices. Be uplifted in what we do here every day. Come experience Torah Stream for yourself. For enquiries or to come for a visit contact rabbibarakcohen@staff.masada. nsw.edu.au

It was amazing to be at the first Torah stream shabbaton ever. Thank you for giving up your time in the holidays when you could have been relaxing at home watching tv.....instead you guys wanted to be proactive which I love. It was such a nice time to spend time with my friends. Doron Evian - Yr 4 I love how this was a Jewish camp. We could all sing and have shabbos together. Carly Edelman - Yr 3

I had such a great time! I loved the activities, the special Shabbat and meeting kids from other schools who share the same values and interest with me. Once I got home, I wished I was back there! Michael Kenan - Yr 5 I just wanted to say a very big thank you to all of you and everyone else involved on an outstanding Shabbaton. My boys had such a wonderful time and have come back so enthusiastic and full of wonderful stories of their time away. Well done to all of you and thank you for taking care of my boys so well. Wallis and Kevin Lasarow I’m crying seeing the pictures from the shabbaton. To think of how the Torah Stream has grown and literally be able to see it in pictures, is inspiring and incredible. Michelle Evian

Jewish Education • Spacious Affordable Housing • Vibrant Community

go north

community

May 2018

Israel’s 70th Celebrations Continue on UIA’s 2018 Missions UNITED ISRAEL APPEAL This year, UIA will continue to celebrate Israel’s 70th and its endless triumphs over the decades after UIA’s Yom Ha’atzmaut Israel missions. It was particularly special on these missions to experience the transition from Yom Hazikaron (Day of Remembrance) to Yom Ha’atzmaut - a day to celebrate Israel’s 70 years of tremendous success. The celebrations continue on UIA’s upcoming missions later this year which cater to all ages. Our UIA Medical & Dental mission, Golden Age mission, Women’s Division mission, singles’ mission with JJunction and December Family mission will be as exciting as we explore and experience the miracle that Israel is – 70 years of achievements. UIA’s missions give you a first-hand look at the land of Israel in an unprecedented way, provide unique insights into its complex political and security situation; and provide the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites. Highlights of the tours include: * First-class accommodation, transport and most meals • Discussions with prominent Israelis representing a range of opinions including parliamentarians, journalists and highranking military and security advisors • Tours of historical sites such as the Old City of Jerusalem Masada and many more with superb guides • Visits to various UIA projects such as Net@ and Youth Futures, where participants can gain an understanding of the significance of the funds raised in Australia The inaugural Medical & Dental mission

will incorporate visits to key medical sites in Israel, and meetings with leading healthcare professionals and innovators. The Golden Age mission will be a specially-tailored experience for senior participants. UIA and JJunction’s singles’ mission for 2640 year olds will include authentic cultural experiences, food, art and nightlife; along with private parties, speed dating and the chance to meet singles from around the world. Sue Selikman, a 2018 Yom Ha’atzmaut mission participant commented: “It’s been a privilege to be part of the UIA Yom Ha’atzmaut mission. We came here not knowing much about the country and its people. Participating in the mission, visiting projects supported by the UIA and seeing first-hand how they change the lives of the disadvantaged (and how donations are spent), has opened our eyes to what an

incredible job UIA does. We are astounded by the energy and positivity here. Thank you UIA.” “UIA Israel Experiences are unique opportunities that will leave an indelible mark on you. To be in Israel for her 70th year will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. We are certain these missions will be oversubscribed and urge anybody who is interested to book as soon as possible,” UIA NSW CEO Yair Miller OAM said. Bring along your partner, parents, siblings and friends or go solo- UIA’s Israel missions are the ultimate time to unite with your extended Jewish family from around the world to celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary. 2018 UIA MISSIONS: 9-18 October: Medical & Dental, Golden Age, Women’s Division, Singles Mission with JJunction 25 Dec - 3 Jan 2019: December Mission

For more information about UIA’s 2018 Israel Missions, contact (02) 9361 4273, missions@uiansw.org.au For updates on UIA’s 2018 Israel Missions, follow UIA on Facebook at www.facebook. com/uiaaus

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Yom Limmud just around the corner

YOM LIMMUD

Yom Limmud, Australia’s annual day festival of Jewish Learning, is just around the corner! With a lineup of local and international speakers, spend Sunday 17 June taking part in an event that covers a range of diverse ideas designed to provoke and inspire. At Yom Limmud you’ll be able to take part in a program covering both traditional and contemporary Jewish issues, with international guest presenters including Pakistani-American journalist Haroon Moghul, Yemenite-Israeli poet Adi Keisser, philosopher and ethicist Emily Filler and many more. Not sure what Limmud is all about? Why not join Rabba Yaffa Epstein, an ordained rabbi at a special “Taste of Limmud” event on Sunday June 3 at Double Bay Library. Yaffa is an educator well-versed in the meeting points of traditional and contemporary Jewish issues. Currently teaching at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem - known for its nondenominational, diverse and intensive model of Jewish education - Yaffa has taught Talmud, Jewish law and liturgy at many famous Jewish institutions around the world. More details about her only Sydney speaking-engagement can be found at www.shalom.edu.au

Sarah Charak, this year’s Yom Limmud chair says “For me, as a student and an avid reader, Limmud is about moving from words on a page to conversations that happen in real life: fascinating, important, pressing conversations about where our community is and where we want it to be. Come and join us to be part of that conversation - and find your Jewish lightbulb moment.” Your ticket includes access to all sessions on the program, including pickling workshops, meditation sessions, live music and markets stalls, making Yom Limmud an experience not to be missed. We’ve got the whole family covered, with a special Young Limmud program for children and teenagers running throughout the day. There are volunteer opportunities for teenagers, too. Visit us at www.shalom.edu.au/LIMMUD for tickets and further information about our program and presenters.

Rabba Yaffa Epstein

community

May 2018

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Continuing the tradition – Remembering Miriam and Fred Palmer in the Sanctum of Remembrance SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM Last week saw Jewish communities around the world commemorate Yom HaShoah; a significant day in the global calendar that honours the six million Jewish people who were murdered during the Holocaust by the National Socialists and their collaborators. These six million are remembered not just as an unfathomable number, but as the individual spirits and personalities that they were. Last Sunday, 15 April, the Palmer, Zine and Olian families dedicated a plaque in the Museum’s Sanctum of Remembrance in honour of the memory of their parents Miriam and Fred Palmer. The ceremony was attended by their three children and a large gathering of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Miriam Palmer was a volunteer at the Sydney Jewish Museum, who dedicated her time to sharing the story of her family’s devastating loss and moments of triumph to students and adult visitors to the Museum. She used to speak of her husband Fred, the rebuilding of their lives together in Australia, and the subsequent

beautiful family that they created and that continued to grow over the years.

Yom HaShoah each year. The Sydney Jewish Museum’s Sanctum

If you would like to honour your

Family members took turns telling

of Remembrance is a quiet memorial space

loved

ones

memories of Miriam and Fred, and

creates to honour the memory of the victims

Sanctum

continued the legacy of Miriam’s historic

of the Shoah and those Holocaust survivors

Rita

attendance to the commemoration of

who are no longer with us.

communityliaison@sjm.com.au

Prager

with

plaque

Remembrance, on

9360

the

contact 7999

YEAR 7 STUDENTS’ PREVIEW DAY Kesser Torah College welcomes the opportunity to teach your child. Our school provides an excellent programme in both Jewish and General studies, with over 20 subjects offered in HSC. Newcomers to Jewish Studies will receive a personalised “Beginners” bridging programme. Interested prospective students can join us for the day on our High School Preview Day : Boys Preview Day - Monday 7 May 2018 from 7:45am-3:20pm Girls Preview Day - Tuesday 8 May 2018 from 8:15am-3:20pm You are most welcome to attend the Year 7 2019 Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 8 May 2018 at 7:30pm in the Boys Hall (this is a ‘Parent-only event’) Scholarships and bursaries are awarded. Please contact our enrolments officer, Aviva Yesgar on 9301 1141 or email enrolments@ktc.nsw.edu.au to register your child’s place for the day, and if you require any further enrolment information. We look forward to spending this day with your child.

This could be the start of a new adventure, a journey of self-discovery

community

May 2018

Connecting our community through sport JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

JCA The depth and breadth of services provided to the Jewish community by JCA Member Organisations continues to make a positive impact day after day, year after year. The expression “cradle to grave” is given a literal form when describing the array of resources that exist because of the continued funding and support of the community through JCA for the community. It enables our continuity and ensures we are stronger, together. Maccabi NSW connects our community through sport. In 2016, Mandy Penkin was diagnosed with breast cancer. She began swimming to aid in her recovery, both mentally and physically. With her children training towards the Maccabiah Games, Mandy decided to join them. Last year she competed in Israel, swimming breaststroke. Her support team called themselves the Best of the Breast and they championed this brave woman to the finish line. Mandy’s story is an example of the opportunity to set and strive for the authentic goals that sport brings. In Mandy’s words, “Sport helps the welfare of the community.” There is a disability program that helps those with special needs. The fact that competitive sport requires an audience enables the parents of the children to connect as much as the competitors. Mandy knows that without JCA, Maccabi would not thrive and offer a healthy, engaging lifestyle to its members. “Maccabi provides an environment where sport is communal. Membership of the club brings with it a greater connectivity.”

Mandy Penkin

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Montefiore honours Betty Wilkenfeld MONTEFIORE Betty Wilkenfeld, as well known for her decades of communal work as for the international Bloch dancewear empire she founded with her father Jacob, was guest of honour at Montefiore Randwick on April 23. Family, friends and business associates gathered to celebrate with Betty for the launch of her memoir En Pointe, the latest in Montefiore’s Community Life Story series, honouring those who’ve made an outstanding contribution to the Sydney Jewish community. Betty’s children Judy and Simon attended with their families (her eldest son David is based in the US), as did friends and business associates. Many took the opportunity to say a few words about Betty or share an anecdote about this inspiring woman who has achieved success in business, while still finding the time to give back to the community and raise her much-loved family. Bloch employee of 50 years Sandie Windsor Richards recalled the day Betty

hired her in the business that went on to international success under Betty and her late husband Gershon, and is now run by their two sons. Another guest Judy Lowy praised Betty’s commitment to Zionism and Jewish continuity through her communal involvement, which began with teaching in the early days of Moriah College, and led to roles on the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, at the Sydney Jewish Museum and as President of WIZO NSW. These days she’s enjoying spending time with family, which now extends to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. En Pointe was commissioned as part of a new Community Life Story initiative, inspired by the unique Life Story program offered to Montefiore residents that has been running for more than a decade. Montefiore’s Rene Icilchik extended thanks on the day to volunteer author Margi Fain for her dedication to the project, spending time with Betty over many months to record her memories and gather photographs.

Do you want to feel good? COA SYDNEY JULIA GOLDING OAM COA has always put a premium on volunteering, because it has so many benefits apart from the obvious one of helping out an organisation you believe in. The COA was founded by a group of volunteers who arranged the Kosher Meals on Wheels service and incidentally helped grow all the other services COA now offers, such as assistance at home, an activity centre for 65+, regular phone calls to geographically isolated and housebound members, and visits to Jewish residents in non-denominational aged care facilities. As our services have grown, our volunteer roll has also grown, and volunteers outnumber COA’s paid staff at a ratio of 13 to 1. But volunteering is not just “good for the community”, it’s good for you. If you have never taken on a volunteer role, here are a few good reasons to start… Meet new people – one of the hardest thing to do after a certain age is to meet new people, by volunteering you become part of the COA family and many of our volunteers have found their newest close friends amongst our ranks. Through volunteering you get to meet and participate in useful activities with like-minded people. Skills – volunteering enables you to learn new skills, or utilise those professional skills from your working life in a new way. Positive change – volunteering allows you to help make change in something you are passionate about, while connecting with your community and making it a better place. That

sense of satisfaction you get when you know you are part of something that’s making a difference is priceless. Happiness – here’s the honest truth - helping others makes you happier. True story. Plenty of information is now available on the neuroscience behind volunteering. In a nutshell; when you give to someone else it releases hormones (specifically dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin) which elevate your mood and make you feel connected and positively joyful. Don’t wait to feel good, you owe it to yourself to start today! If you’re short on time make a fortnightly or monthly commitment; if you are uncomfortable leaving home, make phone calls from your living room; if you have special skills or interests see if you can use these at COA either offering an activity for others or working in our office and administration; if you just want to get out of the house and meet someone new, come and help at our activity centre. If you want to give volunteering a go, we look forward to welcoming you into the COA family.

community

May 2018

Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks to launch book on Israel’s 50-year occupation NEW ISRAEL FUND AUSTRALIA Israeli award-winning author Assaf Gavron and Breaking the Silence executive director Avner Gvaryahu will join author Geraldine Brooks for the Australian launch of their book next month. The New Israel Fund Australia will launch Kingdom of Olives and Ash, a collection of essays exploring the 50th anniversary of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, in Sydney and Melbourne in June. To create the book, co-editors Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon teamed up with Breaking the Silence – an Israeli NGO which uses the testimonies of Israel Defence Force soldiers to highlight what is being done in Israel’s name in the Occupied

Palestinian territories. A series of eminent Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian and international authors – including Colum McCann, Jacqueline Woodson, Colm Toibin, Geraldine Brooks and Mario Vargas Llosa – all contributed chapters. Last year while she was in Israel to research her essay, Australian-born Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks told the ABC that “Israel remains a very open society — nobody is stopping us doing what we are doing here, which is exploring occupation in all its aspects and talking to whoever we want to talk to. People need stories and we are storytellers, so we will be able to bring this information in a slightly different way.”

Launch events will be held in Sydney on Wednesday, 6 June and Melbourne on Thursday, 7 June. In Sydney, Brooks, Gavron and Gvaryahu will discuss their contributions to the book, as well as the current political reality in Israel. In Melbourne, the event will feature Gavron and Gvaryahu. Both events will be moderated by Debbie Whitmont and include Q&A with the audience and book signing by the authors. Tickets are available from www.nif.org.au/kingdom “Being a Zionist in Australia means understanding and grappling with complicated issues in Israel,” said NIF Australia executive director Liam Getreu. “We may find talking about the occupation uncomfortable, but we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to its impact. ‘Kingdom of Olives and Authors visiting Nabi Saleh

Assaf Gavron at the Separation Wall at Bilin

this is

OUR SCHOOL

it’s where we

Ash’, with its cast of incredible contributors, offers an opportunity to read narratives that take us beyond the news headlines.” “This book is a unique opportunity for the authors to shine a light for their readers on what occupation means for those living under it, but also those enforcing it,” said Avner Gvaryahu, executive director of Breaking the Silence. “The human cost of the Occupation is high and we hope that this book will contribute to shifting political realities on the ground and haisten the end of the Occupation.” ‘Kingdom of Olives and Ash’, published by HarperCollins, is widely available for purchase.

BELONG

We think your family belongs here too, come along and see for yourself. Queens Park Road, Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia Tel: (02) 9375 1600 | Fax: (02) 9387 3490 Email: info@moriah.nsw.edu.au | https://www.facebook.com/groups/moriahcollege/ | www.moriah.nsw.edu.au

PRIMARY SCHOOL INFORMATION MORNING% Ũ ŭ ťŤ + 20ťŬ REGISTER AT WWW.MORIAH.NSW.EDU.AU

community

May 2018

The world waits on Hadassah in MS research HADASSAH AUSTRALIA On May 30 we will celebrate World MS Day – a sombre but hopeful time that brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with and for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. This year the theme is ‘research’. Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the race to find a cure for this insidious disease, which affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. Of that group, the majority are aged between 25 and 31 with twice as many women diagnosed than men. The cause of MS remains a mystery and while there is no cure, researchers at Hadassah are on the cusp of a breakthrough that would change the lives of millions of sufferers as well as an even greater number of family, carers and friends. Hadassah Australia launched a campaign earlier this year to fund Hadassah Hospital’s groundbreaking research, now recognised as being closer to the ‘holy grail’ than any other research endeavour. Researchers and medical specialists working in Hadassah’s neurological department are now at the advanced human trial stage. “The trials at Hadassah involve injecting

a patient’s own stem cells, known as mesenchymal stem cells, which are typically found in fat tissue, umbilical cord and bone marrow into the spinal fluid,” says Shelana Silver, Hadassah Australia’s NSW Director of Development and Campaign Manager of Hadassah’s STEM Neurological Disease Campaign which launched in March. The campaign revealed for the first time how advanced Hadassah’s research is, bringing it closer than ever before to making medical history by creating the

scientific platform for a cure to many neurological diseases that scientists previously thought was impossible. ‘The preliminary results suggest that the Hadassah research may protect damaged neurons and may also help repair damaged cells,” Ms Silver says. She said that while the current Hadassah research is centred on MS, over time the same scientific platform could expand to tackle neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, ALS and Alzheimer’s. Evidence of the success of the

Hadassah trial came in the form of Mark Lewis, a leading UK media defamation lawyer who travelled to Australia to help launch the STEM campaign. Mr Lewis’ remarkable journey was featured in a very powerful BBC documentary, ‘In Search of a Miracle Cure’ which aired in November, 2017. In participating in the Hadassah trials, Mark Lewis’ physical response to the treatment was overwhelming and instantaneous. “Within minutes I was getting feeling and movement back,” he says. While many of his symptoms have since returned, he is hopeful that if funding can be found to continue the trials, he and others with MS could benefit from continued treatment. “I urge everyone to support the STEM campaign in recognition of World MS Day. Hadassah is within reach of ridding the world of this disease, and it would be a tragedy to fall short so close to the finishing line.” Donations can be made at www.stemneurologicaldisease.org/ donate/ or by calling Hadassah Australia on (03)9272 5600 or australia@hadassah.org

BOOMERS & BEYOND

community

May 2018 JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Education at the heart of our community

the idea of community. Daryn’s personal goal is to make Jewish education more Many people are touched by JCA and its affordable. He knows that, in part, this can member organisations in different ways. come from the affiliation these schools Servicing needs across the community have with JCA. “Being part of JCA is where covering education, aged care, community you find opportunities to really make an care, advocacy, culture and sport, with both impact on school fees for the community as a planning and fundraising division, JCA is a whole.” His hope is to make a difference able to effectively ensure that resources are for his kids and generations to come. Like a true sportsman, Daryn is both passionate allocated to those who need them most. Daryn Saretzki is the treasurer of and driven. “You can either sit on the Mount Sinai College’s Board. To Daryn, sidelines and hope someone might have the concept of community is what makes the answers, or you can get on the field Mount Sinai truly unique. It’s not just a and play.” By way of explanation for why school for children, but also for parents and he joined the Board, Daryn says, “I got on teachers to feel they each play a valuable the field.” In his capacity as the treasurer part. To exemplify this he describes an Daryn works closely with JCA and the afternoon at Mount Sinai. There are Allocations Committee. “JCA is the core parents everywhere – sitting throughout the body that helps make sure the community’s playground, talking to the Principal, talking assets and resources are actually being to the teachers, playing with the children. looked after.” Daryn Saretzki, Treasurer, It’s a sun-filled image, warm and rich with Mount Sinai College Board. JCA

Daryn Saretzki and his family

Fink Lectures focus on Recent History MANDELBAUM HOUSE

Carole Fink (pictured) is set to visit Sydney in May as Mandelbaum Scholar in Residence. She has focussed her career on International history and Jewish history with her Sydney lectures to address International and Jewish historical viewpoint from the last 100 years. Her first lecture reconsiders the lives of two extraordinary Jewish women, Rosa Luxemburg and Emma Goldman, who championed the rights of the oppressed and fought for social justice. Both were brilliant writers and remarkable speakers, and both insisted that humanity was best served by unremitting attention to personal freedom and democratic values. World War I is the focus of her second lecture, which represented a major challenge to the Jewish people, during which they faced each

other as enemies, underwent physical suffering and revolutions, and played their first role as diplomats at the Paris Peace Conference. In her final lecture which considers the relationship between West Germany and Israel 1965-1974, she discusses these disparate partners linked by the tragic German-Jewish past - the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Israel began a diplomatic relationship in 1965 that was colored by a changing Cold War and their clashing national goals and domestic politics. Professor of History Emerita from The Ohio State University and the University of North Carolina, Carole Fink returns to Sydney following a previous visit as a distinguished Fulbright Research award winner. The visit and this Scholar in Residence program is supported by Mandelbaum House, the Jewish residential college on the University of Sydney campus. It is also a centre for the study of Jewish heritage with an education program that brings scholars from around the world to Sydney.

Alex Raichman The Sydney Jewish Report send our condolences to the Raichman family on the untimely passing of their son, brother, nephew and grandson Alex. The Sydney Friensdship Circle posted on Facebook “Today the world lost a beautiful angel. As we try to process this tremendous loss, your beautiful life flashes

in front of us. Alex we are going to miss your mischievous smile, the joy in your eyes, your curiosity about the smallest creation and your zest for life. We will miss you so much.” If you would like to assist with support for the family, please go to https:// alexraichman.raisely.com

TO AN EVENING OF

Our JEWISH COMMUNITY faces a critical moment in history social media and ONLINE COMMUNITIES are replacing REAL CONNECTION our UNIQUE IDENTITY is being challenged from many directions HOLOCAUST MEMORY is under threat and being fully INCLUSIVE remains elusive Our speakers will address these DANGEROUS IDEAS facilitated by PHILL NOSWORTHY - WORLD RENOWNED FUTURIST + SOCIAL IMPACT STRATEGIST

MAX STOSSEL POET + VIRAL SENSATION FROM NEW YORK

To book go to

ALLANAH ZITSERMAN

MARK BAKER

TAMAR KREBS

ALEX RYVCHIN

ACCLAIMED FILM-MAKER + PRODUCER

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR + HOLOCAUST HISTORIAN

INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEUR + RABBI’S WIFE

WRITER, ADVOCATE + COMMUNITY LEADER

WWW.JCA.ORG.AU/IDEAS or call 9360 2344

community

May 2018

Rare and unique collection of haggadot acquired by the Jewish Museum in Melbourne JEWISH MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA The Jewish Museum of Australia has made an addition to its collection of rare and unique haggadot, including handillustrated manuscripts dating back to the year 1781 (from Amsterdam). The haggadah — the liturgical text used on the festival of Pesach (Passover) — is one of the most important religious and artistic artefacts of Jewish life. The acquisition pieces are diverse in their origins and time of publishing, ranging from Spain and Italy, to 19th century Morocco and Yemen, to 20th century USA and Israel. These include remarkable and scarce manuscripts from some of the lesser-known (and now almost vanished) Jewish communities, such as those from Yemen, Iraq and India. The haggadot are an important addition to the Museum’s collection. Prior to the acquisition, the Museum had a sizeable collection of haggadot in its holdings, but the new artefacts are of mostly greater value, artistic quality, rarity and/or other significance. Director & CEO of the Jewish Museum, Rebecca Forgasz, says that these haggadot give us great insight into Jewish life across many diverse cultures and moments in time. “There’s a whole lot of important and different

Haggadot purchased with the assistance of the Copland Foundation and with support from private donors. stories told by this collection, which is why we are really thrilled to have them. In historical terms, the illustrations within this collection of haggadot tell us a lot about the communities, their culture, their values, and about how assimilated or not assimilated they were in the wider community around them. But the illustrations and illuminations in the haggadot are also fine examples of artistic practice in their time and place, and therefore help us to exhibit the history and diversity of Jewish artistic tradition.”

A healthy way to build community PROJECT ROZANA RON FINKEL AM Picture a fish swimming upstream, fighting against a relentless surge that will almost certainly exhaust the hapless animal. Despite its perilous journey, its instinct drives it on. It’s a metaphor I think about often. Since starting Project Rozana in 2013, I’ve felt at times like the fish – I know where we need to go, but circumstances can conspire to challenge us on that journey. Recent events on the border of Gaza demonstrate that very clearly. The optics are confronting and the shrill from both sides is deafening. But there are hopeful signs; one of the positives is the number of Palestinians who are entering Israel for medical treatment. The rate of transfers has remained steady because health is the most resilient of all the interactions between Israelis and Palestinians. And the number of Israelis waiting at the border to transport the Palestinians to hospitals in Israel at no cost to the patient or their family is growing. But we would be fooling ourselves if we assume that the developing relationships we’re witnessing in the health sector are evidence of a wider embrace in other areas of civil society. Sadly, that’s not the case. It’s one of the reasons why Project Rozana is pleased to join ALLMEP – the Alliance for Middle East Peace. ALLMEP is an NGO that represents more than 100 organisations dedicated to building trust between Israelis and Palestinians in order for people to live in peace and security in societies that protect their human and civil rights. Established in 2003, ALLMEP is working towards the establishment of an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, modelled on the International Fund for Ireland which played an active role in creating a sustainable resolution

in Northern Ireland. For Project Rozana to achieve its practical aims of building bridges to better understanding between people through health, we must engage with organisations from across the political and religious spectrum. To do anything less is to potentially deny children an opportunity to enjoy a better standard of health that their counterparts in the First World take for granted. What ALLMEP allows us to do is expand existing partnerships that already shine a very powerful light on children, particularly those in need. In our short history we have invested significantly in children from Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and Syria in the company of organisations including Augusta Victoria and St John’s Eye Hospital in East Jerusalem, Hadassah and Tel HashomerSheba in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv respectively, agencies such as World Vision, and NGO’s including Road to Recovery (Israel), Green Land Society for Health Development (Hebron) and the Acre Arab Women’s Association. People are at the heart of these partnerships, which reflects a diversity of opinions, ideas and action that have driven Project Rozana over the last five years. In their company we swim against the tide of hatred, division and intolerance. We draw comfort from the fact that others share our belief that that the health sector is a template for coexistence, and that Israelis and Palestinians are open to sharing their knowledge for the sake of the children. Project Rozana is an Australian initiative that was created to leverage Israel’s superior healthcare system for the benefit of Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza. The aim is to achieve parity between these systems, and to build better understanding between the two communities. *Ron Finkel AM is Chair of Project Rozana Australia and Project Rozana International.

Charles Leski, auctioneer, collector of Judaica, and then director of Mossgreen, managed the sale of the haggadot. He was approached by Dr. Harry Buckstein, who had built up a diverse and beautiful collection. “He wasn’t a religious man”, says Leski, “but he just loved the haggadah. He brought the love of Pesach with him from his childhood, and he’s delighted to know that the haggadot have found their way to the Museum.” The haggadah is one of the most widely published Jewish traditional and liturgical

texts throughout Jewish history. Leski says, “It occured to me that you might not find a prayer book or a tanach (bible) in a Jewish home, but you are likely to find a haggadah. It’s a remarkable document that really permeates Jewish life everywhere, and gives tremendous information and insight on when and where they were printed.” The artefacts were purchased with the assistance of the Copland Foundation, who generously granted the Museum $20,000. Katherine Kovacic, a trustee from the Copland Foundation remarks “we could see immediately how important it was for these haggadot to stay as an entire collection and not get broken up for sale, and that it went to an institution who would appreciate them on so many different levels.” An additional $10,000 was raised between several major donors, including Jewish Museum of Australia Board member Marcia Pinskier and her husband, Henry. Marcia says, “this is a museum that caters to such a breadth of not just the Melbourne Jewish community but the wider Jewish community. On behalf of the Board I want to say thank you to everybody who’s taken part, stepped up, and especially to the Copland Foundation.”

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

My Words to Remember: A Sydney Writers’ Festival event SYDNEY JEWISH MUSEUM SYDNEY WRITERS FESTIVAL As part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival the Sydney Jewish Museum will present a moving and dynamic presentation by five Holocaust survivors who have published their stories: Paul Drexler, Olga Horak OAM, George Sternfeld, Dasia Black and Peter Nash. Each of the presenting survivors has

written and published a memoir based on their experiences prior, during and after the Holocaust, and their unique stories of survival. They will talk about why it was important to them to write their memoir, ensuring that the history of the Holocaust is not forgotten. Acclaimed Australian author Diane Armstrong will deliver the opening address. Tickets are $20. Book here online, or call 9360 7999. Sunday 6th May, 3.00pm

May 2018

community JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

JBridge Education Finance Plan Opportunity for families available now JBRIDGE The community finance initiative to assist with affordability of Jewish education JBridge (a JCA initiative) is currently open to all families of new students to Jewish Day Schools for the 2018 and 2019 school years. This means-tested interest-free deferred payment plan is currently available only to new primary school children but there are intentions to extend this in the future to existing families, as well as to accommodate parents of high school students. JBridge offers up to a 50% interest-free, fee-free, deferred payment option to families wanting a Jewish education for their children. Who is eligible? JBridge plans may be made available to parents who satisfy the following criteria: their child/ren are entering a participating Jewish Day School in NSW their child/ren will be in any of years K-6 in 2018 or 2019 (ie. primary school) on completing the required financial application, are assessed as having the financial capacity (and an acceptable credit record) to pay the reduced upfront school fees and meet the agreed deferred payments their child/ren are eligible to enrol and are accepted into one of the participating

Jewish Day Schools they have a combined net household income of more than $75,000 and less than $350,000 per annum. The question is often asked – why a Jewish Day School? While it is unquestionable that students enrolled at a private Jewish Day School get an outstanding general education that prepares them for high school and thereafter, there is also growing evidence that the environment fosters leadership

within our community. In the US, research from the Cohen Center at Brandeis University found that day school alumni demonstrate the highest levels of academic confidence and success, yet also exhibit significant advantages over their peers who were public and independent school graduates. The study found that the dual curriculum in day schools emphasized critical thinking skills, questioning and second-language instruction.

The Cohen Center study also revealed that former day school students express a stronger commitment to addressing the needs of the larger society and a greater desire to make a difference in the world by helping those in need, volunteering their time and finding careers that advance society in positive ways. “In addition to the academic benefits of a private education, in an increasingly disconnected society that relies on online communities for validation and information, it is important that our children have the foundations for a meaningful Jewish life based on our culture and knowledge of Jewish history so they can continue to advocate and support Judaism. We acknowledge that some of these values definitely come from the home but the reinforcement of this through good education is key. JBridge offers that opportunity to parents – giving them a school that speaks to them – while at the same time giving them some breathing space financially.” said Tony Snoyman, Director, JBridge. More information and an anonymous eligibility calculator can be found online at www.jbridge.org.au or call 8353-1618 for a confidential discussion.

Exceptional on every level Discover luxury independent living in your own spacious, private apartment complete with five-star hotel services. CONCIERGE • CLEANING CLUB LOUNGE • CINEMA POOL • SECURITY • PARKING 24 HOUR SUPPORT 1, 2 & 3 BEDS • KING ST RANDWICK

30% ALREADY RESERVED

Display suite now open

1800 952 229 mbymontefiore.com.au

community

May 2018

Lest We Forget THE KASHRUT AUTHORITY RAV. MOSHE D. GUTNICK One fundamental principle of Judaism is that the Supreme Being who created the Universe, also revealed His will to humankind. This was achieved by gifting us with a precious ‘road map’ to lead our lives in the face of any and all circumstances. That revelation took place on Mount Sinai approximately 3,300 years ago. And it is this offering, the holy Torah, which forms the essence of Judaic teachings. Our festival of Shavuot celebrates this and we look forward to that in a few short days from now. Torah laws transcend time and place. As G-d’s will, they are universal, eternal and applicable regardless of the perceived ethics-du-jour of any particular society. The Torah teaches that every human being, regardless of colour or creed, is created in the image of G-d and as a consequence, every life has a divinely endowed sanctity. ‘Thou Shalt Not Murder’ applies equally to a repressive dictator and to a left-leaning politician who (erroneously) may wish to alleviate suffering through an act of euthanasia. G-d’s word is to be accepted and faithfully followed. Time and again, history has shown us that deviations from a path recognising

the divine imperative behind our laws, eventually results in the most catastrophic consequences. Think: Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. In contrast, societies built on the principle that all men and women are created equal in the sight of Almighty G-d (and it is to Him with whom we must give the ultimate reckoning), flourish, grow and prosper. This article was written on ANZAC day and it is such a meaningful, important date on our Australian calendar. We are mindful of the supreme sacrifice so many Australians (including fellow Jews), made fighting wars in defense of the freedoms

we cherish, including our shared belief in the individual dignity of each person endowed by our Creator. For this reason, Australians do not glorify war, rather we celebrate mateship, loyalty and bravery. We praise those who stand up against dictatorship and oppression, despite what sometimes appears to be overwhelming odds. As Jews we have a hyperawareness in regard to the value of life and the desire for peace. We know the dark consequences that loom if we are not prepared to stand up and fight against those who devalue life and perpetuate war with baseless

hatred. In 1941, the gruesome news reached Australia that the Nazis had annihilated the entire Jewish population of Telshe in Lithuania. This is the town where my father had studied in Yeshiva and following this devastating report, he decided to join the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF). He then served for two years in the 1st Machine Gun Battalion (as a regular soldier, not as a chaplain). My mother’s brother fought in Papua New Guinea and was declared Missing in Action until one day, he miraculously returned home, ravaged by malaria (which he continued to suffer for years after), and saddled with the damaging scars of conflict. Pre-war, anyone who knew my father or uncle would never have imagined that they would voluntarily go to a war zone. They did, as did so many hundreds of thousands of Australians. This to me is the essence of the ANZAC spirit. Ordinary people, who never considered themselves heroic, doing remarkable things in defense of mates to their right and left … all united in opposition to tyranny and evil. Lest we forget.

Remembering Private Greg Sher WWW.MELBOURNEFC.COM.AU MATT BURGAN PRIVATE Gregory Michael Sher was killed in a rocket attack in Oruzgen Province, Afghanistan on January 4, 2009 at 12:55pm Afghan time (19:25 AEST). He was 30 years old. Born in South Africa on December 3, 1978, Sher moved to Australia with his family in 1986. After finishing high school, Sher joined the Australian Army as an Army Reserve infantryman in 1998. He was deployed to East Timor in 2003 and in 2008 was deployed to Afghanistan. A member of the Sydney-based 1st Commando Regiment, Sher was with the Special Operations Task Group, which had deployed from Tarin Kowt to a provincial patrol base, at the time of his death. Almost 10 years on since his tragic passing, Sher’s parents, Felix and Yvonne, will light the cauldron before the Anzac Day Eve match between Melbourne and Richmond at the MCG. Here they share their story about their son, Greg, with Melbourne Media … Matt Burgan: Thank you for sharing your story. It’s greatly appreciated. Firstly, what are your memories of Greg? Felix Sher: Greg was a wonderful young man. He loved life. He enjoyed life. His passion for the military was just unbelievable. All he wanted to do was be a solider as a kid, and he joined the Australian Defence Force in 1998. Yvonne Sher: He was a fun-loving person. He just wanted to get out there and enjoy life. He had a very infectious smile and he loved reading. Felix: On that particular point with reading, there is a bookshelf in Greg’s room and it’s got as many military books as you can think of. There are psychology books on the military and on training, and among all of those books, there is a book that makes me really proud. That’s one called: ‘How to manage your parents’. (laughing). That was the kind of guy he was. MB: As a family, you moved from

South Africa to Australia in 1986. It’s a courageous move for anyone to start a new life in another country. What was it like for your family? Yvonne: As a family, it was actually relatively easy, because we were all together and we knew what a wonderful country we were going to. So, it made things a lot easier. The children, all three of them, really blossomed when they got here, so it was a wonderful move and we’ve never ever regretted it. MB: Steven and Barry are your other children. Can you share a little bit about them? Felix: Steven is Greg’s older brother. He also loves the country he lives in. He couldn’t be more happy to be here. Him and Greg were very, very close. They were only 15 months apart in age, so they were almost like twins. Both of them were mad about the military and used to practice their parachuting by jumping off the jungle gym with a Coles bag on their back. Barry was a little bit younger than Greg, by four and a half years. He was also very, very close to Greg. They were very good mates and did a lot of things together. When Gregory passed away, it was difficult for us, particularly his brothers. THE LOSS OF GREG MB: Afghanistan, of course, was where Greg was tragically killed. Can you talk about what happened? Felix: When he applied to go [to Afghanistan], he told his brothers and his partner Karen he was going, but we didn’t know. He told us he was going off to do training in South Australia. Yvonne and I went away on a weekend and Monday at 3am, we got a phone call in the hotel. It was Barry and I said ‘Barry, what’s wrong and what’s happened?’ He said ‘It’s Greg, Dad. He had an accident’. I said ‘Where is he?’ He said ‘he was killed’. I said ‘how’. He said ‘by a rocket’. I said ‘where?’ He said ‘in Afghanistan, so you better come home, [because] the military is here waiting

for you’. Yvonne was standing behind me, continue for the other people around you. and I [thought] how am I going to tell her? I You don’t want to bring them down with you told her and the shock of hearing this news. or see them down. So, you learn to live a We just packed up our things, paid the different way of life. Felix: The best way I can describe it is bill downstairs, got into the car and thank goodness, my car had a GPS, because I if you look at some of these top athletes, who have lost a limb – [it’s like] we’ve lost couldn’t quite fathom which way to go. The military waited for us [at home] part of ourselves with Greg. These athletes, and [when we arrived home], they started despite having lost a limb, get on with their telling us what had happened. Of course, lives. You have to look forward and that’s our main concern was bringing Greg back. what they do. It’s the same thing – we’ve How was this going to happen? When lost a part of ourselves and we’ve got to would it happen? This was Monday. In the keep moving forward. You’ve just got to Jewish religion, when someone passes look ahead. If you keep on watching the away, you’ve got to put them to rest as rear-view mirror, you’re going to crash and soon as possible. Friday, he came back on then there are more problems that are going the [Boeing] C17 [Globemaster III], a huge to arise. Unfortunately, that’s happened with military plane. He went into the back of the some families, where they have just fallen plane and his coffin was there and one of apart, and it’s very tragic and very sad. MB: Naturally, you were aware of the his mates had accompanied him back. The whole family went in and we stood around risks with Greg serving. But sadly, did it the coffin and I read a few words from a few take this tragic event to occur before it psalms. Then we had the ceremony with really hit home? Yvonne: That’s exactly why he didn’t tell him – in the hangar, where they presented him with his medals and a beret. And then us where he was going, because he didn’t we left. This was on a Friday, late on Friday, want us to sit and worry, while he was and you can’t have a funeral after sunset in away, and that was why he didn’t tell us. the Jewish religion on a Friday or a Saturday. He preferred to just let things be. I suppose So, we had to wait until Sunday to have the he would have come home and said ‘you’ll funeral. It was attended by more than 3,000 never guess where I’ve been’. The reason people, including the prime minister [Kevin he didn’t tell us was just simply to save us Rudd] and the opposition leader [Malcolm that worry. Felix: While he was away, a letter arrived. Turnbull] at the time, and many other politicians. They were all really very nice to On Christmas Day, Greg phoned us and I us – both Liberal and Labor. And, so it was, said to him ‘where are you?’ He said ‘I’m in South Australia’. I said ‘how are you the funeral took place and that was it. There has been a whole series of events phoning?’ He said ‘on a satellite phone’. after that. And we’ve just been involved in [I thought] ‘you can use any phone from South Australia’. That was the first trigger. the military since then. MB: As parents, how do you cope Anyway, I got hold of Barry, and I said with the loss of a son, particularly after ‘I’ve got a feeling Greg is in Afghanistan’, because before he left, he grew a beard – hearing that news? Yvonne: You do what you have to do. You the special forces guys grow beards. He’d have to be strong. We have other children actually cleaned out his room, cleaned out that we have to be strong for, so you learn his clothes and he cleaned out everything how to live with this. The pain never goes away and it never gets any easier, but you CONTINUED PAGE 15 just have to learn how to live with it and

community

May 2018 FROM PAGE 14 as if he wasn’t coming back. I said to Barry, ‘so, where is Greg? I think he’s gone to Afghanistan.’ Barry wouldn’t deny it and he wouldn’t confirm it. When Greg’s phone came back, his mobile phone, I saw some of the messages that were on there. One was from Barry to Greg and it said ‘I think Dad knows where you are’. Then Greg says ‘well, you better tell him’. And that was it. But he didn’t tell. MB: Would you have liked to have known where Greg was, or were you content with his decision not to worry you? Felix: I would like to have known in order to wish him well. Yvonne: I think I would’ve preferred that he didn’t tell me, because I would’ve been extremely nervous while he was away. It was probably a good decision that he made, as far as I’m concerned. LIFE WITHOUT GREG MB: From your experience, has the military been respectful and acted in the best interests of your family? Felix: Incredibly. Yvonne: Definitely. Felix: Unfortunately, some families look for someone to blame. Greg, was in a forward base. He had left the main base and they were due to go out on a mission that night. Because of the weather conditions, they couldn’t. Anyway, the Taliban attacked the camp in the afternoon. They shot two rockets and one rocket just fell short. It was a dud. The other rocket was also a dud, but it went through a HESCO wall. It then hit a container, but didn’t explode. It went through the container, which was full of water bottles and came out the other side. Greg happened to be on the other side and it just went through him. It then passed through a group of 10 or 12 soldiers and didn’t touch one of them. So, who do you blame? It’s not the military’s fault. But some people find reason to blame the military for some of these events and it’s pretty sad. MB: It’s been almost 10 years since Greg’s passing. Does it still seem surreal? Yvonne: At times, it feels like 10 years have passed so quickly and at other times it feels like it’s gone so slowly. A lot has happened in that time. We’ve had five new additions to the family, with another one on the way. We’ve also had two daughters in law join the family, so a lot has happened – a lot of wonderful things. But with each wonderful event, it highlights the loss even more, because you realise what Greg is missing. So, as wonderful as it is, it always brings it all back home. Felix: It also highlights what we’re missing in him, because he would be in the future and he would’ve also produced a family. So, that’s a collateral loss for the future. In terms of how I feel – I speak for myself – there are

buy

(Picture from left to right: Steven, Barry and Greg Sher) still peaks and troughs. The troughs are not as deep as they used to be, and they’re further apart, and sometimes they come. THE GAME AND ANZAC DAY MB: On Tuesday night, you’re involved in an event, which has quickly become an important occasion on the football calendar: the Melbourne and Richmond match at the MCG. It’s not comparable to war or what you’ve been through, but how important is it for your family to be involved in the event, by lighting the cauldron pre-match? Yvonne: I’ll do anything to honour Greg. If I could stand at the top of the world and shout out to the world and tell them what a wonderful person he was – and what he did, and what he did for his country, I would. If this is something that I can do to honour him – and to honour his memory, I’ll do it. Felix: I’ll go along with that – exactly the same as Yvonne. So, the next morning we’ve got to be up at the Dawn Parade at 5:30am. After that, we normally go to the cemetery and put a wreath on his grave. So, we work through it. MB: What does Anzac Day mean to you now, given what you’ve been through? Felix: It’s an opportunity to honour all those that have sacrificed their lives to provide for our wonderful lives in Australia. And we should do everything we can to honour them. Anzac Day should become the most major event and hopefully it will be promoted to become that way. GREG’S LEGACY MB: What are some of the stories you’ve heard about Greg from other soldiers? Yvonne: There was a story when he arrived in Afghanistan – there was a new weapon they were going to be using that he hadn’t trained to use. So, he was sent off to go and learn how to use the weapon. When he got there, there were a whole lot of Afghan soldiers also being trained. He was shown how to use it

LAUNCH OF

“KINGDOM OF OLIVES AND ASH”

and he picked it up really quickly. The person that was training them said ‘have you got any spare time, now that you’re so proficient in using this weapon. Can you help me teach the other Afghans how to use it?’ He said ‘yes, I’ve got about an hour – I can help you’. And he started helping teach the Afghans how to use this weapon. All the Afghan soldiers were calling him ‘Mr Greg’. And when Greg left, the captain, who was there, said to the soldiers, ‘did you like ‘Mr Greg’?’ They said ‘he was really good. He was so patient with us and taught us so well. He was really wonderful’. The captain said ‘did you know Mr Greg is Jewish?’ They said ‘no, we’ve never met a Jewish person in our lives’. They said ‘wow, this is special, if this is what Jewish people are about’. So, they clearly had no idea and automatically had a dislike. When they finally met him, they really took to him. Felix: When the Ram Ceremony takes place … [which is] when the soldiers line-up and load the coffin of the soldier, who was killed, onto the back of the vehicle – they drive through the soldiers lined-up. They then take the coffin to the aircraft. Normally, the Afghans wouldn’t attend, but all of them attended Greg’s Ram Ceremony. MB: Greg was a decorated solider. What do his medals mean to the family? Felix: I think the medals were a secondary thing. The medals were someone else’s acknowledgement of his services and efforts. But to Greg, it was the mere fact he participated and was there – that was the main thing. The medals weren’t what he was trying to achieve. He wasn’t trying to get medals. Yvonne: He wasn’t that kind of person. They wouldn’t have been important to him. Felix: He wasn’t materialistic at all, Gregory – not in any way. In Timor, one of his tasks was as a medic. He said ‘you see these little kids – they’ve got nothing and they wake up every morning with a smile’. He would be out there [in the morning] attending to one of the kids. That was the

The MASA

most important part of what he was there for. Yvonne: His exact words were ‘I’ve never seen so many people who have so little, look so happy’. Felix: If you go to the Shrine of Remembrance in St Kilda Rd, and you look at the exhibition of current wars, there is a lot of stuff about Greg there. There is a little story about him too. One of the things I said about him was ‘here was a Jewish man, going to a Muslim country to help these women who were having acid thrown at them and kids being stopped from being educated. His objective was to help them get educated and protect them from being hurt’. So, if you look in the Shrine, there is that little bit about him. MB: Hearing your story is a great example of what Australia is about. You’re a family from South Africa, with a Jewish faith and Greg has served the country in Afghanistan. Is that something you reflect on? Felix: You know what, the bottom line is – irrespective of your religion or your beliefs – you can still mix without dissolving. And so, no matter what you believe – you can still meet the most incredible people, who we might not have met prior to Greg’s passing. Irrespective of what the religion might be – the key thing is to integrate, to accept and to become the country you immigrate into, rather than trying to bring part of your country and [trying to] change the country you’re immigrating to. You become immersed into what that country’s about – rather than try to change it. Yvonne: This is the country we chose for the values that we have. This is how we want to live. MB: And finally, as Greg’s parents, what would you like his legacy to be – personally and publicly? Felix: Well, from a personal perspective, he has bestowed incredible honour on our family. In terms of what he did and how he passed. From a public perspective, he served his country and he did it willingly and he wasn’t conscripted. He volunteered to do it and as a matter of interest, he was the only reservist – out of all 41 who were killed. All of the others were permanent soldiers and Greg was from a Reserve Unit. So, in other words … those soldiers were doctors, barristers, mechanics and advertising agents – they’re not full-time military. So, they train and then off they go to do their military and service. So, from a public perspective, I can only recommend that wherever possible, people go to the military, because the military has a very positive effect on people’s lives. It helps in a thinking process and enhances a sequential way of thinking and at the same time serve your country. This article is an excerpt from the original article which can be found on www.melbournefc.com.au

ISRAEL PROGRAMS Thur 17th May 2018 7.30pm

“Kingdom of Olives and Ash”, a collection of essays from authors including Mario Vargas Llosa, Michael Chabon and Geraldine Brooks, explores the 50th anniversary of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.

Drama theatre, Moriah College, Queens Park Rd Queens Park

Join us for the Sydney launch of this groundbreaking project with:

• Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize winner

• Assaf Gavron, winner of Israel’s Prime Minister’s Creative Award for Authors x

• Avner Gvaryahu, director of Breaking the Silence Where: When: Tickets:

buy

Paddington Town Hall Wednesday 6 June at 7:30pm $30 / $20 concession

DETAILS & TICKETS AT WWW.NIF.ORG.AU/KINGDOM

For more information: Email: israelprograms@zfa.com.au or Phone: 03 9272 5584 Both parents and students are welcome to attend

Learn about the myriad of Gap Year program options Meet program organisers and hear from program alumni Find out about MASA funding, scholarships and grants

community

May 2018

Gen17 survey MOUNT SCOPUS MEMORIAL COLLEGE RABBI JAMES KENNARD What is the biggest story to come out of the Gen17 survey? Is it the overall demographic picture, showing that our community is shrinking slowly and is older than the general population? Is it the numbers of Jewish families suffering financial hardship? Or is it any of the many other important conclusions that this thorough and excellent report provides, each of which could qualify as “the main story”. But for me, the section of the report which deserves particular attention is the story it tells of rising rates of intermarriage doubling in twenty years and now standing, according to Gen17, at 33% of marriages, (lower in Melbourne and higher in Sydney). Similarly we learn that the “marrying a Jewish person” is declining as a “very important” component of Jewish identity. Whilst all the chapters in the report are essential reading, it is the data on intermarriage that determines above all what our community will look like for future generations. Some have criticised the Gen17 for failing to reach the unaffiliated and include them in its data. If that’s the case, then the intermarriage rate must surely be higher than one in three. Additionally, that figure does not include cohabiting couples which the report states are much more likely to be mixed-faith. Therefore the true number of homes and families that Jews are choosing to create with a non-Jewish partner will be closer to one in two. There are some who believe that intermarriage is not a concern - it’s actually a blessing as it brings non-Jews under our communal umbrella. Others claim that it is racist to even raise the subject, or that it should not be discussed for fear of offending those who have chosen to marry a non-Jewish partner. Or that the only issue worth discussing is how to make conversion easier, as if we should solve the problem by easing the consequences, rather than addressing the source. If a reader finds themselves in one of these groups then

please turn the page now - we differ too fundamentally to have a fruitful discussion. I believe that advocating for Jews to marry Jews is not racist (for the simple reason that Jews are not a race), and that while the issue must be addressed with sensitivity and compassion for all individuals, it is essential to examine the causes and the effects of intermarriage given that it impacts so greatly on the future of those involved and of the community as a whole. Many will point to intermarried couples who are raising Jewish children with a strong sense of Jewish identity. I know a number of such families, and I have great respect and admiration for their determination and achievement - especially for part played by the non-Jewish parent. But the fact remains that most intermarried couples do not choose this path. The Pew report on contemporary American Jewry showed that two thirds of children in such families do not identify as Jewish. Therefore a high and growing rate of intermarriage points to a declining community for the future. The past history of communities in this situation - many of which do not exist at all today should be a message for us all. Where, for instance, are the descendants of the 20,000 Jews in Melbourne in 1900? No doubt many are in the same city, but very few would have featured in Gen17. As for how the conversion should work, that is a halachic question to be left to the experts in that field which should not distract us from the core issues. For what it’s worth, the sincere and wonderful converts that my wife and I have helped each sailed through

the process in two years with little difficulty and we were delighted to dance at their weddings. My concern is not about the numbers themselves. Jews should not measure our strength by demographics (see Deuteronomy 7:7), though our leaders often assess our ability to sustain our institutions and to lobby government based on our size. The rate of Intermarriage is significant as both a symptom and a cause. It tells of our failure - as parents, teachers and communal leaders - to instil the sense of value of creating a Jewish home with a Jewish partner. And it tells of thousands of Jews, and their children, who are far more likely to disengage and disappear from Jewish life and Jewish involvement. There is no doubt that the mistakes and moral failures of some of our religious leaders have served to distance observers from Jewish engagement. But more than that, intermarriage implies a failure of education, of sufficiently sharing with the next generation the beauty and meaning of Jewish living and learning before they decide for themselves that it can be diluted Our communal strategists have struggled with rising rates of intermarriage for generations (although perhaps with an inadequate sense of priority). They have grasped at every straw, funded every program that seems to have success in boosting Jewish identity and hence the engagement that leads to a strong Jewish future. Although correlation does not equal causation, it is sensible to promote, say, a Birthright program when previous participants on such a trip indicate an increased levels of a desire to marry a Jew. It is reasonable to conclude that the Jewish education and experiences provided by Jewish Day Schools are at least part of the explanation as to why their graduates show greater Jewish identification than their counterparts at non-Jewish schools. Yet there is one indication from Gen17, from its predecessor Gen08, from the Pew Report and from virtually every other demographic study, that is perpetually

ignored. It is simply that likelihood to marry Jewish increases with religious engagement. This is no surprise. A young Jewish person who appreciates the beauty and the benefit of keeping Shabbat is more likely to want to build a home with a proper day of rest as a key feature. One for whom not speaking l’shon hara - negative comments about others - is important will find it harder to share a life with someone new to such a value. One who finds intellectual and spiritual excitement in Jewish learning will seek a partner who shares their passion. Therefore if our communal leaders and funders are serious about the Jewish future - not just for the sake of the numbers, but for the Jewish involvement and connection for each Jewish person, why is not more attention and support given to programs that aim to connect young Jews, and in particular the twenty-somethings in their self-defining years after they have left school, with their religious identity? This need not be a partisan issue. Let a

program

that

encourages

halachic

Shabbat observance flourish alongside one dedicated to the non-orthodox style of that day. Jewish learning takes many forms. And of course religious observance is not going to appeal to everyone. But let us stop avoiding the one approach that has the most successful track record in strengthening Jewish identity. Let us overcome the fear of seeming too “evangelical” or too controversial. Let us honestly admit that Judaism guarantees a strong Jewish identity. Let us give more support and funding to existing and new programs, that engage with young Jews and give them more appreciation for Jewish life, learning and observance. And let us do so now before it’s too late. This article originally appeared in The Australian Jewish News on April 6 2018.

Lag BaOmer Lag BaOmer—this year, May 3, 2018—is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar. It also commemorates another event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva. On Lag BaOmer the dying ceased. Lag BaOmer occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer, the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot. A break from the semi-mourning of the Omer, key aspects of Lag B’Omer include holding Jewish weddings (it’s the one day during the Omer when Jewish law permits them), lighting bonfires and getting haircuts.

Why Bonfires? It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve. These commemorate the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings. This was especially true on the day of his passing, Lag BaOmer, when he revealed to his disciples secrets of the Torah whose profundity and intensity the world had yet to experience. The Zohar relates that the house was filled with fire and intense light, to the point that the assembled could not approach or even look at Rabbi Shimon.

Why Bows and Arrows? Children customarily go out into the fields and play with imitation bows and arrows. This commemorates the midrashic tradition that no rainbow was seen during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime. Rainbows first appeared after Noah’s flood, when Gd promised to never again devastate the world. When people are deserving of punishment, Gd sends a rainbow instead. Rabbi Shimon’s merit protected the world, rendering the rainbow superfluous. The Hebrew word for rainbow, keshet, also translates as bow. Excerpts taken from www. Chabad.org and www.aish.com

May 2018

community

Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations with the Zionist Council of NSW

Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations at the Zionist Council Young Adult Party

international

May 2018

Accusing Putin of anti-Semitism ISI LEIBLER A very significant portion of my life has been devoted to personally combating Russian anti-Semitism. I experienced firsthand the extent of hatred against Jews which was basically ingrained in most Soviet leaders and bureaucrats. I will never forget the day when a leading KGB officer proudly told me that it would be the happiest day in his life to see Jews being strung up from the lamp posts in leading Moscow streets. Russian anti-Semitism dates back centuries. It was encouraged by the Russian Orthodox Church and the Tsars perpetrated pogroms to divert attention from other social issues. Whilst the communists initially condemned anti-Semitism, in practice they maintained it as a state policy. Having witnessed and battled against these trends as a cornerstone of the campaign to free Soviet Jewry, it would be somewhat bizarre for anyone to accuse me of being soft on Russian anti-Semitism. But I believe the hysterical attacks on President Putin following his recent misplaced comments about interference in the US elections are outrageous and can lead to dire consequences. In a rambling interview with NBC’s Megyn Kelly, who was pressing him to respond to allegations of Russian interference in the US elections, Putin facetiously referred to the possibility of Russian Jews being involved.

This was catapulted to front page headlines, many of which accused Putin of outright anti-Semitism and even resurrecting Judeophobia, including the notorious Tsarist “Protocols of the Elders of Zion”. These hysterical denunciations were echoed by the Anti-Defamation League who called on Trump to condemn Putin as an anti-Semite for reverting to the

blame game by attacking Jews and other minorities. Even the normally restrained American Jewish Committee joined in the fray. A Jerusalem Post editorial called on Netanyahu to denounce him. All these condemnations were based on taking Putin’s comments out of context and totally distorting them. What was actually said? In the course

of an interview insinuating that he had interfered in the US elections, Putin in exasperation turned on the interviewer and in Russian snapped “Maybe they are not even Russians. Maybe they were Ukrainians, Tatars, Jews, just with Russian citizenship. Even that needs to be checked. Maybe they had dual citizenship. Or maybe a green card. Maybe it was the Americans who paid them for this work. How do you know? I don’t know”. Anyone with a semblance of intelligence would appreciate that this gibberish was simply a tactic to end the interview. The fact that Jews were mentioned in passing as a Russian nationality was purely coincidental. Had he mentioned Jews alone and sought to blame them, that would be another matter. But that was not the case. There is an element of madness in the air. I am not entering into the issue of whether Putin did or did not interfere in the US elections. But he certainly did not engage in anti-Semitism. The indoctrination of hatred of Jews amongst Russians over the past centuries cannot disappear overnight and plenty of anti-Semitic paranoia remains amongst the masses. Which is why, even if one opposes Putin’s autocratic behavior and foreign policy, this CONTINUED PAGE 19

As situation heats up in Syria, the question is out there: Will Iran again target Israel? ISRAEL KASNETT Israel’s covert war with Iran became overt when, in what can only be interpreted as a clear escalation, Iran sent an armed drone into Israeli territory in February. While Israel then wiped out most of Syria’s air defenses after an Israel Air Force fighter jet was shot down, now, after Israel allegedly struck the T-4 base in Syria—killing several Iranian personnel—Iran is threatening to retaliate. The issue is when, where and how. According to David Makovsky, director of the Project on the Middle East Peace Process at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, “There is no question that there is more uncertainty of a possible war between Israel and Iran or its proxies then there has been in the past,” he told JNS. Israel would prefer to see the international community take a larger role in preventing Iran from becoming even further established in Syria, but this is unlikely since, as he explained, “the American strategy in Syria is largely focused on ISIS.” Makovsky acknowledged that “all this is not great comfort for Israel, which would like to see America launch its own military strikes.” Since this is unlikely at the moment, it is assumed that the United States would back Israel politically if it decides to take further military action against Iran in Syria. “It doesn’t seem to me that the president, given his public statements, has an interest in expanding America’s role in Syria,” he added. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior Iran

analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told JNS that “the main strategy now for Israel is managing escalation dynamics in Israel’s favor. This is because Iran will seek to test Israel again. The armed drone was a qualitatively different threat for Israel—it represents a threat against the entire population and not just a message to Israel’s political or military establishment.” Like Makovsky, Ben Taleblu also does not see an expanded U.S. role in Syria, and at present, U.S. foreign policy there is still muddled. “Right now,” he said, “there is an unknown ‘unknown’ in terms of American analysts who are trying to define U.S. defense strategy in Syria. First is the anti-ISIS campaign. The second is more normative, and that is upholding the nonuse of chemical weapons. And the third is military commanders rhetorically blaming Iran for what is taking place in Syria.” Netanyahu: ‘Aggression against aggression’ In anticipation of Iran’s intentions to retaliate, Israeli security and defense planners are making every effort to demonstrate to Iran that Israel has superiority, and that it is not worth the consequences for Iran to try and strike Israel. As such, Israel announced that it was reportedly canceled plans to send its warplanes to a joint military exercise with the United States in Alaska amid concerns of the Iranian buildup. At the same time, Israeli leaders have made it clear to Iran that they will not tolerate

its threats. “Our policy can be summed up in three words: aggression against aggression,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week. However, Iranian officials have responded to Israel’s actions and rhetoric. “Israeli aggression against the Syrians and the region’s Muslims remains ongoing,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said earlier this week, adding that Tehran would respond “sooner or later.” Similarly, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem on Tuesday told the pan-Arab satellite TV station Al-Mayadeen that Iran would retaliate against Israel. “We have to expect something from Iran,” he said. “Hezbollah and Iran will not allow Israel to limit their movement in Syria.” ‘Finish off last pockets of resistance’ Assaf Orion, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, told JNS “what we see in Syria now is an accumulation of several issues. One is the latest phase in the civil war, which means the regime feels quite emboldened to wrap up the last places of resistance. There is action up north between Turkey and the Kurds. Farther south, Russia has concentrated on Damascus and its suburbs. “This conjunction,” he continued, “means Syria feels confident to use chemical weapons. The regime has regenerated capabilities and the resolve to use it. The chemical attack was part of the regime’s usual style to finish off last pockets of resistance.”

In 2013, Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention, “but it is evident that the two northernmost sites that were hit by the coalition forces were post-2013 sites,” said Orion. “So actually, the Assad regime moved their assets around, kept some if its capabilities, hid them and then, assisted by Russia, used smoke and mirrors to deny their existence. The coalition strike was meant to tell Syria that the international community knows it used chemical weapons. But it all points to a failure of this mechanism to ascertain what is going on and to expose violations.” There are voices calling for the ouster—or even the assassination—of Syrian President Bashar Assad. What Assad must realize, said Orion, is that the crimes of tyrants like Adolph Eichmann, Saddam Hussein and Slobodan Milošević eventually caught up with them. “Parallel to the chemical-weapons issue, there is the Iran-Israel axis,” continued Orion. “Iran is established militarily in Syria. Now, Iran seems to feel it is time to reap its investment into actual gains and dig in to Syria. Iran is Hezbollah on steroids.” What Iran will do now is not immediately apparent, according to Orion, though he says he is certain that “the Israeli military has made preparations to thwart or counter any attempt by Iran” to further attack Israel. The question that remains, stresses Ben Taleblu, is: “Will Iran actually look to test Israel again, or will it try to save face?”

May 2018

international

Hamas terror engineer assassinated in Malaysia JEWISH NEWS SYNDICATE Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh blamed Israel for the shooting, saying “Israel has an open account with the Palestinians, it has moved the war overseas,” insinuating that Hamas would move its terror operations against Israel overseas as well. Hamas engineer Fadi Muhammad alBatash was shot dead in Malaysia on Saturday in an anonymous assassination. Al-Batash, an expert in attack-drone and rocket systems, was arriving at a mosque for morning prayers near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia Saturday morning when two men on a motorcycle, who allegedly waited for him to arrive, approached him and shot him approximately 20 times. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyah and Senior Islamic Jihad leader Khaled al-Batash both accused Israel’s Mossad national intelligence agency of carrying out the targeted killing. “The Islamic Resistance Movement mourns the son of its sons, the righteous, and a knight of its knights, a scholar of young Palestine scholars and the guardian of the Book of Allah,” Hamas said on a statement posted to its website. “The martyr was an example in calling God and working for the

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a meeting in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Jan. 7, 2016. Photo by Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90 Palestinian cause.” Fadi Muhammad al-Batash was originally from Gaza and assisted in Hamas terror plots, but left for Malaysia in 2011. The local police chief in Malaysia stated that other people were at the scene, but that the killers focused exclusively on al-Batash,

Natalie Portman refuses to receive Genesis Prize in Israel JEWISH NEWS SYNDICATE Hollywood Actress and director Natalie Portman, who once said that she would not “you know, s**t on Israel,” has announced that she did not “feel comfortable” accepting an esteemed award in the Jewish state due to “recent events.” The Genesis Prize, akin to a “Jewish Nobel,” is handed out annually in Israel to “honor individuals who serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Jews through their outstanding professional achievement, along with their commitment to Jewish values and the Jewish people.” And this year, it comes with a $2 million prize, double that of previous years. The award foundation said it was “very saddened” to have received word from Portman’s representatives that “recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her, and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel,” and that “she cannot in good conscience move forward with the ceremony.” Despite Portman’s rejection of the award

ceremony, the Genesis Prize Foundation told Haaretz that she did not intend to return her prize money, nor the $2 million matching grant she was promised by Israeli philanthropist Morris Kahn. As is the custom among Genesis Prize winners, Portman, who was born in Jerusalem, planned to donate her prize money to charity. She had already notified the foundation that she would give her award to international and Israeli causes dedicated to women. In a statement following the Genesis Prize announcement in November, Portman said she is “proud of my Israeli roots and Jewish heritage.” The 36-year-old has previous stood against the BDS movement, protesting efforts to keep the Toronto International Film Festival from staging a Tel Aviv-themed event in 2009. Portman came out as “very, very upset and disappointed” when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was elected in 2015, but said she did not “want to use my platform [in the wrong way] and “you know, s**t on Israel.”

Hollywood actress and director Natalie Portman with former Israeli President Shimon Peres at the premiere of Portman’s movie “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” based on the book by Israeli author Amos Oz, in Jerusalem in 2015. Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90.

leading them to suspect it was a targeted assassination. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, speaking at al-Batash’s mourning tent, blamed Israel for the shooting and said “Israel has an open account with the Palestinians, it has moved the war overseas,” insinuating that Hamas

would move its terror operations against Israel overseas as well. Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett said al-Batash must not be brought to burial in Gaza until Hamas relinquishes the bodies of Israeli kidnapped soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul.

Accusing Putin ... FROM PAGE 18 former KGB agent must be recognized as one of the most positive forces combating Jew hatred and supporting the local Jewish community. There are various explanations for Putin’s apparent philo-Semitism. Some say he was influenced as a youngster in St. Petersburg where he was looked after by a Jewish couple and deeply affected by a German Jewish teacher Mina Yuditkaya who came to Israel. He met her on a visit in 2005 and purchased an apartment for her in Tel Aviv in which she lived until she recently passed away. Putin has encouraged the Jewish renaissance in Russia, developed a warm relationship with Chabad Rabbi Berel Lazare and has many Jewish friends. He has made a distinct effort to attend Jewish functions such as the opening of the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center in Moscow, to which he contributed $50 million of state funds and even symbolically personally donated a month’s salary. He attends Chanukah celebrations and conveys goodwill on the advent of the Jewish New Year – something utterly unprecedented from a nationalist Russian leader. Despite his strategic involvement with the Syrians, Putin has determinedly kept the channels to Israel open. He has personally visited Israel on several

occasions, making it the first country to visit after his election in 2012. He speaks warmly of the Jewish state, expressing pride that it contains the largest diaspora of Russian Jews. At the western Wall, he donned a kippah – undoubtedly making his Bolshevik predecessors turn in their grave and enraging his Arab allies. Putin holds regular meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and other Jewish leaders who all testify to his deep respect for Israel especially its military and intelligence capabilities. That is not to say that we should become party to idealistic delusions and could necessarily rely on Putin if he were forced to choose between supporting Israel and abandoning his control of Syria. For the time being, we will continue the balancing act and hope we can sustain the relationship. But to accuse this man of anti-Semitism and linking him with the dark forces of Russian Jew baiting because of an ad lib comment taken out of context mentioning Jews amongst others is utter madness. If such hysteria is not halted it could inflict enormous harm on the Jewish people and Israel. We have enough enemies and do not need to abuse those who display genuine friendship towards us. This column was originally published in the Jerusalem Post and Israel HayomX

international

May 2018

Open letter to Natalie Portman from an Israeli progressive HEN MAZZIG We are a family, indeed and you’ve made a mistake. Dear Natalie, How did we get to this? I was always a fan, even of your politics. I could relate to your frustration about much of Israel’s politics. As an LGBT Israeli liberal from an Iraqi-North African (Berber) background, I know full well how much work is needed to improve our country. I’m definitely not a fan of right-wing politics in Israel and do not support the current leadership. However, your actions this week were disturbing. You always pride yourself on being Jewish and Israeli, even though you are living in your comfortable and protected home in the United States. You made sure that your opinions are known in Israel and around the world. You supported the V15 campaign, that was pushing to influence the Israeli elections, back in 2015. You were always vocal about your criticism of Israel’s politics. When you were told that you would get an award for your Jewish activism, it took you a month to get your representative to say you would not participate in any “public event in Israel” because of the “recent events.” Later on you posted on Instagram that your representative does not speak for you (seriously?) and that you are only partially joining the boycott of Israel, stating that you “can be critical of the leadership in Israel without wanting to boycott the entire nation.” Well, thank you for not boycotting the entire nation. But shame on you for your terrible behavior. Yes, Israel can be criticized – ask every Israeli and they will have criticism about the government, even the ones that support it fully. But it’s the style of dissent that matters. Israeli author David Grossman was one of 16 recipients of the Israel Prize last week, in a ceremony that concluded Israel’s 70th Independence Day celebrations. In attendance were Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and

Natalie Portman poses at the premiere for “Annihilation” in Los Angeles, California, US, February 13, 2018.. (photo credit: REUTERS/MARIO ANZUONI)

Education Minister Naftali Bennett. Grossman is a vocal critic of Netanyahu and Bennett, but he was there. In my work, in my publications and online, I try to make the progressive case for Israel, because I want people with different political views to feel comfortable supporting Israel. I do not want to see the Right as the only political wing that supports Israel. I work to make sure that the Left and progressives like myself are not represented by a small minority that is perceived as “traitors” or self-hating Jews. Education Minister Bennett said during the ceremony last week that “the Right doesn’t hold a monopoly on patriotism... not only the Right loves the land of Israel and not only the Left seeks peace. Both aspire for the best of the state.” Is it not shocking to you that a rightwing Israeli politician articulate a message of unity while yours was just divisive?

Indeed, we are living in a divisive time and age. We are being pitted against each other and polarization of the debate on Israel is stronger than ever. But I’m in pain to see you, of all people, making it worse. I do not think that you are anti-Israel, but as one Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions activist wrote online, “I can eat a salad and say I don’t eat healthy, but I’m still eating the salad. Portman boycotted Israel.” The BDS movement is not about economic boycott that will lead to the collapse of the Israeli economy; they know that cannot succeed. It is also not about a real cultural boycott that will lead to a full isolation; they know that will fail as well. It is about creating the facade of a successful boycott and influencing young people to think it is a movement they need to join, since it has traction and massive support. It is also about dividing the pro-Israel

community, just as you did. Like all Israelis, I am the product of a miracle. A miracle happened to my family in 1951, when they were in the middle of the life-changing crisis of expulsion from Arab and Muslim countries (North Africa and Iraq) because they were Jews. The miracle was that for the first time in 2000 years, there was a Jewish state to take them home. This is the same miracle that is happening today to French Jews escaping antisemitism – and it is the same miracle that will save many other Jews in the future. It should be clear that Israel is not only here to serve American Jews. I was in the army for five years defending Israel and working side by side with Palestinians. Today I speak up in the public arena because I understand the issue is bigger than me and my political agenda. Politicians come and go but the State of Israel is much bigger than you or the current prime minister. And contrary to your statement, the State of Israel was not “conceived as a haven for Holocaust refugees.” The Zionist movement began to establish a state way before the First World War. It is a rebirth of a nation, not just a home for Holocaust survivors. We are a family, indeed and you’ve made a mistake. You made it worse over and again. We are calling you out on it. It’s not about criticism, which we welcome here, it is about the way you do it, at this moment in time. I know you are used to a different type of political debate in the US, but we don’t need you to bring it here. Come to Israel, make things right, speak your mind at the ceremony and let’s put this to rest. It is not too late to correct your mistake. I promise that I will do all I can to support you if you do. As much as you love Israel, Israel loves you more, and we will not turn our back on you when you need us. Do not do us wrong. With brotherly love, Hen Mazzig HenMazzig is an Israeli writer, public speaker and strategic communications consultant from Tel Aviv. www.HenMazzig.com

Is cannabis the new wonder drug? WWW.ISRAEL21C.ORG ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN Israeli scientists are exploring cannabis as a treatment, or even cure, for conditions ranging from cancer to Parkinson’s, asthma, insomnia, PTSD, epilepsy and IBS. Cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, asthma, insomnia, autism, PTSD, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s – the list of conditions that can be improved, and possibly cured, by medical cannabis keeps growing longer. The powerful plant used to make marijuana and hashish may prove to be the wonder drug of the century. Israeli researchers have long been at the forefront of discovering which of its many components — and in what quantity and form of delivery –- are effective for which ailments. Already since the 1990s, medical cannabis has been permitted in Israel and currently is dispensed by prescription to about 33,000 people for relief of pain associated with diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Crohn’s, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Now, academic and corporate research is more intensive than ever. The Israeli government is formulating rules for exporting medical cannabis products such as capsules and oils, and the first government-sponsored international conference on medical cannabis will take place April 23-26 near Tel Aviv. We spoke to conference organizer Hinanit Koltai, PhD, senior research scientist at the government’s Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Institute. She works with the Agriculture and Health ministries to promote medicalization of cannabis by determining proper growth conditions and building a national cannabis gene bank for the use of authorized growers, scientists and breeders. Individual strains or cultivars could be optimized for certain medical indications, Koltai explains.

“We can grow cannabis plants for research purposes and manipulate the growth conditions in a way that forms whatever composition we prefer and then we can give future guidelines to growers,” Koltai tells ISRAEL21c. Her lab developed new extraction methods and bio-assays, and collaborates with physicians, scientists and commercial companies to develop cannabis-based treatments for specific conditions. IBD and cancer For research on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, Koltai’s lab partnered with Israeli-Canadian PlantEXT, a subsidiary of Israel Plant Sciences. They’re examining the effect of cannabis extracts and compounds on tissue from colon biopsies provided by Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba and will soon start clinical trials. Next they’ll turn their attention to colon cancer. “Until now, even with IBD we talked about treating symptoms rather than curing. With cancer, we’re starting to talk about curing. This is revolutionary in relation to medical cannabis,” Koltai reveals. “I do not want to raise false hopes but we see it as a mission to try and establish cannabis as an anti-cancer treatment. We have exciting results that have to be verified in clinical trials and that can take years,” she adds. Cannabis will one day be an important tool in curing cancer, agrees Prof. David “Dedi” Meiri, head of the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabanoid Research at the Technion-Israeli Institute of Technology. However, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Each type of cancer has unique characteristics and cannabis contains 142 known cannabinoids (active components). Matching the most effective cannabis compounds (possibly a cocktail of them) to specific cancers is a complex process that Meiri’s lab is mapping out on mice, Meiri told ISRAEL21c

at the fourth annual CannaTech conference in Tel Aviv earlier this year. Even the compound extraction method makes a difference, Meiri said, “but we don’t know yet which is better, just that there’s a difference.” Parkinson’s, insomnia Nearly 70 Israeli companies are actively focusing on medical cannabis in sectors such as agriculture, life-sciences and medical devices, according to a 2018 report from Tel Aviv-based IVC Research Center. Some of the life-sciencescompanies developing medicines or treatments are ICD Pharma, Intec Pharma, Talent Biotechs (acquired in 2017 by Kalytera Therapeutics), Therapix Biosciences, Bazelet and Izun Pharma subsidiary CannRx. “Cannabis is very different from traditional pharma because the initial evidence for relevant indications is coming from patients themselves rather than from basic research,” says Shimon Lecht, PhD, the R&D manager for CannRx. The medical indications in the CannRx pipeline are insomnia, neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease; and pain (with a delivery system suitable for the elderly and other populations having difficulty with administration). “The most advanced formulas are for insomnia and pain. We expect during this year to have some announcements of clinical trial results,” says Lecht. CannRx also develops unique drug-delivery products for the cannabis molecule such as a novel vapor capture technology (VCT) method to extract the oil of the plant for the most beneficial medical effects. Autism, epilepsy, fractures, diabetes Dr. Adi Aran, director of neuropediatrics at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and a consultant to the Health Ministry for medical cannabis, explores the effects of medical cannabis on epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“The dramatic clinical effect seen in some cases has led me to further explore the potential benefits, and possible risks, of cannabinoids, particularly in children,” said Aran. In 2016, he led the world’s first open-label trial studying the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) oil on symptoms in 60 subjects aged 5 to 21. Nearly half the subjects’ parents said their children’s core ASD symptoms were reduced by the treatment. Almost one-third said their previously uncommunicative children started speaking or communicating nonverbally – including one who said “I love you” to his mother for the first time. Encouraged by those results, Aran led a largescale double-blind controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of cannabis for autism, involving 150 severely autistic children and adults aged 5 to 29. “The follow-up will continue till November,” he tells ISRAEL21c, “and then the publication process will take several months.” Tikun Olam, the first grower and supplier of medical cannabis to be licensed by the Israeli Health Ministry, in 2005, recently tested its oral CBD oil drops to lessen symptoms associated with severe ASD. In the study at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center involving 53 children and young adults aged 4 to 22, the Tikun Olam drops caused a significant improvement in social communication skills and decrease in self-injury and rage attacks, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances and anxiety. The overall rate of improvement in symptoms was 74.5 percent, although in some participants the symptoms stayed the same or worsened. “Cannabidiol appears to be effective in improving ASD symptoms; however, longterm effects should be evaluated in large-scale studies,” the study authors concluded. Regarding other medical conditions, scientists from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University

CONTINUED PAGE 21

international

May 2018

Is cannabis the new wonder drug? FROM PAGE 20 of Jerusalem showed that CBD significantly enhanced healing in lab rats with thigh bone fractures; and Ananda Scientific is investigating how CBD may control and even prevent diabetes. Pain, PTSD, asthma The opioid addiction crisis is driving increased interest in medical cannabis as an alternative to other pain-relief medications. Israeli research published in the March 2018 issue of European Journal of Internal Medicine showed the effectiveness and safety of a sixmonth regimen of cannabis treatment for pain in 2,736 patients aged 65 and older. Overall improvement was noted by 93.7% of respondents. They reported significantly fewer falls and less use of prescription pain medicines including opioids. “Gathering more evidence-based data, including data from double-blind randomizedcontrolled trials, in this special population is imperative,” concluded the authors, who include Ran Abuhasira, Victor Novack and Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider of the Cannabis Clinical Research Institute at Soroka University Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University in Beersheva (Schleider also heads research at Tikun Olam) and Prof. Raphael Mechoulam from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Mechoulam, the first to successfully isolate the THC (psychoactive) component of cannabis back in 1964, is leading a team at the Hebrew University’s Multidisciplinary Center on Cannabis Research investigating the benefits of nonpsychoactive cannabis components for treating asthma and other respiratory conditions, a study commissioned by UK-Israeli biotech startup CiiTech. CannRx’s VCT vapor capture technology device. Photo: courtesy

Autism, epilepsy, fractures, diabetes Dr. Adi Aran, director of neuropediatrics at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and a consultant to the Health Ministry for medical cannabis, explores the effects of medical cannabis on epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). “The dramatic clinical effect seen in some cases has led me to further explore the potential benefits, and possible risks, of cannabinoids, particularly in children,” said Aran. In 2016, he led the world’s first open-label trial studying the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) oil on symptoms in 60 subjects aged 5 to 21. Nearly half the subjects’ parents said their children’s core ASD symptoms were reduced by the treatment. Almost one-third said their previously uncommunicative children started speaking or communicating nonverbally – including one who said “I love you” to his mother for the first time. Encouraged by those results, Aran led a largescale double-blind controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of cannabis for autism, involving 150 severely autistic children and adults aged 5 to 29. “The follow-up will continue till November,” he tells ISRAEL21c, “and then the publication process will take several months.” Tikun Olam, the first grower and supplier of medical cannabis to be licensed by the Israeli Health Ministry, in 2005, recently tested its oral CBD oil drops to lessen symptoms associated with severe ASD. In the study at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center involving 53 children and young adults aged 4 to 22, the Tikun Olam drops caused a significant improvement in social communication skills and decrease in self-injury and rage attacks, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances and anxiety. The overall rate of improvement in symptoms was 74.5 percent, although in some participants the symptoms stayed the same or worsened. “Cannabidiol appears to be effective in

Like the bees in a hive, a healthy society is made up of individuals who work together for the greater good. This is the foundation of Masada College ELC to Year 12, which nurtures Happiness, Inclusion, Values and Edge.

H appiness I nclusion V alues E dge

ELC-Yr 12 College Campus: 9-15 Link Road, St Ives T +61 2 9449 3744 E enrolments@staff.masada.nsw.edu.au hiveofpotential.com.au

improving ASD symptoms; however, longterm effects should be evaluated in large-scale studies,” the study authors concluded. Regarding other medical conditions, scientists from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem showed that CBD significantly enhanced healing in lab rats with thigh bone fractures; and Ananda Scientific is investigating how CBD may control and even prevent diabetes. Pain, PTSD, asthma The opioid addiction crisis is driving increased interest in medical cannabis as an alternative to other pain-relief medications. Israeli research published in the March 2018 issue of European Journal of Internal Medicine showed the effectiveness and safety of a sixmonth regimen of cannabis treatment for pain in 2,736 patients aged 65 and older. Overall improvement was noted by 93.7% of respondents. They reported significantly fewer falls and less use of prescription pain medicines including opioids. “Gathering more evidence-based data, including data from double-blind randomizedcontrolled trials, in this special population is imperative,” concluded the authors, who include Ran Abuhasira, Victor Novack and Lihi Bar-Lev Schleider of the Cannabis Clinical Research Institute at Soroka University Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University in Beersheva (Schleider also heads research at Tikun Olam) and Prof. Raphael Mechoulam from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Mechoulam, the first to successfully isolate the THC (psychoactive) component of cannabis back in 1964, is leading a team at the Hebrew University’s Multidisciplinary Center on Cannabis Research investigating the benefits of nonpsychoactive cannabis components for treating asthma and other respiratory conditions, a study commissioned by UK-Israeli biotech startup CiiTech. Bazelet, the largest medical cannabis company

in Israel,has developed proprietary technology to isolate and utilize specific cannabis components to treat chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and autism. Clinical trials are in progress for pain relief and PTSD. Therapix Biosciences of Tel Aviv recently received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its investigational synthetic cannabinoid drug THX-110, paving the way for a Phase IIa clinical trial of THX-110 for chronic low back pain. Tourette and sleep apnea Therapix also has a clinical development program for THX-110 in the treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS) and obstructive sleep apnea. A Phase IIa study at Yale University for TS suggests that THX-110 significantly improved symptoms over time in adult subjects. Complete results will be presented at the 2018 European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome meeting in Copenhagen this June. “These results are of particular interest as the pharmacology of THX-110 appears to be distinct from existing medications for TS and may offer a unique option for treating these patients,” said Therapix CTO Adi Zuloff-Shani. “Based on these study results, we intend to initiate a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of daily oral THX-110 in treating adults with Tourette syndrome.” There is more on the horizon: Therapix is testing a different cannabis compound, THX-130, for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and traumatic brain injury; THX-150 for the treatment of infectious diseases; and THX-ULD01 for treating mild cognitive impairment.

schools / shuls

May 2018

JCA - STRONGER TOGETHER

Care beyond the classroom at Masada College MASADA COLLEGE Natalie Batkov- Street, Head of Academic Care Years 7-12, explains what Masada College students gain outside of the classroom In today’s times, it’s imperative that schools offer more to their students than the syllabus requirements. And while an academic focus in senior school years can often lead to life lessons falling by the way side, Masada College goes the extra mile in making sure our students have the emotional support and capacity they need for these fundamental years of life. That is the role of our Academic Care department; and that is an example of the edge that Masada College offers our students. Academic Care at Masada encompasses all aspects of education, from ensuring they are performing to the best of their abilities in the classroom to fostering life skills that will serve them for years beyond graduation. In the senior school, each year is cared for by their year patron who is the link between students, staff and parents. It is the patron who greets students on their first school day, provides them with buddies if they join throughout the course of the year and accompanies students on camps. Patrons keep a close watch on not

Ryan Gill, Head of Teaching and Learning 7-12 and HSIE Department teacher with Masada College Senior School students only the academic needs of their students but also their emotional and social needs. The patrons also hold a fortnightly meeting with all the staff during which the progress of each student is discussed, ensuring we are proactive rather than reactive. Prior to commencing in Year 7, the patron organises an orientation program in Term 4 as part of our Transition to Senior School program. In

addition, in the first weeks of Year 7, patrons take the cohort on a three- day camp which allows students to build relationships with each other and with staff. Each year group also has a weekly meeting time with their patron, where issues can be discussed and where students are engaged in appropriate programs that cover topics such as study skills, stress management,

cyber safety, healthy relationships as well as drugs and alcohol awareness. Students are also addressed by industry professionals specialising in adolescent development and wellness. Academic Care also affords students the opportunity to participate in horizontally-grouped club activities whereby students pick from a range of activities that encourage them to “switch off” from technology and engage with an activity they enjoy or would like to try, such as yoga, sign language, mindful colouring, languages, rock band and opportunities for volunteering within the community. In addition, our Senior School Learning Support Team, led by our college counsellor, works with students with specific additional needs. These needs are diverse and range from issues with handwriting, perceptual difficulties and comprehension issues to difficulty with breaking down assignments. To us, wellbeing underpins the educational experience of all students at Masada College, ELC - Year 12. We believe that by providing a supportive and nurturing environment the school contributes to the development of students’ sense of selfworth, enthusiasm for learning and optimism for the future (Adelaide Declaration, 2000, p1).

Masada’s Year 5 & 6 Yom Hashoah Assembly MASADA COLLEGE On Yom Hashoah, Masada’s Year 5 and 6 classes held a special assembly which began with Gila Lewin thanking her Safta, Mrs Chana Grauman, a Holocaust survivor, for teaching her the value of contributing to our Jewish nation. Students were immersed in the life of a child growing up during the Holocaust

through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s film of Daniel’s Story before six candles were lit to remember the six million lives lost Masada also held a special Yom Hashoah assembly for the high school students as well as a Yom Hazikaron Assembly for the whole school on Friday 13 April before school closed for the holidays.

Do you live in Dover Heights, North Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse or Point Piper? Get your FREE copy of the Sydney Jewish Report delivered to your door for FREE!. E-mail your address to: subscriptions@thejewishreport.com.au

schools / shuls

May 2018

A Minyan Of Teens NORTH SHORE TEMPLE EMANUEL Last month, North Shore Temple Emanuel (NSTE) clergy were joined by 10 post b’nei mitzvah teenagers in leading the morning shacharit service for the congregation. The teens are part of the shul’s new “Teen Torah Tag Team”, formed in 2017 by Senior Rabbi Nicole Roberts. Saturday 7 April 2018 marked the second time since inception that a full minyan of ten teens from the Tag Team has come together to lead prayer and leyn Torah. At the shul’s Tag Team services, held approximately every six weeks, participating teenagers take responsibility for leyning the entire morning Torah reading. In addition to leyning, the teens also chant the Haftarah, lead other blessings throughout the service, are called to the Torah as a group for the maftir aliyah, and enjoy a special Mi Shebeirach blessing as a group. At one service, a teen even delivered the d’rash, sharing her recent Israel Study Tour (IST) experience visiting Poland and Israel. At the conclusion of the service, the Tag Team and congregation are treated to a special ice cream and chocolate kiddush. With a large cohort of 28 b’nei mitzvah students in 2017, the Tag Team was established as ‘the next frontier’ in our students’ Jewish journey, with the aim of keeping teenagers interested and engaged in congregational life following their ‘big day.’ “In previous years, teens were specially

Jonah Rottanberg, Harry Baral, James Winter, Noah Paikin, Sivan Fox, Ezra Miller, Rabbi Nicole Roberts invited back, individually, one year following bar or bat mitzvah to reprise their maftir reading. But by then their enthusiasm had waned, they felt rusty on their skills, and they feared being the only teenager in shul that day,” observes Rabbi Roberts. “Most didn’t take us up on the offer, and sometimes they didn’t even have the option because someone else was celebrating bar or bat mitzvah that day and the maftir reading was not available.” Then Rabbi Roberts recalled a feedback session once held with parents and teens, when one parent suggested that the kids might enjoy coming as a group with their

Bible Quiz Finale KESSER TORAH COLLEGE After months of hard work and perseverance, The Bible Quiz culminated last week on Yom Haatzmaut at the finale in Israel. Out of 79 students from 41 countries involved in the initial round, 16 of those students went to the finals in Israel. Both of the Australian representatives came from Kesser Torah College; Yehuda Eisenberg

and Chaim Ber Herschowitz were flown to Israel to compete in the finals. This round was shown on live Israeli national television with many dignitaries, including the Israeli Prime Minister; Bibi Netanyahu, present. During the first of the final rounds, both Chaim Ber and Yehuda recieved their full 10 marks, with Yehuda making it to the next round of 8 finalists. Both boys performed exceptionally well.

friends to all leyn together on the same day. “I thought that was a lovely idea worth trying,” says Rabbi Roberts. “You have to channel the kids’ enthusiasm when it’s still hot following their bar or bat mitzvahcelebration, because there are so many other pulls on their attention and time when they are in high school. We don’t want the bar or bat mitzvah ceremony to be the end of a student’s engagement in the community. We want it to be a gateway to a lifetime of meaningful involvements.” Immediately following their bar or bat mitzvah ceremony, students become eligible to participate in the next upcoming Tag Team service. Some prefer to start

gradually, reciting blessings they learned for their bar or bat mitzvah ceremony, rather than leyning Torah. Others are eager to dive right in! To encourage participation on the Tag Team, Rabbi Roberts often invites Tag Team teens to share “words of the wise” (words of encouragement about b’nei mitzvah or joining the Tag Team) with current b’nei mitzvah students, who are all encouraged to attend the Tag Team services. In addition, soon each bar and bat mitzvah student will receive the gift of a yad from the congregation at their ceremony, which they are then invited to bring along and use when they leyn in a Tag Team service. Tag Team teens also engage in other activities throughout the year, including NSTE’s annual teen-led Yom Kippur Afternoon service and social opportunities, such as their recent PrePesach Pizza Party. The next Tag Team Shabbat is on Saturday 26 May. To find out more about the Teen Torah Tag Team or NSTE’s b’nei mitzvah program, visit www.nste.org.au/ teens or www.nste.org.au/bnei-mitzvahprogram . Alternatively, you can call the office on 9419 7011. (Please note that this photo was not taken on Shabbat - it was taken the week prior at the Pre-Pesach Pizza Party)

schools / shuls

KACHOL VE’LAVAN HUG-A-BUB LESLEY SHNEIER

Emanuel Woollahra Preschool celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut by drawing a huge aeroplane on the ground and telling the

Young Lions Lead Kehillat Masada KEHILLAT MASADA Kehillat Masada is excited to announce the launch of our original youth movement - Lavi. “Lavi means young lion in Hebrew and represents the tribe of Yehuda, with the traits of responsibility integrity and leadership,” says Kehillat Masada’s Youth Rabbi, Rabbi Noah Kunin. “It also represents the traits that the members of our movement embody.” In response to the growing number of younger shul members who have formed close friendships over the many Shabbatot spent together at one another’s houses, Kehillat Masada has taken the initiative to offer the youth their very own organisation. The movement will have five “shvatim” (year groups): Gefen - Year 2 Te’ena - Year 3

Emanuel Woollahra Preschool EMANUEL WOOLLAHRA PRESCHOOL

The children of Hug-a-Bub celebrated Yom Haátzmaut by coming to school dressed in Blue and White. We had fun working at tables with various blue and white activites to symbolise the colours of Israel\’s flag. The children created their own Magen David which is hanging on our Mobile in the class. Together with the teachers, the children danced to Israeli music, waved their flags in the air and some of the children were eager to have the colours of blue and white painted onto their faces. The highlight of our day was enjoying an Israele festive afternoon tea of felafel, Israeli salad and pita. Yum!!

Rimon - Year 4 Zayit - Year 5 Tamar - Year 6 Lead by enthusiastic and committed madrichim who have spent weeks training and preparing for this momentous occasion, each year group will be led by at least three group leaders and supervised by Rabbi Kunin. Lavi meetings will take place every Wednesday afternoon from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM and will offer engaging, dynamic and, most importantly, fun programs. There will also be a Shabbat afternoon program once a month. Lavi will officially launch on 3 May 2018 with a Lag Ba’omer event. It’s sure to be a roaring success, so contact Kehillat Masada to find out more. Call 9988 4417 or email info@kehillatmasada.com.au

May 2018

children they were going on a trip to Israel. In Israel, we went to the kotel, the dead sea , visited a coffee shop in Tel Aviv where we did Israeli dancing and went to a kibbutz where the children got to feed animals.

May 2018

schools / shuls

Moriah College Yom Haâ€™atzmaut Celebrations

shavuot

May 2018

SHAVUOT What’s it about?

havuot, is a the holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jews. The Talmud tells us that God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jews on the sixth night of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavuot always falls 50 days after the second night of Passover. The 49 days in between are known as the Omer. In biblical times Shavuot also marked the beginning of the new agricultural season and was called Hag HaKatzir, which means “The Harvest Holiday.” Other names Shavuot is known by are “The Feast of Weeks” and Hag HaBikurim, meaning “The Holiday of First Fruits.” This last name comes from the practice of bringing fruits to the Temple on Shavuot. After the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE the rabbis connected Shavuot with the Revelation at Mt. Sinai, when God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jewish people. This is why Shavuot celebrates the giving and receiving of the Torah in modern times.

From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot

any religious Jews commemorate Shavuot by spending the entire night studying Torah at their synagogue or at home. They also study other biblical books and portions of the Talmud. This all-night gathering is known as Tikun Leyl Shavuot and at dawn participants stop studying and recite shacharit, the morning prayer. Tikun Leyl Shavuot is a kabbalistic (mystical) custom that is relatively new to Jewish tradition. It is increasingly popular among modern Jews and is meant to help us rededicate ourselves to studying Torah. Kabbalists taught that at midnight on Shavuot the skies open for a brief moment and God favorably hears all prayers.

Why Dairy on Shavuot?

hhh... the sumptuous delight of blintzes and cheesecake! Shavuot is the only Jewish holiday with a dairy menu and eating a milchik meal on Shavuot has become an enduring tradition. But what’s the meaning behind this? Here are a few reasons: • When the Jewish people received the Torah at Mount Sinai, included was special instructions for how to slaughter and prepare meat for eating. Until then, the Jews had not followed these laws, thus all their meat – plus the cooking pots – were now considered “not kosher.” So the only alternative was to eat dairy, which requires no advance preparation. • Another explanation comes from Song of Songs (Shir ha’Shirim) 4:11: “Like honey and milk [the Torah] lies under your tongue.”Likewise, the land of Israel is referred to as “a land flowing with milk and honey” in Deuteronomy 31:20. • Essentially, milk serves as sustenance, the source of life, and honey represents sweetness. So Jews the world over make dairy-based sweet treats like cheesecake, blintzes, and cottage cheese pancakes with fruit compote. • As the Torah is likened to nourishing milk, also, the Hebrew word for milk is chalav.When the numerical values of each of the letters in the word chalav are added together (8 + 30 + 2) the total is forty. Forty is the number of days Moses spent on Mount Sinai when receiving the Torah. • An alternative name for Mount Sinai is Har Gav’nunim, the mountain of majestic peaks. The Hebrew word for cheese is gevina, etymologically related to Har Gav’nunim. Further, the gematria of gevina (cheese) is 70, corresponding to the “70 faces of Torah.”

Other Shavuot Customs Chanting the Ten Commandments. Reading Megilat Rut, known as the Book of Ruth in English. This biblical book tells the story of two women: a Jewish woman named Naomi and her non-Jewish daughter-in-law Ruth. Their relationship was so strong that when Ruth’s husband died she decided to join the Jewish people by converting to Judaism. The Book of Ruth is read during Shavuot because it takes place during the harvest season and because Ruth’s conversion is thought to reflect our acceptance of the Torah on Shavuot. Also, Jewish tradition teaches that King David (Ruth’s great-great-grandson) was born and died on Shavuot. On Shavuot, it is customary to decorate the synagogue with branches and flowers. This is because Mount Sinai blossomed with flowers on the day the Torah was given. The Bible also associates Shavuot with the harvest of wheat and fruits, and marks the bringing of the first fruits to the Holy Temple as an expression of thanksgiving. (see Exodus 23:16, 34:22, Numbers 28:26) Content from exerpts of articles from www.thoughtco.com, www.chabad.org, www.aish.com

shavuot

May 2018

Inspirational Shavuot platters

Baked Cheesecake Ingredients 1 packet of digestive biscuits 100grams butter (melted) Add butter to biscuits and press into a springform tin 2 x tins condensed milk 2 x punnets cream cheese 4 eggs (separated) Juice and rind of 2 lemons Method Beat egg whites until foamy and stiff Mix together the condensed milk, cream

cheese and egg yolks with a hand mixer Fold in the lemon juice and rind Fold in the egg whites Pour into biscuit base Bake at 170 deg for 35-40 mins (or until golden brown) Leave to cool for a while. Run a knife around the tin to loosen cheesecake. Release spring but leave in tin until ready to decorate. Serve with berries.

Tuna Lasagne Ingredients 2 medium chopped onions Â˝ clove crushed garlic 50g butter 3 tins tuna 1 tin tomato soup pepper lasagne 1 tub cream 1 tub cottage cheese 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 2 cups grated mozzerella cheese Method Fry chopped onions and garlic in butter

until transparent Flake tuna and add to the onions â€“ cook for about 5 minutes Add tomato soup and pepper Simmer for about 5 minutes Mix cottage cheese and cream together Place the layers in a dish in the following order: tuna lasagne thin layer of cream mixture thin layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese Repeat the layers ending with the grated cheese Bake for 30mins at 150 deg.

lifestyle

May 2018

Celebrating the Art of Photography ELISE HAWTHORNE Sydney’s Head On Photo Festival, 5 - 20 May, is a creative force in the cultural life of Australia, presenting the work of over 900 local, international, dynamic and diverse photo-artists and forging relationships within the creative community. Utilising traditional and non-traditional models, Head On uniquely creates spaces and places to exhibit excellent photography and continues to be a bridge between Australian and international photographic markets. New York based photographer Nancy Borowick said, “I have always admired Head On and the powerful work they support and exhibit at their festival, so it was an honour to be selected to exhibit my very personal story. My work will be part exhibition part installation, telling the story of my families final years with my ailing parents. It taps into nostalgia and takes the audience on a tour down memory lane, through old family albums, videos, and journals - I invite the Head On guests into my home and my family.” “In addition to sharing my work, I had the special opportunity to be a judge in the photography contest, looking at work in the mobile category; this was a fascinating experience. To be able to bring a photographer’s perspective to the conversation around a medium, the mobile camera, was both challenging and inspiring and I look forward to speaking more about

Moshe Rosenzveig © Zorica Purlija this during the festival,” said Nancy. At the heart of the festival is the Head On Photo Awards in Portrait, Landscape, Mobile and Student categories through which the not-for-profit Head On Foundation has awarded over $500,000 in cash and product. Very few other Australian arts organisations provide the same opportunity for so many artists. The Festival is a major platform for discovering new talent, re-discovering established artists and exploring new technologies and ideas through exhibitions, workshops, discussion. Why Head On Photo Festival? “Because every picture has a story to tell and all photoartists need a fair chance to tell it,” said Moshe Rosenzveig, Festival Director. For more information visit: www.headon.com.au

©Nancy Borowick This photo by Nancy Borowick is about the life of her family and her parents (who both died of cancer at the same time). She is from New York and will be a guest of the festival.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

8646 Scott Winton - Sydney Jewish Report ad 18.5cm h x 13cm w.indd 1

26/3/18 9:43 am

May 2018

lifestyle

20 phrases to use when your child isn’t listening WWW.MOTHER.LY WENDY SNYDER

Our children are often the best mirrors. Over time, I have gracefully taken a step back and realized I needed to clean up my communication. I replaced my judgmental, negative, threatening tone with a neutral, problem solving, empathetic, encouraging one (this took TONS of practice, and I’m still a work in progress) and my little girl’s behavior improved dramatically. The lesson was clear for me. Talk to minihumans the way you’d like to be talked to and things will go a lot smoother. Easier said than done, so over the years, I’ve adopted the motto “Progress over perfection.” These 20 positive phrases are a great place to start if you’d like to make a fresh start with your communication: 1.“What do you need to remember?” Take a break from: “Be careful.” Example: “What do you need to remember when you play at the park?” or “Please move slow like a careful turtle when walking on top of that wall.” Explained: Kids often ignore when we say this same thing again and again. Instead, engage their critical thinking skills and have them re-state the important precaution. Or give them specifics on what you want. 2.“Please talk softly.” Take a break from: “Stop yelling!” or “Be Quiet!” Example: “Please talk softly or whisper,” (said in a whisper voice) or, “I love your singing, AND I need you to sing loud outside or in the playroom.” Explained: Some kids are naturally louder than others. If they have trouble speaking softly, show them where they can go to be loud and also use the power of the whisper. In combination with a gentle touch and eye contact, whispering is an incredibly effective way to get kids to listen. 3.“Would you like to do it on your own or have me help you?” Take a break from: “I’ve asked you three times, do it now!” Example: “It’s time to leave. Would you like to put on your shoes by yourself, or have me help you?” or “Would you like to hop in your car seat by yourself or have me put you in it?” Explained: Most kids respond incredibly well to being empowered. Give them a choice and their critical thinking skills override their temptation to push back. 4. “What did you learn from this mistake?” Take a break from: “Shame on you” or “You should know better.” Example: “What did you learn from this mistake?” or “What did you learn and how will you do it differently next time, so you don’t get in trouble at school?” Explained: Focusing on motivation to change behavior for the future will get you much better results than placing shame on past misbehavior. 5.“Please ______________.” Take a break from: “Don’t!” or “Stop It!” Example: “Please pet the dog gently” or “Please put your shoes in the closet.” Explained: Do any of us go through our day telling waitresses, baristas, friends, etc. what we DON’T want? No, right? We wouldn’t get the best response if we said “Do NOT give us a whole milk latte” or “I don’t want the chicken.” That form of negative communication isn’t perceived well and puts undue strain on relationships. Instead, try asking for what you do want. 6. “We are on cheetah time today and need to move fast!” Take a break from: “Hurry Up!” or “We are going to be late!” Example: “We’re on racehorse time today! Let’s see how fast we can move!” Explained: Be sure to let them be on turtle time sometimes! We could all use a healthy dose of slowing down, so provide mornings where everyone is relaxed & kids can move slow. 7.“Do you want to leave now or in ten minutes?” Take a break from: “Time to go…now!” Example: “Do you guys wanna leave now or play for ten more minutes, then leave? Why it works: Kids love to be in charge of their

own destiny, especially power kids! This takes a tad bit of proactivity, but it works like a charm! Give them a choice & they’ll respond much better when you say “Ok, 10 minutes is up, time to go.” 8. “Let’s add that toy you want to your birthday list.” Take a break from: “We can’t afford that” or “No, I said NO TOYS!” Example: “I am not willing to buy that, would you like me to put it on your birthday wish list?” Explained: If we’re being honest, we often CAN afford the $5 lego at checkout, we’re just not willing to purchase it. But then buy a $5 almond milk latte from Starbucks. Instead of blaming our finances and creating feelings of scarcity, own your limit, then offer ideas to help them learn how to get it (birthday, earning money, etc.). 9. “Stop, breathe, now ask for what you want.” Take a break from: “Stop whining!” Example: “Let’s stop, breathe together, now try again to ask for what you want.“ Explained: Be sure to model this too. Keep repeating it calmly while breathing with them, till they can self-calm and change the way they’re talking. 10. “Respect yourself and others.” Take a break from: “Be good.” Example: “Remember to respect yourself and others when you’re inside the jumpy today.” Explained: Be specific here as kids often don’t absorb the general statements we throw at them. Ask for what you want and have them restate what is important to remember. 11. “Use your teamwork skills.” Take a break from: “Don’t be bossy!” and “No one will want to play with you if you act like that.” Example: “You’re a great leader. Remember to use your teamwork skills today. Ask your friends questions, instead of telling them what to do and let others have a turn leading too.” Explained: Many kids who have a strong desire to lead (or feel powerful) are often told they’re bossy or that no one will want to be their friends if they act mean. Instead, become a coach of your child and teach them how good leaders lead with integrity—asking instead of commanding, showing instead of telling, and taking turns, so everyone has a turn to lead AND also rest, etc. 12. “I need you to _____________.” Take a break from: “Stop doing ___,” and “It’s not ok to ___.” Example: “I need you to pet the dog gently, he loves calming pets and will sit with you longer if you touch him that way. “I need you to slow down and walk like a turtle right now instead of a racehorse since we’re in a dangerous parking lot.” Explained: I statements come across very different than you statements, and kids respond much better when we communicate with them in non-accusatory ways. Also, asking for what you

want is huge to guide kids in the direction you want (vs. focusing their brain on what you DON’T want!) 13. “It’s okay to cry.” Take a break from: “Don’t be a baby,” or “Don’t Cry.” Example: “It’s ok that you feel sad, I’ll be over here if you need me. I know you can find a way to take care of yourself.” Explained: It’s incredible how well kids respond when we don’t pressure them to “get over their feelings” or try to force them to stop freaking out. Empower and teach them they are capable of moving through the feeling on their own and they’ll come out of the sadness sooner—and also build their self-esteem. 14. “How will you take care of yourself?” Take a break from: Always fixing, i.e., “Do __________, and you’ll be fine, it’s not a big deal,” or “Why are you always so emotional? Here, a cookie will make you feel better.” Example: “It’s ok to be ____________. What are some things you can do to help yourself feel better?” Explained: Empowering kids to take care of themselves is an incredible gift! Kids who learn to move through emotions with integrity, and take self-calming action get into trouble less and have higher self-esteem. (Be sure you are learning through positive parenting curriculum like The Foundations Course how to support them in this journey to develop intrinsic care, self-control methods and how to self-calm.) 15. “I’ll stop, breathe and wait for you to finish.” Take a break from: “Just let me do it.” Example: “Looks like you need a moment, I’ll sit down and wait for two minutes or put the dishes in the dishwasher while I wait.” Explained: Many times, it’s us parents that need to chill. Slow down and let them try to tie their shoe themselves or figure out the elevator floor by reading the sign. Kids often do a great job of reminding us to be present. Be ok with a lumpy bed sometimes, or shoes on the wrong foot. The goal here is to let kids try, fail, try again and anchor feelings of capability—so they don’t always depend on us to do everything! 16. “I love you no matter what.” Take a break from: “No one wants to be with you when you’re bad,” or “You’re not getting hugs and kisses after acting like that.” Example: “I love you no matter what behavior you have, AND I’d like you to ask your brother for the toy next time, instead of grabbing it.” Explained: Unconditional love is at the core of Positive Parenting and means that our love for our kids does not depend on the level of good behavior they have in the day. We love them with all of our heart no matter what. Feeding this truth into our children pours into their need to belong, which is a key motivating factor that Dr. Rudolph

Dreikurs (grandfather of Positive Parenting) helps us understand. When kids’ basic needs are met, they misbehave less. 17. “I am not ok with ___________—yet.” Take a break from: “You’re not old enough,” or “You’re too little to do that.” Example: “I’m not ok with you walking on top of that brick wall because I’m scared you’ll fall and hurt yourself.” Explained: When we own our fears and worries, our kids respond and respect our limits a lot better. Kids often feel like they are old enough, strong enough, big enough and capable enough to do big things like ride bikes fast, climb high fences and carry big glasses of juice…but it’s us that isn’t ready to take the risk yet. Communicate this to your kids using the word I, and they will push back less. 18. “You care, so I’d love for you to decide.” Take a break from: “I don’t care.” Example: “You know what? I’m flexible on this, so can you choose for us. I’d love your help.” Explained: When we really don’t care, this is a great opportunity to empower our kids and let them lead! Good leaders are also good followers so teaching our kids this through letting them make decisions is good practice. 19. “I believe in you and am here to support you.” Take a break from: Rescuing, i.e., “I’ll take care of this.” or “Why do I have to do everything for you?” Example: “I can see how this is tough for you and I believe in you to get through this. I am here to support you if you need ideas on how to handle the situation with integrity.” Explained: It’s important that as parents we set our kids up for success in the world to take care of themselves, solve their own problems and have confidence that they are capable. Supporting instead of rescuing often takes more patience, but it builds kids’ self-esteem and intrinsic motivation in the most beautiful ways! 20. “How are you feeling?” Take a break from: “Chill out; you don’t need to get so upset!” Example: “I can see you’re upset, what are you feeling?” Explained: Helping kids identify their emotions and communicate them effectively is an important element of positive parenting. When children get comfortable actually feeling an emotion and communicating it to others (instead of denying it and trying to MAKE it go away), behaviors have a tendency to be much cleaner and respectful.

lifestyle

The sleep coach’s great hacks for new parents THE SLEEP COACH CHERYL FINGLESON Babies don’t come with a user’s manual but there are some expert tricks of the trade that can help in those early weeks 1. Don’t have such high expectations It’s going to take a while for you and baby to get to know each other. Don’t expect to be the perfect parents from day one - and don’t expect your baby to be perfect either! Remind yourself that you’re doing your best and pat yourself on the back - every single day. 2. Say yes to help One of the biggest shocks to new parents is finding time to do every day chores or activities with a newborn to look after as well. Here’s my best tip: don’t - get someone else to help you. If you have family nearby, or a willing friend to call on, give them a list of chores to do or just ask them to put on some washing for you. Flowers are always lovely but a home cooked meal is the perfect treat for new parents. 3. Get out of the house Even if it’s just for a short walk around the block, strapping your baby into a carrier or putting them in their pram and getting some fresh air will do you the world of good. Walking is also the perfect gentle exercise for new mums. The gentle motion will also soothe an unsettled baby. 4. Find your tribe Being among others going through the same thing can be such a help in early parenthood. Join a mother’s group or get online and get to know other new parents. Some of them may even become your best friends. But even if they don’t, chatting to others who are sleep deprived and perhaps struggling with aspects of early parenthood will help you feel less alone. This is so important as having a newborn can be isolating. 5. Learn your baby’s sleep secrets Now we get to the topic every parent

wants to discuss with me as a sleep coach! It’s essential to our health but having a baby plays havoc with our ability to have a good night’s sleep. Newborns are programmed to walk up every few hours because they need to feed frequently and although it’s grueling for the parent - normally Mum! - this behaviour is completely normal. But there are some things you can do, even with a newborn, to encourage healthy sleeping: - try soothing techniques other than nursing. - once every 24 hours put your baby down for a nap when they’re drowsy rather than asleep. - feed your baby when he wakes from a nap. - create a sleep friendly environment. Make sure baby’s room is dark, quiet, not too hot or cold. - remember babies sleep between 16 and 18 hours in a 24 hour period, spread over day and night. Most babies will be capable of learning gentle sleep skills or sleep shaping at 4 or 5 months which is when it’s possible to start a bedtime routine. Good luck and remember, you’re doing an amazing job. If you’d like Cheryl to help you with your baby or child’s sleep issues, please visit www.thesleepcoach.com.au or call her on 0411 501 338 Enjoy your baby! Cheryl The Sleep Coach Zzz Cheryl Fingleson is a paediatric sleep consultant. As a mother of two, she very well knows the feelings of agony and desperation when you have a child that struggles to settle and sleep. She doesn’t believe in leaving babies or children to cry it out, nor in the practices of controlled crying. Her approach is to empower parents with the right tools and techniques to teach their babies and children to go to sleep calmly, happily and independently.

SHABBAT TIMES DATE LIGHT CANDLES

news

opinions

community

lifestyle

letters

BAYIT

reviews

sports

SUPPLEM INSIDE ENT

Page 37

FREE

opinions

news

VOL. 11 Friday, 5 December 2014

/ 13 Kislev, 5775

WHY JERUSALEM IS community

lifestyle

letters

reviews

sports Fostering a closer Jewish

Fostering a

closer Jewish

community

munity By the com munity m for the co Speak now

see out to up to another the Sydney Jewish community As you will to build, of interest for we have set we hope that on, and helps the multi-faceted report on issues to Israel, experiences, will be there to encourage edition, we The aim, that both reports their Sydney information, Community. a deep attachment Identity Jewish Report for news, those with and to witness our Jewish voice of the whose Jewish the us as a • Be a forum endevours is to be the as for those that through We have their quite simply, opinions affecting to strengthen . We hope well as well we in other areas. ideas and on a local as and by so doing, how achievements will attend events that finds expression community thinking and Jewish community - both issues from of us about; stimulate spectrum of a year more level. have known covered a connections, dedicated to to become and global Dalia We are not otherwise Lemkus issues and social as national is being slated new ideas. will debate Legislative organized might South Israel cultural, religious encourage and friends fresh, fascinating through • Enrich the that–isMurder A personal y hub to a getaway that families of us might to a community that each reform have given carrying content diverse of it becomes the features. cyber-securit We hope matter; and Peace – opened life of our report of Circle. We a father different, simply who that reviews and and entertaining. by the Friendship 8 fascinating conversion out to someone Shallow Because articles, interviews, Jewish household teenagers and allow members the to rabbis, Har their story. Water of the reach Nof staple of every platform to leafed through within voice by the response factsbecause on we now know • Create aprocess upon arrival, is about. Blackout: over substructure been touched continually immediately hasattack needs. AndChanukah are what community each Jewish afternoon and unified and stories to his child’s know the facts! source of to be more on a Shabbat community multitude of month as a capture a our community more aware during the ultimately, photographs referred to 30 thus, involved and events, especially aims are of information. news and language, our of overall In more formal

to: CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

president Egypt’s new - what it means for Israel

The intermarriage debate

Back to healthy eating

Is anything

Strength in diversity

Pick up a

community

SO EXPLOSIVE

AARON DAVID MILLER

is above all a matter of faith, of belief and of religion. The notion that the three Abrahamic faiths -- Islam, Christianity and Judaism -share common values concerning peace, Even back in the days when you could still social justice and humanity may well be use the term “peace process” true. But that has never with a straight been the case when face, the odds of solving the Jerusalem issue it comes to this city. History is filled with were already pretty long. Then, I would have claims, conquests, crusades, occupations, put those odds a bit north massacres and violence of impossible and in the name of a little south ofI 14, 5774 Things hopeless. possessing Jerusalem, are even 2014 / Adar not sharing it. worse now. Friday, 14 February And nowhere has the religious complexity FREE VOL. 1 I remember day eight of the Jerusalem issue of the Camp David been clearer than summit in July 2000, when on the question of who discussion turned controls and what to Jerusalem. That day, will happen to the Haram it was clear to me al-Sharif (Noble that as far Camp David Enclosure) and Har was concerned, it Habayit (Temple was game over. There Mount). That platform, were some intriguing situated within the moves on Israel’s part, walls of Jerusalem’s Old but nothing that could City, is in essence a have settled the issue. physical manifestation Indeed, Ehud Barak, of overlapping sacred but globally, too; and as Yasser Arafat and Bill the last few months space. Clinton could have but not always a result suggest, it is also fallen into the yawning of the perception a matter of security Atop activities gaps that separated sits the goldened Dome among Palestinians Tu B’Shevat of the Rock, fraught and framed now Israelis and Palestinians that including Israel is trying aNSW by an intimacy of Boardcentury Islamic seventh on this issue and to change the activities, shrine built by by the killing reflected in the never have been heard status of some slayings of Israeli and aspect of the Caliph Abd al-Malik from again. a project initiated Jerusalem. The and that houses the Palestinian teens this Fast forward a decade reason for this latest past summer and of round foundation and a half, and stone, a massive rock that figures of tensions, violence of Deputies. last week’s savage Palestinian being a part not much has changed. and ourselves on Jerusalem is still attack on a a perfect is prominently in Jewish and Islamic pride bloodletting report but synagogue in west Jerusalem. tradition. storm of We weAnd insoluble we it now seems factors that include on which news’ butand nearby there’s a site of the more explosive sense of isolationtheand communities even greater news is good then ever.inSoa what don’t pretend frustration on theandsignificance is it about Jerusalem/ that They say ‘no -- the al-Aqsa mosque part of the Palestinians be everywhere We believe PROXIMITY CAN BE started Yerushalayim/al-Quds we can’t of East Jerusalem by Caliph Abd lot DEADLY. that makes it so think differently. there is a al-Malik in the seventh who don’t have the know everything. Ben Franklin quipped that community potentiallyitcontentious to benefit of the social century.bravery, to the will proximity breeds and deadly? thriving Jewish services and economic Quran, it is reputed a story of dedication, According children, and contempt, Three things stand out: and that sharing If there’s advantages of towhich too. In this regard, be theinspires ascension point where Israelis in the west; Israel’s of good news; even further. the Prophet achievement, Jerusalem is unique in or to effort that it is one of the Mohammed expand also leadership our community inspire others. rose to heaven on his Jewish their communities and strengthen it will only places where Israelis growing Night IT’S A PERFECT STORM OF been chances are and Palestinians Jerusalem; in East Journey. a vibrant and Below you, presence COMPLEXITY. (the you’ve the platform are the remains Sydney has connected Hamas’ efforts to know. vast majority who aren’t Similarly, if Jerusalem us are is a microcosm of almost Arab citizens the flames; forgotten Let us incite and fan of both temples, which housed or Jewish but few of or all of Israel) mix and the grim the the community issues in the Israeli-Palestinian bureaucracy, every day and have realization relationships that over by the Ark of theIf Covenant there’s and the Holy almost future seems immediate packed conflict unrestricted of Holies. know. almost walked certain to be more access to one another. beyond our into While letofus The one small place that is participate. area is so the It is a the same. With marked stunning by the system, in which we by a big to a sector of sensitive to Jews that they the Israel-Gaza testament to the pragmatism be well war sub-groups were until or enjoined not campaign a over enable us history. It combines territory (who self-interest and the next round, ourto set foot on the Mount cause, throw internet a and and will the should of control West often Israelis and Palestinians Bank relatively out of fear that they could the news we areland in the east and west, not you think we -- as quiet, it’s Jerusalem be treading on that citizens’, well as the imbalance And if you community to mention that has emergedlet know. ground. the four quarters -of power -- that the as us sacred informed ‘global Jewish, city has remained the epicenter of unrest. what is happening or want to weight behind, unaware ofMuslim, Armenian, as quiet and functional down Christian -- of the It is quite completely some advice extraordinary that despite as old it has these many few Ithouses living a city). involves have a solution, years given such passions incidents community political identity (conflicting Telling of violence -- October important an to someone OVERLAPPING to bridge!). and politics. 1990, SACRED claims to the city as a your voice over the add SPACE. September 1996, September to change capital); it is driven by Things in Jerusalem would (never mind 2000 and of But it should be no us know. course one way letenough be bad (see below) involving surprise that given if stories isreligion and children what’s and debate, transpired in recent not just Jews, those shuls the perfect each other’s year --begins storm were driven weeks politics and passions Muslims and Christians new by attend different that the themselves thatmembers As the only Jerusalem area has not been a proximity as well as nationalist Report, in the Middle East, has often become scene of this. alike are opening a bloodywhen and political and strengthen flash point, often conflict. Sydney Jewish adults the and and But that inaugural enlighten was not to be. Jerusalemchapter of learning Continued on page In compiling of schools. create a newspaper 34 from this, our • Connect, Page 20

FREE

copy of

Meet Sid Sledge

ge?

tant than chan

more cons

... 13... See page 19

at any one of the following outlets: COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS B’nai B’rith - Rose Bay The Burger Centre COA Sydney JCA JEM’S Jewishcare Kashrut Authority KM Cares NSW Jewish War Memorial Centre NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Our Big Kitchen Print 35 Shop Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish House House United Israel Appeal WIZO Wolper Hospital Ku Ring Gai council RETAIL OUTLETS Bianca’s Grub Store Coles Eastgate Coles - Lindfield Coles- Rose Bay Coles - Westfield, Bondi Junction Cruises and honeymoons – Bondi Junction Gaslight Pharmacy- Rose Bay Glicks - Bondi Junction Glicks - Rose Bay Golds Bookshop Krinskys Kosher supermarket Lewis Continental Kitchen Pita Mix

Romeos Supa IGA - St Ives Savion Savta – Bondi Junction Stanley St Cafe Eden Café Stanley Street Butcher Plaster Master Fun Glicks - Bondi Beach SCHOOLS Clyde Street Day Care Coogee Preschool Emanuel School Ganeinu Long Day Care & Preschool Hug-A-Bub - Bondi Hug-A-Bub - Rose Bay Masada College Mount Sinai College Moriah College SYNAGOGUES Central Synagogue Chabad House of the North Shore Cremorne Synagogue Dover Heights Synagogue Jewish Learning Centre (JLC) Kehillat Kadimah Kehillat Masada Synagogue Maroubra Synagogue Mizrachi Synagogue North Shore Synagogue North Shore Temple Emanuel Ohr Hatzafon Sephardi Synagogue The Great Synagogue

Sydney Jewish Report Disclaimer:

END

Friday, May 4, 2018 4:45pm 5:49pm Friday, May 11, 2018 4:48pm 5:44pm Friday, May 18, 2018 4:43pm 5:40pm Saturday, May 19, 2018 Eve of First Day Shavuot light candles after 5:40pm Sunday, May 29, 2018 Eve of Second Day Shavuot - light candles after 5:39pm Holiday ends 5:30pm Friday, May 25, 2018 4:39pm 5:36pm Candle lighting times have been taken from www.chabad.org

May 2018

Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Sydney Jewish Report is provided as general informations only. The articles in this paper have been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content here are presented solely by the author, and The Jewish Report assumes no responsibility for them. It is not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. We do not make any representation or warranty that any material in the papers will be reliable, accurate or complete, nor do we accept any responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions. We will not be liable for loss resulting from any action or decision by you in reliance on the material in the papers. By reading the papers, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for, and accept no liability in relation to, any reader’s use of, access to or conduct in connection with the papers in any circumstance. Photographs submitted by individuals or organisations are assumed to be their property and are therefore not otherwise credited. All articles in this paper have received the expressed consent of the author to publish in this paper. The Jewish Report; ISSN 2204-4639 Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981) Comments or suggestions to: editor@thejewishreport.com Article submissions to: prepress@sydneyjewishreport.com Advertising: Stacey Potash e-mail: stacey@sydneyjewishreport.com, Phone no: 0416 353 086 Website: www.thejewishreport.com.au Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd

May 2018

lifestyle / sports

Song beyond survival JEWISH ARTS 8th of May 1945: The day the Second World War ended in Europe. Those that had been through it, who had endured unimaginable traumas, became Survivors. From the horrors of Europe, these men and women travelled in search of a place to begin new lives. Others had managed to flee in the 1930’s. They too endured traumas and became Survivors. Some landed in the United States, others in Australia and Israel … together, they began a new process: survival. “Song Beyond Survival” is the theme of the 4th Australian Jewish Choral Festival. The biennial event, presented by Jewish Arts, brings together singers from all over Sydney, interstate and overseas to experience Jewish choral music from

around the world. This year, the festival celebrates German Jewish composers, with a focus on those who escaped Nazi Germany and brought their music to their new homes. The scope of the music is as diverse as their destinations, for these composers flourished in writing not only classical music but jazz and folk as well. Over the course of the June long weekend, the singers will gather and rehearse with esteemed guest conductors Josh Jacobson, Kelly Shepard, Elliot Levine and Cantor Michel Laloum. Experts in their field and equally talented and enthusiastic, these directors will bring the music to life. The result will be an inspired and varied public concert, the climax of this remarkable event. “Song Beyond Survival” will be at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music at

6:45pm on Monday the 11th of June. Featured will be ‘showcase choirs’ from across Sydney as well as ‘instant choirs’ formed during the festival. The ‘Big Sing Choir’ including all of the participants will raise the roof with favourites ranging from Lewandowski to Kurt Weill. Australia’s George Dreyfus AM and Samuel Adler (USA), both turning 90 this year, are featured composers. Dreyfus arrived in Melbourne with his brother in 1938, where their parents were able to join them in 1939. An award-winning composer across multiple genres, and a man who has done much for culture in his adopted country, one of his first forays into music was conducting the Melbourne High School choir and thus it is fitting that Dreyfus is honoured through song. Adler’s family were similarly lucky to escape Germany in 1939.

In the USA, Samuel’s father Hugo, who had been the “Uber Cantor” at the synagogue in Mannheim, became the cantor of Temple Emanuel in Worcester, Massachusetts, and a prolific composer. Samuel followed his father into music, studied with masters such as Aaron Copeland, and became music director at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas. He went on to receive many awards and serve as Professor of Composition in illustrious institutions such as the Eastman School of Music and Julliard. These are just two of the tales that “Song Beyond Survival” will bring to light. From survivor, to survival and beyond! Tickets are available from: www.jewisharts.org.au/ajcf4concert . Concession and Family pricing available. Book now!

2018 GHF Australian Age Swimming MACCABI Young Maccabi swimmers star at the 2018 Georgina Hope Foundation Australian Age Championships Maccabi Australia was thrilled to have 2 Community Members medalling in the 2018 GHF Australian Age Swimming Championships (21 April – 28 April). Ashley Weill Bronze Medal – 16 yrs 100 Backstroke in 1:03:75 Bronze Medal – 16 yrs 200 Backstroke in 2:17:18 Double delight for Ashleigh who has had an impressive met with 2 bronze medals in her form stroke Backstroke. Swimming a total of 8 events, this has been a breakthrough meet for Ashley who is training with her coach Olympian Ashley Delaney at Northcote Swimming and Lifesaving Club. Dante Negri (note Dante is wearing the glasses in photo) Silver Medal – 18&U 4*100M Medley Relay Dante has won a Silver Medal in the final event of the Championships. Swimming the butterfly leg for the MLC Aquatic Team in a blisteringly fast 55.44. “We are proud at the outstanding performances of Ashley and Dante at the 2018 GHF Australian Age Championships.” Jeff Sher President Maccabi Australia

sports

May 2018

Commonwealth Games Wrap MACCABI AUSTRALIA Maccabi Australia was proud to have 5 Jewish athletes representing Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. As a group they bagged 2 Gold Medals, 2 Bronze Medals and 3 top 10 performances. Jemima Montag – Athletics Gold Medal – 20KM Walk The first ever from the Jewish community to win a Commonwealth Games Gold Medal. Jemima led for much of the 20KM walk until Aussie team mate Claire Tallent chased her down for the lead with 2KM to go. Jemima was only few metres behind Tallent when she was disqualified. She breezed past her to win the Gold in only her third 20KM event in 1:32:50. It was terrific to watch Jemima win with grace as she embodied sporting spirit when comforting her teammate on her disqualification. Matt Levy – Swimming Gold Medal – 50 free S7 At 31 Matt is a senior statesman on the Australian Dolphins swim team and has represented Australia at World Championships and the Paralympics several times. Matt swam a sizzling 28.68 seconds for his 50 metres freestyle leading from start to finish to win Gold. At the 2017 Maccabiah Games he swum a S7 World record in 200m Freestyle – the first World Record set at a Maccabiah Games and resulted in him being awarded male athlete of the Maccabiah. Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva – Rhythmic Gymnastics Bronze Medal – Team (competing in all four disciplines – hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon) Bronze Medal – Ball 5th – Ribbon 10th – All-Around (competing in all four disciplines) At just 16 Alexandra is the youngest of our athletes who competed at the Gold Coast. This was a breakthrough competition for Alexandra as she announced herself as a formidable competitor on the world arena – her performances were beautiful to watch. Stephen Solomon – Athletics 7th - 400M

Relay team representative – 4 by 400M After getting through the qualifying rounds and the semi-finals it was thrilling to see Stephen in the 400m Final. He has been a stalwart on the Australian team since 2012 representing at Olympics and World Championship events. Barack Mizrachi – Table Tennis Barack competed in the TT6 Table Tennis, unfortunately he did not make it through to the Round of 16 but impressed with his grit and determination as a competitor. “Maccabi is thrilled with and so proud of the performances of all the Jewish athletes at the Commonwealth Games. In particular, it has been wonderful to see Jemima and Alexandra emerging as new talent on the world stage. We are honored to have supported all of these Commonwealth Games representatives on their journey to elite athlete through scholarships and awards.” Jeff Sher – President, Maccabi Australia

3 good reasons to advertise with us: 1. Most competitive rates guaranteed. 2. Free design work. 3. Helpful, reliable and friendly sales staff. E-mail advertising@thejewishreport.com.au for a rate card. Or call Stacey Potash - 0416 353 086

www.thesleepcoach.com.au

shuls/schools community

shuls/schools

lifestyle

sports sports

L NOSWORTHY PHILL NOSWORTHY

MARK BAKER TAMAR KREBS TAMAR KREBS

ALEX ALEX RYVCHIN RYVCHIN

UTHOR AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEUR INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEUR AUSTRALIAN JEWISH AUSTRALIAN JEWISHWRITER, WRITER, ORIAN + HOLOCAUST+HISTORIAN RABBI’S WIFE+ RABBI’S WIFE ADVOCATE AND LAWYER ADVOCATE AND LAWYER

ct Associate Mark Baker is an Adjunct Krebs Associate is Tamar Alex Ryvchin waswasborn born in in Kiev, Kiev, Tamar a mum Krebs to is afour mum toAlex four Ryvchin an Centre Professor forin the Australian Centre for Ukraine Ukraine arriving arriving in Australia in Australia in in 1987 1987 children, including children, twins and including thetwins wifeand the wife at Jewish MonashCivilisation at Monash from the from Soviet the Soviet Union. Union.AA prominent prominent of a Rabbi. She isof also a Rabbi. theShe founder is also the founder is first University, book Melbourne. His first speaker and writer and writer on on the theArab-Israeli Arab-Israeli and CEO ofbook start-up andcompany, CEO of start-up Group company, speaker Group ney Through The Fiftieth Gate:Homes A Journey Through conflict,conflict, foreign foreign andand national national affairs, affairs, Australia. Homes Australia. and Memory, seminal is a best-selling and seminal and religion and religion and identity, and identity, he hewrites writes for for experience book on his parents’ experience leading leading publications publications throughout throughout the the “Dream “Dream your big, dream follow your dream d wonduring a NSW the Holocaust and wonbig, a NSWfollow world including world including thethe Spectator, Spectator, Fox Fox and and up don’teven give up if even if Premier’s Literary Award. don’t give News Opinion, News Opinion, the the Guardian Guardian to to name name people tell you people it’s a tell bad youidea. it’s a badaidea. few. His a few. first His book first book "The "TheAnti-Israel Anti-Israel Agenda - Inside - Inside thethe Political Political War Waronon Focus onasthe Focus goal on and the walk goal and Agenda walk ssess, “What as right a did I possess, a theto Jewish the Jewish State", State", published published in in 2017. 2017. step-by-step. Be step-by-step. prepared Be to prepared

o recreate child of survivors, to recreate different take different but keep routes but keep olocaust an account as oftake the Holocaust as routes “Above all else all else I am I amguided guided by by the end in mind. theTry end and in mind. learn Try and “Above learn if I was there?” lovea of love our of our people people and anda a from every person from every you person meetyou a meet compulsion compulsion to todefend defend our our Gate, In writing Mark The along Fiftieth Gate, the Mark way, along eventhe the way, mean even the mean urney Baker from describes a journey from rights rights whenever whenever they they are are ones. ones. Motherhood/children Motherhood/children ds hope despair and and death towards hope and challenged. That That is is what what drives drives you how teach to juggle, you howto to be juggle, challenged. to be n who life; enters it is the storyteach of a son who enters meto to me write to write and andtoto advocate advocate d, inside his parents’ the memories and, inside the tenacious, courageous tenacious, courageous and to and for for community. our community. We We have have darkness, finds light. multi-task. Even multi-task. when you Evenfeel when you feelour never feared never feared dangerous dangerous ideas. ideas. empty those are empty great those skills are great for skills for death Recently of hisfollowing the death of his It is through It is through them them that that we we fulfil fulfil entrepreneur.” an entrepreneur.” d a wife second Kerryn hean penned a second our destiny our destiny to combat to combatinjustice injustice urney memoir To the Thirty Days: A Journey To the and transform and transform thethe world.” world.” End of Love.

Donâ€™t forget to book! CHATSWOOD CONCOURSE

HORDEN PAVILLION